Summary:\u00a0 Ben discovers his fair method of doling out the least desirable jobs isn’t as fair as he’d thought.\u00a0 With their “match trick” gone astray, Adam and Little Joe have reason to worry! \u00a0This was one of my first stories written several years ago.\u00a0 Hope it gives you a chuckle!<\/p>\n
Rating: K\u00a0 (Word Count: 8,748)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Settling the Score<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben Cartwright sat at the head of the table and quietly drank his morning coffee as he listened to his sons discuss their plans for the\u00a0fall social that night. He had a favor to ask, but decided it would be worthwhile to glean a little information first.<\/p>\n \u201cYou takin\u2019 Bessie Sue?\u201d Joe asked Hoss between bites. Hoss had been sparking Bessie Sue all summer and it was beginning to worry him. The thought of having that big gal for a sister-in-law made him feel sort of nauseous and he knew Adam felt the same. He supposed she was pretty enough, but heck, it would be more like having another brother than a sister.<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head and speared the last piece of ham. \u201cNope, I decided Bessie Sue is gettin\u2019 a might too greedy with my time.\u201d<\/p>\n Smiling, Adam joined the conversation. \u201cWell, you can\u2019t blame her,\u201d he said with a twinkle in his eye. \u201cA big, handsome, strapping fella like you is a fine catch for any gal and Bessie Sue knows it.\u201d<\/p>\n His fork poised half way to his mouth, Hoss interrupted his breakfast long enough to give Adam a sunny smile. \u201cYou know something, Adam? You\u2019re right,\u201d he said with a nod. \u201cBut I ain\u2019t ready to settle down, so I figure I best steer clear for a while. I wouldn\u2019t want her gettin\u2019 any silly notions.\u201d He frowned a moment and then went on to finish his breakfast, all thoughts of Bessie Sue disappearing.<\/p>\n Thankful their brother didn\u2019t harbor any serious intentions, Adam and Joe exchanged a brief but relieved glance.<\/p>\n \u201cGood thinking,\u201d Adam said, getting back to his own breakfast. He should\u2019ve known Hoss wasn\u2019t in love; he hadn\u2019t tripped over anything all summer. Little Joe, on the other hand, was walking around with his head in the clouds, mooning over not one, but three young ladies. He took a sip of coffee and cast him a curious glance. \u201cSo what about you, Joe? Who\u2019d you decide to take?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes brightened. After debating the charms of his three best girls, he\u2019d finally come up with the perfect plan, or so he hoped. \u201cWell, brother, being the kind hearted person that I am, I just hated the thought of hurtin\u2019 anyone’s feelings, so I decided to go alone.\u201d His declaration was paired with a self-satisfied smirk. \u201cThat way I can dance with all the girls and everyone will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam chuckled and shook his head in amusement. He had a feeling all the boyish charm in the world wasn\u2019t gonna be enough to soothe all those ruffled feathers.<\/p>\n At the other end of the table, Ben was also shaking his head, but it wasn\u2019t out of amusement. He didn\u2019t like the idea of Little Joe stringing those poor girls along. That boy<\/em>, he thought, raising a disapproving eyebrow. He needs a good talking to, but it\u2019ll have to be later, right now I\u2019ve got one more son to find out about<\/em>. He shifted his attention to his eldest. \u201cAdam? You haven\u2019t told us your<\/em> plans. Are you taking anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam flushed and shook his head. \u201cUh, no, I didn\u2019t ask anyone either,\u201d he replied, avoiding eye contact. He didn\u2019t want to tell his father, but he planned to duck out of the dance early. He was supposed to meet Clair at the Silver Dollar and while his father respected him as an adult, he didn\u2019t think he would entirely approve.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed as he appraised his son\u2019s face. Apparently, Little Joe wasn\u2019t the only son in need of some fatherly advice. He heaved an inward sigh. Adam wasn\u2019t too keen on unsolicited advice these days, but there were some things a father couldn\u2019t ignore. That was a conversation for another time, though. \u201cWell, for once, I\u2019m glad none of you are sparking anyone,\u201d he said glancing around the table.<\/p>\n Three pairs of curious, but wary eyes instantly landed on him.<\/p>\n \u201cI ran into Paul yesterday,\u201d he continued. \u201cHe said his niece, Lydia, is here visiting and he was hoping one of you boys could take her to the dance and introduce her around.\u201d<\/p>\n With a groan, Joe shook his head in misery while Hoss stared at his plate in dismay and Adam studied the design on his coffee cup; none of them willing to meet their father\u2019s gaze and possibly draw his unwanted attention.<\/p>\n Disappointed by their lack of enthusiasm, Ben gave an exasperated sigh. \u201cBoys,\u201d he admonished, \u201cI\u2019m sure she\u2019s a very lovely girl and since none of you are spoken for tonight, you have no reason to object. Besides, Paul\u2019s not only our doctor, he\u2019s a good friend and we owe him a great deal.\u201d He finished in a tone that brooked no nonsense. \u201cNow who\u2019s it gonna be?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was the first to speak up. \u201cWell, I think it oughta be Adam,\u201d he said, eager to offer his brother\u2019s services instead of his own.<\/p>\n \u201cMe? Why me?\u201d Adam asked testily, annoyed at the possibility of having to change his plans.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the oldest, you should set a good example,\u201d he replied reasonably.<\/p>\n Adam gave a smug smile. \u201cYes, well, there\u2019s no point in my setting a good example if you don\u2019t learn by it, now is there?\u201d<\/p>\n Laughing, Hoss nodded. \u201cHe\u2019s got a point, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Making a sour face, Joe easily turned the tables on Hoss. \u201cWell, what about you, big brother? You\u2019re the one who wants to teach Bessie Sue a lesson. Here\u2019s your chance.\u201d<\/p>\n This time it was Adam\u2019s turn to nod. He knew Joe would never give in, but if they teamed up, maybe they could convince Hoss. \u201cYou know, Hoss, that isn\u2019t a bad idea. If Bessie Sue sees you with another woman, she\u2019s bound to get the hint.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, she\u2019ll get the hint all right and I\u2019ll get a black eye. No thanks!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw c\u2019mon!\u201d Joe shouted, growing increasingly frustrated with his uncooperative brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right, that\u2019s enough!\u201d Ben said, stepping in to prevent a yelling match. \u201cWe\u2019ll just settle this our usual way, but I must say I\u2019m disappointed in all three of you.\u201d Eyeing his sons, he tossed his napkin on the table and went to get the matches.<\/p>\n Shamed into silence, Hoss toyed with his food while Adam and Joe toyed with their water glasses, their eyes twinkling as they guardedly dipped their fingers into the water.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, the first to drop his match, will be the girl\u2019s escort,\u201d Ben explained as he came back with the matches and distributed them, \u201cand I don\u2019t want any complaints. Understood?\u201d<\/p>\n Nodding, the boys got to their feet and put their matches together as Ben struck another match to set them aflame. Temporarily mesmerized, they all watched in silence. It wasn\u2019t long, though, before Hoss began to wince. The tiny flame was licking at his fingers and as much as he wanted to hang on, he finally had to throw his match down with a yelp. \u201cDadburnit!\u201d he exclaimed, disgusted. \u201cI\u2019m gettin\u2019 awful tired of losin\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n Blowing out his match and tossing it on the table, Joe shot Adam a quick wink. Without a hint of guilt, Adam did the same.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, Hoss, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll have a wonderful time,\u201d Ben said, attempting to pacify him. \u201cBut in the meantime, I\u2019d appreciate it if you all got to work. There\u2019s a lot to be done before tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n Their plans intact and their good moods restored, Adam and Joe walked to the sideboard to retrieve their guns.<\/p>\n Scowling at his grinning brothers, Hoss picked up his gun belt and strapped it on. \u201cYou want us to move the herd to the lower pasture, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Getting no answer, Hoss gave his father a quizzical look and prompted him again. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben fingered the spent matches his other two sons had carelessly thrown on the table and gave a distracted nod. \u201cUh, yes, I want you<\/em> to move the herd, but I have something else in mind for your brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up in surprise as he tightened his gun belt. \u201cWhat do you mean, Pa? You know that isn\u2019t a one man job.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben spared Adam a glance, but his mind was already working to shuffle the men. \u201cHoss,\u201d he said, clapping him on the back, \u201cI want you to team up with Jake and Kip today\u2026and don\u2019t let Jake give you any guff\u2026tell him we\u2019ve got another two weeks to get those horses ready for the army.\u201d It wasn\u2019t the best plan, but it would serve his purpose.<\/p>\n With a nod, Hoss plunked his hat on his head and headed out the door. \u201cSure, Pa, whatever you say.\u201d He wasn\u2019t certain, but for some reason he had a funny feeling\u00a0he was doing him a favor.<\/p>\n Puzzled, Adam confronted his father. \u201cSo why the sudden change in plans?\u201d he asked with a hint of irritation in his voice. He\u2019d put a lot of effort into preparing an efficient work schedule and didn\u2019t appreciate his father, boss or not, arbitrarily changing it for no apparent reason.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I want you,\u201d he said poking Adam in the chest, \u201cand you,\u201d he said poking Joe, \u201cto paint the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n Astonished, Adam and Joe glanced at each other in disbelief.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re kidding?\u201d Adam finally managed to say. He didn\u2019t know what his father was thinking, but this was no time to paint the barn for pete\u2019s sake; every crew on the ranch was already working shorthanded.<\/p>\n Ben eyed his son, recognizing his combative stance. \u201cI assure you, I\u2019m quite serious,\u201d he said firmly.<\/p>\n With a look of determination, Adam held his ground, prepared to do battle. \u201cPa\u2014\u201d he began, but got no further.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam,\u201d Ben said cutting him off, \u201cI don\u2019t intend to argue about this. I\u2019ve made up my mind and the last time I checked I was still the boss of this ranch.\u201d He paired his words with a sharp look.<\/p>\n Stung by his remark, Adam bit back an angry retort and looked away. It was obvious, his father<\/em>, not his boss<\/em> had come up with this dreaded chore as some sort of ridiculous punishment\u2026of that he was certain\u2026but why?<\/p>\n Unwilling to give in gracefully, Little Joe took up the argument. \u201cBut, Pa, you can\u2019t be serious,\u201d he exclaimed, his voice rising. \u201cYou know the dance is tonight. We\u2019ll be worn out and smelling like turpentine. It\u2019s not fair!\u201d<\/p>\n Eyes narrowing, Ben held up the still damp matches and unleashed his anger. \u201cOn the contrary, Joseph, I\u2019d say it\u2019s a very fitting punishment for the school boy prank you two played on your brother!\u201d His voice thundered and his eyes blazed as he looked back and forth between his sons. \u201cAnd I\u2019m quite certain this wasn\u2019t the first time, was it?\u201d<\/p>\n Wincing, Adam lowered his head and rubbed the back of his neck, the look on his father\u2019s face making him feel as if he were twelve-years-old again and about to get a tanning. Well, it was nice while it lasted<\/em>, he thought to himself.<\/p>\n Eyes wide, Joe swallowed nervously as he desperately tried to figure a way out. \u201cPrank? Uh, what prank?\u201d he asked with a practiced look of innocence.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s hands moved to his hips and he glared at his youngest son. \u201cI think we all know the answer to that one, Joseph, so I suggest you drop the pretense and go find yourself a paintbrush.\u201d He pointed towards the door. \u201cNow!\u201d<\/p>\n Startled into action, Little Joe scurried to obey with a respectful, \u201cyes sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Satisfied, Ben shifted his glare to Adam. \u201cYou too,\u201d he commanded. \u201cUnless, of course, you prefer I tell your brother. I\u2019m sure he\u2019d take great pleasure in exacting his own revenge.\u201d<\/p>\n Knowing exactly what Hoss would do if he ever found out, Adam traded an alarmed look with Joe, who was still hovering by the door, hoping for a different outcome.<\/p>\n Ben didn\u2019t miss the look and his eyes glinted with humor. While Hoss would never seriously hurt his brothers, he wasn\u2019t above making them squirm.<\/p>\n Realizing he\u2019d been bested, Adam gave a nod of defeat. \u201cRed or brown?\u201d he asked with a sigh.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben answered with a wry smile. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you surprise me?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lifted his eyebrows and a small smile played at the corners of his mouth as he traded a look with his father before heading off to do his assigned punishment.<\/p>\n Ben shut the door behind him and chuckled.<\/p>\n ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~<\/p>\n His sleeves rolled up, Adam carefully poured a measure of red paint into the brown and stirred it until it was thoroughly mixed. Satisfied with the color, he handed the bucket over to Joe and then bent to mix up another batch.<\/p>\n Taking it, Joe heaved a disgruntled sigh. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we just paint it red and really surprise Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam quirked an eyebrow in Joe\u2019s direction. \u201cYou don\u2019t really want to paint this barn twice, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to paint it at all,\u201d he grumbled, wiping the dust and grime from the back of his neck. After a backbreaking morning of sanding and scraping, they were both covered in a layer of sweat, wood particles and old paint chips.<\/p>\n \u201cNeither do I, but since we don\u2019t have any choice, let\u2019s get started.\u201d He squinted up at the peak. \u201cYou want me to do the loft?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u201cNah,\u201d he said, breaking into a mischievous grin. \u201cI better do it. You\u2019re gettin\u2019 kind of old to be climbing up on them tall ladders.”<\/p>\n Smiling in amusement, Adam dipped his brush and got started on the lower section. \u201cYou just make sure you do a good job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, yeah,\u201d Joe called as he started up the ladder.<\/p>\n ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~<\/p>\n In need of a break, Ben got to his feet and looked out the window. \u201cThey had better be doing a good job,\u201d he muttered as he surveyed the barn with a critical eye. Impressed, his expression softened and he let out a chuckle at the sight of his paint splattered sons. He had to admit, it was a hot day for such a toilsome task, but when he thought of all the dirty jobs Hoss<\/em> had gotten stuck with, he didn\u2019t feel one bit sorry for them. In fact, this little chore didn\u2019t even begin to settle the score. Sitting back down, he poured himself a glass of lemonade and smiled at the turn of events. He certainly didn\u2019t condone the boys\u2019 actions, but in this case, he thought it might just work out for the best. Paul said Lydia was a pretty girl in her mid-twenties with a sweet disposition and just a tad shy around men. She sounded perfect for Hoss; his kindhearted son who was just a tad shy himself. Smiling, he got back to his letter.<\/p>\n ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~<\/p>\n Weary from the day\u2019s work, Joe straightened his back and stretched out his sore muscles. Painting sure does call for some awkward positions<\/em>, he thought with a pained expression. His arms ached, his back ached, his neck ached and somehow he\u2019d gotten paint in his mouth. Taking a swig of water from the canteen, he swished it around and spit it out. \u201cI don\u2019t know about you, but I\u2019m ready to call it quits. What do you think?\u201d he asked, glancing hopefully at his brother. It was late afternoon and if they started cleaning up now, they\u2019d have plenty of time to take a bath and get ready for the dance.<\/p>\n Adam glanced at the sky and shook his head. \u201cI think we\u2019ve got another hour of daylight left, and if we don\u2019t use it, Pa\u2019ll have our hides.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe groaned. \u201cI won\u2019t be able to move, much less dance, after another hour.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure you will,\u201d Adam said with a knowing smile. \u201cOnce you get a look at all those lovely young ladies at the dance, you\u2019ll perk right up.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gave him a slow smile. \u201cYeah,\u201d he replied, brightening at the thought. Whistling, he dipped his brush and got back to work, happily contemplating the night ahead.<\/p>\n Adam chuckled, amazed at how quick Little Joe could bounce back. It\u2019s gonna take a hot bath and a shot of brandy to revive me<\/em>, he thought, rubbing his stiff neck.<\/p>\n Riding into the yard, Hoss gave a look of surprise at the sight of his brothers busily painting the barn. Dismounting, he tethered Chubb and gave a low chuckle. \u201cWell, well, well,\u201d he said hitching his thumbs in his vest and sauntering over, \u201cwhat\u2019d you fellas do ta deserve this?\u201d<\/p>\n Assuming an air of innocence, Joe shrugged. \u201cNothin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah right,\u201d Hoss muttered, not buying the innocent act. \u201cNow, I know<\/em> you two ain\u2019t paintin\u2019 this barn for the fun of it, so what gives?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam exchanged a quick glance with Joe before speaking up. \u201cNothing gives,\u201d he said casually. \u201cPa wanted the barn painted.\u201d He shrugged. \u201cSo we\u2019re paintin\u2019 it.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked back and forth between his brothers with a skeptical eye. \u201cShrug all yuh want, but I ain\u2019t buyin\u2019 it,\u201d he declared with a shake of his head. He\u2019d been in enough scrapes with his brothers to know when they were hiding something and this was definitely one of those times.<\/p>\n \u201cSuit yourself,\u201d Adam replied, getting back to work.<\/p>\n Spurned by his lead, Joe did the same, hoping his big galoot of a brother wouldn\u2019t figure anything out.<\/p>\n Irked at being ignored, Hoss shrugged indifferently. \u201cWell, I reckon if you fellas don\u2019t wanna tell me, you don\u2019t gotta,\u201d he remarked, walking slowly back to the house. But dadburnit, I sure wish yuh would<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not foolin\u2019 me,\u201d Joe exclaimed as soon as Hoss was out of earshot. \u201cHe\u2019s dyin\u2019 to know and he\u2019s not gonna give up until he finds out\u2026and when he does\u2026he\u2019s gonna pound us!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded in agreement. \u201cHe\u2019s curious all right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t think Pa will tell him, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cNah, if he wanted to do that, he would have said something this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI s\u2019pose,\u201d Joe said suddenly mystified as to why Pa didn\u2019t set things straight and let Hoss off the hook with Lydia. \u201cHey Adam?\u201d he asked, tapping his brother on the arm. \u201cHow come Pa\u2019s not making the two of us take Doc Martin\u2019s niece to the dance?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gave Joe a thoughtful look. \u201cYou know, I\u2019ve been wondering about that myself,\u201d he answered, \u201cand there\u2019s only one thing that makes sense.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, what\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam raised an eyebrow and gave a little smile. \u201cI think the lovely Miss Lydia Martin must be just that\u2026lovely.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Joe exclaimed in dismay. \u201cYou mean to tell me we got caught pulling a prank that\u2026that\u2026we didn\u2019t even need to pull!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u201cNeither one of us really gave Lydia much thought, did we?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I guess not,\u201d Joe admitted, scratching his head.<\/p>\n Adam gave him a rueful look. \u201cMaybe we should have.\u201d<\/p>\n ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~<\/p>\n Hoss Cartwright stood in the midst of the festivities looking absolutely miserable. He liked Doc Martin well enough, but there was just no telling what his niece was going to be like. What if she\u2019s one of them uppity gals from back east<\/em>, he thought, scrunching up his face in dismay. Dadburnit, I don\u2019t know nothin\u2019 about poetry and such; Adam oughta be doin\u2019 this, not me!<\/em><\/p>\n With a shake of his head, Ben put a calming hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cFor goodness sake, Hoss, wipe that look off your face. You\u2019re about to meet a pretty girl, not swallow a spoon full of castor oil.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gave his father a weak smile. It was the best he could do under the circumstances.<\/p>\n Not wanting to make him any more nervous than he already was, Ben resisted the urge to roll his eyes and gave his son a reassuring nod instead. Well, at least he doesn\u2019t look like a seasick sailor anymore<\/em>. Sighing to himself, he scanned the hall and spotted Paul and his niece coming in through the door. \u201cCome on, son, they\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n Nodding, Hoss dutifully followed him across the room.<\/p>\n Paul Martin smiled in approval as he caught sight of Ben Cartwright making his way through the crowd with Hoss in tow. As a protective uncle, he couldn\u2019t think of a better escort for Lydia than Ben\u2019s middle boy; an honorable, hardworking young man who wasn\u2019t too forward with the ladies. Perfect<\/em>, he thought, considering Hoss in a new light.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Paul,\u201d Ben said, extending his hand.<\/p>\n Smiling, Paul shook it. \u201cEvening, Ben,good to see you.\u201d He drew his niece to his side. \u201cLydia, I want you to meet Mr. Cartwright and his son, Hoss. They\u2019re very good friends of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLydia, it\u2019s a pleasure to meet you,\u201d Ben said warmly. \u201cI hope you enjoy your stay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright, it\u2019s very nice to meet you,\u201d she said, smiling, \u201cand you too\u2026um\u2026Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gave a little nod. \u201cYes\u2019m, you heard right,\u201d he said returning her smile, \u201cand I\u2019m pleased to make your acquaintance.\u201d Very pleased<\/em>, he thought, feeling an instant attraction to this pretty little gal. She sure is something, what with her honey blonde hair, big brown eyes, and cute little nose<\/em>, he marveled. He couldn\u2019t help but notice how her dress fit real nice too.<\/p>\n Pleased with the besotted look on Hoss\u2019s face, Ben spoke up, eager to give his son a helping hand. \u201cUh, Hoss, perhaps Lydia would like to dance. The music sounds very inviting tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh? Oh, yeah, of course,\u201d he stammered, reddening as he offered her his arm. \u201cMay I have this dance Miss Lydia?\u201d<\/p>\n Looking up at the tall, handsome man beside her, Lydia noticed he was blushing and melted. \u201cYes, that would be nice,\u201d she replied. Her heart hammering, she took his arm. Smiling, Hoss led her to the dance floor and shyly took her in his arms, making a mental note to thank his older brother for insisting he learn something besides square dancing. A dreamy smile crossed his face as he noticed the faint scent of lavender in her hair. Yes sir, this evenin\u2019 is shapin\u2019 up to be real nice<\/em>, he thought, real<\/em><\/strong> nice<\/em>.<\/p>\n ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~<\/p>\n As the music came to an end, Adam politely excused himself from Barbara with a charming smile and a promise to return for another dance. Wanting a breath of fresh air, he headed for the door but stopped at the sight of Little Joe standing by the punch bowl, his face indignant. Joining him, Adam gave a little smile. \u201cI take it the ladies didn\u2019t fully appreciate your plan,\u201d he remarked, his eyes twinkling.<\/p>\n Acknowledging his brother with a sideways glance, Joe gave a seemingly unconcerned shrug. \u201cNo, but I\u2019m not worried,\u201d he declared with certainty. \u201cThey\u2019ll get tired of playin\u2019 hard to get.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned as he observed the ladies in question taking a turn across the dance floor with their respective partners. \u201cI don\u2019t know, they all look pretty happy to me, but then, that\u2019s what you wanted, wasn\u2019t it? For everyone to be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw, shut up,\u201d Joe said, scowling.<\/p>\n Adam’s eyebrows lifted in amusement. Little Joe\u2019s pride seemed to be hurting a whole lot more than his heart. He stepped closer and spoke quietly. \u201cYou do realize you insulted the ladies, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shot him an incredulous look. \u201cWhat makes you say that?\u201d he asked, his eyes wide.<\/p>\n Adam gave a little shake of his head. Little Joe considered himself a ladies\u2019 man, but at eighteen he still had a few things to learn. \u201cLook Joe, you kept the girls waiting for weeks, hoping for an invitation, and then you decided to go alone, expecting them to be at your beck and call. It\u2019s no wonder they\u2019re avoiding you like the plague.\u201d<\/p>\n Frowning, Joe gave it some thought. He hated to admit it, but Adam was right. He\u2019d taken the girls for granted. \u201cI, uh, see what you mean,\u201d he said with a sheepish grin. \u201cWhat do you think I oughta do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you might try apologizing, but I\u2019d give it a few days if I were you.\u201d<\/p>\n His hopes for a fun evening dashed, he nodded dejectedly. \u201cYeah, maybe I\u2019ll just head over to the Bucket of Blood for a drink.\u201d He heaved a sigh and glanced at the couples on the dance floor one last time. \u201cHey, you know something, Adam? You were right. Turns out Doc Martin\u2019s niece is real cute, isn\u2019t she?\u201d He smiled to himself and his eyes sparked with interest.<\/p>\n Adam followed his gaze over to where Hoss and Lydia were stepping in time to the music. Lydia\u2019s cheeks were flushed and she wore a bright smile. He watched them a moment and then turned back to Joe. \u201cForget it, Joe. She\u2019s off limits.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked at him in dismay. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause Hoss is smitten and if you even think of cutting in on him after that stunt we pulled this morning, Pa will nail your hide to the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw c\u2019mon,\u201d he said doubtfully. \u201cHe just met her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d listen to your brother if I were you,\u201d came their father\u2019s deep voice from behind, surprising them both. \u201cHe\u2019s absolutely right. Hoss is<\/em> smitten and I will<\/em> have your hide if you ruin his evening.\u201d Stepping between his sons, he gave Little Joe a piercing look. \u201cUnderstand?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe flushed and hurried to make amends. He knew from experience, Pa didn\u2019t make empty threats and he sure didn\u2019t want to get stuck slinging manure or digging post holes for the next month. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to worry about me, Pa. I wouldn\u2019t dream of cuttin\u2019 in on Hoss, no sir, he deserves to have that pretty little gal all to himself.\u201d He finished with a firm nod.<\/p>\n Ben eyed Joe, letting him know exactly what he thought of his cock and bull story. \u201cYou\u2019re right, Joseph, and that\u2019s precisely why I want your help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy help?\u201d he squeaked, glancing worriedly\u00a0at Adam.<\/p>\n Adam shrugged. He sympathized, but in light of their recent fall from grace, Pa had them both over a barrel.<\/p>\n Coming to the same conclusion, Joe gave a weak smile and nodded. \u201cSure, Pa, whatever you want.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, what I want,\u201d he said pleasantly, \u201cis for you to spend the rest of the evening with Bessie Sue.\u201d<\/p>\n Unable to contain his laughter, Adam chuckled out loud while Little Joe gasped in disbelief. \u201cBessie Sue! You gotta be kidding!\u201d<\/p>\n Annoyed Joe was\u00a0drawing unnecessary attention, Ben took his arm and drew him near. \u201cNow just settle down and let me explain,\u201d he said, speaking in a conspiratorial manner. \u201cYou see, Bessie Sue is a little upset with Hoss and I\u2019m afraid she might cause an unpleasant scene.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo what\u2019s that got to do with me?\u201d Joe asked with a sinking feeling.<\/p>\n Adam grinned, unable to resist a cheeky remark. \u201cYeah, Pa, what do you want him to do? Hog tie her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not,\u201d Ben replied, giving Adam an irritated look. \u201cI just want him to make sure Bessie Sue has an enjoyable evening.\u201d Turning back to Joe, he continued. \u201cJust have a few dances with her\u2026offer her some refreshments\u2026anything to keep her mind off Hoss and Lydia.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam glanced at the happy couple and smiled. He could see his father\u2019s point. Bessie Sue was bound to confront Hoss and it would be a shame if Lydia got caught in the middle. \u201cSorry, Joe, but I think Pa\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben eyes twinkled at the unexpected support. \u201cI\u2019m glad you feel that way, Adam, because I expect you to help out too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, now, Pa!\u201d Adam protested, neither pleased with his father\u2019s declaration nor his brother\u2019s annoying cackle.<\/p>\n Ben raised an eyebrow. \u201cNow, Adam, you just said I was right, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d he said drawing the word out with a sigh, \u201cbut I\u2019m sure Little Joe is quite capable of handling it on his own.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold on, Adam,\u201d Joe said with a devious grin. \u201cYou know it takes two<\/em> men to fill Hoss\u2019 shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n Ignoring him, Adam turned to his father for a private word. \u201cLook, Pa, I\u2019m\u2026uh\u2026already spoken for tonight,\u201d he said quietly, hoping to leave it at that.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed and he gave Adam a curt nod. \u201cI\u2019ll see to it word gets to Clair,\u201d he said with a slight edge to his voice. \u201cI\u2019m sure she\u2019ll understand.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared at him\u00a0in surprise.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I\u2019m your father,\u201d he said by way of explanation. \u201cDid you really think your involvement with this girl wouldn\u2019t come to my attention?\u201d Holding his son\u2019s gaze, he waited for the full impact of his words to sink in.<\/p>\n Adam shifted his weight and lowered his eyes, uncomfortable under his father\u2019s scrutiny. He\u2019d kept quiet about Clair, hoping to resolve the situation himself; but he should\u2019ve known Pa would hear about it and in all likelihood misunderstand. After all, it wasn\u2019t everyday Adam Cartwright draped a possessive arm around a saloon girl and declared loudly, for all to hear, that she was his and his<\/em> alone. He could imagine the town gossip. Well, I can\u2019t do anything about it now, but come tomorrow I\u2019ll fill him in on everything, including my decision to help this girl no matter what the cost to my own reputation.<\/em> He liked Clair. Aside from her wit and charm she had the courage and strength to face her personal hardships head on. Unfortunately, being young and na\u00efve and alone in the world, she\u2019d taken the wrong path. He hoped to get her set up with some friends in San Francisco; but in the meantime, he\u2019d do whatever it took to protect her innocence, even if it meant playing the part of a possessive lover. Glancing at Little Joe, he wasn\u2019t surprised to see him grinning from ear to ear. No doubt waiting for the fireworks<\/em>, he thought, shooting him a look of warning.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s grin only grew wider. He knew better than to tease Adam about Clair, leastways in front of Pa, but he couldn\u2019t help smiling at his brother\u2019s discomfort. That is, until realization struck. Eyes widening, his smile disappeared as he stole a look at his father, wondering if he knew about his<\/em> most recent transgression. He\u2019d lost a hefty sum at the poker tables and hoped that hadn\u2019t come to Pa\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n Satisfied he\u2019d secured Adam\u2019s cooperation, Ben shifted his attention to his youngest. He\u2019d caught his worried frown and knew exactly what he was thinking. He smiled to himself and let him squirm a minute before giving them both a verbal nudge in Bessie Sue\u2019s direction. \u201cBoys, I believe the lady is over by the door.\u201d<\/p>\n Easily spotting Bessie Sue, they set off in her direction without another word, both glad to escape. Once out of earshot, Adam gave Joe a sideways glance. \u201cThis just isn\u2019t our day, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou got that right,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~<\/p>\n Trailing behind Adam, Joe tugged nervously on his collar. From the look on Bessie Sue\u2019s face, she was madder than a wet hen. Doggonit! Hoss better appreciate this<\/em>, he thought irritably as he watched his middle brother head outside with Lydia. He found it impossible to stay mad, though. Seeing the goofy look on Hoss\u2019 face, he couldn’t help but giggle.<\/p>\n Adam glanced over his shoulder. \u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss,\u201d he said, gesturing towards the door, \u201che looks like he\u2019s been pole axed!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam watched Hoss disappear through the door with Lydia. Well, at least he\u2019s got enough sense to take her outside for a moonlight stroll<\/em>, he thought with a chuckle. Shifting his gaze to Bessie Sue, his smile faded. Unfortunately, she hadn\u2019t missed a thing and was downright furious. \u201cThis isn\u2019t gonna be easy,\u201d he said raising his chin in the direction of Bessie Sue. \u201cShe looks like she wants to skin Hoss with a dull knife.\u201d<\/p>\n Taking a look, Joe unintentionally made eye contact with her. \u201cUh oh!\u201d he gulped, stepping behind Adam. \u201cShe\u2019s headin\u2019 this way and it looks like she wants to skin us<\/em> with a dull knife.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam drew a deep breath. He wasn\u2019t looking forward to this any more than Joe, but managed a pleasant smile. \u201cBessie Sue, good evening,\u201d he said greeting her warmly.<\/p>\n \u201cGood evenin\u2019 my foot!\u201d she declared huffily, her blue eyes flashing. \u201cDo you know what that low-down brother of yours is doin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh, no, what?\u201d Adam asked calmly.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo-timing me, that\u2019s what!\u201d she declared poking him hard in the chest.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Joe exclaimed with exaggerated disbelief. \u201cHoss wouldn\u2019t do that!\u201d<\/p>\n Bessie Sue turned her flashing eyes on Joe, making him take a step back. \u201cWell he\u2019s been dancin\u2019 all evening with some puny little gal, no bigger than a tadpole, and now he\u2019s gone outside with her!\u201d<\/p>\n Rubbing his sore chest, Adam nodded, hoping to appease her. \u201cYou\u2019re right, of course, but if you\u2019ll permit me,\u201d he said speaking softly and taking her hand, \u201cI can explain.\u201d<\/p>\n Somewhat mollified by his soft tone and gentle touch, Bessie Sue gave a little nod. \u201cAll right, go on,\u201d she conceded, willing to hear him out.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you see that little gal is Doc Martin\u2019s visiting niece and I\u2019m afraid my father, wanting to be neighborly, arranged for Hoss to be her escort, but I can assure you Hoss wasn\u2019t in favor of it.\u201d It was a truthful, albeit misleading statement, but it wasn\u2019t his fault if Bessie Sue drew her own conclusions.<\/p>\n Bessie Sue eyed him, unconvinced. \u201cWell, then, how come you or Little Joe didn\u2019t do it?\u201d she asked suspiciously, pulling her hand back. \u201cAfter all, Hoss is spoke for.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes widened ever so slightly at her remark. \u201cUh\u2026well\u2026because,\u201d he said glancing at Joe, \u201cmy brother and I were forced to take on a particularly demanding job today and we weren\u2019t sure if we\u2019d feel up to dancing tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe shook his head in admiration, amazed at how Adam could spin a tale without really telling a lie. Bet that little trick got him into a peck of trouble as a kid though. He knew first hand Pa didn\u2019t appreciate anything short of the whole truth. Just thinking about it made his backside prickle.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you both look fit as a fiddle to me!\u201d Bessie Sue declared, glancing back and forth between them with a discerning eye. \u201cBut I suppose it\u2019d be impolite to pawn her off\u00a0on one of you now.\u201d Frowning, she gave a little sigh.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid so,\u201d Adam said commiserating with her.<\/p>\n Bessie Sue gave another little sigh of disappointment and nodded in resignation.<\/p>\n Adam glanced at Joe and gave a little jerk of his head towards Bessie Sue, hoping he\u2019d ask her to dance.<\/p>\n Getting the message, Joe promptly ignored it by taking a sudden interest in his boots.<\/p>\n Having no other choice, Adam bowed slightly and held out his hand. \u201cBessie Sue? May I have this dance?\u201d he asked graciously.<\/p>\n Bessie Sue gave him a thoughtful look and then smiled. \u201cWell, sure! Ain\u2019t no reason why we can\u2019t have a good time, is there?\u201d In answer to her own question, she eagerly took his arm and set off for the dance floor, dragging him along.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no!<\/em> he thought with a groan as the music began, not the Virginia reel!<\/em><\/p>\n Grinning, Joe tapped his foot to the music and watched Bessie Sue hook elbows with Adam, energetically swinging him first to the left and then to the right in response to the caller\u2019s instructions. Bet ol\u2019 Adam wishes he could do-si-do right out the door<\/em>, he laughed to himself.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, how do you like that!\u201d an indignant voice exclaimed from behind.<\/p>\n Startled, Joe gave a jump and turned around. \u201cOh, hi, Harv,\u201d he said with a friendly smile, \u201chavin\u2019 a good time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I ain\u2019t and I got your brother to thank for it!\u201d he exclaimed with disdain. He\u2019d been trying to work up the nerve to ask Bessie Sue for a dance all evening and then Adam had come along and just\u2026just\u2026stole her right out from under him!<\/p>\n Joe shook his head, clueless. \u201cWhat\u2019re you talkin\u2019 about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBessie Sue, that\u2019s what!\u201d he declared, red-faced and indignant. \u201cI\u2019m sweet on her, but that brother of yours didn\u2019t even give me a chance!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes widened in surprise and he smiled broadly. \u201cThat\u2019s great!\u201d he exclaimed, giving him a pat on the back. What luck! If\u00a0\u00a0Harv and Bessie Sue\u00a0get together, me\u00a0and Adam are off the hook!<\/em><\/p>\n Harv frowned. \u201cWhat\u2019s so all fired great about it?\u201d he asked hotly, gesturing to Adam and Bessie Sue.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head, eager to set\u00a0him straight. \u201cLook, Harv, you got it all wrong. Adam ain\u2019t sweet on her, he\u2019s just bein\u2019 friendly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, he sure coulda fooled me,\u201d he said doubtfully, \u201cwhat with the way he was holdin\u2019 her hand an all.\u201d<\/p>\n With a sweep of his hand, Joe waved\u00a0Harv’s\u00a0doubts aside. \u201cTrust me, he was just bein\u2019 mannerly. It doesn\u2019t mean a thing. You just go ahead and ask Bessie Sue for the next dance. I guarantee you Adam won\u2019t mind,\u201d he said with a crafty little smile.<\/p>\n Harv wavered. \u201cWell, I reckon you know him better\u2019n me, but\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut what?\u201d Joe asked impatiently.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if she don\u2019t like me?\u201d he blurted out, a worried frown on his face.<\/p>\n Stifling the urge to roll his eyes, Joe gave him a reassuring slap on the arm, eager to build his confidence.\u00a0\u201cOf course she\u2019ll like you, what\u2019s not to like? You\u2019re a big, handsome, hardworking fella\u2026just the kind of man Bessie Sue likes\u2026and you own your own place\u2026what more could a girl ask for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou really think so?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know so,\u201d he replied firmly as he spotted Adam and Bessie Sue making their way over. \u201cNow look\u2026here they come\u2026just smile and ask her to dance\u2026there\u2019s nothing to it.\u201d<\/p>\n Harv nodded, a smile frozen on his face.<\/p>\n With a look of dismay, Joe didn\u2019t waste any time extolling Harv\u2019s virtues. \u201cBessie Sue! Adam! You know Harv don\u2019t you? He owns the Bar B\u2026a real nice little spread.\u201d He gave a firm nod\u00a0and prattled on. \u201cPlenty of good grazing land\u2026a couple hundred head of cattle\u2026a sturdy little house\u2026built it himself too. Yep, Harv here is one heck of a rancher,\u201d he concluded with a smile.<\/p>\n Adam gave Harv a friendly nod before turning a quizzical\u00a0look to Joe. What\u2019s he up to?<\/em> he wondered.<\/p>\n Joe gave him a quick wink as Bessie Sue offered her greetings. \u201cHowdy, Harv, good to see you\u2026and Joe\u2019s right\u2026the Bar B is a real nice place,\u201d she said earnestly.<\/p>\n Harv beamed, but said nothing, unable to find his voice.<\/p>\n Shaking his head in exasperation, Joe gave him a sharp poke in the ribs.<\/p>\n \u201cOw!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cWhat\u2019d you do that for?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gave\u00a0him a meaningful glance in Bessie Sue\u2019s direction. Gathering up his courage, Harv gave a little nod, squared his shoulders and smiled at Bessie Sue. \u201cUh\u2026what I mean is\u2026thank you Bessie Sue and it\u2019s good to see you too\u2026real good!\u201d Proud of himself, he kept on smiling, basking in\u00a0her attention.<\/p>\n That\u2019s it<\/em>, Joe thought happily, now just ask her to dance and we\u2019ll be off the hook.<\/em> With a confident smile and a wink to Adam, he waited, but\u00a0Harv didn’t say anything more\u00a0and an awkward silence filled the air. Seeing his plan crumble, Joe gave a little shake of his head and sprang into action, unwilling to leave his fate in Harv\u2019s hands. \u201cUh, Bessie Sue, Harv here was wondering if you\u2019d like to dance. Isn\u2019t that right, Harv?<\/p>\n A look of sheer panic flickered across his face, but he managed a little nod. \u201cYes\u2019m,\u201d he answered, casting\u00a0her a\u00a0hopeful glance.<\/p>\n Giving him a quick once over, Bessie Sue wondered why she never took note of him before. He sure is pleasin\u2019 to the eye<\/em>, she thought. Not quite as big and strong as Hoss, but a girl in my position has to keep her options open<\/em>. \u201cWell sure, Harv, I\u2019d love to,\u201d she replied with just a moment\u2019s hesitation, \u201cthat is, if Adam don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n Harv’s look was sheer venom, but Adam merely shrugged it off in his haste to get shed of Bessie Sue. \u201cNo, not at all,\u201d he replied, \u201chave a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n Smiling, Bessie Sue took Harv\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n Adam watched them disappear into the crowd and then turned to Joe, extending his hand. \u201cNice work,\u201d he said with an appreciative smile.<\/p>\n Grinning, Joe shook his hand, silently congratulating himself. \u201cThank you, brother. I thought you\u2019d appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I do,\u201d he replied without hesitation. \u201cI just hope Hoss does.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gave him a puzzled look. \u201cWell, why wouldn\u2019t he? He said she was gettin’ to be a nuisance, didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gave a little shrug and headed for the punch bowl, leaving Joe to ponder the situation. He\u2019d worked up a thirst with all that dancing.<\/p>\n Joe watched him go. He hated it when Adam made those cryptic remarks; it always made him nervous.<\/p>\n ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~<\/p>\n Having said goodnight to Lydia and Doc Martin, Hoss loosened his tie and sighed contentedly as he walked beside his father to their horses. That was the nicest evening I\u2019ve had in a long time<\/em>, he thought with a smile.<\/p>\n Noticing the spring\u00a0in his son\u2019s step, Ben smiled. \u201cI take it you and Lydia had a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gave his father a little nod. \u201cWe sure did,\u201d he answered in a soft tone. \u201cMiss Lydia turned out to be a real sweet girl. In fact, I\u2019m takin\u2019 her on a buggy ride tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n Listening with interest,\u00a0Adam and\u00a0Joe exchanged a smile as they trailed behind.<\/p>\n \u201cYou taking her to the lake?\u201d Joe asked, unable to resist a little teasing.<\/p>\n Hoss glanced over his shoulder and nodded. \u201cWell yeah,\u201d he said with a blush. \u201cI was thinkin\u2019 about takin\u2019 her up to the point. It should be real pretty this time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u00a0and\u00a0Joe traded another smile, knowing the place well. It was one of the prettiest, most romantic spots on the lake.<\/p>\n Seeing Joe open his mouth to comment, Ben gave a little shake of his head; effectively putting a stop to any more teasing. He didn\u2019t want anything to spoil Hoss\u2019s mood. \u201cI\u2019m sure Lydia will enjoy the ride,\u201d he replied, having silenced Joe, \u201cand<\/em> the company.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gave a happy nod, looking forward to tomorrow. \u201cYou know, Pa? It sure is funny how things work out sometimes. You reckon it was fate?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben raised a questioning eyebrow. \u201cThat you met Lydia?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss said thoughtfully. \u201cI mean I was real mad about losin\u2019 this morning, but everything turned out just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gave a little snort, suddenly remembering how he<\/em> would be spending his<\/em> Saturday. Unhappy, he bemoaned his fate without a thought. \u201cYou see, Pa? Everything turned out fine. You oughta be thanking us for cheatin\u2019 instead of making us paint the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned his head sharply, his eyes wide, too stunned to speak.<\/p>\n Instantly realizing his mistake, Joe covered his eyes and anxiously peered through his fingers as Hoss came to an abrupt halt.<\/p>\n His fists clenched and his face hard, Hoss whirled around to face his brothers. \u201cSo that\u2019s it!\u201d he growled, looking back and forth between them. \u201cThat\u2019s why you was paintin\u2019 the barn!\u201d<\/p>\n Shooting his father a quick look, Adam nervously cleared his throat and ran a finger around the inside of his collar.<\/p>\n Ben observed the proceedings, but made no move to intervene, willing to let Hoss blow off a little steam.<\/p>\n Seeing he had no intention of stepping in, at least not yet, Adam drew a deep breath and looked Hoss straight in the eye. \u201cAll right, so we cheated,\u201d he admitted, holding up his hands in a gesture of surrender, \u201cbut just remember this\u2026if we hadn\u2019t…you never would\u2019ve met Lydia.\u201d<\/p>\n The anger on Hoss\u2019s face eased just a bit, but his fists remained clenched, wary of his brother\u2019s silver tongue. If Adam\u2019s got something to say, I\u2019ll listen, but I ain\u2019t gonna be played for no fool!<\/em><\/p>\n Seizing the opportunity, Adam spoke in a soft and tender voice, hoping to get his brother\u2019s mind back on more pleasant things. \u201cAs it turned out\u2026you met a lovely girl\u2026you laughed and talked and held her in your arms\u2026you strolled under the stars on a beautiful moon lit night\u2026maybe even shared a kiss?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss responded with a slight blush and nod.<\/p>\n Pleased he’d guessed correctly, Adam smiled warmly. \u201cSo, you tell me, is there anything for you to be mad about?\u201d<\/p>\n Not wanting to spoil the mood, Joe lowered his eyes to keep from grinning. Sure hope he goes for it<\/em>, he thought, as he waited on tenterhooks for Hoss\u2019s reaction. Chancing a look, his nerves quieted. Hoss was wavering.<\/p>\n Despite his resolve, Hoss was transported by Adam\u2019s words. His expression softened and a smile lifted at the corners of his mouth. Adam\u2019s right, there ain\u2019t no reason for me to be mad, not with Lydia turning out to be such a sweet girl<\/em>. Ready to let them off the hook, his generosity came to an abrupt halt as realization suddenly dawned. With eyes blazing, he tossed his brothers a look that clearly indicated his plans to tear them limb from limb, or at least throw \u2018em in the horse trough.<\/p>\n Bewildered, Adam and Joe instinctively shrank back from the sudden burst of anger.<\/p>\n Glowering angrily, Hoss threw an accusing glare at his brothers. \u201cThat wasn\u2019t the first time you two cheated, was it?\u201d he asked, his tone low and menacing.<\/p>\n Adam chewed on his bottom lip and looked up through lowered lashes while Joe kept his eyes firmly on his feet and gave a little shrug, their guilt readily apparent.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew it!\u201d Hoss exclaimed. \u201cDadburn yer ornery hides! I\u2019m gonna wallop yuh good!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben reacted with the quickness of an experienced father. \u201cNow just calm down,\u201d he said to Hoss, putting a firm hand on his chest. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to wallop anybody!\u201d He didn\u2019t blame Hoss for being angry; he was angry himself, but he wouldn\u2019t stand for any fists being thrown.<\/p>\n \u201cBut Pa! What about all them dirty chores I got stuck with? Diggin\u2019 ditches! Clearin\u2019 water holes! And all that dang blasted housework and kitchen duty!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, I know,\u201d he said, attempting to calm Hoss, \u201cand I agree, they\u2019ve got a lot to answer for, but not here and not like that, understand?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gave a begrudging nod and jammed both hands in his pockets. \u201cYes sir,\u201d he said, glaring at his brothers.<\/p>\n Ben gave him a gentle pat on the arm. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, son, I\u2019ll see to it your brothers settle the score. From here on out, they\u2019ll get every dirty job that comes along.\u201d His declaration was paired with a pointed glare at Adam and Joe.<\/p>\n Adam gave a rueful look, but wisely kept his mouth shut.<\/p>\n Little Joe, unhappy with his father\u2019s announcement, threw caution to the wind. \u201cWhat!\u201d he shouted in protest. \u201cJust how many dirty jobs do we\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben said swiftly cutting him off. \u201cIt\u2019s late and I don\u2019t want to hear another word about it, so just get moving.\u201d With a firm look, he pointed a finger in the direction of the horses.<\/p>\n \u201cFine,\u201d Joe muttered, stalking off, \u201cbut what about Bessie Sue, don\u2019t that count for anything?\u201d<\/p>\n Hearing his brother\u2019s mutterings, Hoss caught Little Joe by the arm and pulled him back until their faces were just inches apart. \u201cWhat about Bessie Sue?\u201d he asked suspiciously.<\/p>\n Joe grinned, eager to get in good with Hoss again. \u201cWell, you\u00a0see, I remembered what you said about Bessie Sue being such a pest, so I decided to help you,\u201d he said with a wink.<\/p>\n Hoss kept a firm grip on his arm. \u201cHelp me? How?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s grin grew wider; confident\u00a0he would be pleased. \u201cI fixed her up with Harv,\u201d he announced.\u00a0Unfortunately,\u00a0Hoss didn’t react as expected and Joe’s huge grin evaporated at the sudden scowl appearing on his brother\u2019s face. Uh oh!<\/em> he thought, swallowing hard.<\/p>\n \u201cHarv!\u201d Hoss fumed, giving Joe a shake. \u201cI shoulda known that weasel would try somethin\u2019 behind my back, but I sure never figured on my own kin helpin\u2019 him!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe tried to pull loose, wanting to put some distance between him and his angry brother, but Hoss had an iron grip. \u201cNow, wait a minute, I thought I was helpin\u2019 you!\u201d Joe squeaked, glancing helplessly at his father.<\/p>\n \u201cFor pete\u2019s sake, Hoss, let him go!\u201d Ben commanded. \u201cWhat\u2019s got into you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, dadburnit,” Hoss said, blushing furiously, \u201cJoe ain\u2019t got no call messin\u2019 in my\u2026my\u2026love affairs!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe rubbed his sore arm and glanced at Adam, his know-it-all brother, in annoyance.<\/p>\n Catching his eye, Adam gave a little smile while their father attempted to smooth things over with Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right, he doesn\u2019t,\u201d Ben agreed, \u201cbut I thought you liked Lydia, so there\u2019s no real harm done, is there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, sure I like Lydia. I like her a whole lot, but she ain\u2019t gonna be around for more\u2019n a few weeks.\u201d\u00a0 And thanks to that pesky Little Joe, I\u2019m gonna have to do some pretty fancy talkin\u2019 to woo Bessie Sue back, dadburnit!<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cTrue, those are her plans right now,\u201d he replied, shrugging, \u201cbut you never know\u2026.\u201d He smiled and let his voice trail off.<\/p>\n Adam looked at his father in amusement. So that\u2019s it; that\u2019s why Pa\u2019s taken such an interest in Hoss and Lydia. He\u2019s matchmaking again.<\/em><\/p>\n Hoss responded with\u00a0a puzzled frown. \u201cWhat’re you\u00a0gettin’ at, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if you and Lydia were to\u2026uh\u2026 fall in love\u2026well then she’d naturally stay on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLove!\u201d Hoss exclaimed, looking aghast. \u201cI ain\u2019t lookin\u2019 to fall in love!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben’s eyebrows knit into a frown. \u201cWell, why not?\u201d he asked with a hint of annoyance. \u201cYou said yourself she\u2019s a wonderful girl.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir, Lydia\u2019s a real nice gal and I reckon she\u2019ll make somebody a real fine wife, but the fact is, that somebody ain\u2019t gonna be me!\u201d Hoss shook his head vehemently to reinforce his point.<\/p>\n Ben looked at him, flabbergasted. \u201cI should\u2019ve known. The three of you are all alike,\u201d he said glancing from son to son in irritation. \u201cNot one of you has any sense when it comes to women!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam raised an eyebrow and traded a look with his brothers. Like it or not, he had a feeling they were all gonna be in for some unsolicited fatherly advice.<\/p>\n With a shake of his head, Ben pointed a second time to the horses. \u201cAll right, let\u2019s just get home, shall we? You two,\u201d he said looking at Adam and Joe, \u201chave a full day\u2019s work ahead of you tomorrow.\u201d He shifted his gaze to Hoss. \u201cAnd you have a buggy ride to go on, but for the life of me,\u00a0I’m not sure\u00a0why.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh Pa,\u201d Hoss said hesitantly, \u201cthis don\u2019t change nothin\u2019 does it? I mean you\u2019re still gonna make them two settle up, aren\u2019t yuh?\u201d Nervously fingering the buttons on his shirt, he gave his father a hopeful look, while Adam and Joe paused, awaiting his answer.<\/p>\n His patience worn thin, Ben briefly closed his eyes. When he opened them, his sons had wisely moved out of reach. Striding over to Buck, he gathered his reins and pulled himself into the saddle, wishing at least one of his sons would wise up. With Adam falling for the wrong women, Little Joe falling for too many women, and Hoss not ready to settle down, I’ll never\u00a0have any grandchildren!<\/em><\/p>\n Risking his father\u2019s wrath, Adam rode up alongside him and grinned. \u201cUh, Pa, maybe you oughta get a\u00a0few\u00a0pointers from Little Joe, he<\/em> seems to be pretty good at matchmaking.\u201d<\/p>\n Raising an eyebrow, Ben gave him a look designed to intimidate. \u201cKeep up that smart talk, boy, and you\u2019ll find yourself digging a new outhouse.\u201d His tone was gruff, but the twinkle in his eye belied the seriousness of his expression.<\/p>\n Adam chuckled and gave Sport a little kick, knowing full well his father\u2019s amusement didn\u2019t change a thing; he and Joe would be settling the score for months to come.<\/p>\n THE END<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tags:\u00a0 Family<\/p>\n