{"id":12957,"date":"2016-05-20T10:35:45","date_gmt":"2016-05-20T14:35:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12957"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:10:17","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:10:17","slug":"cowboy-boots-and-dancing-shoes-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12957","title":{"rendered":"Cowboy Boots and Dancing Shoes, Part 2 (by AC1830)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Adam and Joe are on their “vacations” planned by their wives. \u00a0Will they each be able to finally deal with their grief as well as rekindle their love for their wives? \u00a0This is a continuation of Cowboy Boots and Dancing Shoes. \u00a0I suggest reading, or re-reading, that one before beginning this story. \u00a0Also, I’ll issue a “tissue alert” for this one.<\/p>\n

WC = 7694\u00a0\u00a0 Rating = K+<\/p>\n

Cowboy Boots and Dancing Shoes Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cowboy Boots and Dancing Shoes – Part 1<\/a>
\nCowboy Boots and Dancing Shoes – Part 2<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cowboy Boots and Dancing Shoes, Part 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stronger Together<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Palace Hotel<\/p>\n

San Francisco<\/p>\n

Autumn 1875<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Sara<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright sat in the window seat of his hotel penthouse suite with his knees drawn up to his bare chest and his chin resting on them as he stared out at the twinkling lights of San Francisco.\u00a0 Taking a contented deep breath, he leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes, letting his thoughts wander along with the breeze that drifted through the opened window.\u00a0 It had been a magnificent evening.\u00a0 He smiled to himself as he recalled seeing Sara in her dark green dress standing by the parlor fireplace.\u00a0 She had looked just as stunning as she had on their wedding day.<\/p>\n

Joe reflected back to a day he never expected to experience again.\u00a0 The day he would be joined in marriage to a woman he loved dearly.\u00a0 After Alice had died Joe was convinced that he\u2019d never love again, especially after losing Hoss and Pa within that same year. But Sara, a childhood friend, had returned to his life at a time when he needed to feel loved again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sara stepped off the train and took a deep breath.\u00a0 After being gone for fourteen years, she felt she was finally home.\u00a0 Although the reason for her return weighed heavy on her heart, deep down she felt a quiet peace that she\u2019d made the right decision.\u00a0 After hearing of Hoss\u2019 death and Ben\u2019s struggles, she felt she needed to return to help the family who helped her family get settled in Virginia City all those years ago.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Having made arrangements for her trunk to be held until she found a room, she set off with her small travel bag to find a room and see how much Virginia City had changed.\u00a0 Walking up the boardwalk near the mercantile she collided with a man carrying a large sack of flour.\u00a0 He quickly dropped the flour as he reached for her arm to keep her from falling.\u00a0 Once they righted themselves, Sara gasped at seeing who it was.\u00a0 He was not quite as lean as she remembered and he\u2019d grown a beard but there was no mistaking the warm, hazel eyes.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam? Oh my, it is you!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

He stood and looked at her for a moment until recognition lit up his face and brought out the dimpled grin.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSara Matthews.\u00a0 My god, what are you doing here?\u00a0 I must apologize for not seeing you.\u00a0 Are you alright?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u00a0 I heard about your family.\u00a0 Adam I\u2019m so sorry about Hoss and Alice.\u00a0 I\u2019ve come home to stay.\u00a0 I want to help any way I can.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cListen, let me finish loading this wagon and we can go have lunch, my treat.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a deal.\u00a0 May I put my bag in the wagon too?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam grinned and took the bag from her.\u00a0 After a few more minutes they were on their way to the hotel for lunch.\u00a0 After a filling meal and much discussion it was settled that Sara would stay at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 She wanted to visit with the family and could help Elise with the children.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Over the next several weeks Sara spent many hours with Ben, reminiscing about the old days and times with her father. She and Joe also spent some time together but he remained distant.\u00a0 Sara didn\u2019t push him, she just wanted to be a friend.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

After Ben died, Sara became Joe\u2019s social contact.\u00a0 He spent long hours with Adam working on the ranch and settling the legal matters.\u00a0 Sara would make sure he got away from it all with picnics and rides around the ranch.\u00a0 Those times were when Joe began to open up to her and their old feelings of love began to grow.\u00a0 A month before Adam and Elise were to leave for San Francisco Joe and Sara were married in a small ceremony by the lake.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A smile played across Joe\u2019s lips as he recalled the ceremony and how full his heart had been on that day.\u00a0 Now Joe couldn\u2019t believe how Sara had planned the evening and the entire week ahead of them.\u00a0 An opulent dinner and hours of dancing with his wife had helped to clear many of the troubled thoughts from Joe\u2019s mind.\u00a0 The romantic evening gave the couple a chance to revive their love as well.<\/p>\n

Aware of a soft touch on his arm, Joe opened his eyes and beheld an angel standing by his side.\u00a0 As her hand slowly glided down his arm toward his hand, he swung his legs to the floor and stood in one motion.\u00a0 He swept Sara into his arms and carried her to their bed.\u00a0 Knowing this night was not over Joe\u2019s mind and body tingled with anticipation of what was yet to be shared.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Having turned around upon hearing the schoolhouse door open, twelve year old Joe stared at the young girl standing in the doorway of the school house.\u00a0 Her light brown hair curled gently over her shoulders and highlighted her deep brown eyes.\u00a0 Those eyes took in everything around her, until they connected with Joe\u2019s.\u00a0 Suddenly she dipped her head shyly and Joe caught the smallest hint of a smile from her.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I will not ask you again.\u00a0 Please take your seat so I can introduce our new student.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cY-yes, Miss Jones.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

A few giggles were heard as Joe made his way back to his seat.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t take his eyes off this girl as she and her father made their way to the front of the class.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAttention class.\u00a0 We have a new student today.\u00a0 This is Sara Matthews.\u00a0 Her father, Mr. John Matthews, is starting a bookkeeping business here in Virginia City.\u00a0 Her family is from Reno.\u00a0 I know everyone will make Sara feel welcome at our school.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

At lunch time, Joe stood alone with his horse.\u00a0 He\u2019d received so much teasing from his two best friends about \u201cbeing in love\u201d with Sara that he stormed away before he hauled off and punched both of them.\u00a0 He was so lost in thought he didn\u2019t hear anyone walk up.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYour horse is beautiful.\u00a0 What\u2019s his name?\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe froze.\u00a0 Her voice was so soft, almost musical.\u00a0 Turning to look at her he could only stammer his answer, \u201cNugget.\u00a0 He\u2019s…he\u2019s not my horse.\u00a0 I mean…mine\u2019s lame so I have to ride Nugget for a while.\u201d\u00a0 Joe reached for a carrot in his pocket and held it out for his horse to eat.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI really like horses.\u00a0 He\u2019s so gentle. My name\u2019s Sara, by the way.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know.\u00a0 Miss Jones introduced you, remember?\u201d\u00a0 Idiot!\u00a0 \u201cUh, I\u2019m Joe, Joe Cartwright and yes, he is, gentle I mean.\u00a0 Would you like to ride him?\u00a0 Right now?\u201d\u00a0 Oh boy, what was he saying?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Sara giggled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like to but I don\u2019t know how, and I don\u2019t think I\u2019m dressed for it.\u201d\u00a0 Sara held out the skirt of her calico dress and swished side to side.<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe blushed.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I guess not.\u00a0 Say maybe after school you could go ask your Pa and change clothes.\u00a0 I could show you a little about riding.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Before Sara could answer, the bell rang, calling the children back into the schoolhouse.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe completely missed the afternoon lessons as he planned over and over in his head how to get Sara to stay and ride Nugget after school.\u00a0 Unfortunately, his planning didn\u2019t include staying after school to make up what he\u2019d missed in class.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sara had remained as well so Miss Jones could explain about the assignments she would need to work on to catch up.\u00a0 Suddenly a dark shadow loomed over Joe and he looked up into the dark hazel eyes of his oldest brother.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been waiting for you at the livery for over an hour!\u00a0 What did you do this time?\u201d\u00a0 Joe just closed his books and asked to be excused for the day.\u00a0 As Adam and Joe made their way down the steps, he heard Sara call to him.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, wait.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The brothers turned as one as Sara ran up to him.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to say that I\u2019m sorry we won\u2019t have time today for the riding lesson.\u00a0 Maybe you can come to my house this Saturday.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure Papa would like to meet you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat as a reminder he was still standing there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe quietly huffed at Adam’s reminder of his manners.\u00a0 \u201cUh, Sara, this is my brother, Adam.\u00a0 Adam, Sara Matthews.\u00a0 She and her Pa are\u00a0 from Reno and he\u2019s starting a bookkeeping shop in town.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Matthews.\u00a0 I noticed your father\u2019s business in town and I\u2019ve already met him.\u00a0 In fact I\u2019ve invited your family out to our ranch on Saturday.\u201d\u00a0 Adam flicked his eyes to catch Joe\u2019s reaction to that. Bingo.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure Joe will be looking forward to seeing you then.\u00a0 For now I\u2019m afraid we must leave so we can get home by dinner time.\u00a0 Until Saturday, Miss Matthews.\u201d\u00a0 He tipped his hat and strolled toward his horse.\u00a0 \u201cComing Joe?\u201d\u00a0 Adam called over his shoulder.<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes and mumbled his goodbye to Sara.\u00a0 \u201cGuess I\u2019ll see you Saturday.\u00a0 Bye Sara.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBye Joe.\u201d\u00a0 She smiled sympathetically at him as he slunk away toward his horse and his waiting brother.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam smiled inwardly…his little brother had a Nevada-sized crush on young Miss Sara Matthews.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe awoke with a start and pushed the covers back. Looking over at Sara he was glad she was still asleep.\u00a0 He propped himself up with some pillows and tried to make sense of the dream.\u00a0 Why did he dream about meeting Sara.\u00a0 And that Saturday was the beginning of a long friendship.\u00a0 He knew Hoss and Adam tried hard\u00a0 that day not to tease him about spending so much time with Sara but they would see over the years how the two would become good friends.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s thoughts became somber, But not good enough to get married when she graduated from school.\u00a0 I had to let her go and now she\u2019s come back to me.<\/em>\u00a0 He reached out and gently stroked her hair.<\/p>\n

Sensing the touch, Sara rolled over and found Joe awake and staring into the distance with misty eyes.\u00a0 She snuggled up against him hoping he would share his thoughts.\u00a0 He and Sara had an open, relaxed relationship; it was easy for them to talk about anything, except what happened two years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cA penny for your thoughts?\u201d\u00a0 Sara drew soft circles on Joe\u2019s chest.\u00a0 Joe rolled away and left the bed.\u00a0 Sara watched sadly as he went to the wash room and closed the door.\u00a0 She had hoped last night would have begun to help Joe with his sorrow.\u00a0 She hoped this wasn\u2019t another time that he would close her out.\u00a0 When Joe came out he was dressed and announced that he wanted to move out of the hotel and stay at Adam\u2019s home.\u00a0 Sara wasn\u2019t surprised.\u00a0 Joe had never been comfortable for long in high society.\u00a0 She quietly agreed and went to get dressed.\u00a0 By the afternoon they were settled in Adam\u2019s home and looking forward to a home cooked dinner from Adam and Elise\u2019s cook and housekeeper.<\/p>\n

For the next several days, Joe was more relaxed but still seemed troubled.\u00a0 He and Sara had continued their activities in San Francisco.\u00a0 He had even begun to reminisce about his family but he would go only so far before he would change the subject.<\/p>\n

On the last morning of their week in San Francisco, Joe had risen early to sit in the morning room with a cup of coffee but he found he was too restless to sit in one place.\u00a0 He had wandered through Adam\u2019s home and seen all the different pictures of Adam\u2019s wife and children as well as Elise\u2019s family.\u00a0 Adam had pictures displayed in every room, but Joe found he couldn\u2019t go into Adam\u2019s study.\u00a0 In there was their father\u2019s desk and many pictures of his Pa and brothers.\u00a0 Joe couldn\u2019t figure out how Adam could work in there with all the memories.<\/p>\n

Before he knew what he was doing, Joe entered and sat down at the desk.\u00a0 He put his cup down and began running his fingers over all the familiar edges of the desk.\u00a0 As he did, many memories came crashing into his head \u2013 when he\u2019d sit on the corner during a family planning session, when he\u2019d lean over it to convince his father to let him do something, when he\u2019d sat behind it all night drawing up plans to bid on his first timber contract.<\/p>\n

Uncontrolled tears streamed down Joe\u2019s face as he let memories flow past like a stream tumbling down a mountain side.\u00a0 He looked around the room through misty eyes and saw drawings displayed on the wall by the door.\u00a0 No one would ever know they were there unless they entered the study and turned around.\u00a0 Joe saw Pa, Hoss, Adam, and himself smiling back at him. Joe simply stared at each one realizing Adam had painstakingly drawn them to include the smallest detail.<\/p>\n

It was more than Joe could take. Suddenly in need of air he stood to leave but bumped against a small door in the desk making it open.\u00a0 Inside he found a journal.\u00a0 He knew Adam had kept many journals over the years.\u00a0 The cover on this one looked fairly new.\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t know what to do but something seemed to tell him that it was okay to open it. Opening the cover, he began to read.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never been at a loss for words in my life but today I can\u2019t find any in my mind or my heart.\u00a0 Just a few hours ago I laid my lifelong companion, my mentor\u2026.my father to rest.\u00a0 My mind tells me it was time for him to rest and be at peace but my heart is rent in two.\u00a0 How will I go on without his gentle words of wisdom or his incessant worrying over his grown son.\u00a0 Despite how frail he was or how pale his deep brown eyes had become, I still felt his lifeline connected to me.\u00a0 But now, I\u2019m not so sure.\u00a0 I feel so empty, so lost.\u00a0 I don\u2019t have my father to fuss over me and I don\u2019t have Hoss to read my thoughts and straighten me out.\u00a0 Have they gone for good?\u00a0 Is that what happens when someone close to you dies?\u00a0 I can\u2019t see them anymore and now, God help me, I can\u2019t feel them either.\u00a0 All I feel is pain and emptiness.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

The front door just opened and closed.\u00a0 I know it\u2019s Joe.\u00a0 Oh, not only by the sound of his foot falls but also because it is just the two of us in the house.\u00a0 Elise has taken the children outside to give me some peace.\u00a0 Peace?\u00a0 Ha, I may never have peace again.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, Joe\u2026 what can I do for you when I don\u2019t even know what to do for myself?\u00a0 I love you so much little brother, do you know that?\u00a0 How can I tell you, or show you?\u00a0 What would Pa say, or what would Hoss tell me to do?\u00a0 I can see it in your eyes.\u00a0 You\u2019re hurting worse than me.\u00a0 I can\u2019t face you right now, I\u2019m not in control.\u00a0 I don\u2019t have the strength to care for you like I did when Marie died.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, Pa, I can hear your voice in my head.\u00a0 How many times did you tell us that we are strongest when we\u2019re together?\u00a0 And that we are Cartwrights.\u00a0 We look out for each other.\u00a0 I promised you I would look out for Joe but\u2026.Pa\u2026.who\u2019s going to look out for me?\u00a0 Who? \u201d \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed the book as fresh tears rolled down his cheeks.\u00a0 He remembered.\u00a0 After the funeral and everyone had gone he had walked into the house and saw Adam hunched over Pa\u2019s desk writing furiously.\u00a0 Joe had never seen him so intense.\u00a0 He was going to go upstairs and leave his brother alone, but something drew him toward the desk.\u00a0 Just as he moved around it to see what Adam was doing, his older brother looked up into Joe\u2019s eyes with a pleading look on his face.\u00a0 Joe knew right then that Adam needed him.\u00a0 He needed to be assured that they would always have each other.\u00a0 Joe reached out and Adam stood.\u00a0 They fell together, clinging to each other and holding each other up.<\/p>\n

When Joe awoke the next morning, he found a small bundle of kindling tied with a leather cord laying on his nightstand.\u00a0 Stunned he took the bundle and studied it.\u00a0 There were four small sticks tied together.\u00a0 Joe had to laugh and cry at the memory of Pa\u2019s lesson about family.\u00a0 When he heard his door creak he saw Adam standing there holding his own bundle and smiling.\u00a0 \u201cStronger together,\u201d was all he said.<\/p>\n

Joe never realized that he had actually begun to heal from the sorrow after that.\u00a0 He just wouldn\u2019t acknowledge that the pain was less and the memories were trying hard to come in and stay.\u00a0 Now he understood.\u00a0 Sara and Adam were right.\u00a0 He could let them go but they would never be gone.<\/p>\n

Putting the journal back in the drawer, he noticed a bundle of sticks.\u00a0 Joe nodded.\u00a0 Adam needed him as much as he needed Adam.\u00a0 Stronger together.<\/p>\n

He heard a quiet cough.\u00a0 Looking up he saw Sara timidly enter the room. \u00a0She walked around the desk and sitting in his lap entwined her fingers in his curls. Sara studied her husband’s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright?\u201d She whispered softly.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and tightened his arms around his wife. \u201cYeah. I am now and I will be. I’m ready to go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

He drew her closer and kissed her deeply.<\/p>\n

As they pulled apart, Sara smiled at him then looked at the portraits on the wall.\u00a0 Four handsome men smiled back at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps Adam would be willing to draw our family Joe. \u00a0All three of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe studied Sara\u2019s face. His hazel green eyes danced with joy for the first time in two years.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ponderosa Ranch<\/p>\n

Autumn 1875<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam and Elise<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sun shone across the small park overlooking Boston harbor on a warm summer afternoon.\u00a0 Elise McAllister walked seven year old Thomas Giles down to the stream that bordered the park.\u00a0 Elise and her brother Jonathan ran a small home for blind children.\u00a0 Jon managed the home and accounts and Elise taught the six children in their care.\u00a0 This particular Saturday afternoon was a learning excursion; its purpose was to help the children become comfortable in large open spaces.\u00a0 They walked the trails and let the children touch and hear nature.\u00a0 Thomas heard the stream flowing over some rocks and wanted to \u2018see\u2019 more of it.\u00a0 He and Elise sat by the stream so Thomas could put his hand in the cold water and feel it moving over the rocks. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>While Thomas played Elise\u2019s attention was drawn upstream when she heard the laughter and giddy voices of a young couple.\u00a0 Watching them, she saw the man pretend to lead his lady friend toward the water but she pulled back.\u00a0 Finally breaking away from him she tried to climb the small hill and slipped down into the grass.\u00a0 When the man tried to help her up, she swatted at him and made her way up the hill and toward a waiting cab.\u00a0 Elise heard the lady make some comment to the man about him never being good enough for her.\u00a0 The man stood there looking dejected then turned and began tossing small stones roughly into the water.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Suddenly a yelp and a splash brought Elise\u2019s attention back to her charge.\u00a0 Thomas had fallen into the cold stream.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t deep but he was scared because of the shock of cold water and the disorientation of not knowing where Elise was. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Although she was berating herself for becoming distracted, she spoke calmly to get his attention and managed to reach his foot so he would know she was right there.\u00a0 From out of nowhere came a splash of boots in the water.\u00a0 Two long arms pulled Thomas from the water and carried him up the hill to sit in the sun.\u00a0 Before Elise could get turned around the man was beside her and assisted her up the hill, all the while assuring her the boy was unharmed. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>As soon as she confirmed that Thomas was okay, she turned to the stranger and gasped when she recognized him as the man whose lady had run off. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cThank you, sir, for helping us.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid I let my attention wander.\u00a0 I\u2019m thankful for your assistance.\u201d\u00a0 Elise found herself getting lost in his gentle, hazel eyes. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cYou\u2019re quite welcome, Miss.\u00a0 The boy will need to get dry soon.\u00a0 May I help you get him home? My name is Adam Cartwright.\u00a0 I don\u2019t live too far from here myself.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Jon arrived at that time and took charge of Thomas.\u00a0 He introduced himself and Elise and thanked Adam for his help.\u00a0 Jon invited him to join them back at their house.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Over the course of the next couple of months Adam and Elise saw a lot of each other and three months after they met they were married. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u00a0 Adam!\u00a0 We need to go.\u00a0 It\u2019s getting late.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stirred on the blanket and saw his wife packing up the remnants of their picnic.\u00a0 Briefly disoriented, he sat up and looked around.\u00a0 At first, when he saw the water he thought he was in Boston, but he quickly realized all of that was in his head.\u00a0 He must have been dreaming of when he\u2019d met Elise.\u00a0 Adam clung to those sweet memories as he returned to the present and remembered their picnic by Lake Tahoe.\u00a0 This was the second day of their week at the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, are you going to help at all?\u201d\u00a0 Elise came over and took Adam\u2019s hand to pull him up.\u00a0 Instead she found herself being pulled down into his lap.\u00a0 With both arms around her he gave her a passionate kiss.\u00a0 Elise let herself be drawn into it, then pulled away to study Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright?\u00a0 Is something wrong?\u201d\u00a0 Adam had had several mood swings since being home but Elise knew it was because of all the memories of his father and brother.\u00a0 She patiently rode out the waves of emotions as they became less and less.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m fine.\u00a0 I just wanted to kiss the most important woman in my life.\u00a0 I was dreaming about the time near Boston harbor when we met.\u00a0 It was a wonderful dream but I like reality much better.\u201d\u00a0 He tried to pull her in for another kiss but she pushed him away.\u00a0 \u201cI think we better get home and start dinner.\u00a0 I have a feeling the evening is going to be rather busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam jumped up and lifted Elise with him.\u00a0 Together they loaded up the buggy and headed back to the ranch house, laughing and singing silly songs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~~~~~~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright whistled an old tavern tune as he rode his roan gelding thoroughbred slowly into the stable yard of his home just outside Boston.\u00a0 The groom, Robert Baker, came from the stable upon hearing the hoof beats. He stood by the door and watched his boss dismount and walk the horse over to him.\u00a0 Although he looked tired and dusty, Adam was smiling and had a spring in his step.\u00a0 Taking the reins, Robert smiled at his boss.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cI gather you had a good day, sir?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cYes Robert.\u00a0 It was exhausting but construction on the bridge is proceeding well and we cleared the last hurdle.\u00a0 The project will be finished on time, about three months from now.\u201d\u00a0 Adam winked at the groom. \u201cI\u2019m glad I rode King today. The terrain was too muddy to have had a carriage down there.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 Looks like you both will need a good scrubbing down, if I may be so bold, sir.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Adam laughed heartily and slapped the young man on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cYou may and you are quite right.\u201d\u00a0 He patted his trusted horse on the neck, still amazed at how much he resembled Sport.\u00a0 \u201cGood job boy! Robert, take good care of King, some extra oats as well.\u00a0 He worked about as hard as I did today.\u201d\u00a0 The horse nickered and pushed his nose up against Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cWell, I best be getting inside and ready for dinner.\u00a0 Thank you Robert.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cYes sir.\u00a0 Have a good evening, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Come on, boy.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got everything ready for you.\u201d\u00a0 Robert led the tall horse into the stable as Adam entered his home through the back door.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Once inside the house, Adam noticed how quiet it was. No matter the time, three year old Eliza always knew when he was home and would come running.\u00a0 Adam poked his head into the kitchen where Anna, the cook, was working. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cHello Anna.\u00a0 Have you seen my wife or children?\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>She looked up timidly, which Adam found odd for someone always so cheerful. \u201cMrs. Cartwright is upstairs waiting for you, and Mimi has taken the children for a walk.\u00a0 She will be back soon.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cThank you, Anna.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Adam then walked to the stairs and took them two at a time with a knowing smile lighting up his face.\u00a0 If the children were out with the nanny and Elise was waiting for him, then he didn\u2019t want to tarry any longer.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Grabbing the door frame he swung into the bedroom and froze.\u00a0 His smile turned to a deep frown when Elise turned from the window toward her husband with tears in her eyes and a letter in her hands. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Cautiously, she held the letter out to Adam, her hand shaking. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cIt came today.\u00a0 It\u2019s from Joe.\u00a0 There\u2019s been an accident.\u00a0 Adam, I\u2019m sor\u2026..He\u2019s gone, Adam, Hoss is gone.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Not comprehending what she was saying, Adam grabbed the letter from her and read the life-changing words.\u00a0 His arm dropped and he staggered to the bed grabbing the post to keep himself from falling. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cOh God!\u00a0 No\u2026.No, not Hoss!\u201d\u00a0 Elise fell into his arms and together they mourned the death of Adam\u2019s beloved bigger brother.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!!!\u00a0 Take my hand.\u00a0 HOSS!\u00a0 No!!….\u201d\u00a0 Adam thrashed around in the bed grabbing for something only his mind could see.\u00a0 Elise was awakened by her husband\u2019s yelling and violent movements.\u00a0 She sat up and placed her hand on his chest and whispered to him hoping to calm him and awaken him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart.\u00a0 Adam?\u00a0 Please wake up.\u00a0 Adam stop thrashing\u2026\u201d\u00a0 She caressed his chest and stroked his cheek.\u00a0 This was the fifth night of their weeklong stay at the Ponderosa and the second time he had had the same nightmare.\u00a0 It was the same dream; he was trying to save Hoss from drowning.\u00a0 Finally Adam calmed down.\u00a0 He laid still drenched in sweat and wrapped in twisted bed covers.\u00a0 Elise continued to speak quietly to him until his breathing returned to normal.<\/p>\n

Without warning, Adam kicked free of the covers and rolled out of bed.\u00a0 He quickly dressed and bolted from the bedroom. Elise\u2019s calls to him fell on deaf ears.\u00a0 She dressed rapidly, and ran downstairs in time to see him head out the door.\u00a0 He\u2019d left his hat, jacket and gun on the sideboard.\u00a0 Running to catch up with him she heard hooves pounding away from the house.<\/p>\n

Elise stood in the middle of the yard for a moment before deciding to saddle her horse and go after him.\u00a0 She ran headlong into Candy at the barn door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa there Mrs. Cartwright. I\u2019m sorry, are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I mean yes. Oh, Candy, Adam just raced out of here and I\u2019ve got to find him.\u00a0 He just had another nightmare about Hoss and I\u2019m really worried this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Candy glanced over her shoulder and huffed.\u00a0 \u201cHe took my horse.\u00a0 I\u2019ll help you get yours saddled.\u00a0 Do you want me to go with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Elise was about to say no until she realized Adam could be anywhere and she wouldn\u2019t know where to look.\u00a0 She nodded to Candy\u2019s offer.\u00a0 \u201cYes, please. I wouldn\u2019t know where to look.\u201d\u00a0 Elise went back to the house to grab hers and Adam’s jackets.<\/p>\n

Candy saddled Sport hoping to trade with Adam when they found him, and he saddled Elise\u2019s horse.\u00a0 Within minutes they were riding out.\u00a0 Since no one else was out that early in the morning, it wasn\u2019t too hard to track Adam.\u00a0 They found he had ridden in an aimless direction hard and fast then ultimately turned toward the lake.\u00a0 Elise and Candy agreed he had headed to the gravesites.\u00a0 Elise rode ahead and Candy stayed back to give them privacy and to make sure she was safe.\u00a0 When he saw her find Adam, Candy took Scout and rode back to the house.<\/p>\n

Elise dismounted and walked carefully toward the Cartwright family cemetery.\u00a0 She heard Adam before she saw him.\u00a0 He was sitting beside Hoss\u2019 headstone, calmly talking to his brother. Elise stayed back in the trees, listening and watching.\u00a0 Her heart filled with every emotion her husband was feeling.<\/p>\n

Adam stared out at the lake and talked to Hoss as if he were sitting right beside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe sunlight makes the lake water look as blue as your eyes, brother.\u00a0 You remember the first time we saw Lake Tahoe?\u00a0 We\u2019d never seen so much water in one place and it was as blue as the sky.\u00a0 That\u2019s when Pa told us we were through traveling.\u00a0 We were staying put and he was going to build a house for all three of us.\u201d\u00a0 Adam gently rubbed the granite stone as he spoke.\u00a0 Elise heard him continue on, describing more memories of their lifetime together on the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Some of the memories were happy and silly, some very sad.\u00a0 She felt a pang of guilt listening to him so she decided to leave quietly.\u00a0 Adam needed this healing time with his brother.<\/p>\n

When she turned to leave her sleeve caught on a sharp branch and she gasped.\u00a0 Adam turned and stood in one rapid, fluid movement.\u00a0 He instinctively reached for his not-existent gun.\u00a0 \u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s me Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t mean to startle you or disturb you.\u00a0 I was worried and wanted to make sure you were alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam saw that her sleeve was caught on the branch and climbed up the small hill to help free her arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get scratched?\u201d\u00a0 He asked as he examined her arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo I don\u2019t think so.\u00a0 Thank you.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go now.\u201d\u00a0 She hesitated then turned to leave.\u00a0 Adam was still holding her arm and gently pulled her back around into an embrace.\u00a0 After holding her for a long time, he led her down to where he was sitting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI felt like I was drowning, just as much as Hoss.\u00a0 I was suffocating with the grief.\u00a0 I needed to get free and breathe again.\u201d He drew her close to him and kissed the top of her head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry I scared you.\u00a0 Just riding wildly let me lose my demons and then I felt a pull to come here.\u00a0 I needed to talk to Hoss; needed to know he was still with me.\u201d\u00a0 Adam buried his face in her hair and stood silent.<\/p>\n

Elise stood with him letting him grieve for his brother.\u00a0 She finally turned to face him and placed her hands on his chest and looked into his misty brown eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right here, he always has been.\u00a0 Just as you know he is, my love.\u201d\u00a0 Adam nodded and took her in his arms.\u00a0 They remained at the site for the rest of the morning, talking all about Adam\u2019s crazy, loving family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~~~~~~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A cool breeze wafted through the open window and drifted across the room to gently caress the dark hair on Adam\u2019s head.\u00a0 He rested in bed with one arm behind his head listening to the quiet breathing of his wife as she slept beside him.\u00a0 Adam had been watching the morning light slowly fill the room as he reclined against the headboard.\u00a0 He gracefully rose from the bed so as not to disturb Elise\u2019s slumber.\u00a0 Donning his robe he sat by the window and let the view of the mountains and lake fill his heart and mind while the light breeze brushed across his body.<\/p>\n

Adam could hardly believe that their week at the ranch was almost over.\u00a0 Tomorrow he and Elise would catch the afternoon train back to San Francisco and meet up with Joe and Sara the next day.\u00a0 Adam closed his eyes and deeply breathed in the pine-scented air.\u00a0 He smiled at the fact that Elise had secretly arranged for the two of them to spend a week at the Ponderosa while Joe and his wife Sara spent that week in San Francisco.\u00a0 Adam had found the week to be a time of healing and renewal.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t realized he was still mourning the deaths of his brother Hoss and his father, which had been over two years ago.<\/p>\n

Adam shuddered but not from the coolness of the early morning breeze, but from the memories of losing two of his family so quickly.\u00a0 It had been a tumultuous time since he had been in Boston at the time of Hoss\u2019 accident and death.\u00a0 By the time he had moved his wife and young children to Nevada, he found Joe trying to run the ranch, care for their grieving father and mourn the loss of Hoss and his own wife, Alice.\u00a0 Six months after Adam\u2019s arrival home, Ben Cartwright, patriarch of the Ponderosa, had succumbed to age and grief, and joined his second son in eternal rest. That time seemed to be more oppressive to Adam than losing Hoss.\u00a0 He had felt completely lost for the first weeks after his father\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

Adam remained at the Ponderosa another six months to help Joe with the legal issues of setting up the ownership of the Ponderosa in his and Joe\u2019s names.\u00a0 After everything was settled, Adam took a job in San Francisco to stay close by if Joe needed anything.\u00a0 His job had kept him busier than he expected and until this week he had not realized he hadn\u2019t put the sorrow behind him.<\/p>\n

As he sat by the window he felt relaxed and at peace. Being home again had given him time to think, remember, and spend many special hours with his wife.\u00a0 A scent of roses and soft hands tenderly working their way down into his robe brought Adam out of his musings. \u00a0Opening his eyes and tilting his head back he was rewarded with an upside down kiss from Elise. Snickering she moved around to sit on his lap and take in the view outside.<\/p>\n

Watching some birds fly over the lake, she absentmindedly entwined her fingers through her husband\u2019s wavy hair.\u00a0 \u201cI love these mornings in the mountains.\u00a0 All the fresh scents and cool air make it so easy to wake up.\u00a0 I shall miss all this when we return to San Francisco, my love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took one of her hands and brought it to his lips, and continued giving her butterfly kisses up her arm until he reached her soft pink lips.\u00a0 He rose from the chair with Elise in his arms in one smooth motion.\u00a0 He whispered to her as he laid her on their bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis mountain air has refreshed my soul and I wish to show you my gratitude for this wonderful week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gently brushed her dark hair from her face and gave her gentle kisses as they began to share their love with each other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~~~~~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After breakfast, Adam sipped his coffee while Elise cleared the dishes.\u00a0 She returned to the table and sat down with a cup of tea.\u00a0 Noticing Adam seemed to be lost in thought, she picked up a book and began to read.\u00a0 She hoped he wasn\u2019t beginning to brood again now that they would be heading home the next day.<\/p>\n

Adam set his cup down and laid his hand on Elise\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cMy darling, would you mind if we went into town this morning for a couple of hours?\u00a0 I have some business to attend to.\u00a0 Perhaps you could visit with Minnie at the dress shop, then we could have lunch together.\u201d\u00a0 He raised his eyebrows creating a hopeful look.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can I refuse that look?\u00a0 Shall we ride or take the buggy? \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cWhichever you prefer, my love.\u201d\u00a0 Adam winked at her, knowing what her answer would be.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, wonderful.\u00a0 Let\u2019s take the horses.\u00a0 I think it will be so much more fun.\u00a0 Shall I go up and change now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 I\u2019ll saddle the horses and meet you outside.\u201d\u00a0 Adam rose and took their cups to the kitchen while Elise headed upstairs.<\/p>\n

When Adam picked Elise up from the dress shop she noticed his saddle bags were fuller than when they had arrived in town.\u00a0 She started to ask about them but Adam shrewdly maneuvered the conversation in another direction asking about Minnie and if Elise had ordered any new dresses as they headed to lunch.<\/p>\n

After lunch they headed back to the ranch but took an entirely different route off to the north.\u00a0 The couple rode higher into the mountains for about an hour. When they rounded a curve, Adam stopped and dismounted.\u00a0 He helped Elise down and, leaving the horses ground tied, they walked the rest of the trail.\u00a0 It was thick with trees but soon they reached a clearing.\u00a0 Elise found herself looking across a huge pasture filled with Autumn wildflowers and bordered by tall pines and spruces.\u00a0 Beyond the pasture were snowy white boulders and the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe.\u00a0 She put her hands to her mouth and gasped at the beauty before her.\u00a0 Adam put his left arm around her shoulders and whispered in her ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like the front porch or our bedroom to have this view?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would \u2026wait, what did you say?\u201d\u00a0 Elise twisted in his embrace to look at Adam and saw a big grin and twinkling eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want us to stay here, on the Ponderosa.\u201d\u00a0 He swung his right arm around to take in the view that stretched for miles.\u00a0 \u201cAll this belongs to me, to us.\u00a0 Pa gave each of his sons about twenty thousand acres, wherever we wanted it, when we turned eighteen.\u00a0 This is my section.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe chose land in the southern part of the ranch.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing Elise\u2019s shocked expression, he guided her over to sit on a cluster of flat rocks.\u00a0 \u201cMy darling, I know this is a big decision but I don\u2019t want to leave.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to return to the city.\u00a0 I belong here with the land and I want our children to grow up learning about this land that will one day be theirs, if they want it.<\/p>\n

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cI can find work easily in Virginia City and Carson City.\u00a0 We don\u2019t need the big income I have in San Francisco.\u00a0 And, it may be difficult to believe but this location is only about twenty minutes from Pa\u2019s house.\u201d\u00a0 He chuckled and pointed to his left, \u201cAfter we build a road over there. I ask your forgiveness for not consulting you, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Elise put her fingers to her husband\u2019s lips to silence him.\u00a0 Her azure eyes misted over and she leaned in to kiss him.\u00a0 She pulled away and took his face in both her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are my love and my life.\u00a0 Wherever you are there I will be also.\u00a0 I, too, have found it hard to think about leaving.\u00a0 Both of us have been more relaxed here than anywhere else since we\u2019ve been married.\u00a0 I\u2019ve wanted to stay too.\u00a0 I just didn\u2019t know if I should say anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked down as tears slipped from her eyes.\u00a0 Adam took her into his arms and together they sat upon the rocks until the sun slip quietly toward the lake and mountains.\u00a0 They talked all that time, making plans for their house, their land and their family.<\/p>\n

That night, after a passionate time together, Adam and Elise slept deeply, peacefully wrapped in each other\u2019s arms. The silvery moonlight gently caressed their sleeping forms and a light breeze fluttered through the windows, carrying with it the scent of fresh Ponderosa pine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ponderosa Ranch<\/p>\n

December 1876<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On Christmas Eve snow blew over the Sierras turning everything into a frosted wonderland.\u00a0 A fire burned brightly in the large fireplace and Joe sat on the low table with his feet propped up on the hearth.\u00a0 Tantalizing smells came from the kitchen as Sara prepared dinner for their family as well as Adam\u2019s.\u00a0 Hearing sleigh bells come toward the house, Joe rose and strolled toward the door.\u00a0 He put on his heavy coat and went outside to greet his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Joe!\u201d\u00a0 Six year old Eliza cried and jumped from the sleigh.\u00a0 Joe reached down and swung her into the frosty air, then settled her onto his hip.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello darlin\u2019.\u00a0 How was the ride over here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was so beautiful, we saw so much snow on the trees and rocks.\u00a0 It glittered like diamonds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnca Joe?\u201d\u00a0 Joe felt a tug at his pants leg.\u00a0 Looking down, he saw four year old Abel holding a pile of snow in his gloved hand.\u00a0 \u201cI wanta play in th\u2019 snow.\u00a0 Can we play now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t help but grin at his nephew.\u00a0 \u201cI want to too, Abel, but we\u2019ll have to wait until after dinner.\u00a0 Put the snow down and let\u2019s go in to warm up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel looked sad but did as his uncle asked.\u00a0 Joe took Abel\u2019s hand and walked to the front door.<\/p>\n

Joe looked back over his shoulder to see Adam helping Elise out of the sleigh while she held five month old Benjamin Adam, then saw him reach for a package in the back of the sleigh.\u00a0 \u201cYou two better get a move on if you want any dinner at all.\u00a0 The kids and I might have it all gone by the time you make it into the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed and nodded to the ranch hand as he led the horse and sleigh away.\u00a0 \u201cYou better make sure there is still plenty on the table little brother or you\u2019ll have to answer to me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara came out of the kitchen to see what all the yelling was about and greeted Adam\u2019s family.\u00a0 She set hot cocoa on the table by the fire for everyone to enjoy before dinner.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone get warmed up.\u00a0 It\u2019ll be about an hour until dinner.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be right back.\u00a0 I have to check the roast.\u00a0 Joe can you come get Erick please?\u00a0 He\u2019s been awake for a while and is getting restless.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam secretly placed the package behind the Christmas tree near the steps as Joe put his niece down and went to the kitchen.\u00a0 He returned with eight month old Erick John in his arms.\u00a0 He settled down on the sofa and began to play and talk to his son.<\/p>\n

A while later Sara called everyone to dinner.\u00a0 They enjoyed their family Christmas Eve dinner then adjourned to the great room to have pie and coffee, and milk for the children.\u00a0 After dessert dishes had been cleared away Adam stood by the fire and surveyed his family.\u00a0 Joe sat with Sara on the sofa, Eliza and Abel sitting on either side.\u00a0 Young Erick was asleep in his mother\u2019s arms and Benjamin was asleep in Elise\u2019s arms as she sat in the blue chair.\u00a0 Adam shook his head – the brothers had quickly replaced the small settee with a larger sofa but neither could bring themselves to replace the blue or red chairs.\u00a0 He knew it was coming soon for both had seen better years.<\/p>\n

His attention was drawn back to the present when Elise quietly cleared her throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe and Sara, Elise and I would like to thank you for a wonderful dinner and the special time we\u2019ll spend this evening celebrating Christmas.\u00a0 It has been quite a year and we have never been happier than being here on the Ponderosa, our home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled and gave a small wink to his brother acknowledging he agreed wholeheartedly.\u00a0 Sara and Elise exchanged warm smiles.<\/p>\n

Adam went to get the package from behind the tree and gave it to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is our gift to you and Sara this year.\u00a0 Elise and I hope you will enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked very puzzled but with encouragement from Sara he unwrapped it.\u00a0 Inside he found several framed drawings.\u00a0 One each of his father, Adam, Hoss and himself, then one of Adam\u2019s family, and finally one of Joe\u2019s family – all three of them.<\/p>\n

Joe and Sara were speechless.\u00a0 They looked at each other then at Adam and Elise.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam these are…are \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExquisite.\u201d\u00a0 Sara finished for Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t really giving us your drawings, are you? I can\u2019t accept\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe.\u00a0 Those are all new drawings.\u00a0 I still have mine.\u00a0 In fact I made one of your family for me and Elise.\u00a0 These are all for you. I remember that Sara was so moved by the ones in my study and asked that I make one of your family.\u00a0 I have been working on these all year to have them ready for Christmas.\u00a0 I hope you enjoy them.\u00a0 Merry Christmas, brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe set the gift on the table and went to hug his brother.\u00a0 Afterward, the group broke into a round of Christmas carols.\u00a0 As the singing lifted up to the ceiling, heavenly snowflakes were quietly falling upon the landscape, enveloping the Ponderosa home in a mantel of warmth and love.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0ESA,\u00a0ESJ,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Adam and Joe are on their “vacations” planned by their wives. \u00a0Will they each be able to finally deal with their grief as well as rekindle their love for their wives? \u00a0<\/p>\n

WC = 7694\u00a0\u00a0 Rating = K+<\/p>\n

Cowboy Boots and Dancing Shoes Series, links to stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8333,"featured_media":12958,"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_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,41,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12957","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","category-romance","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-3-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12957","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8333"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12957"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12957\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12958"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12957"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12957"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12957"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}