{"id":14002,"date":"2007-12-12T19:49:19","date_gmt":"2007-12-13T00:49:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14002"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:11:07","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:11:07","slug":"sweet-annie-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14002","title":{"rendered":"Sweet Annie (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 It’s all about friendship.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (10,050 words)<\/p>\n

Author\u2019s note: This story was originally published in the 2000 Bonanza Convention anthology. The theme of the convention was friendship, and that theme is reflected in this story.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sweet Annie<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fireworks at the church bazaar weren\u2019t scheduled until later that evening, but for Joe Cartwright, the sparks started flying the minute he saw the girl standing near a stall. Dressed in a pale green dress that accented her slim figure, the girl was reaching into her purse, searching for some coins to pay for a purchase. Joe wasn\u2019t sure what attracted her to him. Maybe it was the way the sun glinted off her auburn hair, giving it the look of burnished copper. Or perhaps it was the warm smile she directed to the woman in the stall. Joe couldn\u2019t see the girl\u2019s eyes, but somehow he knew they were green – two bright emeralds set in a small, oval face. All Joe knew for sure was that he couldn\u2019t take his own eyes off the girl, and that he had to meet her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Crossing the grass of the small field that was hosting the bazaar, Joe hurried toward the girl, afraid she would disappear in the crowd before he could meet her. He reached the stall just as the girl was accepting a small package from the middle-aged woman in the booth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll like those handkerchiefs,\u201d the older woman was saying as she handed over the brown paper package. \u201cThe stitching on them is especially fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Removing his hat, Joe ran his fingers quickly through his hair, doing his best to comb his curly brown mane. Stepping forward, he introduced himself. \u201cExcuse me, miss. I\u2019m Joe Cartwright and I\u2019d like to welcome you to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning, the girl looked at Joe in surprise. \u201cWhy, thank you,\u201d she said, giving the young cowboy a warm smile. \u201cBut how did you know I was new to Virginia City?\u201d As Joe had guessed, her eyes were green. They shone brightly from a face of milky skin, dotted with a few small freckles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe knows every pretty girl for fifty miles around,\u201d remarked the woman in the stall with a grin. \u201cHe\u2019d be the first to recognize a new one.\u201d Joe threw a scowl over his shoulder at the woman, but she only laughed at his look of displeasure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI consider it my duty to welcome new people to our community,\u201d declared Joe formally as he turned his attention back to the girl. He flashed what he hoped was his most charming smile. \u201cI hope you\u2019ll be staying in our town for a while, Miss\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOwens,\u201d the girl supplied. \u201cLaurie Owens. And yes, I\u2019ve just moved here with my family. My father is the new manager of the Wells Fargo office. We arrived from Denver only a few days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDenver\u2019s loss is Virginia City\u2019s gain,\u201d observed Joe gallantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Laurie replied, her smile becoming even warmer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease call me Joe,\u201d urged the young Cartwright. \u201cI\u2019m very happy to make your acquaintance, Miss Owens.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy friends call me Laurie,\u201d the girl said. \u201cI hope you\u2019ll do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be honored to be considered your friend,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cSince you\u2019re so new to Virginia City, I\u2019d be pleased to escort you around the bazaar and introduce you to some of the folks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Laurie could answer, an excited shout filled the air. Joe turned and saw a small girl running across the field. Her hair was a bright red, braided into pigtails, and she ran toward Laurie as fast as her thin legs could carry her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLaurie, Laurie!\u201d shouted the child. \u201cThis is a fun place! They\u2019ve got ice cream and games and all kinds of things. You have to come see. Come and see!\u201d As the child finished in a breathless rush of words, she grabbed Laurie\u2019s hand and began to pull on it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, wait a minute,\u201d Laurie stated in a firm voice, putting her arm around the little girl. \u201cThis is Mr. Cartwright. Joe, this is my little sister, Annie.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Squatting, Joe lowered himself to Annie\u2019s eye level. \u201cHello, Annie,\u201d he said with a smile. \u201cAnd how old are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeven but I\u2019ll be eight soon,\u201d answered Annie shyly. She pulled at the skirt of Laurie\u2019s dress, partially hiding herself behind the cloth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was surprised at Annie\u2019s age. He would have guessed the child to be only about five. His surprise must have been evident on his face because Laurie said softly, \u201cAnnie is small for her age. But we\u2019re sure she\u2019ll start growing soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what it\u2019s like to be the smallest,\u201d Joe told Annie with a smile. \u201cMy Pa used to call me Little Joe. In fact, he still does sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy Papa calls me Sweet Annie,\u201d acknowledged the child, dropping the handful of cloth from Laurie\u2019s skirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very pleased to meet you, Sweet Annie,\u201d Joe declared solemnly. He stood and smiled at Laurie. \u201cI\u2019d be happy to buy some ice cream for two of the prettiest ladies in Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Laurie, can we get some ice cream?\u201d asked Annie in an excited voice. \u201cI saw it and it\u2019s all creamy and yummy looking. Can we, Laurie? Please?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Laurie replied, laughing. \u201cBut not too much. We don\u2019t want to spoil your supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYippee!\u201d shouted Annie. \u201cI\u2019ll show you where it is.\u201d She started off in a fast trot across the field.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Extending his arm, Joe said, \u201cWe\u2019d better catch up with her before she runs down half the people in town. Looks like Sweet Annie has a sweet tooth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid she does,\u201d answered Laurie, taking Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cMy father and I are terrible about indulging her. But somehow, we can\u2019t seem to resist giving in to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about your mother?\u201d asked Joe as he led Laurie across the grass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe died when Annie was born,\u201d explained Laurie in a sober voice. \u201cI suppose that\u2019s partially why my father and I spoil Annie so much. I was only twelve when Annie was born, but I\u2019ve always tried to make up for her not having a mother. My father is the same way. She was such a small baby. I guess we both felt we wanted to do anything that would make her grown big and strong, as well as not feel the lack of a mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe felt a familiar pang. He too had grown up as a motherless child, raised for almost all of his 22 years by his father and two older brothers. He wanted to tell Laurie that her efforts would keep Annie from missing her mother, but he knew in good conscience that he couldn\u2019t. Despite all the love and care he had received from his family, Joe still had those moments when he felt a sense of having missed something important in his life. He suspected that Laurie felt a sense of loss also, but she at least had some memories of her mother to comfort her. Annie, like Joe, would never have those memories.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smiling quickly, Joe noted, \u201cI\u2019m sure Annie is lucky to have you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d answered Laurie with a sigh. \u201cIt would be nice if she had someone else to be close to, though. My father has been transferred three times in the last seven years, and we\u2019ve had more housekeepers than I can remember. Annie hasn\u2019t had an opportunity to develop close friendships. She doesn\u2019t really have anyone but us. I worry sometimes about that.\u201d Shaking her head a bit, Laurie smiled. \u201cHow did we get on such a gloomy subject? It\u2019s a glorious spring day and we\u2019re here to have fun. I think a bit of ice cream is just what I need right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think someone else feels that way too,\u201d Joe agreed as they approached a stall. Five or six people were crowded in front of the booth, including Annie, who shuffled her feet with impatience.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up!\u201d demanded Annie. \u201cThey might run out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure they have plenty of ice cream, Annie,\u201d replied Laurie in a soothing voice. \u201cWe just need to wait our turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d be first if you two had hurried,\u201d grumbled Annie. Both Joe and Laurie laughed at the little girl\u2019s complaint as they waited behind an older couple.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the couple in front of them moved on, Joe stepped up to the stall and greeted the tall, thin young man standing inside the booth. \u201cHello, Roger. Looks like you\u2019re doing a booming business.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Joe,\u201d Roger returned the greeting. \u201cYeah, we\u2019re selling ice cream almost as fast as Pa can make it.\u201d He jerked his head toward an older man sitting among sacks of salt and sugar as well as tins of milk. The man scooped some ice from a large tub and dumped it into the wooden apparatus in front of him, then started turning the crank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a smile, Roger gave Laurie a look that was both friendly and curious. \u201cHowdy, ma\u2019am,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoger, this is Laurie Owens and her sister, Annie,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cThey\u2019ve just moved to Virginia City.\u201d He turned to Laurie. \u201cRoger and his family run the hardware store.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pleased to meet you,\u201d Laurie acknowledged the introduction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want some ice cream!\u201d demanded Annie in a loud voice from the corner in front of the stall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cComing up,\u201d Joe told the little girl with a laugh. \u201cGive us three ice creams, Roger.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nodding, the young man turned to a table behind him which seemed covered with stacks of bowls. He grabbed three of the bowls, then reached into a metal can in the middle of the table. With a practiced ease, Roger scooped out a large portion of ice cream and plopped some into each dish. He added a spoon to each bowl, then turned back to the front of the stall. \u201cHere you go,\u201d he said as he put the bowls on the board at the front of the booth. \u201cThat\u2019ll be three bits.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a bit expensive,\u201d observed Laurie, her eyes widening a bit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s for a good cause, ma\u2019am,\u201d replied Roger with a smile. \u201cWe\u2019re trying to raise enough money for a new roof for the church.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reaching into his green jacket, Joe pulled out a silver dollar and slapped it on the board. \u201cKeep the change.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Joe,\u201d replied Roger, picking up the coin. \u201cWe\u2019d appreciate it if you\u2019d bring the bowls back when you\u2019re finished.\u201d He eyed Laurie again, then added with a sly grin, \u201cEnjoy yourself, ma\u2019am. I\u2019m sure Joe will show you a good time.\u201d Joe frowned a bit, not sure exactly what Roger was implying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her patience at an end, Annie grabbed one of the bowls from the board and began digging the spoon into the creamy white ice cream.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, don\u2019t gobble it,\u201d Laurie warned her sister. \u201cYou\u2019ll make yourself sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d replied Annie, but she already had a spoon full of ice cream aimed toward her mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Handing Laurie one of the bowls, Joe looked around. He spotted some benches sitting under a tree. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we go over there and sit down,\u201d he suggested, nodding toward the benches.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d agreed Laurie. \u201cCome along, Annie.\u201d Intent on her ice cream, the little girl ignored her sister until Laurie reached down and gently pushed her on the back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the trio settled on the benches, Annie continued to concentrate on her ice cream, scooping spoon after spoon of the frozen concoction into her mouth. Laurie and Joe, on the other hand, only occasionally put a spoonful of ice cream to their mouths. They were too interested in learning about each other to pay much attention to anything else. Joe laughed as Laurie told him stories about a string of seemly eccentric housekeepers the Owens had employed, then countered with some stories of his own about the sometimes odd behavior of Hop Sing, the Cartwrights\u2019 cook. Their stories moved to the adventures of growing up \u2013 Joe on the Ponderosa, the family ranch, and Laurie moving from town to town as her father was transferred.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finishing her ice cream, Annie set the bowl on the bench and looked around. She watched the knots of people strolling across the field, stopping at stalls or just looking. Annie turned to look at Laurie and Joe, and wrinkled her nose in displeasure at the two of them. Neither her sister or Joe paid any attention to Annie; their eyes seemed to be locked on each other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hopping down from the bench, Annie walked a few steps to stand in front of Laurie and Joe. Still being ignored, Annie frowned. Taking two very deliberate steps forward, Annie grabbed Laurie\u2019s hand. \u201cI want to play some games,\u201d the little girl demanded. \u201cYou promised, Laurie.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A bit startled, Joe turned toward Annie. He frankly had forgotten all about her. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you take the bowls back,\u201d he suggested, picking up the two bowls from the bench and nestling one inside the other. \u201cCan you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a baby,\u201d replied Annie in a disgusted voice. She turned to Laurie. \u201cIf I take the bowls back, then can we play some games?\u201d she asked plaintively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course,\u201d Laurie agreed with a smile. \u201cDon\u2019t forget your bowl.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Annie took the bowls from Joe, she gave him another look of displeasure, then skipped around her sister to get her own bowl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe really have been ignoring Annie,\u201d Laurie apologized to Joe. She turned to watch her sister walking across the grass, carefully holding the bowls as she proceeded toward the ice cream booth. Turning back to Joe, Laurie added, \u201cWe came here so Annie could have some fun. I never expected that I would meet\u2026.a new friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes, you never know where things might lead,\u201d replied Joe, still staring into Laurie\u2019s face. Laurie blushed a bit and looked down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI took the bowls back,\u201d yelled Annie as she raced across the grass back to the bench. \u201cNow can we play games?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe turned to the little girl. \u201cWhat games would you like to play?\u201d he asked, giving Annie a brief smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBeanbag toss,\u201d Annie declared firmly. \u201cI\u2019m really good at tossing things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBeanbag toss it is,\u201d agreed Laurie, getting to her feet. Joe rose also and took a step toward Laurie. But Annie was quicker. She wiggled in between the two, grasping Laurie\u2019s hand firmly. Looking up at Joe, she gave him a grin of triumph.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s find the beanbag booth,\u201d said Joe, shaking his head ruefully. It wasn\u2019t often that he was defeated when it came to courting pretty girls, and certainly never by a seven year old.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the trio walked across the grass, Annie made sure to keep herself firmly between Joe and Laurie. The three jumped in surprise, though, when a loud series of pops exploded behind them. Joe whirled around just in time to see two giggling boys scampering off. He grinned a bit as he noted the small flakes of paper and ash floating to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d asked Annie, her eyes wide.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust some firecrackers,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cThose two little scamps must have set them off. I can\u2019t remember any celebration when there weren\u2019t firecrackers around. The Chinese in town who make them really do a big business whenever there\u2019s some kind of bazaar or ceremony.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan I have some firecrackers, Laurie? Please?\u201d Annie begged her sister.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not,\u201d answered Laurie firmly. \u201cThey\u2019re much too dangerous, especially for a little girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be careful,\u201d Annie promised. \u201cJust a few? Please?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Laurie said again, her voice sounding even firmer. \u201cAnd don\u2019t try to wheedle them out of me, Annie, because I\u2019m not going to say yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jutting out her lower lip, Annie looked down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s the beanbag booth,\u201d announced Joe, trying to coax the little girl out of her pout. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a quarter. \u201cHere\u2019s enough for five tries.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her face still expressing a pout, Annie eyed the quarter in Joe\u2019s hand. She hesitated a moment, then snatched the coin. Unable to resist the lure of the game, Annie ran to the booth a few feet in front of her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, that\u2019s bribery,\u201d Laurie said in an accusing tone of voice. But her face broke into a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but it worked,\u201d admitted Joe with a grin. He moved to stand close to Laurie. \u201cAnd it will keep Annie busy for awhile.\u201d Joe reached down and took Laurie\u2019s hand in his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It seemed to Joe that only a few moments had passed before Annie was running back to the couple. “I won!\u201d the little girl shouted in excitement. \u201cSee, Laurie, I won this little horse.\u201d Annie held up a small carving of a pony, painted in brown with a black mane and tail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s wonderful, Annie,\u201d Laurie replied, but her tone of voice showed her distraction. She continued to smile in Joe\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pulling her face into a pout once more, Annie looked at her sister, then at Joe. Neither seemed to notice her. Squaring her shoulders, Annie turned and stomped off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took a few minutes for Laurie to realize her sister had left, but when she did, a look of panic crossed her face. \u201cJoe! Where\u2019s Annie?\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking around, Joe spotted the little girl a few feet away, standing with a knot of other children watching a juggler. \u201cThere she is,\u201d said Joe, pointing. \u201cShe\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI shouldn\u2019t have lost track of her like that!\u201d exclaimed Laurie, her face reflecting her sense of guilt. She hurried toward the group of children, with Joe trailing after her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, you should have told me where you were going,\u201d Laurie chided her sister as she came up to the little girl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning, Annie shrugged. \u201cYou didn\u2019t seem to care.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do care,\u201d Laurie protested. She looked around. \u201cWhere\u2019s the little horse you won? Did you lose it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d answered Annie. \u201cI traded it for something else I wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you trade it for?\u201d asked Joe curiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a secret,\u201d replied Annie, deliberately turning her head away from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reaching down, Laurie took Annie\u2019s hand. \u201cIt\u2019s time to go, dear,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have to meet Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Surprised, Joe stepped forward. \u201cDo you really have to leave?\u201d he asked Laurie. \u201cThere\u2019s a box dinner later and I thought maybe you might eat with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe,\u201d Laurie answered, shaking her head. \u201cWe\u2019d only planned to stay a little while. I promised my father I\u2019d be home to make dinner tonight.\u201d She smiled at Joe. \u201cI didn\u2019t expect the bazaar to turn into, well, something quite so nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how about tomorrow?\u201d asked Joe quickly. \u201cCould I take you for a buggy ride? There\u2019s some really pretty country around here that I\u2019d like to show you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be nice,\u201d agreed Laurie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to go too,\u201d insisted Annie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou weren\u2019t invited,\u201d Joe told the little girl pointedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I want to go,\u201d wailed Annie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll take you another time,\u201d Laurie promised her sister. \u201cBut now, we really need to meet Papa. He\u2019ll be waiting by the church door and start worrying if we don\u2019t show up soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll walk you there,\u201d offered Joe, extending his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frowning, Annie watched Laurie slip her right arm through Joe\u2019s. The little girl tried to move between the pair again, but this time, Laurie kept her left hand firmly clasped around Annie\u2019s hand. Frustrated, Annie dragged her feet and walked slowly. Neither Laurie nor Joe seemed to notice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the trio approached the front of the church, a grey-haired man wearing a dark suit walked forward to meet them. \u201cThere\u2019s my girls,\u201d said the man, smiling. His smile disappeared as he saw Joe and realized he was holding Laurie\u2019s arm in his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPapa, I\u2019d like you to meet Joe Cartwright,\u201d Laurie said with a smile. \u201cHe was nice enough to show Annie and me around the bazaar.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright, eh?\u201d acknowledged Owens. \u201cI\u2019ve met your father. He seems like a fine man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe is, sir,\u201d replied Joe. He reached out his hand. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to meet you, Mr. Owens.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Somewhat mollified by Joe\u2019s good manners, Owens took Joe\u2019s hand and shook it briefly. \u201cI appreciate your watching out for my girls.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to take Laurie for a ride tomorrow and show her the countryside, if it\u2019s all right with you,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to go too,\u201d Annie added in a loud voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, I already said no,\u201d Laurie informed her sister. She turned to her father. \u201cJoe and I will only be gone a few hours. I hope you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026\u201d began Mr. Owens.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey only want to go riding so they can get all kissy and huggy and stuff,\u201d advised Annie in a disgusted voice. \u201cThat\u2019s why they won\u2019t let me come.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, that\u2019s not true!\u201d exclaimed Laurie. \u201cPapa, Joe just wants to show me around a bit. Really, that\u2019s all there is to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Standing silently, Joe tried to look Mr. Owens in the eye. If the truth were known, Joe had planned to plant a few kisses on Laurie during the ride, but he knew that wasn\u2019t a fact he should share with Laurie\u2019s father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking Joe over, Mr. Owens\u2019 eyes narrowed a bit. He knew the Cartwright name was respected in Virginia City, but he also saw a handsome young man, full of vigor. \u201cI don\u2019t object to you taking a ride with Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he agreed slowly. \u201cBut it might be a good idea to take Annie along. She could use some fresh air and the ride might do her good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a sinking heart, Joe nodded. \u201cI\u2019d be happy to have her join us,\u201d he lied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Giving a brief nod, Mr. Owens turned to his daughters. \u201cCome along, girls. It\u2019s time we were heading for home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll pick you up about one o\u2019clock,\u201d Joe told Laurie. He scowled at Annie who smiled sweetly in return.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Laurie walked off with her father and sister, Joe stood by the church watching. He didn\u2019t realize that two people had come up behind him until he felt a large hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere you are, little brother,\u201d boomed Hoss Cartwright. \u201cWe\u2019ve been looking all over for you. We wanted to know if you wanted to team up with Adam and me for the horseshoe throwing contest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still staring at the retreating figures, Joe answered softly. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so. You go on without me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeing the look on Joe\u2019s face, Hoss turned to see what held his little brother\u2019s attention. He saw the auburn-haired girl in the green dress walking the down the street. The girl turned and smiled at Joe; she gave a small wave, and then hurried to catch up to her father and sister.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh oh,\u201d said Hoss, shaking his head. \u201cI know that look. He\u2019s got a real bad case, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s pretty serious,\u201d Adam Cartwright agreed. He also had followed Joe\u2019s gaze and seen the girl smile at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you two talking about?\u201d asked Joe in an irritated voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou,\u201d answered Hoss. \u201cEvery time you get that dreamy look on your face, we know you\u2019re coming down with a bad case of love sickness.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot that we particularly care,\u201d added Adam. \u201cExcept we know that you\u2019re going to be totally useless around the ranch for the next week or so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we get stuck doing your chores while you off courting some pretty young thing,\u201d declared Hoss. He shook his head. \u201cLet me guess. You want out of chores tomorrow afternoon so you can take that gal on a buggy ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust for a few hours,\u201d protested Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll get my chores done before I leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ll want some time off for a picnic the next day,\u201d mused Adam. \u201cThat\u2019ll get you out of branding.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a pretty good plan to me, Adam,\u201d Hoss agreed solemnly but his eyes twinkled with amusement. \u201cWonder how we can catch some of that love sickness?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw, shut up,\u201d said Joe in an exasperated tone. \u201cLet\u2019s go throw some horseshoes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Three days after the bazaar, Joe came down the stairs slowly to join his father and brothers at the breakfast table. Sliding into his seat, Joe mumbled a brief \u201cMorning\u201d and reached for the coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Joseph,\u201d Ben Cartwright greeted his youngest son. Joe nodded in his father\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre we going to have the honor of your presence at the branding pen today?\u201d asked Adam in a sarcastic voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMight as well be branding calves as anything else,\u201d replied Joe glumly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eyebrows arched, Adam exchanged a glance with Hoss. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Joe?\u201d Adam asked, trying to keep a straight face. \u201cRomance not going well?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Joe, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d chimed in Hoss. \u201cAin\u2019t that little gal as interested in you as you are in her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking up from the plate he had just filled with eggs and bacon, Joe said in a voice tinged with despair, \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019m ever going to find out. Laurie and I can\u2019t be together more than five minutes without her little sister showing up. \u2018Sweet Annie\u2019, as her father calls her, is always with us, watching and interfering. If I didn\u2019t know better, I\u2019d say she was spying on us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just what are you planning to do with this young lady that her little sister can\u2019t observe?\u201d asked Ben in a stern voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, Pa, honest,\u201d answered Joe quickly. \u201cAll I want to do is be with Laurie and maybe hold hands. Really, that\u2019s all, Pa. But I can\u2019t even do that. On Monday, when I took Laurie for a buggy ride, Annie insisted on sitting on the seat between us. Said she could see better that way. Yesterday, when we were on the picnic, Laurie and I never had a minute to ourselves. Annie constantly needed her dressed tied, or help with her shoes or something. I saw had more time alone with Laurie when I said good-bye to her on her porch than I had all day at the picnic.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, halleluiah!\u201d exclaimed Adam suddenly. \u201cSince you\u2019re the youngest, I never thought you\u2019d have the experience of a youngster spoiling your dates. It\u2019s about time you got a taste of your own medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frowning, Joe asked, \u201cWhat do you mean, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat he means, little brother,\u201d explained Hoss with a grin, \u201cis that you\u2019re finally getting to know what it\u2019s like to have a kid around making your life miserable while you\u2019re trying to court a girl. You did it so many times to Adam and me, we lost count. Well, now it\u2019s payback time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u201d mumbled Joe. But he even as he spoke the words, he looked down at his plate, and a small flush of red started creeping us his neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no?\u201d said Adam. \u201cHow about that time I took Carol Easley on a picnic? You came riding up and insisted you had something in your saddlebag she needed to see. I can still hear her screams when she reached in and pulled out a snake out of that saddlebag.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was only ten,\u201d Joe said defensively. \u201cI was just mad because you promised to take me fishing and dumped me for a girl instead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the time I took Susie Benson down by the lake?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cShe nearly died of fright when you popped out of the lake, covered with leaves and stuff. She thought you were a sea monster or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSusie Benson was afraid of her own shadow,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cShe wasn\u2019t right for you. I was just trying to show you that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would have preferred to find it out for myself,\u201d advised Hoss, cocking his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about that night I was walking with Maureen Casey in lane after the dance,\u201d added Adam. \u201cShe almost fainted when you fell out of the bushes and landed at her feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was an accident, Adam,\u201d Joe defended himself. \u201cI just wanted to watch and I lost my balance. I was only twelve and still trying to figure out what you did with girls when you went walking in the moonlight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cConsidering your track record since then, I\u2019d say you figured it out pretty good,\u201d commented Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a fast learner,\u201d answered Joe with a grin. Then his face sobered. \u201cAll right, I admit it. I pulled some pretty dumb stunts on you fellows. But this is different. It\u2019s not like Annie is pulling tricks. She\u2019s just always\u2026there,\u201d Joe\u2019s voice with filled with frustration when he finished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does Laurie say about her sister being with you so much?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLaurie is too tender-hearted to make her stay home,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cShe says that Annie is just a lonely little girl who doesn\u2019t have a mother or any friends. Laurie doesn\u2019t want her being alone at home with the housekeeper all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, isn\u2019t that the truth?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sure, I guess,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cBut it\u2019s not fair to Laurie. She needs some time away from Annie.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot fair to Laurie?\u201d said Ben, arching his eyebrows. \u201cOr to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I admit it,\u201d answered Joe, spreading his hands. \u201cI want some time alone with Laurie. But what can I do? I mean it. What can I do? Short of locking Annie in a closet, I\u2019m never going to get a chance to be alone with Laurie.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou might try seeing things from the little girl\u2019s point of view,\u201d suggested Ben. \u201cAll those tricks you used to play on your brothers, those were done out of jealousy, or curiosity, or just being a bit overprotective. I\u2019m sure Annie is feeling those same emotions. Maybe if you and Laurie would include Annie in your activities, instead of trying to ignore her, Annie won\u2019t be quite as intrusive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not just her being around,\u201d Joe said in a gloomy voice. \u201cShe tells Laurie\u2019s father everything we do.\u201d Looking at Ben, Joe added quickly. \u201cNot that we do anything that Annie couldn\u2019t tell her father. Only the way she tells things, Annie makes it sound like I\u2019m trying to carry Laurie off or something. Mr. Owens gives me some dark looks every time I\u2019m at the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019s giving you them looks because you deserve them, Joe,\u201d Hoss commented, cackling with laugher. \u201cMaybe he\u2019s heard some things and your chickens are coming home to roost.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never done anything to deserve looks like that,\u201d protested Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Waving his hand a bit, Ben said, \u201cJoe\u2019s got a point. If Annie is telling stories to her father, Joe may be being unfairly judged.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d agreed Joe, nodding in satisfaction. \u201cIt\u2019s not fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOn the other hand,\u201d continued Ben, \u201cJoe hasn\u2019t exactly demonstrated to Laurie\u2019s father that he\u2019s type of man who can accept responsibility. Pushing away a small child to spend time with her sister doesn\u2019t exactly endear someone to a father.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa\u2026\u201d Joe started.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held up his hand. \u201cJoseph, I\u2019m just saying that the perception is that you\u2019re pushing the little girl away, not that you are,\u201d explained Ben. He looked thoughtful for a moment. \u201cWhen are you suppose to see Laurie again?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d said Joe in an unhappy voice. \u201cAfter yesterday\u2019s picnic, we just sort left it open.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I suggest you ask Laurie if you can have a dinner with her and her family,\u201d Ben proposed. \u201cLet her father get to know you and find out what a fine young man you are. At the same time, if Annie is too intrusive, her father will realize it and perhaps do something about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what if he doesn\u2019t?\u201d countered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then you\u2019re no worse off than you are now,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cAt least, you can try it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d agreed Joe, but his voice suggested his doubts about Ben\u2019s idea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook, little brother,\u201d remarked Hoss, \u201cmaybe Annie isn\u2019t that bad. Maybe you just need to get to know her a little better. You might enjoy having her around.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, she\u2019s no worse than having a pet rattlesnake,\u201d Joe replied sarcastically. \u201cYou never know when she\u2019s going to show up and strike next.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laughing, Adam said, \u201cYou know, I think I said that about you once or twice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if this doesn\u2019t work,\u201d added Ben, \u201cthere is one sure cure for the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, what\u2019s that?\u201d asked Joe curiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can wait about ten years until Annie grows up,\u201d answered Ben with a grin. His grin turned into a laugh when he saw the look of dismay on his youngest son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Peering into the mirror, Joe nervously checked his appearance one more time. He was pleased with the reflection of his crisp white shirt and carefully combed hair. Deciding that the string tie around his neck was too formal for a family dinner, Joe yanked on the end of the tie. As the string unraveled from its knot, Joe slid it from around his neck and gathered it in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t he look pretty, Adam?\u201d said a voice behind Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning, Joe saw his brother Hoss standing in the doorway of his bedroom and his brother Adam lounging against the door frame.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think pretty is the look he\u2019s going for,\u201d commented Adam. \u201cI think he\u2019s trying to come across as dependable, reliable and a lover of small children.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHa, ha, very funny,\u201d Joe replied sarcastically. He flung the string tie on the bureau in front of the mirror. \u201cYou\u2019re just jealous because I\u2019m spending the evening with a pretty girl and her family, instead of you two.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful that you aren\u2019t too charming,\u201d cautioned Hoss with grin. \u201cHer Pa is liable to go from not liking you to calling the preacher for a wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you two have something to do?\u201d asked Joe, clearly annoyed with his brothers. He walked over to his bed and picked up the green jacket lying across it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot a thing,\u201d replied Adam with a shrug.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, go find something,\u201d ordered Joe as he shrugged into the jacket. \u201cI don\u2019t need any advice from you hyenas on how to make friends with Laurie\u2019s father and sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeriously, Joe,\u201d advised Adam, straightening in the doorway, \u201cdon\u2019t try to put on an act. You want Laurie\u2019s family to know and like you for who you are, not someone you pretend to be. Just be yourself.\u201d A small smile crossed Adam\u2019s face. \u201cWell, it may be wise to show a bit more manners and restraint than you usually do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks a lot,\u201d Joe said dryly. He snatched the tan hat perched on the post of his bed and, turning to the mirror, carefully positioned the hat on his head. Tugging on the jacket to straighten it a bit, Joe checked his appearance in the mirror once more. Satisfied, he turned toward the door. \u201cIf you two will excuse me, I have a young lady waiting for me.\u201d Joe pushed past his brothers and left the bedroom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Watching Joe stride down the hall, Adam remarked, \u201cYou know, Hoss, I think you and I should ride into Virginia City tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Adam, I don\u2019t mind joshing Joe,\u201d replied Hoss, frowning a bit. \u201cBut I don\u2019t want to pull any tricks on him and mess up his dinner with the Owens.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do I,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cBut I am curious about how things turn out. I figure one way or the other, Joe will end up in the Silver Dollar \u2013 either to drown his sorrows if things go badly, or to celebrate if he manages to pull this off. I\u2019d kind of like to hear what happens before Joe gives Pa an edited version at breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Hoss, his face brightening. \u201cSo would I.\u201d He clamped his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI think going to Virginia City is a good idea, and since you suggested it, I\u2019ll let you buy the beer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Three hours later, as he sat next to Laurie on the sofa in her parlor, Joe was feeling very pleased with himself. In his mind, the dinner had been a big success. He had been on his best behavior, and had what he felt was both intelligent and respectful conversations with Mr. Owens and Laurie. At first, Laurie\u2019s father had been rather aloof, but as the dinner wore on, Mr. Owens had appeared to warm toward him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More importantly, during the dinner, Mr. Owens had seemed to realize how Annie was acting around Joe. Twice, the little girl had made giggling remarks about Laurie and Joe which obviously were meant to embarrass Joe. Joe had hid his irritation and merely smiled at Annie. And, both times, Mr. Owens had gently but firmly told Annie to be nice to their guest. When the dinner was concluded, Annie had run to Laurie and, deliberately ignoring Joe, begged her sister to play a game of checkers. Joe had seen what he hoped was a dawning of understanding on Mr. Owens\u2019 face as Annie\u2019s father had suggested she play in her room. And the tone of Mr. Owens\u2019 voice made it clear that his suggestion was really an order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What made Joe\u2019s triumph complete was Mr. Owens\u2019 comment that he had some work to do at the Wells Fargo office. Giving Joe a nod that implied both approval and trust, Mr. Owens had departed the house, leaving Joe and Laurie alone for virtually the first time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inching a bit closer to Laurie on the sofa, Joe remarked, \u201cThat was a great dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, but Mrs. O\u2019Brien deserves all the credit,\u201d answered Laurie with a smile. \u201cShe did most of the preparation. All I had to do was stick things in the oven after she left for the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leaning toward Laurie a bit, Joe observed, \u201cWell, you did a nice job of sticking things in the oven. And you have a very nice home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMost of these things came with the house,\u201d Laurie said, her smile widening a bit. \u201cOur own furniture and other belongings won\u2019t arrive until next week. We only brought some clothes and whatever else we could carry on the stage. Wells Fargo is moving the rest of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bent forward a bit more, bringing his face closer to Laurie\u2019s. \u201cI suppose that\u2019s why your father had to go to the office,\u201d he murmured. \u201cHow long do you think he\u2019ll be gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking into Joe\u2019s eyes, Laurie answered softly, \u201cProbably an hour or so.\u201d Bending a bit toward Joe, she added, \u201cWe\u2019re all alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe put his arm around Laurie\u2019s shoulders and pulled her gently toward him. Her mouth looked soft and inviting. Joe saw Laurie\u2019s lips pucker a bit and he moved to put his lips on hers. He felt the soft skin of Laurie\u2019s mouth and\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POP! POP! POP! POP! POP! POP!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the sound of the first eruption, Joe jerked back from Laurie, startled and confused. The second noisy outburst caused Joe to jump to his feet. Automatically, his left hand reached for his hip, seeking the holster and gun that weren\u2019t there. It wasn\u2019t until he heard the series of quick little bursts that Joe realized that firecrackers were exploding near the sofa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frowning, Joe looked around and saw Annie standing in the doorway of the parlor, laughing in delight. She was holding a telltale burned match in her fingers. \u201cWhy, you little\u2026,\u201d Joe began angrily. He started across the room, his legs covering the distance in quick strides.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeing the fury on Joe\u2019s face, Annie\u2019s laughter quickly died. She turned and ran. By the time Joe reached the doorway, she was disappearing up a flight of stairs to the safety of the rooms above.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, wait!\u201d cried Laurie, catching up to him as he reached the bottom of the stairs. She grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and held on. \u201cJoe, wait. Annie didn\u2019t mean anything by it. She was just playing a trick.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust playing a trick!\u201d replied Joe angrily. \u201cI thought someone was shooting at us. If I had been wearing a gun, I might have taken a shot at her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have seen the look on your face,\u201d noted Laurie with a giggle. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen someone\u2019s eyes grow that big.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Letting the anger seep from his body, Joe acknowledged grudgingly, \u201cI guess I did look a little surprised. But you\u2019re not going to let her get away with this, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d said Laurie firmly. She moved closer to Joe. \u201cAnnie is going to be severely punished\u2026later.\u201d Laurie eased herself in front of Joe and put her arms around him. \u201cWe only have a little while until my father returns.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smiling, Joe wrapped his arms around Laurie. \u201cI suppose there are more important things right now than worrying about Annie.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s partially my fault,\u201d explained Laurie softly. \u201cAnnie asked me what it was like to kiss someone and I told her it was sort of like fireworks exploding.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd is it?\u201d asked Joe, moving his head closer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think I need to be sure,\u201d murmured Laurie. She tilted her head invitingly, and Joe moved to put his lips against hers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Holding each other tightly, Joe and Laurie exchanged kisses that were a bit tentative at first, then grew more sure. Laurie moved her hand to Joe\u2019s neck and pulled his head even closer to her. Joe\u2019s hand tightened on the small of Laurie\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, Laurie pulled away. \u201cJoe,\u201d she said with a slight frown. \u201cDo you smell smoke?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFireworks,\u201d Joe murmured, \u201cnot smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m serious, Joe,\u201d insisted Laurie, her frown deepening. She took a step back and looked over Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cJoe!\u201d she cried. \u201cFire!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Spinning around, Joe saw dark, thick smoke drifting out of the parlor. He could hear the crackle of fire and just barely see the edges of orange flames. \u201cHoly cow!\u201d exclaimed Joe. \u201cThose firecrackers must have started a fire!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pushing Laurie back a bit, Joe rushed through the smoke into the parlor. The sofa was already fully engulfed in flames, and trails of fire were burning across the carpet. A thin stream of flame was working its way up the side of an overstuffed chair, widening quickly as it found new fuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked around, desperately seeking something with which to battle the flames. He spotted a pillow on a chair across the room and hurried over to snatch it. As he cross the room, Joe saw Laurie grabbing a small blanket from the back of another chair. Both Joe and Laurie began to beat on the fire, Laurie bringing the blanket down swiftly on the burning carpet while Joe pounded the flames on the overstuffed chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took Joe only a few minutes to realize he and Laurie were fighting a battle they could not win. Dropping, the pillow, Joe rushed to Laurie and grabbed her by the shoulders. \u201cWe can\u2019t put it out!\u201d he shouted. \u201cGet out of here and get some help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Coughing from the smoke, Laurie nodded, then exclaimed, \u201cAnnie! We\u2019ve got to get Annie out of the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get her,\u201d said Joe, pushing Laurie out the door of the parlor and into the hallway. \u201cYou get help. Run to the Silver Dollar. There will be lots of men there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease save Annie,\u201d cried Laurie. \u201cPlease, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d promised Joe. \u201cNow go or we\u2019ll all be in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Picking up her skirts, Laurie ran to the front of the house and flung open the door. As she rushed out into the night, she left the door open, not realizing the air would fan the flames behind her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Climbing the stairs two at a time, Joe started called in a loud voice, \u201cAnnie! Annie! Where are you?\u201d As he reached the top of the stairs, Joe paused and listened for a reply. Hearing nothing but the crackle of the fire below, Joe flung open the door of the room at the top of the stairs. It was a large bedroom and obviously belonged to the male in the household. \u201cAnnie!\u201d Joe called and took a quick look around the room. Convinced it was empty, Joe ran out of the bedroom and pushed open the door of the room next to it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeing dresses flung across the bed, Joe knew this was Laurie\u2019s room. Once more, he shouted, \u201cAnnie! Annie, where are you?\u201d It took only a moment for him to glance around the much smaller bedroom and realize no one was there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Becoming increasingly frustrated and worried, Joe hurried to the third room along the corridor. He pushed against the door, only to find it firmly locked. \u201cAnnie,\u201d Joe yelled. \u201cOpen the door! Do you hear me? Open the door!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought he heard a muted \u201cNo\u201d from the other side of the door. He pushed against the door once more, but the wood held firm. Taking a step back, Joe kicked at the door. He heard the crack of wood splintering, but the door still stood closed. Joe raised his leg and again kicked at the wood, putting all of his strength into the effort. This time, the wood around the lock split and the door flew open.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rushing into the bedroom, Joe looked around. It took him a minute to spot the small girl in the green dress cowering in the corner of the room, trying to hide behind a rocking horse. \u201cAnnie!\u201d Joe shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t hit me!\u201d cried Annie in fear. \u201cI\u2019m sorry! I promise I won\u2019t do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, we have to get out of here,\u201d Joe announced in a calmer voice. He realized Annie thought he had come after her because of the trick she had played. He didn\u2019t want to frighten the girl too much but Joe knew that they were running out of time. \u201cAnnie,\u201d Joe advised in what he hoped was a soothing voice, \u201cI\u2019m not mad at you. I came to get you out of here. The house is on fire and we have to leave before it gets too bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOn fire!\u201d exclaimed Annie, her eyes widening. She pulled herself tighter into a ball in a corner. \u201cWe\u2019re going to burn!\u201d she cried in terror.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Realizing he didn\u2019t have time to talk Annie out of her fear, Joe turned and pulled the cover off the little girl\u2019s bed. \u201cAnnie,\u201d he said, walking toward shaking child, \u201cI\u2019m going to carry you out of here.\u201d Joe pushed away the rocking horse and threw the blanket on top of Annie. \u201cI\u2019ll cover you up so you won\u2019t burn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reaching down, Joe wrapped the blanket around Annie, then gathered her into his arms. As he stood, Joe thought how small the child was. She didn\u2019t weigh any more than one of the sacks of grain that Joe regularly toted around the ranch. Pulling the cover over Annie\u2019s head, Joe hugged the little girl to his body and rushed out of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he ran down the corridor to the stairs, Joe could see the thick smoke was already climbing its way to the upper floor. Coughing as his lungs inhaled the fumes, Joe knew he didn\u2019t have time to try to find something to put over his face. He lowered his head, putting his mouth and nose close to the blanket wrapped around Annie, then plunged into the dark smoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blinded by the smoke, Joe could barely see the stairs. He could, however, see the trail of fire working its way up the banister and the flames burning brightly at the bottom. Hugging Annie even tighter, Joe began running down the stairs. He could feel the heat of the inferno all around him, and the smoke seemed to thicken with each step he took. Two steps from the bottom of the stairs, Joe hesitated. A wall of flames had sprung up in front of him. The heat seared his face as the fire moved menacingly toward him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Closing his eyes and gritting his teeth, Joe jumped through the flames.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a soft thud, Joe landed on the other side of the wall of fire. He heard a loud crack, and felt the floor give way under his left leg. Joe fell forward, dropping his bundle on to the floor in front of him. Annie screamed, a shriek of fear rather than pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pulling himself up, Joe felt a stab of pain in his ankle, a pain that seemed to run up his leg toward his knee. Ignoring the discomfort of his leg, Joe gathered the blanket-clad Annie into his arms once more, and tried to get his bearings. He almost cried with relief when he saw the open front door about ten feet in front of him. Limping heavily, Joe hurried toward the door. As he emerged out of the heat of the fire into the night air, Joe thought he had never felt a breeze so cool, so refreshing and so welcome.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes irritated from the smoke, Joe couldn\u2019t clearly see the figures rushing up to him. But he could hear the voices — a mixture of shouts and words that jumbled together. He felt hands taking his precious bundle from his arms, and other hands grabbing him. Joe coughed hard, forcing the smoke from his lungs, then gasped for air. His legs buckled a bit, and the pain in his ankle suddenly seemed very sharp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two sets of hands grabbed Joe\u2019s arms and began dragging him away from the heat of the fire behind him. Coughing and limping, Joe let the strong arms that supported him do most of the work. He followed along as best he could until the arms pushed him down into a sitting position.<\/p>\n

Joe leaned back, and felt a support of some kind behind him. Feeling safe at last, Joe let his body go limp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you all right?\u201d asked a familiar voice anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning his head, Joe looked through reddened eyes into the worried face of his brother Adam. Nodding, Joe said wearily, \u201cI\u2019m all right. Look\u2026look after Annie.\u201d Suddenly, a spasm of coughing seized Joe, and he began hacking and wheezing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A powerful hand started pounding on Joe\u2019s back. Gasping for air, Joe turned his head to his right. \u201cStop it, Hoss,\u201d Joe managed. \u201cYou\u2019re going to break my back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just trying to help you, little brother,\u201d explained Hoss apologetically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Joe let it out slowly. \u201cI just swallowed some smoke,\u201d he declared. \u201cI\u2019m all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t look all right, Joe,\u201d advised Adam. \u201cThose burns on your face and arm look pretty nasty.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Surprised, Joe looked down. He could see a red streak across his left hand, and the charred black cloth of his shirt sleeve. Reaching up to his face, Joe felt a small area of furrowed skin on his forehead. Joe knew the fire had burned him, but he didn\u2019t feel it. \u201cI guess I got singed a little,\u201d admitted Joe, sounding almost amazed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another face suddenly appeared in front of Joe. \u201cLet me take a look at you, young man,\u201d Doctor Martin insisted in a voice full of concern.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Waving his right hand briefly at the doctor, Joe replied, \u201cGo check on Annie first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already examined her,\u201d answered the doctor as he began wiping the soot gently from Joe\u2019s face with a damp cloth. \u201cShe\u2019s scared and crying, but there\u2019s not a mark on her.\u201d Pulling back and stopping his ministrations for a moment, Doctor Martin said, \u201cYou did everything right, Joe.<\/p>\n

You protected her and saved her. She was very lucky you were there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly feeling exhausted, Joe leaned back and closed his eyes. He coughed a bit, then winced as the burns finally started stinging.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him over to my office,\u201d Doctor Martin ordered. \u201cI can patch him up better there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As two sets of arms lifted Joe from the ground, Joe leaned his head on Hoss\u2019 shoulder. Whatever they did to Joe was fine with him. He had no strength left to protest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t exactly sure when he decided that night was the most miserable one of his life. He only knew there weren\u2019t many ways things could be worse. The burns on his face and arm stung as if a thousand tiny pins were pricking him, and his ankle throbbed. His eyes felt irritated and gritty, and his skin felt dirty with soot, even after the thorough washing he had given it. But the worst part was Joe couldn\u2019t sleep, despite his feeling of exhaustion. Every time Joe started to drift off, he began to cough, his lungs still trying to expel the residue of smoke. Joe wanted nothing more than to fall into a deep, mindless sleep but his body seemed determined to keep him awake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lying in the soft bed at the doctor\u2019s office, Joe could hear snatches of conversation around him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026be all right. The burns aren\u2019t serious and his ankle is only sprained. He just needs a few days rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026.sent Hoss to get Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026.take him home tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning on his side, Joe grunted and winced at the pain that even this slight movement caused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe looks so uncomfortable. Can\u2019t you give him something?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe needs to cough up the rest of that smoke from his lungs. A sedative will only the delay the process. Better he\u2019s uncomfortable for one night than a couple of days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pushing himself deeper into the soft mattress, Joe knew the doctor was probably right. But knowing his discomfort was only for a night didn\u2019t make Joe feel any less miserable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t realize that he had finally fallen into that sought-after sleep until he opened his eyes and saw a stream of daylight coming through a window. The last thing he remembered was a darkened room and a sprinkling of stars shining through the window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Flipping from his side to his back on the bed, Joe wasn\u2019t terrible surprised to see a gray-haired figure sitting in the chair next to the bed. \u201cMorning, Pa,\u201d Joe said in a voice still thick from sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peering into Joe\u2019s face, Ben studied his son for a moment before answering. \u201cGood morning, Joseph,\u201d answered Ben. A small smile broke out on his face. \u201cI thought you were going to make friends with Mr. Owens,\u201d commented Ben dryly. \u201cBurning down his house isn\u2019t exactly the way to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d Joe started to say in protest, but his words were interrupted by a fit of coughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe,\u201d advised Ben in a soothing voice. He stroked the top of Joe\u2019s head. \u201cJust take deep breaths.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Following his father\u2019s orders, Joe gulped in air. Then he turned to Ben. \u201cIs everyone all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone is fine,\u201d Ben assured his son. \u201cThey couldn\u2019t save the house, but Mr. Owens felt that was of little concern compared to his daughters being safe.\u201d Ben hesitated, then added, \u201cLaurie told us about the firecrackers Annie set off. She didn\u2019t mean to start the fire, of course, but I have a feeling that little girl is going to be confined to her room for a long, long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs soon as they can find a place to live and a room for Annie to be sent to,\u201d observed Joe. His eyes were feeling heavy, and Joe slowly began to close them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone is helping them out,\u201d Ben told Joe. He saw his son\u2019s eyes closing. \u201cYou get some sleep. We\u2019ll talk about it later.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Sitting in his father\u2019s favorite red leather chair, Joe propped his heavily wrapped ankle up on the leather footstool in front of him. After being home for two days, Joe was feeling bored. The pain from his burns and sprained ankle had faded to small irritations, and he hadn\u2019t coughed for over a day. Staring at the pages of the book in his hand, Joe wondered if he could talk someone into staying around and keeping him company for awhile. Adam and Hoss were upstairs, getting ready to go to work after a hearty breakfast, and his father was in the kitchen, compiling a list of supplies he was going to bring from Virginia City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As if in answer to Joe\u2019s prayer, a sharp rap sounded against the front door. The knock seemed like a call to arms, bringing people from everywhere. Adam and Hoss descended the stairs, and Ben hurried out of the kitchen. Joe pushed against the arms of the chair a bit, making an effort to get up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStay where you are,\u201d Ben ordered his youngest son as he walked past the chair to the door. \u201cI\u2019ll get it.\u201d Joe sank back into the chair, a grin crossing his face. He really hadn\u2019t planned to get up, especially since there were several people around to answer the door. He just wanted to give his father the pleasure of ordering him to stay put.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peering toward the door which Ben opened, Joe was surprised to see Laurie walk in, followed by her father and little sister. Annie hung back, obviously reluctant to enter the house, but her father pushed her firmly forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rushing across the room, Laurie asked in a breathless voice, \u201cJoe, how are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe assured her with a warm smile. \u201cI\u2019ll be as good as new in no time.\u201d He looked past Laurie to Annie, who was standing next to her father a few feet away. \u201cHello, Annie,\u201d Joe greeted the little girl. \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a solemn look on her face, Annie nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie has something to say to you, Joe,\u201d Mr. Owens announced. He looked down at the little girl. \u201cAnnie?\u201d he said in a voice that was both encouraging and giving an order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Swallowing hard, Annie took a step forward. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about the fire,\u201d she admitted in a small voice. \u201cAnd I\u2019m sorry you got hurt because of it.\u201d Annie looked up at her father, who nodded at her. Turning back to Joe, she added shyly, \u201cThank you for saving my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d replied Joe, trying to match the solemn look on Annie\u2019s face. \u201cI hope you learned your lesson and won\u2019t play any more tricks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d Annie promised. She started to cry. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, Joe. Really.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you are, honey,\u201d Joe said in a soothing voice. He opened his arms. \u201cCome here and give me a hug.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Annie ran into Joe\u2019s arms, Mr. Owens smiled at Joe. \u201cJoe, I can\u2019t tell you how grateful I am for saving my Sweet Annie. I don\u2019t know what I would have done if anything had happened to her. I just want you to know that I would be proud and pleased to have you as part of my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking up at Mr. Owens, Joe\u2019s mouth fell open. He glanced across the room to his brothers, both of whom were sporting wide grins. Turning back to Mr. Owens, Joe swallowed hard. \u201cUm, I, er, that is\u2026\u201d Joe stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPapa, Joe and I are just friends,\u201d Laurie interjected. \u201cWe\u2019re fond of each other, but we\u2019re not thinking about getting married.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frowning, Mr. Owens looked at Annie. \u201cAnnie,\u201d he said in a warning voice, \u201cwhat did we say about telling stories? You said I had to be sure to have a blue suit for the wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot Laurie\u2019s wedding,\u201d replied Annie, a tinge of disgust in her voice. \u201cMy wedding. I\u2019m going to marry Joe.\u201d She turned and planted a sloppy kiss on Joe\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see,\u201d said Joe in relief as the other adults laughed around him. \u201cWell, Sweet Annie, we might have to wait a few years, until you\u2019re bit bigger. Why don\u2019t we agree we can just be friends until then?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d said Annie, smiling. \u201cAnd you can be friends with Laurie, too, until I\u2019m bigger.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Joe will be friends with you and Laurie at different time,\u201d Mr. Owens advised firmly. \u201cRemember that, Annie.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Annie agreed, nodding her understanding. She looked around the room with a big smile on her face. \u201cI think having friends is the best thing in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taking the little girl\u2019s hand in his, Joe smiled at Annie and then her older sister. \u201cIt sure is, Annie. There\u2019s nothing better than having friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 It’s all about friendship.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (10,050 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":10105,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-14002","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":870,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6224,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6224","url_meta":{"origin":14002,"position":0},"title":"A Main Character’s Nightmare — Is an Author’s Delight (by Annie K Cowgirl)","author":"Annie K Cowgirl","date":"May 3, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Joe has a decision to make when the most beautified--which is a vile phrase according to Polonius--Annie K asks him to do something for her. Rated:\u00a0K+ (770 Words)","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\/2014\/04\/Friendship-4.jpg?fit=500%2C373&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":47118,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47118","url_meta":{"origin":14002,"position":1},"title":"Cartwright Romance #3 – Heart and Home (by Emmy)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 31, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Story Summary:\u00a0 This part of my trilogy about the romantic lives of the three Cartwright sons. Rating and Reader Alerts: PG, mild language Words:\u00a0 12,625 Cartwright Romance Series, links to stories included within.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"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":3828,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3828","url_meta":{"origin":14002,"position":2},"title":"Who Kidnapped Joseph Cartwright? (by lolo1999)","author":"lolo1999","date":"April 26, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Annie, Sarah, and Katie kidnap Little Joe while he's on business. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (875 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":50517,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=50517","url_meta":{"origin":14002,"position":3},"title":"Sweet Caroline (By AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"February 9, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Love is in the air for one of the Cartwrights. While this older story wasn't written for Valentine's Day, I felt it was a good choice to post today. Enjoy! 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