{"id":1581,"date":"2003-11-26T15:01:41","date_gmt":"2003-11-26T20:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1581"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:36","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:36","slug":"the-course-of-true-love","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1581","title":{"rendered":"The Course of True Love … (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>A beautiful and very young widow comes to town and Joe falls for her. Is he destined for a happy ending this time?<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 (13,325 words)<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

The Course of True Love …A Woman Scorned<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The general store was always crowded with sacks and barrels of things everywhere you looked. Today, Joe thought there seemed to be more space for customers to walk about in, and he glanced round, seeing odd gaps here and there. There had been a bad storm the previous day and Joe guessed that the supply wagon had not yet arrived.<\/p>\n

At the counter in front of Joe was a woman clutching a baby. Joe looked at the baby incuriously, seeing that it was very young. It was also sound asleep in its mother\u2019s arms. He fished in his pocket for the list of supplies that they needed while the woman finished up her shopping.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mrs. Smith,\u201d Cameron, the storekeeper, said. \u201cHi, Joe. What can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the list,\u201d Joe replied, handing it over. He glanced at the woman as she fumbled in her reticule, putting away her change. She was much younger than Joe had expected \u2013 in fact, he wouldn\u2019t have put her age above 20, if that, which made her younger than he was.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re expecting the supply wagon any minute,\u201d Cameron told Joe, drawing the young man\u2019s attention back. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to wait for it before you can get this flour and coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem,\u201d Joe replied, cheerfully. \u201cI can wait. It would be a tragedy if we didn\u2019t have flour and coffee at the Ponderosa. I\u2019ll come back for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Joe,\u201d Cameron agreed. \u201cI\u2019ll start gathering the rest of the supplies for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning to leave the store, Joe saw that Mrs. Smith was struggling to pick up her shopping and hold her baby. \u201cCan I help you, ma\u2019am?\u201d Joe asked politely, tipping his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thank you Mr\u2026\u201d She let the sentence trail off and Cameron jumped in before Joe could say anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Smith, this is Joe Cartwright of the Ponderosa ranch. Joe, this is Mrs. Smith. She just moved into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPleased to meet you,\u201d Joe smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cLikewise,\u201d Mrs. Smith returned. She tilted her head to look at him for the first time and smiled. Joe\u2019s smile widened. Mrs. Smith was one of the most beautiful women had had ever seen. Her eyes were as green as his own and the hair that peeped out from under her fashionable hat was a coppery color. Her skin was fair and her teeth were straight and white. \u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright; I would welcome your help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reflecting that it was a pity this girl was married, Joe picked up her parcels, grinned at Cameron and followed Mrs. Smith out of the store. It was a warm day, and he saw Mrs. Smith move the baby so that the sun wasn\u2019t shining directly on its face. \u201cCute baby,\u201d he remarked, more to make conversation than anything else. Joe wasn\u2019t even sure if the child was a girl or a boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, call me Joe,\u201d he asked. \u201cI always think people mean my pa when they call me Mr. Cartwright.\u201d He caught a glimpse of her face. \u201cIf you think that\u2019s appropriate,\u201d he added hastily. \u201cIf your husband won\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a widow,\u201d she replied. \u201cSo my husband won\u2019t mind. Very well, Joe, but you must call me Caitlin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be my pleasure, Caitlin,\u201d he responded. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry about your husband.\u201d He paused for a moment. \u201cWhat\u2019s the baby\u2019s name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s called Marie,\u201d Caitlin replied, looking down on the sleeping infant. \u201cShe\u2019s 8 weeks old tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mother\u2019s name was Marie,\u201d Joe told her. They smiled at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou say \u2018was\u2019,\u201d Caitlin ventured.\u00a0 She wasn\u2019t sure how to go on.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe died when I was very young,\u201d Joe replied, saving her embarrassment. \u201cI don\u2019t really remember her very clearly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust like Marie won\u2019t remember her father,\u201d Caitlin sighed. \u201cHe died three months before she was born.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe repeated. \u201cThat must be very hard for you. Do you have family here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she replied. \u201cMy parents are back east. My in-laws are both very elderly. When Simon died, I stayed with them for a while and went home for a while, but after Marie was born, I realized that I had to make a fresh start. Back home, I was Simon Smith\u2019s widow and I wasn\u2019t allowed to just be me, Caitlin. So I made the decision to move here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was very brave with a new baby,\u201d Joe marveled.<\/p>\n

\u201cFoolish, more like,\u201d Caitlin smiled. \u201cBut Simon left me money and I can afford to get some help. I\u2019m very lucky, really. I could have been left destitute.\u201d She smiled again, but there was a wistful edge to it now. \u201cThere are advantages to marrying a man much older than yourself,\u201d she added. She stopped in front of a small house. \u201cThank you for your help, Joe,\u201d she repeated.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me take these inside for you,\u201d Joe insisted. The baby was just beginning to stir. Caitlin smiled her thanks. \u201cHow much older than you was your husband?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m 19,\u201d Caitlin replied, matter-of-factly. \u201cAnd Simon was 45.\u201d She tried to smile brightly, but tears trembled on the edges of her lashes. \u201cIt didn\u2019t seem like a big gap.\u201d The tears suddenly broke free and Joe was embarrassed. But after a moment, he found that he had put his arms round her, and Caitlin was leaning on his shoulder, sobbing quietly.<\/p>\n

After a couple of moments, Marie woke and began to cry. Caitlin sniffed, and broke away from Joe, horrified at how forward she had been with this young man she had only known about half an hour. \u201cOh, I\u2019m so sorry,\u201d she apologized, her fair skin staining with color.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cYou\u2019re alone and I\u2019m your friend. Aren\u2019t I?\u201d he coaxed and she smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you are. Thank you. My first friend here in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut not your last, I\u2019d bet,\u201d Joe assured her and politely tipped his hat before taking his leave.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, nice of you to come home at last,\u201d Ben remarked as Joe pulled the wagon to a halt. \u201cWas there a queue at the saloon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, there was a wait for the supply wagon to arrive,\u201d Joe replied, jumping down from the seat. \u201cIt got held up by yesterday\u2019s storm and it was real late arriving in. Sorry it took so long.\u201d He reached for the top sack of flour.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was kidding, son,\u201d Ben chided, gently. \u201cYou\u2019re not that late.\u201d He watched Joe carry the sack over to the kitchen door and drop it down. \u201cSee anyone you knew?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot really,\u201d Joe answered, picking up the next item. \u201cI met the person who bought O\u2019Leary\u2019s cottage though. A Mrs. Smith, a widow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I hope you didn\u2019t meet her in the saloon,\u201d Ben joked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the store,\u201d Joe replied, his eyes twinkling furiously. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. \u201cShe\u2019s a real nice lady, Pa. I carried her shopping home for her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was kind of you,\u201d Ben approved.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe couldn\u2019t manage the shopping and the baby,\u201d Joe added, carrying a crate of vegetables over.<\/p>\n

\u201cBaby?\u201d Ben queried.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh-huh,\u201d Joe confirmed, still diligently unloading the supplies. He was finding it hard to keep his face schooled to neutrality.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich baby is this, Joe?\u201d Ben asked, totally confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, her baby, of course,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cMarie her name is, just like Mama. She\u2019s 8 weeks old and as cute as a button.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I thought you said this lady is a widow,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is,\u201d agreed Joe, deciding that the teasing had better stop there if he wanted to sit down for his supper that night. \u201cCaitlin\u2019s 19 and she was widowed about 5 months ago. Her husband was much older than she was.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pursing his lips, Ben sought to look disapproving. \u201cYou rascal!\u201d he scolded. \u201cWinding me up like that!\u201d He shook his head at Joe, but he couldn\u2019t stop a smile breaking out. Joe grinned back. \u201cYou seem to know an awful lot about her,\u201d he went on. \u201cCould it be that the young widow is pretty?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s beautiful,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cAnd she\u2019s a very nice girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, just remember that she is newly widowed,\u201d Ben reminded him gently. \u201cHer emotions will be very confused right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Pa,\u201d Joe replied, blithely and Ben almost winced aloud. He could see how keen Joe was on his new friend and he hoped that his carefree son wouldn\u2019t get his heart broken.<\/p>\n

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

It was unusual for Joe to be so keen to go to church, Ben thought as they rode in. Yet he hadn\u2019t had to call Joe more than once and there were none of the customary attempts to avoid going. Joe found the sitting still in church a real chore and Ben sometimes wondered if his son would ever get over his fidgets.<\/p>\n

As they hitched the horses to the rail outside the church, Ben caught Joe scanning the people who were arriving for the service. Amused, Ben suddenly understood his son\u2019s sudden desire to be in church; he hoped Caitlin Smith would be there. Ben, who had much more experience with babies than Joe, knew that it was unlikely, but he didn\u2019t say anything. If Joe mentioned her name, Ben resolved he would tell him that babies generally didn\u2019t keep very good time.<\/p>\n

As they sat down in the pew, Joe suddenly turned to Ben and a brilliant smile lit his face. \u201cThere\u2019s Caitlin,\u201d he whispered and pointed discreetly in her direction. She was sitting a couple of rows in front of them on the other side of the aisle.<\/p>\n

Looking in that direction, all Ben could see was the slim figure and the copper-colored hair. The end of a shawl hung down by her hip and Ben guessed that she had brought the baby with her. Marie was clearly asleep and Caitlin had taken a seat where she could make a discreet exit if necessary. Ben couldn\u2019t see her face, but he nodded and smiled at Joe, laughing inwardly when he saw his son settle back contentedly.<\/p>\n

It was one of the most peaceful services that Ben could remember with Joe present. How much of the sermon actually took root in Joe\u2019s brain was debatable, but at least he didn\u2019t have to be reminded to sit still about 20 times. He pretended not to notice when Joe leapt from the pew as the congregation began to leave. Sure enough, Joe made a bee-line for Caitlin\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi there,\u201d he called and Caitlin smiled at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joe, how nice to see you here.\u201d She shifted the baby\u2019s position. \u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m absolutely fine,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cHow are you? And how\u2019s this little lady?\u201d He leaned over to peek into the shawl.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeavy!\u201d Caitlin laughed. \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure if she\u2019d sleep this long, but it was so nice to get out of the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take her if you\u2019d like,\u201d Joe offered, although he always felt rather handless when it came to babies. He liked children and children liked him, but he\u2019d had very little to do with babies.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Caitlin asked, but she handed Marie over with nary a qualm when Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

Together, they walked up the aisle to the door and Ben, who was chatting to the minister, thought that they looked like any young couple with their first child. The thought created a pang through his heart. He wanted his sons to get married and have children and he had been younger than Joe when he had been widowed, but he wasn\u2019t sure that this young woman was the right one for Joe. He knew that he was reacting to the fact that she had been married to an older man, and that he didn\u2019t want Joe to take on a ready-made family, knowing how difficult that could be. Chiding himself mentally for pre-judging the woman, he stepped aside as Joe introduced her to the minister. They spoke briefly before Joe turned to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaitlin, this is my father, Ben Cartwright. Pa, this is Caitlin Smith.\u201d Joe beamed at Ben. \u201cAnd this little lady is Marie Smith.\u201d He tilted the baby so that Ben could admire her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you do, Mrs. Smith,\u201d Ben replied, shaking her hand. He could see why Joe was so taken with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so pleased to meet you, Mr. Cartwright. Joe was such a big help to me the other day. I don\u2019t know how I would have got home without his aid.\u201d Caitlin beamed up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad to hear it,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cAnd what a lovely little lady this is. She looks like you,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

For a moment, a cloud passed over Caitlin\u2019s face. \u201cThank you,\u201d she responded. \u201cBut she actually looks like her late father.\u201d The smile she produced was rather strained, but Ben pretended not to notice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she is a beauty,\u201d Ben remarked. He glanced up as Hoss and Adam came over.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe, you look right purty with a baby in yer arms,\u201d Hoss called as he drew near. He tipped his hat to Caitlin. \u201cMa\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my brother Hoss,\u201d Joe explained, looking pained. \u201cAnd that\u2019s my other brother Adam,\u201d he added, as Adam came into view.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello,\u201d Adam said, smiling at her. He moved to peer at the baby, and just at that moment, Marie opened her eyes and realized at once that she was no longer with her mother. Joe\u2019s look of dismay as the baby gave vent to her ire was hilarious.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d better go,\u201d Caitlin said, reaching for the baby. \u201cIt was so nice to meet you all. I hope to see you again soon. Goodbye.\u201d She hurried away, clutching the screaming infant to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe seems a very nice girl,\u201d Ben commented as they went back to the horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you sure looked the part holding that baby,\u201d Adam added in a teasing tone. \u201cBetter watch out, Joe; she could be looking for a new father for that baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s uncalled for!\u201d Joe protested. \u201cCaitlin was widowed a few months ago. How could you suggest that she\u2019s looking for another husband already? You don\u2019t know her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just joking,\u201d Adam objected. \u201cThere\u2019s no need to go off at me like that. You did look nice holding that baby. But if you don\u2019t mind someone with more experience offering a little advice, next time, don\u2019t look so worried. It doesn\u2019t instill confidence in the mother, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Regaining his sense of humor, Joe retorted, \u201cIt wasn\u2019t my face that set her off screaming, big brother! Just remember that when you offer advice.\u201d He put his heel to his horse and rode off in front.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa asked fer that, Adam,\u201d Hoss chortled.<\/p>\n

In reply, Adam just rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

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

A familiar pattern began to emerge over the next few days. Every morning, when Ben gave out their assignments, Joe would listen hopefully to see if there was anything needing doing in town. When there wasn\u2019t, he would ask if the mail needed collecting, or some supplies. When Ben shook his head each and every time, Joe would look disappointed before mooching off to find his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do realize that Joe is in love, don\u2019t you?\u201d Adam asked his father one morning before he went out.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe thinks he\u2019s in love,\u201d Ben corrected. \u201cAnd yes, I recognize the signs. He\u2019s always like this when he has his eye on a new girl. I wonder how long it will take him to ask her out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think of her?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe seems a nice girl,\u201d Ben replied. He sipped his coffee thoughtfully. \u201cShe\u2019s very young to be left alone with a new baby, that\u2019s for sure. I just hope that loneliness doesn\u2019t get to her and she agrees to marry someone just to have company.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy someone, do you mean Joe?\u201d Adam probed. \u201cBecause we both know what he\u2019s like; he\u2019s half convinced that he\u2019s in love with Caitlin already. It wouldn\u2019t take much of a push before Joe was convinced that they are made for each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot just Joe,\u201d Ben denied. \u201cBut it\u2019s a worry. Perhaps as he gets to know her better, he\u2019ll cool off a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hope so,\u201d Adam agreed, but his tone indicated that he thought it a forlorn hope.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI need one of you to go into town this morning,\u201d Ben announced over breakfast the next day. \u201cThere\u2019s a crate of horseshoes waiting to be collected from the blacksmith\u2019s shop and we need some more nails. We\u2019re running low and Charlie told me that the fence in the north pasture is down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go into town,\u201d Adam offered, his disinterested demeanor hiding the mischief that prompted the offer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go,\u201d Hoss suggested. \u201cYa need someone big an\u2019 strong to carry them horseshoes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s true,\u201d Ben hedged, knowing perfectly well that his older sons were intent on tormenting the life out of his youngest son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m strong!\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI could go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that wouldn\u2019t be fair,\u201d Adam objected, using one of Joe\u2019s favorite arguments against him. \u201cYou went in for the supplies last week. It must be either Hoss\u2019 or my turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss suddenly coughed loudly into his fist to try and hide the laughter that threatened to break out as he saw Joe\u2019s indignant face. Joe shot him a glance and suddenly tumbled that he was being teased. However, this revelation didn\u2019t restore his good humor. He scowled ferociously at his family, all of whom were now laughing at him openly. \u201cFine!\u201d he snapped. \u201cOne of you go into town!\u201d He threw his napkin down on his plate and stormed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was cruel,\u201d Ben sniggered.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it was very funny,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cDid you see his face when I said it wasn\u2019t fair?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure is in a snit, ain\u2019t he?\u201d Hoss chortled.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo and get him and tell him he can go into town, Adam, please,\u201d Ben requested. \u201cI can\u2019t bear a whole day of his bad temper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing,\u201d Adam agreed and rose.<\/p>\n

Outside, he was surprised to find Joe hitching the wagon. \u201cGoing somewhere?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Flushing, Joe said nothing, continuing to fasten the necessary straps. The horse tossed its head and moved uneasily, sensing the man\u2019s anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a touch sensitive right now, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cWe were just teasing you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe snapped. He drew in a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He knew perfectly well that he hadn\u2019t shown himself in the best light, and he didn\u2019t need Adam rubbing it in.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa says you can go into town if you really want to,\u201d offered Adam, trying to gauge how annoyed his brother was. \u201cBut you don\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go,\u201d Joe replied, sulkily. \u201cI think I can manage a crate of horseshoes and a barrel of nails.\u201d His bad mood was vanishing as though an alchemist had waved a magic wand over him. He backed the other horse into the traces and hitched it up. \u201cI was going to go anyway,\u201d he admitted. Adam rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

As Joe climbed onto the wagon seat, Hoss came out of the house. He handed Adam his hat and gun and watched as Joe released the brake and slapped the reins on the team\u2019s backs. \u201cSay hello ta Mrs. Smith fer me!\u201d Hoss called, as Joe rounded the end of the barn.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, Joe\u2019s ribald reply was lost in the rattling of the wagon bed on the axles.<\/p>\n

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

The first stop was the blacksmith\u2019s shop, where Joe found the crate of horseshoes ready and waiting for him. He loaded them onto the wagon, enduring the jibes about the smallest Cartwright being asked to do the heaviest jobs and paid the smith.<\/p>\n

His next port of call was the hardware store, where he bought the required keg of nails and passed some minutes in conversation with the owner. Jackson Jones was renowned throughout the town for the amount of talking he did. It didn\u2019t even matter when one customer left and he was serving another \u2013 he just kept on talking as though the person he was addressing was the same. In fact, it was widely rumored that when he didn\u2019t have customers, he talked to himself, although this had never been substantiated.<\/p>\n

But today, Joe was too impatient to spend too long talking to Jones, and he made his excuses and left the first time Jones paused for breath. Securing the keg in the wagon, Joe thought about what he was going to do next.<\/p>\n

Stopping briefly at the mercantile, Joe headed the wagon out to Caitlin\u2019s house. Taking a deep breath, he jumped down from the seat and knocked on the door. After a moment, Jenny Kendrick opened the door and grinned at Joe. He had known her in school. \u201cHi, Joe!\u201d she exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Jenny,\u201d Joe replied, feeling his heart sink. It would be all over Virginia City by that evening that he was calling on the Widow Smith. He smiled back. Well, it was too late to back out now. \u201cIs Mrs. Smith in?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing,\u201d Jenny responded. \u201cHold on and I\u2019ll tell her you\u2019re here.\u201d She beckoned Joe into the small front hall and disappeared upstairs. Joe heard the murmur of voices and then Jenny reappeared. \u201cMrs. Smith says to have a seat and would you like a cup of coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, that would be great,\u201d Joe replied, for he had left the house that morning with his coffee only half drunk and Joe always felt he couldn\u2019t get started in the morning without his coffee.<\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t drunk more than a couple of mouthfuls, sitting at the kitchen table, when Caitlin came into the room. She looked tired and her hair was hanging in a loose plait down her back. He rose to his feet when she entered. \u201cJoe!\u201d she exclaimed. \u201cHow nice to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was in town, so I thought I\u2019d pop by and see you, but if it\u2019s a bad time\u2026\u201d Joe didn\u2019t get the chance to finish.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, come in to the sitting room. Jenny, can you bring me a cup of coffee, too, please?\u201d Caitlin asked and Joe obediently picked up his cup and followed her through to the front room. \u201cMarie\u2019s asleep just now,\u201d Caitlin explained. \u201cIt\u2019s so good to see you. I was feeling a bit lonely, but I was up a lot of last night. I just couldn\u2019t get Marie to sleep at all.\u201d She sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI brought you a gift,\u201d Joe remembered and delved in his jacket pocket. \u201cAnd I brought one for Marie, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t have to do that!\u201d Caitlin scolded, but she looked excited. \u201cMay I open them now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019d like,\u201d Joe replied, smiling at her enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

With child-like delight, Caitlin felt both gifts thoroughly before first opening the one for Marie. In it was a simple, but elegant, ivory teething ring. Joe looked embarrassed as Caitlin exclaimed over it. \u201cCameron at the store said that babies can get teeth quite soon and that those are really good,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Caitlin replied, her eyes glowing. \u201cThat\u2019s wonderful!\u201d She turned to her own gift, opening it slowly. She looked at the gift for a moment before drawing it out of the wrappings. It was a small china bud vase, with a pale pink rose painted onto the white surface. \u201cJoe, that\u2019s lovely! Thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThink of it as a house-warming present,\u201d Joe told her, relieved that she had liked his offerings and flattered by her obvious delight.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow kind of you!\u201d To Joe\u2019s horror, Caitlin was blinking away tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaitlin? I didn\u2019t mean to upset you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t, Joe,\u201d she assured him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I cry so easily nowadays. Its beautiful and I\u2019m really touched.\u201d She composed herself as Jenny came in with her coffee.<\/p>\n

There was a slight hiatus as Caitlin took a sip of her coffee, but before long, she and Joe were chatting away like old friends. Caitlin was funny and clever and Joe was enchanted with her. Finally, a clock somewhere struck noon and Joe realized he should have been home long ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my goodness, I\u2019m going to be late!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cThank you for the coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it is I who should thank you,\u201d Caitlin insisted. \u201cJenny is a great comfort to me and we get on very well, but it\u2019s nice to have a change of company. And thank you for those gifts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCaitlin, I\u2019d like to see more of you,\u201d Joe ventured. \u201cI\u2019ll understand if it\u2019s too soon for romance, but I\u2019d like to see you as a friend. Perhaps we could go for a picnic on Saturday? We could take Marie along and I\u2019ll show you some of the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that very much,\u201d Caitlin replied. \u201cAs friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs friends,\u201d Joe agreed. He kissed her cheek lightly and left.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere have you been, young man?\u201d Ben demanded as Joe came into the house. He knew perfectly well where Joe had been, but he wanted to see exactly what Joe would say.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry I\u2019m late, Pa,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI went to see Caitlin and I forgot the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing isn\u2019t too happy with you,\u201d Ben warned him. \u201cYou missed lunch.\u201d\u00a0 He eyed Joe assessingly. \u201cHow is Caitlin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe looked kinda tired,\u201d Joe admitted, his movements slowing as he thought about the girl. \u201cShe said Marie had her up a lot of the night. I guess babies do that, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid they do,\u201d Ben agreed, going over to the table. Joe followed him. \u201cI remember pacing the floor down here with you a night or two,\u201d he mused. \u201cYour poor mother was worn out and I walked about with you howling in my ear until exhaustion finally sent you to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCaitlin has Jenny Kendrick working for her,\u201d Joe told him. \u201cBut I guess Jenny isn\u2019t there at night, so Caitlin hasn\u2019t anyone to help with the baby through the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts tiring,\u201d Ben sympathized, \u201cbut it\u2019s worth it.\u201d He smiled ruefully. \u201cI have to admit that sometimes it doesn\u2019t\u00a0seem<\/em>\u00a0like its going to be worth it, when it\u2019s the middle of the night and the baby won\u2019t go to sleep and there\u2019s no one to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how you managed, Pa,\u201d Joe said, quietly. He knew that Ben was thinking of the years he spent traveling west with Adam and Hoss, alone for the most part.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do I,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cBut you do what you have to do and get on with it.\u201d He smiled at Hop Sing who had come silently from the kitchen and put a plate down in front of Joe. \u201cYou eat your lunch, son and then perhaps you can go and help your brothers mend that fence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Joe replied and started to eat hungrily.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow was Mrs. Smith?\u201d Hoss asked, as Joe arrived.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, thanks,\u201d Joe replied, determined not to be drawn into losing his temper. He shucked his jacket and prepared to lend a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s the baby?\u201d was the next attempt from Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Joe answered, picking up hammer.<\/p>\n

Eyeing Joe speculatively, Adam leant against Hoss\u2019 beefy shoulder. \u201cDo I sense a rejection here, brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould be,\u201d agreed Hoss, leaning against Adam, who almost fell over, unprepared for Hoss\u2019 weight. \u201cI reckon his heart\u2019s broke, don\u2019 ya, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like it to me,\u201d nodded Adam, having regained his balance before he crashed to the ground with Hoss on top of him. They\u2019d never have lived that one down, he reflected, waiting for the explosion from Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t put money on it,\u201d Joe advised. \u201cI\u2019m seeing Caitlin again on Saturday. As friends,\u201d he added pointedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, as friends,\u201d Adam echoed. \u201cIs that what they call it now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was called courtin\u2019,\u201d Hoss admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat oaks from little acorns grow,\u201d Joe quoted cheerfully. He looked at his brothers. \u201cAre we going to mend this fence or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Saturday dawned bright and sunny and Joe hurried through his morning chores so he could get ready to collect Caitlin. Adam obligingly hitched the buggy for Joe and he drove off in plenty of time. Jenny once more admitted him when he arrived at Caitlin\u2019s house, and he sat down to wait patiently for Caitlin to be ready.<\/p>\n

After a while, he rose to his feet and looked around the room. He paused to study a photo of a distinguished looking man with light colored hair. He guessed at once that this was Simon, for as Caitlin had said, Marie did indeed resemble him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Simon,\u201d Caitlin said from behind him. Turning, Joe saw that she had on a light pink dress and looked very young and fresh. Marie was gurgling in her mother\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guessed,\u201d Joe replied, unexpectedly depressed by Caitlin\u2019s continuing devotion to her lost husband. Yet he knew that Caitlin wasn\u2019t ready to move on, and wondered why he should feel like that. \u201cMarie is like him, isn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery,\u201d agreed Caitlin. She looked at the baby and smiled as the infant smiled at her. \u201cIt\u2019s a comfort, Joe. To know that when I look at Marie I\u2019ll always be able to see Simon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Joe murmured, because he did. Ben had often commented that he was able to see each of his wives in the sons they had left him and mentioned the solace this had brought him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what can I bring for the picnic?\u201d Caitlin asked, making an effort to shake off the somber mood.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust yourself,\u201d Joe assured her, smiling. \u201cEverything else is organized.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Caitlin protested uncomfortably.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d Joe said firmly. \u201cCome along, madam.\u201d He pretended to crook his arm for the baby and Caitlin laughed aloud. She got her revenge by handing him the baby, but Joe didn\u2019t mind in the least, as Marie beamed at him cheerfully.<\/p>\n

They were soon in the buggy, driving sedately towards Lake Tahoe.<\/p>\n

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

The picnic that Hop Sing had packed for Joe was delicious and he and Caitlin sat on a rug near the lake and talked and laughed while Marie slept. Several times, Joe was tempted to kiss Caitlin, but he quelled the desire, knowing that she was still in love with her late husband.<\/p>\n

They shared their childhoods with each other, Joe explaining about his brothers and his father\u2019s three marriages, which answered Caitlin\u2019s burning, but unspoken, desire to know why none of the Cartwright brothers looked alike. He told her about living on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

In return, Caitlin told him about her upbringing as an only child of older parents. She had gone to an all-girls school and shortly after graduating had gone to work for Simon. She had fallen for him at once, and was surprised and delighted to learn that he had fallen in love with her, too. They had married a few months later and Caitlin had become pregnant at once, much to their mutual delight.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was only one thing that spoiled our happiness before Simon died,\u201d Caitlin told him. \u201cOne of his partners came to the house one evening to talk to Simon about something. Simon left the room to find some papers and Geoffrey, his partner, tried to kiss me.\u201d Caitlin looked at Joe. \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything to encourage him, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you,\u201d Joe assured her, for he could see that she had been, and still was, head over heels in love with Simon.<\/p>\n

\u201cSimon was furious,\u201d Caitlin went on. \u201cHe threw Geoffrey out, and we had a row. Oh, don\u2019t get me wrong, Joe, Simon did trust me, but he was suddenly frightened that I had married him because of his money, not because I loved him. I believe I convinced him, Joe, but I was very unhappy for a while. But then, things settled down again, as they do, and I began to plan for the baby coming.\u201d She paused and looked out over the lake. At that moment, the sun went behind a cloud. \u201cAnd then Simon died,\u201d he concluded. \u201cMarie was born a month early, and I decided to move out here, to get away from the memories.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHas it worked?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome,\u201d Caitlin replied. \u201cI never want to forget Simon; what we had was so special. But I have to move on with my life, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you do,\u201d agreed Joe and he leant in and kissed her gently.<\/p>\n

For a moment, no more, Caitlin returned the pressure on her lips, and then she drew back, flustered and blushing. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d she whispered, and tears danced on her lashes. \u201cIt\u2019s too soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe apologized. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have done that. Please, forgive me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Studying Joe as though for the first time, Caitlin thought again what a spectacularly handsome man Joe was. She had no doubt that she would be as captivated by him as he seemed to be by her, if only her heart didn\u2019t belong to another. When would she believe that Simon was dead? Sometimes it seemed to her that he was still alive somewhere, and would walk in one day. Shaking that thought off, she smiled at Joe. It was simply that she hadn\u2019t been allowed to see Simon\u2019s body, since it had been unrecognizable because of the fire in which he had died. \u201cOf course I forgive you,\u201d she replied, trying to rid her mind of the sad thoughts. \u201cBut I\u2019m not ready for anything more than friendship, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe assured her. He glanced up at the sky, for the sunshine had gone and it looked as though it might come to rain. \u201cIt looks like the weather has changed,\u201d he commented.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Caitlin answered, hoping that didn\u2019t mean that Joe would not want to see her as a friend again. She was lonely and needed all the friends she could get. \u201cAnd I need to get home before Marie wakens and needs a feed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly realizing what Caitlin meant, Joe blushed to the roots of his hair. \u201cOh yes, I see,\u201d he stuttered and began to pack up the picnic. \u201cPerhaps next time, you could come out for dinner at the Ponderosa,\u201d he suggested. \u201cAnd if Marie needed feeding, you could use one of the guest rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll arrange it with Pa and let you know,\u201d Joe smiled, relieved that he hadn\u2019t ruined their friendship with that one rash kiss.<\/p>\n

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

The rain obligingly stayed off until Caitlin and Marie were safely home and Joe promised to send word about Caitlin coming to dinner. He got into the buggy and set off for home, cursing that the rain was now coming down in stair rods and there would likely be some thunder and lightning, too.<\/p>\n

Sure enough, the thunder started rumbling when he was about half way home. The buggy horse broke into an uneasy lope, but the condition of the road was too slick for Joe to be happy with that pace, so he pulled it back to a trot. He was soaked to the skin and shivered slightly.<\/p>\n

There was a flash of lightning and a moment later, the horse half reared and broke into a gallop. The wet leather slipped through Joe\u2019s hands, and it was a minute before he got the reins gathered up again. By then, they were racing along the road at high speed. \u201cWhoa, fellow,\u201d he called, soothingly, but the horse wasn\u2019t to be soothed.<\/p>\n

Abruptly, Joe realized that the horse was hopping lame on one hind leg, and he dashed the rain from his eyes to peer more closely. There was blood on the horse\u2019s haunch. Joe was perplexed. Where had the blood come from? The lightning hadn\u2019t struck the horse, or even anywhere close by. He tightened the reins again, but the horse was running from the pain and wasn\u2019t going to stop!<\/p>\n

There was little Joe could do but hang on, knowing that the horse would tire eventually and come to a halt. But the road was increasingly stony there and as the wheel hit a rock, Joe found himself airborne, the reins still clutched tightly in his hand. He landed with a thump on his back, feeling the reins torn from his hand before something struck his head and he passed out.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI thought Joe would have been home by now,\u201d Ben commented as he, Adam and Hoss sat down to supper. \u201cHe said he\u2019d be back in time for supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he\u2019d be back by now, too,\u201d Adam agreed, helping himself to potatoes. \u201cHoss and I saw him leaving Caitlin\u2019s house as we rode out of town. I don\u2019t think Joe saw us, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u201cIf he left at the same time as you, he should have been back ages ago.\u201d As if to add emphasis to his words, the thunder boomed right overhead.<\/p>\n

Laying down his fork, his meal untouched, Hoss asked, \u201cDo you think we should go look for him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Unwilling to admit how worried he was about Joe, Ben hesitated. But when he looked at his sons, he could see they were as concerned as he was. \u201cYes, I think we should,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n

They rose as one and headed out into the storm.<\/p>\n

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

The cold rain pouring onto his face roused Joe and he tried to roll over to avoid it. His body refused to respond at first, but feeling came back and Joe rolled onto his side. His head throbbed and he touched gentle fingers to the worst place and gaped at them in surprise as they came away bloody.<\/p>\n

Memory returned with a rush and Joe pushed himself to his feet, wincing as his bruised back set up a chorus of disapproval. Peering through the rain, Joe saw the buggy lying a short distance away, with the horse struggling in the traces. Joe limped towards it, becoming aware that more than one place on his body hurt. He didn\u2019t think anything was broken, but he had had quite a battering.<\/p>\n

Dropping to his knees beside the horse, and trying to pretend that it wasn\u2019t a relief to be sitting down again, Joe soothed the animal, calming its struggles so that he could check it over for injuries. It only took him seconds to see that the horse had snapped its leg just above the fetlock. Regretfully, Joe took his gun from his holster and put the animal out of its misery.<\/p>\n

Joe was now faced with a long walk home through the pouring rain with a multitude of minor injuries. He took a few more minutes to allow his system to settle, but the various aches and pains that he had refused to go away. The few minutes grew into several minutes and then into half an hour. Each time Joe got up, his head whirled and walking was clearly going to be difficult.<\/p>\n

Just as he had convinced himself that he\u00a0had<\/em>\u00a0to begin walking and had gained his feet, Joe heard the sound of horses coming towards him. He steadied himself as best he could and waited for help to arrive. He wasn\u2019t at all surprised to see his family, although how they knew he needed help was a mystery to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben exclaimed, jumping down from Buck. He hurried over to Joe, and put out his hand to steady his son, for Joe was swaying like a drunk in a high wind. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe assured Ben, unaware of the fact that blood caked the right hand side of his face. \u201cJust a bit sore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Behind Ben, Adam and Hoss had dismounted and were now checking out the buggy and horse. Adam suddenly let out an exclamation of surprise. \u201cLook at this!\u201d he called. He pointed to the horse and Ben and Hoss crowded closer to see. Joe just closed his eyes and tried to kid himself that he couldn\u2019t feel the world spinning. \u201cThis horse was shot!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just did that,\u201d Joe mumbled, shivering. \u201cIt broke its leg.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, this horse was shot in the haunch, Joe,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe asked, stupidly. \u201cThat can\u2019t be.\u201d But then he remembered seeing blood on the horse\u2019s quarters. \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cDidn\u2019t you hear a shot?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I heard was thunder,\u201d Joe replied. He staggered suddenly as a gust of wind hit him and Hoss caught him before he could fall.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind that for now,\u201d Ben chided Adam. \u201cLet\u2019s get Joe home.\u201d He took Joe\u2019s arm and led him over to Buck. \u201cYou\u2019d better ride with me,\u201d he suggested. \u201cWe didn\u2019t bring an extra horse, and you look like you\u2019re ready to fall over any minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGee, Pa, you sure know how to chirk a guy up,\u201d Joe complained, but he didn\u2019t baulk at riding double. He doubted if he could have sat a horse alone.<\/p>\n

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

A good night\u2019s sleep had Joe back on his feet the next day, but he was badly bruised and the gash on his hairline hurt. The night before, Ben had wanted to send for the doctor, but Joe had dissuaded him, saying that all he wanted was a warm bath and his bed. He even managed to eat a few mouthfuls of supper before falling into a deep sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Pa,\u201d Joe called as he came down the stairs. He glanced at the clock, seeing that it was almost 9 am, but he\u2019d known that he\u2019d been allowed to sleep late. He guessed that they weren\u2019t going to church that morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning,\u201d Ben replied, getting to his feet and going over to join Joe at the table. \u201cHow are you feeling this morning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA bit stiff and sore, but all right,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cThanks, Hop Sing,\u201d he added, as the Chinese cook put the coffee pot on the table. Joe could smell his breakfast cooking and his stomach growled. \u201cI\u2019m starving!\u201d<\/p>\n

That, and the enthusiastic way Joe attacked his food, convinced Ben that his son was all right. He watched Joe eat as he drank another cup of coffee. \u201cWhere are Adam and Hoss?\u201d Joe asked, around a mouthful of bacon.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey went out to see if they could salvage the buggy,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think it can be saved?\u201d Joe asked, frowning. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I crashed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt looked all right last night,\u201d Ben answered, \u201cbut we weren\u2019t really looking at it, to be honest. We were more concerned with you.\u201d He patted Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about it, son. I\u2019d sooner lose a buggy than lose you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Joe applied himself to his plate once more. Ben often wondered where his slender son put so much food, for Joe could sometimes rival Hoss in the portions he put away, although his appetite was the first thing to suffer when he was upset.<\/p>\n

As Joe finished eating, Adam and Hoss returned. \u201cWell, look who\u2019s up!\u201d Hoss exclaimed as he came in. \u201cSleepin\u2019 Beauty!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd good morning to you, too,\u201d Joe responded, good-naturedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019re you feeling?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf his appetite\u2019s anything to go by, he\u2019s feeling in the pink,\u201d Ben responded, dryly. Joe grinned at him. Ben smiled back. \u201cWas the buggy salvageable?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it was,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cIt\u2019ll need a little fixing up here and there, but there\u2019s no great damage.\u201d He glanced at Joe. \u201cWe had a closer look at the horse,\u201d he told his brother. \u201cAnd look what we found.\u201d He held up a piece of flattened lead and Joe took it to look more closely. Ben leant closer to see, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a rifle bullet!\u201d Joe declared, flatly. He looked up at Ben, his face troubled. \u201cSo someone did shoot at me! But who? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben admitted. He glanced at his older sons, both of whom were frowning.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what we wondered, too,\u201d Adam nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt could\u2019ve bin a accident,\u201d Hoss offered. \u201cSomeone out huntin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was pouring,\u201d Joe objected. \u201cWho in their right mind would go huntin\u2019 in a downpour like that?\u201d Hoss shrugged miserably.<\/p>\n

\u201cWant me to go into town and mention it to Roy?\u201d Adam asked his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cWhat would he find? After that rain last night, there won\u2019t be any tracks left.\u201d Glancing at Joe, Ben saw that he had stopped eating at last. \u201cI think you should stay in the house today, son,\u201d he suggested, \u201cand let those aches and pains settle down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa, I\u2019m fine!\u201d Joe protested, before realizing that he\u2019d probably done himself out of a day off work. His agile mind tried to think up a reason for him to go to town, but before he could say anything, Adam stepped in.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to finish that north pasture fence,\u201d he suggested, \u201cand Joe could come along, help us, but we\u2019ll make sure that he doesn\u2019t over do it.\u00a0 That\u2019ll help get rid of his stiffness.\u201d For Joe had been edging carefully out of his seat, trying not to wince. He paused long enough to glare at Adam, who intercepted the look quite calmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think fence mending is quite the right treatment after a fall like that,\u201d Ben objected and Joe threw Adam a triumphant look. \u201cNo, Joe is going to stay around the house today and he can go over the branding records with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now it was Adam\u2019s turn to look triumphant as Joe gave Ben a weak smile. After a moment, Ben grinned back. \u201cRelax, Joe its Sunday.\u201d As he rose from the table, and seeing Joe\u2019s relieved expression, he couldn\u2019t help but add, \u201cYou can help me with the branding records tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

After a couple of days of taking it easy, Joe was easing back into the work of running a ranch the size of the Ponderosa. Adam and Hoss had finished mending the fences, so Joe was spared that, but there seemed to be an inordinate amount of barn chores needing done and Joe couldn\u2019t figure out why Hop Sing needed so much wood all of a sudden. However, he didn\u2019t complain, hoping that Ben would soon relent and allow him to go back to work properly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like you to go to town for the supplies, Joe,\u201d Ben said at breakfast a few days later. Joe beamed at him. Although collecting the supplies was a chore that Ben often gave the boys after they had been off work, Joe didn\u2019t mind. It would allow him the chance to see Caitlin.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Pa,\u201d he agreed and bent his head over his plate, stuffing the remains of his breakfast into his mouth as fast as he could, so he would be ready to leave sooner.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think Joe should go alone?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Shooting his older brother a dirty look, Joe protested, \u201cI can look after myself!\u201d He had completely missed the concern coloring his brother\u2019s tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t look after yourself against a gunman\u2019s bullet!\u201d Adam snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you think that if you come along with me, you can stop that bullet?\u201d Joe asked, sarcastically.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m hardly likely to catch it between my teeth,\u201d Adam retorted, \u201cbut my presence might stop someone shooting at you in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just as it looked as though a full-scale row was about to erupt, there was a knock at the door. Still glaring at Adam, Joe got up to answer it, knowing full well that everyone expected him to. The head logger of the timber crew, Tim Fox, stood there. \u201cTim!\u201d Joe exclaimed. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing the name, Adam rose from the table and hurried over. \u201cTim?\u201d Ben and Hoss followed more slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a problem up at the timber camp, Adam,\u201d Tim explained, tipping his hat to Ben. \u201cI really need you to come up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of a problem?\u201d Adam asked, sharply, reaching for his gun belt. \u201cAn accident?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot the way you mean,\u201d Tim replied. \u201cNobody\u2019s been hurt, but we\u2019ve broken a blade on the mill and there are a couple of other things I\u2019d like your advice about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be right there,\u201d Adam assured him. He glanced at Ben. \u201cWell, that ends the argument, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d he asked. \u201cI can\u2019t go into town with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Joe protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d Adam replied and went out to saddle his horse.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m not happy about you going into town alone,\u201d Ben repeated as Joe hitched the horses. \u201cI wish Hoss didn\u2019t have to go and check that sick cow Charlie found. I could send a message to Mr. Comford that I\u2019ll show him the herd another time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t do that!\u201d Joe protested. \u201cHe might buy from us!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cBut I can\u2019t help worrying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re all fussing over nothing,\u201d Joe assured him. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine, Pa.\u201d He hopped onto the wagon seat and gave Ben a loving smile. \u201cI\u2019ll be back later. I might stop in and see Caitlin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMight?\u201d Ben echoes. \u201cAre you sick, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Joe set the team in motion. Ben stood and watched him go, overcome by sudden unease. Who was gunning for his son and why?<\/p>\n

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

The trip into town was totally uneventful, although Joe could have sworn that he could feel someone watching him. He glanced around sharply several times, but there was never anyone in sight and he finally put it down to the jitters that his father and brothers had expressed.<\/p>\n

He parked the wagon by the store, gave the storekeeper his list and told him he would be back. With a jaunty air, he strode off down the boardwalk, humming to himself. Once again, he felt someone watching him, but the street was busy and he couldn\u2019t see anyone gazing at him in particular.<\/p>\n

As he drew closer to Caitlin\u2019s house, he could see her coming towards it from the opposite direction, pushing a pram. She waved and Joe stopped to wait for her. \u201cHello,\u201d Caitlin said as she reached him. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI came to see Marie, of course!\u201d Joe chided her. \u201cWhat; did you think I\u2019d come to see you?\u201d He leant over the pram and the baby gave him a gummy smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy pram finally arrived yesterday, so Marie and I thought we would give it a try,\u201d Caitlin explained. She suddenly glanced round, the smile leaving her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Joe asked, although he could feel the same sensation she could; they were being watched.<\/p>\n

Caitlin shivered. \u201cFor the last few days, I\u2019ve had the feeling that someone was watching me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go inside,\u201d Joe suggested. He glanced over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you feel it too?\u201d Caitlin asked, wheeling the pram to the foot of the steps.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe nodded. He shielded Caitlin with his own body as she gathered the baby into her arms. As soon as they were safely inside Joe went on,\u201d Someone shot at me on the way home from your house on Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

The green eyes were wide in Caitlin\u2019s white face. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d she asked. Marie gave a wail if discontent and Caitlin realized she was holding the infant very tightly. She led the way into the kitchen, where she laid the baby in a basket.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe assured her. \u201cJust a few bruises.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was Sunday that I first felt these feelings,\u201d Caitlin whispered. \u201cI wondered why you weren\u2019t at church, but I remember you telling me that it depended on what was happening around the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I happened on Sunday,\u201d Joe joked. Caitlin smiled slightly. \u201cBut I don\u2019t understand,\u201d he went on. \u201cWhy would anyone be watching us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Caitlin replied. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t make sense.\u201d She swallowed nervously. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Joe soothed. \u201cI\u2019ll look after you both.\u201d He stepped forward and put his hands on her shoulders. \u201cMaybe you should come out to the ranch for a while, until we find out what\u2019s going on.\u201d He glanced around. \u201cWhere\u2019s Jenny today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s her day off,\u201d Caitlin replied. She took a step towards Joe. \u201cPerhaps I should come to the ranch, but what would your father say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d be\u2026\u201d Joe got no further, for the kitchen door suddenly opened and Joe looked over Caitlin\u2019s head to see the man from her photograph.<\/p>\n

Whirling, Caitlin just gaped at him for a moment. Then, tears suddenly streaking her face, she let out a cry. \u201cSimon!\u201d She threw herself across the room at him. \u201cSimon! Oh, Simon!\u201d She wrapped her arms around him, oblivious of the fact that he only slowly returned the gesture. \u201cI was told you were dead!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a mistake,\u201d he replied, hoarsely, his eyes still fixed on Joe, who stood frozen to the spot.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to your voice?\u201d Caitlin asked, looking up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was hurt in that fire, and couldn\u2019t talk. I don\u2019t know why they told you I was dead, because they knew who I was.\u201d Simon brushed that aside. \u201cI traced you here, but I find you practically in another man\u2019s arms!\u201d He glared at Joe. \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Joe Cartwright,\u201d Caitlin explained. \u201cHe\u2019s a friend of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA friend, eh?\u201d Simon scoffed. \u201cSo that\u2019s why you\u2019ve been seen around town with him, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re implying here, Mr. Smith,\u201d Joe interjected flatly, \u201cbut Caitlin has done nothing wrong. I am just her friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou took her for a picnic last Saturday,\u201d Simon accused him, \u201cand you kissed her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know about that?\u201d Caitlin asked, her face pale. She pulled herself away from Simon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was watching!\u201d Simon roared.<\/p>\n

At the sudden noise, Marie let out a wail and Caitlin reached for her automatically. She hugged the child, and the crying began to abate.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you were watching,\u201d Joe returned, \u201cyou\u2019d have seen Caitlin draw back from me.\u201d He glared at Simon. \u201cShe told me that she was still in love with you and only liked me as a friend. After 6 months, your wife is still in love with you and how do you repay her? You wait nearly a week before you come to her!\u201d Joe shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019d better leave,\u201d Simon ordered, stiffly.<\/p>\n

To his intense annoyance, Joe looked at Caitlin. \u201cWhat do you want me to do?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better go, Joe,\u201d Caitlin replied, nervously. \u201cSimon and I have a lot to talk about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be at the store for a while if you need me,\u201d he told her. Sending another cold look Simon\u2019s way, Joe picked up his hat from the table. \u201cI\u2019ll show myself out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe made his way to the front of the house and opened the door. For an instant, he hesitated, not sure if he should go or stay, but then he heard Caitlin\u2019s voice and realized that this was no place for him. Head down, he went out and pulled the door closed behind him.<\/p>\n

Something hard struck him on the back of the head and Joe tumbled down into darkness.<\/p>\n

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

As Joe left, Simon and Caitlin stood looking at each other. \u201cSimon, I\u2019ve missed you,\u201d Caitlin whispered. She vaguely heard the front door shut. She held the baby out. \u201cThis is your daughter. I called her Marie, like we planned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Simon stepped closer and looked down at the child\u2019s face. She was sleepy and yawned widely before pursing her rosebud mouth and blowing a few bubbles. \u201cShe looks like you,\u201d Simon ventured.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Caitlin shook her head. \u201cNo, she looks like you,\u201d she corrected. \u201cSimon\u2026\u201d Caitlin hesitated. \u201cYou don\u2019t really think that I was cheating on you, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Simon responded, sitting down heavily. \u201cBut when I saw you with that young man, him so good looking and you so obviously pleased to see him, I wasn\u2019t sure what to think. Geoffrey told me that you thought you were a widow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGeoffrey?\u201d Caitlin echoed in dismay. \u201cHow does he come into this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe found me,\u201d Simon reported. \u201cI had been ill for months, and unable to talk. He explained that it was near time for you to give birth and that the shock of knowing I was alive would be too much for you. So I left it a little while before going looking for you. But by then, you had moved out here, and I had to explain to Mama and Papa where I had been. It was a shock for them, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can imagine,\u201d Caitlin murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeoffrey offered to come out here with me, and we decided to watch you, to see when would be the best time to tell you I was still alive. It was so difficult not to come to you.\u201d Simon sighed and wiped his brow with a shaky hand. \u201cThe journey here wore me out and I spent the first few days resting.\u201d He frowned. \u201cI\u2019ve been very tired since we got here and I\u2019m not sure why. I didn\u2019t feel like this at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

A nasty suspicion crept into Caitlin\u2019s mind. \u201cGeoffrey could have been drugging you!\u201d she cried. \u201cWas it him who told you that Joe and I kissed? That I didn\u2019t resist? I thought so! He\u2019s still trying to manipulate you, Simon. He\u2019s determined to get revenge for you throwing him out of the house!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Simon gasped. \u201cDo you think so?\u201d He shook his head. \u201cI know he\u2019s been watching that young man and he told me that he wouldn\u2019t be coming around here again, but I didn\u2019t ask why he was so sure. And then, when I saw you both today, I just couldn\u2019t wait any longer. Caitlin, I love you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I love you,\u201d Caitlin replied and threw herself into his arms once more. She raised her head to him and they kissed deeply.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHey, Pa, where\u2019re ya goin\u2019?\u201d Hoss called, as he saw his father riding towards town.<\/p>\n

Drawing rein, Ben waited while Hoss came alongside him. \u201cMr. Comford didn\u2019t stay as long as I thought, so I decided to go into town to meet up with Joe. Want to come?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing,\u201d Hoss agreed and they set off at a ground-covering lope. As they rode in, Hoss told his father that the sick cow seemed better and Ben told Hoss that Comford would buy a small herd from them. The small-talk didn\u2019t hide the fact that they were both worried about Joe.<\/p>\n

As they rode down the main street, Ben saw his wagon still parked outside the store. The supplies were all loaded. He pulled Buck up and tethered him to the rail and went in, expecting to see Joe passing the time of day with Cameron. \u201cHi, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Cameron called from his perch half-way up a ladder. \u201cThe supplies are all loaded and ready for Little Joe to take home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought Joe might be here,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope, I ain\u2019t seen him in at least a couple of hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Ben replied and went out. \u201cHe\u2019s not been there for a couple of hours,\u201d he reported to Hoss and mounted again.<\/p>\n

They both headed towards Caitlin\u2019s house. Again, Ben dismounted and went over to knock on the door. A few moments later, Caitlin opened it. \u201cHello, Mr. Cartwright, how lovely to see you!\u201d she exclaimed. Ben thought she looked radiant.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Mrs. Smith,\u201d he replied, tipping his hat. \u201cIs Joe here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Caitlin replied. \u201cWhy, no, he left, oh, I\u2019m not sure.\u201d She partially turned away. \u201cSimon, how long ago did Joe leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

A tall man with graying fair hair came into view. \u201cAt least an hour,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn hour?\u201d Ben repeated, worry coloring his tones. \u201cWell, perhaps he\u2019s gone to the saloon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, may I introduce you to my husband?\u201d Caitlin asked and did so proudly, explaining the awful mix-up that had led to her thinking her husband was dead.<\/p>\n

But there was one fact that Ben grasped at once. \u201cYou say your partner assured you that Joe wouldn\u2019t be round again?\u201d he asked, urgently. \u201cWhat did he mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t know, exactly,\u201d Simon replied. \u201cI assumed he\u2019d had words with him. Explained the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen was this, exactly?\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cLate Saturday afternoon, after the rain came on,\u201d Simon replied, clearly perplexed, but on his best behavior. \u201cHe was soaked through.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must have been him who shot at Joe,\u201d Ben murmured.<\/p>\n

Caitlin\u2019s eyes were open wide. \u201cOh no, I never thought!\u201d she cried. \u201cSimon did mention that and I never thought!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Ben soothed her, although every nerve ending was screaming at him to find Joe, quickly! \u201cWhat does your partner look like?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s about your height and very broadly built,\u201d Simon replied. \u201cHe\u2019s got dark hair and a moustache.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben replied, turning to leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, do you think Joe\u2019s all right?\u201d Caitlin asked, anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d Ben replied. He hurried over to his horse and mounted up. He and Hoss rode quickly away.<\/p>\n

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

Before long, there was a crowd out looking for Joe. Men combed the saloons, the livery stable and the boarding houses. People checked out each alley, in case he was lying there injured. But it was as though Joe had vanished into thin air. There was no trace of him. Until one of the men found Joe\u2019s hat on the road leading out of town to the south.<\/p>\n

There were a number of tracks, but Hoss soon picked out the one that looked as though the horse was carrying extra weight. \u201cHe coulda come from Caitlin\u2019s house real easy without bein\u2019 seen,\u201d Hoss pointed out. \u201cI reckon we gotta follow them, Pa. Joe\u2019s in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d Ben agreed. He thanked the men who had helped them search, but said that they would go on alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that wise, Ben?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI don\u2019t know what manner of man has my son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou men go back,\u201d Roy instructed. \u201cI\u2019ll come with ya, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Roy.\u201d They set off following Hoss, who led them confidently along the tracks.<\/p>\n

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

Consciousness slowly tricked back. Joe\u2019s head ached violently and he couldn\u2019t get his thoughts to coalesce. When he tried to move, his limbs refused to cooperate, and it took him several minutes to figure out that he was bound hand and foot.<\/p>\n

But gradually, his grip on the world improved and Joe tentatively opened his eyes. The light blinded him for a moment, but he slit his eyes and squinted until he grew used to the glare. Glancing around, he saw that he was outside, lying beneath a tree. His hands were bound behind his back and his ankles were tied together.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cautiously turning his head, Joe saw a strange man sitting near him. To his knowledge, Joe had never seen him before. \u201cWho are you?\u201d he asked, hoarsely.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Geoffrey Howard,\u201d he replied, coldly, coming to stand over Joe. \u201cMy partner is Simon Smith and I\u2019m going to get rid of you so that my path to Caitlin Smith is wide open.\u201d<\/p>\n

That didn\u2019t make sense. For a moment, Joe wondered if the pounding in his head had affected his hearing. \u201cBut Simon is alive,\u201d he protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for long,\u201d hissed Geoffrey malevolently. \u201cAfter I\u2019ve killed you, I\u2019m going to arrange an accident for him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was you who shot at me on Saturday!\u201d Joe accused. He began to struggle against his bonds, his heart pounding in rhythm with his head. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019re in love with her!\u201d Geoffrey shouted. \u201cAnd I can\u2019t have her looking at any man but me!\u201d He reached down for Joe, who rolled away, but he wasn\u2019t quick enough.<\/p>\n

Yanking Joe to his feet, Geoffrey punched Joe twice in the stomach and allowed the younger man to fall to the ground again. He went over to his horse and took down some rope. Kneeling by Joe, he tied it around Joe\u2019s waist. That done, he began to untie Joe\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

Instantly, Joe kicked out at him, and Geoffrey barely missed a kick in the face. Snarling, he rounded on Joe and punched him several times in the face until Joe slumped down, clinging to consciousness by a thin thread. Satisfied that his prisoner wasn\u2019t going to attack him any more, Geoffrey returned to his task.<\/p>\n

As Joe groggily raised his head again, Geoffrey rose to his feet. He had re-tied Joe\u2019s feet so that there was a length of rope between his ankles. He attached the end of the rope around Joe\u2019s waist to his saddle horn and pulled the young man to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Indians like to do this,\u201d Geoffrey whispered. \u201cWe can learn so much from our red brothers.\u201d He jumped onto his horse and urged it into a trot.<\/p>\n

Fear spiked through Joe\u2019s gut. He knew what was coming and he knew he wouldn\u2019t survive it. Geoffrey would drag him behind his horse until he was dead. The hobbles around Joe\u2019s ankles would simply ensure that he tripped and fell all the sooner.<\/p>\n

At that instant, the rope round his waist tightened, and Joe managed one stumbling step before he fell.<\/p>\n

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

The next minute or so took on nightmare proportions for Joe. The ground rushed past his face, and he couldn\u2019t bite back cries of pain as his body bumped over rocks and through bushes. His clothes ripped within moments, and Joe could feel the skin being flayed from his body. It seemed to him that the horse\u2019s hoof beats were amplified through the ground until it sounded like there were several horses pulling him to his death. He thought he heard shooting, but the pain was too much for him and he passed out.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere!\u201d Hoss cried and slapped his heels into Chubb\u2019s side. The big black gelding sprang forward and Ben and Roy followed.<\/p>\n

As they neared, they could see that the rider was dragging someone along the ground and it didn\u2019t take much to work out who the someone was. Roy shouted for Geoffrey to stop, but the man spurred his horse to greater speed. Roy drew his gun and shot at him.<\/p>\n

Although the shot went wide, Geoffrey was unseated and his horse pulled up to an uncertain standstill, sidling about nervously, uncomfortable with the weight on the end of the rope tied to its saddle.<\/p>\n

Leaving Geoffrey to Roy, Ben and Hoss hauled their horses to a standstill and leapt off to kneel beside Joe\u2019s unconscious figure. \u201cJoe?\u201d Ben whispered, as Hoss caught his breath in horror.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d Roy asked, dragging a handcuffed Geoffrey behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in a bad way, Roy,\u201d Ben replied. He looked up at Geoffrey, who flinched from the anger in that gaze. \u201cHoss, get into town and bring a wagon out here, quickly. Alert Paul that we\u2019re going to need him.\u201d As Hoss jumped into the saddle, Ben rose briefly to retrieve his canteen.<\/p>\n

As Roy hauled his prisoner away, Ben cut through the ropes binding his child\u2019s body and trickled a little water into Joe\u2019s mouth. His son mumbled, but didn\u2019t regain consciousness. Ben ripped off his neckerchief and soaked it in the water. He began to wipe Joe\u2019s face very gently. He didn\u2019t dare look at his son\u2019s broken body. One horrified glance at the raw, bleeding, skin had been enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to be all right, son,\u201d he soothed, although he knew Joe couldn\u2019t hear him. \u201cI\u2019m here now.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Joe was still unconscious when they arrived back in Virginia City. Ben and Hoss carried him gently in to the doctor\u2019s office, where Paul Martin took one horrified look and ordered them out into the waiting room. His nurse was already there and together, they cut the ragged remains of Joe\u2019s clothes from his body.<\/p>\n

It was an anxious wait. Roy had sent a man out to the ranch to tell Adam what was going on and he arrived in town about half an hour after Joe had been brought in. Ben quickly brought him up-to-date, tears standing in his eyes as he related a little of Joe\u2019s injuries. Numb with horror, Adam sank into a seat.<\/p>\n

A little while later, Roy joined them. Geoffrey had been locked up. Roy had searched his hotel room and had discovered a large quantity of laudanum in his belongings. There had also been diaries, and when Roy had glanced through them, they were full of Geoffrey\u2019s plans to get rid of Simon so he could have Caitlin for himself. One of the most recent entries concerned Geoffrey\u2019s attempt to kill Joe and his vow that he would somehow get another chance to get rid of his \u2018rival\u2019. There was no doubt that Geoffrey would be found guilty of at least attempted murder. If Joe should die, the charge would be murder and Geoffrey would hang.<\/p>\n

At long last, the door to the surgery opened and Paul came out. He looked grim and a new burst of fear gripped Ben\u2019s heart. Surely Joe hadn\u2019t died? He didn\u2019t know how he could survive if that was the case. \u201cPaul?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s pretty sick, Ben,\u201d Paul replied and momentary relief swept over Ben. His son was still alive. \u201cHe\u2019s lost a lot of blood. He has a bad head injury.\u201d Paul sighed and sat down. \u201cJoe has broken his left arm in three places, and his right shoulder was dislocated and the wrist broken. He has broken both ankles and his left foot. He has lost a lot of skin from the front of both legs and on his chest and stomach. There is a distinct chance that this will become infected. Right now, he\u2019s holding on and I\u2019ve done everything I can for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

A hand gripped Ben\u2019s arm and he looked up into blue eyes drowned in tears. His own eyes filled with a corresponding moisture and he put his hand over Hoss\u2019. A moment later, Adam\u2019s hand was on top of his and they stayed there for a moment, giving and receiving comfort.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s still unconscious from the ether,\u201d Paul added,\u201d but you can go and sit with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben whispered and hurried into the surgery with his other sons on his heels.<\/p>\n

Joe lay on the examination table. He had a bandage around his head and the top of his chest was swathed in bandages where it peeked out over the blanket. His left arm was in plaster from his fingertips to his shoulder and his right arm had a cast on the wrist and was in a sling. His plastered feet peeked out from under the blanket. Moving closer, Ben could see the bruises marring Joe\u2019s cheek and when he looked, he saw that all Joe\u2019s toes were bruised, too. \u201cJoe?\u201d he breathed, leaning over to stroke his son\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

There was no response.<\/p>\n

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

Over the next 24 hours, Ben could not be persuaded to leave Joe\u2019s side for more than a few minutes at a time. Joe drifted in and out of a drugged sleep, not aware of his family waiting for him to wake. He ran a high temperature for a time, but it finally settled. Paul kept an anxious eye on all the raw places on Joe\u2019s body, but miraculously, infection didn\u2019t set it. Gradually, Paul began to lessen the amount of morphine that Joe was receiving and he was soon nearing consciousness. Finally, on the second day, he opened his eyes and looked at Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello there,\u201d Ben smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026 look\u2026 tired,\u201d Joe whispered. He swallowed and tried to move, but his body rebelled. A groan of pain escaped his lips. \u201cWhat\u2026 happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were hurt,\u201d Ben explained. Paul had warned him not to mention what had happened unless Joe mentioned it first. His memory of events might be shaky because of the head injury.<\/p>\n

That seemed to satisfy Joe for the moment, and he closed his eyes again. When he next awoke, it was Adam who was sitting by his side and a lamp was burning low on a table near the seat. \u201cAdam?\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook who\u2019s awake!\u201d Adam commented, smiling at his brother. \u201cWould you like a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm,\u201d Joe agreed and when Adam brought the glass over, he tried to reach for it. The look of surprise on his face when his arm wouldn\u2019t cooperate was almost comical. \u201cWhat\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy,\u201d Adam soothed. \u201cYou\u2019ve broken your arm and it\u2019s in plaster.\u201d<\/p>\n

Accepting that for the moment, Joe took a few sips of the water. He lay back down and sighed deeply. Although his body was grindingly sore, his mind was much clearer. And suddenly, Joe remembered. \u201cCaitlin and Simon!\u201d he gasped, making an attempt to get up.<\/p>\n

Restraining him gently, Adam assured him, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, they\u2019re safe. Relax, Joe. I promise that they\u2019re all right. Caitlin was in to see you yesterday, but you slept all the time she was here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Geoffrey!\u201d Joe protested. \u201cHe\u2026 he\u2026\u201d He struggled to get the words out. \u201cHe hit me,\u201d Joe panted, as the memories washed over him. \u201cI was tied up and couldn\u2019t get away.\u201d The green eyes were wide with fear as Joe remembered. Adam put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder to give him support. \u201cHe dragged me behind his horse\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s voice ran out and he panted for breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeoffrey is safely in jail,\u201d Adam assured him. \u201cYou\u2019re safe now, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slow tears seeped out between Joe\u2019s closed lashes and ran down the sides of his face into his hair. Adam gently wiped them away. Eventually, Joe slept again. Adam watched him sleep, while heaping curses on the head of the man who had done this to his beloved brother. At that moment, Adam would have gladly gunned Geoffrey down. The only thing that stopped him was that he was responsible for looking after his brother and he couldn\u2019t abdicate that responsibility.<\/p>\n

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

The next day saw Joe ready to learn how badly injured he was. He listened in silence and growing dismay to the seemingly endless list. Although he had had no choice but to accept his family\u2019s help while unconscious, Joe had hoped to be able to at least pee in privacy, but he soon saw that that was out of the question and would be for some time. He was horribly embarrassed the first time he moved his bowels and had to accept Ben cleaning him up afterwards. This was the way it would have to be for some time, as Joe could do nothing at all for himself.<\/p>\n

By the fifth day after he had been injured, Joe was begging to go home. His pain was now manageable as the broken bones began to knit and the new skin started growing. Joe was fed up of not being at home and he could see the toll it was taking on his family as they commuted to and from the ranch each day so that he wouldn\u2019t be alone. Ben stayed all the time, but Joe knew that he would soon have to go back and help Adam and Hoss. And so Paul agreed he could go home.<\/p>\n

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

As he waited for his brothers to arrive with the wagon, Joe was told he had visitors. He was sitting up in a chair, his plastered legs stretched out in front of him. The only clothing he could get on was one of Ben\u2019s shirts and a pair of his pants with the legs split up the seams. Joe fervently wished that he looked more presentable, but he did at least have clothes on. Ben had threatened to just make him wear a robe home, but Joe had vetoed that idea before realizing that he was being teased. \u201cSend them in,\u201d he told Paul glancing at Ben, who shrugged.<\/p>\n

It was Caitlin, Simon and Marie. Joe gazed at Caitlin for a moment, overwhelmed with relief that she really was all right. \u201cCaitlin!\u201d he cried and she hurried across the room to kiss his cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you, Joe?\u201d she asked, examining him closely. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Joe replied, \u201cCaitlin, unless there\u2019s been a horrendous mistake, Roy Coffee has already locked up the person who did this. So I don\u2019t see how it\u2019s your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s because of me that Geoffrey did this!\u201d Caitlin protested. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault,\u201d Joe assured her. He desperately wanted to reach out and touch her hand, but he couldn\u2019t move either arm. \u201cPlease, believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Caitlin asked.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Joe nodded. His head was finally free of the bandage that day and had at last stopped its relentless throbbing. \u201cOf course I\u2019m sure,\u201d he scolded. He looked up at Simon, who was holding the baby. \u201cHow\u2019s Marie?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Taking the hint, Simon came closer and held the child out so Joe could see her. She was awake, as Joe had already guessed from the odd gurgles she had been emitting. Now, she rewarded him with a charming smile and a small burp. \u201cOh, how lady-like,\u201d Joe teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we\u2019ve come to say goodbye,\u201d Caitlin murmured. \u201cSimon and I are going back east on the train.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Joe replied, his face suddenly still. \u201cThat\u2019s a surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had hoped you would be well enough for us to say goodbye to in person,\u201d Caitlin told him tears standing in her eyes. \u201cI wanted to thank you for being my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll always be your friend,\u201d Joe assured her, his voice hoarse. He raised his face as Caitlin leaned in to kiss his cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for helping her,\u201d Simon said, patting Joe\u2019s shoulder in lieu of shaking his hand. \u201cGoodbye.\u201d He ushered Caitlin out.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye,\u201d Joe croaked, after the door was closed.<\/p>\n

Standing by the window, Ben watched as the couple walked away down the street. His heart ached for his son. He turned away and went over to Joe. He was gazing blindly at the door, tears running down his face, which was a picture of misery. Silently, Ben sat down and put his arm round Joe\u2019s shoulders. Joe leant into his father\u2019s warmth. \u201cI love her, Pa,\u201d he whispered. \u201cI love her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben crooned. He gently wiped away the tears, reflecting that the course of true love never did run smooth. Caitlin was everything he had hoped for in a daughter-in-law and Joe, as he had feared, had given his heart to her, when she wasn\u2019t free to love him back, firstly because she thought her husband was dead and then because she discovered that he wasn\u2019t. None of this was Caitlin\u2019s fault and Ben, who had met her in the street, knew that she was well aware of Joe\u2019s love for her and of how much this would hurt him.<\/p>\n

But Joe was strong and had his family around him to lend him support through this difficult time. Joe would recover from his injuries and his broken heart would mend. One day, Joe would love again.<\/p>\n

They were still sitting like that when Adam and Hoss came in. Joe\u2019s tears had dried and he was feeling tired. \u201cIs everything all right?\u201d Adam asked, sensing that something had happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, everything\u2019s all right,\u201d Joe replied. He turned his head and looked at Ben. \u201cLet\u2019s go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0\u00a0A beautiful and very young widow comes to town and Joe falls for her. Is he destined for a happy ending this time?<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 (13,325 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":13411,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,3],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-1581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-romance","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-3-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1422,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Emily.jpg?fit=391%2C455&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6628,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6628","url_meta":{"origin":1581,"position":0},"title":"Forever – The Love of My Life – #3 (by Rider)","author":"Rider","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe and Alice think about their relationship on the eve of their wedding. 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Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: 1250","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":7633,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7633","url_meta":{"origin":1581,"position":3},"title":"Sweeter Than Pie (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A simple vignette about Little Joe, a girl, and a watchful big brother. 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Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (3,075 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Troll-the-Ancient-Yuletide-Carol.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Troll-the-Ancient-Yuletide-Carol.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Troll-the-Ancient-Yuletide-Carol.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":1581,"position":5},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1581"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1581\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13411"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1581"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}