{"id":14128,"date":"2017-04-02T17:56:43","date_gmt":"2017-04-02T21:56:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14128"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:41:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:41:14","slug":"collision-course","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14128","title":{"rendered":"Collision Course (by Julee)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/strong> On a business trip to Sacramento, Adam makes an astonishing discovery regarding the events surrounding Marie’s death and it\u00a0creates a turmoil of emotions for Ben and the boys.\u00a0 Alternate Universe.<\/p>\n

Rating: K+ \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Word Count: 31,205<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Collision Course<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whistling a little tune, Adam loosened his tie as he exited the Central Pacific Railroad Office in Sacramento, pleased he\u2019d won a bid to supply Ponderosa timber for the Transcontinental Railway project. Snow drifts in the Sierras reaching up to forty feet high had closed down the new railroad last winter and Central Pacific had plans to cover thirty-seven miles of track with snow sheds. He shook his head as he recalled the impressive drawings. It was going to be the longest barn in the world and the Ponderosa would be providing thousands of feet of timber! A profitable venture for sure, but as usual with railroad contracts, they\u2019d be working their tails off to meet the deadlines. He didn\u2019t mind the hard work, but in anticipation of the project, he fully intended to enjoy his last two days of freedom before catching the stage home.<\/p>\n

Familiar with the area, he headed down the boardwalk toward the River City Saloon. It was an exceptionally hot day and he was thinking about a nice cold beer when a pretty young woman stepped out of a dress shop directly into his path, forcing him to do a quick sidestep. Blushing, she politely apologized and Adam continued on his way, but not before taking a second glance. He grinned and tipped his hat when he caught her doing the same thing. Embarrassed, she blushed and slipped into another store. Little Joe would be chasing after her<\/em>, he thought with a chuckle. His eighteen-year-old brother wasn\u2019t one to let an opportunity slip by.<\/p>\n

Feeling in a chipper mood, he picked up his pace, eager to reach his destination. Not only was he thirsty for that beer, his stomach was beginning to rumble and he needed a bite to eat. Whether he was distracted by his hunger or just inattentive, he didn\u2019t know, but in the next instant, he found himself on another collision course with a woman hastily exiting the mercantile and this time he didn\u2019t have time to sidestep. He grabbed her arm to steady her and apologized profusely. \u201cMy apologies, ma\u2019am. I hope you\u2019re all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman acknowledged him with a quick glance and smile. \u201cMy fault entirely,\u201d she replied straightening her hat. Satisfied all was in order, she motioned for three school-age boys carrying baskets of groceries to follow her. \u201cCome along,\u201d she instructed in a cheerful voice.<\/p>\n

Adam tipped his hat, but took a moment to observe her as she led her little entourage across the street. Strangely jolted by their brief encounter, he studied her from behind. There was something familiar about her voice and the way she carried herself. Her blonde hair had a few streaks of grey and he guessed she was in her late forties. She appeared to have a motherly relationship with the boys,\u00a0but they\u00a0were too close in age to be brothers, so that couldn\u2019t possibly be the case.\u00a0 Their\u00a0teacher, perhaps? Unsettled, he shook his head to clear his thoughts. Forget it<\/em>, he told himself. But as fate would have it, he spied a carriage barreling down the street heading straight towards the group. Without another thought, he leapt off the boardwalk and ran as fast as he could, hoping to prevent the impending collision. A hair too late, he watched in dismay as the carriage clipped the woman\u2019s shoulder causing her to spin, fall, and hit her head on the ground with a painful thud. Being the first to her rescue, he knelt down and carefully slipped his arm behind her head to cushion it.<\/p>\n

In shock, the boys dropped their grocery baskets and crowded around the fallen woman while another passerby offered his assistance. \u201cI\u2019ll get the doc,\u201d he said, rushing off.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and then attempted to quiet the boys who were now peppering him with questions, one after another.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs she gonna be all right, mister?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy isn\u2019t she waking up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs she hurt bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe ain\u2019t gonna die; is she, mister?\u201d<\/p>\n

Having seen his fair share of injuries, Adam was certain her life wasn\u2019t in danger. She had a nasty bump forming on the back of her head and possibly a concussion, but her color was good and her breathing was strong and steady. \u201cNo,\u201d he replied in a comforting tone, \u201cshe\u2019s not gonna die.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boys heaved a collective sigh of relief and smiled weakly at one another, glad to have this man take charge.<\/p>\n

Seeing he\u2019d succeeded in calming them down, Adam looked into the delicate features of the woman for the first time. Stunned, time stood still as he studied her. It can\u2019t be<\/em>, he thought in confusion. It\u2019s impossible!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s waking up!\u201d exclaimed one of the boys.<\/p>\n

A soft moan escaped her lips and her eyes fluttered open. \u201cAdam?\u201d she whispered shakily. \u201cWhat\u2026 what\u2026 happened?\u201d She touched her head and tried to sit up, but the effort proved too much and she succumbed to the darkness once again.<\/p>\n

Chapter 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam helped carry the injured woman to the doctor\u2019s office on a stretcher. When they arrived, they transferred her to a bed in the examining room and then Adam withdrew to the waiting room where he sat, deep\u00a0in\u00a0thought. He\u2019d noticed the doctor\u2019s solicitous behavior toward the woman and surmised they must be friends. He wanted to question him about her identity, but he really had no right. His mind raced. It can\u2019t possibly be her! Marie died years ago! She\u2019s buried by the lake! <\/em>Yet, he couldn\u2019t deny this woman, whoever she was, had looked into his eyes and called him by name. Don’t be ridiculous<\/em>, he told himself, I’m not the only Adam in the world<\/em>.\u00a0 Shaken by the woman’s likeness to Marie, he ran his hand over his face as the circumstances surrounding his stepmother\u2019s death bubbled to the surface.<\/p>\n

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

Despite Ben agreeing in private, Marie sensed her husband\u2019s misgivings when she announced her upcoming plans to the boys at the supper table. \u201cNow, Ben, it\u2019s only three weeks.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly three weeks?\u201d\u00a0he muttered grumpily. \u201cThat seems like an eternity. Are you sure someone else can\u2019t help?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cJulia is my dearest friend and I want to be there for the birth of her baby, especially now that Bill broke his foot. You know how tiring it is taking care of a newborn.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben glanced around the table at his three sons and nodded. \u201cI remember,\u201d he said with a sigh. \u201cI just wish they still lived in Virginia City and you didn\u2019t have to travel all the way to Placerville.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI do, too, but Bill\u2019s promotion to bank manager wasn\u2019t something they could refuse.\u201d She furrowed her brow. \u201cToo bad Mr. Weems wasn’t ready to retire.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben gave her an affectionate smile. He realized women needed each other in ways he\u2019d never understand, especially when it came to birthing babies. \u201cAll right, boys, it looks like we\u2019re going to be on our own for a little while.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Little Joe hurried up and swallowed the food in his mouth so he could talk. \u201cCan I go with you, Mama?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Sitting beside him, Marie kissed the top of her five-year-old\u2019s head. \u201cNo, darling, I\u2019m going to be very busy.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Unhappy with her answer, Little Joe scowled, but he knew from experience whining wouldn\u2019t get him anywhere so he took another bite of mashed potatoes and kept quiet.<\/em><\/p>\n

Proud he\u2019d accepted her answer without a fuss, Marie turned her attention to her eldest. \u201cAdam, with Hop Sing being away, I\u2019m afraid my trip is going to impact you the most.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam\u00a0lifted an eyebrow and met his stepmother\u2019s gaze. \u201cHow come?\u201d he asked warily.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cShaughnessy isn\u2019t available to watch your brothers,\u201d she said matter-of-factly. \u201cSo that, dear boy, leaves you.\u201d She smiled. \u201cN\u2019est-ce pas?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that isn\u2019t so,\u201d Adam said with a groan. \u201cI\u2019ve got work to do, Ma. You can\u2019t possibly expect me to babysit.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Insulted, Hoss spoke up. \u201cHey, I ain\u2019t no baby!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMe neither,\u201d Little Joe exclaimed with an indignant nod.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSettle down,\u201d Ben said, issuing a warning. Unlike many fathers, he encouraged his children to engage in dinner conversation, but he didn\u2019t tolerate outbursts and they knew it. Satisfied he\u2019d put a stop to it, he turned his attention to Adam. \u201cWe hired a rough crew for round-up, Adam. I need to be on-hand to keep a tight rein, so there\u2019s no choice.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBesides,\u201d Marie said, smiling at him, \u201cyou don\u2019t really mind a little extra swimming and fishing with your brothers these next few weeks, do you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam rewarded her with a dimpled smile. \u201cNo ma\u2019am, but, uh, what about the army contract?\u201d He gave his father an innocent look. \u201cYou gonna break the horses for me, Pa.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

All eyes on him, Ben puffed out his chest in mock indignation and wagged his finger at Adam. \u201cIf you think my horse breaking days are over, young man, you\u2019re absolutely right!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Laughter erupted and Ben laughed right along with them. \u201cI\u2019ll make sure you get time at the corral.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam grinned. His stepmother\u2019s vacation was shaping up to be a little vacation for him, too. As far as work was concerned, he didn\u2019t mind skipping out on round-up and the long hours in the saddle that went along with it. He\u2019d rather break horses, any day, and now that he knew he\u2019d still get a crack at the wild mustangs they\u2019d wrangled into the corral last week, he was happy with the arrangement. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he looked forward to some free time with his brothers. <\/em><\/p>\n

So with plans in place, they all went to the stage depot two days later to send Marie off on her trip. Despite it being broad daylight, Ben and Marie stood in the middle of the walkway and shared a tender kiss. \u201cI\u2019m going to miss you,\u201d Ben growled good-naturedly in her ear. <\/em><\/p>\n

Always sentimental about goodbyes, Marie looked with passion into his eyes, \u201cI love you, Ben.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI love you more,\u201d he whispered before reluctantly letting her go.<\/em><\/p>\n

Smiling radiantly, she called the boys over. \u201cBe good,\u201d she said to Hoss and Little Joe as she gave them each a hug and a kiss on the cheek.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Ma,\u201d Hoss replied, reddening. \u201cSomeone might be lookin\u2019.\u201d\u00a0 He enjoyed his Ma’s affection, but not in the middle of town where his friends might see.<\/em><\/p>\n

Marie smiled in understanding of her eleven-year-old\u2019s sensibilities. \u201cWell, then, they\u2019ll see how much your mother loves you!\u201d She reached down and brushed a curl out of Little Joe\u2019s eyes. \u201cIsn\u2019t that right, mon petite?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded, but now that it was almost time for her to leave, his eyes began to well up with tears. \u201cDon\u2019t go, mama!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Seeing the threat of tears, Ben picked him up. \u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d he said, reassuring her. \u201cHe\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Adam said, smiling. \u201cI\u2019ll keep him so busy he won\u2019t have time to fret.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Marie gave Adam a kiss on the cheek. \u201cKeep a sharp eye,\u201d she said, quietly instructing him. \u201cHe can disappear in a blink.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam wisely resisted the urge to roll his eyes. \u201cYes, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Reassured, Marie boarded the stage without any worries as her boys shouted their goodbyes until the stage was out of sight.<\/em><\/p>\n

A week later, Ben received a telegraph announcing Bill and Julia were now the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy. Two exceedingly long weeks after that, he received another telegraph letting him know Marie would be arriving in three days.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

In a cheerful mood, Ben ordered supper at the International House. With Marie and Hop Sing both away, he and Adam had managed to scrape together some fairly decent meals, but nothing like the crispy fried chicken on the menu tonight.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, boys, are you looking forward to having your mother home?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Three heads bobbed in unison.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHow much longer,\u201d Little Joe asked excitedly.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, about an hour,\u201d Ben replied, glancing at the clock on the wall.<\/em><\/p>\n

Little Joe wrinkled his nose, still not sure.<\/em><\/p>\n

Seeing his expression, Adam put it in more concrete terms for him. \u201cShe should be here right after you finish your supper and go to the outhouse.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded. \u201cOh, boy! I\u2019ll eat faster!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam lifted his eyebrows in amusement and exchanged a smile with his father.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYuh know, it\u2019s been kind of nice not havin\u2019 to be so clean,\u201d Hoss remarked, \u201cbut I sure am glad Ma\u2019s coming home today. I been missin’ her somethin\u2019 fierce!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrows knit together as he inspected all his sons. Hoss was right, he\u2019d been a little lax in the cleanliness department. \u201cYou all took baths this morning, didn\u2019t you?\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSure did,\u201d Hoss said, surprised he was even asking. \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t want Ma to see how grubby we got!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, and I don\u2019t see any reason to mention it,\u201d Ben replied with a twinkle in his eye.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

One hour stretched into two and Ben restlessly paced in front of the stage depot, eager to see his wife again. \u201cAdam, watch the boys, I\u2019m going inside to see if they\u2019ve gotten any word.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa.\u201d Tired of standing, Adam sat on the steps of the boardwalk and rested his back against the building while Hoss and Little Joe played a game of tic-tac-toe in the dirt. <\/em><\/p>\n

A few minutes later, Ben came out and sat on the step next to Adam. \u201cPete Dunnigan is the driver.\u00a0 He sent a wire from the station in Strawberry last night…said they’d got in late, but he still planned on starting out early this morning for Virginia City.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat leg can take anywhere from eight to ten hours,\u201d Adam said, thoughtfully, \u201cso technically speaking, they\u2019re not really late.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben nodded pensively. \u201cTrue, but you know Pete; he isn\u2019t one to coddle his passengers with long breaks.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam frowned. \u201cYou worried?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben replied, mustering up a reassuring smile, \u201cjust impatient.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Having kept one ear on their conversation, Hoss piped up. \u201cYou always tell us patience is a virtue, Pa.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then, I\u2019d better start setting a good example!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Tired, Little Joe wriggled his way onto his father\u2019s lap. \u201cPa, when\u2019s Mama gonna get here? We been waitin\u2019 a long time.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d he said in a comforting tone. He checked his watch and then made a decision. \u201cIt\u2019ll be too late to ride back to the ranch tonight, so let\u2019s get a couple of rooms at the hotel and surprise your mother, shall we?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Little Joe looked at his brothers with excitement. \u201cWe\u2019re stayin\u2019 at the hotel!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, boy!\u201d Hoss exclaimed. \u201cI heard they got somethin\u2019 called room service and they bring food right to your door! Is that true, Pa?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben stood up and ruffled Hoss\u2019s hair. \u201cYes, it is, young fella, and if your mother\u2019s hungry, maybe we\u2019ll give it a try.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Adam got up and fell into step behind his Pa and brothers. He couldn\u2019t help thinking his father\u2019s cheerfulness sounded a little forced. <\/em><\/p>\n

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

Two more hours passed and Ben couldn\u2019t pretend he wasn\u2019t worried any longer. He had a bad feeling in his gut and there was no shaking it. He rousted Adam from where he was dozing while the two younger boys slept in their beds. \u201cIt\u2019s been too long,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI\u2019m going to round up Roy and ride out to meet them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go with you,\u201d Adam said in quick reply.<\/em><\/p>\n

Focused on his plan, Ben shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cStay with your brothers.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam frowned in dismay, unwilling to accept \u2018no\u2019 for an answer. \u201cI\u2019ll get the reverend\u2019s wife to watch them,\u201d he said, making an impassioned plea. \u201cPlease, Pa, let me go.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and paused to consider it. He didn\u2019t know what to expect and it was possible they might need Adam\u2019s help.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Pa, I\u2019m not gonna sleep anyway and if the stage broke down\u2026or\u2026or\u2026something worse\u2026you might need another hand.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Not surprised his sensible son had come to the same conclusion, he nodded. \u201cBe quick. I\u2019ll get the horses and supplies and meet you at the Sheriff\u2019s Office.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t hesitate, he grabbed his hat and gun belt and headed for the door. Seeing the worry etched in his young face, Ben reached out and gave him an encouraging pat on the back. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, son, it\u2019s probably just something simple like a broken axel.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Only it wasn\u2019t.<\/em><\/p>\n

They rode all night and just as dawn was breaking, they came upon the horrific scene. The battered and broken stage was on its side by the creek where it had landed after careening off the road and rolling down the steep embankment. Bullet holes riddled the cab.<\/em><\/p>\n

His heart in his throat, Ben frantically searched for his wife. Working alongside him, Adam spotted Pete sprawled in the weeds in an awkward position, obviously dead.\u00a0 He faltered and sucked in his breath, scared of what else they may find. <\/em><\/p>\n

Roy wished he could protect the boy, but they needed his strength to help lift the cab. \u201cCome on, Adam, take hold!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOn the count of three,\u201d Ben shouted. \u201cOne\u2026two\u2026three!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Their muscles taut and their faces strained, the three of them managed to lift the bulk of the cab and push it away. Underneath it, lay Marie. She was in her green travelling dress, her skull badly crushed.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s anguished cry pierced his son\u2019s heart as it echoed off the mountains. Unable to stomach the pain, Adam retreated a few steps away and sank to his knees. He felt the bile rising in his throat and he retched until he couldn\u2019t retch any more. Sad as could be, Roy gathered him in a fatherly embrace and held him as the boy\u2019s tears began to flow.<\/em><\/p>\n

Chapter 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes and attempted to get his emotions under control. It had been years since he\u2019d brought those images to mind and while he wasn\u2019t ashamed of how it still affected him, he could hear someone coming up the steps and he didn\u2019t feel like making a spectacle of himself.<\/p>\n

Her cheeks pink, Sister Margaret rushed into the doctor\u2019s office only to be thwarted in her quest for information by a closed examining room door and no sign of the doctor. As anxious as she was for news, she didn\u2019t want to barge into the inner room unannounced, so she resigned herself to wait. \u201cGood afternoon,\u201d she said, acknowledging Adam’s presence as she caught her breath, \u201care you the gentleman who helped Grace?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s heart skipped a beat at the mention of the injured woman\u2019s name and he felt an overwhelming sense of relief at being able to put an end to his irrational thoughts. He politely stood up and removed his hat. \u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d he replied. \u201cMy name\u2019s Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still a bit winded, she nodded as she took a seat. \u201cI came as soon as I heard. I\u2019m Sister Margaret and I run the orphanage where Grace is employed. Do you know how badly she\u2019s hurt? The boys said she\u2019d been run over by a carriage!\u201d<\/p>\n

Wincing at the dramatic report she\u2019d received, Adam took his seat again. \u201cIt grazed her and she hit her head hard enough to lose consciousness, but other than a nasty bump, she didn\u2019t appear too badly hurt.\u201d He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, suddenly feeling self-conscious about his reason for staying. \u201cOf course, I\u2019m, uh, not a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Greatly relieved, she gave a silent prayer of thanks. \u201cNevertheless, your account makes me feel much better.\u201d She raised her eyes heavenward. \u201cThose boys!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled at her. \u201cDo you have many children in your care, Sister Margaret?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe currently have sixteen boys at Mercy House.\u201d She wrinkled her brow in thought. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to believe, but it\u2019s been thirteen years since we first opened. You see, the Sisters of Mercy are primarily a teaching order, but as soon as we arrived out west, we were shocked by the number of homeless boys on the street.\u00a0 The parish school was already in progress and thanks to some generous benefactors, we were able to build an adjacent orphanage.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded in understanding. \u201cThe gold rush,\u201d he stated with a sigh. \u201cIt brought a huge influx of people into the area and more problems than anyone ever anticipated.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret glanced toward the examining room door. \u201cGrace was instrumental in helping us raise funds. I\u2019m afraid my fellow sisters and I had big plans, but little idea of how to achieve them.\u201d She eyed his business attire and noted it was of good quality, but she also noticed the gun strapped to his leg. She didn\u2019t want to be too nosy, but curiosity got the best of her. \u201cAre you a businessman, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m here on business, but no, I\u2019m a rancher from Nevada. I live with my father and brothers on a spread near Virginia City and I spend more time chasing steers than sitting in an office.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe passed through that area on our way west,\u201d she replied with a nod. \u201cIt was rugged, but I remember the wagon train stopping at the most beautiful lake.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She smiled envisioning the lovely scene.\u00a0 Unfortunately, that particular memory led to another, not so pleasant one, and her smile faded just a bit.<\/p>\n

Adam dropped his eyes and purposely ignored the tiny crease appearing in Sister Margaret\u2019s brow. He\u2019d already stayed longer than necessary and he didn\u2019t want to prolong the conversation by prying into anything that wasn\u2019t his business. After all, he was a stranger and one good deed didn\u2019t entitle him to intrude. \u201cOne of my favorite places,\u201d he replied, getting to his feet with a smile. \u201cOur ranch borders the lake on the eastern shore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow wonderful,\u201d she exclaimed, smiling up at him. \u201cBut you\u2019re not leaving, are you? I know Grace will want to thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sister, I really should be on my way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d she said graciously. \u201cIt was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cartwright, and I\u2019ll be sure to tell Grace about your kindness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish her well,\u201d he said, suddenly embarrassed by the loud rumbling in his stomach.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodness,\u201d she said with a twinkle in her eye, \u201cyou\u2019d better get some lunch, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reddening, he put on his hat and opened the door. \u201cI intend to,\u201d he replied with a sheepish smile. \u201cOh, and Sister? I also intend to make a donation to Mercy House for those boys of yours.\u201d And with a tip of his hat, he went out the door and closed it behind him.<\/p>\n

Well, now,<\/em> that\u2019s a good man, <\/em>she thought with a smile.<\/p>\n

Dr. Graham stepped out of the exam room and greeted Sister Margaret. \u201cI thought I heard your voice. Did our good Samaritan leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just missed him,\u201d she replied, hurriedly rising from her chair. \u201cNow, tell me Dr. Graham, how is Grace?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPhysically, she\u2019s going to be fine. The cut on her head will heal nicely.\u201d He frowned and shook his head, perplexed. \u201cIt\u2019s her mental status I\u2019m concerned about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret\u2019s eyes widened in concern. \u201cIn what way?\u201d she asked, afraid of what he meant. \u201cIs she awake?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was, but she was so distraught, I sedated her.\u201d He inclined his head toward the chair she\u2019d just vacated. \u201cLet\u2019s sit down, Sister, perhaps you can help me sort this out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Privy to Grace\u2019s condition, Sister Margaret, asked the first question that came to mind. \u201cIs it related to her previous injury?\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded. \u201cI think the blow to her head may have triggered something, but at this point, I\u2019m not sure if it restored her memory or brought greater confusion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what did she say?\u201d she asked with impatience.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe kept insisting I get her son, Adam, and when I tried to tell her she was confused, she became quite agitated.\u00a0 In fact, her words were so disjointed, I had a difficult time understanding the full gist of what she was trying to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret inhaled sharply, struck by the coincidence. \u201cAdam? Did she mention a last name by any chance?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Graham nodded. \u201cShe said it was Cartwright…Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her hands flew to cover her mouth and she visibly paled. \u201cMy goodness, God really does work in mysterious ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alarmed, the doctor reached out to check her pulse, afraid she was going to faint. \u201cWhat is it, Sister? Do you feel light-headed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was here!\u201d she exclaimed, shooing his hand away.<\/p>\n

Dr. Graham impatiently shook his head and gestured towards the other room. \u201cI don\u2019t know who you\u2019re talking about, but perhaps you should lie down. I have another bed in the back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to lie down,\u201d she said, her voice rising. \u201cNow, listen carefully, Adam Cartwright is the name of our good Samaritan!\u201d<\/p>\n

Taken aback, Dr. Graham took a moment to digest the news and then, trying to make sense of it, he came up with a probable explanation. \u201cWell, then, they must have gotten acquainted somehow and that blow to her head is causing her some confusion, just as I suspected.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret gave him an exasperated look. \u201cI had a chance to talk to Mr. Cartwright and he didn’t say anything about having met Grace before today. Besides, it’s more than just his name. He said his family has a ranch just hours away from where the sisters and I first found Grace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Intrigued, Dr. Graham raised an eyebrow. \u201cWell, now, I have to admit, that’s an interesting development.”\u00a0 He mulled it over for a moment and then nodded, knowing exactly what the good sister wanted.\u00a0 “All right, let’s see if Mr. Cartwright is willing to meet with us.”<\/p>\n

Chapter 4<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam changed out of his dress clothes and flopped on the bed. His belly was full and he was looking forward to a short nap before it was time to get ready for the theatre. There was a musical comedy in town and after all the emotional ups and downs he\u2019d experienced today, he could use a few laughs. He sighed in relief as his head hit the pillow and before he knew it, he began to doze.<\/p>\n

He awoke shortly thereafter to a persistent knock on the door. Ever prepared, he slipped his gun out of its holster and approached the door, opening it just enough to see. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

The bellhop smiled. \u201cPardon me, Mr. Cartwright, but Dr. Graham and Sister Margaret are downstairs in the dining room. They\u2019d like to have a word with you if you\u2019re agreeable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taken by surprise, Adam paused and then nodded. \u201cUh, yes, tell them I\u2019ll be right down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam closed the door and splashed some water on his face, wondering what it was all about. He was mildly curious, but in all honesty he really just wanted to put the afternoon\u2019s events behind him, and so it was with trepidation that he strapped on his gun belt and went downstairs. He spied them sitting at a secluded table.<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret was both pleased and nervous to see him approach. She hoped he wouldn\u2019t be offended by her questions, but she had no choice. He was the only person who could put the pieces together, and if her instincts were correct, the conversation they were about to have could very well unite his family.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for seeing us,\u201d Dr. Graham said, standing up and offering his hand. \u201cI hope we didn\u2019t disturb you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his hand and smiled at the two of them. \u201cNo, not at all. What can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret noted his change of clothes. When she\u2019d seen him earlier, he\u2019d looked like a typical businessman, but now, in his rugged black jeans and shirt he looked very much like a rancher. \u201cWell, I\u2019m afraid it\u2019s going to sound a bit strange,\u201d she replied as both men sat down.<\/p>\n

Adam gave her an inquiring look. \u201cYou\u2019ve got me curious, please, go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. \u201cForgive me if this is too personal, but you mentioned living with your father and brothers, but not your mother. Is there a reason?\u201d<\/p>\n

Not one to divulge family business too easily, something in her tone compelled him to answer more thoroughly than he normally would. \u201cWell, that\u2019s complicated,\u201d he replied with a little tug on his ear. \u201cYou see, my father was married three times and my mother and stepmothers all died tragically. My stepmother, Marie, was the only one who actually lived on the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret smiled sadly. \u201cI\u2019m sincerely sorry, Mr. Cartwright, your family has suffered its share of heartache.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose more than some,\u201d he said with a little shrug. He wasn\u2019t indifferent by any means, it just wasn\u2019t something he liked to dwell on. \u201cPlease, Sister, call me Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. \u201cBear with me, Adam, but do you mind telling me how and when Marie died?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam groaned inside. It was the last thing he wanted to talk about and if it wasn\u2019t for Sister Margaret\u2019s likable personality, he would have refused to answer the increasingly personal questions.\u00a0 \u201cWell, it’s been thirteen years. Bandits attacked the stage she was on. The driver was shot and the cab rolled down an embankment. She was crushed by its weight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Graham exchanged a meaningful look with Sister Margaret. He\u2019d been skeptical, but knowing what he did, he was beginning to think she might be right. The time frame and circumstances all seemed to fit.<\/p>\n

\u201cSister,\u201d Adam said with a shake of his head, \u201cI don\u2019t mean to be rude, but I don’t understand your interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about Grace,\u201d Dr. Graham explained. \u201cFor the past thirteen<\/em> years, ever since arriving in Sacramento, she\u2019s suffered from amnesia. No memory of her past whatsoever, until possibly<\/em> today.\u201d\u00a0 He exchanged another look with Sister Margaret.<\/p>\n

Adam grew apprehensive, unwilling to even remotely connect this new detail to the gut reaction he\u2019d had to this woman. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that, but what\u2019s that got to do with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sensing his uneasiness, Sister Margaret hurried to explain before he decided to bolt. \u201cDo you remember me saying I passed through your area on my way west?\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s where I first laid eyes on Grace. She was on foot, mentally confused and physically exhausted.\u201d She frowned at the memory. \u201cHer dress was torn and stained with blood and she had a terrible gash on her forehead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Having a feeling he knew where this was going, Adam looked from one to the other and then simply said, \u201cNo.\u201d He began to get up, but Sister Margaret put her hand on his arm and pressed him to stay. \u201cPlease, Adam, hear us out, and then if you think it\u2019s nothing more than coincidence, we’ll leave you in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took a deep steadying breath and against all sane reason, he reluctantly agreed. He\u2019d hear them out. The details couldn\u2019t possibly add up, his mind would be at ease, and that would be the end of it. \u201cAll right, Sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relieved, she gave him an appreciative look. She knew this last part would be difficult for him to hear and equally difficult for him to explain away. She spoke in a gentle voice. \u201cShe remembered being on a stage, but didn\u2019t remember who she was or where she was going. The stage was attacked by commancheros and she was thrown from the cab when the driver lost control. The commancheros discovered her alive and took her with them to\u2026well\u2026to abuse her\u2026but ironically her memory loss was her saving grace. The ignorant beasts thought she was cursed and after a time, they left her, untouched, by the side of the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why the Sisters called her Grace,\u201d Dr. Graham added. \u201cShe sought my help, but questioning her triggered such severe anxiety we decided to wait and see if her memory would return on its own. When it didn\u2019t, I sent inquiries to all the neighboring towns, hoping she\u2019d fit the description of a missing person\u2019s report, but no one responded.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat stunned and speechless. Of course they hadn\u2019t responded because Marie wasn\u2019t missing at that point in\u00a0time, she was dead! His mind swirled and his thoughts collided. Are they trying to pull some sort of scam? A land grab scheme?<\/em>\u00a0 He looked at Sister Margaret and dismissed the notion.\u00a0 What then?\u00a0<\/em> He pictured the woman in the street. She’d looked at him with recognition as he’d cradled her head. \u201cShe said my name,\u201d he admitted in a voice barely above a whisper. He shook his head angrily. \u201cIt can\u2019t be!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Graham took the opportunity to explain further. \u201cWhen Grace woke up in the examining room, she tried to tell me her memory was back, but when she kept insisting I get her son, Adam, I dismissed it as confusion and sedated her. You see, when an amnesia victim\u2019s memory returns, they normally don\u2019t recall the life they lived in their altered state, yet Grace still recognized me and called me by name. I don\u2019t, however, proclaim to know all the mysteries of the mind, so given the circumstantial evidence, I strongly urge you to speak to her, if only to put it to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

“It would be a great kindness to her,” Sister Margaret added.\u00a0 “If I know Grace, she’ll be desperate to know, one way or the other.”<\/p>\n

Adam rested his elbows on the table and buried his face in his hands for a long moment as his thoughts went to his father and brothers and all the events of their lives since that fateful day. Could we have made a terrible mistake that day? A terrible life-altering mistake?<\/em><\/p>\n

Chapter 5<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nervously wringing her hands, Sister Benedicta waited while the bellhop delivered her note. She hated to interrupt, but it was an emergency. She was relieved when the trio rose from the table and headed her way.<\/p>\n

\u201cSister Benedicta?\u201d asked Dr. Graham. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Dr. Graham, but Grace woke up and insisted she didn\u2019t need to stay at the office. She went home to Mercy House.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Graham nodded. He\u2019d only lightly sedated her and knowing Grace\u2019s determination, it didn\u2019t surprise him. \u201cHow did she seem?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe wasn\u2019t herself,\u201d she replied worriedly. \u201cOne minute she was hugging me and the next minute she was in tears.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor dear,\u201d said Sister Margaret with a look of concern. \u201cWe\u2019d better go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Equally concerned, Dr. Graham opened the door, but before Sister Margaret went through, she gave Adam a questioning look.<\/p>\n

Jaw clenched, he gave a slight nod, and followed them.<\/p>\n

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

Feeling too confined in her bedroom, Marie paced in the kitchen, tears of joy comingling with tears of frustration as her memories came flooding back. She remembered everything\u2026Ben and the boys\u2026the Ponderosa\u2026her friendship with the sisters\u2026.her work at the orphanage. Nothing was lost and it was overwhelming. Overcome with emotions, she willed herself to calm down and just concentrate on her next move. Oh, where is Sister Margaret?<\/em><\/p>\n

Deep in thought, she was startled when Sister Margaret actually entered the kitchen. \u201cSister, thank goodness you\u2019re here!\u201d she exclaimed in a rush. \u201cIt\u2019s happened, Sister, it\u2019s finally happened! I remember everything!\u201d<\/p>\n

Eyes shining in response to her friend’s joy and excitement, Sister Margaret opened her arms in invitation, eager to give Grace a warm embrace. \u201cIt seems your prayers have been answered.”<\/p>\n

Marie closed her eyes and savored the moment, so very grateful for her friend\u2019s comfort and compassion. When she opened them, however, Dr. Graham came into view and her countenance changed dramatically. Incensed, she stepped away from her friend and wagged her finger at the doctor. \u201cDon\u2019t you dare think you\u2019re going to sedate me again!\u201d she exclaimed, her eyes flashing. \u201cIf anyone is confused, it\u2019s you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Graham held up his hands in surrender. He didn\u2019t blame her for being upset with him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said, sincerely apologizing. \u201cYou hit your head and I naturally thought you were disoriented from the blow.\u201d He gave her a warm smile. \u201cYou must know I want nothing but the best for you, Grace, and if you’ve regained your memory, I couldn’t be happier.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relieved she didn\u2019t have a battle on her hands, her temper vanished as quickly as it had risen. \u201cOf course,\u201d she said in a calmer tone. \u201cI can imagine how I must have sounded.\u201d A crease wrinkled her brow. \u201cIt\u2019s hard for me to believe it myself. One minute I was crossing the street as Grace and the next minute I was waking up as Marie.\u201d She glanced at them, her eyes shining. \u201cThat\u2019s my real name\u2026Marie\u2026Marie Cartwright\u2026and my husband is Ben\u2026and I have three sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret withdrew a handkerchief from the pocket of her dress and dabbed at her eyes. \u201cWell, now, Marie, that\u2019s going to take some getting used to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie took a deep calming breath. \u201cYes, Sister, but at the moment, I just need to find Adam, my eldest son. He\u2019s somewhere in the city.\u201d She gave Dr. Graham an imploring look. \u201cHe held me in the street. I know it was him. Please, did you speak to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

He exchanged a glance with Sister Margaret and wondered what the gentlemen in the next room was thinking. \u201cYes,\u201d he said with a nod. \u201cA chance meeting in the waiting room with Sister got us thinking there might be a connection, so we spoke to him at the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aware Adam wasn’t convinced, Sister Margaret felt it was her duty to forewarn Marie. \u201cYou can imagine his shock and disbelief. He\u2019s a discerning young man, not easily swayed by a stranger with an incredible story. I don’t want you to be disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s Adam,\u201d Marie said with a small smile, \u201cbut I know his doubts will vanish once we have the chance to talk and, honestly, I can\u2019t wait another minute!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stepped into the kitchen. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to,\u201d he said with more calm that he felt. \u201cI\u2019m here.\u201d He\u2019d been waiting in the dining room at Sister Margaret\u2019s request and now, after listening to her speak, he knew in his heart it was his stepmother despite all the reasons it seemed impossible.<\/p>\n

Marie drew a sharp breath and momentarily stood rooted to the spot. He was a little taller and broader than the gangly seventeen-year-old she remembered, but he had the same voice and the same handsome face. \u201cOh, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes shimmering, he smiled and didn\u2019t hesitate to gather her into his arms when she rushed to embrace him. \u201cMa,\u201d he whispered. \u201cIt’s really you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie held him tight as she succumbed to a wave of emotions. Happy beyond description, she was also suddenly aware of the passage of time. Here was Adam, now a mature young man, comforting her instead of the other way around. Overcome, she knew the differences would be even greater in the younger boys. Hoss was only eleven and her baby was just five the last time she\u2019d seen him.<\/p>\n

His throat constricting and tears threatening to fall, Adam closed his eyes and simply held his stepmother as she wept softly in his arms.<\/p>\n

Chapter 5<\/strong><\/p>\n

Slowly waking up, Adam rolled onto his back and stretched. The light streaming in through the window told him it was midmorning, but he wasn\u2019t in any hurry to get up. Instead, he put his hands behind his head and thought about his stepmother. He\u2019d hastened to put her mind at ease, assuring her everyone was in good health and that his father had never remarried. She\u2019d laughed at his description of Ben being a little older and greyer, but still able to raise the roof with his bellow. She\u2019d been delighted to hear Hoss still loved nature and she\u2019d grown weepy at the thought of Little Joe being eighteen years old. They\u2019d talked late into the night, hence his bleariness this morning. He groaned as he finally got out of bed and reached for his pants. As he tugged them on, he contemplated the best way to tell his Pa and brothers about Marie, but there was no getting around it, it was going to be a shock no matter what. He sat back down to pull on his socks and boots and then got up to wash, shave, and finish getting dressed. Shortly thereafter, he entered the telegraph office and penned a message to his father.<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright. Stop.<\/p>\n

Won Contract. Stop.<\/p>\n

Return delayed. Stop.<\/p>\n

Adam. Full Stop.<\/p>\n

Troubled, he gave it to the telegraph operator along with payment. He knew full well his father would be unhappy with such a brief note, but at least it would give him some time to talk to his stepmother and find out how she wanted to proceed.<\/p>\n

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

Adam knocked on the door at Mercy House and was greeted by Sister Margaret. Her face was flushed and she was holding a wet mop. \u201cAdam,\u201d she said ushering him in, \u201ctell me, do you know anything about clogged drains?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, sure,\u201d he stammered, surprised, “I can take a look.\u00a0 Do you have any tools?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we\u2019ve got tools,\u201d she said with a laugh. \u201cWe just don\u2019t know what to do with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned and followed her. In the kitchen, they found two boys busily attempting to unclog the stopped-up drain.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop pumping water,\u201d yelled Tommy. \u201cCan\u2019t you see it\u2019s not goin\u2019 down?\u201d<\/p>\n

Billy shrugged as the water overflowed onto the floor. \u201cYep, it\u2019s clogged all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret raised an eyebrow at their antics and hurried to mop up the water. \u201cBoys, step aside and make some room for Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two boys eyed Adam, but obediently scrambled out of the way. Sensing their disappointment, he gave them a friendly smile as he rolled up his sleeves. \u201cAll right, fellas, it looks like we\u2019ve got some work to do.\u201d Seeing the wooden tool box on the floor, he sat on his haunches and began sorting through it.<\/p>\n

Brightening, the boys crowded around him. \u201cWhat are we lookin\u2019 for, mister?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is\u00a0Adam and we\u2019re looking for a pipe wrench,\u201d he replied. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna take the sink trap off and if we\u2019re lucky, that\u2019s where we\u2019ll find the clog, otherwise we\u2019re gonna have to find something we can use to snake it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Impressed, Billy nodded enthusiastically. \u201cWe\u2019ll help! We seen you yesterday, when you helped Miss Grace. My name\u2019s Billy and this here\u2019s Tommy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy smiled at the mention of his name and then pulled a crescent wrench out of the tool box. \u201cIs this it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cNope, that\u2019s for nuts and bolts.\u201d Rummaging around a little more, he found what he was looking for and pulled it out of the box. \u201cSee here, a pipe wrench has a ridged jaw so it won\u2019t slip off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heads together, the two boys inspected the differences in the wrenches.<\/p>\n

Sorry she had to impose on Adam, but grateful he had things under control, Sister Margaret propped her mop against the wall and wearily went to the stove to pour herself a cup of coffee. With all the excitement last night, she\u2019d gone to bed late and needed a jolt.<\/p>\n

Hearing the commotion, Marie came into the kitchen and smiled at the scene. She was pleasantly surprised to see Adam with his sleeves rolled up. It was wonderful, yet surreal. \u201cIt feels like a dream.\u00a0 It’s not, is it, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Feeling much the same, he looked up and gave her a warm smile. \u201cIt\u2019s real.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a miracle,\u201d interjected Sister Margaret as she handed Marie the cup of coffee she\u2019d just poured. \u201cAnd it will be another miracle if you get that sink unclogged!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t think I can pull off a miracle,\u201d Adam said with a smile, \u201cso let\u2019s hope a little know-how will be enough.\u201d He winked at the boys and then got under the sink and proceeded to loosen the pipe. \u201cAll right, fellas, put the bucket underneath and catch the water coming out of the trap.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret poured herself another cup of coffee and then sat down with Marie at the table for a much needed break. \u201cHe’s a natural teacher,\u201d she said quietly.\u00a0 \u201cThose boys are learning something and enjoying every minute of it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie sipped her coffee and watched with interest. She appreciated Adam\u2019s easy connection with the boys and the patient way he was instructing them. He obviously recognized their need for a male role model and was making an effort to involve them in every aspect of the repair. As for Billy and Tommy, they were like two little sponges, so attentive and eager to learn. She shook her head. Right before her eyes, her two worlds were colliding and it made her feel happy and sad at the same time. When she thought about returning to the Ponderosa, it filled her heart with indescribable happiness, but how in the world was she going to say goodbye to the boys she\u2019d loved and nurtured and the Sisters who were like family to her?\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know how I\u2019m going to do it?\u201d she said with a troubled sigh.<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret gave her a commiserative look, guessing what was upsetting her. \u201cYou\u2019ll be dearly missed, to be sure, but it\u2019s the answer to your prayers, is it not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Marie said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Sister Margaret repeated firmly, \u201cso it’s only right you go and be happy. Your place is with your family now. We\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie gave her a grateful look, knowing the parting would be difficult for Sister Margaret as well.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll write often.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all fixed!\u201d Billy said, interrupting them with a triumphant shout.<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret clapped her hands and gave a cheer. \u201cWonderful boys! Thank you for coming to our rescue, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flashed her a smile as he got off the floor and tossed the pipe wrench back into the tool box. \u201cI\u2019m glad I could help,\u201d he said, tidying up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s more that needs fixing,\u201d Tommy said with an earnest look on his face. \u201cThe roof leaks, the banister\u2019s wobbly, and the back window sticks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Billy said, chiming in, \u201cand the stove pipe\u2019s got a leak and, uh, someone put a hole in the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thoroughly embarrassed, Sister Margaret arched an eyebrow in disapproval. \u201cShame on you,\u201d she said, scolding them. \u201cPressing Adam into more work is no way to show our appreciation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy ducked his head and lowered his eyes. \u201cSorry, Sister, I didn\u2019t mean no harm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe neither,\u201d Billy added in a subdued voice.<\/p>\n

Knowing their hearts were in the right place, Sister Margaret smiled indulgently. \u201cAll right you two, come along, Sister Maureen is waiting for you in the school room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie gave them each an affectionate pat on the back as they passed by. \u201cThank you, boys, and good luck on your math test.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuckling at their groans, Adam joined his stepmother at the table. \u201cI take it they don\u2019t have too many men in their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid not,\u201d Marie said sadly. \u201cFather O\u2019Conner taught the older boys to ride, but it\u2019s a busy parish and he doesn\u2019t have a lot of spare time.\u201d She smiled as an image from the past came to mind. \u201cDoes Little Joe still follow you around, mirroring your every move?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head in amusement. He remembered Little Joe trailing after him, asking a million questions, but that was a far cry from their current relationship. In his quest to prove himself a man, Little Joe was exerting his independence, particularly from him. \u201cUh, no, he got over that years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Marie said in frustration. \u201cIn my mind\u2019s eye, he\u2019s still a little boy.\u201d She tilted her head and gave him a searching look. \u201cTell me, Adam, do the three of you get along now that you\u2019re all adults?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrows knit together in thought. \u201cI trust my brothers with my life,\u201d he said in all seriousness, \u201cand we enjoy each other’s company, but that doesn\u2019t mean we don\u2019t have our differences.\u201d He gave her a playful look. \u201cWe have our fun, too, and no one\u2019s safe from a practical joke, so I give you fair warning.\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed, reassured the boys were close as brothers should be. \u201cOh, your father must love that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike I said, Pa can still raise the roof when we get ourselves into dumb trouble, but yeah, deep down I think he enjoys it.\u201d He smiled, but it faded into a more thoughtful expression as he broached the topic of her homecoming. \u201cSpeaking of Pa, I sent him a telegraph this morning. I told him I was staying a few more days, but I didn’t say why.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie nodded as her thoughts turned toward Ben. \u201cWill he be worried?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head and gave her a sheepish smile. \u201cNo, in all honesty, he\u2019ll probably be angry.\u201d He shifted uncomfortably, not wanting to trouble her with ranch business. \u201cIt\u2019s not really important anymore, but my business in Sacramento was with the Central Pacific Railroad. I won a timber contract and Pa is waiting to hear the terms.\u201d He tugged on his ear. \u201cI won\u2019t be surprised if he sends a strongly-worded reply encouraging<\/em> me to get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie gave him a knowing smile. \u201cI can just see those black eyebrows knitting together into a fierce scowl, but I don\u2019t suppose that intimidates you anymore, does it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be so sure,\u201d Adam said with a slow smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, I can\u2019t wait to get home, but seriously, the last thing I want to do is disrupt ranch operations, so please don\u2019t jeopardize the timber contract on account of me.\u201d She looked into his eyes with sincerity. \u201cPromise me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing she meant it, he nodded. \u201cIn that case, I\u2019ll book passage on next week\u2019s stage, that\u2019s six days from now, if that\u2019s all right with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Marie said, thinking about her obligations, \u201cthat will give me time to speak to my regular donors and hopefully secure some additional funding before I leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hesitated. He didn\u2019t want to state the obvious, but he needed to make sure they were in agreement on how to proceed. \u201cYou know this is going to be quite a shock for everyone so I, uh, think I should write Pa and give him some advance notice. If I get a letter on tomorrow\u2019s stage, he\u2019ll have time to talk to Hoss and Little Joe before we actually arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s brow furrowed in thought. \u201cYes, of course. It just feels so strange having to plan my homecoming. So many years have gone by\u2026what if\u2026what if your father doesn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave her a warm comforting look. \u201cTrust me, he\u2019ll be the happiest man on earth. And I don\u2019t want you to worry about Mercy House, either. I\u2019ll be making a donation and if Sister Margaret is agreeable, I\u2019ll hire an agent here in Sacramento to help her with fundraising and all the other financial aspects of running an orphanage and school.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie smiled through her tears, touched by his thoughtfulness. \u201cYou\u2019re a dear, but I\u2019m not so sure I should start spending your father\u2019s money just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMa, I\u2019m not seventeen anymore,\u201d he replied with a humorous twinkle in his eye. \u201cIt\u2019s my own money, but I know Pa will support Mercy House once he\u2019s aware of the situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam. Your father must be proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Running short on time, Adam went back to the hotel and wrote his father. He described the events exactly as they had unfolded, hoping it would lessen the disbelief and shock, but he knew no matter how he phrased it, the idea of Marie being alive would be difficult to accept. The next day, he sent it on the stage as planned and then got to work tackling the list of needed repairs at the orphanage while Marie settled her affairs. He rounded up the older boys and taught them to sand, paint, saw, and hammer. The little boys didn\u2019t want to be left out, so he enlisted them to fetch and carry. Over the next few days they finished the inside repairs and then moved on to the roof. He understood the Sisters\u2019 nervousness about the boys getting up on the roof, but he convinced them they were old enough to safely handle it and sure enough, they completed the job without a hitch.<\/p>\n

Grateful for Adam\u2019s help, Marie concentrated on wrapping up loose ends. She was pleased when she secured a sizable donation for the upcoming year. It helped assuage her guilt about leaving, even though Sister Margaret kept assuring her she had nothing to feel guilty about. She couldn\u2019t help it, though. She felt like she was abandoning the very people who\u2019d provided her a loving home when she most needed it. So, when the day arrived to board the stage, it was amid a sea of tears and heartfelt promises to keep in touch.<\/p>\n

Once the stage was on its way, Adam felt a strong sense of responsibility to get Marie home safely. It was a three day trip and while he appeared to be outwardly calm, he never let his guard down. In Placerville there was a minor incident with some drunken cowboys, but Adam moved quickly to silence them. For the first time, Marie witnessed the dangerous look that came into his eyes as he drew his gun and effectively cowered the ruffians. He was a grown man fully capable of defending himself and his family should the situation arise and while that made her feel very safe, it was a startling reminder she wasn\u2019t going home to a husband and three boys, but to a household of four men.<\/p>\n

Chapter 6<\/strong><\/p>\n

Little Joe sat on the coffee table and worriedly poked at the fire.<\/p>\n

Sitting in the leather chair by the hearth, Hoss didn\u2019t say a word until sweat began to bead up on his forehead. \u201cC\u2019mon Joe, stop pokin\u2019 that fire. You\u2019re roasting me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Little Joe put the poker down and then scooted closer to Hoss so they could talk without being overheard. \u201cPa\u2019s fit to be tied. What do you think was in Adam\u2019s letter to get him so riled?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss glanced at their father. He was sitting at his desk with a look as dark as a thundercloud. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he replied uneasily, \u201cbut Adam sure is lucky he doesn\u2019t have to face him right now.\u201d He smiled half-heartedly. \u201cMaybe he told Pa he was staying in Sacramento to see some play or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah,\u201d Little Joe said, scowling. \u201cAdam\u2019s too responsible. He wouldn\u2019t put off an important contract and upset Pa unless it was something big.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned in concern. \u201cYeah, I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

With an impatient sigh, Little Joe ran a hand through his hair and furtively glanced at their father. \u201cYou think we should ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss hesitated. Pa sure didn\u2019t look like he wanted to talk. He looked angry and upset and disturbing him didn\u2019t seem like a good idea, but leaving him to simmer, without offering to help didn’t seem right, either. Making a decision, he got to his feet. \u201cI reckon it\u2019s the only way we\u2019re gonna find out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Little Joe got up and together they walked with a purposeful stride to his desk. Their confidence waned, however, when their presence was met with an angry glare. Hoss swallowed. \u201cUh, Pa, is everything all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben contemplated the question, at a loss to even describe what he was feeling. \u201cNo,\u201d he said in a furious voice. \u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s gotten into your older brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe gave him a worried look. \u201cWhat is it, Pa? What\u2019d he say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Little Joe for a long moment, and then plucked the letter from his desk and angrily crumpled it in his hand. \u201cHow dare he?\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cHow dare he defile her name?\u201d<\/p>\n

Startled by the ferocity of his anger, Hoss shot Little Joe a troubled look. \u201cWe don\u2019t rightly know what you\u2019re talkin\u2019 about, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and after an internal debate, he thrust the letter at Hoss. If Adam was going to show up with some woman claiming to be Marie, he supposed they needed to know about it. \u201cGo on and read it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss smoothed out the pages and read aloud, stopping several times in confusion and disbelief. By the time he got to the end, Little Joe\u2019s face was white with anger and his hands were balled into fists. \u201cIf this is Adam\u2019s idea of a joke, he\u2019s gonna find out real quick it isn\u2019t funny!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head and adamantly defended Adam. \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t joke about something like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing his steadfast conviction, Ben calmed down enough to concede Hoss had a point. \u201cYour right, it sounds like he believes it, but for the life of me, I can\u2019t understand why.\u201d He shook his head in bewilderment. \u201cFor Adam to actually suggest Marie is still alive is madness! Who does he think is buried in her grave?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss responded with a pained expression. \u201cYou think Adam is sick or somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Considering the possibility, Ben\u2019s anger gave way to fatherly concern. \u201cIt\u2019s possible, but I think it\u2019s more likely he\u2019s been duped.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss wrinkled his nose in thought. \u201cHow\u2019d she know all them details?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben leaned back in his chair and his eyes narrowed in thought. \u201cMost swindlers do their research,\u201d he replied shrewdly, \u201cthat\u2019s why they\u2019re so convincing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cYou think it\u2019s a land grab, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the only thing that makes sense,\u201d Ben replied with a nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but Adam\u2019s no fool,\u201d Hoss said, grappling with the idea. \u201cHe’s real good at peggin’ a liar.”<\/p>\n

Ben eyed him. He appreciated Hoss\u2019s confidence in his older brother, but accepting this story without question was plain ridiculous. \u201cAnyone can make a mistake, Hoss, including your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome mistake!\u201d Little Joe exclaimed in dismay. He didn\u2019t like his mother\u2019s name being dragged into a plan to swindle them out of the Ponderosa and he sure didn\u2019t understand Adam falling for it and upsetting the whole family. Adam knew first-hand how his mother had died.<\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to the letter, they\u2019ll be here the day after tomorrow,\u201d Hoss said with a shrug of uncertainty. \u201cWhat\u2019re we gonna do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed his head, feeling a headache coming on. \u201cI don\u2019t want this playing out on the streets of Virginia City. Ride in and pick them up, Hoss. Bring her back to the ranch so I can get a good look at her and see for myself what she\u2019s up to.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Adam emerged from the coach and then turned and offered a helping hand to his stepmother. Grasping it tightly, she stepped down and took in the sights of Virginia City for the first time in years. She recognized a few buildings, but the town had grown and she was surprised by the hustle and bustle. Taking a deep breath, she put her hand on her stomach to calm the butterflies beginning to flutter in her stomach.<\/p>\n

Imagining what she must be feeling, Adam looked at her in concern. \u201cYou all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a little overwhelmed,\u201d she replied, smiling nervously.<\/p>\n

Adam put his arm around her shoulders. \u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d he said in a comforting tone. \u201cIt\u2019ll feel like home before you know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded, grateful for his steadying arm.<\/p>\n

Adam checked his pocket watch. He assumed someone was coming to pick them up, but they were an hour early and with no one in sight, they needed a place to wait. He called to the driver. \u201cHey, Dan, will you put our luggage in the office until someone comes to pick us up? We\u2019ll be at the International House.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

He waved in acknowledgment and then escorted his stepmother to the hotel restaurant where he found a table and ordered two lemonades.<\/p>\n

Marie took a few sips to quench her thirst, but her stomach was growing queasier by the minute. \u201cOh, Adam, I\u2019m as nervous as a cat,\u201d she exclaimed as she tucked a stray tendril of hair back in place. \u201cDo you know if there\u2019s a place I can tidy up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d he replied as he stood up and helped her with her chair. \u201cThere\u2019s a ladies water closet behind the stairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded in relief. \u201cI just want to make myself presentable for your father and brothers,\u201d she said. \u201cI won\u2019t be too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam watched her make her way through the dining room and then sat back down and thirstily gulped his lemonade. It wasn\u2019t bad, but knowing he was in for an emotional day, he would have preferred a cold beer from the hotel bar. If only he knew what his family was thinking, especially Little Joe. He knew Marie was beyond excited. On the way home, she\u2019d asked him one question after another about his baby brother. Not wanting her to see Little Joe through his<\/em> eyes, he\u2019d kept his answers to a minimum, so much so, she\u2019d gotten cross with him. He chuckled to himself. After he\u2019d explained his reasoning, she\u2019d immediately calmed down, but not before he\u2019d caught a glimpse of that fiery look in her eye. He remembered it from when he was a kid and he was glad he was too old to be mothered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Adam, good to see yuh!\u201d<\/p>\n

Pulled from his thoughts, Adam smiled and stood up to shake Hoss\u2019s outstretched hand. \u201cGood to see you, too!\u201d He looked past him towards the door. \u201cWhere\u2019s Pa and Joe? You got my letter, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah, we got it,\u201d Hoss replied nervously, \u201cbut we, uh, didn\u2019t rightly know what to make of it, so Pa sent me to fetch you and the, uh, lady so we could talk at the ranch, private like.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 He was glad their family reunion wouldn’t be taking place in public, but his father’s absence told him his letter had obviously been met with skepticism. He wasn\u2019t altogether surprised, but he\u2019d hoped his word would at least carry some<\/em> weight. \u201cI know it\u2019s farfetched, Hoss, but it\u2019s the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doubt written all over his face, Hoss closely studied his brother, looking for any signs of illness.\u00a0 \u201cIt ain\u2019t just farfetched, Adam, it\u2019s downright impossible!\u201d<\/p>\n

Uncomfortable under his scrutiny, Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed suspiciously. \u201cStop looking at me like that! I\u2019m not crazy, if that\u2019s what you\u2019re thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, but if you ain\u2019t hallucinating, then you\u2019re being taken for a fool.\u201d He shook his head, perplexed. \u201cStrange since you\u2019re always the one warning me<\/em> about swindlers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor pete\u2019s sake,\u201d Adam said impatiently, \u201cdon\u2019t you think I thought of that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged, not knowing what to think. \u201cWell, just so yuh know, Pa\u2019s hotter than a pistol and if you stick with that story, he\u2019s liable to deck you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow. He\u2019d expected his father to be shocked by the news, but if he didn\u2019t believe him, and he thought he was disrespecting Marie\u2019s memory, he could well imagine his fury. It was troubling, but he knew everything would be cleared up in a few short hours. \u201cI\u2019m not worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou oughta be,\u201d Hoss said genuinely concerned. \u201cWhere is she anyhow?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked past him as Marie approached the table.\u00a0 \u201cBehind you,\u201d Adam replied, smiling and gesturing for him to turn around.<\/p>\n

Hoss spun around to meet the woman and his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. He\u2019d only been eleven-years-old the last time he\u2019d seen his stepmother, but the woman standing before him embodied everything he remembered. There was no explaining it, he just felt it in his gut.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d she cried, recognizing the blue-eyed boy in the man facing her now.\u00a0 “My dear, sweet, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lost in his childhood memories, Hoss stood transfixed, unsure of what to say or think. \u201cMa?\u201d he whispered, not believing his own eyes. \u201cIs it\u2026is it really you?\u201d \u00a0He shook his head answering his own question. \u201cNah, it can\u2019t be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling and getting teary-eyed, Marie nodded as she marveled at his size.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s me,\u201d she replied, lovingly holding his gaze.<\/p>\n

His skepticism rapidly fading, Hoss shook his head in wonder and then looked at Adam for confirmation, wanting it to be true.\u00a0 \u201cSo everything you wrote was true? You really know it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded reassuringly. \u201cEvery word.\u201d<\/p>\n

Overcome with happiness, Hoss couldn’t contain himself.\u00a0 He gathered his stepmother into a bear hug and lifted her off her feet with a whoop and a holler.<\/p>\n

Marie laughed. \u201cOh, Hoss, you haven\u2019t lost your enthusiasm!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just can\u2019t get over it!\u201d he exclaimed, gently setting her down. Filled with excitement, he gave Adam a brotherly slap on the back. \u201cWait\u2019ll Pa and Joe find out you ain\u2019t loco, after all!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave Marie an apologetic look. \u201cIt seems they thought I was either delusional or exceedingly gullible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss reddened, wishing he hadn\u2019t blurted that out. \u201cAw, Adam, you can\u2019t blame us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie shook her head, recognizing the bashful look he used to get as a boy. \u201cNo worries,\u201d she replied in a reassuring voice as she affectionately latched onto his arm. \u201cWe\u2019ll get it all straightened out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sniffling and wiping his eyes, Hoss nodded, eager to reunite her with the rest of the family. \u201cC’mon Adam, we gotta get Ma home!\u201d<\/p>\n

Chapter 7<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam opened the door to his father\u2019s bedroom and walked over to his bed where he was napping. He gently shook his shoulder. \u201cPa,\u201d he called quietly. His father stirred, but didn\u2019t wake up, so he called his name a little louder and this time he woke up with a start.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he said, getting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. \u201cI must\u2019ve dozed off.\u201d Smiling, he extended his hand and when Adam grasped it, he pulled him in for a fatherly hug. He was relieved Adam appeared to be his normal self. \u201cGood to finally see you, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam returned his smile, glad he\u2019d been greeted with a handshake instead of a tongue lashing. Maybe he\u2019d get a chance to ease his father into this reunion after all. \u201cYou too,\u201d he replied. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I didn\u2019t get back when you expected, Pa.”<\/p>\n

Ben crossed his arms and waited, feeling his son had a lot more apologizing to do than that.<\/p>\n

Seeing the expectant look, Adam knew his offering wouldn’t be enough. “I\u2019m, uh, sorry my letter upset you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben harrumphed. \u201cUpset is putting it mildly.\u201d He gave him a piercing look to convey exactly how much he meant it. \u201cAnd just so you know, Little Joe is still on edge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded in understanding. \u201cWhere is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn’t easy, but I sent him on an errand so I could talk to you and this woman in peace.\u00a0 Is she downstairs or did you come to your senses?”<\/p>\n

Hearing the detachment in his voice regarding the woman<\/em>, Adam drew a deep breath. \u201cI know you don\u2019t believe it, but I wouldn\u2019t have brought her home if I wasn\u2019t absolutely sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite his resolve to keep calm, Ben felt himself losing his composure. \u201cAbsolutely sure?\u201d he asked in astonishment. \u201cAdam, you saw your stepmother\u2019s body with your own eyes!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot her face,\u201d he replied, evenly. \u201cWe found a woman wearing a green dress, that\u2019s all.\u201d It was the truth, but it was the wrong thing to say. It was a mistake to bring those terrible images to the forefront of his father\u2019s mind and it raised his ire even more, the exact opposite of what he intended.<\/p>\n

Incredulous, Ben fought down the urge to give him a good shake. \u201cThat\u2019s enough,\u201d he commanded in a stern voice. \u201cI don\u2019t know why you\u2019re so convinced this woman is your stepmother, but I intend to get to the bottom of it.\u201d Starting for the door, he gestured for Adam to follow him. “Let’s get this over with.”<\/p>\n

Adam pursed his lips and wondered if his father\u2019s pigheadedness would actually prevent him from recognizing his own wife.<\/p>\n

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

While Hoss brought in her bags, Marie walked from room to room lovingly touching all the familiar furnishings. The dining table, the settee, and Ben\u2019s desk were all the same and seeing them again elicited a turmoil of emotions. It was comforting, like a warm embrace from an old friend, but it was also a bittersweet reminder of the life she\u2019d missed within these walls. Once again lamenting the passage of time, she wiped away a tear.<\/p>\n

From his vantage point at the top of the stairs, Ben stopped to observe the woman. She seemed captivated by the room and he wondered if she were already making plans to rearrange the furniture. His eyes narrowed in suspicion when he saw her trunks stacked by the door and he gave Adam a sideways look, none too pleased. If he thought this woman would be staying at the Ponderosa, he\u2019d soon learn he was wrong.<\/p>\n

Becoming aware of his descent, Marie looked up and her heart skipped a beat. His hair was whiter than she remembered, but the silvery white was striking against his tan skin. His face was the same ruggedly handsome face she\u2019d fallen in love with and while he was a little heavier, he was clearly strong and fit. His presence filled the room. She took a deep breath and nervously smoothed her skirt, terrified of what he might say.<\/p>\n

Seeing her visibly pale, Adam hurried past his father and went to her side. He reassuringly squeezed her hand while Hoss stood by and nervously watched what he hoped would be a joyous reunion.<\/p>\n

The dour expression on Ben\u2019s face became even more resolute when he witnessed Adam\u2019s display of affection. Aware this woman could potentially drive a wedge between him and his son, he was all the more determined to quickly expose her true intent before any real damage was done.<\/p>\n

Adam saw the stern unyielding expression on his face and hoped his father wouldn\u2019t say or do anything he\u2019d live to regret. \u201cPa, this is Marie.\u201d He bit his lip and waited.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s back stiffened at hearing her name. \u201cMadam,\u201d he said with nothing more than a cursory glance. \u201cI understand you\u2019ve made some extraordinary claims.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie thrilled at hearing his voice and she had to restrain herself from throwing her arms around his neck. \u201cYes, it\u2019s true,\u201d she said in a gentle voice. \u201cMy story\u2026our story\u2026 is nothing short of extraordinary.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben drew a sharp breath. He\u2019d expected her to bear a strong resemblance to Marie, otherwise Adam wouldn\u2019t have been so easily fooled, but he hadn\u2019t expected her voice to sound so similar in tone and accent. It immediately stirred his emotions and he had to mentally damp them down. \u201cYes, well, it won\u2019t work,\u201d he said gruffly. \u201cYou see, my wife died years ago. I buried her with my own hands, so the only thing we need to discuss is the deceitful game you\u2019re trying to play.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, just look at me,\u201d she pleaded. \u201cLook into my eyes and tell me what you see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he said with a firm shake of his head, \u201cthere\u2019s no point, and if you intend to make a legal claim on the Ponderosa based on this preposterous claim, you\u2019ll only be wasting your time and money. The Sheriff, himself, was with me when I found my wife\u2019s body.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was too,\u201d Adam said with an unmistakable challenge.<\/p>\n

Ben glared at him and spoke in a dangerously low voice. \u201cExactly, and it\u2019s about time you remember it and get this nonsense out of your head!\u201d<\/p>\n

Exasperated, Adam\u2019s eye\u2019s narrowed and he challenged him again. \u201cIt\u2019s not nonsense, Pa! This is<\/em> Marie!\u201d<\/p>\n

Infuriated by his claim, Ben\u2019s eyes blazed in anger and he raised his hand, intending to slap his impudent son across the face, but when Adam firmly held his gaze and didn\u2019t move or change his expression, he lowered it and angrily shook his head. \u201cNot another word!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cArr\u00eate!\u201d Marie exclaimed, demanding him to stop. \u201cWhy can\u2019t you listen to reason or, better yet, open your heart to the possibility?\u201d Her eyes flashed and her voice rose in frustration. \u201cYou\u2019re such a stubborn man! Do you remember you insisted roses wouldn\u2019t grow in this climate, yet they survived\u2026you insisted Beauty was too much for me to handle, yet she was the perfect mount\u2026you insisted the baby should be weaned, but he wasn\u2019t ready and we were all miserable\u2026you insisted Adam was too young to go on his first cattle drive, yet he saved you from being gored.\u201d She stopped and brushed the tears from her cheeks. \u201cI could go on, but for goodness sake, Ben, open your eyes before I\u2019m forced to say something so personal, it will embarrass us in front of our sons!\u201d<\/p>\n

Startled, Ben listened to her feisty litany with growing clarity. Every fiber in his body told him it was Marie, but he was afraid to believe it and too stunned to speak. Instead, he boldly closed the gap between them and cupped her face in his hands. He gazed hard into her eyes, searching for reassurance and when he found the familiar spark he was looking for, he was overcome with emotion. \u201cMarie,\u201d he whispered fiercely. He drew her into his arms and kissed her lips with abandon. She responded in kind, mindless of their audience, and when she whispered a familiar term of endearment in his ear, he couldn\u2019t hold back the tears.<\/p>\n

Heaving an enormous sigh of relief, Adam exchanged a warm smile with Hoss. Little Joe, on the other hand, was filled with nothing but confusion. He\u2019d come in, by way of the kitchen, just in time to see his father raise his hand to Adam. Stunned by their heated exchange, he’d expected his father to put an end to\u00a0the discussion\u00a0by ordering this woman out of the house, but not only had he listened to her outburst, his face had gone from cold and unyielding to profound joy and excitement. Astounded, Little Joe\u2019s mouth dropped open in shock and he stood stock still while he watched them with dawning realization. It could only mean one thing. He felt his knees go weak and he gripped the nearest chair.<\/p>\n

Hoss was the first to notice Little Joe. Concerned by the color draining from his face, he alerted Adam and then rushed to Joe’s side, worried he might keel over.<\/p>\n

Knowing\u00a0what he must be going through, Adam hastened to get his father\u2019s attention. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling through watery eyes, Ben put his hand around the back of Adam\u2019s neck in fatherly fashion. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said in a voice laden with emotion. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave him an appreciative look. \u201cLet\u2019s talk later,\u201d he said, gently interrupting him. \u201cLittle Joe\u2019s here and he needs you.\u201d He looked at Marie. \u201cBoth of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s eyes immediately swept across the room and when she saw her son, she was flooded with emotions. Ever since she\u2019d regained her memory, she\u2019d tried to imagine what Little Joe would look like as an eighteen-year-old, but all she could picture was the curly-haired energetic little boy she\u2019d last seen. Now that he was standing right in front of her, he took her breath away. She was elated, yet heartbroken she\u2019d missed out on raising him.<\/p>\n

Trying to quell his emotions so he could better tend to his son, Ben escorted Marie over to Little Joe. \u201cJoseph,” he said, gently, “I don\u2019t fully understand it, but Adam was right, this really is <\/em>your mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s eyes locked with Little Joe\u2019s and images flashed through her mind of all the times she\u2019d held him in her arms and gazed into those same green eyes.<\/p>\n

Little Joe shook his head, trying to process his thoughts and emotions, but it was too overwhelming and his body began to tremble. \u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d he asked in a voice barely above a whisper.<\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around his shoulders to comfort and steady him. \u201cIt\u2019s true,\u201d he said, reassuringly. \u201cYou can believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joseph,\u201d Marie cried, reaching out to gently caress his cheek. \u201cYou\u2019ve grown into such a handsome young man.\u201d Her eyes welled with tears of happiness and she desperately wanted to embrace him, but she held back, waiting for him to indicate he was ready.<\/p>\n

His eyes glistening, he drew in a deep shaky breath. \u201cI…I don\u2019t know what to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled softly. \u201cWords aren\u2019t necessary, mon petit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Faintly recalling the affectionate term, his tears began to flow in earnest. \u201cI remember,\u201d he said in a voice\u00a0fraught with emotion. \u201cI remember you calling me that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moved and overjoyed, Marie reached out to him and he responded by wrapping his arms around her and clinging to her as if she\u2019d vanish. Relishing the long-awaited moment, Marie held tight, not wanting it to end.<\/p>\n

Ben watched the reunion in awe and wonder and then, happy beyond belief, he enveloped Adam and Hoss in a tearful smile. Hoss tenderly put his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cAin\u2019t it something?\u201d he exclaimed, sniffling unashamedly.<\/p>\n

Ben lovingly slipped his arm behind his son\u2019s back and rested it there. \u201cI never imagined,\u201d he replied, shaking his head in wonder.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf this isn\u2019t a miracle,\u201d Adam said softly, \u201cI don\u2019t know what is.\u201d He swiped a hand across his eyes and Ben affectionately reached out and pulled him close.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing peered in from the kitchen and smiled at the intimate scene. It was a blessed day for the family. Mrs. Cartwright was home! He smiled in anticipation\u00a0of the happy days ahead.<\/p>\n

Chapter 8<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sitting at the table after breakfast, Little Joe quietly observed his mother as she finished her morning coffee and chatted with his Pa and brothers. Much to his embarrassment, he felt himself getting choked up again and quickly took a gulp of coffee to tamp it down, only to cough and sputter when it was too hot.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all right?\u201d Hoss asked, smiling and using his best manners. Some of his memories were a little fuzzy, but he distinctly remembered his stepmother being a stickler for manners at the table when he was a young \u2018un and he didn\u2019t want her thinking he\u2019d grown up to be an uncouth cowpoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cHot,\u201d Little Joe replied sheepishly.<\/p>\n

Marie graced him with a motherly smile. She\u2019d felt him observing her and sympathized with his need to watch her every move. It had only been a few days since her return and her eyes had been drawn to him for the same reason. She wanted to know everything there was to know about her son and was delighted whenever something reminded her of the little boy she had once known so well.<\/p>\n

Knowing Little Joe usually put milk in his coffee, Adam picked up the pitcher and set it in front of him. Little Joe eyed it with some annoyance. He didn\u2019t want to be seen as a boy too young to drink coffee without milk. \u201cBlack is fine,\u201d he said with barely a glance.<\/p>\n

Adam heard a slight edge in his brother\u2019s voice and gave him a quick look, wondering what was going through his mind. Ben heard it, too, but he attributed Joe’s touchiness to nerves. As thrilling as it was to have Marie home, everyone was still feeling a little awkward and self-conscious.<\/p>\n

Marie also felt it. Now that the initial euphoria had calmed down, she was eager to get back to being a wife and mother instead of a revered guest in her own home. But as much as she wanted to jump right in, she was also keenly aware of the passage of time and knew she\u2019d have to ease into it. \u201cGoodness,\u201d she said, gesturing towards the empty platters. \u201cI\u2019m going to get spoiled letting Hop Sing prepare all the meals. I think I\u2019d better reacquaint myself with the kitchen today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrows shot up in surprise. \u201cBy all means, if that\u2019s something you\u2019d like to do,\u201d he replied searching for the right words, \u201cbut, uh, don\u2019t feel you have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie gave a little laugh. \u201cI know cooking was never my forte\u2019, but I think you\u2019ll be pleasantly surprised by what I\u2019ve learned living at the orphanage. The Sisters were very good cooks and I made breakfast for sixteen boys every morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can attest to that,\u201d Adam said with a grin, \u201cbest bacon and biscuits in town!\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie gave Adam an appreciative look. As fate would have it, they\u2019d reconnected in an extraordinary way and he\u2019d become her champion and protector, both on the journey home and in standing up to Ben\u2019s initial disbelief and anger. As a result, he was the most at ease with her and she was grateful for it. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t know about that, but the boys certainly ate their fill, especially Billy and Tommy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re good kids,\u201d Adam said with a thoughtful look, \u201cand if it wasn\u2019t for their help, I never would\u2019ve gotten so much done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Adam with interest. They\u2019d discussed the events surrounding his meeting and recognizing Marie, but in all the excitement, this was the first time he was hearing about the extent of Adam\u2019s involvement at Mercy House. \u201cSo you spent time at the orphanage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, yeah,\u201d he said with a nod. \u201cI got the older boys to help me with a few repairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie shook her head at his description. \u201cNow, Adam, don\u2019t be so modest, you did more than a few repairs.\u201d She smiled at Ben. \u201cHe went through the entire house, inside and out, fixing everything that needed fixing and he was so kind and patient teaching the boys. It meant so much to all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben directed a warm smile at Adam, pleased he\u2019d been able to help. Little Joe, however, was conflicted. He was indebted to Adam for bringing his mother home, but hearing about the time he\u2019d spent with the boys and Sisters at Mercy House, all the people who were so important to his mother, made him feel envious and he spoke without thinking. \u201cThat\u2019s funny,\u201d Little Joe said with a wry smile. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t describe older brother as being patient. He\u2019s more of a task master.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow, wondering what had gotten under\u00a0Joe’s skin. He knew his emotions were running high, but this wasn\u2019t the first critical remark he\u2019d thrown his way the past few days and it was beginning to wear thin. \u201cIf you mean I don\u2019t have patience with people who don\u2019t realize there\u2019s a time to work and a time to play, then you\u2019re right little<\/em> brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys,\u201d Ben said, issuing them a quiet warning.<\/p>\n

Bristling at Adam\u2019s insinuation, Little Joe took no heed of the warning, but before he could retort, Hoss quickly intervened with an idea he\u2019d been mulling over. \u201cHey, Pa,\u201d he said, giving his brothers a disappointed glance, \u201cwhat do you think about havin\u2019 a welcome home party for Ma? Don\u2019t you think we oughta tell all our friends the good news?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath, grateful for his middle son\u2019s sunny disposition. He was perplexed by Little Joe\u2019s irritably with Adam, but he was equally disappointed in Adam\u2019s response. This was no time to resurrect an old argument. Aside from being ill-mannered, Marie didn\u2019t know them well enough to understand these little flare-ups came and went with no real harm and he didn\u2019t want her worrying unnecessarily. He pulled his eyes away from the two of them to acknowledge Hoss. \u201cWell, I think that\u2019s up to your mother.\u201d He gave Marie a questioning look. \u201cAre you up for a celebration?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie took her cue from Ben and didn\u2019t probe into the verbal exchange between their eldest and youngest. She suspected it was one of the \u2018differences\u2019 Adam had mentioned early on. \u201cIt\u2019s a wonderful idea,\u201d she said, smiling at Hoss. \u201cI\u2019d love to get reacquainted with everyone but\u2026\u201d she paused and glanced at Adam for support, \u201cnot just yet. Adam was telling me about the tight deadlines for the timber contract, so I think we should wait until after the job is done. I know you\u2019ve already delayed getting it started and I don\u2019t want to be the cause of you backing out of an important agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe gave Adam an incredulous look, angry he could even think about business at a time like this. \u201cYou\u2019re joking, right? You don\u2019t seriously think that\u2019s still important?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow in disapproval. \u201cCalm down,\u201d he said quietly, but firmly.<\/p>\n

Little Joe continued to glare at Adam but he took a deep breath and calmed a little. Seeing he was attempting to comply, Ben considered the timber contract for the first time in days. \u201cI\u2019d hate to forfeit it,\u201d he said, shifting his gaze from Marie to Adam, \u201cbut I\u2019m not sure my heart\u2019s in it, either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe smirked at Adam. Hoss saw it and sighed. He understood where he was coming from. He wanted to concentrate on getting better acquainted with Ma instead of tackling such a labor intensive job, too, but he\u2019d also heard the plea in his stepmother\u2019s voice and understood it was important to her. He also knew it was important to the ranch, so whatever Pa decided, he\u2019d go along.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI can understand that, Pa, but with last winter being so rough, the herd we drove to market was only half our normal size. We need this contract to recoup our losses and cover upcoming expenses.\u201d He shrugged noncommittally. \u201cUnless you don\u2019t mind tapping that deep into savings.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rested his elbows on the table and steepled his hands together in thought. He wasn\u2019t surprised Adam had mentioned the contract to Marie, after all, that was the reason he was in Sacramento and it would have come up in conversation. He was surprised, however, that Marie had obviously taken an interest and formed an opinion. He realized he\u2019d been remiss in not discussing it with her himself. It was an important contract and the solvency of the ranch affected her now, too. He smiled at Adam and proposed a solution he hoped would make everyone happy. \u201cWell, son, do you think you can boss this job without me?\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile twitched at the corners of Adam\u2019s mouth. \u201cYou\u2019ve got some pretty big shoes to fill, Pa, but I think I can handle it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave a firm nod. \u201cAll right, then, consider yourself bull of the woods!\u201d<\/p>\n

Now that the decision was made, Hoss jumped in to support his brother. \u201cI\u2019ll back you, Adam, but we better get into town today to reserve the teams and start hirin\u2019 the extra men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, wait a minute!\u201d Little Joe exclaimed, frustrated. \u201cDon\u2019t I have a say? I don\u2019t want to leave….\u201d He swallowed hard and dropped his eyes to the table.<\/p>\n

Ben and Marie exchanged a glance, both communicating the same thought. \u201cI think your brothers can get along without you,\u201d Ben said, giving him a warm look. \u201cRight, boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Hoss said, secretly relieved he wouldn\u2019t have to referee his brothers, \u201cbut I figure we\u2019re gonna have to hire two fellas to take Joe\u2019s place.\u201d \u00a0Grinning, he reached over and slapped Adam on the back, hoping he\u2019d play along. \u201cWhat do you figure, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI figure you\u2019re right,\u201d Adam quipped with a smile.<\/p>\n

Unable to resist their banter, Little Joe bounced back with the beginnings of a grin. \u201cBetter make it three, I\u2019m pretty good with an axe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Chapter 9<\/strong><\/p>\n

For the next six weeks, Adam and Hoss stayed at the timber camp, only coming home on one occasion to give their father an update and to garner some advice. Proud of the job they were doing, he and Marie rode up to the camp one day during the height of activity to see for themselves how things were going and they were suitably impressed by the magnitude of the job, the well-organized crews, and the excited energy as everything hummed along. It was the longest ride they\u2019d taken to date, but it was just one of many they\u2019d gotten into the habit of taking. In some ways, it felt like they were courting again and there was something special about the beautiful vistas on the Ponderosa that made it easy for them to dig deep into their hearts and open up to one another. On one such ride, Marie surprised Ben by asking to see the gravesite by the lake. He questioned the wisdom of it, but when she pressed him, he agreed and together they rode through the trees down to the site. She noticed the narrow path was well trodden and she was touched that he and the boys must have visited often. It was a peaceful spot with a beautiful view of the lake and the soothing sound of water lapping at the shore.<\/p>\n

She dismounted and walked over to the marker. She\u2019d mentally prepared herself, but seeing her name still gave her a bit of a jolt.<\/p>\n

Ben joined her and tried to gently discourage her from staying. \u201cMarie, I really don\u2019t think this is a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d she said, reassuring him as she ran her fingers over the script. \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful. Did you carve it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at the familiar carving that no longer marked the final resting place of his beloved wife. Now, it was just a reminder of their tragic separation. \u201cNo, it was Adam,\u201d he admitted with a shake of his head. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I wasn\u2019t in any condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded, thinking about the grief he and boys must have suffered. \u201cIn some ways, I think it was easier for me. For the longest time, I was angry and frustrated at not knowing who I was, at not knowing if I had a family, but I couldn\u2019t grieve the loss of a husband and sons I knew nothing about.\u201d She slipped her hand into his and smiled sadly up at him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry you had to go through that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben brought her hand to his lips and then looked out over the lake as he thought about those dark days. \u201cThe first few months were unbearable and I\u2019m ashamed to say it, but I relied heavily on Adam to take care of Hoss and Little Joe.\u201d He turned to face her, feeling a need to get it off his chest. \u201cI threw myself into my work and came home late most nights, too exhausted to pay much attention to the boys. It was the only way I could get through the long evenings when I missed you the most. The only way I could sleep in an empty bed at night.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked with love into his eyes. \u201cI don\u2019t judge you,\u201d she said softly. \u201cI can imagine how difficult it must’ve been.\u00a0 Knowing Adam, I’m sure he willingly helped.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrows knit into a frown. \u201cHelp? Yes. Willing to take my place? No.\u201d He shook his head in regret. \u201cHe was a seventeen-year-old boy\u2026he needed to be out on the range\u2026riding and roping and breaking horses\u2026he needed time to see his friends\u2026time to work through his own grief…but I was too consumed by my own needs to see it. Thankfully, for both of us, he eventually rebelled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn what way?\u201d she asked curiously. She could easily picture Adam at seventeen. He\u2019d been a hardworking responsible boy, always respectful to his elders, but not above questioning his father and occasionally challenging his authority. He\u2019d also had a quick wit and wasn\u2019t above breaking a few rules in the pursuit of fun.<\/p>\n

Ben gave a little smile. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to imagine now, but he snuck out of the house and met up with Carl Regan at the Bucket of Blood. They both had too much to drink and busted up the saloon fighting over a girl. Roy threw him in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never liked that Carl,\u201d Marie said, wrinkling her nose in distaste. \u201cHe was always angling for something and it was usually at Adam\u2019s expense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI felt the same way, but Adam was drawn to him for some reason and that\u2019s when I realized I\u2019d better get my head out of the fog, before he got himself into real trouble and before Hoss and Little Joe forgot they had a father.\u201d<\/p>\n

Troubled, Marie turned toward the grave and lowered her eyes in despair. \u201cIt\u2019s all my fault,\u201d she said, quietly condemning herself. \u201cIf only I\u2019d stayed home instead of going to Julia\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed in dismay. \u201cDon\u2019t, Marie, don\u2019t even think it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him, prepared to argue the point. \u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d he exclaimed in an adamant tone. \u201cNot unless you blame me, too.\u201d He gave her an intense look and pointed at the grave. \u201cI should have known that wasn\u2019t you. I should have kept looking!\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cYou had every reason to think it was me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Drawing a deep breath, he captured her in a penetrating gaze and held her there. \u201cThen let\u2019s agree, right here and now, that neither of us is to blame.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie let his words sink in and then gratefully wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. \u201cAgreed,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed,\u201d Ben repeated, burying his face in her hair and holding her tight.<\/p>\n

After a long moment, he gently released her and then went over to the marker and gave it a forceful tug. \u201cIt\u2019s time this came down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s expression became thoughtful as she watched him. \u201cShe was a widow traveling east to surprise her married daughter. We laughed about wearing the same color dress.\u201d She bit her bottom lip in thought. \u201cIt\u2019s a shame I can\u2019t remember her name, but we need to mark her grave somehow, maybe a short bible verse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced at her as he worked the stake free and then proceeded to break the whole thing apart. \u201cSounds fitting,\u201d he said, puffing from the exertion. He smiled and tossed it aside. \u201cThere, now, let\u2019s go home!\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at the broken pieces. \u201cI\u2019m ready,\u201d she said with a nod, \u201cand when Adam gets back, I\u2019ll ask him to make a new marker.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chapter 10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Little Joe was old enough to realize his parents needed time alone and he didn\u2019t begrudge them their morning rides. On the contrary, he marveled at seeing his parents together and used the time to get his work done around the ranch. His Pa and brothers had been generous in allowing him to stay home and he wanted to uphold his end of the bargain. On most days, he was done by mid-afternoon and he and his mother spent the remaining time before dinner, talking and getting acquainted. He quickly learned she asked direct questions and he found himself squirming one day when the topic turned to drinking and gambling. He was eighteen and old enough to frequent the saloons, so he freely admitted to drinking beer and gambling on his Friday night trips to town with his brothers. He was relieved when she didn\u2019t seem upset. He squirmed again when the topic of girls and courting came up and he wondered what, if anything, his father had told her. Pa was always lecturing him about being honorable and he took it seriously, but he still had a reputation in town for being a flirt. He didn\u2019t think that was necessarily bad, but he wasn\u2019t sure what a woman, a mother, would think. Through the years, he\u2019d become an expert on his father\u2019s expectations, but his mother was still very much a mystery.<\/p>\n

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

Little Joe stomped the dust off his boots and went into the house through the main door. He spied his mother at the dining room table writing a letter and seeing she appeared to be done, he walked over to join her. \u201cHi, Ma! Mind if I sit down?\u201d His question was paired with a jaunty smile.<\/p>\n

Marie looked up at the sound of his voice and gave him a welcoming smile. It made her heart soar to hear how easily \u2018Ma\u2019 rolled off his tongue now. \u201cNot at all,\u201d she said, carefully folding the letter and putting it in an envelope.<\/p>\n

Seeing the number of pages, Little Joe couldn\u2019t help being curious. \u201cLooks like you wrote a book!\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes sparkled as she concentrated on the wax seal. \u201cIt\u2019s my first letter to the Sisters at Mercy House.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave a little nod. Every time she talked about the boys or Sisters at Mercy House, he could hear the affection in her voice and he wondered how much she missed them. \u201cI hope it\u2019s all good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOui, bien s\u00fbr,\u201d Marie replied emphatically and then realizing she\u2019d slipped into French, she translated. \u201cYes, of course!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe smiled at her enthusiasm, but he wondered how much of her happiness had to do with him. He dropped his eyes and began absently tracing the wood grain in the table with his finger. During the past few weeks, he\u2019d begun to feel very close to his mother and he desperately needed to know if she felt the same. He looked up and nervously cleared his throat. \u201cSo\u2026um\u2026are you pleased with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s eyes widened in surprise and then softened as she reached out to touch his hand, encouraging him to look into her eyes. Apparently, she\u2019d gone too far in her efforts to treat him like a man instead of a boy and she\u2019d neglected to reassure him along the way. He was grown, but not full grown, and it was nice to know she hadn\u2019t completely missed out on being a mother to him. \u201cTrust me when I say this, Joseph, I couldn\u2019t be happier with the young man I\u2019ve gotten to know these past few weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe reddened. It felt good to hear her say it, but now he felt kind of silly for asking. She squeezed his hand. \u201cNow it\u2019s my turn to ask,\u201d she said, with a small smile. \u201cDo I live up to the mother you imagined me to be? Your father was afraid you\u2019d put me on a pedestal.\u201d<\/p>\n

His father\u2019s assessment was fair, but it still made him squirm a little. \u201cI probably built up some stories in my mind,\u201d he admitted quietly, \u201cbut whatever I imagined doesn\u2019t matter. I don\u2019t have to cling to those stories anymore. I don\u2019t have to hold one of your epees in my hand to feel close to you.\u201d Feeling a tide of emotion, his eyes glistened and he held her hand with a gentle but firm grip. \u201cI can hold your hand for real and I reckon that makes me the luckiest son in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Touched by the depth of his emotion, she held his gaze and smiled. \u201cWe\u2019ve been given a gift,\u201d she said affectionately, \u201cand I cherish it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe gently withdrew his hand to swipe at his eyes. \u201cThere I go,” he said with embarrassment, “crying like a baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she said softly. \u201cI admire a man who isn\u2019t afraid to show his emotions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess, but Adam and Hoss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t compare,\u201d she said, gently interrupting him. \u201cThey may not be as expressive, but they still feel it in their hearts and they aren\u2019t immune to tears, even though they do it more discretely. When I met your father, I was drawn to his character and strength, but I could also see he was tender and compassionate and not afraid to show it. I\u2019m so grateful he passed that on to all of you boys.\u201d A tiny hardness crept into her features as she thought back to some of the men she\u2019d known long ago in New Orleans. \u201cA strong man with a cold heart, is no man at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded, soothed by her words.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow,\u201d she said with a mischievous look in her eye, \u201cmay I see the epees?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s eyes grew big. \u201cThey\u2019re up in my room,\u201d he said grinning and standing up. \u201cI\u2019ll be right back.\u201d Full of excitement, he flew up the stairs and was back in a flash with his prized possessions. \u201cPa let me hang \u2018em on my wall as a keepsake. They\u2019re in good repair.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie selected one and tested its weight. \u201cIt\u2019s been so long since I\u2019ve handled one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa said you were an expert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, my, that was a lifetime ago,\u201d she replied with a little shake of her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, come on, I bet it comes back to you,\u201d he said, encouraging her. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you give it a try?\u201d And with a show of enthusiasm, he gripped his epee and made several stabs into the air.<\/p>\n

Marie laughed in delight. \u201cSo quick, but your stance needs work, mon petit! You\u2019d be run through in no time!\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Little Joe took her comment good naturedly. \u201cReally? You sure? Maybe you need another look!\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie indulgently watched him again. \u201cYes,\u201d she said, nodding. \u201cI see now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pleased he\u2019d impressed her with his little demonstration, Little Joe gave her a proud wink and a nod. It was all Marie could do to keep a straight face. \u201cIt\u2019s worse than I thought,\u201d she intoned with merriment in her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Having a bit of fun, she took the proper stance and attacked the air. \u201cYou see?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am!\u201d he exclaimed, suitably impressed by her bold stabs into an imaginary opponent.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, then, follow me and do as I do,\u201d she said, rising to his earlier challenge. She was actually surprised at how good the epee felt in her hand and she was curious to see if the fencing moves she\u2019d once known so well would still come naturally.<\/p>\n

Little Joe eagerly mirrored her, move for move, as she proceeded to teach him the intricacies of fencing. As the afternoon wore on, they were both having so much fun, neither of them heard Ben enter the room.<\/p>\n

Dismayed, his eyebrows knit together and his voice boomed. \u201cWhat in tarnation is going on in here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe gulped, but Marie calmly greeted him with a serene smile. \u201cNo need to scowl, Ben. Did you know our son is a natural?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you what I know,\u201d he muttered, putting his hands on his hips. \u201cI know our son has destroyed this room by leaping from one piece of furniture to the next with those epees!\u201d He pointed at Little Joe. \u201cYou know the rules. If you want to swordfight, do it outside!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d he replied with a weak smile. He glanced at his mother apologetically. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I just figured\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Marie said, calmly. \u201cIt was my idea and I\u2019m sure your father knows the furniture wasn\u2019t at risk. Don\u2019t you, darling?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened. The idea of his mother being on equal footing with his father was going to take some getting used to and judging from the look on his father\u2019s face, it was going to be difficult for him, too. With Adam being older, Pa often sought his opinion, but ultimately, he alone had the final say.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s initial surprise at her response turned into a chuckle. \u201cWhatever you say, dear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe grinned at their interplay and then sensing they wanted to be alone, he took the epees. \u201cI\u2019ll be down for dinner,\u201d he said, excusing himself and bounding up the stairs.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Marie took Ben\u2019s hand and led him to the settee where they snuggled together. \u201cYou know,\u201d Ben said with an exaggerated sigh, \u201cyou have a distinct advantage. I\u2019m so happy to have you home, I\u2019d paint the house purple if that\u2019s what you wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood to know,\u201d she said, laughing prettily, \u201cbut seriously, Ben, I just want to be your wife and all that comes with it and a mother to the boys as much as they\u2019ll let me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, and I\u2019ll do my best to remember we\u2019re a team now, but old habits die hard so you\u2019re going to have to be patient with me.\u201d He gave her an endearing smile.<\/p>\n

Marie looked at him with humor in her eyes. \u201cPatience has never been my strongest virtue, but I\u2019ll see what I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chapter 10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sweating from exertion, Little Joe picked up another log and then with a mighty heave, he brought the axe down and split it in two. He\u2019d been working steadily for the past two hours and didn\u2019t relish having to stack it all. Taking a break to wipe his brow, he thought about his brothers being due home today and looked down the road. To his delight, he spotted Adam and Hoss riding in with their pack horse in tow. He excitedly wedged the axe in a stump and with renewed vigor, he began stacking the wood while he waited for them to reach the yard. With their pace no more than a walk, he was half way done by the time they rounded the side of the barn. \u201cHey, brothers, welcome home!\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Hoss rode over to the hitching post and dismounted. \u201cHey, shortshanks! It\u2019s been so long I almost didn\u2019t recognize yuh!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe looked at his two grizzled brothers and laughed. \u201cI was just about to say the same thing about you two!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dismounting, Adam handed Little Joe the reins to the pack horse and then tethered Sport. \u201cYeah, I reckon we look pretty scruffy.\u201d He ran a hand over his whiskered face.<\/p>\n

Hoss jovially clapped Little Joe on the back. \u201cAdam says he\u2019s gonna keep his beard, what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe tipped Adam\u2019s chin up and gave it a good look. \u201cNot bad,\u201d he said with an appreciative nod, \u201cbut you know what Pa\u2019s gonna say.\u201d<\/p>\n

All three grinned and chanted together. \u201cYou look like a riverboat gambler!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well,\u201d Adam said good-naturedly, \u201cit\u2019s probably not the best time anyway, not with us throwing a big party.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Hoss said, snapping his fingers in delight. \u201cI plumb forgot all about that.\u201d He looked toward the house, wondering why Pa hadn\u2019t come out yet. \u201cWhere\u2019s Pa? You got our message about me and Adam comin\u2019 home today, didn\u2019t yuh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but we didn\u2019t think you\u2019d be home so early. He took Ma over to Shaunessey\u2019s place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave a little smile. His stepmother and Shaunessey were as different as night and day, yet he remembered them being good friends. \u201cSo they\u2019ve been getting out and seeing people?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome,\u201d Little Joe said with a nod. \u201cSheriff Coffee came over the other day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wished I could\u2019ve seen his face!\u201d Hoss exclaimed, untying his bedroll and pulling it off.<\/p>\n

Little Joe chuckled. \u201cHe couldn\u2019t get a sensible word out for a full five minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not surprised,\u201d Adam said, thinking back. \u201cRoy was with us when we found the stage that day.\u201d He shook his head to clear the memory and then started loosening the slip knots holding their gear in place on the pack horse.<\/p>\n

Sobering, Hoss nodded in acknowledgement and then grabbed his dirty clothes bag and headed for the kitchen door. \u201cI don\u2019t know about you, Adam, but the first thing I wanna do is soak in a nice hot bath.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight behind you,\u201d Adam said, surveying the rest of their gear. \u201cHelp me out, will you, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m here for,\u201d he replied, light-heartedly, \u201cto fetch and tote for the big boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed, but his laughter died on his lips as soon as he stepped into the kitchen. Hop Sing wasn\u2019t happy about all the dust and dirt being tracked inside and he was shouting instructions to Hoss as he ushered him\u00a0towards the washroom. \u201cYou go right now and put dirty clothes outside!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou too!\u201d he said, spotting Adam and waving him through to the washroom. \u201cYou and Mr. Hoss fill up tubs with pump water. I bring hot water to warm up.\u201d He wrinkled his nose. \u201cLong overdue!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at the big pots of water on the stove, grateful for Hop Sing\u2019s foresight. \u201cAll right, Hop Sing, no objections from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the washroom, Adam and Hoss got to work filling buckets and pouring the water into the two tubs. Once they were half full, they took their boots off and began to strip out of their dirty clothes. Right on cue, Hop Sing and Little Joe came in with the pots of hot water and carefully poured it into the tubs.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhhhh, thanks,\u201d Hoss said, sighing as he stepped in and sank blissfully into the warm water.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing perfunctorily handed them each a bar of lye soap. \u201cYou scrub!\u201d he admonished before retreating into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Little Joe giggled at the treatment his brothers were getting. \u201cDon\u2019t forget to wash behind your ears. Hop Sing\u2019s liable to check!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep it up,\u201d Adam said with a humorous glint in his eye, \u201cand you\u2019re liable to get thrown out with the bath water.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope, I\u2019m gettin\u2019 outta here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned as his baby brother ran out the door and then he relaxed into the tub with a deep sigh. As he looked around, he noticed some feminine touches to the room. There was a new shelf on the wall with two new wicker baskets, no doubt for Marie\u2019s things. There was also a newly painted wood bench and a couple of new towel hooks. The table holding the bowl and pitcher was now covered in a decorative table cloth and the mirror had been lowered a little. \u201cLooks like Ma\u2019s made a few changes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss said, looking around. \u201cKind of nice, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Adam said as he soaped up, \u201cwomen sure have a way of sprucing things up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded, but a little frown creased his brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething wrong?\u201d Adam asked after a few minutes of silence.<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged. \u201cNah, not really. It\u2019s just that it\u2019s hard using company manners all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m not sure I should discourage you from using good manners,\u201d Adam said, lifting his eyebrows and smiling, \u201cbut seriously, Hoss, just be yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy for you to say, good manners just come natural to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Done with his bath, Adam got out and reached for a towel to dry off. With all the dirt he\u2019d just washed off, the water\u00a0was murky brown\u00a0and he didn\u2019t want to sit in it any longer than necessary. \u201cI\u2019m telling you,\u201d he said as he wrapped the towel around his waist, \u201cit\u2019s not important.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not fully convinced, Hoss dropped the subject and got out of the tub and dried off. As he was wrapping the towel around his waist, he muscled his way in front of the mirror,\u00a0pushing Adam out of his way. \u201cI\u2019ll be done shaving in no time,\u201d he said with a cheerful smile. \u201cIt\u2019s gonna take you<\/em> a month of Sundays to get all that hay off your face.\u201d<\/p>\n

Conceding he was right, Adam watched in amusement as Hoss lathered up and took a few swipes across his face with the razor. \u201cSmooth as a baby,\u201d\u00a0Adam exclaimed\u00a0with an envious shake of his head.<\/p>\n

Chuckling, Hoss finished up and then looked around the room for his clothes. His nose wrinkled when he realized they had a problem. \u201cHey, Adam, we don\u2019t have no clean clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam paused in the middle of lathering up his face. \u201cIf you ask Hop Sing, real nice like, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll get them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, real nice like,\u201d Hoss repeated as he walked over to the door and peered into the kitchen. \u201cHop Sing?\u201d he called in a sing song voice.<\/p>\n

Little Joe sang back. \u201cHe\u2019s out in the garden.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss took a cautious step into the kitchen. His little brother was sitting at the kitchen table having a snack. \u201cUh, Joe? Me and Adam don\u2019t have no clean clothes. Will you run up and get us some?\u201d<\/p>\n

With a glance out the window, Little Joe got up and walked over to Hoss. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just go upstairs and get dressed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss checked his towel to make sure it was secure. \u201cWhat about Ma?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI already told you, she\u2019s not here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah,\u201d Hoss said, smiling. \u201cI reckon it don\u2019t matter then.\u201d He called out to Adam. \u201cHey, Adam, I\u2019m goin\u2019 upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Having heard the buggy pull up, Adam poked his head into the kitchen, but he was too late. Hoss had already rounded the corner into the dining room. He blew out his breath and looked at Little Joe who was grinning from ear to ear. Unable to resist, Adam grinned back and together they peered out the window just in time to see their father opening the front door.<\/p>\n

Ben held the door open for Marie, but once they were inside, they both stopped in their tracks at the sight of Hoss standing directly in front of them wearing nothing but a towel. Marie quickly averted her eyes in an effort to spare him further embarrassment, but seeing the humor in it, she couldn\u2019t help giggling.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d Ben bellowed, shaking his head in astonishment. \u201cWhat in the world are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Flushing scarlet, Hoss covered his chest with one hand and gripped his towel with the other. \u201cI\u2026uh\u2026was takin\u2019 a bath\u2026see\u2026and well\u2026you see\u2026.me and Adam didn\u2019t have no clothes.\u201d He furtively glanced at his stepmother and turned even redder. \u201cPa, please, don\u2019t ask no more questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing the cackling and laughter coming from the kitchen, Ben stifled a smile and pointed to the stairs, releasing him. Hoss took off as quick as lightening and with a firm grip on his towel, he made sure it didn\u2019t flap open as he ran up the stairs. Grabbing his clothes, he swiftly dressed and then forgetting all about Adam\u2019s clothes, he stalked back to the washroom in search of Little Joe with a determined look in his eye.<\/p>\n

Conversing with Ben at his desk, Marie saw the hard expression on Hoss\u2019s face and looked at her husband in alarm. \u201cShould you intervene?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrows knit together as he considered it. \u201cIf I do, I\u2019m liable to get caught in the cross fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cIf you don\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re liable to demolish the washroom,\u201d he said, standing up with a sigh.<\/p>\n

Marie shook her head and smiled, thinking he was exaggerating, but her expression turned to concern when she heard a crash and Little Joe\u2019s pleas for mercy.<\/p>\n

Panicked by the look on his big brother\u2019s face, Little Joe tried to escape by skirting around the tub, but as luck would have it, he tripped on the new bench and fell to the ground. \u201cC\u2019mon, Hoss, it wasn\u2019t my fault!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss pounced on him and pulled him to his feet. \u201cYou saw them out the window, didn\u2019t yuh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got it all wrong,\u201d Little Joe said, protesting.<\/p>\n

Persisting, Hoss poked him in the chest. \u201cThat\u2019s why you told me it was safe to go upstairs, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe did his best to look innocent. \u201cNow, why would I do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Not the least bit fooled by his innocent act, Hoss gave him a little shake. \u201cBecause you got a warped sense of humor, that\u2019s why!\u201d<\/p>\n

Doing his best to avoid the ruckus, Adam laughed out loud as Hoss picked up Little Joe and prepared to drop him in the dirty bath water.<\/p>\n

Little Joe made a last ditch effort to escape. \u201cAw, c\u2019mon Hoss! It\u2019ll ruin my boots!\u201d<\/p>\n

In response, Hoss swung Little Joe around so his feet were facing Adam. \u201cPull \u2018em off, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned at Little Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019re getting out of this, so you may as well cooperate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe scowled, but in the interest of saving his most comfortable boots, he stopped squirming long enough for Adam to pull them off. As soon as he was done, Hoss unceremoniously dumped him into the murky water. \u201cNow, that\u2019s funny!\u201d he exclaimed as Little Joe splashed and sputtered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing funny about all this water on the ground,\u201d Ben said in a stern voice as he came in and pointed at the mess.<\/p>\n

Marie rushed past him. \u201cNever mind that, Ben, Joseph is drowning!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe smiled to himself and coughed even louder as his mother bent over him in concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrowning?\u201d Hoss looked at Adam in wonder. \u201cShe\u2019s not really fooled by that, is she?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes at the ridiculous turn of events. He didn\u2019t embarrass as easily as Hoss, but he was definitely uncomfortable at being caught in a state of undress.<\/p>\n

Humoring Marie, Ben checked on his youngest and immediately recognized the mischievous look in his eye. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d he asked, giving him a chance to fess up.<\/p>\n

Little Joe looked up and offered him a weak smile. \u201cYeah, Pa, thanks for asking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d he said with a slow nod, \u201cthen I suggest you get yourself and this room cleaned up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d he replied, glancing at his brothers with a gleeful look in his eye. It wasn\u2019t often he succeeded in pranking both of them on the same day.<\/p>\n

Ben followed his gaze, intending to order Hoss to help him out, but he couldn\u2019t help smiling when he suddenly realized Adam\u2019s predicament. \u201cUh, Adam? Welcome home, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam crossed his arms and eyed his father. \u201cThanks,\u201d he replied drolly.<\/p>\n

Realizing she\u2019d rushed in unnecessarily, Marie hurried out the door. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam, but I see what you mean about practical jokes now! No one is safe!\u201d<\/p>\n

As she exited, Hop Sing came in with Adam\u2019s clothes in hand. He looked around and angrily shook his head. \u201cToo much foolishment!\u201d<\/p>\n

Chapter 10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Done with dinner, Marie helped Hop Sing clear the dishes while Ben and the boys moved into the living room. Harboring no hard feelings about his impromptu bath, Little Joe approached Hoss with a hopeful smile. \u201cCheckers?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s eyes lit up in anticipation. \u201cYeah, and I want black. I got a feeling it\u2019s gonna be my lucky color tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d Little Joe replied as he retrieved the game. In a cheerful mood, he sat on the coffee table and began setting up the pieces while Hoss sat on the settee and rubbed his hands together for luck.<\/p>\n

Retrieving a book, Adam sank into the blue chair by the fireplace and sighed. \u201cIt sure feels good to sit in a comfortable chair, doesn\u2019t it, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for dang sure,\u201d\u00a0he said, agreeing.<\/p>\n

Ben gave them an appreciative smile. \u201cYou two might have trouble sleeping in your beds tonight after sleeping on cots for so long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHah!\u201d Hoss chortled. \u201cI can\u2019t tell yuh how much I\u2019m lookin\u2019 forward to a nice soft bed.\u201d He eyed the checkerboard and seeing it was all set up, he generously offered to let Little Joe go first. \u201cGo on, Joe, make the first move.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded and distractedly moved a checker as he considered the best way to tell Adam he needed to sit somewhere else. He hoped he didn\u2019t take it the wrong way, but Ma\u2019s comfort came first now. \u201cHey, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm?\u201d he said, looking up and waiting.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, well, I know you usually sit there,\u201d Little Joe said, hesitantly, \u201cbut while you were gone, Ma took a liking to that spot.\u201d He smiled and gave his brother an expectant look.<\/p>\n

Adam lifted his eyebrows. He considered pointing out she wasn\u2019t even in the room, but he thought better of it. Little Joe seemed to have gotten over whatever was bothering him a few weeks ago and he didn\u2019t want to set him off. \u201cWell, then, I guess I better move.\u201d<\/p>\n

Listening, Ben motioned for him to stay put. \u201cStay where you are, Adam, you need the lamp to read.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam got to his feet anyway and took the spot on the settee closest to his father so they could talk. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Pa, I don\u2019t really feel like reading.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, but don\u2019t let Little Joe scare you, your mother doesn\u2019t have any special affinity for that chair.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe gave him a puzzled look, surprised he wasn\u2019t being more supportive. \u201cWhat do you mean, Pa? She\u2019s been sitting there almost every night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben eyed him curiously.\u00a0 \u201cOnly because she was mending our socks and needed the lamp light.\u201d<\/p>\n

A few minutes later, Marie came in from the kitchen to join them and seeing the blue chair was the only seat available, she retrieved a soft well-worn quilt from the sideboard and then walked over and sat down. She smiled as she took in the family scene. Ben and Adam were quietly talking and Hoss and Little Joe were focused on their game. \u201cIt\u2019s so nice to have everyone home,\u201d she said with a happy sigh.<\/p>\n

Everyone glanced at her with smiles. \u201cI see you found your favorite quilt,\u201d Adam said with a gleam in his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

He chuckled. \u201cHow could I forget? You swatted me good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was well deserved,\u201d she said with a laugh. \u201cI couldn\u2019t find this quilt for two whole weeks and you never once confessed you\u2019d put it in the hayloft for the barn cat. I seem to recall you swore poor little Hoss to secrecy, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss scrunched his nose in thought. \u201cFunny, I don\u2019t remember that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s see,\u201d Ben said, thinking back, \u201cAdam was just twelve, so you were only six.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at Adam with mock indignation. \u201cAnd you were trying to get me in trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was your idea in the first place,\u201d Adam said, giving him a sideways look. \u201cYou kept crying about the cat being cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds about right,\u201d Little Joe exclaimed with a grin.<\/p>\n

Laughing, Ben and Marie told more stories and Little Joe listened with rapt attention. He hadn’t heard these stories before and with Adam usually being so tightlipped about the scrapes he\u2019d gotten into as a boy, it was fun to hear his mother tattle on him. As the evening wore on, however, his enthusiasm began to wane. He realized he was the only one who didn\u2019t have any real memories of her. Hoss didn\u2019t remember as much as Adam, but he definitely had clear memories of specific events. His own memories were fuzzy at best, just fleeting images of his mother and he wasn\u2019t even sure if they were true memories or just pictures he\u2019d conjured up.<\/p>\n

Noticing he\u2019d grown increasingly quiet, Ben gave him a curious look. \u201cTired, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t, but he nodded anyway. How could he admit what was bothering him? Up until now, the stories about his mother usually revolved around his birth, the songs she used to sing, how she and Pa had argued over his first haircut and his first pair of britches and how she\u2019d picked out his first pony. Listening to the stories tonight, however, he suddenly realized just how much his mother had been involved in raising his brothers. Adam, especially, remembered nearly seven years of having two parents. He remembered having a mother, his <\/em>mother, and he was envious. \u201cYeah, I guess I am,\u201d he replied, getting up and putting the game away. \u201cI think I\u2019ll turn in. Goodnight everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss started to yawn and then remembering his manners, he covered his mouth. \u201cMe too,\u201d he said, following Little Joe up. \u201cGoodnight all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wishing them goodnight, Marie got to her feet and with a little smile, she lovingly fingered the worn quilt before draping it over the back of the chair.\u00a0 It\u00a0had been fun to\u00a0reminisce.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going up, too, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be up in a bit, darling, after I talk to Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie nodded sleepily. \u201cGoodnight, Adam. It\u2019s good to have you home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight,\u201d he said, smiling at her before his gaze travelled further up the stairs. Little Joe had stopped to listen and the two of them made eye contact. Impatient, Hoss hurried him along.<\/p>\n

Ben leaned forward and tapped Adam\u2019s knee to get his attention. \u201cNightcap?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, if you\u2019re having one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben retrieved the brandy and poured two glasses. He handed one to Adam as he sat back down. \u201cIt\u2019s been awhile since we\u2019ve done this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took a sip and enjoyed the soothing effect. \u201cThere\u2019s been a lot going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue,\u201d Ben said, giving him a warm look, \u201cand that\u2019s why I want to make sure you know how proud I am of you. You did a fine job handling the timber contract, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both pleased and embarrassed by his praise, Adam flushed and looked down. \u201cThanks, Pa, but I couldn\u2019t have done it without Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d he said, reassuring him. \u201cI\u2019ll give him his due, but this was your project from beginning to end. In fact, I received a letter the other day from Central Pacific telling me how impressed they were with you and our entire operation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled into his glass and took a sip, glad both his father and the people at Central Pacific were pleased.\u00a0 \u201cSo, tell me, how did everything go here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sipped his brandy and pleasantly reflected on the past few weeks. \u201cIt went well,\u201d he replied with a nod. \u201cI think Little Joe and Marie both benefitted from their time together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stretched his long legs and gazed into the fire, wondering why his little brother had stopped to stare at him on the stairs. \u201cThey seem closer. Is Joe still so sensitive?\u201d He glanced at his father. He knew he wouldn\u2019t break a confidence, but he was pretty good at hinting if he thought it would help.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cHe didn\u2019t say why he was so irritable with you, but I suspect he was jealous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I got that feeling, too, but why?\u201d Adam asked with a puzzled expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, by the time you got to the Ponderosa, you and Marie had already resumed your relationship and you seemed pretty comfortable with one another. Little Joe was anything but <\/em>comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe and I had some awkward moments along the way,\u201d Adam said with a small smile, \u201cbut, yeah, I see what you mean.\u201d He sobered and looked down. \u201cI was on pins and needles getting her home safely. I was scared something might happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded knowing Adam would have felt the weight of responsibility. \u201cShe was in good hands and now that Little Joe\u2019s had a chance to be alone with her, I don\u2019t think he\u2019ll be so sensitive going forward.\u201d He gave Adam a look full of fatherly wisdom. \u201cThat said, we\u2019re all still learning to be a family again, so we need to be patient with one another.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the oldest, Adam understood his father expected him to take the high road should something come up between him and Little Joe. He raised his glass as he thought about the earlier incident with the chair. \u201cTo patience,\u201d he said, agreeing.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo patience,\u201d Ben said, repeating the toast and raising his glass.<\/p>\n

Adam downed his drink and then eyed his father with a half-smile. \u201cWhat about you, Pa? Did you and Ma benefit from some alone time, too?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow. He wasn\u2019t sure, but he suspected his son\u2019s question bordered on being cheeky. \u201cEverything\u2019s fine, young man, and that\u2019s all you need to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at him wide-eyed and innocent as he got up and took his glass. \u201cI\u2019ll rinse these before I go up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben got up and nodded as Adam headed towards the kitchen. \u201cYes, you do that, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chapter 11<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss shifted in his saddle and heaved a sigh of resignation as he silently bemoaned his fate. The last thing he expected to be doing today was rounding up strays and mending fences. He and Adam had just gotten home yesterday and he\u2019d been looking forward to an easy day, but \u2018ol Mr. Jenkins had shown up at the crack of dawn complaining about a break in the fence line and Ponderosa cattle mixing in with his herd. Since Adam had just given all the hands a week off after working six weeks straight at the timber camp, he and his brothers had no choice but to take care of it themselves. \u201cDidn\u2019t even get a proper breakfast,\u201d he muttered to himself as he prevented some strays from going through the break. \u201cOh, no you don\u2019t!\u201d he exclaimed to the dozen or so cattle meandering towards him. \u201cWe just got you on the right side of this fence and that\u2019s where you\u2019re gonna stay!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cComin\u2019 through!\u201d Little Joe shouted to Hoss from a distance.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked in his direction and saw him and Adam headed his way with six more strays. He gave Chubb a little kick and made room for them to get the through the break in the fence and back onto Ponderosa land.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the last of them,\u201d Adam said, riding up alongside Hoss and giving him an update.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded, glad to hear it. \u201cGood! Now, let\u2019s get \u2018em over to the main herd so they quit circling back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s do it,\u201d Little Joe said, checking the position of the sun in the sky. It was high noon and he was getting antsy for lunch.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on,\u201d Adam said, dismounting. \u201cI\u2019m gonna use the wagon to block the hole in the fence. I don\u2019t want Jenkins’ cattle coming through.\u201d<\/p>\n

Having already unhitched the team earlier that morning, Little Joe and Hoss dismounted to give Adam a hand. Working together, they pushed the wagon into position and then mounted up again. The main herd was just over the rise, grazing by the creek, so they were able to\u00a0return the strays and get back to the fence line just as their hunger pains really began to make themselves known.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou fellas ready to eat?\u201d Hoss asked, dismounting and eyeing their lunch basket.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Adam said, grabbing his canteen and sitting under a tree. \u201cMy stomach\u2019s been rumbling for an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too,\u201d Little Joe said, plopping down next to him. \u201cWhat\u2019d Hop Sing pack?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss eagerly retrieved the basket and then sat down next to his brothers and handed them each a roast beef sandwich wrapped in a cloth napkin.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust one?\u201d Little Joe asked, eyeing his sandwich hungrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s more,\u201d Hoss replied, \u201cand some apples, too. Now, quit askin\u2019 questions so I can eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe grinned and for a few minutes the three of them were silent as they devoured their food. Once their immediate hunger was satisfied, they slowed down and ate their second sandwich at a more leisurely pace. Groaning, Adam leaned against the tree and stretched his legs out in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatsa matter?\u201d Hoss asked with a humorous look. \u201cYou go soft after one night in a real bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shot him a pained expression. \u201cI sure didn\u2019t expect to be sittin\u2019 under a tree eating my lunch today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe neither,\u201d Hoss grumbled, sharing his pain.<\/p>\n

Pleasantly full, Little Joe laid on his back and put his hands behind his head. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, it\u2019s almost quittin\u2019 time,\u201d he said, closing his eyes.<\/p>\n

Hoss guffawed. \u201cQuittin\u2019 time? How do you figure that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Undisturbed, Little Joe kept his eyes shut as he casually relayed the work schedule he\u2019d been keeping for the past six weeks. \u201cI been quittin\u2019 about this time every day,\u201d he explained. \u201cThat way me and Ma have the afternoon together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss exchanged a hesitant look with Adam. He didn\u2019t begrudge Little Joe spending time with his Ma, after all, that was the whole point of him staying behind, but they still had the fence to repair and it was only midday. \u201cUh, Joe, after spending all morning rounding up them strays, don\u2019t you think we oughta fix the fence?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d he replied sitting up and giving him a smile, \u201cfirst thing tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gave him a weak smile, unsure if he was being serious. He sure hoped not. \u201cAw, you\u2019re joshing, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not joshing,\u201d Little Joe replied earnestly. \u201cWe can take the team home and leave the wagon right where it is. That way you two can rest up and we\u2019ll all start fresh in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing where this was headed, Adam tactfully put a smile on his face and got to his feet. \u201cListen,\u201d he said in an upbeat tone, \u201cwith the three of us working together, we can get this done and still be home in plenty of time for supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and got up too. \u201cSounds good to me,\u201d he replied in a cheerful voice. \u201cWhat do you say, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe stared at his brothers in dismay. \u201cI say you two hardheads aren\u2019t listening. Me and Pa have an agreement.\u201d He shook his head, perplexed. \u201cThe way you two been moaning and groaning, I thought you\u2019d be happy to call it a day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam eyed him. Little Joe had obviously enjoyed his routine for the past few weeks and he sympathized with him not wanting to give it up, but this was a job that demanded immediate attention and his baby brother knew it. \u201cYour right, we\u2019re not thrilled about being here, but now that we\u2019re in the middle of it, it doesn\u2019t make sense to quit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sensing Adam was about to exert his authority, Little Joe got up and faced him, determined to make him understand a few things had changed while he was gone. \u201cDoesn\u2019t make sense?\u201d he asked, looking his older brother straight in the eye. \u201cAre you saying you don\u2019t understand why I want to spend time with my mother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn’t say that,\u201d Adam replied, holding his gaze.\u00a0 “I’m saying there’s work to be done and I seriously doubt Pa would approve of you quitting before it’s finished.\u00a0 Isn’t it time we all get back to our regular work schedule?”<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s nostrils flared at what he considered Adam\u2019s high-handedness. \u201cYou know what I think, Adam? I think you need to understand you\u2019re not second-in-command anymore!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m perfectly happy for Ma to take her rightful place,\u201d he replied through clenched teeth, \u201cbut her authority doesn\u2019t extend to ranch work and you and I both know you don\u2019t have any real plans for today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you know everything, don\u2019t you, older brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLikewise, little brother, but I know for a fact Ma\u2019s not waiting for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe heard the confidence in his voice and faltered. He hadn\u2019t checked with her before riding out this morning, but he didn\u2019t have any reason to think today would be different from any other day.<\/p>\n

Adam went on to explain so Joe would know he wasn\u2019t just blowing smoke. \u201cWhen we were coming downstairs, she asked if I would help her this afternoon.\u00a0 She wants to make a new grave marker for the woman at the lake and thought we could pick out a piece of wood and decide on a verse.\u201d He paused to let that sink into Joe\u2019s head before continuing in as reasonable a tone as he could muster. \u201cWith Jenkins showing up, I\u2019m sure she knows all three of us will be working until the job\u2019s done, so let\u2019s just do it, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe lowered his eyes, hurt his mother hadn\u2019t set aside their usual time. They\u2019d been getting closer with each passing day and he didn\u2019t want that to change just because his brothers were home. Since he couldn\u2019t bring himself to find fault with his mother, he put the blame on Adam. He lifted his eyes and glared at him. \u201cI\u2019m not gonna let you start changing everything,\u201d he said, lashing out. \u201cAnd don\u2019t think you know my mother better than me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Hoss stepped in, hoping to calm him down. \u201cAw, Joe, that ain\u2019t fair. Adam\u2019s happy for you, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he?\u201d he asked with a skeptical look. \u201cHe\u2019s only been home one day and he\u2019s already meddling. Take last night, Pa stayed up to talk to Adam instead of going upstairs with Ma like he usually does.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cPa doesn\u2019t need to talk things over with you anymore, Adam. He\u2019s got Ma now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Surprised that bothered him, Hoss shook his head and tried to reason with him. \u201cJust remember,\u201d he said, perceptively, \u201cthere’s five people in this family, not three.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d Little Joe said, snapping back, but deep down Hoss\u2019s insinuation rattled him. He couldn\u2019t deny he\u2019d enjoyed having his parents all to himself for a while. He knew it would be different once his brothers got back, but he\u2019d expected them to be more understanding, after all, she was his real mother and he\u2019d missed out on so much. He wasn\u2019t trying to shut them out, he just wanted to make up for lost time. Why couldn\u2019t they see that?<\/p>\n

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation.\u00a0\u00a0Well, at least\u00a0he knew why Little Joe had stopped on the stairs last night. \u201cDon’t tell me I can’t speak to my own father,\u201d he said in a tight voice, \u201cand if you think he’s gonna let you stick to that schedule, you\u2019re kidding yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say forever,\u201d Little Joe shouted, \u201cbut the point is, it\u2019s not your call!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cFine, that’s between you and Pa,\u201d he retorted angrily, \u201cbut this job can’t wait, so let’s quit wasting time and finish it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe scowled at him. \u201cYou do what you want,\u201d he yelled, walking away. \u201cI\u2019m leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reached out and grabbed his arm, halting his progress. \u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d he advised in a firm voice, \u201cyou\u2019ll just get yourself into trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe angrily jerked out of his grasp, mounted Cochise, and rode off. Disgusted by his childish behavior, Adam didn\u2019t spare him a second glance. Instead, he walked over to the wagon to find his work gloves. With or without Little Joe, the job had to get done.<\/p>\n

Hoss watched Joe ride off and then walked over to Adam. \u201cHe’s headin’ towards town.\u201d<\/p>\n

“If he’s so all-fired sure it’s quittin’ time, why isn’t he riding back to the ranch?” He angrily tugged on his gloves.\u00a0 “He’ll sound off to me, but he won’t take it up with Pa.”<\/p>\n

The hint of a smile appeared on Hoss\u2019s face. \u201cWell, shoot, that\u2019s the benefit of having an older brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow and tossed him his gloves. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t know. I always had to go straight to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss said, catching the gloves\u00a0and smiling wider. \u201cI reckon that\u2019s why you\u2019re so good at it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doing his darnedest to avoid being charmed by Hoss, Adam grabbed a spool of barbed wire from the back of the wagon and set it on the ground. \u201cIt taught me to think things through, something our little brother hasn\u2019t quite mastered. And if he knew Ma better, he\u2019d realize he doesn’t have to work so hard at their relationship, he just needs to let it happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss lifted his eyebrows. \u201cI reckon gettin\u2019 to know her better is exactly what he\u2019s trying to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, but this is a working ranch and time off isn’t guaranteed. With Pa sticking closer to home and Joe wanting to knock off early every day, where’s that leave us?”<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. He agreed, things around the house seemed kind of off-kilter, but in fairness to Little Joe, none of them really knew what normal life was going to look like just yet.\u00a0 But right now, he just wanted to know one thing. \u201cYou gonna cover for him today?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped what he was doing and stared at Hoss in disbelief. \u201cLet me get this straight,\u201d he said, shaking his head. \u201cHe\u2019s in town, most likely having a nice cold beer, while we\u2019re working our tails off and you want me to cover for him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Hoss said matter-of-factly. \u201cYou know darn well you could\u2019ve been more dipo\u2026diplo\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cDiplomatic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, diplomatic.\u201d He gave a firm nod. \u201cAnd besides that, if Pa gets riled up, Ma\u2019s sure to hear it and that\u2019d be a real disgrace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam wasn\u2019t so sure it would be a bad thing if Marie knew what was going on, but he nodded in agreement anyway. Instead of being the patient older brother, he’d gotten frustrated and hadn’t kept certain thoughts to himself. \u201cAll right, I\u2019ll play along, but if you ask me, I started off as diplomatic as possible.”<\/p>\n

Chapter 12<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben poured a measure of whiskey into the fruit punch and gave it a little stir. He wanted it to have some cheer, but not be too overpowering. He tasted it and nodded. Perfect. <\/em> As he corked the bottled and stowed it away, he surveyed the rest of the room. He\u2019d hired a string quartet for entertainment and the musicians were busily tuning their instruments and going over their selections. The settee and coffee table had been moved to make room for a dance floor and Hoss and Little Joe were energetically arranging the dining room chairs in a semi-circle where guests could sit and chat. Under Hop Sing\u2019s direction, Adam was carefully bringing food trays out of the kitchen and setting them on the table in an orderly fashion. Ben smiled. Everything was ready and the boys all seemed to be in a festive mood in anticipation of the party. None of them had said anything, but he\u2019d sensed an undercurrent of tension between them for the past couple of weeks. His probes, however, had been met with shrugs and evasive answers, even from Adam. He knew they were old enough to settle their own differences, but he couldn\u2019t help worrying when they didn\u2019t do it quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it all looks so lovely,\u201d Marie exclaimed as she came down the stairs and stepped into the room.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at her with love and admiration. She was elegantly dressed and adorned, but not pretentious or overdone. Sometimes it still seemed so surreal. A few months ago, the thought of having a welcome home party for Marie would have been insane. \u201cYou look lovely,\u201d he said, smiling. \u201cDoesn\u2019t she, boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s face beamed with delight. This was the first time he\u2019d seen his mother dressed so elegantly. \u201cYou look beautiful,\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded in agreement. \u201cPretty as a picture!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStunning,\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

Marie smiled radiantly and graciously accepted their compliments, well aware they were totally biased, but enjoying it nonetheless. At Mercy House, she\u2019d worn simple, but pretty, day dresses, skirts, and blouses. She did, however, own a few gowns for charity events and she was wearing one of her favorites tonight. \u201cThank you, boys, but as the Sisters always reminded me, it\u2019s what\u2019s on the inside that counts. Now, having said that, I must say you all look very dapper in your Sunday best.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Hop Sing said, breaking in excitedly, \u201cguests arriving.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben offered Marie his arm and together they stood by the fireplace while the boys received their guests at the door. As their friends began to stream into the house, the musicians played in the background. Roy Coffee was among the first to arrive and he didn\u2019t hesitate to approach Ben and Marie. He couldn\u2019t have been happier for them and it showed on his face. Likewise, Doctor and Mrs. Martin joined them, clearly happy to be part of the celebration. As for the rest of their friends, they were in good cheer, but clueless as to the reason for the party. A few speculated it was an engagement party for one of the boys, but given the attractive woman by Ben\u2019s side, they now wondered if Ben, himself, was getting married. Not wanting to be impolite, everyone mixed and mingled, confident he would share his news in his own good time. In the meantime, there was food, punch, and music to enjoy.<\/p>\n

Maggie Wheeler, however, immediately noticed how much Ben\u2019s lady friend resembled the late Marie Cartwright. Amazed, she excused herself from her husband and sought out Shaunessey. The three of them had been good friends and if anyone would see the resemblance, it would be her.<\/p>\n

Shaunessey greeted her with a friendly smile. \u201cGood to see you, Maggie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, too, Shaunessey. I missed you at the quilting bee last week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I had every intention of going, but I woke up feeling poorly that morning. Are you going to the ladies tea this year?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t miss it,\u201d Maggie replied, pleased she\u2019d mentioned the tea. It was the perfect opening. \u201cTell me, Shaunessey, do you remember how much fun we used to have with Marie Cartwright at the tea?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaunessey eyed her friend. She guessed her real reason for mentioning Marie, but it wasn\u2019t her news to tell, so she simply answered her question and didn\u2019t volunteer anything more. \u201cYes, of course, those were good times.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes I laughed so hard, I cried,\u201d Maggie said with a chuckle. \u201cOh, how I loved Marie and if I didn\u2019t know better, I\u2019d swear that was her by Ben\u2019s side.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaunessey followed her gaze and was relieved to see Ben escorting Marie to the center of the room. Now that all their guests had arrived, it appeared he was going to make the big announcement. \u201cMe too,\u201d she said with a sparkle in her eye.<\/p>\n

Ben motioned for the boys to join them and once they gathered around, he signaled the musicians to stop playing, thereby getting everyone\u2019s attention. \u201cGood evening,\u201d he said, smiling. \u201cFirst off, I want to thank you all for coming. We\u2019re truly blessed to have such wonderful friends.\u201d As people smiled and nodded, Ben looked at Marie and squeezed her hand. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019re all wondering what we\u2019re celebrating tonight, so I won\u2019t keep you in suspense any longer. We\u2019re celebrating a homecoming we never thought possible. Thirteen years ago, the boys and I lost Marie, beloved wife and mother, in what we thought was a fatal accident, but weeks ago we learned our loss wasn\u2019t due to death, but due to a tragic set of circumstances.\u201d He looked lovingly at Marie and his eyes began to glisten. \u201cThis,\u201d he said in a voice cracking with emotion, \u201cis Marie. She\u2019s come back to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

His announcement was met with shock and astonishment which quickly gave way to elated cheers and more than a few tears from the Cartwright\u2019s dearest friends, especially Maggie. \u201cYou knew!\u201d she said, smiling at Shaunessey.<\/p>\n

Shaunessey smiled in return, tickled by the look of joy on her friend\u2019s face. \u201cIsn\u2019t it wonderful?\u201d she exclaimed. In Marie\u2019s absence, she\u2019d helped Ben whenever he\u2019d needed a woman\u2019s touch or an extra pair of hands and since she and her husband had never been blessed with children, she\u2019d grown more than a little fond of the Cartwright boys.<\/p>\n

Ben held up his hand to quiet everyone down and then briefly shared the miraculous story of Marie\u2019s return, hoping to spare his wife from having to answer a million questions. As he came to the end, Marie took over, her eyes shining with emotion. \u201cWords can\u2019t describe how wonderfully happy I am to be home with Ben and the boys.\u201d She looked at each of the boys individually and shared a special smile. \u201cAnd I\u2019m overjoyed to see so many familiar faces here tonight. I can\u2019t wait to resume our friendships. So, please, let\u2019s celebrate!\u201d She signaled the musicians to begin playing again.<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s heart swelled with happiness at the warm reception his mother was getting from all their friends and neighbors. It was strange, though, to hear her greeting people he\u2019d known since childhood with such familiarity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the nicest party we\u2019ve ever had,\u201d Hoss exclaimed as he gave Little Joe a brotherly pat on the back.<\/p>\n

Little Joe beamed, never taking his eyes off his parents. \u201cThey\u2019re gonna dance,” he said with a nod toward the happy couple.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled softly as he watched them glide through the turns of the waltz. \u201cThey look good together, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Hoss and Little Joe nodded in agreement and for a long moment the three of them stood shoulder-to-shoulder completely mesmerized. The spell was broken when Ross Marquette joined them, offering handshakes all around. \u201cBoy, oh, boy!\u201d he said, pumping their hands up and down. \u201cWhat a surprise! I darn near spewed fruit punch all over Doc Martin!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s eyes danced with merriment. \u201cI\u2019m glad no one needed it, but Hop Sing was ready with those smellin\u2019 salts of his.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ross shook his head and chuckled as Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright twirled by, clearly enjoying themselves. \u201cYou remember your Ma teaching us to dance, Adam? I had two left feet back then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll say,\u201d Adam replied with a gleam in his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, you weren\u2019t so smooth, yourself,\u201d he replied, elbowing him in the ribs. \u201cSeems to me you stepped on her toes more than me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned. \u201cSeems to me, you\u2019re right!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe politely laughed along, but his heart wasn\u2019t in it. Ross\u2019s banter only served to remind him he\u2019d been robbed of the joy of having his mother teach him to dance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, speaking of dancing,\u201d Ross said, perusing the room, \u201cI\u2019m gonna ask Delphine and I suggest you ask Virginia before someone else beats you to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Virginia Keith, catching her eye. \u201cYeah, I think you\u2019re right,\u201d he replied, smiling in her direction. She looked beautiful tonight and there was no denying he was attracted to her despite not particularly liking her father. Sooner or later, he\u2019d have to really examine his feelings, but not tonight.<\/p>\n

Knowing his brother the way he did, Hoss had a powerful feeling Adam\u2019s relationship with Virginia was doomed, but only time would tell. He shrugged. \u201cHey, Joe, you hungry? I\u2019m gonna get me some food.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you go ahead, I think I\u2019ll find me a pretty little filly to dance with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, now,\u201d Shaunessey quipped, tapping him on the shoulder from behind, \u201cI\u2019m not a pretty little filly, but I\u2019d love to dance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe grinned. Shaunessey was like a favorite aunt, always there when he needed her. \u201cWill you do me the honor?\u201d he asked, gallantly offering her his arm.<\/p>\n

Smiling, she took it and together they danced to a lively little tune. In fact, it was so lively, she was breathless by the time the music stopped. \u201cMy goodness that was fun, Little Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

“Whew, sure was!” he replied, smiling.\u00a0 “That’s why you’re my favorite dance partner.”\u00a0 He gave her wink and a little peck on the cheek.<\/p>\n

Pleased, Shaunessey blushed and started to shoo him away. \u201cOh, go on now, go find yourself a pretty little filly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Witnessing her son\u2019s affectionate gesture, Marie stopped dancing with Ben and joined them. \u201cMy dear, Shaunessey, it does my heart good to see you two together.\u201d She smiled, grateful Little Joe had known this woman\u2019s love growing up.<\/p>\n

Shaunessey knew Marie was referring to something deeper than a mere dance and it touched her heart, but true to form, she humorously looked Little Joe up and down. \u201cHe\u2019s a right handsome partner, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Listening in, Ben chuckled and rested his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cAll right, young fella, I better take you with me before her husband gets the wrong idea!\u201d He smiled at the ladies. \u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse us, we\u2019ll be at the punch bowl.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaunessey smiled in amusement. \u201cThank you for the dance, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy pleasure,\u201d he replied with a grin.<\/p>\n

Marie\u00a0smiled at her flirtatious son\u00a0and then affectionately linked arms with Shaunessey. \u201cI know I\u2019ve said it before, but I\u2019m so grateful for all the support you gave Ben and boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHonestly, it was for my sake just as much as theirs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie gave her a soft smile. \u201cYou know, Shaunessey, you\u2019ll always be a part of this family. Never doubt it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded and dabbed at her eye. It would have been hard to let go and she was relieved she didn\u2019t have to. \u201cSo, tell me, is everyone adjusting?\u201d<\/p>\n

A little frown appeared in Marie\u2019s brow and she lowered her voice so she wouldn\u2019t be overheard. \u201cYes, for the most part, but as the only woman in a house full of men, I sometimes feel they\u2019re treating me a little too <\/em>delicately. There\u2019s been some tension between the boys, yet no one speaks of it, not even Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you come right out and asked?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she said, smiling sheepishly, \u201cit isn\u2019t as if they\u2019re children.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodness, Marie, if you think something is off, then speak up. How are they going to know what you\u2019re made of, if you don\u2019t show them?\u201d Shaunessey gave her a wink and a nod. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll tell you something else, all men are perpetual children, don\u2019t you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie laughed and shook her head. \u201cYou’re right about one thing. I have to stop acting like a guest if I don\u2019t want to be treated like one. I\u2019ve waited long enough!\u201d<\/p>\n

Chapter 13<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam held Virginia\u2019s hand and led her outside for a breath of fresh air. The party was winding down and even though they\u2019d spent the evening dancing and mingling with friends, this was the first opportunity they\u2019d had to be alone. It was a beautiful night and Adam found a quiet spot. \u201cI\u2019ve missed you, Ginny.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Adam,\u201d she said teasingly, \u201cwe\u2019ve been together all evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, we have,\u201d he replied, taking her into his arms.<\/p>\n

Virginia smiled up at him and then rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying the closeness. \u201cI can\u2019t stop thinking about your parents, so in love, yet separated all those years. It\u2019s so tragic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reflected on his parent\u2019s attitude. \u201cI don\u2019t know how much they talk about it in private, but when they\u2019re with me and my brothers, they don\u2019t\u00a0talk too much about the tragedy of it all.\u201d With a thoughtful expression he looked across the yard at his brother. Little Joe was holding a lantern and lighting the way for people leaving the party. \u201cIt\u2019s probably best we don\u2019t dwell on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour right,\u201d she said, looking up at him. \u201cThey\u2019re together again and that\u2019s all that matters.\u201d She tilted her head and smiled invitingly.<\/p>\n

Adam bent to kiss her, but as soon as his lips brushed hers, he heard her father calling her name. With a sigh, Virginia gave Adam an apologetic look. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother time,\u201d he said, taking her hand and leading her back to the porch.<\/p>\n

Virginia smiled and called to her father. \u201cI\u2019m right here, Dad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Len Keith turned towards them. \u201cVirginia, there you are! It\u2019s late and time for us to be heading home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m ready,\u201d she replied pleasantly. \u201cAdam, thank you for inviting us to such a special celebration. It was an honor, wasn\u2019t it, Dad?\u201d<\/p>\n

He eyed Adam and nodded. \u201cYes, an incredible honor and I daresay an incredible story.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow. \u201cIncredible story?\u201d he asked, detecting a hint of disbelief.<\/p>\n

Virginia rushed to clarify, feeling Adam may have misunderstood. She knew their relationship was shaky at best, but she had high hopes they\u2019d learn to get along. \u201cHe just\u00a0means extraordinary, isn’t that right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her father shook his head and looked at her as if she were a child. \u201cVirginia, dear, don\u2019t be so na\u00efve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do mean?\u201d she asked, genuinely puzzled.<\/p>\n

Adam folded his arms across his chest and looked him in the eye. \u201cYes, Mr. Keith, exactly what are you trying to say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m saying your stepmother was a beautiful woman, still is for that matter, and if I recall, your father was a very busy man all those years ago, working long hours to build up the ranch.\u201d He smiled smugly. \u201cShe must\u2019ve had a lot of time on her hands, probably got lonely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed, suspicious of what he was insinuating. \u201cShe was busy raising a family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but isn\u2019t it true she worked in the gambling houses in New Orleans before she met your father? A woman like that craves excitement, so it wouldn\u2019t surprise me if she simply got bored and went off to look for someone not so bourgeois, as the French say.\u201d He frowned, feigning sympathy. \u201cI\u2019m surprised Ben took her back, but then again, lust makes a man do foolish things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDad!\u201d<\/p>\n

Furious, Adam\u2019s eyes flashed dangerously and it took all his willpower to keep from throttling him. \u201cGet out, Keith, before I break every bone in your body.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy so angry? Did I hit a nerve?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mortified, Virginia looked at her father in shock and disbelief and then hurriedly climbed into the buggy. \u201cHe means it, Dad, please stop talking and take me home!\u201d<\/p>\n

Heeding her advice, he got into the buggy and took his seat, well aware Adam could be provoked too far. \u201cYou didn\u2019t hear him deny it, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grabbed the front of his shirt and succeeded in cowering him with his cold steely gaze. \u201cYou\u2019re a filthy liar and if I catch you spreading this filth, you\u2019ll regret it.\u201d He glanced at Virginia. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Little Joe asked, rushing to Adam\u2019s side. He\u2019d seen his brother\u2019s angry stance from across the yard and instinctively ran over to back him up.<\/p>\n

Hearing him, Adam immediately released his hold. Off the hook, Len chortled with glee and slapped his reins, putting the horse in motion. \u201cWe\u2019ve been talking about your mother\u2019s character and that farfetched story,\u201d he called over his shoulder. \u201cAdam can tell you all about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hairs raising on the back of his neck, Little Joe gave Adam a disconcerted look as the buggy sped away. \u201cWhat\u2019d he mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing the truth would ignite a fire in his little brother, Adam took a deep breath and tried to temporarily put him off. \u201cIt\u2019s not worth repeating,\u201d he said, with a half-hearted smile. \u201cC\u2019mon, let\u2019s get back to the party.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not buying it, Little Joe stayed right where he was and demanded an answer. \u201cHe said something about my mother. What was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrust me, Joe, it\u2019s better left unsaid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was it?\u201d he demanded more forcefully.<\/p>\n

Seeing the determination in his eyes, Adam relented, knowing full well it would escalate between them if he didn\u2019t. \u201cAll right, I\u2019ll tell you. He thinks we\u2019re covering up the real reason Ma\u2019s been gone all these years.\u201d He shook his head, hating to repeat Len Keith\u2019s lies. \u201cHe thinks she left because she got bored being a rancher\u2019s wife and wanted a more exciting life back in the gambling houses, but Pa finally convinced her to come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s face went white. \u201cHow could he?\u201d he asked, stunned anyone could spew such venom. His astonishment, however, quickly turned to blinding rage. \u201cHe\u2019ll regret it once I\u2019m done with him!\u201d He glared at Adam. \u201cI can\u2019t believe you let him go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gently gripped his arm. \u201cThink about,\u201d he said, counseling him, \u201cthat\u2019s not a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe shook him off. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter with you, Adam? He insulted my mother! He deserves a beating!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I\u2019m just as angry as you, but we\u2019ll only ruin the party for Ma if we go after him tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou call her Ma, but if you really thought of her as your mother, you\u2019d defend her honor. Well, guess what? She really is<\/em> my mother and I\u2019m gonna do the right thing!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed in frustration. \u201cDon\u2019t be stupid, of course, I defended her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe gave him a disgusted look. \u201cYou think what you want. I\u2019m gonna make sure Len Keith keeps his mouth shut.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing there was no reasoning with him, Adam gripped his arm again, squeezing it tighter. \u201cNo, Joe, not tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Incensed, Little Joe struggled to break free and when he did, he threw a punch, hitting Adam in the jaw. \u201cAll your memories about my mother don\u2019t mean anything if you\u2019re not willing to fight for her, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook off the blow. \u201cUse your head,\u201d he replied, angrily. \u201cIf you want to protect your<\/em> mother, you won\u2019t draw attention to Keith\u2019s twisted lies by giving him a beating!\u201d He rubbed his jaw. \u201cAnd don\u2019t forget, Virginia’s with him, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe hesitated, begrudgingly conceding to himself Adam had a point. If he gave Keith a beating, the reason for it was sure to come out. People would talk and his lies would spread like wildfire. He took a deep breath, but he was too full of anger to calm down. \u201cFine, I won\u2019t go after him tonight,\u201d he spat out, \u201cbut tell me, who are you more worried about, Virginia or my mother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe may not be my real mother,\u201d Adam replied, giving him a cold hard look, \u201cbut I\u2019m loyal to her and you know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Daunted by the quiet fury now emanating from Adam\u2019s eyes, Little Joe covered his apprehension with a defensive retort. \u201cYour right, she isn\u2019t your mother, so why don\u2019t you quit sticking your nose into our business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only thing coming between you and your mother,\u201d Adam said, pointing a finger at him, \u201cis your own insecurities and it\u2019s time you realize it. It\u2019s time everyone quits coddling you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s nostrils flared in anger and he impulsively took another swing at Adam. Half expecting it, Adam blocked it and countered with a punch that knocked his little brother to the ground. \u201cI owed you one,\u201d he said, towering over him, \u201cnow let\u2019s stop before it goes any further.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a chance,\u201d Little Joe said, diving for his legs. Adam landed with a thud and the two of them wrestled on the ground until Adam, outweighing Little Joe, threw him off and got to his feet. Not to be outdone, Little Joe came up swinging, but Adam ducked and followed through with a boot to his backside. Being twelve years older than Little Joe, he couldn\u2019t bring himself to deliver a truly powerful punch, but he didn\u2019t mind making his baby brother eat some dirt. Little Joe, on the other hand, had no such qualms and the more he sensed Adam holding back the more he goaded him into treating him like a man. He delivered a blow to Adam\u2019s abdomen that knocked the wind out of him. Recovering, Adam gave in and returned the favor. Unwilling to accept defeat, Little Joe ramrodded Adam to the ground again and the two of them were wrestling when their father\u2019s voice boomed loudly above their heads.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! Joseph!\u201d Ben shouted. \u201cStop it! Do you hear me? I said stop it!\u201d Shocked and disappointed by their behavior, Ben enlisted Hoss to help pull them apart. Hoss managed to get a grip on Little Joe while Ben got a firm hold on Adam. On their feet again, the two combatants both struggled against their restraints until their father\u2019s admonishments finally registered. \u201cCool off,\u201d he angrily bellowed, \u201cbefore you disgrace yourselves more than you already have!\u201d<\/p>\n

Chest heaving, Adam worked to regain control, embarrassed the last of their guests had witnessed the fight. Seeing him calm down, Ben released him, but none too gently. Likewise, Hoss let go of Little Joe and then retreated a few steps, out of the line of fire. \u201cI don\u2019t know what this is about,\u201d Ben growled in a dangerously low tone, \u201cbut you\u2019d better be ready to explain once our guests are gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to talk about,\u201d Little Joe said, breathing raggedly. He intended to protect his mother from Len Keith\u2019s ugly lies and he hoped Adam had the decency to keep quiet.<\/p>\n

Having kept\u00a0her distance while Ben took command, Marie\u00a0now came forward\u00a0with a determined look in her eye. \u201cYour mistaken, young man. It\u2019s high time we all had a talk.\u201d She gave them both a sharp look. \u201cPlease wait for us inside while we say goodbye to our guests. You too, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss scrunched his nose as she and his father walked away. \u201cWhy me?\u201d he wondered aloud.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged and then picked up his string tie from the ground and stuffed it into his pocket. Straightening his shirt, he noticed he\u2019d lost his two top buttons. Little Joe\u2019s shirt\u00a0hadn’t fared any better. His shirt sleeve was pulling apart at the seam and he didn\u2019t have any idea where his tie was. With a sigh, Hoss pulled his string tie loose, unbuttoned his top button, and silently followed his brothers into the house.<\/p>\n

Chapter 14<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now that the party was over, Hop Sing got to work moving the furniture back into place. It had been a long day and he was ready for bed, but he knew the family needed a place to sit and talk, so he tackled this one last task. When the boys came in, they silently helped him restore the room to order. Aware of their fight, Hop Sing offered them an abundance of good advice but it was primarily in his native tongue. Seeing their blank looks, he threw up his hands and retreated to his room, regretting he couldn\u2019t speak more eloquently in English. Hoss took a seat in the blue chair and sighed, wishing he could call it a night, too. Absorbed in his own thoughts, Little Joe plopped on the settee with a pensive look on his face. Adam sat on the coffee table and stared into the fire as he mulled over the situation. Shortly thereafter, Ben and Marie came into the house and joined them.<\/p>\n

Ben eyed his sons with displeasure. He didn\u2019t ordinarily insist on ceremony, but if they weren\u2019t going to show their respect for Marie by standing up when she entered the room, especially after what happened tonight, they were going to hear about it. \u201cI believe it\u2019s customary to stand when a lady enters the room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Realizing their mistake, the three of them stood up and offered their apologies. Not really offended, but aware Ben wasn\u2019t in the mood to overlook any lapses at the moment, Marie simply nodded and took her seat in the leather chair, signaling them all to sit down. Ben, however, remained standing. His hands moved to his hips and he scowled at Adam and Joe. \u201cAll right, what the devil got into you two tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting down on the hearth instead of the coffee table, Adam caught Little Joe\u2019s furtive look and gave a slight nod, indicating he could go first if he wanted.<\/p>\n

Little Joe seized the opportunity, hoping to put the subject to rest in one quick statement. \u201cI\u2019m sorry we made a ruckus, but it\u2019s all settled now, so there\u2019s nothing to talk about. After all,\u201d he entreated in a reasonable voice, \u201cwe\u2019re both grown men and entitled to some privacy, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Amazed he thought that would satisfy their father\u2019s demand for an explanation, Adam lowered his eyes and braced himself for the inevitable explosion. Equally amazed, Hoss almost groaned out loud, glad it wasn\u2019t him in the hot seat.<\/p>\n

In no mood to play games, Ben\u2019s dark eyes burned into Little Joe\u2019s. \u201cGrown men?\u201d he repeated in a scornful tone. \u201cGrown men don\u2019t solve their differences by childishly rolling around in the dirt! And if it\u2019s privacy you wanted, you wouldn\u2019t have done it in full view of our guests!\u201d Exasperated, he turned to Adam and demanded a straight answer. \u201cI want an explanation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thwarted in his plan, Little Joe silently implored Adam to keep quiet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m waiting\u201d Ben said, seeing the exchange of looks.<\/p>\n

Adam rubbed the back of his neck. If he went along with Joe, it would go a long way in patching things up between them, but deep down, he knew it would only be temporary. Besides, now that the party had already ended on an unpleasant note, Marie had a right to know about the gossip she might be facing. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said quietly, \u201cbut Len Keith made some disparaging remarks about Ma and Joe didn\u2019t like the way I handled it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe glared at his older brother, disappointed he hadn\u2019t done the right thing. \u201cYou just had to say it, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Anticipating his outburst, Adam didn\u2019t rise to the bait. Instead, he concentrated on how his father and stepmother were reacting.<\/p>\n

Caught off guard, Ben immediately put a protective hand on Marie\u2019s shoulder, dismayed tonight\u2019s celebration had taken such an ugly turn. Looking up and seeing the concern in his eyes, Marie gave his hand a pat and then took control of the situation, determined to hear the rest. \u201cGo on,\u201d she said to Adam in a calm voice. \u201cI\u2019d like to hear what he had to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrust me,\u201d Joe pleaded, leaning forward and looking at her. \u201cIt’s better left unsaid.\u201d The fact he was echoing his brother\u2019s earlier sentiment didn\u2019t escape him.<\/p>\n

She held up her hand to quiet him and then nodded at Adam, indicating he should answer her question. Adam nodded and with an apologetic look, he relayed Len Keith\u2019s outlandish suspicions and the resulting fight between him and Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare he?\u201d Ben said in a furiously quiet voice, his blood boiling.<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head angrily. \u201cThat no good liar! I\u2019ll teach him to keep his mouth shut!\u201d<\/p>\n

Feeling vindicated, Little Joe nodded at Hoss, glad he could count on him. \u201cYou and me, both!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not,\u201d Marie said, disapprovingly. \u201cI know it\u2019s upsetting, but violence isn\u2019t the answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing how his own anger was adding fuel to the fire, Ben forced himself to calm down. \u201cYour mother\u2019s right, boys, settle down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned at him in disbelief. \u201cBut, Pa, you\u2019re not gonna let him get away with sayin\u2019 such terrible things about Ma, are yuh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLen Keith is a troubled man,\u201d Marie said, interjecting in a firm tone, \u201cand no one with any sense will listen to him. Our friends, the people who were here tonight, know the truth and that\u2019s all that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. He didn\u2019t want to be argumentative, but he wasn\u2019t convinced she was altogether right. \u201cAren\u2019t you forgettin\u2019 Len Keith was here as a friend tonight, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Little Joe said, getting more wound up, \u201cand he\u2019ll just keep talking unless we convince him otherwise!\u201d<\/p>\n

A tiny frown creased Marie\u2019s forehead, knowing her answer was going to hurt Adam. \u201cLen Keith has never been a real friend. He was only invited as a courtesy to Virginia.\u201d She gave Adam an understanding look. \u201cShe\u2019s a lovely girl, just like her late mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam lowered his eyes in guilt. If he hadn\u2019t put off the inevitable, the Keith\u2019s wouldn\u2019t have been invited and none of this would\u2019ve happened tonight. \u201cYes, she is, but I should have broken it off months ago. I\u2019m sorry my involvement led to this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed in anger and disbelief. \u201cYou mean you don\u2019t even like her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie gently, but firmly chastised him. \u201cI appreciate you wanting to defend me, Joseph, but Adam was right to send Len Keith on his way and I\u2019m disappointed you fought him over it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hurt, Little Joe shook his head in bewilderment. \u201cMaybe Adam can listen to those lies and not do anything about it, but not me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you why,\u201d Adam said, losing his patience, \u201cand if you weren\u2019t so wrapped up in your own jealousies, you\u2019d understand it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sensing another argument was about to erupt, Ben cautioned his eldest. \u201cIt\u2019s late, Adam, let\u2019s not get into that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Determined to finally have it out, Adam angrily got to his feet. \u201cNo, not when it\u2019s the real reason Joe took a swing at me.\u201d He looked at Marie and spoke sharply to her. \u201cWhat about you? Are you going to keep indulging him? Do I have to walk on eggshells indefinitely now that your back?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hands balled into fists, Little Joe jumped to his feet fighting mad. \u201cShut up, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

Reacting, Ben grabbed Little Joe by the arm to restrain him. At the same time, he glared at Adam. \u201cI\u2019m surprised at you! You owe your mother an apology.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not in the most reasonable of moods, Adam stared Little Joe down. \u201cYou mean Joe\u2019s mother as he\u2019s so quick to point out, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cArrete! Stop it!\u201d Marie said, raising her voice and standing up between them. \u201cThis behavior is beneath both of you!\u201d She looked from one to the other, conveying her anger and disappointment.<\/p>\n

Angry the boys had upset her, Ben gave Adam and Little Joe a furious look before turning to Marie. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Marie, you must be tired.\u201d His eyebrows knit together in concern. \u201cMaybe you should go up to bed. I\u2019ll talk to the boys and straighten this out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Incensed at being dismissed, Marie\u2019s eyes flashed at her husband. \u201cFor goodness sake, Ben, don\u2019t treat me like I\u2019m too delicate to deal with our sons! You forget, I\u2019m no shrinking violet!\u201d She shook her head in dismay. \u201cI don\u2019t approve of Adam speaking to me like that, but at least he\u2019s treating me like family and not a porcelain doll.\u201d She gestured toward the settee. \u201cNow, please, sit down, all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes widened, surprised by his wife\u2019s feistiness. It was a quality he admired in her, but not necessarily when it was directed towards him. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said, going along with her, “but only if these two can manage to stay civil.” He gave Adam a pointed look and then directed a reluctant Little Joe back to the settee, where he took a seat beside him.<\/p>\n

Calmer now and feeling sheepish, Adam sat back down on the hearth and apologized to his stepmother. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I shouldn\u2019t have snapped at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie nodded in acceptance and then drew a deep breath as she looked around at the men in her life. \u201cThe only way we\u2019re going to avoid resentment and potential flare-ups like the one tonight is to be honest with one another.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feeling singled out, Little Joe quickly spoke up. \u201cI didn\u2019t think Adam was hard enough on Len Keith, that\u2019s all, there\u2019s nothing more to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing more?\u201d she asked, giving him a soft look.<\/p>\n

Uncomfortable under her probing gaze, Little Joe lowered his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not just you, Little Joe. All of us, including me, are struggling to adjust. I\u2019ve been afraid of overstepping so I haven\u2019t spoken up like a wife and mother should. I\u2019ve also allowed the company manners to continue far too long.\u201d She smiled at Hoss. \u201cYou know, Hoss, I\u2019m not offended when a man comes in hot and sweaty after a hard day\u2019s work. You needn\u2019t apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n

Surprised at suddenly being the center of attention, Hoss blushed and stammered. \u201cAw\u2026Ma\u2026I reckon\u2026well\u2026I just want everything to be nice for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gave him an affectionate look. \u201cI can\u2019t think of anything nicer than you treating me like your mother and being yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I admit,\u201d he said, smiling warmly, \u201cI like the sound of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s mouth curved into a little smile, hoping if he provided some levity, he could avoid the deeper conversation his mother seemed determined to have. \u201cGreat, now that Hoss knows he can slouch in his chair and pick his teeth, we can all go to bed!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe,\u201d Marie said, feeling let down by his lack of cooperation. \u201cI know it\u2019s not something men like to do, but talking really will help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Upset to hear the disappointment in her voice, Little Joe averted his eyes. She was probably right. He didn\u2019t like the way he\u2019d been feeling, but admitting his jealousies in front of the whole family was a daunting thought. \u201cWhat\u2019s the point?\u201d he muttered, testing the waters. \u201cNo matter what I say, Adam will just tell me to get over it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben put a fatherly hand on his leg, both in reassurance and in warning, and then cocked an eyebrow at Adam. Marie was right, grown or not, these two needed help listening to each other. \u201cAdam, what do you have to say about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked across at his younger brother, stung he felt that way. \u201cI admit I\u2019ve been frustrated, but it\u2019s only because I don\u2019t know what I\u2019m doing wrong.\u201d He glanced down in regret. Little Joe had gotten the biggest shock\u00a0of his young\u00a0life and it wasn\u2019t his place to judge how he was dealing with it. \u201cI\u2019m not indifferent to your feelings, Joe, and I\u2019m sorry I came across that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe shifted uncomfortably. He hadn\u2019t expected an apology and now he\u2019d have to say something more. He took a deep breath and gathered his courage. \u201cAll right, I may as well say it since you\u2019ve guessed anyway.\u201d He swallowed hard. \u201cI\u2019m jealous\u2026jealous you remember Ma being here\u2026raising you\u2026and I don\u2019t. I know it\u2019s crazy considering I used to pester you for stories\u2026but now\u2026it gets to me\u2026she\u2019s my\u00a0mother\u2026but you\u2019re the one who remembers her giving you advice\u2026taking care of you\u2026teaching you things.\u201d He hung his head, afraid of how he sounded.<\/p>\n

Relieved Little Joe was finally voicing it, Ben and Marie traded knowing glances and anxiously waited for Adam to respond.<\/p>\n

With his head down, Little Joe didn\u2019t see it, but Adam gave him a soft look as he searched for the right words. There were certain things he simply couldn\u2019t change and he hoped his little brother could accept it. \u201cWell, I can\u2019t help being older than you,\u201d he replied honestly, \u201cand I can\u2019t pretend I didn’t have those years with your mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s head snapped up. \u201cIn other words, get over it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me finish,\u201d Adam replied, testily.<\/p>\n

Little Joe flushed, feeling like a fool for opening up.<\/p>\n

Hoping to reassure him, Adam\u2019s expression softened once again. \u201cNow that I know what\u2019s been upsetting you, I\u2019ll be more mindful.\u201d He gave him an earnest look. \u201cI just thought once Hoss and I got back from the timber camp, you\u2019d be ready to get back to our normal work schedule and things around the house wouldn’t be so, I don\u2019t know, divided. Evidently, I rushed it, so from here on out, I\u2019ll leave it up to the three of you and won\u2019t say a word.\u201d\u00a0 He gestured to his father, stepmother, and Joe as he spoke those last words.<\/p>\n

Concerned by what he was hearing, Hoss sat up straighter and leaned forward, determined to be heard before anyone else had a chance to talk. \u201cNow wait a minute,\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cFamily business is<\/em> your business, Adam, and it\u2019s mine, too.\u201d He frowned at Little Joe. \u201cI know Ma\u2019s your real Ma and you feel like you got a lot of catchin\u2019 up to do, but so do the rest of us and I don\u2019t like being left out. All five<\/em> of us are a family, leastways I hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaken by the vehemence in his voice, Little Joe\u2019s eyebrows knit together in thought. He\u2019d been prepared for Adam to push back, but not Hoss. Evidently, his concerns ran deep because it was the same thing he\u2019d said that day out at the fence line. He didn\u2019t want his brothers to feel like they were being brushed aside.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d Ben said, firmly. \u201cWe\u2019re all a family and it\u2019s time we all started acting like one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s eyes glistened in distress. \u201cI agree. All five of us are a family and the thought of me coming between any of you is unbearable. The last thing I want to do is create a divide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feeling guilty, Little Joe went over and knelt beside her. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said miserably. \u201cI\u2019m the one who muddled everything up. I\u2019ve only been thinking about myself. Adam and Hoss shouldn’t have to cover for me and they oughta be able to talk about their own childhoods without me getting upset.\u201d He dropped his head in shame.\u00a0 “It’s just…well…I wish I had those same experiences.”<\/p>\n

Marie reached out and touched his chin, encouraging him to look at her. \u201cJoseph, darling, I loved you from the moment I first realized I was carrying you and your birth was one of the happiest days of my life. Be confident of my love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe flushed\u00a0with warmth, comforted by the\u00a0depth of\u00a0emotion\u00a0in her voice.\u00a0 Marie smiled\u00a0at\u00a0him and\u00a0then glanced around the room at Ben and the boys, wanting to include them in the moment. \u201cI remember the first time your father held you in his arms. He was so tender and gentle and when he called your brothers into the room\u00a0to peek at you, they could\u00a0barely contain their excitement. You were a much-loved addition to the family, mon petit, and now after all these years apart, we\u2019re blessed to be a family again. Please, try to understand, if we dwell on what we missed, it will only rob us of our joy today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d he replied with a catch in his voice, \u201cit\u2019s just…it’s just so unfair! We lost\u00a0all those\u00a0years because of outlaws who didn\u2019t give a whit about\u00a0ruining our lives and then the years we did<\/em> have together\u2026”\u00a0 He shook his head. “I can\u2019t remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie looked at him with sorrowful eyes, wishing she could take away his pain and resentment. \u201cDon\u2019t despair, Little Joe. You don\u2019t remember simply because you were too little, but I do. I remember every detail of those precious days. I remember holding and rocking you as an infant and how you cooed and flailed your little arms when you got excited. I remember you as a toddler and the look of wonder on your face when you discovered something new. I remember you as an energetic little boy getting into everything and chattering nonstop. I cherish those memories, especially since they were lost to me for so many years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded, a lump in his throat. The ties he\u2019d been yearning for had been there all along, just as they were for the rest of the family.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe thankful,\u201d Ben added softly, \u201cfor the second chance you\u2019ve been given and keep in mind your brothers never had the opportunity to know their own mothers at all. Adam has a few precious memories of Inger, but your mother is the only mother they\u2019ve ever really known.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie nodded thoughtfully. \u201cI was thrilled to raise Adam and Hoss as my own and I cherish those memories as well. Hoss was an adorable five-year-old full of\u00a0hugs and smiles when I first came to the Ponderosa and I soon learned, he was a friend to every animal known to mankind.\u201d She smiled fondly at Hoss. \u201cI never knew what furry little creature you were going to bring me and I always had to brace myself, hoping it wasn\u2019t a baby mouse or rat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amid the soft chuckles, Marie let her gaze travel to Adam. \u201cAdam was eleven and already a big help around the ranch, but still just a boy, whether he wanted to admit it or not. Sweet and helpful one minute and full of curiosity and mischief the next.\u201d She smiled at him. \u201cI had my hands full staying one step ahead of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou managed,\u201d Adam said, giving her a soft smile.<\/p>\n

Marie nodded and then her expression became more solemn. \u201cIn honor of Elizabeth and Inger, I wanted to be a good mother to both of you and that\u2019s why it pains me to hear any<\/em> of you boys diminishing my relationships with you. I may not have given birth to all of you, but I consider myself the mother of this family. I hope all of you do, too.\u201d She looked from son to son, making meaningful eye contact with each one of them, beginning with Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned, his eyes twinkling. \u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d he replied enthusiastically. \u201cLike Pa said, you\u2019re the only mother I\u2019ve ever known.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam said with a dimpled smile. His own mother and Inger were safely tucked in his heart, but Marie was the one who\u2019d been there during those difficult growing-up years. She was the one he thought of as \u2018Ma.\u2019<\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded when his mother\u2019s gaze came to rest upon him. \u201cYes,\u201d he replied, the quiver in his voice reflecting his emotion. Knowing his brothers the way he did, he could see how much they truly loved and respected his mother and it warmed his heart. All the important people in his life loved each other, just as much as he loved them, and that was the important thing.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart swelled with pride, glad to see them pulling together as a family. They\u2019d all been through an emotional wringer and it wouldn\u2019t surprise him if more situations cropped up in the future, but as long as everyone started from a place of mutual love and understanding, they\u2019d work through it and the family bonds would remain intact. \u00a0\u201cAll right,\u201d he said smiling wearily and standing up, \u201cnow that we\u2019ve all come to an understanding, I think it\u2019s finally time for bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie’s eyes swept across the boys’ faces one more time, relieved the tense expressions from earlier in the evening had been replaced with soft gentle ones.\u00a0 “Yes,” she agreeing. “I think I’ll sleep well tonight.”<\/p>\n

Ben offered her his hand and together they\u00a0climbed the stairs, both eager to shed their\u00a0party clothes and collapse into bed.<\/p>\n

The boys watched them a moment and then one by one\u00a0they rose from their seats.\u00a0 At the foot of the stairs, Little Joe\u00a0put his hand on Adam’s shoulder, stopping him before he headed up.\u00a0\u00a0“I’m, uh,\u00a0sorry I’ve been\u00a0such a pain,” he said, giving him a sheepish look.\u00a0 “I shouldn’t have blamed you for the way I was feeling.”<\/p>\n

Adam smiled reassuringly and nodded, glad all the tension was gone between them. “It’s all right, little brother, it’s forgotten.”<\/p>\n

“That’s right,” Hoss said, winking and happily slapping them both\u00a0on the back, “that’s the way it should be between us brothers.”<\/p>\n

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

Sister Margaret\u2019s attention was drawn to the shrieks of laughter coming from the yard. It was a beautiful fall day and she was sitting on the porch having a glass of sherry with Marie and she couldn\u2019t be happier. It was a joy to finally meet the whole Cartwright family. Hoss and Little Joe were playing a lively game of horseshoes with the older boys and Adam was playing ball with the younger ones. Marie\u2019s husband, Ben, was leaning against a tree, smoking his pipe and watching the fun. They\u2019d only arrived a few days ago, but they already seemed like family.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does my heart good to meet Ben and the boys, Marie. They\u2019re exactly as you described.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie looked out over the yard. She enjoyed watching them run around and play as if they were still children. \u201cThey\u2019re wonderful men, exasperating at times, but I love them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret gave her a humorous look. \u201cI imagine you hold your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I think I\u2019ve surprised them a time or two,\u201d Marie replied with a little laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo doubt!\u201d she chuckled.<\/p>\n

Marie laughed along with her, but then her eyes became thoughtful as she thought back to her arrival at the Ponderosa. \u201cAfter so many years apart, I was terrified Ben wouldn\u2019t love me anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that worry has obviously been put to rest,\u201d Sister Margaret replied, giving her an insightful look. \u201cI can see the love in his eyes every time he looks at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie smiled. \u201cYes, it\u2019s been soundly put to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret reached over and gave her hand a pat. \u201cBeing a wife and mother suits you, Marie. It\u2019s wonderful to see this side of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie gave her an appreciative look. \u201cSometimes I get upset when I think about the years I missed, but then I tell myself the same thing I tell Little Joe\u2014don\u2019t waste precious time mourning something you can\u2019t change.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a strong woman,\u201d she replied, \u201cbut still, I can imagine how hard it must be for all of you.\u201d She shook her head, thinking about it. \u201cLittle Joe was so young.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie nodded. \u201cHe grieves the years we lost and resents the men who caused it. I suspect my having lived here,\u00a0raising\u00a0other boys, only adds to his pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret raised an eyebrow. \u201cThen, forgive me for asking, but was it wise to bring him here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie sought out her son as he played in the yard and observed him a moment before answering.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s a compassionate young man and I think\u00a0meeting all of you will help him realize he shouldn\u2019t be resentful of the life I lived here. We were victims of evil, but my amnesia ended up protecting me from being abused and dragged all over the country-side as a slave and by God\u2019s grace, I was safely delivered into your hands. It\u2019s something we should be grateful for and I’m hoping he’ll see that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt takes faith to come to a place of peace and forgiveness,\u201d Sister Margaret said, recognizing Marie\u2019s conviction. \u201cI\u2019m glad you haven\u2019t lost yours. Just keep living in the moment and counting your blessings and I\u2019m sure he will, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bolstered by her encouragement, Marie nodded as Sister Benedicta came out onto the porch. \u201cSupper\u2019s ready,\u201d she announced as she cheerfully reached up to ring the bell.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel so guilty not helping,\u201d Marie said, standing up.<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense!\u201d exclaimed Sister Benedicta as she headed back inside in anticipation of the stampede. \u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to feed you and your menfolk. You\u2019ve been so good to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding in agreement, Sister Margaret got to her feet and kindly called out instructions to the boys as they boisterously clambered up the stairs and funneled through the porch. \u201cWash your hands before you sit down! That goes for the big boys, too!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d Hoss replied with a chuckle. \u201cIt sure smells good!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoast chicken and all the fixings for dinner and apple pie for dessert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHot diggety!\u201d he exclaimed, rubbing his hands together in delight. \u201cDid yuh here that, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure did,\u201d he replied appreciatively. Having previously spent time at the orphanage with Marie, he knew this wasn\u2019t representative of their ordinary meals.<\/p>\n

Sister Margaret gave him a warm look, touched by his gentleness with Danny who was only four and the youngest of all the boys. \u201cIt looks like you\u2019ve got yourself a shadow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled down at the little boy who was happily holding his hand. \u201cI told him we could sit together at the table. I hope that\u2019s all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d she said, ushering them in and following closely behind. \u201cI can\u2019t think of anything nicer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie smiled and waited for Ben and Little Joe, the last of the troops. \u201cYou know,\u201d Ben said, joining her, \u201cI was thinking the boys and I should forage for firewood tomorrow. There\u2019s plenty of open land where the downed trees are free for the taking. We can probably chop enough to get them through winter.\u201d He jovially clapped Little Joe on the back, including him in the conversation. \u201cWhat do you say, young man, can I count on you to help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe flashed him an easy smile. \u201cSure, Pa, that\u2019s a great idea. You think we can take the older boys, too? They\u2019d be a big help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see why not. I think it would be good for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s what I was thinking,\u201d he said, thoughtfully. He started to walk away, but a rush of emotion stopped him and he turned to smile softly at Marie. \u201cI\u2019m really glad we came. Getting to know the Sisters and all the boys, well, it makes it easier to accept the years you were gone, you know?\u201d\u2019<\/p>\n

Marie smiled softly in return. \u201cI\u2019m glad, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded,\u00a0sensing she\u00a0understood, and then went inside, eager to wash up and find a place at the table. Marie watched him and then looked happily into Ben\u2019s eyes. \u201cIt was the right decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s helped all of us,\u201d he replied, pulling her into an embrace. \u201cI love you, Mrs. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie looked up and kissed him lightly on the lips. \u201cI love you, too,\u201d she said, sighing contentedly.<\/p>\n

Inside the screen door Sister Margaret happily observed the couple. \u201cAll right, you two lovebirds,\u201d she exclaimed, \u201cwe\u2019ve got a table full of hungry boys waiting on you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben and Marie laughingly broke apart and hurriedly went inside while Sister Margaret held the door open, her eyes full of merriment.<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

2017<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Ben Cartwright,\u00a0Family,\u00a0Hoss Cartwright,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright,\u00a0Marie Cartwright<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 On a business trip to Sacramento, Adam makes an astonishing discovery regarding the events surrounding Marie’s death and it\u00a0creates a turmoil of emotions for Ben and the boys.\u00a0 Alternate Universe. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rating: K+ \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Word Count: 31,205<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3892,"featured_media":5719,"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_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[7,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-drama","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2828,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Marie.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2889,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2889","url_meta":{"origin":14128,"position":0},"title":"Homewards (by faust)","author":"faust","date":"March 25, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"After so many years, Adam is coming home. 540 words, rated T","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2854,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2854","url_meta":{"origin":14128,"position":1},"title":"Early One Morning (by faust)","author":"faust","date":"December 28, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Early one morning Adam muses about where his home is\u2014and why. 1,100 words, rated K+ The Art-Universe series, links to all the stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":50059,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=50059","url_meta":{"origin":14128,"position":2},"title":"Heartaches by the Dozen (by Sklamb)","author":"sklamb","date":"December 25, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Life hadn't been going exactly as planned, nor as dreamed. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a01,530 words Written for the Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46716,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46716","url_meta":{"origin":14128,"position":3},"title":"White Christmas (by Sibylle)","author":"Sibylle","date":"December 24, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Jamie tries to learn more about his oldest new brother, but gets something unexpected in the end!: Rating:\u00a0 G Words:\u00a0 1,800 Written for the Bonanza Brand 2023 Advent Calendar","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\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13064,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13064","url_meta":{"origin":14128,"position":4},"title":"One for the Ages (by 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