{"id":14076,"date":"2001-12-09T12:07:59","date_gmt":"2001-12-09T17:07:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14076"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:05:11","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:05:11","slug":"memories-of-love-3-loves-rewards-by-diana-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14076","title":{"rendered":"Memories of Love #3 – Love’s Rewards (by Diana G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 A continuation of Adam and Becky.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (14,400 words)<\/p>\n

Memories of Love Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Memories of Love<\/a>
\nThe Future of Love<\/a>
\nLove’s Rewards<\/a>
\nA Time to Heal<\/a>
\nThe Unlooked for Saviour <\/a>
\nTo Rage in Heaven<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Memories of Love #3 – Love’s Rewards\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chapter One<\/p>\n

Friday the twenty fourth of September dawned bright and clear. There was a slight chill in the morning air, a promise of the winter to come.<\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright and his fianc\u00e9, Rebecca Anderson, had ridden out into the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe. They had promised themselves a few hours away from the preparations for their wedding the next day, and his family was glad to get rid of them. Neither of them could settle to an assigned task, their thoughts straying to each other all the time. They rode side by side, he dressed all in black as was his custom, she in a cream shirt and black trousers, a costume she had adopted as being the most practical for the life of a woman with a small ranch to run.<\/p>\n

They stopped and dismounted on a bluff overlooking the lake, which lay stretched below them, its blue waters sparkling in the late morning sunlight. A light breeze rippled the lake and caught at Becky\u2019s dark hair, blowing it away from her face. Adam looked at her, thinking that he couldn\u2019t wait for tomorrow, when she would become his wife, when he would commit himself to this woman for the rest of his life. The thought held no fear for him, he knew it was what he wanted to do, and had wanted almost from the first moment he saw her.<\/p>\n

Becky became aware of him staring at her, and looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you thinking?\u201d She asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I was just wondering how we were going to fill the long, dark nights ahead.\u201d He said with a knowing smile on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI expect you will spend all your time reading, or playing your guitar. But I will find you plenty to do around the house, you won\u2019t be bored I can assure you.\u201d She teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had thought of more exciting things we could do.\u201d He replied, taking her in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, I can\u2019t wait for tomorrow, I wish it was all over and we were at home together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow then, you wouldn\u2019t deprive my father of seeing his eldest son get married, would you? You know how he has been looking forward to this, he\u2019s more excited about it than we are.\u201d Adam laughed, thinking of how his father had worried about every small aspect of the wedding. Fortunately they had Hop Sing, the Cartwright\u2019s cook and housekeeper, on hand and he and Becky had between them planned and arranged the whole affair.<\/p>\n

They tied their horses to a tree and walked in the sunshine through the forest, the scent from the pine trees heavy in the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam I love this country. I thank God every day for leading me here. And when I remember how I cursed those horses when they bolted with the wagon.\u201d She stopped and shook her head.<\/p>\n

A little over two months before, Becky\u2019s wagon had run off the trail and rolled down a bank. Adam had rescued her from the wreckage, and they had fallen instantly in love. They had been almost inseparable since then, except for a short time, when Becky\u2019s sister had tried to drive them apart. But then Adam\u2019s brothers had brought them back together, and they had sworn to each other that no one would ever come between them again.<\/p>\n

They came to a small clearing and Adam sat down on the long grass, pulling Becky down to sit beside him. He lay back and Becky settled into the crook of his arm, lying on her side and putting her arm across his chest. Adam rolled over to put his arm round her, and as Becky ran her fingers through his dark hair and felt the still healing scar beneath, she remembered how she had nearly lost him, when he had been attacked by a cougar, and she had struggled to bring him out of the coma that had resulted.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, why do we have to wait until tomorrow?\u201d Asked Becky breathlessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause when I lay with you I want it to be with no sense of guilt.\u201d He laughed as a vision raised itself in his mind. \u201cI don\u2019t want to think of my father standing behind me with that disapproving look on his face.\u201d Adam shivered involuntarily, remembering the look, and the lectures it had presaged when he was younger.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou care what your father thinks of you, don\u2019t you?\u201d Becky had seen how close Adam was to his family, and knew this was another example of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I do. That man has raised three children to manhood virtually single-handed. I have enormous respect for him, and would never want to do anything to hurt him. He has taught us right from wrong, and I would never intentionally do anything that would give him cause to be disappointed in me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re very lucky to have such a wonderful family.\u201d Becky\u2019s voice caught in her throat, as she thought of her sister, her only living relative, and what she had done to them both.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky, forget her, you have a new family now. You know that my father and brothers love you and want you to feel part of our family. Let them take Andrea\u2019s place in your heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, I will. Thank you for understanding. I don\u2019t know what I have done to deserve you, but I am thankful every day that I met you.\u201d She eased herself up and kissed him, and he responded, holding her tightly to him. He felt passion burning in his blood, and gently pushed her away, before he could give in to his feelings.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that we had better be getting back.\u201d He said, feeling his heart pound in his chest. He stood and lifted Becky to her feet, and they walked back to the horses.<\/p>\n

When they arrived back at the Ponderosa, Hoss and Joe, Adam\u2019s brothers, had just finished decorating the living room. They were finishing by tying gold and silver ribbons across the large fireplace, and as Adam saw them he came to a standstill, staring at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Asked Becky, \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely nothing.\u201d He said, smiling to himself. He had suddenly remembered the dream he had had when he was asleep on the porch at Becky\u2019s home, sitting beside her sister Andrea, just before he kissed her. Adam had forgotten the dream instantly, the shock of realising he was kissing Andrea, and seeing Becky standing before them, had driven it from his mind, but seeing the ribbons recalled it. In his dream he had seen Becky standing surrounded by a gold light, and himself by a silver one. \u201cWho chose the ribbons?\u201d Adam wanted to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was Hop Sing.\u201d Said Joe. \u201cI asked him about the colours, but he just said that you would want them, that you\u2019d understand. Do you know what he meant?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, and he\u2019s quite right.\u201d He leant over to Becky, seeing the question in her eyes. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you about it sometime.\u201d How had the man known what the colours would mean? Adam shook his head, Hop Sing often knew things that he should not know.<\/p>\n

Adam went into the kitchen to search out Hop Sing, to thank him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what do you think?\u201d Asked Joe, his smile lighting his handsome face as he indicated the decorations. Becky looked round the room, there were beautiful flowers everywhere, and their scent filled the air with a freshness that reminded Becky of the smell of her Georgia birthplace. There the pervading scent was of flowers, not of pine trees as it was here.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful, thank you both.\u201d She said going over to Hoss, and standing on tiptoe to kiss him on the cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201dAw shucks, it\u2019s a pleasure to do it for you.\u201d He said, colouring. Despite his large size and great strength, he was always embarrassed at any show of affection from a woman.<\/p>\n

Joe came over to join them and Becky kissed him as well. Joe did not share his brother\u2019s embarrassment, and gave her a light kiss back.<\/p>\n

Adam rejoined them and asked what else there was to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, not much, I think we\u2019ve just about finished.\u201d Said Joe, looking round to check.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then I think it\u2019s time for a small celebration drink.\u201d Said their father as he came down the stairs. He poured one for each of them, and they sat round the fire, enveloping Becky in their affection.<\/p>\n

Ben stood up and faced them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile we have a few minutes together, I would like to say something.\u201d They all gave him their attention, waiting. \u201cBecky, tomorrow you will officially join this family, and I want to welcome you with all my heart. I know the love you and Adam feel for each other, and I know that you will be very happy together. I would like to thank you for being the generous and caring person you are. When Adam was injured your love brought him back to us, and I will be eternally grateful to you for that. All any parent can ask is that their child is content, and I have seen how Adam has become more settled since he met you.\u201d Then he turned to his eldest son. \u201cAdam, I want to thank you for being the person you are. All your life you have given yourself to this family, working to build what we have here, and caring for your brothers. Tomorrow you will take on a new responsibility, and I know that you will give all you have to make Becky happy, and to build a new life for you both. But I want you to know that wherever you are this will always be your home, and the door is always open. Hoss, Joe, a toast. Becky and Adam, may you have a long and peaceful life together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe stood and faced them and they all raised their glasses to drink in salute.<\/p>\n

Adam stood and embraced his father, and for a moment couldn\u2019t speak as emotion threatened to overwhelm him. He took a deep breath to regain control of himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, thank you. Thank you for what you have said, but more than that, thank you for being the best father that any child could want. You have raised me to be the person that you thank me for being. You have devoted your life to us, given us the love and security needed to let us grow and mature, and to be our own selves. If I can be half the man that you are then I will be content.\u201d Adam turned to his brothers. \u201cHoss, Joe I want to thank you as well. You are the kindest, most generous brothers. You have always been there when I needed you, supporting and helping me.\u201d Adam turned to Becky and smiled at her, then back to his brothers, remembering how they had faced her after Andrea had plotted to break them up. \u201cYou faced a very angry woman to bring us back together, and all because you could see how I was hurting. Your love for me overwhelms me, and I cannot express my gratitude to you. Except to say that I owe you my happiness, and every day that I spend with Becky will be a testament to you.\u201d He turned to Becky, and took her hand and pulled her to her feet so she stood beside him. \u201cBecky, a toast. To the finest family a man could ever know.\u201d They raised their glasses, and there was more than one pair of eyes glistening with unshed tears.<\/p>\n

Chapter Two<\/p>\n

Adam stood in front of the minister, with Hoss and Joe beside him, waiting for Becky to appear, the guests behind them, assembled and expectant. Adam had turned to say something to Joe when he heard a collective sigh go round the room. He turned back and saw a vision standing on the stairs, holding his father\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

Becky was dressed in a long sleeved, cream gown, tight to her trim hips, then flowing in waves to her feet. Her shoulders were bare and she wore a simple single string of pearls at her neck, and matching earrings. Her dark hair hung in curls down her back, and they bounced as she moved. Her face had little make-up, just enough to emphasise the shape of her eyes and the fullness of her mouth.<\/p>\n

Adam held his breath when he saw her, and the lump in his throat threatened to strangle him, she had never looked lovelier. He could not take his eyes off her as she came towards him, and she smiled as she approached, melting his heart.<\/p>\n

Becky and Adam exchanged their vows and wedding rings, but all the time he was only thinking of her, and how he didn\u2019t deserve to be this fortunate. Then the short ceremony was over, and Ben was congratulating them, shaking Adam\u2019s hand, and kissing Becky.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, I think that this is my prerogative.\u201d Said Adam, and he took Becky in his arms and held her, forgetting everyone else in the room as he lost himself in her kiss.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, brother, but are you going to be all day?\u201d Said Joe, tapping his brother on the shoulder, and Adam straightened smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe my guest, it\u2019ll be your last chance.\u201d Warned Adam, and Joe kissed her.<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n

Hoss took Joe\u2019s place and gave Becky a peck on the cheek. He couldn\u2019t look her in the eye as he said, \u201cMa\u2019am, you look beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then there was a seemingly endless stream of people, all anxious to congratulate the couple.<\/p>\n

The Ponderosa that day was home to singing and dancing, and more gaiety than it had known in a long time, until finally it was time for Adam and Becky to leave.<\/p>\n

As they stood outside saying their goodbyes, Ben approached his son. Taking his arm, Ben drew him off to one side and handed him an envelope. Adam raised his eyebrows in question and tore it open. When he saw what it contained he looked at his father, speechless.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy wedding present to you both.\u201d Explained Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, you can\u2019t. What about Hoss and Joe?\u201d Asked Adam. The envelope contained the deeds to one third of the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey will get their share, don\u2019t worry. What we have here is in no small measure due to you, you are only getting what you deserve. Now get going, before I change my mind.\u201d Adam stood for a moment then put his arms round his father and embraced him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d Adam went back to Becky and helped her up into the buggy. They drove away, leaving with good wishes ringing in their ears. They drove to what had been Becky\u2019s house before she sold it to Adam for the princely sum of one dollar.<\/p>\n

Becky had insisted that he should have it, so that he would not feel that he was living in \u2018her\u2019 house, but in his own. She had kept title to the land surrounding the house. She had come to Nevada with the intention of running a ranch and Adam would not let her give him the entire property, insisting that she should keep it and fulfil her ambition.<\/p>\n

Jeb and Andy, Becky\u2019s hands, had been given two weeks off and when they had worried about the stock, Adam had told them that he would do anything that was needed for that time. Adam had planned a honeymoon in San Francisco, but when she found out, Becky had told him that she wanted to stay right here, where they had already spent so much time together. She only wanted to be alone with him, it did not matter where, so he had told his father where they would be, and warned his brothers that he was not expecting visitors, and his father had promised that he would keep everyone away from them.<\/p>\n

They went into the house and stood together, not quite sure what to do now they were there, alone, as husband and wife. Adam solved the problem by taking Becky in his arms and kissing her. She melted into his arms and time stood still as they held on to each other as though their very lives depended on it.<\/p>\n

Then they parted, breathless, and Adam just held her at arms length looking at her. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, and he wanted to imprint the image of this moment on his mind forever.<\/p>\n

Becky eased herself out of his grip, and went towards the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to make you some coffee and something to eat.\u201d She said over her shoulder, and when he raised his brows in question, she explained mischievously, \u201cIf I read my Cartwright correctly, you are not going to leave that bedroom for several days, and I don\u2019t want you fading away for lack of nourishment.\u201d Adam laughed and agreed.<\/p>\n

He went back to the door and gazed out at the land before him, thinking of his father\u2019s gift. It weighed heavy on his mind, he knew that he couldn\u2019t accept it, but would his father take it back? Suddenly he heard Becky cry out, and thoughts of his father were banished from his mind as he ran to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d He asked as he entered, then he saw what had caused the exclamation. On the table a meal was laid out, cold meats and salads, bread and fruit. There was a note standing beside one of the plates written in Chinese, with a translation beneath.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay the blessings of your ancestors be upon you, may their spirits watch over you and keep you from harm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing!\u201d Said Adam. \u201cWhen did he have the time to do this?\u201d Adam wondered, shaking his head in amazement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019d better not let it go to waste.\u201d Said Becky and sat down. Adam sat opposite her, and as they started to eat, they both realised how hungry they were. But five minutes later, they had both lost their appetites as they gazed at one another. Adam rose, and taking Becky\u2019s hand, led her towards the bedroom.<\/p>\n

They stood at the side of the bed, uncertain, until Adam lifted her and laid her down on the white coverlet. He lay down beside her and put his arm under her shoulders, pulling her towards him. He ran his fingers down her neck making her tremble, then she reciprocated, undoing the buttons of his shirt, and his stomach muscles tensed as she touched him. He would have taken her there and then, but there was no hurry, they had all the time in the world.<\/p>\n

She rose from the bed and started to undress, and his passion burned brighter with every lace she loosed and every hook she unfastened, until he could stand it no longer. He rose to help her, and as he did so, she helped him to undress, until they were finally together, alone and free to express the love they had for each other.<\/p>\n

Their passion filled the night, until the morning found them asleep in each other\u2019s arms. Adam stirred and he looked down at the woman beside him, enjoying just watching her sleep, her eyelashes lying dark against her fair cheeks, the sheets rising and falling as she breathed. He brushed her lips with his, and she opened her eyes. She smiled as she saw him leaning over her and she reached out for him, pulling him towards her, and they found their desire undiminished in the daylight.
\nChapter Three<\/p>\n

That evening they sat together on the porch, watching the sunset.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky, before we left yesterday, my father gave me something.\u201d Said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was it?\u201d She asked quietly. She was half asleep, the peace of the moment making her eyelids heavy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe gave me one third of the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did what!\u201d She exclaimed sitting up, suddenly awake and not sure that she had understood.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. One third. I can\u2019t accept it. I won\u2019t break up the ranch. Joe and Hoss are still there, it all belongs to them as well. I\u2019m going to give it back to Pa.\u201d Adam shook his head, he knew he couldn\u2019t keep it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I agree with you, but just think for a moment. How will your father feel if you reject his present? He would not have done it if he didn\u2019t think it was the right thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I know. But what else can I do?\u201d Adam asked helplessly.<\/p>\n

Becky leant back against him, deep in thought at the enormity of what Ben had done, and Adam\u2019s reaction to it. Suddenly she sat up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, why don\u2019t you tell your father that you want your share to be ranched along with the rest? You can keep the title, but in every other way it will still be part of the Ponderosa. Anything that is on that land, the trees, the grazing, everything, will be treated as though it was still his. And any profit that may be made using your land would be put with all the other profits from the rest of the ranch. In every way it would be as though nothing had changed.\u201d She was looking at him excitedly, she had found a solution.<\/p>\n

Adam was nodding. It would work, if his father would agree.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d He asked. \u201cIts yours now as well, you\u2019d be giving up a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be giving up nothing. I have you and I have my land, what more could I want?\u201d She assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy darling I love you, more than you\u2019ll ever know.\u201d Adam leant towards her and kissed her to emphasise the point.<\/p>\n

Becky rose and took his hand. \u201cWould you like to show me how much you love me?\u201d She said, and led him unresisting into the house.<\/p>\n

Late the following morning, Ben heard horses come into the yard. He couldn\u2019t imagine who it could be, and went to the door. He was amazed to see Adam and Becky walking towards the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Pa. We haven\u2019t got so bored that we need company, but I do need to speak to you.\u201d Said Adam as he patted his father on the back to reassure him. They went into the house and Adam asked his father to sit down. Adam and Becky sat opposite him, on the sofa.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s about your gift. I can\u2019t take it.\u201d Adam was looking at his father uncertain how he would react.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut son, I want you to have it. It\u2019s yours by right.\u201d Ben insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo it isn\u2019t. It wouldn\u2019t be fair to Joe and Hoss to break up the ranch. It would diminish their share to lose so much. This ranch operates as it does because of what we have, not in small sections, but as a whole. It needs all of it to carry on. It would be like cutting off someone\u2019s arm. A man would still be able to walk and talk, but there would be a lot he couldn\u2019t do. Well it\u2019s the same with the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam paused, but his father didn\u2019t speak, considering what Adam had said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I am not going to insult you by trying to give it back to you, but I want the Ponderosa to keep my share. To use it for the benefit of the whole ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut son, it\u2019s yours. It\u2019s the section nearest to Becky\u2019s property, I want you to add it to hers. It will make a fine ranch for you, for your future.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it won\u2019t. If you will not use it then it will stand idle.\u201d This was becoming more difficult than Adam had imagined. He was going to have to blackmail his father into accepting his offer. \u201cPa, I won\u2019t be able to come and help you here if you let me take it, I\u2019ll be too busy. Then who would do your books for you? This way I can work here, so in a way I would be using the land.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat silent, how could he make Adam see that he had done this for him and his future.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre Hoss and Joe coming back for lunch?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, probably.\u201d Said Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why don\u2019t we ask them what they think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Becky. \u201cWhat is you opinion, Becky?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was my idea, to give you back the use of the land.\u201d She assured him.<\/p>\n

Ben sat silent, trying to think of an argument that would make Adam accept his gift. Adam and Becky looked at each other, they were both determined that Ben should agree to what they proposed.<\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t stand his father\u2019s silence any longer and said that he was going to make some coffee. While he was in the kitchen Hoss and Joe came into the house. They both stopped as they entered, surprised to see Becky sitting on the sofa.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky?\u201d Said Joe, hesitating to think why she should be here, apparently alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am, are you all right?\u201d Asked Hoss, equally worried by her being there.<\/p>\n

Becky stood and smiled at them to reassure them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m fine. We just came over to talk to your father.\u201d She said sitting down again. Adam had heard their arrival and returned, holding a tray with coffee and cups, which he placed on the low table, in front of Becky. She poured each of them a cup, and then sat back, waiting.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Joe, would you sit down please. I have something I need to discuss with you.\u201d Said Adam seriously.<\/p>\n

Joe was about to make a joke of their appearance there, but stopped when he saw Adam\u2019s serious demeanour.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d Joe asked, taking the offered cup from Becky, and sitting on the sofa next to her. Hoss sat in the armchair opposite his father, not speaking. He couldn\u2019t imagine why Becky and Adam were there.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need your help.\u201d Adam started, and again Joe was tempted to reply with some quip, but kept silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa has given us a wedding present which we cannot accept. But I can\u2019t persuade him to take it back.\u201d Adam glanced at his father, and then continued. \u201cHe has given me part of the Ponderosa. A rather large part.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss looked at each other, not sure what to say. Then Joe spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell that\u2019s great, what\u2019s the problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe problem is it\u2019s too much. It will diminish the rest of the ranch, and I can\u2019t do that, I won\u2019t do it. I\u2019ve already tried to explain to Pa what he knows very well, that this ranch needs all it\u2019s resources to operate as it does. I want you to keep my section, along with the rest, to work it and use it, as though it was still part of the Ponderosa. What do you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re sure that\u2019s what you want, then I can\u2019t see a problem with it.\u201d Said Joe. He understood Adam\u2019s reasoning and agreed with it. He could see that Adam was concerned for his family, and would not go against his elder brother\u2019s wishes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere you are Pa, Joe agrees with me.\u201d Said Adam smugly, but was silenced as Hoss spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d said Hoss, \u201cIf\u2019n Pa gave it to you don\u2019t you think that you should keep it?\u201d Hoss would never deprive anyone of something that was theirs, and he could understand why their father had given Adam the land. Hoss\u2019s generous nature would allow that Adam deserved his present, no matter the effect on the rest of the ranch.<\/p>\n

Ben saw that he had some support and pressed home what he saw as an advantage. \u201cAdam, don\u2019t you think that I thought about it long and hard, before I signed that land over to you. You\u2019ve earned the right to it, I\u2019m not giving you anything that you don\u2019t deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I worked all these years to build what we have here, not because I thought it would be mine, but for all of us. Joe and Hoss have worked too, not with any thought of what they might get out of it, but for what it could become, for all of us. You can\u2019t take a piece of it and say, \u2018That\u2019s yours\u2019. It belongs to all of us, all of it. I just want to keep it together, please don\u2019t let me be the one to break it up.\u201d He pleaded with his father, trying to make him understand.<\/p>\n

Ben studied his son, and could see how determined he was. Adam was obviously sincere in his desire to keep the ranch intact, and Ben wondered if he had the right to force Adam to do something that he would see as destroying their home.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, if you\u2019re sure that\u2019s what you want.\u201d Ben agreed reluctantly. Then added, \u201cBut I insist that you let me pay you for the use of the land. And I will stand no argument on that.\u201d He looked forcefully at Adam, who could see that he had to agree. His father had given way on using the land, he could do no less at this offer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat seems fair.\u201d Said Adam, taking the wind out of Ben\u2019s sails. He had been prepared for an argument.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen it\u2019s settled.\u201d Ben said taking Adam\u2019s hand to seal the deal.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Pa.\u201d Adam smiled at his father, relieved at the outcome. He felt as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and he held Becky\u2019s hand. He couldn\u2019t wait to get back home, to be alone with her again.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you\u2019re here will you stay and have some lunch with us?\u201d Invited Ben. Adam and Becky looked at each other, knowing that they were both thinking the same thing. They wanted to go home. But Adam also knew that his father might be upset if they left, and he leant close to Becky and whispered in her ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe needn\u2019t be long, do you mind?\u201d Becky shook her head. \u201cWe\u2019d love to Pa, thank you.\u201d Adam out aloud.<\/p>\n

When the meal was over, Ben could see that the couple were eager to get away. He rose from the table and pulled Becky\u2019s chair out for her as she started to stand.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, get out of here you two, and I don\u2019t want to see either of you for at least a week.\u201d Ben commanded.<\/p>\n

As they stood beside their horses preparing to leave, Adam spoke to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Pa. Thank you for understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo home, before I change my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Becky mounted, and Ben watched them leave, thinking how proud he was of his eldest son. He knew that while he might not show it often, Adam felt a deep attachment to his family, and his home.<\/p>\n

Chapter Four<\/p>\n

It was early November, and Adam had finally got his way, and had taken Becky to San Francisco. He had to make the trip to arrange for the shipping of some lumber, and suggested that Becky accompany him. Apart from wanting to show her the city, he did not want to be parted from her, so they made the journey together.<\/p>\n

They stayed a week, and enjoyed the time that Adam had free, going to concerts and galleries, and enjoying the fine food that the metropolis had to offer.<\/p>\n

The morning they were due to leave Adam escorted Becky down to breakfast, but as she sat opposite him he could see that she did not look well. As the waiter brought their meal, Becky looked at the plate and excused herself. Adam watched her go, and found that he couldn\u2019t eat his meal for worrying about her. He rose and went up to their room, where he found her washing her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d He asked concerned, taking her shoulder and turning her to face him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m fine. I guess it\u2019s all this rich food you\u2019ve been forcing on me.\u201d She smiled at him to reassure him that she was recovered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have to leave today if you\u2019re not feeling well. We can go in a day or two.\u201d He suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, really I\u2019m all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell if you\u2019re sure, but you must promise me that you will tell me if you are unwell. We can break the journey if we need to.\u201d He said, concerned.<\/p>\n

She hoped that she was right in her diagnosis of her condition, but she would not say anything to Adam until she was sure.<\/p>\n

They made it safely home to what was fast becoming known as \u2018young Cartwright\u2019s place\u2019. This made Adam laugh inwardly whenever he heard it; he was nearly forty and had never thought again to hear himself referred to as \u2018young Cartwright\u2019.<\/p>\n

Becky tried to hide from him her bouts of sickness, not wanting to worry him, but Adam had noticed, though he didn\u2019t say anything to her. At first he had shown concern, but Becky assured him that it must have been something she was eating that didn\u2019t agree with her. Then one day when he confronted her about it, she had become quite angry and told him in no uncertain terms that she was quite well, and would he please stop fussing.<\/p>\n

Adam had not broached the subject again, seeing how upset she became when he pressed her, but occasionally he caught her looking into space her face a mask that revealed nothing to him, but had him worried.<\/p>\n

The weather had become cold and dull, and the short days and long nights were wearing on him as they always did. At first, when winter came, he enjoyed the long evenings, but as the novelty wore off, he became like a caged tiger, prowling the house, until even his books could not keep him content.<\/p>\n

He was worried, Becky was not herself, and she would not tell him why. Added to that was the fact that they had not been intimate together for many days. Whenever Adam reached for her, she would shy away, leaving him feeling tense, and afraid that he was losing her. It was tearing at his nerves and he became irritable as the worry ate at him.<\/p>\n

Then on Christmas eve, as they prepared to go to the Ponderosa to spend a few days with Ben and the boys, Adam decided to have it out with Becky. He couldn\u2019t go to his father and pretend that there was nothing wrong, he knew Ben would see right through him.<\/p>\n

Becky was in the bedroom, packing when he approached her. He knew his temper was short and he took a few deep breaths to calm himself before he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky is something wrong?\u201d He asked simply.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothing. Why do you ask?\u201d She said not looking at him.<\/p>\n

He decided that a demonstration would prove her wrong, and he went over to the bed, where she was closing the valise, and put his arms round her. She turned away, as though too busy for such intimacy at that moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why I ask. You haven\u2019t been easy at my touch for days.\u201d He said sadly, shaking his head in despair.<\/p>\n

She looked at him, seeing the hurt in his face and she realised what she had been doing to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Becky, is something wrong? Have I done something to upset you? If I have I\u2019m sorry, but you must tell me what it is.\u201d He asked, fighting back tears at the thought that she no longer loved him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothing\u2019s wrong.\u201d She hesitated, she had to tell him, had to get it over with. It was hurting him too much not to tell him. She went to him and took his hand and sat on the bed, pulling him down to sit beside her. \u201cAdam, I have something to tell you, before we see your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyebrows in question. \u201cWhat is it? Please tell me what\u2019s bothering you.\u201d He pleaded; his heart was pounding, afraid to hear words that would separate them. If she didn\u2019t want to be with him he had to find out, but he dreaded hearing her say it. She seemed so nervous, he thought as he watched her hands fiddling with the material of her dress.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you know that I have been unwell.\u201d At the stricken look on his face she quickly continued. \u201cPlease, don\u2019t fret, I\u2019m fine now.\u201d He was about to say something, but she put her fingers to his lips to stop him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you know that I love you and would never do anything to hurt you.\u201d She paused, not able to look at him. He couldn\u2019t imagine what was coming, but he had heard the words he desperately wanted to hear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d He said, whatever she had done didn\u2019t matter as long as she loved him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam I\u2019m pregnant.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam suddenly found that he couldn\u2019t breathe. He tried to, but he seemed to have lost all control of his body. His heart raced, and he finally managed to take a deep breath. It was too much to take in, in so short a time. She still loved him, and was giving him this precious gift as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d He whispered, then said nothing. He looked at her, unable to speak, as his heart swelled with love and pride, and it threatened to choke him. A child, his child, was coming to life in her. The one thing that would make his life complete was going to be theirs.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Becky looked at him uncertainly. She wasn\u2019t sure what she expected, but shocked silence wasn\u2019t it.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you mind?\u201d She asked searching his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cMind, MIND!\u201d He shouted. Then softer, \u201cI think it\u2019s the most wonderful thing in the world.\u201c He took her hand. \u201cBecky, when we married I thought that you had made me the happiest man alive. Now I realise that it was just the beginning. What I feel now exceeds that by a hundred fold. Becky I love you.\u201d He took her face in his hands and gazing deep into her eyes, he kissed her softly. Then he put his arms round her and hugged her tightly to him, and she did not pull away from him, but put her arms round him. The knot in his stomach that he had not realised was there, slowly untied itself.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust wait till I tell Pa. He\u2019ll spoil you so much you\u2019ll want to be pregnant all the time.\u201d He laughed imagining his father\u2019s reaction. \u201cWhen?\u201d He asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarly July.\u201d She relaxed into Adam\u2019s arms. He was happy, that was all that mattered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that why you were sick?\u201d He wanted to know, hoping there was nothing more serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. It\u2019s quite common you know.\u201d She said softly, her nervousness still with her, despite his reaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had forgotten. I think Marie, Joe\u2019s mother, was the same, only I don\u2019t remember much about it. I guess that at the time I didn\u2019t really notice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell that\u2019s passed and I\u2019m fine now, better than ever now you know about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me before? I was worried about you, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam moved to lie on the bed, his back resting against the headboard. He pulled Becky up to sit beside him and put his arm protectively round her shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t sure that you would be happy about the baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy ever not? I think it\u2019s the most perfect thing that could happen.\u201d Adam was concerned that she did not know him well enough by now to realise what his reaction would be.<\/p>\n

Becky turned away from him, not wanting him to see the look in her eyes. She knew she had not been fair to him, not telling him, letting him worry about her bouts of sickness.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky, what is it, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d He held her chin and turned her face towards him. \u201cTell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, I\u2019m sorry. I should have realised. I\u2019m sorry, please forgive me.\u201d A tear fell from the side of one eye, and Adam put up his thumb to wipe it away.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky, tell me, why are you so upset? I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRobert\u2026never wanted children. I suppose I got so used to not having any, that when I found I was pregnant\u2026I panicked.\u201d Becky said, nervous at admitting the reason to Adam. Adam just hugged her to him, partly to reassure her and partly from pure love. He hated to see his wife so upset, and would do anything to make her happy again. He held her away from him and looked at her, his eyes soft and reassuring.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky, I am not Robert. I know that you loved him and wanted to please him, but that is in the past. You must believe me when I tell you that nothing you do will ever stop me loving you.\u201d He searched her face to make sure that she understood what he was saying.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam. I do believe you, and I love you all the more for saying it.\u201d She put her head on his chest and let her tears flow more freely. She was so relieved that she had told him, that he had welcomed the news, and that he had not been cross at her reasons for not telling him.<\/p>\n

When Adam felt the wetness of her tears soak onto his shirt, he lifted her head and smiled at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo more need for tears.\u201d He said gently.<\/p>\n

Adam decided a slight change of subject would brighten her face. \u201cI will have to start thinking about making this house bigger. We\u2019ll need a nursery and perhaps a playroom. Oh Becky, thank you.\u201d He kissed her again, and eased down the bed, until they were both lying with their heads on the pillows.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we might be a little late getting to Pa\u2019s.\u201d Said Adam, as he put his arms round her and kissed her, long and deep.<\/p>\n

Chapter Five<\/p>\n

They arrived at the Ponderosa late in the afternoon, to be greeted by Ben, who had come out of the house at the sound of the trap driving into the yard. He helped Becky down, and then put his arm on Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in. Hop Sing has made some mulled wine, it\u2019ll warm you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

They went inside, and Adam took their cases up to his old room, which he would share with Becky for the next few days. He stood for a moment, thinking how his life had changed since he had last slept here, a wife, and now a child on the way. He remembered how he had felt when he had left nearly fours years earlier, to fulfil his desire to travel. Then he had thought that the world would show him all its wonders, and he went eagerly. He had returned just six months ago, knowing that there was nowhere he wanted to be, but here with his family. His family. That phrase had suddenly taken on new meaning today, and at the thought of it, he sat on the bed and put his face in his hands, and wept with happiness. He had been afraid that he was losing Becky, and all the time she had this wonderful secret inside her. Was this what it meant to have a family, to be a father?<\/p>\n

He wondered how his own father had done it all these years, going from the depths of despair to the heights of elation, and all the time keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground.<\/p>\n

Ben came quietly into the room. He had been wondering where his son had got to, and as he entered he saw a sight he had not seen in a long time, Adam sitting, crying like a child. He went to the bad and sat down, putting an arm across his son\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what is it?\u201d Ben asked softly, moving his arm to rub his hand up and down Adam\u2019s back, trying to comfort him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s all right. I was just thinking.\u201d Said Adam, wiping his eyes and looking sheepishly at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t seem too happy about your thoughts.\u201d Observed Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite the opposite. I\u2019m as happy as any man is ever likely to be. It was just that being here again made me realise something. I left here looking for what was missing from my life, and I didn\u2019t find it until I came back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky?\u201d Ben asked, guessing the reason for his son\u2019s reflective mood.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, she\u2019s a wonderful woman, and she has a wonderful husband.\u201d Adam turned to look at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go down and join her.\u201d Ben stood and Adam hesitated, wanting to tell his father what had made him so happy, but he knew that Becky wanted the whole family together when they announced it, so he rose silently, and went back downstairs with his father.<\/p>\n

After supper, they were all sitting in contemplative mood round the huge fireplace. Soon it would be Christmas Day, and they were looking forward to celebrating together.<\/p>\n

Ben stood and went to the bookcase beside his desk. He reached down the family Bible and returned to his seat. The boys watched him expectantly, this was a ritual that they had enjoyed for as long as they could remember. Adam recalled his father reading to him on Christmas Eve in the back of a wagon as they travelled west, and he had done it every year since.<\/p>\n

Ben opened the book and sat back propping it on his knee, though he knew the words by heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it came to pass in those days, that there was a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one unto their own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s hand moved slowly until he found Becky\u2019s, and he held it and squeezed it gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben paused and was about to continue, when Adam turned to Becky, and winked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least this one won\u2019t have to born in a stable, unless you insist.\u201d<\/p>\n

Becky joined in with Adam\u2019s fun.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell by July, the barn should be nice and warm, so perhaps it\u2019s worth thinking about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, we would have to think about moving the horses out, and I expect you\u2019ll want fresh straw. But I don\u2019t think that Paul will approve of the idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben, Joe and Hoss were staring at them, open mouthed. Their first thought was that the pair had lost their senses. Then as they realised what they were saying, the truth began to sink in.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean\u2026?\u201d Gasped Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d Cried Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019ll be a horn swoggled toad.\u201d Exclaimed Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, do you mean what I think you mean?\u201d Shouted Ben, leaping to his feet and grabbing Adam\u2019s arms and hauling him to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa. Or should I call you Grandpa?\u201d Laughed Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can call me anything you like. Then that\u2019s why\u2026?\u201d Said Ben, his eyes looking up towards the bedroom in sudden understanding. He hugged his son, and then turned to Becky, taking her hand and lifting her to her feet as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy dear, I\u2019m so pleased for you both.\u201d He hugged her gently and kissed her cheek. Then Hoss and Joe were congratulating them, hugging Becky and slapping Adam on the back. They drank many toasts that night, and it was well into Christmas Day by the time they all found their beds.<\/p>\n

Chapter Six<\/p>\n

Spring came and brought fine weather and good grazing. Becky\u2019s herd increased in size and Adam advised her about selling the excess stock. He was careful never to offer advice unless he was asked, and Becky was becoming proficient at dealing with the day-to-day problems as they arose. Adam was proud of her, she seemed to have a good head for business, and a natural feel for the life of a rancher. He hoped that the arrival of the baby would not stop her from being able to continue.<\/p>\n

One afternoon they sat in the swing seat on the porch, talking about it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky, I want you to be able to carry on running the ranch, after the baby\u2019s born.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I don\u2019t know that I will have the time, I mean a child is a big responsibility. You can\u2019t just put it to one side until you have the time to care for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you will if I help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Becky paused, biting her bottom lip. How could she tell Adam that she didn\u2019t want help with the ranch? If she couldn\u2019t do it herself then there was no point in continuing. She felt that she was just getting to grips with it, and knew that if Adam became involved, that no matter how hard he tried not to, he would end up running it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, thank you for the offer, but I want to run this place by myself. If I can\u2019t then I\u2019ll give it up, if I feel it\u2019s hurting you or our child. I know that you mean well, and I don\u2019t know how to say this without hurting you, but I don\u2019t want you taking over. You know that is what would happen. You\u2019re so experienced at running a ranch, and it would just come naturally to you to be in charge.\u201d She looked at him, uncertain of his reaction. She hoped that she had read him right, that he would prefer honesty.<\/p>\n

She was surprised to hear him laughing quietly. She raised her eyes in surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, the ranch is yours. I have enough to do at the Ponderosa, I don\u2019t need another place to look after. No, I meant with the child.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith the child!\u201d Becky said amazed. \u201cBut men don\u2019t raise children, that\u2019s a woman\u2019s job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I be hearing such words from the woman who came west because the Easterners wouldn\u2019t let he do something simply because of her sex?\u201d He took her hands in his. \u201cYou forget that my father raised three children, virtually single handed. Perhaps some of that ability will have rubbed off on me. At least let me try.\u201d<\/p>\n

She could see that he was serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d said Becky, \u201cI knew that there was some good reason for marrying you, I just never realised it was because you would be useful as a mother\u2019s help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019m glad I can be useful for something.\u201d He laughed hugging her. He heard the sound of a horse coming towards them, and as he released Becky from his arms, he saw Doc Martin pull up in his buggy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Paul,\u201d he called. \u201cWhat brings you out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello Adam, Becky, just thought I\u2019d come and check up on my favourite expectant mother, since I was passing.\u201d Said Paul, mounting the porch steps.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, come inside. I\u2019ll make some coffee while you two are busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul took Becky to the bedroom, and Adam took refuge in the kitchen. He kept himself busy making coffee while he waited for them to finish. Whenever the doctor appeared he had a sinking feeling in his stomach that he might find something wrong. No matter how many times Becky tried to reassure him, the feeling persisted.<\/p>\n

He took the coffee out onto the porch, but couldn\u2019t settle. He paced up and down until they reappeared. Becky had a slightly bemused smile on her face and Paul was serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Asked Adam, afraid that his fears were about to be confirmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam sit down a moment will you?\u201d Said Becky.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he said abruptly. \u201cI don\u2019t want to sit down, I want you to tell me what\u2019s wrong. Paul?\u201d He said turning to the doctor. His hands had started to shake and he crossed them over his chest, holding them under his arms, to stop the tremor.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, nothing is wrong. I have examined Becky and she is in perfect health. I have just told her that she is expecting twins.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cT\u2026T\u2026Twins.\u201d Adam felt his legs beginning to give way and sat heavily on the swing seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you to sit down.\u201d Said Becky knowingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwins.\u201d Adam said again, his face reflecting the shock he felt. Not one gift but two! He looked at Paul.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure? How come you didn\u2019t know before?\u201d Adam was afraid that the doctor might have made a mistake. He didn\u2019t want to believe it unless Paul was certain.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes one baby is sort of hiding behind the other. As they get bigger, it becomes more obvious. I haven\u2019t seen Becky in over a month, and in that time it has become possible to tell.\u201d Paul explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, are you all right?\u201d Becky was eager that he should be as happy as she was. He just nodded, trying to take in the news.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really a good thing, you know.\u201d She wanted Adam to know she was not worried about this development. \u201cI am not getting any younger, and this will give us a head start on a family.\u201d She took his hand and felt it tremble in hers.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwins.\u201d He murmured, and then looked at Becky. \u201cTwins!\u201d<\/p>\n

Becky nodded, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Becky, that\u2019s wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to take back your offer?\u201d She laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I might need some help. Perhaps Pa might like to help with child care duties.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you think you can\u2019t manage\u2026\u201d She teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ll manage just fine, you\u2019ll see. There\u2019s nothing a Cartwright can\u2019t do if he puts his mind to it.\u201d He said with more confidence than he felt.<\/p>\n

\u201dBecky I\u2019ll be back to check on you again in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, make sure that you get plenty of rest. Twins can take a lot out of you even before they\u2019re born.\u201d Paul walked back to his buggy.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Paul. I\u2019ll see that she rests.\u201d They waved to the doctor as he left.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you really pleased?\u201d Becky asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would you do if I said \u2018no\u2019?\u201d He wanted to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood point.\u201d She conceded. \u201cDo you think that your father can stand the shock of knowing that he is to be a grandfather twice over?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI expect so. It just means he\u2019ll spoil you twice as badly.\u201d Adam hugged her. \u201cNow, you must do as the doctor ordered and take it easy. I\u2019ll go and cook supper, you just stay right there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam there\u2019s no need for that.\u201d She insisted. But as she made to rise, Adam put his strong hands on her shoulders and pushed her back down, gently, but firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust for once do as your husband commands, and stay there.\u201d He ordered.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, just this once. Thank you.\u201d She watched him disappear inside and thought to herself that she had quite a battle ahead if she were to lead anything like a normal life until the babies were delivered.<\/p>\n

Chapter Seven<\/p>\n

One day in early June found Adam and Becky at the Ponderosa, enjoying Sunday lunch with his family. They were sitting round the table chatting, when Becky suddenly became very quiet. Adam noticed but said nothing, just sat watching her, making certain that she was all right.<\/p>\n

She leant over to him. \u201cAdam, do you mind if I go upstairs for a moment?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo of course not, are you feeling unwell?\u201d He was anxious and could not keep it from his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine. Please don\u2019t worry.\u201d She rose and excused herself, and went slowly up the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe OK?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe says she is, but\u2026\u201d Said Adam absently, his thoughts upstairs with his wife.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s probably just a little tired. Carrying twins can do that.\u201d Ben assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Adam wasn\u2019t so sure.<\/p>\n

He was still looking towards the stairs when Becky reappeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam would you come up here a moment?\u201d She asked. Adam shot out of his chair and bounded up the stairs two at a time until he reached her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, what\u2019s the matter?\u201d He asked holding her shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing. But I think these babies can\u2019t wait any longer. Adam I\u2019m in labour.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stared at her. Suddenly all sense left him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat should I do?\u201d He asked, seeking guidance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I think it might be a good idea to send for the doctor, don\u2019t you?\u201d Said Becky calmly. She had been preparing herself for this moment and she was ready.<\/p>\n

\u201cA doctor? Oh my God, of course, a doctor.\u201d He turned and flew down the stairs, leaving Becky standing there, and eliciting worried looks from the three men still sitting round the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need a doctor, I\u2019m going to get him.\u201d Said Adam starting for the door, but Ben stood and went over to him and took his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy does Becky need a doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stared at his father, surely he knew you needed a doctor to deliver babies?<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the babies.\u201d He stated the obvious, obvious to no one but himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam do you mean Becky needs the doctor because she is in labour?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course. I must go.\u201d He pulled away from his father and picked up his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will stay right where you are. Joseph, go and fetch Paul.\u201d Joe needed no second bidding, and was gone before Adam had a chance to object.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you, my boy, will stay right here, Becky needs you.\u201d Adam looked at him blankly.<\/p>\n

Ben went over to the table by the stairs and poured his son a brandy. He went back and handed it to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow just sit down and get a grip on yourself. You\u2019re going to be no good to Becky until you do.\u201d Adam didn\u2019t protest, and sat on the sofa sipping the amber liquor. He felt it\u2019s calming influence and looked at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow come you\u2019re so wise?\u201d He smiled as he said it.<\/p>\n

\u201cPractice.\u201d Said Ben simply.<\/p>\n

When Adam had calmed down and got a hold on his senses he went up to see Becky. He knocked on his bedroom door and heard her voice beckon him inside. He went to the bed and sat down, taking her hand in his.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can I do?\u201d He asked her gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, it\u2019s only just started. There\u2019s a long way to go yet. Just sit and be with me for now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you be so calm, knowing what you are going to have to face?\u201d He wanted to know. He was so proud of her, she was strong and brave, and he knew that she was going to make a fine mother for his children.<\/p>\n

Adam sat with Becky, sometimes reading to her, sometimes talking, sometimes just holding her hand, and looking at her, until the doctor arrived and ushered him from the room. He went downstairs, where his father and brothers were waiting.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa, how do women do it? She\u2019s up there, looking for all the world as though this were just another day. She\u2019s calm and patient, just waiting for what\u2019s to come. How do they do it?\u201d He shook his head in amazement.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, that is something a man will never understand. Don\u2019t try, just be here for her.\u201d Adam looked at his father and nodded, he would always be here for his beloved wife.<\/p>\n

Hours passed, and Adam could not settle. He paced the floor, he went outside to the barn to make sure that the horses were settled for the night. He paced the yard, then returned and paced the living room.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam sit down before you wear yourself out.\u201d Ben commanded. Adam sat, but was soon on his feet again, his eyes straying to the stairs. He wanted to go and see Becky, find out how she was, but his father stopped him.<\/p>\n

He turned to Hoss and Joe. \u201cBoys, for God\u2019s sake find him something to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe looked at each other, at a loss to know what would keep their brother occupied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about a game of chess?\u201d Joe suggested. Adam nodded absently and Joe set up the pieces. After Joe had won his third straight game, he knew Adam wasn\u2019t concentrating and gave up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, come outside and help me clean the barn.\u201d Said Hoss, despite the fact that it was dark outside. Adam went with him, but when Hoss handed him a broom, he took it and went to stand at the door, staring at the light from his bedroom window.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, why is it taking so long?\u201d He pleaded with his brother for an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how many times have you been here when a mare foaled? You know these things ain\u2019t quick. Nature will take its time. Not your time or mine, these things happen slowly, but they do happen. The waiting\u2019s always the worst for those doin\u2019 nothin\u2019, but Paul\u2019s with her, don\u2019t worry.\u201d Hoss came and put his arm round Adam\u2019s shoulder, trying to instil in him some of his own immense patience. Adam looked at Hoss, this giant of a man with a heart to match.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, it just isn\u2019t easy waiting, not knowing what\u2019s happening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but you ain\u2019t goin\u2019 to hurry it none by fretting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go inside, the barn can wait, and so can I.\u201d<\/p>\n

They returned to the living room and Adam sat on the sofa next to Joe, and Hoss settled himself in the armchair opposite his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny more of that brandy, Pa?\u201d Asked Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben poured one for each of them, and they sat and waited.<\/p>\n

Adam suddenly got to his feet as he heard Becky cry out. Ben rose and put a hand on Adam\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, son, don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

They heard another cry, and Ben had to restrain Adam from running up the stairs. He stood immobile wanting to go to Becky, but knowing that he couldn\u2019t help her. Finally, Ben managed to make him sit down again.<\/p>\n

Dawn came and gradually turned into full daylight, and Ben could see Adam\u2019s face becoming drawn with worry. Adam felt that every time he heard Becky cry out, it was as though a knife was piercing his heart. He couldn\u2019t believe that he had been part of making this happen to her. He wanted to be with her, to comfort her and to take some of her pain to himself, but he knew that wasn\u2019t possible, so he sat as the worry washed over him. Suddenly Paul appeared at the top of the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I need your help, now.\u201d Said Paul, and turned back to return to Becky without waiting to see if Hoss would join him. Adam stood as Hoss passed him, preparing to follow.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam wait. Paul asked for Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I know, but that means there\u2019s a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe.\u201d Said Ben honestly. \u201cBut if he wanted you there don\u2019t you think he would have said so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned and sat down again without replying. Silence returned, and Adam sat and tried to imagine what was happening. He looked up at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, how did you do this three times?\u201d He shook his head in wonder.<\/p>\n

\u201cBelieve me it never gets any easier.\u201d Ben said, remembering his own times of waiting. \u201cBut it\u2019s always worth it.\u201d He looked at his sons and smiled. Adam smiled back at him, knowing that his father was right, and he would do it again if Becky wanted to.<\/p>\n

They sat again in silence, until suddenly they heard plaintive cries from upstairs, the cries of infants. All three of them got to their feet, Paul appeared at the top of the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam please come up.\u201d A cold hand seemed to have taken a grip on Adam\u2019s heart, and suddenly he didn\u2019t want to move. Something was wrong, he could see it in Paul\u2019s face. He swayed and his father was by his side holding him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky?\u201d He whispered, but Paul heard him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky\u2019s going to be all right, and so are your children.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam collapsed against his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank God.\u201d He said as a tear escaped from his eyes. Then he stood straight and bounded up the stairs, past Paul and into the bedroom. Hoss was standing to one side of the room, and left quietly as Adam entered. Adam didn\u2019t notice him, he had eyes only for his wife.<\/p>\n

Becky was lying with her eyes closed, and Adam went to her, and kneeling beside her, gently took her hand in his.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky, I\u2019m here. Oh Becky, I love you.\u201d His tears flowed freely when he saw her open her eyes and smile at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen our babies?\u201d She turned her head to the cribs beside the bed. Adam rose, and wiping his eyes dry, went to look down at his sleeping children. They lay there, eyes closed sleeping peacefully, unaware of the worry they had caused. Both were dark haired like their parents.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have been blessed, Adam. A boy and a girl.\u201d Becky\u2019s voice was faint, and Adam looked at her, seeing the tiredness in her eyes. He went back to sit on the bed beside her. He looked down at her and leant over to kiss her forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d He didn\u2019t know how to express the gratitude he had, for what she had done and what she had given him, but he swore that as long as he lived he would let her know what it meant to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d He said again. He moved to put his arms round her shoulders, but she screwed her eyes up in pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, do you need Paul?\u201d At that moment, however the doctor returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Becky, I have to speak to you.\u201d Adam looked up to see the serious expression on the doctor\u2019s face and turned to look at the babies, lying peacefully beside him. Was something wrong? The cold hand that had gripped his heart before returned to hold him in its vice-like grip.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I needed Hoss\u2019s help because the babies could not be born naturally, they needed help. I performed what we call a Caesarean operation, it\u2019s not serious, but Becky will take a while to recover from it. If I hadn\u2019t done it, we might have lost Becky and the babies. She must remain quiet and not move around too much until the incision has begun to heal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul, thank you for everything you\u2019ve done. I\u2019ll make sure that Becky does as she\u2019s told.\u201d Said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something else I have to tell you.\u201d Paul took a deep breath and continued. \u201cBecause of the damage the babies did trying to get born, Becky has suffered internally. It is my opinion that Becky will not be able to have any more children.\u201d Paul looked at them, seeing the shock of his words register on their faces. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I wish there was something I could do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood and went round the bed to take Paul\u2019s hand. He held it and looked steadily at this doctor who was also his friend, and who was suffering at having to tell them such news.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul, you have brought Becky safely through this and you have my eternal gratitude for that. If we never have another child, then it makes these that we have even more precious. You saved them, we owe you everything for that.\u201d He put his hand on Paul\u2019s arm and squeezed it to let him know that everything was all right.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky,\u201d said Paul, \u201cI\u2019ll come back and see you later. Adam, make sure that she rests.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry I will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want me to tell your father what has happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we\u2019ll tell him. It can wait a while. Let him enjoy his grandchildren. Would you ask them all to come up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d Paul took a final look at Adam and Becky, and seemingly satisfied at what he saw, nodded and left.<\/p>\n

Adam turned to Becky, and saw tears glisten in her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t Becky. We have two beautiful children, and you never have to go through this again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d She cried, but stopped herself as she heard footsteps approaching.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be sorry, there\u2019s nothing to be sorry about.\u201d Said Adam sitting on the bed beside her.<\/p>\n

His father and brothers knocked and came into the room, and they were greeted with smiles.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how are you?\u201d Asked Ben, moving to look at the sleeping bundles, followed by Hoss and Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, just a little sore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe bent down to kiss her, watched by Adam with raised eyebrows.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my wife you\u2019re kissing, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo it isn\u2019t. It\u2019s the mother of my nephews,\u201d he paused, \u201cOr is it nieces?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth.\u201d Stated Adam proudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup. Matching set.\u201d Adam\u2019s face glowed with pride, he still couldn\u2019t get used to the idea that he had two children.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh boy, a girl in the family.\u201d Said Joe and Adam laughed at the ridiculous statement. He looked at Becky, and saw that she too was smiling. She looked at him, the father of the children she had thought she would never have, and then glanced over his shoulder to look out of the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook Adam, the sun is shining on our first day as parents.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam bent and kissed her lightly. \u201cGo to sleep.\u201d He ordered, and as his Father and brothers took the hint and left, he sat with her until she fell asleep.<\/p>\n

Chapter Eight<\/p>\n

Hop Sing had lunch waiting for them when they came down, and they attacked it hungrily, all except Adam. Ben noticed that he hardly touched his food, pushing it around his plate, his mind elsewhere.<\/p>\n

\u201cEat your food, son. You didn\u2019t touch supper last night, or your breakfast. You must keep up your strength now you have a family to look after.\u201d Ben smiled to encourage Adam to eat.<\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father, who was shocked to see the obvious pain in the dark eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what the matter. Becky\u2019s going to be fine, and so are the children. She just needs to rest. She has been through an ordeal, but it\u2019s over, she\u2019ll be fine soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put down his fork and rose from the table. He paced back and forth in front of the fireplace.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo it\u2019s not fine.\u201d He stopped pacing and faced his father. Hoss and Joe sat like statues, afraid of what their brother was about to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul told us that Becky was hurt trying to give birth. So hurt that she can never have any more children. Pa, I did this to her, I made her pregnant, and now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben left the table and walked over to Adam, taking his son\u2019s shoulders in his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, it takes two you know. Becky wouldn\u2019t have done this if she didn\u2019t want to. If she can\u2019t have more children then you must be thankful for the children you have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, and I am, believe me. But how is she going to feel, knowing that she can\u2019t have any more. She was looking forward to more, I know she was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Becky is a strong woman, she\u2019ll come to terms with this, as will you. You have to be strong for her right now, she will need your support and love, and won\u2019t thank you if you blame yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, you\u2019re right. I guess I just feel so sorry for her, knowing that she has lost that part of her life. I don\u2019t mind if I never have any more children, and I\u2019m just thankful that Becky is all right. A part of me is glad that she will never have to go through that again. But I so want her to be happy, and I feel as if I\u2019ve taken something away from her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you go and talk to her about it. You haven\u2019t had a chance to do that. I think she will feel as you do. You have two perfect children right now, and I\u2019m sure that you will find that she is happy enough with that.\u201d Ben gave Adam a shove to send him up the stairs, and Adam went slowly, the stairs seeming like a mountain. He wanted to see Becky, but he did not want to see the look in her eyes when she saw him, knowing what he had done to her.<\/p>\n

He opened the bedroom door slowly, half hoping that she would be asleep, but she turned to face him. He stood hesitantly with his hand on the doorknob. She raised her hand towards him, and he came to the bedside and took it, holding it to his chest as he sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever for?\u201d She asked puzzled.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor doing this to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d she asked sleepily, \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d She was too tired to understand what he meant.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis.\u201d He said sweeping his hand down the bed.<\/p>\n

Becky turned her head to look at him, she still could not work out what he was talking about.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m too tired for games, my darling.\u201d She said closing her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for getting you pregnant, and for what has resulted. I know that you wanted more children and now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Becky opened her eyes and looked at him. She was suddenly wide awake as she saw the agony on his face, and understood.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam will you just do one thing for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo and pick up your children, go on.\u201d She insisted as he hesitated. Adam went round the bed and, a little uncertainly, picked up his son and daughter, cradling them in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow tell me you\u2019re sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked from the babies to Becky and back again. His gaze rested on their angelic faces and after a long moment he looked again at Becky.<\/p>\n

His face broke into a smile as he tried to look everywhere at once.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not sorry. I am stupid, but I\u2019m not sorry.\u201d He put the babies back in their cribs and went to Becky. Without moving her, he bent down and kissed her. She put her arms round him and pulled him down towards her, he tensed not wanting to hurt her with his weight, but she held him until he relaxed. He buried his head in her shoulder, overwhelmed by the love he had for her and for the children she had borne.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d she said softly in his ear, \u201cI love you, and I love the gifts that God has given us. If he sees fit that they shall be our only children, then that just makes them even more precious. I do not regret for a moment that I had them, or that you gave them to me. I love you for that, and will go on loving you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t speak, he thought for the hundredth that he didn\u2019t deserve this woman. He raised his head to look at her, so beautiful, the mother of his children, and kissed her, then pulled away to look at her again. Becky pushed him away.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow get out of here and let me get some sleep. Those two are not going to stay peaceful for ever. They are going to want feeding, and so am I.\u201d She reminded him. He stood and with a last backward glance, winked at her and left her to sleep.<\/p>\n

Chapter Nine<\/p>\n

Two weeks later, the twins were baptized. The ceremony was held at the Ponderosa, Becky still being too weak to travel to Virginia City. The family and Godparents stood round the small font, responding to the minister\u2019s words. When it came time to name the children, the Godparents stepped forward. Roy Coffee and Martha Collins stood beside the minister with Hoss, his nephew in his arms. Paul Martin and Margie Cunningham stood on the ministers other side, where Joe held his niece.<\/p>\n

The minister took the baby from Hoss\u2019s arms and asked for the name of the child.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoshua Benjamin.\u201d Hoss responded.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoshua Benjamin, I baptize thee in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.\u201d Joshua cried as he felt the water on his head, but quieted again as the minister handed him back to Hoss, who enfolded him in his strong arms, and comforted him.<\/p>\n

The minister then took Joshua\u2019s sister from Joe and asked again for the name of the child.<\/p>\n

\u201cElizabeth Rebecca.\u201d Replied Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cElizabeth Rebecca, I baptize thee in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost\u201d. Again small cries could be heard as the minister wetted the baby\u2019s head. Joe took possession of his niece and tried to pacify her, but she was having none of it and let everybody know how upset she was at the indignity of her treatment.<\/p>\n

The minister ended the ceremony and they all celebrated the newest additions to the Cartwright family. Hop Sing had prepared a buffet fit for the occasion, and they were joined by Martha\u2019s husband, Isaac and Margie\u2019s brother, Michael. Martha and Margie were old friends of the family and had known Adam since he and Ben had first settled there.<\/p>\n

The guests stayed until late afternoon when they took their leave and the family relaxed. Adam and Becky came downstairs, Becky had fed the twins and they were sleeping, allowing their parents a few precious moments of peace.<\/p>\n

Becky had stayed at the Ponderosa after the birth, recovering, but it would be a little while still before she would be ready to go home. Ben was in no hurry to see her leave, he loved having children in the house again, and doted on them and their mother. Adam went back to their home occasionally to make sure that everything was in order, but Jeb had it all under control.<\/p>\n

Later that night, after supper, Becky was in bed, and Adam went outside to get some air before retiring. He was sitting at the table on the veranda at the front of the house, when his father joined him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa.\u201d Adam greeted him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMind if I join you?\u201d Ben asked before sitting down.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not.\u201d<\/p>\n

They sat silently for a moment, and then Ben spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for naming Elizabeth for your mother. Elizabeth Cartwright.\u201d Said Ben, savouring again the joining of those two words, and his eyes became distant as he remembered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t mind that we didn\u2019t name Josh for you?\u201d Asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I don\u2019t mind. Joshua is a fine name for a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just couldn\u2019t see myself disciplining Ben Cartwright. \u2018 Come here, Ben\u2019 or \u2018Ben Cartwright, get your feet off that table\u2019. No, I can\u2019t imagine ever doing that.\u201d Adam laughed, and Ben smiled at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky seems to be recovering.\u201d Observed Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, she\u2019s still sore from the operation, but every day she\u2019s getting stronger. I expect I\u2019ll be able to take her home soon. But I\u2019m worried that she will over do it if she goes too soon. Do you mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she\u2019s welcome to stay here as long as she likes, we love having her, and you too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, as long as it\u2019s not disrupting things too much. I notice that Hoss and Joe seem to finish work rather early these days. Can\u2019t wait to get back to see the babies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose brothers of yours are so besotted with the children that it\u2019s a miracle they\u2019re getting any work done at all.\u201d Ben agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told Becky that I would help her look after the children, while she takes care of the ranch.\u201d Adam had not told his father of the arrangement before and was interested in his reaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you, that was very generous of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I have to admit that I suggested it before I knew that there would be two children to look after. To tell you the truth I\u2019m not sure I can handle it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, Adam Cartwright admitting that he might not be equal to the task. Adam you have never admitted to not being able to do something once you set your mind to it.\u201d Ben knew his son. He would be perfectly capable of looking after two children, it was just that he had never had to do it before and it probably frightened him, though he would never admit that.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but this is different. If ever I failed before it might have cost me money, or a bit of hide, it might have hurt my pride, but this is different. If I fail at this I could hurt someone I love.\u201d He was asking for his father\u2019s help, and Ben was touched.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you won\u2019t fail, but remember if you need help I\u2019m here. I have raised three sons, it was never easy, it was always a challenge, but it gave me enormous pleasure. Especially as you all grew and matured, and turned into fine men, sons a father can be proud of. And remember that you helped me to bring up those boys, I couldn\u2019t have done it without you, and I will always be here to help you if you need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Pa, I know it won\u2019t be easy. I know that I helped you bring up Hoss and Joe, but the responsibility was never entirely my own, you were always there. Now I have three lives depending on me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam you may not realise it, but you had three lives depending on you here. I relied on you to help with Hoss and Joe, and you did. And you helped with the ranch as well, putting all your efforts into building it up, making it secure. Hoss and Joe relied on you to be there for them, to help them when they needed it, either with advice or encouragement, sometimes with brute force. They always knew they could count on you. This is no different. If you had failed them they could have been dead a dozen times over. It takes no more courage to bring up a family than it does to face a gang of rustlers, it may be a different kind of courage, but you have that too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father, seeing the strong face beneath the grey hair. How was it that he was always able to say the right thing at the right time? Would he be able to offer his son the right advice when he needed it? Well time would tell.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Pa. I guess I never looked at it that way before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow go to bed, it\u2019s late and we have to finalise those contracts in the morning. I don\u2019t want your brain to be half asleep while you\u2019re going through them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rose and his father joined him. Ben put his arms round Adam\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember what I said, I\u2019m always here if you need me. Now go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam went into the house and up to his room. Becky was asleep and he undressed and slid into bed beside her, trying not to disturb her, but she stirred and opened her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t mean to wake you.\u201d Said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right, I wasn\u2019t really asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky I\u2019ve been talking to Pa. I hope that when the time comes for me to have a fatherly talk to my son, that I can be as wise as he is, and give sound advice as he always does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? And what about your daughter?\u201d Becky pushed herself up to lean against the headboard. Adam seemed as though he wanted to talk, and she was prepared to listen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, her too, but I sort of thought that a mother would give advice to a daughter. Remember that I have been surrounded by men all my life.\u201d Adam smiled at the thought of helping his daughter with a problem, and he had to admit he was looking forward to being able to. Then he became serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecky, I want to tell you that I am going to try to be the best father that I can. That I will devote myself to you and our children, that I will try never to let you down, and to always be there when you need me. If ever you think that I am doing less than my best, I want you to tell me. This fatherhood thing has me scared, but not so scared as I would be if I thought that you were disappointed in me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I know, it has me a bit scared too. But I know that together we\u2019ll be all right, because we love each other, and we can overcome anything that life puts in our way. I could never be disappointed with you, because I know that you will never do less than your best for us, because that is the sort of man you are, and I love you for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKiss me.\u201d He ordered gently, and she leant towards him and kissed him, and he responded, taking her in his arms. The kiss was set to last a long time, when a cry could be heard from Joshua. Becky broke away to go to him.<\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cIt looks like I might have to have a fatherly talk to that son of mine about the joys of love a few years before I\u2019d planned.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

Next Story in the Memories of Love Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Time to Heal<\/a>
\nThe Unlooked for Saviour <\/a>
\nTo Rage in Heaven<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags: Adam Cartwright, wife \/ wives<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 A continuation of Adam and Becky.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (14,400 words)<\/p>\n

Memories of Love Series, links to all stories of this series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10351,"featured_media":3216,"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":[7,23,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14076","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-drama","category-romance","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-3-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1216,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14075,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14075","url_meta":{"origin":14076,"position":0},"title":"Memories of Love #2 – The Future of Love (by Diana G)","author":"DianaG","date":"December 9, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A continuation of Adam and Becky. 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