{"id":12684,"date":"2007-11-14T17:41:54","date_gmt":"2007-11-14T22:41:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12684"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:11:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:11:18","slug":"wildflowers-by-calim11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12684","title":{"rendered":"Wildflowers (by Calim11)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Ben and Adam are waylaid and left to die. Will all be lost or will unexpected help keep that pale rider at bay?<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0PG-13 for Western-style violence\u00a0 (9,355 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wildflowers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright leaned heavily against the cold surface of the mine wall holding desperately onto something precious \u2013 his oldest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was a heavy weight on the arm that wrapped under his head and across his chest, the hand splayed there to feel the beat of his heart against his palm. Ben closed his eyes and moved closer still, hoping his mere presence would help his boy live until they were found.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Life was hard out here in the wilderness, this untamed land that gave great promise and took more than a life\u2019s blood to harness. It was filled with risk and treachery and unruly men who didn\u2019t care what became of themselves or others, men with guns and ideas of taking what wasn\u2019t theirs in lieu of earning it themselves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was some of those men both he and Adam happened onto that foggy afternoon just a day before. It was those men who shot his son from the saddle before a word was spoken. It was those men who\u2019d taken their horses, provisions, and what little money they had and left them to rot in this mine chained to an overturned ore cart \u2013 no reason given. With all his might, Ben tried to break loose yanking on the chain that bound his ankle, Adam urging him on until his voice collapsed and his strength fled. And now Ben sat holding his son on the cold floor of an abandoned mine in hopes that someone would come.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For himself, it didn\u2019t matter. His life had been long. But for his son . . . his life was just beginning. Small comfort was gained in the knowledge that he was here with Adam, holding him, talking to him of times spent together on the wagon train west, of their life in this wilderness they called home. Small comfort indeed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sighing, Ben closed burning eyes on tears that fell unchecked on the one lying so still in his arms. How could they have struggled through so much for so long to have it all end here in the darkness of an old, played-out mine without so much as a last glimpse of the rising sun or the twinkling of a thousand points of light as daylight sailed to the other side of the world.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

God help us!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Letting go of such heavy thoughts wasn\u2019t easy but he had to try. He\u2019d not give up until Adam breathed his last, whether it was here beside him or somewhere else. He would be there for him until the end, whenever that moment came, and hold him as the angels spirited him away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, son,\u201d Ben whispered, a lonely sound echoing back to his ears alone, running a hand through Adam\u2019s dark hair. \u201cI\u2019ll always be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s somethin\u2019 wrong,\u201d Hoss Cartwright muttered as he tried once again to tighten the girth strap on Chubb\u2019s saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re you mumblin\u2019 about?\u201d his brother Joe asked as he dropped the fender of his own saddle and checked Cochise\u2019s bridle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said there\u2019s somethin\u2019 wrong,\u201d Hoss repeated with a measure of heat to the words lost on his little brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWith what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy saddle!\u201d Hoss angrily snapped drawing a raised brow from Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, okay. You don\u2019t havta get all uppity. Geez, it\u2019s like talkin\u2019 to Adam before his morning coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just feel . . . uneasy is all,\u201d Hoss said with a shrug not looking at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUneasy about what? It\u2019s Saturday; the dance is tonight. Adam\u2019s gonna miss a good time if he doesn\u2019t get his butt back here by nightfall,\u201d Joe cheerfully said patting his horse on the neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t goin\u2019,\u201d Hoss declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t wanna.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re no fun,\u201d Joe declared. \u201cEver since Pa and Adam\u2019ve been gone, you\u2019ve been like a big ol\u2019 bear.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up then, his scowl deepening as he glared at his brother. \u201cWell, I\u2019m sorry if\u2019n I don\u2019t take kindly ta doin\u2019 yer chores as well as Adam\u2019s and mine!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I\u2019ve been pullin\u2019 my weight,\u201d Joe responded with a hurt look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, ya mean like when you was sparkin\u2019 Miss Emily Parker in town while I had ta load the wagon all by myself?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that was just. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then just accidentally dropped yer post holer on my foot when Miss Anita Bollard came ridin\u2019 by,\u201d Hoss interrupted not giving Joe a chance to say anything.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was just five minutes and. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and let\u2019s not forget the unfortunate Lindy Mueller that had ta have help fixin\u2019 her wheel. If\u2019n I remember right, I<\/u><\/em> fixed her wheel while you kept her busy lookin\u2019 at the lake!\u201d Hoss finished, skewering Joe with the daggers that flashed from his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was being neighborly,\u201d Joe explained heatedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, next time,\u201d Hoss demanded, \u201cbe neighborly on yer own dang time! Dadgumit!\u201d he shouted jerking the saddle from Chubb\u2019s back and tossing it to the ground, soon to huff out of the barn, leaving a confused horse and mystified brother behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, what do ya think of that, Chubb?\u201d Joe asked the big Morgan as he rubbed his ears, easing him back into his stall and placing Hoss\u2019 saddle in its proper place. Running a hand down the girth strap, he noticed the frayed edge plain as day. Hoss should\u2019ve seen this right off. Joe rubbed his neck, shrugged, then got to work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thirty minutes later, he peeked through the kitchen door to see Hop Sing moving silently about his domain putting together the afternoon meal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe upstairs in Mister Adam\u2019s room,\u201d he explained without even turning around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s room?\u201d Joe asked grabbing a cookie from the stove.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe worried. He only go there when worried. Leave cookies alone,\u201d Hop Sing ordered slapping at Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cThey for Church picnic tomorrow. Eat then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at the little man and headed out to the great room and up the stairs, stopping outside his elder brother\u2019s room. Quietly knocking, he pushed open the door to see Hoss sitting in the rocker by Adam\u2019s desk, chin on hand, looking out the window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI, ah, fixed your girth strap. It was beginning to tear,\u201d Joe offered bending over to look into his brother\u2019s eyes. \u201cYou do know this is Adam\u2019s room right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss answered with a sigh, his voice barely above a whisper. Joe looked around, the sight bringing back pleasant memories.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI always remember this as a safe room,\u201d Joe confessed, \u201ccoming in here when I was little after those nightmares started when Mama . . . well, after she died. Adam always let me sleep with him and held me close.\u201d His brother didn\u2019t respond and Joe knelt next to him, genuine worry filling him. \u201cYou okay, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he answered not taking his eyes from the window. \u201cThere\u2019s somethin\u2019 wrong. I just feel it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? With me or Hop Sing? The house? What?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just it,\u201d Hoss admitted finally turning toward Joe. \u201cI cain\u2019t figure it. It\u2019s somethin\u2019, though; been with me since yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should stay. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou remember when Trudy Basker said she had ta go home that day at the lake \u2018cause there was somethin\u2019 wrong with her sister?\u201d Hoss interrupted. Joe desperately tried to remember, drawing an impatient glare from his brother when he shrugged no. \u201cHer sister, Martha, had taken sick and they didn\u2019t think she\u2019d make it through the day and she\u2019d been callin\u2019 for Trudy. It was true, Joe. She had<\/u><\/em> been callin\u2019 for Trudy. She told me later it was like her bones was pullin\u2019 her somewhere, callin\u2019 her home and she couldn\u2019t do nothin\u2019 but follow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re feeling the same thing now?\u201d Joe asked as Hoss slowly nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s somethin\u2019 wrong, Joe, and I gotta go look,\u201d he said. His decision made he moved abruptly to his feet knocking Joe to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere? Where ya gonna look?\u201d he argued looking up at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. I\u2019ll start out and see what happens.\u201d Moving swiftly past his brother, he left Joe scrambling to follow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, come on then.\u201d Hastily moving down the stairs and grabbing his hat and gunbelt from the sideboard, Hoss hurried out the door; Joe stopped in the kitchen to let Hop Sing know where they were going, even though he had no idea himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood luck,\u201d the cook called from the doorway as the two rushed into the barn. Worry had befallen the little man as well and, like Hoss, couldn\u2019t place it either. He shook his head and returned to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was muttering again and Ben listened intently but the words were slurred and barely audible and no amount of concentration could decipher what he was saying. No matter. It gave him hope – he was still alive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had lost track of time, not knowing if this was the second or third day of their incarceration. The lengthening shadows cast a deeper darkness to the world around them and the heat of this day was lost to the chill of cooling rock to make him shiver. He knew that whatever reserve he held within was being leeched from his very bones and could only guess what it was doing to Adam who quivered in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Please hurry or I\u2019ll lose him!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That thought thundered through him and he shook his head to still it. Holding Adam closer, Ben wrapped his other arm snuggly about him hoping it would give him the needed strength to endure. Closing his eyes, events surfaced of the moment when everything turned sour.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They\u2019d ridden up to Beacon Hollow, just the two of them, to see that bit of land Hoss was interested in purchasing for a reserve. Adam thought it a worthy cause but Ben scoffed. \u2018Land should be used by cattle and horses, not ignored and left for the local wildlife\u2019, he\u2019d said. But Adam prevailed by informing their father that it would provide a suitable shortcut to the next county when they moved their cattle to market, cutting off two to three days trail time, possibly more. Ben began to nod then smile and Adam finished off the conversation with a wink and a sly smile for Hoss alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Having spent the day roaming about the area and that night under the stars, they\u2019d packed up their camp the next morning and started for home, moving through the thick fog that had descended during the night. It was that thick fog that hid a hell that was about to break loose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They\u2019d heard nothing, seen nothing as the sun desperately tried to break through, and all Ben remembered was the sound of a gunshot and the resulting flash, then Adam jerking in the saddle and falling to lie twisting on the ground as Ben leaped from the saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop right there, mister!\u201d came to him from out of the fog before he could take one step, seeing three horses appear and three guns leveled at him. \u201cDrop yer gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Doing as he was told, Ben watched a short, dark haired excuse for a man move toward Adam, giving him a swift kick to force him back to the ground as he struggled to reach for his gun. He flinched when Adam cried out and fell back; the man relieved him of his weapon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake whatever you want and leave us alone!\u201d Ben demanded through clenched teeth, turning a heated glare toward the other two men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we intend too,\u201d said the tall one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood silently as they approached and tore Buck\u2019s reins from his hand then worked through his pockets, his gaze shifting back to the dark haired man as he rummaged through Adam\u2019s pockets then kicked him once more just because. Ben\u2019s hands turned into fists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo git \u2018im,\u201d the tall one ordered as he stepped back, using his gun as a pointer. Ben wasted no time and rushed to his son\u2019s side, grimacing at the blossoming bloodstain decorating his tan shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa. . .\u201d came the strangled voice as Ben felt along Adam\u2019s back finding no exit wound.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSsh, son,\u201d Ben said trying to pull open Adam\u2019s shirt to see the extent of the damage, his fingers sliding over the bloodied buttons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGit \u2018im up,\u201d came the next order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy son needs a doctor,\u201d Ben flatly stated, giving up on the buttons when the cold barrel of a gun touched his cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGit \u2018im up,\u201d the tall one repeated in an uncompromising tone anger filling Ben once again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I move him he\u2019s going to. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said git \u2018im up!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled on his father\u2019s arm to draw his attention from the men and stared into his eyes. \u201cHelp me up, Pa,\u201d he managed, teeth gritting against the waves of agony that blew through him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Their eyes locked and Ben nodded, slowly easing him to a sitting position and trying to ignore the sharp cry that followed. Grabbing his belt and pulling his good arm over his shoulder, Ben brought Adam to his feet, his hate for these men growing with each pain filled gasp that escaped his boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOver here,\u201d the tall man ordered. Ben squinted in the direction pointed and vaguely saw a rock wall and a dark opening through the fog.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMove it!\u201d yelled the dark haired man, pushing Ben from behind when he faltered. Stumbling, he somehow managed to keep Adam on his feet and, within a few shambling steps, made it to the opening. \u201cInside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fright filled Ben. He\u2019d no doubt that these men were going to kill them, leave them inside this mine never to be found. His thoughts shifted to Hoss and Joe and their unending search for them, and he cursed the fog and how helpless he felt. A light bloomed from behind and he was shoved again, this time using the rock wall to keep them upright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit here,\u201d came the order. Ben carefully eased Adam down, dropping to the ground next to him as his own leg was jerked out from under him and a heavy piece of iron attached to his ankle. His fear doubled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you doing this?\u201d Ben asked, his voice shaking. \u201cYou have everything. Why not let us go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCain\u2019t have ya gittin\u2019 the Sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen why don\u2019t you kill us outright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t be right,\u201d answered the third man, a pock-marked sallow skinned fellow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Surprise raised Ben\u2019s brows. \u201cSo instead you\u2019ll leave us chained up? My boy\u2019s hurt. He\u2019s going to die without help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe in killin\u2019 a man outright, mister,\u201d the tall man spoke, dropping a second cuff next to Adam and turning away. \u201cHe ain\u2019t goin\u2019 nowhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut my son needs a doctor,\u201d Ben proclaimed helplessly watching as they began to file out. \u201cHe needs help!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo he does. Good luck with that,\u201d came the answer as the three men disappeared taking the light with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t just leave us here!\u201d Ben yelled, his booming voice echoing about them. \u201cCOME BACK HERE, YOU BASTARDS!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d came out of the dark as Ben wrestled his anger under control and pulled his attention from the disappearing men back to his boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight here, son,\u201d he said gently laying a hand against his cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre. . .they. . .gone?\u201d Adam asked, his words jerky between short breaths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son, they\u2019re gone,\u201d Ben answered worry pushing itself back to the forefront.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . coming . . . back?”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d came Ben\u2019s plain answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard the disgust in his father\u2019s voice and knew they were in trouble. \u201cYou hurt?\u201d he asked, feeling Ben pull back his jacket, the effort making him wince.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but you are,\u201d Ben gave him, yanking open Adam\u2019s shirt, buttons bouncing against the walls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo . . . kidding,\u201d Adam answered, sucking in a breath as Ben\u2019s probing fingers found the neat little hole in his chest. \u201cBad, huh?\u201d he asked. The silence that followed his question answered it for him and he swallowed away the bile that crept into his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t see it,\u201d Ben said, withdrawing blood soaked fingers. \u201cI\u2019m sure it feels worse than it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat should be. . . pretty bad then,\u201d Adam quipped, not able to stifle the whimper that escaped him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be all right, son,\u201d Ben said as much for himself as Adam and quickly pulled off his own jacket, yanking at his sleeves until the stitching gave way and tied them together. Next he pulled the bandana from around his neck and wadded it up. \u201cI have to stop the bleeding. This is going to hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo what you. . .have to,\u201d came Adam\u2019s answer feeling himself tense as he waited for the onslaught he knew was coming.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When it came, Adam let out a loud bellow and tried to move away from it but the excruciating pain hit him from all sides. He pleaded with whoever would listen to let him pass out but, apparently, no one was listening because he stayed awake through it all, a roar filling his ears to blot out everything but the rapid beating of his heart. He blindly reached out and, finding something soft, grabbed at it, using the contact to anchor him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . relax . . ,\u201d edged through the barbed wire that clung to him and wormed its way slowly past the roar in his ears, effectively spreading through him like a balm. \u201cIt\u2019ll pass, son,\u201d came next, the loving tone easing his fast breaths as the pain lessened to a dull throbbing that matched the pounding in his head. He could feel his father moving his jacket back into place and buttoning it closed, feel his arms enfold him in an embrace. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . still . . . here,\u201d he gave him as he pressed his head to Ben\u2019s shoulder, relaxing against him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben clenched his jaw at the weak voice, thinking he might not hear it again for some time. Already he could feel blood seeping through the makeshift bandage and knew he had to get Adam out of there. But how? Straining to keep the gathered tears from falling, he swallowed his distress all the while silently cursing those men who\u2019d left them like this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid it. . . did it go through?\u201d Adam asked feeling sweat break out all over his body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben answered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to. . . have to go for help,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed. \u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was sure he\u2019d heard wrong, but then the ringing in his ears was making it hard to concentrate. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey chained me,\u201d Ben said clenching his jaw and shaking his leg. The clang echoed about them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took Adam a moment to comprehend the sound then he felt his stomach drop at the meaning. \u201cWhat. . . what are we. . . gonna do?\u201d he asked, trying to ignore a new round of pain beginning to build.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben truthfully answered, kicking out his leg again. \u201cBut let me start with this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Releasing Adam and carefully propping him against the wall, Ben went to work, pulling so hard on the chain he could feel muscles cramp in his arms and back as Adam urged him on. After ten minutes of trying, with his grunts and curses filling the cave, he felt a hand on his boot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo use, Pa,\u201d came Adam\u2019s soft voice, the darkness dragging on him like a lead weight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDadblasted iron!\u201d Ben angrily yelled tossing the offending item to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam\u2019s hand slid from the boot, the echoing sounds of the chain moved farther away from him with each passing second and he felt himself falling, unable to stop himself. \u201cYou . . . tried . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up at the halting words, hearing something scraping against rock. Urgently reaching out, he grabbed hold of Adam\u2019s jacket just as his son began to slide sideways. \u201cAdam!\u201d he shouted, managing to slow his son\u2019s descent just before his head hit the ground. \u201cAdam? Adam, talk to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Getting no response, he groped for a pulse, finding it slow but steady, and closed relieved eyes. Enfolding his boy back into his arms, Ben laid his head atop Adam\u2019s and settled back against the wall, the same thoughts traipsing through his mind over and over again. What could he have done differently to avoid what came to be? What could he have said that would\u2019ve turned the tide?<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hated that word for it spoke of failure, a term not normally mentioned in connection with the name Cartwright. Nothing meant no choices, no power over what would come or what would be or how it would end. Nothing was an end to all that came before. But those men had given them no option, their guns speaking before they did, catching them both off guard.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

It was the fog.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excuses – another word not in his vocabulary. There were always reasons why something did or didn\u2019t happen, whether it was fate or God\u2019s design. Hoss would\u2019ve said things happen for a reason, understood or not; Joe would\u2019ve jumped up and down and railed at the injustice of it all. Ben merely wondered why God would give him a son then take him away by virtue of a fog-shrouded afternoon and the bark of a gun in the hands of an unruly man. Such thoughts filled him as they sat waiting, waiting for who knew how long, captives in a mine without help, without water, and withering hope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben vehemently said. \u201cI will not<\/u><\/em> lose hope.\u201d Movement under his arms drove his attention downward. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . pa . . .\u201d came clearly to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He leaned toward his son\u2019s ear. \u201cI\u2019m here, son,\u201d he reminded him waiting for more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . fog . . . didn\u2019t see . . .\u201d Each word was frail and vague, leaving him weaker in Ben\u2019s grasp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter. We\u2019ll get through the fog together, you and I, like always. Silence followed and Ben thought Adam had drifted away again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . cold . . .\u201d came next and Ben\u2019s embrace tightened about his son to fight against the bone-jarring chill that suddenly moved through him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben leaned in close. \u201cRemember when you were a boy and we came through those snow-covered mountains and into the lowlands? Remember when we could finally shed our winter coats and lay in the sun surrounded by all those wildflowers? Do you remember how it felt to have the sun on your face after such a long time? To feel its warmth?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . heaven . . ,\u201d came Adam\u2019s faint answer as the shivering began to recede.<\/p>\n

\u201c. . . mama . . . flowers . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe kept those flowers pressed in a book to have for all time because you\u2019d given them to her. She loved you, Adam, and would want you to hold on, to pass those flowers onto someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . tired . . .\u201d came the weak reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son, I know,\u201d Ben answered trying to keep the urgency from his voice as he held on tighter. \u201cBut you need to hold on. Your brothers will be here soon and we\u2019ll be able to go home. Just listen to my voice, listen to my words and the memories they bring and let them keep you here with me. Don\u2019t leave me, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . mama\u2019s here . . ,\u201d came softly to Ben, and he squeezed shut his eyes and leaned his face against the back of Adam\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Inger, don\u2019t take him from me!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quiet descended between them as Ben focused on any sound, waited for any movement, his arm across Adam\u2019s chest to keep tabs on the efforts of his shallow breaths, informing him that he still lived.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Inger, please let me keep him and hurry whoever will come. I beg your help for my sweet boy.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And he began to speak of times gone by in hopes of keeping Adam in the present whether he could hear him or not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe followed his brother up one hill and down another, through stands of trees and around cascades of rocks and he\u2019d not said a word or asked a question. The streams they\u2019d forded and the river they\u2019d skirted were well behind them and the sun had dropped behind the mountains, the moon steadily growing stronger as the stars began to appear. Joe hugged his jacket closer seeing Hoss stop atop a craggy hill and stand in his stirrups.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He\u2019d seen his brother like this before, following some innate trail only he could see and wondered at this gift. So many times he\u2019d found a wayward calf or a hurt animal or a thief hiding in plain sight that so many others missed. Joe marveled at this talent and his brother\u2019s dogged determination, and stayed close, his brother\u2019s worry falling on his shoulders as they tracked further from home. It wouldn\u2019t due to whine about their lack of provisions or a change of clothes when his brother was on the scent of . . . something important. His bones weren\u2019t speaking to him but, obviously, Hoss\u2019 were.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, he heard a shout and watched as Hoss disappeared from that hill. Urging Cochise onward, he followed after seeing him trailing a buckskin and reaching to gather up the reins of another horse with a white blaze and three white socks picked out by the strident rays of the moon. His heart gave a thump and he hurried to his brother\u2019s side meeting his urgent gaze.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re bones were right, Hoss,\u201d Joe gave him as his brother dismounted, giving each horse the once-over then looked out over the hills and trees before them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re here,\u201d Hoss said his own heart pounding as he rested a hand on Buck\u2019s neck. \u201cI just know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere can we look in the dark?\u201d Joe asked not wanting to dim his brother\u2019s elation but give him some perspective. It was then he saw Hoss wrinkle his nose then smell his hand, leaning quickly toward Buck\u2019s neck. A smile soon followed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCain\u2019t ya smell it, Joe?\u201d Hoss asked drawing a quizzical look. \u201cIt\u2019s all over \u2018im.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSmell what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSulfur.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leaned over and sniffed at Buck\u2019s mane, scrunching up his face then returning Hoss\u2019 smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s only one place nearby where they\u2019d get this on \u2018em,\u201d declared Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat little meadow right before Plum Glen,\u201d Joe stated, taking hold of Sport\u2019s reins while Hoss mounted holding onto Buck\u2019s. Not saying another word the two rode on, their pace as quick as the deep shadows of night would allow, an urgency filling their hearts. Time was of the essence. They knew it in their bones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes onto a glorious scene \u2013 one of wildflowers from horizon to horizon, blowing in a soft gentle breeze, their faces turned to the sun. He smiled at the sight of a dark-haired boy running towards him, arms outstretched. Scooping him up and spinning him around as giggles embraced the air about them to fill his heart to bursting. He put the boy upon his shoulders, hanging onto his legs as they moved through the flowers toward a waiting wagon near a tall oak tree not thirty paces away and a woman with beautiful blue eyes laughing sweetly at her two men.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Kissing her soundly, Ben eased the boy off his shoulders and wrapped an arm about her trim waist, both gazing out over the fields of wildflowers.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a most beautiful sight, Ben,\u201d she said in her lilting accent, brushing a straying hair from her face.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is at that. Maybe we should settle here instead of continuing on, set down roots amid these singing flowers.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no, Ben. Your dream.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben turned to her, his eyes devouring every inch of her face. \u201cMy dream is to be wherever you are, wherever Adam is, and if this is where you want to stay, we will. As long as we\u2019re together, that\u2019s wherever home will be.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

She smiled at him and rubbed his cheek then felt something pulling on her skirt.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Adam?\u201d she asked glancing down at this precious little boy who looked up at her with those big round eyes full of intelligence. He smiled then and she returned it as he handed her a fistful of flowers. \u201cOh, Adam,\u201d she said taking the gift, the colors dripping with brilliance and filled with a glorious scent. She smiled again and looked upon this boy, her son. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen such beauty in one place, in one gift. I\u2019ll treasure it always.\u201d She hugged him then and he kissed her on the cheek then ran back into the field of flowers. She turned toward Ben with tears in her eyes, <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

He smiled at her – such a beautiful woman with a handful of beautiful flowers.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

He would remember her always as she stood there that day, that perfect day, entombed in his memory forever.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, wake up! They\u2019re here!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cInger?\u201d he whispered as his eyelids fluttered, a distant sound leaving a resonance about him.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thinking it was Adam, his eyes shot open quickly, looking to his boy still cradled in his arms, concentrating on his hand placement and feeling the heartbeat beneath it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Silence met his ears.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

If it wasn\u2019t Adam, then who . . .<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And then he heard it again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shocked, he sat as straight as he could, his head whipping toward the mine entrance. \u201cHOSS!\u201d exploded from him, his voice echoing off the rock walls. \u201cHOSS!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere!\u201d Joe called to his brother. \u201cI heard something over there!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it came from here!\u201d Hoss returned pointing in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both were confused. They knew it was their father\u2019s voice, knew it like they knew the inside of their own hats1<\/sup> but couldn\u2019t place its location.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Pa. Sound off again,\u201d Hoss urged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHOSS!\u201d came again and Joe pinpointed it this time, for he felt a tugging so great he thought he\u2019d fall from the saddle if he didn\u2019t comply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOver here!\u201d Joe yelled toward his brother, pushing Cochise through a small copse of trees to vault from the saddle as the moon shone brightly on an opening in the rock wall before him. Later he would believe it was a sign, an arrow pointing him in the right direction and he followed, pulling a match from his pocket to light the darkness. \u201cPa!\u201d he called, a sweet sound returning to him from out of the shadows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smiling so hard he thought his face would crack, Joe bounded forward with Hoss hot on his heels, both seeing their father\u2019s wild desperate eyes before the light from the match touched his fingers and he tossed it to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d came Hoss\u2019 voice then himself as Joe once again filled the room with light.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s hurt bad,\u201d Ben stated grabbing Hoss\u2019 arm. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get him home.\u201d Switching his hold to Joe as he neared, he knocked the newly created light from his hand. \u201cJoseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust a minute, Pa,\u201d Joe answered striking another match and holding it away from his father\u2019s grasping hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Hoss asked, drawing Ben\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThree men waylaid us,\u201d Ben explained, looking from one son to the other as Joe frantically looked for something to use as a torch. \u201cThey never gave us a chance. Adam is . . .\u201d His voice broke and he shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Pa. We\u2019re here now,\u201d Hoss gave him as he patted his father\u2019s leg and leaned toward Adam just as Joe maneuvered the match toward the wick of an old lantern he\u2019d found along the wall and filled the area with a dim glow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI bound him up as best I could but he\u2019s been so quiet . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s breathin\u2019, Pa,\u201d Hoss acknowledged running a hand down his brother\u2019s face. \u201cYa know Adam \u2013 stubborn like a mule.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019d they shoot him, Pa?\u201d Joe asked, drawing an angry look from his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey shot him for nothing!\u201d Ben spat. \u201cThey took the horses, took our money and just left us behind. They wouldn\u2019t even let me get him a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe found the horses,\u201d Joe informed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Ben asked, trying to follow the conversation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey was just wanderin\u2019 around,\u201d Hoss explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Why would they take them, take our only means of finding help, and let them go?!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Pa,\u201d Hoss said grabbing his father\u2019s arm to calm him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just so unnecessary. Those bastards!\u201d Ben exclaimed, thumping his fist on his leg, Hoss and Joe hearing a distinctive clink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reaching over, Joe found the metal about his father\u2019s ankle and followed the chain to the ore cart. \u201cHoss,\u201d he stated, anger filling him as his brother glanced his way, a scowl working its way onto his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey chained me so we wouldn\u2019t get the Sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay, Pa,\u201d Hoss said trying once again to calm his distraught father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI tried to break free but I wasn\u2019t strong enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave him a half grin. \u201cI\u2019ll fix that. Don\u2019t ya worry none. We\u2019ll get you and Adam outta here in a jiffy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded stiffly, emotions getting the better of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, ya snuggle in-between the cart and Adam, and I\u2019m gonna pop this off right quick.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Doing as he was told, Joe used the length of his body to shield his brother and father and hoped Hoss could manage what his father couldn\u2019t. He eyed Adam, the light from the lantern casting deep shadows across his face, pulling worry onto his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou hang on, brother, ya hear?\u201d Joe whispered touching Adam\u2019s hair. \u201cOl\u2019 Hoss\u2019ll have Pa free so fast it\u2019ll make your head spin.\u201d A few grunts followed by a curse or two and the chain broke free, releasing its prisoner to helping hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Pa,\u201d Joe said grabbing a hold of his arm as Hoss reached for Adam, stopping when Ben didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet \u2018im go, Pa,\u201d Hoss urged. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of \u2018im.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s body had stiffened, that was true, but his mother bear protectiveness was in full swing and to be parted from this one he\u2019d held and fought for was like losing a part of himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2019ll bring him, Pa,\u201d Joe softly said as Ben shifted his gaze from Adam to Joe to Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful,\u201d Ben finally said, removing his arm from about Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa know I will. Now go with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grabbing his father\u2019s arm, Joe coiled the chain about his hand to keep them from tripping and guided Ben out into the night, leaning him against the rocks once outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs he coming?\u201d came Ben\u2019s hoarse voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be out in a minute, Pa.\u201d Joe looked closely at his father noting the worry that exploded from him, hearing exhaustion in his voice. He knew his father wouldn\u2019t rest until Adam was back within sight and silently called for Hoss to hurry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?!\u201d Ben yelled as Joe placed a firm hand to his chest to press him back against the rock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust give me a minute!\u201d resonated back to them out of the dark as Hoss carefully eased Adam onto his back. \u201cI cain\u2019t rush these things ya know,\u201d he mumbled, hoping his brother would remain unconscious while he moved him. He cursed his luck when he caught Adam looking at him. \u201cWell, lookee here,\u201d he said with a big grin, the lantern light picking up the flecks of gold normally hidden in those eyes he knew so well. \u201cYa got yerself in trouble again, big brother, and now yer takin\u2019 a nap in a mine. I\u2019d think yer bed would be more comfy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . \u2018kay, mama,\u201d came the words as he slowly blinked, pulling Hoss\u2019 grin instantly from his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss forced it back into place. \u201cJust take it easy now,\u201d he returned. \u201cI\u2019ve gotta move ya so just relax.\u201d Hefting Adam into his arms in one smooth motion, Hoss flinched at the harsh cry that followed then resettled his limp form against him. \u201cI\u2019ve gotcha, big brother. I\u2019ve gotcha.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Afraid he might knock his brother\u2019s head against the wall if he hurried, Hoss slowly picked his way toward the exit, knowing his father would be chomping at the bit. He emerged a few moments later to find Ben suddenly before him. He looked right past his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll use Sport, Joe,\u201d Hoss ordered before his father could say a word, moving toward the chestnut. \u201cPa, take Chubb. Joe, you take Buck and get Doc Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take him,\u201d Ben ordered reaching out only to drop his arms as Hoss kept on moving. \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYer done in, Pa. I\u2019ll take him,\u201d Hoss informed his father. \u201cWe been runnin\u2019 our boys all day and they\u2019re tuckered just like we are. Now get mounted. Joe, get on yer way!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be as quick as I can,\u201d Joe answered, grabbing Buck\u2019s reins and vaulting into the saddle, disappearing into the night before Ben could tell him to be careful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pushing away from the rocks, Ben walked stiffly toward Chubb and managed to drag himself aboard, wrapping the chain about his boot as Hoss lifted Adam onto Sport\u2019s saddle and mounted behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mind me,\u201d Ben said. \u201cGet Adam home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI cain\u2019t leave ya out here all alone, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo. I\u2019ll be right behind you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sharing a concerned look, Hoss nodded and pulled his brother toward him in a strong grip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched them disappear from sight as he wrapped Cochise\u2019s reins about the pommel and followed after as quickly as he could in the dark. How his mind raced, bringing up those dreadful thoughts he\u2019d been pushing to the side all this time.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Were they too late? Did help not come soon enough?<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shook his head. Dwelling on such thoughts was dangerous. Only one thought was appropriate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait for me, son,\u201d he said as he urged Chubb on faster. \u201cPlease wait for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The night became an interminable waiting game, a game that stretched Ben\u2019s patience to the limit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Events kept running through his head, over and over – seeing Adam fall from the saddle, feeling his blood on his hands, always wondering if this was the end of things. Will I ever hear my boy\u2019s voice again in this lifetime or will I have to wait until I, too, travel beyond the veil?\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tightening his fists, Ben forced himself to hold his emotions in abeyance, hold them with an even hand and not let them flare uncontrolled in the face of despair. But his will was flagging the longer he had to wait, and tension overlapped anxiety, causing him to drift from one end of the house to the other more than once, Hoss and Joe keeping a constant eye on him as he traveled. They were relieved when he finally gave in, lay his head upon the desk, and fell asleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A tug on the arm sometime later brought him instantly awake, bleary eyes searching the room for his sons only to find it empty of everyone save Paul Martin standing next to him. Fatigue hanging from him like a heavy stone, Ben caught the look in his friend\u2019s eyes and they telegraphed more than any words could.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

My God! Adam\u2019s dead! <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed and came instantly to his feet, swaying slightly at the effort, determined to meet those words standing when spoken. Gathering himself, he held his head high to ask the question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul, is he . . .\u201d But he couldn\u2019t finish, couldn\u2019t let himself believe that Elizabeth\u2019s child was gone because of those bastards who wanted what they couldn\u2019t have.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul reached up to place a firm hand on his friend\u2019s shoulder. God, I hate this!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To save people and allow them to live another day was what kept Paul going. But the downside was this \u2013 telling a father, brother, husband, wife that their loved one may not see the morning, that all that had been laid out before them, all that there was to achieve or had been achieved, would be lost as that pale rider galloped into their lives.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d the doctor began, wanting so to give him hope, to relay to him that until the last breath was drawn there was always a chance but this time the words seemed empty. He squared his shoulders. \u201cI\u2019ve done all I can, Ben. He\u2019s lost a lot of blood. I don\u2019t know if his body can regenerate it fast enough to keep him going. If I\u2019d gotten to him sooner. . .\u201d His voice trailed off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul never liked saying things like that to those who waited but Ben deserved the truth. He really thought Adam Cartwright wouldn\u2019t see the morning that awaited a few hours from now but he\u2019d been wrong before, especially with this family and their ability to beat the odds. He squeezed Ben\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart plunged to his feet as Paul\u2019s words revolved about his head – \u2018if I\u2019d gotten to him sooner\u2019. He hung onto the desk for dear life and closed his eyes reliving the moment those men left them to die in that mine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to trust he\u2019s on good terms with God this night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Good terms . . .<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The strength went out of his legs and Ben dropped back into the chair; a brandy was suddenly forced into his hand. Grimacing as the liquid burned its way down his throat, his mind raced.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

This can\u2019t be happening!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had always been by his side, always there to lend a helping hand, to raise a broken heart, to give him a smile of encouragement. How could he possibly go on without that?<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

I won\u2019t<\/u>!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anger suddenly consumed him and he tossed the glass across the room, making Paul jump. \u201cDamn, those bastards!\u201d he yelled. \u201cDamn them all to hell!\u201d Willing himself to his feet, he walked stiff legged toward the stair as grief turned to anger, anger into action.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam will<\/u><\/em> see the morning if it\u2019s the last thing I do!\u201d Ben answered whirling on his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWilling him to live won\u2019t make it so, Ben, if it\u2019s his time to go,\u201d Paul gave him, taking the glare that was flashed his way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou believe in what you can see, Doctor. I believe in what I can feel, what I know, and I know Adam wants to live. And he\u2019s got four people here ready to lift him up and give him our strength. I\u2019ll not lose him because someone wanted something that wasn\u2019t theirs!\u201d He started up the stairs. \u201cHe is<\/u><\/em> on good terms with God and so am I. My faith and his will see him through.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul watched him go, watched a father desperate to believe that the morning sun would show him three sons and not two, and felt the power of those spoken words fill him. He\u2019d seen faith succeed before, seen it in this very house, and wouldn\u2019t dismiss it. For tonight, he\u2019d put aside his medical mind and pray that Ben was right.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDocta Paul want coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul turned to see Hop Sing standing beside him. He\u2019d never heard him approach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI pray to my God too. My faith strong. Mister Adam strong. He no leave. Not his time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou really believe that, Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBeen in this house long time, see many things not possible. Always surprised.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul smiled. Yes, he\u2019d been surprised many times as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not. It\u2019s going to be a long night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stopped outside Adam\u2019s door, afraid to enter. The gritty resolve he\u2019d displayed downstairs began to fall apart and he leaned against the doorframe, his heart beating so loudly that the sound it made rushing through his ears blotted out everything else.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Can I really fight God for my son? Is that possible?<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lingered between life and death because of this wilderness and those unruly men and their fight to have what wasn\u2019t theirs. Ben\u2019s thoughts were suddenly overcome with emotion at the idea of losing someone else, but then his boy\u2019s face forced its way to the forefront with a big smile that dimpled his cheeks and made his eyes dance, and breath slowly returned to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gritting his teeth and pushing himself straight, he reached for the door knob. Inside was a world that might become too real in a few hours or a few minutes but that was his job as a father — to fight all those who would come to claim his family. Adam would be here in the morning if it was the last thing he did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He opened the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took a moment to adjust to the low lantern light; he finally spotted Hoss to one side and Joe the other. Walking past them and acknowledging neither, Ben stared down at his injured boy, his chest wrapped in bright white bandages, noticing the stark contrast to his pale and ghostly color. He looked as if he\u2019d already left them but thick breaths gave Ben pause and hope.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

My boy still clings to life as he\u2019s always done, as he always will.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe silently moved out of the way as Ben perched on the side of the bed to pick up Adam\u2019s hand, kissing the back of it, eyes lingering to see a twitch or wince or even a grimace of pain just to let him know his boy was still with them. The fever, which had only just blossomed, would rise and here they would sit until it fled and Adam would open those expressive eyes once again and smile their cares away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, son,\u201d he whispered, running a tremulous hand over Adam\u2019s damp face. \u201cI\u2019ll always be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With flowers bunched in hand, Adam ran toward his Mama. Oh, that sounded so good. There stood his Mama with his Pa. She was so pretty and he loved the way she looked at him \u2013 like he was her own. It\u2019d bothered him in the beginning, this love he felt; it seemed like a betrayal of his own mother\u2019s memory. But Pa told him she wouldn\u2019t mind. So he had fallen hook, line and sinker for his new Mama with her pretty blue eyes and soft laugh and lilting accent.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Adam?\u201d she asked glancing down at him as he smiled broadly up to her, handing over those beautiful flowers. \u201cOh, Adam,\u201d she said taking the gift, their colors paling next to her beaming smile as she looked at him with those eyes. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen such beauty in one place, in one gift. I\u2019ll treasure it always.\u201d He kissed her on the cheek as she hugged him and happiness overflowed into another big smile. Running off, he felt complete for the first time in his young life. His Pa was happy, he was happy and Inger was happy to be with them. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

But their time here was short and soon the wagon train began to move on and he found himself sitting in the back, swaying side to side as the wheels hit ruts and rocks and uneven ground, making its way out of the wildflowers that stretched as far as the eye could see. Adam held on as he peered out, Inger sitting next to him, her hand resting lightly on his back. Together they took in the view of what they were leaving behind.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so pretty,\u201d he said. \u201cDo you think California will be that pretty?\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d she responded.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if it\u2019s not?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll plant our own flowers and make it so,\u201d she answered with a small laugh. He smiled then and looked toward her, wanting to thank her for coming into their lives, only to find he was alone.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMama?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, Adam,\u201d came her voice, pulling his gaze back to the field of flowers. There she stood by the tall oak tree waving as the wagon pulled farther away with each passing second, her form slowly losing cohesion as fog began to descend.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cPa! Mama\u2019s not in the wagon!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Adam,\u201d she called back to him.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can\u2019t leave! We just found you!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll always be here. Always.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . mama . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head jerked up at the muffled word and waited to hear more, noting the change of expression on his son\u2019s face, different from the serene calmness that had overtaken him since his fever had broken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam? Adam, can you hear me?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was steady despite the turmoil raging through him. He\u2019d made that grand statement to Paul that nothing would take his son from him and, as each hour passed then turned into days, cracks began to appear. Such great words reduced to just sounds made by a desperate man.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s time to wake up, Adam! Open your eyes, my boy!\u201d\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brow furrowed as her soft voice pulled at him, feeling her hands caress his cheek. But he couldn\u2019t see her through the fog that surrounded her. She was there, just out of reach, just out of sight.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWake up for Mama.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . mama . . . come back . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m here,\u201d Ben said grasping his boy\u2019s searching hand.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2019s calling. He\u2019s waiting for you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . can\u2019t . . . see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Adam. I\u2019ll always be here.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here, son,\u201d Ben said leaning in close.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOpen your eyes.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And then the fog rose and he saw her smile, saw her waving to him as she stood by that tree, the wildflowers encircling her form. \u201cI\u2019m right here. Open your eyes, my son.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Long lashes fluttered as he strained to comply with her wishes. Light came to him and sounds swirled slowly, coalescing into a distinct pattern, that same pattern he\u2019d heard his entire life which had always been his one constant and brought with it calming peace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . pa . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brow relaxed and he tried to squeeze the hand he thought was holding his, not certain he\u2019d been successful. \u201cRight here, son,\u201d it came again, this time shaken and thick. A hint of a smile turned Adam\u2019s lips as he felt a return pressure on his hand. Indistinct shapes moved before his tired eyes and he squinted at the largest one. \u201c. . . where\u2019s . . . mama?\u201d he mumbled, each word an effort as more detail emerged to take on the familiar shape of his father. Ben would\u2019ve paled at the question except he\u2019d spent these last days hearing Adam call for Inger and even thought, for a brief moment, he\u2019d felt her presence. \u201cShe was . . . just . . . here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled down at him, taking great pleasure in just hearing his voice, frail as it was, once again. \u201cShe had to leave, son,\u201d he answered, running a hand over Adam\u2019s face, remembering the intense shuddering that coursed through his body just prior to the fever finally breaking, leaving him weak and barely alive. He\u2019d held him then, just like in the mine and no one could move him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Adam mumbled in disappointment and then squinted again at his father. \u201cYou . . . all . . . right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Ben answered with a smile so wide it looked like it hurt. \u201cYou gave us quite a scare, young man. I thought . . .\u201d His voice petered out then he cleared his throat. \u201cI thought we were going to lose you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMama told me . . . wake . . . up,\u201d came clearly from his oldest as Ben unconsciously rested a hand on an open book lying on the side table next to Adam\u2019s bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son,\u201d Ben answered with a nod. \u201cI believe that. She was here for us both.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . flowers . . .\u201d Adam began, his voice fading as his breath ran out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked back toward the book and the dried remnants of that day lying captured in time on the opened pages.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWildflowers of every description and color filled every scrap of land from east to west and north to south,\u201d Ben recalled, not hearing Hoss and Joe move quietly into the room behind him, Hop Sing lingering near the door. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen such vivid colors since.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c. . . beautiful . . ,\u201d was all Adam said, feeling himself getting heavier and fighting to stay awake with thoughts of Inger drifting through his memory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou rest now,\u201d Ben said. seeing his struggle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A quizzical look came to Adam\u2019s face and his eyes came slowly open. \u201c. . . just . . . got here,\u201d he quipped, banishing all despair from Ben\u2019s soul in an instant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave him a low chuckle. \u201cSo you did.\u201d A genuine smile found itself mixed with tears as they trailed down Ben\u2019s haggard face. He kissed his boy\u2019s hand and clasped his other about it, feeling other comforting hands on his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank you, Inger.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m always here, Ben.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes came slowly open at the sound of his name, the sweet lilting accent of his dreams fading into Hoss\u2019 deep tones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grinning at his brother, Hoss heartily returned it. \u201cPa thinks its time ta come in. He can feel a chill comin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave him a quiet snort. \u201cHe could feel a chill coming in the middle of summer when one of us is sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI done tol\u2019 \u2018im that and talked \u2018im into lettin\u2019 ya stay out a bit longer. Thought ya might be wantin\u2019 more of that sun on yer pasty face.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Adam replied, closing his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mention it. Thought I\u2019d come sit with ya a spell and enjoy the sun, too. Won\u2019t be seein\u2019 much of it in a few months.\u201d Hoss settled into the rocker next to his brother just off the porch, a nice breeze making the leaves sing all about them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes lingered a bit on Adam\u2019s pallid face. They\u2019d been so close this time, so close to losing him. It was a miracle according to Paul Martin, and Hoss just about believed it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMama came to me,\u201d came Adam\u2019s soft words as Hoss\u2019 ears perked up. \u201cShe told me to wake up.\u201d Unconsciously, he ran a hand over the book in his lap, drawing his brother\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s them wildflowers ain\u2019t it? The ones ya gave Mama?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI was back there again,\u201d he admitted, opening sad eyes. \u201cIt was a happy time for me, for Pa. I often wonder if we should\u2019ve stayed there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe wouldn\u2019t\u2019ve had Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe probably would\u2019ve had a passel of Joe\u2019s,\u201d Adam guessed. \u201cMama loved children.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA passel of Joe\u2019s? Lordy,\u201d Hoss grinned. \u201cWe\u2019d all be old afore our time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut we wouldn\u2019t have lost her.\u201d Adam felt tears crowding his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

These thoughts he\u2019d had for many years — this wondering of what might have been. If they\u2019d stayed, they might still have Inger, he might have had a mother, and so would Hoss. He\u2019d been fortunate to know her, at least for a short time, and regretted that his brother never could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss saw the look, knew what his brother was thinking and rested a hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cTell me about them wildflowers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rubbing his eyes, Adam sniffled and touched the book that held those flowers put there so long ago. \u201cYou know that story. I\u2019ve told it to you often enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know. I just like when ya tell it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Hoss, seeing Inger in every facet of him, and nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll always remember it as a perfect day,\u201d he began, a faraway look appearing in his eyes. \u201cWe\u2019d just come out of the mountains and the tall drifts of snow that seemed to go on forever. I felt like a snowman what with days on end of ice and snow and just knew it would never go away. But Pa kept telling me that one day we\u2019d follow a bend in the trail and it would all be gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbout a week later, we found that bend and emerged into a valley filled to overflowing with wildflowers brimming with color and fragrance, the likes I\u2019ve never seen before or since. You weren\u2019t even a gleam yet and I had Mama all to myself . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben listened from the kitchen as he hovered near the door, hearing the dulcet tones of his eldest retracing their steps that day bringing with it memories so vivid he felt as if he was back there. Drawing in a deep breath, he walked away. He\u2019d leave his two sons to their memories while he kept his own for himself.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll always be here, Ben.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Inger. Thank you for his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****End*****<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1<\/sup><\/em> This line is taken directly from \u201cThe Dark Gate\u201d written by Ward Hawkins and spoken by Adam Cartwright to Delphine Marquette.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Ben and Adam are waylaid and left to die. Will all be lost or will unexpected help keep that pale rider at bay?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0PG-13 for Western-style violence\u00a0 (9,355 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":125,"featured_media":14807,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[14,15],"class_list":["post-12684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1919,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/wildflowers.jpeg?fit=299%2C168&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":18230,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18230","url_meta":{"origin":12684,"position":0},"title":"Gusty Gumption (by PSW)","author":"PSW","date":"August 19, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A little vignette following (at some point later) the events of 'A Dime's Worth of Glory'. Written for the Sept 1 Pinecone challenge and expanded for inclusion here. Prompt: Whisky for my men, beer for my horses (by Scott Emerich\/Toby Keith).\u00a0 Contains phrases from both the song and the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"newspaper","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14984,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14984","url_meta":{"origin":12684,"position":1},"title":"Too Good a Day (by Starlite)","author":"starlite","date":"September 14, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0How do the Cartwrights enjoy a nice spring day? Rated:\u00a0 G (2,050 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\/2014\/04\/laketahoe.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/laketahoe.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/laketahoe.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/laketahoe.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49277,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49277","url_meta":{"origin":12684,"position":2},"title":"The Cartwright Family (by LindaBl)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 22, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0A cute new song about the Cartwrights Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 Words:\u00a0 270","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"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":5454,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5454","url_meta":{"origin":12684,"position":3},"title":"Autumn’s Surprise (by deansgirl)","author":"deansgirl","date":"October 30, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Autumn is setting around the Ponderosa and with it comes a very dear and long awaited surprise.\u00a0 \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (1,180 words) Autumn Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10742,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10742","url_meta":{"origin":12684,"position":4},"title":"Battle of the Ponderosa — aka Springtime Chaos (by BluewindFarm)","author":"BluewindFarm","date":"March 20, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A plea for help turns into an urgent ride home, and a situation no one foresaw. 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