{"id":12131,"date":"2006-10-23T13:53:58","date_gmt":"2006-10-23T17:53:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12131"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:10:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:10:19","slug":"celebrating-90-glorious-years-and-430-episodes-of-bonanza-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12131","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating 90 Glorious Years AND 430 Episodes of Bonanza! (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> I wrote this story for David Dortort’s 90th birthday party to which I was invited. In the story I used all 430 episode titles so the story might sound a bit strange to some. I had the story bound in book form for Mr. Dortort and given to him as my gift celebrating his 90 glorious years. It was my way of saying thank you for the joy he brought to so many lives and especially for the friendship that developed between us that I will always cherish. It has never been shared with anyone except David, until now.<\/p>\n

Rated: <\/strong>G\u00a0 (5,000 words)
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Celebrating 90 Glorious Years AND 430 Episodes of Bonanza!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI have A Rose for Lotta<\/em><\/strong>,<\/em>\u201d said Joe Cartwright, Detective<\/em><\/strong>. He\u2019d waited Forever<\/em><\/strong> to hit The Big Jackpot<\/em><\/strong>, down in Reno, but then, he\u2019d gotten word from his father, who was in San Francisco<\/em><\/strong>to confer with The Colonel<\/em><\/strong> about a lumber deal for The Mill<\/em><\/strong>, when Joe had decided to propose to his ladylove.<\/p>\n

The Sisters<\/em><\/strong> and he were Old Friends<\/em><\/strong>, so they allowed Joe to enter The Way Station<\/em><\/strong> where Lotta was waiting for him. He had ridden there, in a Frenzy<\/em><\/strong>, <\/em>when he\u2019d heard that there was a New Man<\/em><\/strong> in town trying to cut in on his time with the lovely Ballerina<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 He was Saddle Stiff<\/em><\/strong>; <\/em>he\u2019d never ridden so long and hard For A Young Lady<\/em><\/strong> before. But he had traveled all through The Long Night<\/em><\/strong> working on a Blind Hunch<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 The man, Shanklin<\/em><\/strong>, a former Tax Collector<\/em><\/strong> and who claimed to have once owned The Burma Rarity<\/em><\/strong>, was attempting to take away his true love. The man was of a Breed of Violence<\/em><\/strong>,<\/em> and was also one of The Prisoners<\/em><\/strong> who had escaped from The Rattlesnake Brigade<\/em><\/strong> and had taken The Grand Swing<\/em><\/strong> around Twilight Town<\/em><\/strong> in order to keep him from paying A Visit to Upright<\/em>. <\/strong><\/p>\n

But Joe wasn\u2019t to be put out.\u00a0 He had The Luck of Pepper Shannon<\/em><\/strong>, The Lonely Man<\/em><\/strong> who had Second Sight<\/em><\/strong> and who knew all The Customs of the Country<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 He\u2019d told Joe that loving a woman such as Lotta was based on A Matter of Faith<\/em><\/strong> and that only he held The Power of Life and Death<\/em><\/strong> in his own hands.\u00a0 He\u2019d have to take care and not get Bushwhacked<\/em><\/strong> along The Truckee Strip<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Joe had heeded his advice. He had used all the tricks his family had ever taught him on being careful and how to survive on his own.\u00a0 He was like A Single Pilgrim<\/em><\/strong>, toting The Gold-Plated Rifle<\/em><\/strong> his father had given him when he\u2019d been on The Jury<\/em><\/strong> and had voted for Cassie<\/em><\/strong>, winning Thornton\u2019s Account<\/em><\/strong> and finally finding A Home for Jamie<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Joe had traveled the last few miles down Danger Road<\/em><\/strong>, under The Burning Sky<\/em><\/strong>, letting The Bucket Dog<\/em><\/strong> lead him.<\/p>\n

Walter and The Outlaws<\/em><\/strong> had been seen with The Desperado<\/em><\/strong> and some of Gallagher\u2019s Sons<\/em><\/strong>and Joe had learned that they had planned an Ambush at Rio Lobo<\/em><\/strong>, so he had changed directions and gone instead into Bitter Water<\/em><\/strong> where he had stopped to rest and eat at a place called The Stronghold<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 He was glad for The Gift of Water<\/em><\/strong>, his mouth had become so dry, he was almost speechless so, he sat back and listened to the talk.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d picked up more information, mostly useless but he\u2019d learned about The Saga of Annie O\u2019Toole<\/em><\/strong>, <\/em>and heard that she was coming back for a Return Engagement<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Seems the Lady From Baltimore<\/em><\/strong> was famous for singing a Broken Ballad<\/em><\/strong>. <\/em>Joe was even more surprised to learn that The Artist<\/em><\/strong> turned performer, sang a tune she dubbed Ballad of the Ponderosa<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe pushed back his chair and walked to the bar.\u00a0 The bartender was wiping up a spill from the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay, has A Stranger Passed This Way<\/em><\/strong>?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cBesides me that is,\u201d Joe added.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, The Tall Stranger<\/em><\/strong>, who claimed to be The Roper<\/em><\/strong> for The Sun Mountain Herd<\/em><\/strong>,\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n

Joe pondered the information.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t the man he was looking for.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother beer,\u201d he said and then, taking the mug, sat back down.<\/p>\n

Minutes later, another man entered and ordered a bottle of whiskey.\u00a0 Joe watched him cross the room and sit down.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t long before several others joined the man and with the loud talk, Joe learned that this man was the one they called, The Reluctant American<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Joe counted him more like The Wild One<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 But he heard the man swear that he\u2019d fight, when The War Comes to Washoe<\/em><\/strong>. <\/em>But to Joe, the man seemed to have a Vendetta<\/em><\/strong> and was playing The Waiting Game<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Apparently someone, beside himself, agreed because Joe heard one man tell another, \u2018that was The Way of Aaron<\/em><\/strong>\u2019.<\/em><\/p>\n

For another hour, Joe sat alone in the bar, listening.\u00a0 He heard other patrons talking about the Bank Run<\/em><\/strong> and the Decision At Los Robles<\/em><\/strong> to hold The Newcomers<\/em><\/strong> responsible for causing it.\u00a0 But then The Witness<\/em><\/strong> who knew more than he was telling, explained that The Trouble With Jamie<\/em><\/strong>, who turned out to be a crooked sheriff that wore his Badge Without Honor<\/em><\/strong>, had also once been one of The Companeros<\/em><\/strong> who had caused a Riot <\/em><\/strong>down at the territorial prison several years before being elected as the town\u2019s sheriff.\u00a0 So, The Trouble with Trouble<\/em><\/strong>, or Trouble Town<\/em><\/strong> as it was later called, elected Gideon, The Good<\/em><\/strong> who had always been known about town as The Good Samaritan<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe was just about ready to leave when another man burst through the door.\u00a0 Every man in the saloon stood up to cheer Abner Willoughby\u2019s Return<\/em><\/strong>. <\/em>From what Joe could make of the conversation, Abner had been riding with The Conquistadores<\/em><\/strong>, as one of their Trackers<\/em><\/strong>, a Top Hand<\/em><\/strong>, all winter when he\u2019d been forced To Kill A Buffalo<\/em><\/strong> in order to provide for the gang\u2019s Winter Kill<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 The Indians apparently hadn\u2019t liked Abner killing their game and had taken out after him.\u00a0 Abner then had left the country, going to Spain and was later said to have won The Wormwood Cup<\/em><\/strong> in a race riding an unlikely steed named, Yonder Man<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Feeling refreshed but tired of the chatter, Joe decided it was time to move on.\u00a0 \u201cThanks For Everything, Friend<\/em><\/strong>,\u201d he called to the bartender as he slipped out the door.<\/p>\n

He made TheRide<\/em><\/strong>, A Ride in the Sun<\/em><\/strong>, but he was as a driven man, determined.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure how long he\u2019d been riding or how many miles he had traveled, but Joe stopped to rest.\u00a0 The fork in the road left him wondering which way to go.\u00a0 Dismounting and moving to the signs posted to show the way, Joe read each one.\u00a0 One in particular caught his eye and he couldn\u2019t keep from laughing.\u00a0 The sign read, \u201cCaution, Easter Bunny Crossing<\/em><\/strong>\u201d. His laughter lightened his burdened soul and reminded him of Hoss and the Leprechauns<\/em><\/strong>his brother had found last year.<\/p>\n

Seems as if the little green men had The Dowry<\/em><\/strong>, a box full of gold dust, and The Deserter<\/em>,<\/strong> The Flannel-Mouth Gun<\/em><\/strong>, who had on more than one occasion used the Alias Joe Cartwright<\/em>,<\/strong> had cast A Dark Shadow<\/em><\/strong> around town when he attempted to steal the box from the little green men.\u00a0 But the little fellas had their Day of Reckoning<\/em><\/strong>, when The Deserter<\/em><\/strong> had been caught and sent to jail.\u00a0 The poor man learned all about an Anatomy of a Lynching<\/em><\/strong>while waiting trial.\u00a0 Somehow, his little buddies couldn\u2019t go through with sending their Amigo<\/em><\/strong> to jail, so they had dropped the charges.\u00a0 The sheriff had pointed out to his prisoner just how lucky he was that he still had Another Windmill to Go<\/em><\/strong>. Dressed in his dark suit, the gentleman took The Oath<\/em><\/strong> then and there, saying that The Pride of A Man<\/em><\/strong> would not allow him to become The Pursued<\/em><\/strong> ever again and told the group of little people how Blessed Are They<\/em><\/strong> that they showed him The Quality of Mercy<\/em><\/strong> that had given him his Return to Honor<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 He swore never again to be The Running Man<\/em><\/strong>, for now, he was ready To Ride the Wind<\/em><\/strong>. <\/em>\u00a0Hoss, satisfied with the way that The Deed and The Dilemma<\/em><\/strong>had turned out admitted to all of them that Right Was the Fourth R<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had so many thoughts racing through his head that his head had begun to hurt.\u00a0 Perhaps being in the hot sun for so many hours was affecting his thinking.\u00a0 Oh, he thought, how he\u2019d love To Ride the Wind<\/em><\/strong>, to feel the cool air in his face, blowing through his hair.\u00a0 Maybe he\u2019d find a place to rest when he reached the next town.\u00a0 But, The Silence at Stillwater<\/em><\/strong> that greeted him was as Silent Thunder<\/em><\/strong> or A Song in the Dark<\/em><\/strong> as he rode into town.\u00a0 Easing from the saddle, Joe tied his horse at the railing.\u00a0 It was then that he heard it\u2026The Sounds of Drums<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 He slipped unnoticed into the bar and over to the vacant table in the darkest corner. The Trail Gang<\/em><\/strong> was there, listening to the soft sounds of the drummer.\u00a0 Their leader, a man known as Square Deal Sam<\/em><\/strong> was telling them about The Thunderhead Swindle<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 How appropriate, thought Joe, on this dreary night.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t really interested in listening to more stories, but he\u2019d learned that it had all started with The Wooing of Abigail Jones<\/em><\/strong>, The Spitfire<\/em><\/strong> who later was left To Die in Darkness<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Abigail had broken a number of hearts, promising that she\u2019d \u2018Bloom for Thee<\/em><\/strong>\u2019<\/em> for more than just a couple of cowhands.\u00a0 Not meaning to Speak No Evil<\/em><\/strong> of the lovely temptress, the weaver of stories explained to his listeners that Abigail had once had an affair with El Jefe<\/em><\/strong>, a Patchwork Man<\/em><\/strong> who was later only a Shadow of a Hero<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Abigail had stolen The Spanish Grant<\/em><\/strong> from the man and had tried to escape.\u00a0 It was her misfortune that she took The Desperate Passage<\/em><\/strong>and wound up buried in The 26th Grave<\/em><\/strong>. Her death had caused The Passing of a King<\/em><\/strong>, for no more was her lover Shining in Spain<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed his drink and returned to his horse.\u00a0 He\u2019d heard enough stories to last him a lifetime.\u00a0 The Saga of Muley Jones<\/em><\/strong>, A Dublin Lad<\/em><\/strong> known for his Hound Dog<\/em><\/strong>was only one but then there was the Saga of Squaw Charlie<\/em><\/strong> who turned out not to be an old Indian but The Savage<\/em><\/strong>who had instigated The Abduction<\/em><\/strong> of El Toro Grande<\/em><\/strong>, a famous breeding bull once owned by The Fear Merchants<\/em><\/strong>and later sold to his father, Ben Cartwright.<\/p>\n

At last the weary young man had reached his destination.\u00a0 He dismounted and entered, anxious to see Lotta, for many days had passed since their last meeting.<\/p>\n

Lotta was a vision of loveliness as she entered the room, smiling at Joe.\u00a0 She was his Queen High<\/em><\/strong> in A Deck of Aces<\/em><\/strong>\u2026he was getting a Second Chance<\/em><\/strong> and he felt deep within him a Sense of Duty<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Joe was determined to make an honest woman of Lotta.\u00a0 She\u2019d been called a Fallen Woman<\/em><\/strong> by the False Witness<\/em><\/strong> who claimed she had a Dark Past<\/em><\/strong> and who had lied about her during The Flapjack Contest<\/em><\/strong> and then again when Lotta had dared to ride The Hayburner<\/em><\/strong> on that night just Dark Enough to See the Stars<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Even The Gentle Ones<\/em><\/strong> snubbed her.\u00a0 They said he was Dead Wrong<\/em><\/strong> to be involved with a woman like Lotta. But it made no difference to Joe, he loved her anyway and though she\u2019d once been A Bride for Buford<\/em><\/strong>, she was now The Bride<\/em><\/strong> for him and he The Bridegroom<\/em>.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

The Friendship<\/em><\/strong> they shared soon blossomed and then The Courtship<\/em><\/strong> had deepened and before long they were both in love.\u00a0 Joe had become determined to further The Blood Line<\/em><\/strong> by marrying Lotta and filling his father\u2019s Lonely House<\/em><\/strong> with the merry laughter of children when they made The Return<\/em><\/strong> after their marriage.<\/p>\n

But first, he\u2019d have to fight The Stalker<\/em><\/strong> for her hand.\u00a0 He had no choice; it was A Matter of Circumstance<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em>\u00a0 Joe knew he would not win The Medal<\/em><\/strong> if he killed The Thirteenth Man<\/em><\/strong>, but he was being forced into it just because he had been The Witness<\/em><\/strong> when The Weary Willies<\/em><\/strong> had stolen Six Black Horses<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Oh\u2026it was a Black Friday<\/em><\/strong> for sure and Joe could only hope that there\u2019d not be too much Blood On The Land<\/em><\/strong> when they had their Showdown at Tahoe<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 He sighed heavily.\u00a0 He felt like The Outcast<\/em><\/strong>, his home had become A House Divided<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 His older brother, Adam, had even begun to call him The Gunman<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 But nothing was furthermost from the truth. He didn\u2019t really want to kill The Stranger<\/em><\/strong>, but he\u2019d been forced into the Showdown<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Justice<\/em><\/strong>, that\u2019s what Little Joe called it.\u00a0 His father had said that one day the Company of Forgotten Men<\/em><\/strong>would return and one man would call him out into the street to play The Deadliest Game<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Ben had told his youngest son that it would be A Far, Far Better Thing<\/em><\/strong> if he\u2019d drop the entire matter, Lotta included.<\/p>\n

Hoss, who was A Man to Admire<\/em><\/strong>, agreed with his father.\u00a0 The gentle giant had gone so far as to promise his younger brother that new Stallion<\/em><\/strong> they\u2019d seen when they\u2019d gone in The Wagon<\/em><\/strong>, The Long Way to Ogden<\/strong><\/em> to attend The Marriage of Theodora Duffy<\/em><\/strong>, Hoss\u2019 First Love<\/em><\/strong> when He Was Only Seven<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Joe had refused The Gift<\/em><\/strong>, determined to face The Hidden Enemy<\/em><\/strong>. <\/em><\/p>\n

And then Adam spoke up a second time, insisting that they were The Survivors<\/em><\/strong> in a hard, raw country and that Joe should remember that there were many lovely young ladies from which to choose.\u00a0 Such as Erin<\/em>,<\/strong> the Little Girl Lost<\/em><\/strong>, and Sweet Annie Laurie<\/em><\/strong> who was one of The Real People of Muddy Creek<\/em><\/strong>,<\/em> and The Girl Named George<\/em><\/strong>, she was one of them as well. Adam had reminded his brother of Amy, but Joe claimed that The Trouble With Amy<\/em><\/strong> was that she wanted To Own the World<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em>\u00a0 Joe had insisted that he had made the Commitment At Angelus<\/em><\/strong> and he was going through with his promise.<\/p>\n

Adam had lost his temper and called Joe a Child<\/em><\/strong> and said he was Star Crossed<\/em><\/strong> and going so far out on a limb that he was breaking the Blood Tie<\/em><\/strong> his family was known to have.\u00a0 He had walked out then, referring to Joe as The Younger Brother\u2019s Younger Brother<\/em><\/strong>, <\/em>meaning Hoss. <\/em>\u00a0Adam had paused at the door, picking up The Gold Detector<\/em><\/strong> and heading up to The Gold Mine<\/em><\/strong> with Honest John<\/em><\/strong> to wait for The Arrival of Eddie<\/em><\/strong>, one of The Greedy Ones<\/em><\/strong> who said he was a son of one of Napoleon\u2019s Children<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing had gotten in on the argument as well, trying to give Joe A Dream to Dream<\/em><\/strong>instead of just being one of The Dream Riders<\/em><\/strong> and reminding him of The Crime of Johnny Mule<\/em><\/strong> who had raised The Price of Salt<\/em><\/strong>, just for the love of a no-account woman.\u00a0 Johnny had faced Judgment at Red Creek<\/em><\/strong> and had been hung by The Hanging Posse<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 It certainly had been A Hot Day for A Hanging<\/em><\/strong> that day.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing had gone on to inform the youngest Cartwright that Four Sisters From Boston<\/em><\/strong> would be arriving soon and he bet Joe that if he would not act like Half A Rouge<\/em><\/strong>, but like The Prince<\/em><\/strong> instead, he wouldn\u2019t have to take A Bullet for A Bride<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 The loyal house servant reminded the misguided young man that once, there had even been Three Brides for Hoss<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 That had been a big joke, one woman, Meena<\/em><\/strong>, The Actress<\/em><\/strong>, had wanted Hoss to learn to play the violin and insisted that Hoss be called Maestro Hoss<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 The event was A Knight to Remember<\/em><\/strong>, nearly causing a Ponderosa Explosion<\/em><\/strong> when her father, The Emperor Norton<\/em><\/strong>showed up just as Hoss had stepped into The Spotlight<\/em><\/strong>, claiming that the young lady was his First Born<\/em><\/strong> and that no Ponderosa Matador<\/em><\/strong> was going to marry one of The Hopefuls<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When Adam tried to explain the difference between Maestro and Matador, Denver McKee<\/em><\/strong>, who was in The Prime of Life<\/em><\/strong>, spoke The Pure Truth<\/em><\/strong> when he claimed to be No Less A Man<\/em><\/strong> than Hoss and accused Adam of being part of The Triangle<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It was like Rain from Heaven<\/em><\/strong> when Ben declared that Any Friend of Walter\u2019s<\/em><\/strong> could play this Pressure Game<\/em><\/strong> but that neither he nor his sons would be party to it.\u00a0 So, with their heads hanging low, The Impostors<\/em><\/strong>, The Deadly Ones<\/em><\/strong>, walked off having lost The Cheating Game.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nothing had prevented the most ardent Cartwright from pursuing his ladylove, not even The Magnificent Adah<\/em><\/strong>, who arrived with The Gentleman from New Orleans<\/em><\/strong>, Mr. Henry TP Comstock<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em>\u00a0 Both arrived the same night, The Night Virginia City Died<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Joe only recalled his first impression of Adah, thinking \u2018She Walks In Beauty\u2019<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 He had approached the lovely vision, believing that Henry was just another one of those Stage Door Johnnies<\/em><\/strong> that his father had told him about.\u00a0 But Adah had whispered to him, \u2018Love Me Not<\/em>\u2019<\/strong>.\u00a0 She failed to recognize The Unseen Wound<\/em><\/strong>, so Joe retreated carrying his heart on his sleeve.<\/p>\n

After Adah, there had been other girls, Clarissa<\/em><\/strong>, even Mrs. Wharton and the Lesser Breeds<\/em>,<\/strong> and the lovely Emily<\/em>,<\/strong> who was the owner of The Clarion<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 They had all broken his heart.\u00a0 Joe learned a hard lesson, that the world was A World of Cannibals<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 That was The Last Vote<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Joe left like A Man Without Land<\/em><\/strong>, so he left home and became the Pursued<\/em><\/strong>, the hunted instead of The Hunter<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Search <\/em><\/strong>for love left Joe in a Search in Limbo<\/em><\/strong>, until he met The Lady and The Mark<\/em><\/strong> who had introduced him to Lotta.\u00a0 Instantly, Joe had been smitten.\u00a0 Being The Hostage<\/em><\/strong>to her love, he was willing to fight for that love.\u00a0 The Sounds of Sadness<\/em><\/strong> had gone from his heart, from his life.<\/p>\n

Now, he stood in the street, A Heritage of Anger<\/em><\/strong> behind him, praying that the Face of Fear<\/em><\/strong>was not evident.<\/p>\n

The Silent Killer<\/em><\/strong> emerged from the saloon.\u00a0 The Stillness Within<\/em><\/strong> him caused Joe to glance at the sun.\u00a0 It was A Time To Die<\/em><\/strong>; The Terror at 2:00<\/em><\/strong> had begun.\u00a0 There\u2019d be no going back.\u00a0 Joe silently prayed that he\u2019d not drawn One Ace Too Many<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Avenger<\/em><\/strong> stood across from his opponent.\u00a0 Joe saw The Frenchman<\/em><\/strong> scan the streets and thought, \u2018he\u2019s looking for A Place To Hide\u2019<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Tired and fed up with the entire situation, Joe wished he could run away, Escape To The Ponderosa<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 But instead, he took a deep breath and straightened his Warbonnet<\/em><\/strong>; he felt as if he\u2019d just started The Paiute War<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, The Rival<\/em><\/strong> went for his gun, firing at Joe.\u00a0 Joe had drawn his as well but before he could fire, Lotta had run into the street between The Unwanted<\/em><\/strong> and Little Joe.\u00a0 Her luscious body fell into the dirt.\u00a0 Joe, stunned, rushed to her side, lifting her head into his lap.\u00a0 Lotta, weak and dying, fought to focus on the handsome man\u2019s face as she whispered to him, \u201cI see The Dark Gate<\/em><\/strong>. I must follow the Dark Star<\/em><\/strong>\u201d Her eyes closed; Lotta, The Smiler<\/em><\/strong>, was dead.<\/p>\n

Joe felt a Vengeance<\/em><\/strong> spread across his heart. He looked up into the eyes of The Fugitive<\/em><\/strong> and slowly rose to his feet, turning to face his lover\u2019s murderer.\u00a0 Ben rushed into the street, to his son\u2019s side coming to The Rescue<\/em><\/strong> just as Roy Coffee, a Peace Officer<\/em><\/strong> who lived by The Code<\/em><\/strong>, clamped the cuffs around the wrists of the killer.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eye released his building tears.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t Cry, My Son<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 The Storm<\/em><\/strong> will pass,\u201d muttered the anxious father.\u00a0 Joe allowed Ben to lead him away.<\/p>\n

The Lawmaker<\/em><\/strong> wearing The Tin Badge<\/em><\/strong> led The Guilty<\/em><\/strong> man toward the jailhouse.\u00a0 He\u2019d earned the Credit for A Kill<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Roy shook his head claiming that A Lawman\u2019s Lot is Not a Happy One<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Many weeks later, it was early Springtime<\/em><\/strong> and Joe was outside.\u00a0 The young man had just returned from town, having gone to get his Last Haircut<\/em><\/strong>. He arrived home with news about the Phillip Diedeshiemer Story<\/em><\/strong> and how the man had been in trouble with The Law and Billy Burgess<\/em><\/strong>, who was just recently Home from the Sea<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Joe had told his father about an event the pair was telling around town that happened in Cut Throat Junction<\/em>.<\/strong>\u00a0 They said it was An Earthquake Called Callahan<\/em><\/strong> and that a Found Child<\/em><\/strong> claimed that she\u2019d been raised by The Ape<\/em><\/strong>, a King of the Mountain<\/em><\/strong> sort of man who ate with The Jackknife<\/em><\/strong> he kept in his rear pocket.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss had laughed at him and told their younger brother about the Lila Conrad Story<\/em><\/strong>and how she had started a Land Grab<\/em><\/strong> right here on the Ponderosa after convincing everyone that their father was dead.\u00a0 The whole ranch had become a Kingdom of Fear<\/em><\/strong> when The Lady and the Mountain Lion<\/em><\/strong> had sought Desert Justice<\/em><\/strong> by claiming that she and The Late Ben Cartwright<\/em><\/strong> had shared a Love Child<\/em><\/strong> together, Lothario Larkin<\/em><\/strong>, <\/em>whom Lila called The Other Son<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Their tale had brought smiles to their younger brother\u2019s face so they expanded the story for Little Joe\u2019s benefit.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee Joe,\u201d Adam went on to say, \u201cLothario was Once A Doctor<\/em><\/strong>, who owned Old Sheba<\/em><\/strong>, an elephant, but in truth he was one of The Many Faces of Gideon Flinch<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was he?\u201d Joe had asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he was My Friend, My Enemy<\/em><\/strong>, you might say,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope that story about Pa wasn\u2019t really true!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not\u2026but it took Five Sundowns To Sunup<\/em><\/strong> to hush the story up!\u00a0 When it was over, they all vanished, Five Into the Wind<\/em><\/strong>, you might say. This happened around the holidays if I remember correctly.\u00a0 But it sure didn\u2019t make for A Christmas Story<\/em><\/strong>!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I bet it was a Night of Reckoning<\/em><\/strong>\u2026you know, Different Pines, Same Wind<\/em><\/strong>,\u201d Joe had declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue, so true,\u201d Adam had laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben found Joseph leaning against The Fence<\/em><\/strong> seemingly staring at The Auld Sod<\/em><\/strong> so he went to him.\u00a0 Sadness had lingered long in the young man\u2019s hazel eyes. \u2018Oh, Marie, My Love<\/em><\/strong>\u2026however can I help our son? He wears The Mark of Guilt<\/em><\/strong> on his young face\u2019, Ben\u2019s heart cried.\u00a0 He paused, feeling a flutter in his own heart and then, listening carefully he heard the words muttering softly, \u2018Mighty Is The Word<\/em><\/strong>\u2019 and then he knew what he must do.<\/p>\n

Ben leaned against the fence, close to his son; The Mission<\/em><\/strong> must be accomplished. He spoke in a soft, tender voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026sometimes in our lives, A Pink Cloud Comes from Old Cathay<\/em><\/strong>, and it becomes as Check Rain<\/em><\/strong>, pouring sorrow into our hearts\u2026but you must Look To The Stars<\/em><\/strong> and listen to the whispering of All Ye His Saints<\/em><\/strong>. Right now, you\u2019re caught in a Catch As Catch Can<\/em><\/strong>situation, but someday, you\u2019ll take The Gamble<\/em><\/strong> again.\u00a0 It\u2019s as The Crucible<\/em><\/strong> pull in your heart that tells you to let go, that you must.<\/p>\n

I remember once, Inger, My Love<\/em><\/strong>,<\/em> who had always been Her Brother\u2019s Keeper<\/em><\/strong>, and I attended The Initiation<\/em><\/strong> of an organization of inventors called The Fighters<\/em><\/strong> who fought for something they deeply believed in.\u00a0 They lost their first struggle with success, but that didn\u2019t give them reason to quit trying.\u00a0 When asked, Is There Any Man Here<\/em><\/strong> who was willing to try again, those men who had never had Feet of Clay<\/em><\/strong>, did In Defense of Honor<\/em><\/strong>, take The Infernal Machine<\/em><\/strong> that they developed, named it The Iron Butterfly<\/em><\/strong> and proved to the world that they could do what they set their heads and hearts into doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben paused in his speech and waited for his son to say something.\u00a0 When Joe said nothing, Ben went on, hoping to convince his son that It\u2019s A Small World<\/em><\/strong> and that love would come to him once again, when the time was right.\u00a0 At this point in time, Ben welcomed the thoughts of even The Mountain Girl<\/em><\/strong> whom Joe had taught to speak with her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, Elizabeth, My Love<\/em><\/strong> once told me that most things in life were simply Easy Come, Easy Go<\/em><\/strong>\u2026and not nearly as complicated as an Elegy for a Hangman<\/em><\/strong>\u2026<\/p>\n

Leave your pain and sorrow with The Miracle Maker<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 You will find a new love and it will be The Beginning<\/em><\/strong> of something wonderful.\u00a0 What has happened to you is a Journey Remembered<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Don\u2019t think on it as a Journey to Terror<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 It\u2019s all about A Question of Strength<\/em>.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe looked deeply into his father\u2019s eyes as Ben continued to offer his comfort.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t allow yourself to become A Toy Solider<\/em><\/strong>, out To Stop a War<\/em><\/strong> by moving and living automatically.\u00a0 One of these days, maybe real soon, The Thunder Man<\/em><\/strong> will resound in the heavens and A Woman Lost<\/em><\/strong>, or A Woman of Fire<\/em><\/strong>, to match your own, will walk into your life.\u00a0 It will be as if a doorman had shouted out, Enter Thomas Bower<\/em><\/strong>\u2026come sing of The Lonely Runner<\/em><\/strong> and of the Knight Errant<\/em><\/strong> so ill fated \u2026Enter Mark Twain<\/em><\/strong> and put pen and ink to paper, write of the Judgment at Olympus<\/em><\/strong> that freed lost souls and opened hearts\u2026so Joseph, shall your heart be!\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice became low and thick with emotion as Ben took a deep breath and pressed on.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you\u2019ll know it\u2019s real love because you\u2019ll feel like a Rich Man, Poor Man<\/em><\/strong>, you\u2019ll think you\u2019re a Little Man, Ten Feet Tall<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

My Son, My Son<\/em><\/strong>, I know you have A Passion for Justice<\/em><\/strong>, that you don\u2019t want Justice Deferred<\/em><\/strong> but please don\u2019t bring Calamity Over the Comstock<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em>\u00a0 Please, let\u2019s not make this like The Julia Bulette Story<\/em><\/strong>. Don\u2019t allow what\u2019s happened to you become the Invention of a Gunfighter<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em>\u00a0 Son, I\u2019ve left you a part of The Legacy<\/em><\/strong>, don\u2019t throw it away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe put his hand on his father\u2019s arm and for the first time in weeks, smiled for real.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa, even though I feel caught Between Heaven and Earth<\/em><\/strong>, and wish I could just fly away, like The Ponderosa Birdman<\/em><\/strong>, I\u2019ll not become The Scapegoat<\/em><\/strong> again, nor The Underdog<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 I\u2019ll continue The Quest<\/em><\/strong> for true love.\u00a0 I won\u2019t let another woman make a Jonah<\/em><\/strong> out of me, not even for The Honor of Cochise<\/em><\/strong>! I know I fell into The Trap<\/em><\/strong>, but that\u2019s over.\u00a0 I know Lotta is Dead and Gone<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled again.\u00a0 \u201cYou know Pa, right now what I really need is A Good Night\u2019s Rest<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t help but laugh.\u00a0 \u201cSo do I, son.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad The Dilemma<\/em><\/strong> is over.\u00a0 Shanklin faces Death At Dawn<\/em><\/strong> and then The Debt<\/em><\/strong> for murder will be paid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Joe said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, What Are Partners For<\/em><\/strong>?\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

Together, father and son made their way to the house.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s arm was about his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, how about riding into town with me tomorrow?\u00a0 I have to take The Brass Box<\/em><\/strong>, you know, the one we keep Logan\u2019s Treasure<\/em><\/strong> in\u2026well, I have to have The Boss<\/em><\/strong> at the hardware store repair the latch before The Secret<\/em><\/strong> gets out.\u00a0 And\u2026there\u2019s someone I want you to meet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa\u2026hmm\u2026who is it?\u201d asked Joe, suddenly curious.<\/p>\n

\u201cA friend\u2026a lady in fact.\u00a0 Meredith\u2026Meredith Smith<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe froze, pulling his father around so he could see Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe doesn\u2019t have the Devil on Her Shoulder<\/em><\/strong>, does she?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d laughed Ben.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s Destiny\u2019s Child<\/em><\/strong>, once The Countess<\/em><\/strong> but she gave that up and made The Decision<\/em><\/strong> to marry The Duke<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 She\u2019s bringing her daughter, Gabrielle<\/em><\/strong>, with her. They\u2019re coming here on a Last Mission<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 It\u2019s for the Last Hunt<\/em><\/strong> of the year and it\u2019s meant to win the very Last Trophy<\/em><\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh great,\u201d moaned Joe.\u00a0 \u201cShe sounds like The Strange One<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Remember Pa\u2026I\u2019m now The Reluctant Rebel<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Introduce her to Hoss, he\u2019s A Natural Wizard<\/em><\/strong> and casts A Big Shadow on the Land<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Or Adam, he\u2019s The Genius<\/em><\/strong>, he\u2019ll know how to handle A Woman In the House!\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s laughter was loud and brought Adam and Hoss running from the house to see what was so funny.\u00a0 Neither Ben nor Joe said a word.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you gonna tell us what\u2019s so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, echoed Hoss, \u201cwhat in Sam Hill<\/em><\/strong> are ya laughing about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced over at Joe and then turned to his older sons.\u00a0 \u201cNo, there\u2019s The Unwritten Commandment<\/em><\/strong>that says \u2018Something Hurt<\/em><\/strong>, Something Wild<\/strong><\/em> isn\u2019t worth A Dollar\u2019s Worth of Trouble <\/em><\/strong>or A Dime\u2019s Worth of Glory\u2019<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em>\u00a0 Saying nothing more, Ben led Joe into the house and closed the door.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked confused.\u00a0 \u201cHeh?\u201d he said, scratching his head.\u00a0 \u201cWhat in blazes was that supposed to mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, look, I\u2019m not My Brother\u2019s Keeper<\/em><\/strong>, But, it\u2019s simple,\u201d Adam explained, appearing to understand the statement.\u00a0 \u201cIt simply means that our little brother is looking for a Horse of A Different Hue<\/em><\/strong> and to find one, he has to go to A Real Nice, Friendly Little Town<\/em><\/strong>, find Old Charlie<\/em><\/strong>, The Last Viking <\/strong><\/em>and Tommy<\/em><\/strong>, The Horse Breaker<\/em><\/strong>, then light Five Candles<\/em><\/strong>, make The Wish<\/em><\/strong> and then it will be The Sure Thing<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Afterwards, Little Joe has to fight The Bottle Fighter<\/em><\/strong>, Pa will deem it A Time to Step Down<\/em><\/strong>, tip his hat in A Salute to Yesterday<\/em><\/strong>\u2026he\u2019ll become a Mirror of a Man<\/em><\/strong> like in The Saga of Whizzer McGee<\/em><\/strong>\u2026you remember him, don\u2019t you Hoss?\u00a0 He was one of The Horse Traders<\/em><\/strong>, and then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u00a0 Just a dang second!\u00a0 Now you ain\u2019t making no sense.\u00a0 Can ya just say it plain and simple so\u2019s I can understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Adam said smugly.\u00a0 \u201cJoe\u2019s got a Severe Case of Matrimony<\/em><\/strong>!\u201d\u00a0 He turned and went inside, leaving Hoss alone on the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026hmm\u2026well why didn\u2019t he just come right out and say it like that in the first place!\u201d Hoss sighed as he let his exasperation flow from his chest.\u00a0 Yawning, the big man turned toward the house singing softly to himself, \u201crock-a-bye baby, Rock-A-Bye- Hoss<\/em>\u2026<\/strong>\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

HAPPY BIRTHDAY\u2026DAVID!!
\nOctober 23, 2006<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: I wrote this story for David Dortort’s 90th birthday party to which I was invited. In the story I used all 430 episode titles so the story might sound a bit strange to some. I had the story bound in book form for Mr. Dortort and given to him as my gift celebrating his 90 glorious years. It was my way of saying thank you for the joy he brought to so many lives and especially for the friendship that developed between us that I will always cherish. It has never been shared with anyone except David, until now.<\/p>\n

Rated: G\u00a0 (5,000 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":1228,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[40],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12131","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-challenges","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1159,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15348,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15348","url_meta":{"origin":12131,"position":0},"title":"Joe Cartwright – Magician! (by Questfan)","author":"Questfan","date":"October 26, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"SUMMARY: A Bonanza story celebrating that fun side of Michael in his role as Joe Cartwright. Make it scary, funny, or dramatic . . . or all three! Rating: K Word Count: 660","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1C673A90-35E7-41AC-8BB3-F8707550AF36.jpeg?fit=700%2C525&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1C673A90-35E7-41AC-8BB3-F8707550AF36.jpeg?fit=700%2C525&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1C673A90-35E7-41AC-8BB3-F8707550AF36.jpeg?fit=700%2C525&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1C673A90-35E7-41AC-8BB3-F8707550AF36.jpeg?fit=700%2C525&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10175,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10175","url_meta":{"origin":12131,"position":1},"title":"The Night Before Christmas (by freyakendra)","author":"freyakendra","date":"December 20, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The boys have some childish fun in a poem that borrows from the original. Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (430 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12136,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12136","url_meta":{"origin":12131,"position":2},"title":"The Rebirth of Joe Cartwright (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this story should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-2.jpg?fit=338%2C338&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12135,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12135","url_meta":{"origin":12131,"position":3},"title":"Prelude to Rebirth (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this story should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":49274,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49274","url_meta":{"origin":12131,"position":4},"title":"Little Joe’s Island (by LindaBl)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 22, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0Little Joe has another crazy dream. All the Cartwrights and Hop Sing are aboard the Dixie I when it is shipwrecked. [It is a comedy parody which combines Bonanza and Gilligan's Island]. There's even a song you can sing along :-) Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a0Words: 1730","rel":"","context":"In "Crossover"","block_context":{"text":"Crossover","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=24"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":35147,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=35147","url_meta":{"origin":12131,"position":5},"title":"Mama’s Brooch (by Sierras)","author":"Sierras","date":"December 25, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Joe and his wife are having\u00a0their first Christmas together.\u00a0 He would like to find her a special gift. 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