{"id":12260,"date":"2003-06-01T08:10:19","date_gmt":"2003-06-01T12:10:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12260"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:55","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:55","slug":"our-secret-loves-no-secret-anymore-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12260","title":{"rendered":"Our Secret Love’s No Secret Anymore (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> \u00a0 Only one man that Ben knows of can be held responsible for Ben’s youngest son’s injuries, Austin Baker.\u00a0 But why, after nearly twenty years, would an old friend want to seek revenge on Ben Cartwright?\u00a0 A secret love from Ben’s past may hold the key that unlocks the door to the mystery and Ben’s heart.\u00a0 Ben shares his secret with Adam and Hoss to help them understand why their brother was so badly beaten.<\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong> \u00a0G (10,275 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Our Secret Love\u2019s No Secret Anymore<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Our Secret Love\u2019s No Secret Anymore
\nOnce I had a secret love,
\nThat lived within this heart of me,
\nAll to soon my secret love
\nBecame impatient to be free.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

So, I told a friendly star
\nThe way that dreamers often do
\nJust how wonderful you are
\nAnd why I\u2019m so in love with you
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Now I shout it from the highest hill
\nEven told the golden daffodils
\nAnd now, my heart\u2019s an open door
\nAnd my secret love\u2019s no secret anymore<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe stumbled through the door, crashing to the floor at his father\u2019s feet as Ben came from the kitchen. Instantly Ben stooped down, gathered his youngest son into his arms and turned his son so that he could see the boy\u2019s face. With one hand, Ben brushed at the wet curls that had plastered themselves to Joe\u2019s brow. His eyes widened in shock when he felt the sticky substance and saw that it was blood that coated the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d he muttered softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM, HOSS GET IN HERE, NOW!\u201d bellowed Ben. \u201cHURRY UP!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s all the ruckus, Pa?\u201d questioned Hoss as he rushed from the kitchen. \u201cOh Lordy, what happened to him?\u201d Hoss asked as he kneeled down next to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Hoss said in a whispered voice. \u201cWho dun this to ya, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d Adam called from the top of the stairs, unable to see his youngest brother lying in a heap in the floor behind the settee. He quickened his steps when he realized that his father and Hoss were bent over in the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, help me get Joe to the settee, Adam, please, either go, or send one of the men for the doctor. Someone\u2019s beat your brother nearly to death.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gathered the younger boy up into his arms and carried him to the settee where he carefully placed Joe. Ben trailed behind shouting for Hop Sing to bring some warm water and a cloth so that he could begin to wipe away the dirt and blood that covered the battered face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moaned; his left arm crossed his midsection, as he fought against the pain that stabbed at his ribcage. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here son,\u201d whispered Ben, taking the clean rag and dipping it into the warm, soapy water. Carefully, Ben began dabbing at his son\u2019s battered face, cleaning away the dried blood that had smeared across Joe\u2019s forehead and cheeks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, who did this to you?\u201d Ben asked while he carefully tended to his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam burst through the door and hurried to the settee. \u201cI sent one of the men into town for the doctor. How is he?\u201d Adam inquired, moving around the settee and leaning down so that he might get a better look at his brother\u2019s face. Gently, he fingered through the thick mass of dark curls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid he say who beat him?\u201d questioned Adam, glancing at his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026oh\u2026it hurts\u2026\u201d stammered Joe, groaning a second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him upstairs, Hoss help me,\u201d ordered Ben, as he stepped aside to make room for his middle son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere, jest let me carry\u2019em. Take it easy short shanks, I\u2019ll have ya in your own bed real soon like.\u201d Hoss then slipped his arms under his brother\u2019s body and using care so as not to cause the boy any more pain than necessary, lifted Joe into his arms and carried him to his room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d whispered Adam, taking his father\u2019s arm and preventing Ben from following after Hoss. \u201cYou don\u2019t think it could have been\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes had grown dark with unspoken fury, \u201cHe better hope that he didn\u2019t do this, or have if done, for if Baker issued an order to retaliate against me by half killing my son, I will kill the man with my bare hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben spun on his heels and marched up the steps, leaving his oldest son to contemplate his words. Adam heard himself groan letting his breath out slowly as he hurried to follow his father up the stairs. He\u2019d seen his father\u2019s reaction the other day, when they had been together in town and had run into the Baker man, and though Adam had no idea as to why, he knew his father and the stranger had once been enemies.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss already had Joe laid on the bed by the time that Ben entered the semi-dark room. Quickly he raised the wick on the lamp bringing more light into the room. Hop Sing was standing on the far side of the bed with the dish of warm water. Hoss was tugging at Joe\u2019s boots, trying to remove them without causing his brother further discomfort.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In spite of the effort on Hoss\u2019 part to prevent any more distress in his brother\u2019s already pain-ridden body, Joe groaned loudly. \u201cOh\u2026Hoss\u2026please\u2026please\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss instantly stopped, the second boot nearly removed from Joe\u2019s foot and watched the wearisome expression on Joe\u2019s face. It pained his heart to watch and he grimaced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m terrible sorry, Joe, but just one more small yank and then I\u2019ll be finished,\u201d muttered Hoss softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly he tugged on the boot and with one last moan from Joe, the foot was freed. Hoss\u2019 eyes sought Joe\u2019s face and he cringed when he saw the tears the trickled down the side of his brother\u2019s face. He hurried to toss the boot aside and moved to the head of the bed, where he bent low over Joe and took the younger boy\u2019s hand into his own, while brushing the hair back from Joe\u2019s brow with his large beefy fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Punkin, don\u2019t cry\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to hurt ya,\u201d Hoss pleaded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Hoss\u2026\u201d Joe used his free hand and wiped away the dampness from his eyes. \u201cIt just hurts so dang bad\u2026that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, can you tell us who did this to you?\u201d Ben was quick to ask just as soon as he neared the bed and took the bowl of water from Hop Sing and began cleaning away the remainder of dirt from his son\u2019s bruised face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026Pa.\u201d Joe averted his eyes and glanced up at Hoss who was watching him. In the hazel eyes, Hoss could see the silent plea that begged him for understanding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we best get the boy cleaned up, he\u2019s about to fall asleep on us,\u201d Hoss was quick to speak up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw the pained expression that Joe wore on his face and agreed with his middle son. \u201cHoss, lets get these bloody clothes off and then I can see what kind of other damage has been done.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Together, Hoss and Ben gently removed Joe\u2019s soiled clothing. Ben scrunched up his face and balled his fists when he spied the numerous bruises that covered Joe\u2019s upper body. With as much care as possible, Ben probed gently with his fingers, down the length of his son\u2019s ribcage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tired his best to keep from crying out, but more than once a soft moan would escape past his lips. \u201cOh\u2026hmm\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s body arched slightly as the uncomfortable feelings increased.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry son, but it feels like you may have more than a couple cracked ribs. Try not to move around too much, Paul should be here soon and then we can bind your ribs,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026Pa, please\u2026\u201dgroaned Joe, holding his arm across his middle. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine, really, there\u2019s no need to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t help but smile, his youngest son had never been a very good patient, and having had his ribs bound before, Joe was not likely to be any better this time around than any other time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben cooed softly, \u201cit has to be done, there\u2019s no sense in trying to say that you will be fine. I\u2019m sure you will be, but none the less, these ribs are getting bound.\u201d Ben stated firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pushed the back of his head deeper into the soft pillow and pinched his eyes together tightly, fighting hard not to let his father see for real just how badly he hurt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it was worth a try,\u201d he muttered and then opened one eye and peeked from beneath long lashes at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026what am I going to do with you?\u201d smiled Ben as he moved the water bowl out of the way and pulled the covers up to Joe\u2019s chin. At least the boy hadn\u2019t lost his sense of humor, Ben thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a teeny smile and then closed his eyes. \u201cI guess it wouldn\u2019t do any good to beg, would it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think so,\u201d whispered Joe as he drifted off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was much later that Paul Martin, the long time family friend and Virginia City\u2019s only doctor, slipped into the youngest Cartwright\u2019s bedroom. The wick on the lamp had been lowered enough that only a soft glow lit the room. Ben sat in the old comfortable chair that he had placed near the side of the bed where he could be close, should his son cry out for him. Ben dozed, but when Paul placed his hand on the patriarch\u2019s shoulder, Ben woke instantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul,\u201d he whispered and then glanced down at Joe who was just beginning to toss about in the bed. He stood to his feet and moved so that Paul could have complete access to the bed and his patient.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry it took me so long Ben, but Liza Williams delivered her baby this afternoon and\u2026well\u2026you remember what a horrible time she had with the last baby. This one was almost as bad, I just couldn\u2019t leave her until I was sure that both she and the child was all right,\u201d explained Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow is she?\u201d Ben asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul smiled broadly; \u201cShe and the baby both are fine.\u201d Paul snickered, \u201cfrom the looks of your youngest, I\u2019d say Liza had a much easier afternoon than Joe. Who in the world did this to him, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While he talked, Paul made his examination, agreeing with Ben that the boy\u2019s ribs would need binding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Paul. Joe wasn\u2019t in much shape to say a lot. I have an idea, but unless Joe can confirm my suspicions, there isn\u2019t anything I can do about it right now,\u201d explained Ben as he sat on the far side of the bed, across from the physician.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s eyes moved to Ben\u2019s face and he watched, with concern, the expressions that crossed his friend\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d whispered Paul, glancing down to see that Joe was still sleeping. \u201cYou don\u2019t think that Austin Baker did this, or had anything to do with it, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope not Paul. You and I both have known Austin since before Little Joe was born. I\u2019d hate to think that just because of a misunderstanding years ago, he\u2019d show up here in town and take his spite out on my son,\u201d muttered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Ben,\u201d Paul said, still whispering, \u201cAustin wouldn\u2019t have known that Joe was your son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be hard for the man to find that out, Paul. Anyone might have mentioned to him that I had a younger son. All Austin had to do was to ask about me, or mention Adam and Hoss and anyone could have told him that I have three sons, not just two,\u201d Ben explained to his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, time changes people, surely you don\u2019t think that after nearly twenty years, Austin is here, in Virginia City to make good a threat he made in a moment of anger and grief, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed deeply and glanced at the bed where his youngest son, lay, beaten and dazed. \u201cI hope not, Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here son. The doctor\u2019s here now and we need to bind your ribs. Think you can sit up for us?\u201d Ben inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened both eyes, and seeing the doctor standing over him, groaned softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, what kind of greeting is that?\u201d teased the doctor. \u201cI\u2019m glad all my patients don\u2019t react to me like that,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe folded his arm across his mid-section and tried not to giggle. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Doc, it\u2019s just that you never come just for a social visit anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul placed both hands on his hips and frowned. \u201cAnd is that my fault, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled weakly and shook his head. \u201cNo, I reckon not.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably if you would stay out of trouble, Paul might get a chance to do a little socializing, but you seem to have a monopoly on his time lately,\u201d chided Ben gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to giggle and then moaned. \u201cPa\u2026please, don\u2019t make me laugh, it hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay young man. That\u2019s enough foolishness, let\u2019s get this over with. Let your father help you sit up now. You just lean on him while I wrap you up and then I\u2019ll give you something to help you rest,\u201d instructed Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that the doctor had finished with his work, Joe was visibly exhausted. Ben helped him back down against the pile of pillows and covered him up. It was only minutes later that he had fallen to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe should sleep most of the night, Ben,\u201d Paul announced as he began packing his instruments into his black medical bag. \u201cThose cuts and scrapes should heal just fine, it might take the bruises several days to start fading, but other than a couple of busted ribs, he should be fine in a few days. I want him to stay in the bed though, for at least a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced back at his sleeping son. \u201cI\u2019ll make sure he does.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, I\u2019ll see myself out, Ben, you sit with him for awhile. I need to get back into town; Lord only knows who else might need my service before the night is over. Send me word, should you need me,\u201d bid the physician as he closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for coming, Paul,\u201d called Ben in a whispered voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Ben was alone with his son, he pulled the chair closer to the bed and sat down. The only color on Joe\u2019s face was the shades of black and blue from the bruises that he had suffered from the beating. His lips were pressed tightly together and even in his sleep the boy moaned softly when he took a deep breath. The busted ribs were quite painful and Ben knew that it would be several days before Joe would get sufficient relief from the pain. Sadly, Ben shook his head; his hand reached out to the bed and took Joe\u2019s into his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you aren\u2019t suffering because of me, son,\u201d Ben whispered sorrowfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was unaware that his two older sons had slipped silently into the room and stood behind him. The brother\u2019s exchanged puzzled looks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you say that, Pa?\u201d Adam whispered in a low voice so as not to disturb his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben quickly moved back from the edge of the bed and looked up at his sons. On his face was a look of unease.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go downstairs, I don\u2019t want to wake Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood to his feet and led the way to the door. Once downstairs, he motioned for his sons to have a seat. Ben took his usual place in the red chair and sat down, waiting for his sons to make themselves comfortable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam had settled himself in the blue chair and Hoss stood, foot propped on the stone hearth, Ben took a deep breath and glanced from one son to the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a long story,\u201d Ben stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam crossed his legs, eyeing his father and seeing the troubled expression that shadowed his dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you start at the beginning, Pa?\u201d suggested Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I suppose I should. It\u2019s not anything that I\u2019ve ever spoken about before, especially in front of your younger brother,\u201d Ben said, glancing from one to the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d just as soon keep it that way, if you wouldn\u2019t mind,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced over in Adam\u2019s direction and saw Adam looking at him. Adam raised his dark brows and then faced his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf that\u2019s what you would prefer, it\u2019s up to you, Pa. We\u2019ll not say anything to Joe about this, if it\u2019s meant for him to know, we\u2019ll let you tell him,\u201d agreed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Pa, if\u2019n it\u2019s likely to upset the boy, then maybe he shouldn\u2019t know,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks boys, I\u2019d just as soon Joe not know, unless it comes down to it,\u201d Ben said solemnly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019s that, Pa?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs I said Hoss, it\u2019s a long story and I doubt that Joe would relish the idea that there might have been another woman in my life after your mother and before his. Let me start by telling both of you, that some of the things I\u2019m about to tell you, is not very pleasant a lot happened during that time\u2026so many years ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat things? Does it have anything to do with that Baker fellow you saw in town the other day?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched as his father turned his head and stared into the blazing fire. It seemed as if Ben\u2019s eyes took on a far distant look about him, transporting him back into another time. Adam glanced at Hoss and then back at his father; Ben had his elbow propped up on the arm of his chair, his chin rested on his folded fist and he sighed deeply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly he snapped to attention, turning to see two pairs of eyes watching him. Ben smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was several years ago, before Little Joe was born, before I met and married his mother to be exact. I met Austin and Emily Baker a couple of years after settling here,\u201d Ben began, turning to smile at Hoss. Ben had not heard Adam\u2019s question; his thoughts had taken him on an entirely different course.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were just a baby Hoss, about three and Adam, you were barely nine years old at the time. I was working in the barn that morning, so naturally when I heard a wagon drive into the yard, I stepped outside to see who was coming for a visit. Those few steps from the barn to the yard, changed my life forever,\u201d said Ben, the far away look coming back into his eyes. \u201cShe was so lovely\u2026I\u2019ll never forget that smile, or the color of her hair when the morning sun touched it. It was like golden wheat, blowing in a gentle breeze.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss cleared his throat and caught Adam\u2019s attention and then smiled. Adam\u2019s eyes opened wide as he returned the knowing look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen she spoke my name, it was as if my heart had been pierced by Cupid\u2019s arrow, I remember opening my mouth and trying to speak, but just forming the words seemed impossible, and then she laughed and said\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, but are you okay?\u201d Emily said, jabbing Austin in the ribs and pointing to the man who had come from the barn and who had suddenly looked as if he were strangling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAustin, please, help the gentleman,\u201d Emily had ordered in a gentle voice that spoke of quality.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben suddenly snapped back from where ever his senses had taken him. He felt the fiery blaze of embarrassment burning his face as he stepped up to the wagon and greeted the newcomers who had stopped by.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, I\u2026well\u2026I\u2026ere\u2026\u201d muttered Ben, looking again up into the woman\u2019s sparkling blue eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay, mister, most all men react the same way when they see my wife for the first time,\u201d the man said with a touch of rudeness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cName\u2019s Austin Baker, and this here is my wife, Emily,\u201d Austin said, climbing down from the wagon and offering Ben his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took the pro-offered hand and the two exchanged handshakes. Ben glanced up at the beautiful young woman who was now standing, waiting for her husband to help her down. Ben glanced from one to the other and when Austin made no move to offer his help, Ben stepped up to the wagon and stretched out his arms. Emily bent downward, placing her hands on either side of Ben\u2019s shoulders lowering her body into his waiting arms and allowed Ben to help her down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s fingers clutched Emily\u2019s tiny waist; unexpectedly his senses soared, for just the fragrance of her perfume left Ben feeling as if the flame of desire had been rekindled. It has been so long, his heart cried without warning as Ben eased Emily down to the ground. Her feet firmly planted on the hard soil, his fingers lingered a second longer than necessary. Emily was staring up at him and Ben felt as if he were drowning in the depths of twin oceans as his eyes locked with hers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Austin cleared his throat. Ben snapped back to the present, Emily fumbled with smoothing her dress and turned her head around as the sound of babyish laughter caught her attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily smiled at the raven hair little boy who came strolling across the yard, a cotton top, blue eyed little boy holding tightly to his hand. In the other chubby little fist, the younger of the two was carrying a half-eaten cookie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his sons as they approached and then watched as Emily squatted down to greet them. \u201cWell, hello there,\u201d she smiled. \u201cAnd what\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Adam, and this here is my baby brother, Hoss,\u201d said Adam, looking to his father and smiling shyly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHorse?\u201d Emily said, turning to Ben with unasked questions in her eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed lightly and picked Hoss up in his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo ma\u2019am, not horse, it\u2019s Hoss, that\u2019s H-o-s-s, his real name is Eric, but we call him Hoss, it means \u2018a big, friendly man\u2019,\u201d he explained. \u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry, my name is Ben Cartwright, and this here fella you already met, is my right hand man, Adam, my oldest son,\u201d smiled Ben, slipping his arm around Adam who had moved to stand next to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Baker, what can I do for you?\u201d Ben asked as he forced his attention from the smile that the beautiful woman was sharing with his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was told to come see you about a piece of property you have for sale.\u201d Austin pulled a slip of paper from his shirt pocket and unfolded it, handing it to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt says right here that you are holding one hundred acres, a house and barn, for a Winston Campbell, to be sold for him, by you. That\u2019s what we are here to talk to you about, if you have the time,\u201d Austin explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled Hoss\u2019 pudgy fingers from his shirt pocket where the toddler was digging, and set the toddler on the ground. \u201cAdam, please take your brother back to the house and have Hop Sing wash him off, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Papa, supper\u2019s ready,\u201d Adam whispered, shielding his mouth with his hand so that the strange man and the beautiful lady could not see what he was saying. \u201cHop Sing said either you come now, or he\u2019s going back to China.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held the paper in his hand reading the contents of the document. He glanced down at his oldest son, frowning slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Austin said, \u201cif ya don\u2019t have time now, we can come back later.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026please, now is just fine,\u201d Ben stated, smiling at the couple.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned his attention to Adam, who was trying to keep his baby brother from picking up a clump of dirt and putting it in his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily giggled and then hushed the minute she caught her husband\u2019s glaring sneer. The gesture did not go unnoticed by Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, go inside and ask Hop Sing to set two more places. We\u2019re going to be having guest for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched as his son eyed the pair and then glanced back at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Papa, but Hop Sing sure is gonna be unhappy about ya not tellin\u2019 him sooner. Come on Hoss, let\u2019s go,\u201d grumbled the dark eyed little boy as he pulled Hoss along with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou will stay, won\u2019t you?\u201d Ben asked the couple.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Mr. Cartwright\u2026we really shouldn\u2019t,\u201d Emily said, a touch of remorse sounding in her voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease do, it\u2019s so rare that we have company, what with living all the way out here and so few neighbors, please, won’t you stay?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily glanced at Austin and waited for him to decide. It took him several moments, and in those moments, he took in everything that encompassed the yard and house of the family\u2019s homestead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, we\u2019d be delighted to stay. Thank you Mr. Cartwright,\u201d smiled Austin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had seen the hidden wealth that was just beginning to show itself in the things that Ben Cartwright had achieved since settling in this remote corner of the Nevada Territory. Austin had done some research and had found that Ben was a budding rancher, dealing mainly in cattle and horses and some small lumber sales, both of which were on the brink of making him a rich man. He needed that hundred acres that bordered this beautiful land surrounding this man\u2019s homestead, he needed Ben Cartwright\u2019s help and if he played his cards right, he could even earn this man\u2019s trust and friendship.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, then come to the house, Hop Sing, my cook, doesn\u2019t like to be kept waiting once dinner is ready to serve,\u201d Ben explained, pointing in the direction of the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay I?\u201d he asked Emily as he offered his arm to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily glanced quickly at her husband and when Ben followed her gaze, Austin was smiling. Ben had no idea that something might have been amiss between the man and wife and so in the fashion of a true gentleman, led Mrs. Baker and her husband into his home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Supper had been most enjoyable. Ben was pleased that even his two young sons had been on their best behavior. After supper Ben and Austin had retired to Ben\u2019s office alcove off the main room of the open room downstairs and spent over an hour discussing the sale of Mr. Campbell\u2019s property. Occasionally Ben would look up from his papers and watch how baby Hoss responded to the woman\u2019s gentle touch. When Hoss giggled, Ben smiled. He saw that as the evening proceeded, Adam had begun to respond to Emily\u2019s friendly manner.\u00a0\u00a0 It was obvious that she had begun to draw Adam out of his shell enough so that the young boy was sitting on the hearth with her and listening intently as Emily read to them from one of Adam\u2019s books.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy mama used to read to me,\u201d Adam said in a small voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced upward, watching. Austin was speaking but Ben\u2019s attention was focused on his son, for it was rare that Adam spoke of his mother, Inger, Hoss\u2019 mother by birth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow wonderful, Adam,\u201d Emily smiled. \u201cI suppose you\u2019re old enough to read some of these stories by yourself now, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am, but I still like to have them read to me. Some times I read them to Hoss, but he doesn\u2019t understand all the words. And sometimes, Papa reads them to me, after Hoss has gone to bed,\u201d Adam explained, smiling shyly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily glanced up meeting Ben\u2019s dark expressive eyes and then averting hers back to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd does your mama still read to you, I mean, when she\u2019s home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam dropped his head, refusing to look up at the lady next to him. After a short time, he shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo ma\u2019am, she\u2019s dead,\u201d the boy whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily\u2019s eyes instantly misted but she willed away the tears, for the boy\u2019s sake for it was plain to see how just saying the words ripped away at the walls of his young heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam, I didn\u2019t realize\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced up; the well of tears gone. \u201cThat\u2019s okay ma\u2019am, me and Hoss\u2026I mean\u2026Hoss and I, we still have Papa, and he\u2019s the best,\u201d Adam smiled at last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily tenderly fingered the raven hair and smiled sweetly. \u201cI\u2019m sure he is, darling,\u201d she murmured in a low, soft voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cInger was her name, and she had blond hair like you, and her eyes were blue like yours too,\u201d Adam told Emily. \u201cShe was Hoss\u2019 mama really, but she loved me too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A look of puzzlement crossed Emily\u2019s face. \u201cI don\u2019t understand, Adam, I thought that you said your mama died.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe did die, my real mama I mean. Her name was Elizabeth and when I got borned, she died. Later, after Papa and me started traveling, we met Inger, and then they got married. She went with us, Papa and me, in the wagon and one day while we were stopped, Hoss got borned,\u201d Adam went on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From across the room, both Austin and Ben had stopped chatting, and were now listening to Ben\u2019s son telling the story of his father\u2019s two wives. Austin glanced at Ben and saw that Ben was watching his son and Emily and the way in which Emily was gently caressing the boy\u2019s face. He had seen that same look in the eyes of many men when they had looked at Emily, but Austin had hoped that here, in this back country, that things would be different for he and his wife. He hated the way that his wife was always drawn to men with children; having yearned for a child of her own the years of their marriage and then finding out that she could never have one of her own, had changed things between them. Austin cursed himself for ever telling his wife that he was the one who could not produce a child, not she, and since that dreadful day, it had appeared to Austin that Emily had seemed to lose interest in their relationship.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rose, without a word to his guest and moved slowly across the room to the hearth and to Emily. Austin watched as Emily responded to the older man\u2019s smile and when Ben spoke, Emily laughed lightly along with Ben. Austin felt the knots that tightened in his stomach and he growled deep within himself quietly, silently and then stood to his feet and joined his beautiful wife and his host in front of the fireplace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was nearly three years ago,\u201d Ben said, explaining to his guest about when and how his second wife had died.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing slipped into the room and bowed graciously to his employer. \u201cIf Mr. Cartlight wish, Hop Sing put young boy and baby Hoss to bed now,\u201d muttered Hop Sing, taking Hoss from his father\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, thank you Hop Sing,\u201d smiled Ben, surrendering Hoss to Hop Sing\u2019s waiting arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou go night-night little one,\u201d cooed Ben, giving Hoss a kiss on his chubby little cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you go along too son, I\u2019ll be up shortly to tuck you in and listen to your prayers,\u201d smiled Ben, tousling the dark hair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes Papa. Good night ma\u2019am,\u201d smiled Adam, \u201csir,\u201d he said and slipped away silently following behind Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNight-night!\u201d jabbered Hoss, looking over Hop Sing\u2019s shoulder and waving his hand bye-bye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, precious,\u201d laughed Emily, waving back at the little boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood night son,\u201d called Ben, his eyes following his sons up the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Mr. Cartwright, that Hoss is a charming little boy, and Adam, why I do declare, he is such a little gentleman, and so handsome too,\u201d smiled Emily, her eyes shining brightly as she sat down in the red chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy thank you, Mrs. Baker. It hasn\u2019t been easy, trying to run this ranch and care for two little boys. If I hadn\u2019t found Hop Sing when I did, there\u2019s no telling how I would have gotten by,\u201d admitted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was odd, he thought, to be able to speak so openly with this woman. For so long he had kept things bottled up inside of him, feeling at times, like he was paddling up stream against a swift current and never getting where he needed to be. But suddenly, out of nowhere, this woman appears and it\u2019s as if he had known her all of his life, so easy was she to talk with.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure that it has been hard, I\u2019m sorry about all your misfortune, Mr. Cartwright, but all in all, you seem to be doing an excellent job raising your sons. Wouldn\u2019t you agree Austin?\u201d Emily said, smiling warmly at her husband.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it would appear to be so,\u201d Austin said agreeably and then changed the subject. He had no desire to talk about children; none of which he dared to hope would ever be fathered by himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d smiled Austin, \u201cabout the Campbell place, is it a deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head. \u201cI don\u2019t see why not Austin, I think what you\u2019ve offered is a fair price, and I have no doubts that Winston will have any objections. A deal it is,\u201d smiled Ben extending his hand to Austin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Austin\u2019s face broke into a wide smile and took Ben\u2019s hand into his. \u201cThank you Ben, you have no idea how pleased I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily stood to her feet and moved to stand beside her husband. Austin smiled warmly at his wife and with his free hand, slipped his arm about her waist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, my dear, it seems that we are soon to become ranchers,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Austin, I\u2019m so pleased,\u201d she muttered to her husband. She turned to Ben and smiled. \u201cAnd just think, Mr. Cartwright and his two darling sons, will be our nearest neighbors!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, that\u2019s how you met them. I had almost forgotten about them, Pa,\u201d Adam said, leaning forward in his chair. He turned to Hoss; \u201cshe seemed to stop by often to see us, Hoss. I can remember one day, she came by and she\u2019d been crying,\u201d Adam paused, trying to drudge the memory of that day to the surface. He turned to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t she say something about being hit?\u201d he asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head. \u201cYou have a great memory, son. But to answer your question, yes, on that particular day, she rode over, on her horse. She was alone and yes, she\u2019d been crying. I remember the haunted look in her eyes, the sadness that seemed to have engulfed her whole being. And I can still remember the way she\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily slid from the saddle, and turned quickly, dropping to her knees and burying her face in the palms of her hands, sobbing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rushed from the side porch where he had been doing some paper work, to the young woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEmily\u2026Emily,\u201d Ben called, taking the sobbing woman into his arms and pulling her to her feet. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Has something happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tenderly raised the quivering chin. The air expelled from his lungs as he stared in horror of the bruises that covered her lovely features. Unable to speak, he pulled her face to his breast, his hand gently pressed to the side of her face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God,\u201d whispered Ben, \u201cwhat has he done to you this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Ben,\u201d sobbed Emily, \u201che\u2019s gone mad, he thinks that you and I\u2026I mean\u2026that we\u2026\u201d she stammered and then stopped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently pulled Emily\u2019s head upward so that he might look into her face. \u201cThat we\u2026what?\u201d he said, his voice low and thick with emotion that he fought to keep within.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre\u2026in love with\u2026each other,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed the knot that had suddenly risen in the back of his throat and looked deeply into the tearful eyes. He took a deep breath, it was true, his heart whispered, he was in love with her, but she belonged to another man, she was his friend’s wife and he\u2019d never do anything to come between a man and his wife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEmily, please, let\u2019s go inside. The baby is sleeping and Adam is\u2026\u201d Suddenly Ben remembered his oldest son who had been sitting with him at the table. When Ben turned, he was surprised to see his son standing behind him, wide-eyed and frightened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam saw his father turn and look at him, Adam took a step nearer. \u201cPapa,\u201d he said in a wee voice, \u201cdid you make Miss Emily cry?\u201d the boy asked as tears began to fill his dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben released his arm from around Emily and quickly stooped, pulling Adam into a tight hug. \u201cNo\u2026of course not, son. It\u2019s nothing for you to worry about, Emily is just upset, but everything\u2019s going to be fine. Now, why don\u2019t you go inside and ask Hop Sing to fix you some milk and cookies? I think it\u2019s just about time for Hoss to wake up from his nap. Okay, precious?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded his head, glanced up at Emily, who had wiped away her tears and then glanced back at his father. \u201cPapa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, its okay son, you run along now, please?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Papa\u2026but is Miss Emily gonna live here with us?\u201d Adam asked softly. \u201cCause if she is\u2026its okay with me\u2026and I know Hoss won\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pinched his eyes tightly shut and then opened them, not fully believing what his son had just whispered to him, but knowing how his own heart was wishing the same thing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Adam, Emily isn\u2019t going to be living with us\u2026she already has a husband, remember?\u201d Ben said, forcing a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut that man is mean, you even said so, and he makes her cry, you said th\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cADAM! That will be enough, now go to the house,\u201d stammered Ben, embarrassed at his son\u2019s words, be it that they were truthfully spoken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben placed both hands on his son\u2019s slender shoulders and spun the boy around. Giving a gentle nudge to his backside, Ben left no doubt to the raven hair boy that his conversation with his father had ended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d the boy muttered but when he glanced over his shoulder, his father had already returned his attention to his company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Ben, I\u2019m so sorry, I should have had better sense than to say such things in front of the boy,\u201d Emily apologized, wiping her eyes with her handkerchief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben slipped his arms about her trembling shoulders and guided her to the side porch. There he pulled out a chair and helped her to sit down. As he took his own seat, he slowly raised his head, meeting her eyes. He saw her struggling to regain control of her emotions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d she said slowly, looking up and into his dark eyes. \u201cIt is true\u2026what Austin said.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEmily, please,\u201d whispered Ben, placing his hand over hers. \u201cThere\u2019s no need to say anything\u2026there\u2019s nothing we can do to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I am in love with you,\u201d she blurted out, rising and turning her back to Ben. \u201cI\u2019ve known it for a long time, since that first day I met you\u2026I\u2019ve known.\u201d Emily turned back to face Ben. \u201cAnd if you would be honest with yourself\u2026you would admit that you are in love with me, as well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d whispered Ben, getting to his feet and coming around the table to stand in front of Emily. \u201cNo\u2026I\u2026don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily surprised Ben by suddenly flinging her arms about his neck and covering his lips with her own. She kissed Ben deeply, his reserve weakened as he felt his body respond to her passion. His arms slipped slowly around her sensuous body until he held her firmly pressed against his own body. He loved her, he needed her and he wanted her; he could no longer deny his feelings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head reeled and suddenly his hands moved to her arms, wrenching them free from around his neck and gently forcing her to back away from him. It was wrong, and he would never compromise her or himself, let alone his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Emily,\u201d he all but shouted as he turned from her. \u201cYou are another man\u2019s wife, and I will not be a party to such behavior.\u201d Ben spun back around, noting the tears that had filled Emily\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have my sons to think about\u2026\u201d his voice sounded strained, even to his own ears. He stepped close to Emily, who had lowered her head. Tenderly he raised her chin so that he might look into her eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps had it been another time, another place\u2026another lifetime\u2026but Emily\u2026what we feel for each other is wrong and it can never go any further than simple friendship. Do you understand?\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily pulled free of Ben\u2019s large gentle hands. \u201cI know that Ben. I knew that even before I came here\u2026but that doesn\u2019t stop the way I feel about you\u2026or the boys\u2026I love you, Ben Cartwright and, I love Adam and Hoss as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Austin, Emily? What about your husband, don\u2019t you love him?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook at my face, Ben? What do you think? Does this look like he loves me?\u201d she shouted. \u201cBen, he\u2019s not the man I fell in love with, he\u2019s changed, he\u2019s cold and\u2026he\u2019s cruel\u2026Oh Ben\u2026I\u2019m going to have a baby!\u201d she screamed. \u201cAnd when I told him, he beat me\u2026want to know why? Because he believes it\u2019s your baby, Ben!\u201d Emily covered her face with her hands and began weeping again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, too stunned for words, made the sobbing woman sit back down. He quickly poured her a glass of lemonade and made her take a drink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEmily\u2026you\u2019re going to have a baby? Why\u2026that\u2019s wonderful,\u201d Ben said, hoping to stop the weeping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily peered from beneath lowered lashes and shook her head. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand Ben\u2026Austin can\u2019t\u2026I mean\u2026a doctor in Philadelphia told him that he could never father a child.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shock registered on Ben\u2019s face and in his eyes. \u201cThen who\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily\u2019s eyes turned dark with anger, \u201cWhat do you mean, who,\u201d she stammered. \u201cOf course it\u2019s his baby\u2026I wish it was anybody\u2019s baby but his, but it IS his,\u201d shouted Emily, standing to her feet once again. \u201cI\u2019ve never been unfaithful to my husband, never\u2026even if I don\u2019t love him anymore!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut he believes it is impossible for him to father a child. So he assumes that this baby is yours, because he knows how I feel about you, and\u2026though you try to hide it,\u201d she smiled slightly, \u201cyou really don\u2019t do a good job Ben, Austin knows that you are in love with me,\u201d she finished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s why he beat you like this?\u201d Ben said, his voice softening as he brushed the back of his hand down the side of Emily\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily nodded her head. As she raised her head to look at Ben, she smiled, but the light in her beautiful eyes remained unlit. \u201cOh Ben,\u201d she murmured, \u201chow I wish with all of my heart that this child I carry inside of me, was yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently took Emily into his arms, holding her close and leaning his head down he kissed the top of her golden curls. \u201cSo do I, but it isn\u2019t and we have to find some way to convince your husband of that,\u201d muttered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow Ben, how do we do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Emily, I don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben whispered, closing his eyes to the world around him and letting himself drift away with the scent of her perfume.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you ever convince him, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked, glancing at Adam to see if he had noticed that their father had seemed to get lost in the long ago era of his life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Hoss said a mite louder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d Ben uttered, forcing himself back to the present.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked ya, how\u2019d ya ever convince Mr. Baker that the baby was his, and not yours?\u201d Hoss repeated the question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben paused and looked first at Hoss and then at Adam. \u201cI\u2019m not sure that we ever did. You see, after that day, I never saw Emily again. I mean, I caught glimpses of her in town, or at church, social events, things such at that, but alone\u2026never again. I suppose that was good, I know it took some of the strain off me, but I still worried about her, and what might be happening to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, you still loved her, didn\u2019t you Pa?\u201d Adam said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben paused, as if remembering. The pain that he had felt back then, returning to fill his eyes again, as though time had never past between the \u2018then and the now\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I suppose I did love her.\u201d Ben pinched his lips tightly together. \u201cFunny, this is the first time that I ever voiced those words aloud. I did love her, but I knew I could never have her, she belonged to another man, a man that had once been my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened when the baby was born? Was it a boy or girl?\u201d questioned Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI remember that night well. Paul Martin had just come to town the week before to start practicing medicine, and Emily was his first patient. He came by here, after Emily gave birth, to tell me about what had happened,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul, come in,\u201d Ben greeted the doctor whom he had just met the week before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two had bumped into one another in town and had started conversing. From that short conversation, a friendship, born of loneliness and need of companionship, had been born. It was a friendship that would last a lifetime and one that would eventually entwine itself into both of their lives in ways that would later surprise them both.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat brings you out this way?\u201d Ben smiled, stepping aside and allowing the young doctor to enter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Ben, I was on a call and thought I\u2019d stop by.\u201d Paul\u2019s voice sounded serious. \u201cMind if we talk a spell?\u201d he said as he entered into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not, is something wrong, Paul?\u201d Ben said, pointing to a chair and waiting while the physician made himself comfortable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought perhaps you would like to know,\u201d Paul began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKnow what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEmily\u2026had her baby tonight Ben. It was a girl,\u201d Paul explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood to his feet and turned toward the massive fireplace. He swallowed deeply and fought with his emotions. When he turned, he felt confident that he had masked his feelings from the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow is she, and the baby?\u201d he asked in a voice that he hoped showed none of his inner turmoil.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d Paul stood and studied his new friend\u2019s face. \u201cShe\u2019s dead,\u201d he stated firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt as if the wind had been knocked from his lungs. He gasped deeply and sought for his chair in order to sit down, before falling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2026wh\u2026\u201d he sputtered. \u201cWhat\u2026happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul moved to Ben\u2019s side and knelt down, placing his hand on Ben\u2019s knee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an extremely difficult birth Ben. The baby was breach, Emily was so tiny and the baby was too large. There was a lot of bleeding, and I couldn\u2019t stop it in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul saw the dark chocolate eyes brim with tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe lived a very short time after the baby was finally born. She managed to tell Austin that you were not the father, but in truth, he was. I don\u2019t know anything about what she was referring too, I didn\u2019t ask, God knows it was none of my business. But since I was there when she told her husband, I thought I would pass the information on to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head. The tiny beads of water slipped slowly down the sides of his face. \u201cThank you, Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou need not worry, this will go no further than this room,\u201d promised the kind hearted doctor, \u201cand as far as I\u2019m concerned, we need never speak of this again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m in your debt, thank you,\u201d Ben said. \u201cBut there is nothing to talk about. There was nothing between Emily and I other than friendship, except in the mind of her husband.\u00a0\u00a0 She was a kind, caring and loving woman. She was a saint to my sons, and they will miss her terribly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about her baby, how is she?\u201d Ben asked with compassion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe baby is fine, Ben. I have sent a wet-nurse out to help Austin care for the child.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow is Austin?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot good, I\u2019m afraid. He\u2019s angry Ben, he didn\u2019t believe his wife when she told him that the child was his. He still believes that the baby is yours and\u2026he\u2026\u201d the physician began to stammer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked up, knowing in his heart that he had to tell Ben, so that his frend could be prepared for whatever Austin might try to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe blames you for his wife\u2019s death and he\u2019s vowed to get even with you,\u201d Paul informed his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s ridiculous,\u201d Ben shouted. \u201cI\u2019ve already told you, there was nothing between Emily and I\u2026and there is no way that the baby could have been mine. Why we\u2019ve never so much as\u2026\u201d Ben stopped suddenly, remembering the last time that he had seen Emily and the kiss that had forever sealed its memory into his heart. Oh dear God, Ben\u2019s heart silently cried out, will I ever be able to love again?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I just thought you should know, just in case.\u201d Paul pulled himself to his feet. \u201cI\u2019d best be on my way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben also stood to his feet and grabbed Paul\u2019s hand. \u201cThank you Paul, for coming all the way out here just to tell me. I appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem Ben. And don\u2019t worry, anything I hear from one of my patients is confidential, so you need not fear that I repeat things,\u201d Paul assured Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not worried, talk is cheap, that\u2019s what I think. And if Austin wants to talk, then let him, but it is his name that he\u2019ll be smearing, not mine,\u201d Ben declared, handing the doctor his hat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope he doesn\u2019t do that though. Emily seemed like a lovely woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe was Paul, she was a very special person.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had grown quiet once more and both Hoss and Adam waited, giving their father time to collect his thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfter Emily was buried, Austin sold the ranch and moved away. Much later, I learned that he went back east, to Philadelphia. I haven\u2019t heard anything about him or from him since then, until the other day when you and I saw him in town.\u201d Ben told his sons at last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen he never made good his threats?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank goodness. But now, since he\u2019s back, I can only wonder about his motives.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do ya mean? Do ya think he had anything to do with Little Joe getting busted up? Cause I\u2019ll pound him for ya if\u2019n he touched the boy,\u201d Hoss promised, slamming one fist into this opened hand to stress his point.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019ll do no such a thing, young man,\u201d began Ben but was stopped by a knocking at the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWonder who that could be at this hour?\u201d Ben chimed, rising and heading for the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He unlatched the lock and pulled opened the thick oak door. He stood, unmoving and silent as he stared at the trio in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss, aware of their father\u2019s sudden silence sprang to their feet and rushed to Ben\u2019s side. Adam glanced out the door at the two men and the young lady and then at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam said softly, touching his father\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben seemed to snap back to reality. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. Austin, won\u2019t you please\u2026come in?\u201d Ben offered, stepping aside and allowing his guest to enter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Ben. I\u2019m sorry for stopping by so late, but I needed to talk with you,\u201d Austin said, removing his hat and checking the younger man to be sure that he had remembered his manners.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to apologize,\u201d smiled Ben. \u201cCome in, please, won\u2019t you have a seat?\u201d Ben offered, leading the way to the settee and the chairs placed around the fireplace and pointing at each.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Austin smiled hesitantly as his eyes swept the room. \u201cStill looks much as I remember seeing it for the very first time,\u201d Austin said, turning to Ben and smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt hasn\u2019t changed much, we\u2019ve added a few new pieces of furniture.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019m sorry, I\u2019m forgetting my manners, this is my daughter, Suzanne.\u201d Austin paused, waiting for Ben\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s mouth had dropped open. There had been no reason to explain to him who the girl was, for Suzanne was the spitting image of her mother. Austin\u2019s laughter brought Ben out of his stance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben clamped his mouth shut and looked at Austin, surprised to see him smiling. \u201cLooks just like her mother, doesn\u2019t she, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026yes she does,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCauses as much of a stir as Emily always did, too,\u201d Austin laughed lightly. \u201cThis is my son, Shawn,\u201d said Austin, nudging the boy. \u201cShake hands, young man!\u201d ordered Austin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shawn extended his arm and when Ben took his hand into his own, they shook. Ben\u2019s<\/p>\n

observant eyes noted the number of bruises that the boy sported and the split lip, the small cut over one eye that had been stitched, and the boy\u2019s left arm was hidden in a sling. Ben wondered at the boy\u2019s injuries, but kept his thoughts to himself for the lad appeared in almost as bad shape as his own son, who even now was recuperating in the upstairs bedroom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNice to meet ya, sir,\u201d Shawn said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShawn,\u201d greeted Ben who then turned to Austin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Austin rushed on to explain Ben\u2019s unasked questions he knew Ben must surely wonder about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI married shortly after Emily died. When I went back to Philadelphia, I remarried and when my wife became pregnant, I went to see another doctor\u2026I had to know for sure Ben, you understand,\u201d Austin said, sadly. \u201cEmily was telling the truth. I was a fool, a big fool and that\u2019s why I\u2019m here. I want to apologize to you for everything that happened all those years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to apologize for Austin. I knew the truth, and so did Emily,\u201d Ben stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose, that deep down in my heart, I knew the truth too. I just couldn\u2019t make myself believe it, that I did actually father a child, until Mary Beth told me she was having a baby. And by then, it was too late to tell Emily how very sorry I was, but I promised myself that if I ever got back to Nevada, I would look you up and extend my apologizes to you, in person. Lord only knows how many letters I\u2019ve written to you that never got mailed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Austin, I\u2019m glad that you finally learned the truth. Now, how about if we share a brandy\u2026it\u2019s some of the finest in the country?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get it for you, Pa,\u201d Adam hurried to offer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat can\u2019t be Adam? And you must be Hoss?\u201d Austin laughed, turning to observe both of Ben\u2019s sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, I\u2019m Hoss and that\u2019s sure \u2018nough my oldest brother, Adam,\u201d smiled Hoss broadly. \u201cWe\u2019ve got another brother, but he\u2019s laid up right now, his name\u2019s Joe, but we call him Little Joe,\u201d Hoss informed their guest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPapa?\u201d Suzanne cooed, stepping up next to her father and slipping her arm around his waist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d smiled Suzanne, taking the breath out of the older Cartwright with the sound of her voice that reminded him of Emily\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, my dear?\u201d Ben said at last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy father is here to apologize for something else\u2026well\u2026in a way\u2026we all are, aren\u2019t we father?\u201d Suzanne stated firmly, her voice commanding in tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked puzzled as he glanced around at Adam and Hoss who had come to stand behind their father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026Ben\u2026while we were in town earlier, Suzanne sort of started a fight\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did not start anything, Father, you know perfectly well that it was Shawn, he\u2019s always so overly protective of me every time a man comes near me!\u201d scolded Suzanne.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow daughter,\u201d Austin tried to reprimand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suzanne turned her crystal blue eyes on her father and began shaking her finger at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Daddy, don\u2019t you \u2018now daughter\u2019 me. You know perfectly well how bossy Shawn can be at times. Now you make Shawn tell Mr. Cartwright that he\u2019s sorry for busting up that nice young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in blazes are you talking about?\u201d Ben asked, confused by the conversation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think she\u2019s talking about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All eyes turned upward at the sound of the young man standing at the head of the stairs, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, what are you doing out of bed, young man?\u201d Ben snapped as he hurried to meet his youngest son as Joe moved slowly down the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Hoss and rolled his eyes. \u201cMight have known, if there was a pretty girl around, Joe would be involved,\u201d he whispered, causing Hoss to snicker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019d better explain,\u201d Joe said, letting his father help him to the settee where he sat down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think someone should explain,\u201d Ben said, sitting next to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou see, when I was in town this afternoon, I sort of ran into Miss Baker. I wasn\u2019t really paying attention to where I was going.\u201d Joe stifled another giggled. \u201cLiterally. Then, when I tried to tell her I was sorry, well\u2026you know me, Pa\u2026I ain\u2019t never been one to control my temper too well. Miss Baker jumped in her buggy and headed off, out of town and naturally I chased after her. I didn\u2019t know that her brother and her father were following me. When they caught up to me, well\u2026I guess the rest is history. You can tell what happened just by looking at the two of us,\u201d laughed Joe. \u201cBy the time that Shawn and I here were finished, it was a toss up as to which one of us had the most bruises.\u201d Joe laughed again, looking toward Shawn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that Shawn thought I was going to cause trouble or something, but then when he told me his name, I thought\u2026oh great, she\u2019s married and before I could ask, we were hitting each other. I didn\u2019t know he was her brother\u2026until after we\u2019d nearly killed one another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI had to separate the boys, Ben. Once I got those two hot heads to simmer down, and found out that his name was Cartwright\u2026well\u2026I couldn\u2019t remember ya having a boy that young, so I figured ya must\u2019ve married again. When I asked, Joe here told me that his ma had passed away,\u201d Austin told the group. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Ben, to hear that. I wanted to bring the boy home myself, but he wouldn\u2019t hear of it. Sure is a stubborn cuss,\u201d Austin muttered, catching the look that Joe gave him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled thinking that Austin had summed up his son\u2019s personality in one word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Austin, but, Marie died a long time ago,\u201d Ben said, \u201cand time does heal all wounds, am I right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ben, it does. Time and love\u2026I learned that the hard way.\u201d Austin stood to his feet and looked over at Ben who had also gotten to his. \u201cI hope that time will mend our wounds as well, Ben. I\u2019ve wasted too many years being angry, feeling sorry for myself, and just being a plain old fool. Time was awasting, and I aim to change that. Thank you for letting me have that chance, I know it\u2019s what Emily would have wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEmily? Who\u2019s she?\u201d asked Joe, looking to his father for his answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEmily was a very special lady, son. You would have liked her,\u201d Ben smiled, slipping his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf she looked anything like Miss Baker here, I\u2019d say ya was right, Pa!\u201d laughed Joe, sweeping the young woman\u2019s body with his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry ma\u2019am, for being so forward,\u201d Joe nodded his head at Suzanne. \u201cShawn, sorry about the fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026that\u2019s alright Cartwright, ya still ended up with more bruises than me!\u201d Shawn snickered. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I jumped to conclusions. Pa always said to think before leaping, guess I haven\u2019t learned that too well yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry son,\u201d smiled Austin, \u201cit took me a half my life to learn not to jump to conclusions and the other half to learn how to say I\u2019m sorry. I\u2019m still working on how to forgive myself for being such a fool.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt takes a big man to admit he\u2019s wrong, but I think we\u2019ve all learned something about ourselves tonight,\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure have,\u201d laughed Joe, rubbing his jaw. \u201cI\u2019ve learned to duck faster.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you should just learn to leave the women to the men. You\u2019re still a mite young to be chasing around after a pretty face. Why you wouldn\u2019t even know what to\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, stop that!\u201d shouted Adam grabbing the pillow that Joe had flung at him and tossing it back at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBOYS!\u201d shouted Ben, just as the pillow shimmied across the top of his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The windows in the house rattled with the roar of laughter that filled the room. \u201cBoys will be boys!\u201d whispered Suzanne, taking Hoss\u2019 arm that he offered her and following him through the door and out into the bright moonlight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/strong><\/p>\n

JUNE 2003<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*Song: Secret Love, by Freddy Fender\u2026no infringement intended.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0 Only one man that Ben knows of can be held responsible for Ben’s youngest son’s injuries, Austin Baker.\u00a0 But why, after nearly twenty years, would an old friend want to seek revenge on Ben Cartwright?\u00a0 A secret love from Ben’s past may hold the key that unlocks the door to the mystery and Ben’s heart.\u00a0 Ben shares his secret with Adam and Hoss to help them understand why their brother was so badly beaten.<\/p>\n

Rating: \u00a0G (10,275 words) <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":3865,"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":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12260","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1853,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Bad_Day2.jpg?fit=555%2C468&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14137,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14137","url_meta":{"origin":12260,"position":0},"title":"Pandora’s Box (by Krystyna)","author":"Krystyna","date":"May 3, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Everyone at school had a secret in the family so Joe was convinced there had to be a secret in his own, and where better to find it than in a certain box in his father's room Rating: \u00a0G \u00a0(2,190 words)","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\/2017\/01\/Pandoras-Box.jpg?fit=236%2C236&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":25624,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=25624","url_meta":{"origin":12260,"position":1},"title":"Christmas Spirit (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"December 25, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Little Joe learns something special about Christmas, with the help of his brothers. Rating: T, WC 947","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\/2019\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpg?fit=600%2C539&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpg?fit=600%2C539&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpg?fit=600%2C539&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14391,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14391","url_meta":{"origin":12260,"position":2},"title":"The Next Big Bonanza (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 12, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0It's better than the General Store or the Mercantile. Rating: \u00a0T \u00a0(1,740 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\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7728,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7728","url_meta":{"origin":12260,"position":3},"title":"I’ve Got A Secret (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Little Joe knows a secret Adam would rather he did not tell. 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