{"id":1919,"date":"2010-06-07T06:17:50","date_gmt":"2010-06-07T10:17:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1919"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:47","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:47","slug":"wedding-announcement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1919","title":{"rendered":"Wedding Announcement (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>The announcement of Joe’s wedding to Alice brings a variety of reactions from some of his old girlfriends<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K (7,735 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wedding Announcement
\n<\/strong>San Francisco Chronicle<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>19th April 1874<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Congratulations are in order to the prosperous Cartwright family of Nevada on the marriage of Joseph Cartwright to Alice Harper on the event of their marriage last Saturday 14th April.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joseph is the son of Mr Benjamin Cartwright, wealthy rancher and businessman of The Ponderosa Ranch near Virginia City Nevada.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bride wore a white French lace wedding gown and the groom was attended by his brother James Cartwright. The couple are honeymooning in San Francisco before returning to Nevada to settle on the Cartwright Ranch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julia<\/em><\/strong>
\n New York City, New York<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Miss Grant? \u2026. Excuse me Miss Grant?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman lifted her head and stared at the young woman in front of her. \u2018Yes?\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ten minutes to curtain Miss Grant,\u2019 said the woman with a smile. \u2018Is there anything I can get you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julia Grant shook her head slowly. \u2018No,\u2019 she said. \u2018Thank you Bernice. Nothing.\u2019\u00a0 She turned back to the newspaper in her hand as the door closed and her eyes widened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I thought you might be interested to see it,\u2019 said a quiet voice beside her and she felt a hand on her shoulder. \u2018I wanted to show it to you before you saw it from someone else.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julie looked up into the eyes of her son and smiled as she patted her hand on his own. \u2018Thank you Tom,\u2019 she said. \u2018That was very thoughtful of you my dear.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tom sat down next to his mother and as she re-read the article. \u2018So he finally did it,\u2019 she murmured. \u2018After all these years Virginia City\u2019s most eligible bachelor has finally given in to marriage.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You make it sound like something bad,\u2019 said Tom as he searched his mother\u2019s face for any signs of distress. \u2018Feeling any regrets?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julia smiled at him again. \u2018Regrets?\u2019 she said and then nodded her head. \u2018Of course I am. Joe is one special man darling, and there will always be a part of me who wishes that I chose him over the Theatre all those years ago. We could have had a wonderful life together.\u2019 She looked at her son intently. \u2018How about you?\u00a0 Do you ever regret that Joe Cartwright and I were never married?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well, I was fairly young at the time if you remember,\u2019 said Tom as he fiddled with the makeup pots on her table. \u2018But I do remember having a great time with him when we stayed at The Ponderosa. He was quite a bit younger than you though, wasn\u2019t he mother?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julia gave a short laugh. \u2018You know what Tom?\u00a0 I said the same thing to him once.\u00a0 He said that I was using it as an excuse.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And were you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julia looked pensive. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she replied finally. \u2018At first I was. But later on I really came to love that sweet young man. If I hadn\u2019t won the main role in The Bohemian Girl<\/em> \u2026 well who knows?\u00a0 You might be a rancher now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tom smiled. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t have minded,\u2019 he replied. \u2018There are worse things to be.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julia caught hold of his hand and kissed it. \u2018There certainly are,\u2019 she said. She looked into the mirror and caught a glimpse of the heavily rouged and powdered face with the blue eyes and piled-up reddish hair. \u2018Tom dear, would you mind leaving me alone for a few minutes?\u2019 she asked. \u2018I really need to prepare for the first scene.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 her son replied as he stood up to kiss her. \u2018Good luck mother.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be in the front row as usual to lead the standing ovation.\u2019\u00a0 He closed the door as he left the room and Julia turned back to the mirror again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So,\u2019 she said to her reflection. \u2018It serves you right.\u00a0 You had your chance and you blew it lady.\u2019 She sighed. \u2018Well?\u2019 she said severely. \u2018What did you think he was going to do? Wait around for you forever?\u00a0 Just because you think of him still doesn\u2019t mean that he thinks of you.\u00a0 After all\u2026. You were the one who left him, remember?\u2019\u00a0 She put her finger on the lips of her reflection and shut her eyes momentarily as a glimpse of his handsome face drifted back into her mine. \u2018Joe,\u2019 she breathed softly as she tilted her head back and felt his lips on hers and saw the intense gaze of his green eyes once more as they stared into her blue ones. \u2018Joe!\u2019 A lone tear escaped from the corner of one eye and made a trail down her cheek as the memories overcame her. She felt his hands on her neck gently caressing her throat and a low groan escaped from her involuntarily. No man had ever stirred in her the feelings that he had before or since.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A knock at the door startled her and she opened her eyes and dabbed the tear away. \u2018Miss Grant?\u2019 came Bernice\u2019s voice. \u2018Curtain call ma\u2019am.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Coming!\u2019 called Julia as she stood up and check her makeup in the mirror one last time. She smiled as she recalled that time long ago in a dressing room far away when a young handsome man had tilted her head back and looking longingly into her eyes as he uttered the words \u2018Sing good!\u2019\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julia walked to the door and flung it open.\u00a0 As she stepped through to the passageway beyond she squared her shoulders and flung her head back in a determined fashion. \u2018Come,\u2019 she said confidently. \u2018The audience is waiting and it\u2019s time for me to sing good<\/em>!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tessa<\/em><\/strong>
\n Chicago, Illinois<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tessa Caldwell stared at the newspaper in her hand and gave a small smile. \u2018Joe Cartwright,\u2019 she softly to herself. \u2018Well what do you know?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I beg your pardon?\u2019 asked the woman on the other side of the counter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tessa looked up and smiled at her. \u2018Oh sorry,\u2019 she said. \u2018I was just reading about someone I used to know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman put down the bolt of cloth she\u2019d been fingering and stared down at the paper in Tessa\u2019s hand. \u2018Anyone interesting?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tessa nodded. \u2018Very interesting,\u2019 she said. \u2018At least to me he was.\u2019 She pointed to the marriage announcement. \u2018I nearly married him many years ago.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman\u2019s eyebrows raised. \u2018Really?\u2019 she said as she bent over to read it. \u2018An old beau?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not really,\u2019 said Tessa softly. \u2018Just a good friend.\u2019\u00a0 She looked thoughtful as she remembered the time when she had first seen Joe Cartwright and smiled at her recollection of her first glimpse of him. \u2018He shot me,\u2019 she continued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman looked startled. \u2018He shot you?\u2019 she said. \u2018A man shoots you and you decide to marry him?\u00a0 How can that be?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tessa shrugged. \u2018It was an accident,\u2019 she explained. \u2018He shot at an animal and hit me instead.\u00a0 I was blind for a couple of weeks because of it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman began to look very interested in Tessa\u2019s story. \u2018Blind?\u2019 she echoed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tessa nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she said. \u2018Joe felt sorry for me you see .. he felt a lot of guilt for having blinded me and so he asked me to marry him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But you never did?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tessa shook her head. \u2018We weren\u2019t really in love,\u2019 she said. \u2018It wasn\u2019t meant to be.\u2019\u00a0 She shook herself momentarily as she realised what she\u2019d been saying to a total stranger. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 she said. \u2018Can I help you with anything?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later when the woman had left the store, Tessa turned once again the newspaper and read the announcement for a second time. She gave a small sigh as she wondered what her life would have been like if she hadn\u2019t had the courage to tell Joe the truth that day \u2026. Their wedding day.\u00a0 She shuddered as she realised just how close they\u2019d both come to making the biggest mistake of their young lives.\u00a0 Why \u2026 the minister had been reciting the words over them before she\u2019d suddenly come to her senses and ran away from him \u2026. Tessa stopped her thoughts in mid-stream. \u2018And I\u2019ve been running away ever since,\u2019 she said to no one in particular.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr Cartwright had been so good to her family, even after all the trouble they\u2019d caused. He and Joe had forgiven her for playing blind even after she could see again and they seemed to have forgiven her father and brother for encouraging her to do so.\u00a0 She\u2019d never forget their friendship and generosity at the time.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s father had given her father a letter to a friend of his in San Francisco to help him get a job, but of course Father hadn\u2019t held on to it for very long. That was the way it had always been with them.\u00a0 She and Lorne had been dragged from one end of the country and back again while their father chased his elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and they were still doing it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her father just didn\u2019t seem capable of being anything but a bad businessman.\u00a0 Everything he touched seemed to turn sour and they were continually on the move because of it. Mr Cartwright had once called her a \u2018remarkable girl<\/em>.\u2019\u00a0 Well what would he and Joe think of her now \u2026 stuck here in Chicago in a dead-end job with no prospects and no way out? She was simply biding her time and waited for the day when her father or Lorne would appear again as they always did, looking for a place to stay and a handout of money.\u00a0 She wondered how many times she\u2019d bailed them out of difficult situations?\u00a0 It seemed that every time she was just about to start her life going in the right direction they spoilt it all again for her. Sometimes she thought that the only thing she was working for was to earn money to help them out.\u00a0 She never actually got to keep much of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A couple of times she\u2019d come close to marriage, but the man had always walked away when he\u2019d realised that she came as a package.\u00a0 There were her father and brother always to be considered and try as she would she had never been able to turn her back on them.\u00a0 So here she was all these years later \u2026 still single and still waiting for someone to come along and sweep her off her feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tessa wiped a tear away from the corner of her eye. She fingered the page in front of her and smiled as she remembered the young boy who had looked at her with such gentleness and compassion.\u00a0 He had been such a sweet boy.\u00a0 When she was blind he told her that he would have given her his eyes if he could and Tessa didn\u2019t for one minute doubt that he truly meant it.\u00a0 He was that kind of person.\u00a0 His compassion for her had led him to a proposal of marriage that came from a desire to protect and support her. Tessa shook her head. She had never found anyone who had thought that much of her before or since.\u00a0 Joe Cartwright had been a very special boy and she loved him for it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe deserved happiness in his life and she was so glad that one of them had finally been able to achieve it. \u2018Good luck Joe,\u2019 she whispered as she fingered the page in front of her. \u2018I hope you\u2019re happy.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n

Connie<\/em><\/strong>
\n Harrisburg, Pennsylvania<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know why you still insist on getting those Western papers,\u2019 said Dan as he leant over to grab another piece of toast and slap his small son\u2019s hand away from the milk jug. \u2018Surely you can\u2019t find anything interesting to read in them after all these years?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Connie frowned at him. \u2018I lived out there for many years,\u2019 she said. \u2018Of course I find them interesting.\u00a0 There\u2019s always something to \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 She stopped and caught her breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 asked Dan as he picked the baby\u2019s spoon up yet again and held it out to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Connie was silent for a moment as she read. \u2018There\u2019s a wedding announcement here,\u2019 she said after a moment. \u2018About someone I used to know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh yes? And who would that be?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe Cartwright,\u2019 replied Connie with a faraway look on her face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan shook his head and took another bite of his toast. \u2018Haven\u2019t heard you ever mention him,\u2019 he said. \u2018Old boyfriend?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Connie giggled. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she said. \u2018You could say that. We talked about getting married once.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan eyes bulged. \u2018How come you never told me about him?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It was a long time ago,\u2019 she replied. \u2018Right about the time my father died. I told you about that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well yes, but you never said anything about being engaged before.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Connie gave her husband a sideways glance. \u2018Didn\u2019t I?\u2019 she said. \u2018I must have forgotten to mention it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan stared at her for a moment. \u2018So what\u2019s he like, this Joe Cartwright?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Connie gave a small sigh. \u2018He was the most handsome boy I ever met,\u2019 she said and noticed that Dan looked affronted. \u2018I said boy,\u2019 she continued quickly. \u2018We were both really children then.\u2019\u00a0 She put her hand on top of her husband\u2019s. \u2018Don\u2019t worry darling. I chose to marry you remember?\u00a0 Not him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well why didn\u2019t you? Choose him I mean?\u2019\u00a0 Dan studied his wife\u2019s face intently. \u2018What happened between you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Connie looked momentarily sad. \u2018Life,\u2019 she said softly. \u2018Just life that\u2019s all.\u00a0 When my father was shot I felt that I had to get away.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t live there with all the memories of what had happened and so I left.\u00a0 I really only meant to go away for a while \u2026 but one thing led to another and I never went back.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan patted her hand. \u2018Sorry you never did?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Connie shook her head. \u2018No,\u2019 she said, giving him a sweet smile. \u2018Not sorry.\u00a0 Joe and I were just caught up in the joy of young love really,\u2019 she said. \u2018We\u2019d never have survived together.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan looked confused. \u2018Why not?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re too alike,\u2019 she replied. \u2018Both of us were too strong willed and impulsive to ever have a successful marriage. We\u2019re both better off this way \u2026 Besides, if I\u2019d gone back I\u2019d never have met you would I?\u2019 Her eyes drifted over to the two small children seated in between them. \u2018And these two would never have happened.\u2019\u00a0 She turned to her husband again. \u2018No,\u2019 she said again. \u2018I\u2019m not sorry.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan stood up and kissed the top of her head before walking away from the table. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well I\u2019m off to work now.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Bye,\u2019 she said and then turned to stare at the newspaper again on the table before her. \u2018Not sorry,\u2019 she said softly as she thought again of the beautiful young boy who had captured her heart all that time ago and tried to convince herself that she meant it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jane<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Rapid City<\/strong>, North Dakota<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hey you! Where\u2019s that drink I\u2019ve been waiting for?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man behind the bar shook his head and muttered under his breath as he pulled out yet another bottle of whiskey and took it over to the table in the corner. \u2018Haven\u2019t you had enough?\u2019 he asked as he looked at the figure slumped on the chair in the corner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nah!\u2019 said the customer. \u2018I ain\u2019t had nearly enough yet.\u00a0 I\u2019m drowning my sorrows in this here whiskey and I still got a longs ways ta go mister. Wanna join me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man looked around the bar which was empty except for the two of them. \u2018Don\u2019t mind if I do,\u2019 he said after a moment and sat down to pour himself a drink. The figure on the other side of the table gave him a crooked grin. \u2018So what\u2019s the reason ya gotta drown ya sorrows for then?\u2019 he asked sociably.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The customer pulled a face and gestured towards a newspaper on the table. \u2018Bad news bout someone I know in there. Mighty bad news.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man looked down and noticed that the paper was opened at the announcements page. \u2018Someone ya know die?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nah!\u00a0 Worse.\u00a0 Someone I know is gonna get married! Old beau of mine.\u2019\u00a0 There was the sound of a loud burp. \u2018Seems they didn\u2019t wait fer me ta go back and claim em.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s the name?\u2019 asked the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 From Nevada.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man choked on his drink. \u2018What did ya say?\u2019 he asked tentatively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe Cartwright,\u2019 repeated the customer. \u2018Handsomest man I ever met.\u2019\u00a0 There was a huge sigh. \u2018We was right gone on each other.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man swallowed. \u2018Um\u2026.\u2019 he faltered. \u2018Am I right in thinking \u2026 I mean \u2026 you and him \u2026. He\u2019s a man?\u2019 he asked, his eyes popping out of his head. \u2018You and a \u2026..\u2019\u00a0 He looked across at the buckskin clad figure seated opposite him who was staring back at him indignantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Whatcha mean me and a man?\u2019 the customer asked. \u2018Who else would I be marrying?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The barman leant backwards as the customer leant towards him. He could smell a distinct smell of buffalo and it wasn\u2019t pleasant. \u2018Well\u2026\u2019 he faltered. \u2018I just mean \u2026 that is, I thought \u2026\u2019 his eyes widened as the light dawned. \u2018Are you a woman?\u2019 he asked incredulously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The figure across the table threw back their head and laughed. \u2018Sure is!\u2019 she declared. \u2018What did ya think I was \u2026. A horse?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man glared at her. \u2018You mean I\u2019ve been serving a woman whiskey in here?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It would appear so!\u2019 she said delightedly and held out her hand. \u2018Cal\u2019s the name.\u00a0 Most folks call me Calamity Jane.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The barman swallowed. \u2018I\u2019ve heard about you,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good!\u2019 she said. \u2018Glad ta hear it. Now as I been saying before ya started interrupting \u2026 this here\u2019s one sad day.\u00a0 That Joe Cartwright up and got hisself hitched and old Cal here\u2019s in mourning.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man leant forward and read the article in question and then frowned. \u2018You ain\u2019t serious!\u2019 he said. \u2018You and that Joe Cartwright were never beaus.\u00a0 I\u2019ve heard of his family and they wouldn\u2019t have tolerated the likes of you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jane leant forward and pulled the man towards her by the collar. \u2018What\u2019s that remark supposed ta mean!\u2019 she demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man tried to disentangle himself. \u2018Nothing!\u2019 he declared. \u2018I just meant \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s OK,\u2019 she said, letting go of him. \u2018I get ya meaning mister.\u00a0 Ya don\u2019t have ta spell it out fer me.\u00a0 Guess ya right and all.\u00a0 I never was fancy enough fer that pretty Joe Cartwright.\u2019\u00a0 She sighed. \u2018Sure woulda liked ta find out though,\u2019 she said. \u2018I reckon we woulda had a great time learning bout each other\u2019s likes and dislikes if ya get my meaning.\u2019 She gave him a wink and he looked confused. \u2018His father said he weren\u2019t nothing but a boy at the time,\u2019 she mused. \u2018But I reckon he mighta grown inta one hell of a man if ya get my drift!\u2019 She nudged the man in the ribs. \u2018Shame I won\u2019t ever get ta find out now eh?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man looked embarrassed and didn\u2019t answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ya know what?\u2019 said Cal, leaning closer to him again and breathing her whiskey over him. \u2018That Joe Cartwright was so gone on me that he was ready ta kill fer me.\u00a0 What do ya think of that eh?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The barman shrugged. \u2018If you say so,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What do ya mean iffen I say so?\u2019 she demanded. \u2018Course I say so!\u00a0 Faced down one of the fastest guns there is jest fer me he did!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah?\u00a0 Who?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Doc Holliday,\u2019 she declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The barman laughed. \u2018Yeah sure,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cal glared at him. \u2018Ya don\u2019t believe me?\u2019 she said angrily. \u2018Well its true! Prettier sight I never did see \u2026 Hey!\u2019 she yelled suddenly. \u2018Fill up ya glass again.\u00a0 The drinks are on me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jane raised her glass and downed its contents in one gulp. \u2018Yes siree!\u2019 she said with another burp. \u2018Here\u2019s to that pretty Joe Cartwright! Sure is one sad day!\u2019 The barman gave a slight shudder and didn\u2019t reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wichita<\/em><\/strong>, Kansas<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily threw back her head and took a deep breath as she lifted the veil and flung off her black hat. \u2018Finally!\u2019 she said to herself. \u2018I am so glad that is finally over!\u2019\u00a0 She strode over to the mirror on the top of the dresser and looked at her reflection and noted the paleness of her skin and the dark rings around her eyes. \u2018Well at least I look the part of the grieving widow,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily turned her head and studied herself for several minutes. \u2018Mmm,\u2019 she continued. \u2018I\u2019ll have to do something about all this before you see me again my darling,\u2019 she murmured. \u2018I can\u2019t have you disappointed in me after all this time.\u2019\u00a0 She picked up her brush and began to apply long slow strokes to her blonde hair as she wandered over to the table near the window and stared down at the street \u2026 the street where Wade had been killed three days ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Had it really only been three days?\u00a0 It seemed like a lifetime ago to her since she had stood at this very window and heard the gunshot that had signalled the end of her husband\u2019s life.\u00a0 She shuddered as she thought about it.\u00a0 She and Wade had been having their problems of course, in fact they\u2019d been having them for quite a few years now, but she had never wished him dead. She would never have wanted that, no matter how difficult things were between them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily shook her head slightly and tried to ward off the guilty feeling that threatened to invade her very soul.\u00a0 After all, it wasn\u2019t her fault that Wade had died.\u00a0 It hadn\u2019t been her who had made that sad drunk draw on her husband. He had only been doing his job as sheriff trying to protect the townspeople. She wasn\u2019t responsible for his death.\u00a0 Then why did she feel so guilty about it all?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She knew why.\u00a0 She was guilty because now she felt free!\u00a0 Free to do as she pleased without having to answer to her husband.\u00a0 Free to finally follow her heart and be with him \u2026 her one and only true love \u2026 her Joe!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily hugged her arms around her waist as she gave a little skip. How long had she dreamt about being able to do this?\u00a0 For years now she had tried desperately to be a good wife to Wade, but always there had been someone between them and they both knew it. Since that time in Virginia City that she had met Joe again there had been no turning away from his love for her and she knew that Wade knew it too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She could still feel his lips on her neck as he softly kissed her that night on the dark street. He had whispered to her of his love and his green eyes had stared at her with a longing that still made her heart beat fast with desire.\u00a0 Of course he hadn\u2019t known at that moment that she was married, but even when he did find out he still couldn\u2019t deny that she was in his heart.\u00a0 Hadn\u2019t he said those very words to her that next day before their whole world had fallen apart?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily cringed inside as she closed her eyes and saw the hurt look he had given her when he had found out that she was married. From that very moment he had behaved so honourably towards her and gallantly turned his love away from her in consideration of Wade.\u00a0 She loved all the more for it.\u00a0 Even as his eyes had averted from her she could still see the longing in them .. for that was something he could never had hidden from her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And now I\u2019m free my darling,\u2019 she murmured as she moved away from the window and sat down on the bed. \u2018Free to come for you my love.\u2019 Her eyes drifted to the newspaper that was opened on the bed beside her and even as her heart lifted with the longing and the exhilaration of the thought of her beloved she caught her breath in amazement at the words as they leapt out of the page in front of her. She read the wedding announcement in disbelief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily threw back her head and screamed at the ceiling \u2026. A long heart-rending cry that came for the depths of her soul. \u2018No!!<\/em>\u2019\u00a0 She couldn\u2019t believe it!\u00a0 just as she was free to go to him he had chosen to be with another \u2026 and now it was too late!\u00a0 She threw her arms around her waist and began to rock herself backwards and forwards on the bed as the tears fell down her face unchecked. \u2018Joe!\u2019 she cried \u2018My love!\u2019\u00a0 Slowly her head dropped and her sobs abated until all that could be heard in the empty room was the ticking of the clock.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wendy<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

San Francisco<\/em><\/strong>, California<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Wendy dear are you awake?\u2019 Taylor Daniels looked down at his daughter\u2019s profile on the pillow and smiled as she opened her eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Papa,\u2019 she said, beaming up at him with her blue eyes. \u2018I\u2019m awake.\u2019\u00a0 She sat up in the bed. \u2018Is everything all right?\u2019\u00a0 Her eyes darted over to the crib beside her bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taylor sat down on the edge of her bed. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said as he patted her arm. \u2018He\u2019s fine.\u00a0 Don\u2019t panic.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wendy craned her neck to look at the small squirming bundle that was her newborn son. \u2018I\u2019m guess I\u2019m just not used to him yet,\u2019 she said with a happy smile.\u00a0 \u2018He\u2019s so wonderful that I think I\u2019ll just wake up some time and I\u2019ll discover it was all a beautiful dream.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taylor smiled at the small boy. \u2018He\u2019s no dream,\u2019 he said. \u2018Have you and Matthew picked a name for him yet?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 said Wendy. \u2018Not yet. We\u2019re still not sure. We want to call him Taylor after you of course, but we just can\u2019t decide on his first name.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taylor planted a kiss on her forehead. \u2018Well you will,\u2019 he said. \u2018Here. I\u2019ve brought you the paper to read.\u2019\u00a0 He put them on the bed in between them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m getting so bored being in bed all the time,\u2019 said Wendy with a sigh. \u2018I wish I could get up.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You heard what the doctor said,\u2019 replied her father. \u2018In a few days at the earliest.\u2019\u00a0 He wagged a finger at her. \u2018You hear me young lady?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yes,\u2019 she said contentedly. \u2018I must admit it is nice to have you and Matthew waiting on me hand and foot like this.\u00a0 Not to mention Mrs Sprogis.\u2019\u00a0 She thought of how their housekeeper had been fussing over her for the past few days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re just glad that we\u2019re able to do it for you sweetheart,\u2019 said her father. \u2018Since my business has become so successful I can afford to give you the luxuries of life and Matthew working for me means that he\u2019s able to be a part of all this too.\u2019\u00a0 He swept his arm around the richly decorated bedroom. \u2018I have to go to work this afternoon, but Matthew has just come in and he\u2019ll stay with you.\u2019\u00a0 He planted another kiss on his daughter\u2019s head. \u2018Anything you need?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wendy shook her head as she gazed up fondly at her father and then looked over at the cradle. \u2018No,\u2019 she said. \u2018I have everything I need right here.\u2019\u00a0 She picked up the newspaper and began to read as her father left the room. After a few moments the door opened again and her husband put his head around it. \u2018Want some company?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wendy motioned for him to come in. Matthew picked up his small son and sat with him on the edge of the bed. \u2018He\u2019s awake,\u2019 he said delightedly, looking at him closely. He looked up at Wendy and noticed her studying the paper intently. \u2018What?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do you remember that boy I told you about in Virginia City?\u2019 she asked. \u2018The one who wanted to marry me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How could I forget?\u2019 asked Matthew as he cuddled the tiny boy in his arms. \u2018You talk about him all the time.\u00a0 Just as well I\u2019m not the jealous type, isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe was very special,\u2019 said Wendy. \u2018If I talk about him its because I remember how good he was to me at that time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know that,\u2019 said Matthew with a grin. \u2018I don\u2019t mean anything by it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You know,\u2019 said Wendy thoughtfully. \u2018I think Joe was the first true friend I ever had. If it wasn\u2019t for his family Father would never have got the start he did here in San Francisco and had the chance to become so successful.\u00a0 We really have the Cartwrights to thank for that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matthew looked at her. \u2018So he was just a friend,\u2019 he said. \u2018Nothing more?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wendy shook her head. \u2018Puppy love,\u2019 she said. \u2018That was all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018On your part,\u2019 said Matthew. \u2018He would have married you even so.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wendy smiled. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she said. \u2018I think I broke his heart when I left with Father to come here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Seems he got over it though,\u2019 said Matthew as he looked at the wedding announcement in the paper over his wife\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 she agreed. \u2018I knew he would. Anyway he really had no choice.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t leave Father to face things by himself could I? He was always off chasing his Castles in Spain<\/em> and needed me to bring him down to earth again. One thing I learned with the Cartwrights was that dreams are very valuable things, but they don\u2019t count for much unless we put some real effort into making them reality.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Your father has certainly done that,\u2019 said Matthew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wendy smiled at him. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she agreed. \u2018Joe was the one who convinced me to be there with him while he was doing it too. Even though he wanted me to stay a part of his life he knew that I had to leave and be part of father\u2019s for a while as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And you never went back,\u2019 replied Matthew, watching her intently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wendy shook her head. \u2018No,\u2019 she said softly. \u2018I never went back.\u2019\u00a0 She smiled at her husband and touched the head of the small boy in his arms.\u00a0 \u2018I must write to Joe and send my congratulations,\u2019 she said softly.\u00a0 Her eyes rested on the small bundle that was her son. \u2018Matthew?\u2019 she said softly. \u2018What do you think of the name Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matthew smiled at her and cuddled the boy to him. \u2018I think it would be just fine,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wendy nodded. \u2018I\u2019ll write and tell him,\u2019 she said contentedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meena<\/em><\/strong>
\nRidgecrest, California<\/em><\/p>\n

Meena shifted the baby to her other hip as she stirred the soup on the stove and bounced him up and down a couple of times when he began to whinge. The twins sat at her feet playing with a small ball and she stepped away so as not to trip over them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Meena!\u2019 she turned at the sound of her name to see her father standing in the doorway holding her eldest son in his arms. \u2018This youngun here has been trying to get down after Jessie and Owen in the mine again!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meena brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes before replying. \u2018I can\u2019t help it Papa,\u2019 she said defensively. \u2018I haven\u2019t got time to check on all four of them at once.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her father gave her a glare before depositing the youngster on the floor beside his brothers. \u2018Well what about Virgil?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Why can\u2019t he watch them? He never does any work in the mine so he may as well make himself useful up here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You know very well that Virgil is in town getting supplies,\u2019 said Meena haughtily. As if on cue there came the sound of the wagon pulling up outside and the three small boys on the floor jumped up in excitement. \u2018Papa! Papa!\u2019 they called as they ran through the open doorway straight into their father\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Virgil kissed each of them in turn and then turned to Meena. \u2018Hi Meena,\u2019 he said with a grin and then added unnecessarily. \u2018I\u2019m back.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So I see,\u2019 she said as her father left the small room. \u2018Are you going to unload the supplies Virgil?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Virgil kept grinning at her. \u2018Yes Meena,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Now?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Meena,\u2019 he said again.\u00a0 He put a newspaper down on the table. \u2018I read something in there bout that Cartwright fellar,\u2019 he said as he left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meena sat down at the table with the baby still on her lap, opened the paper and began to read silently. As Virgil entered the room again with a twin on each arm and another boy wrapped around his leg, she looked up at him with a surprised expression. \u2018It\u2019s Joe Cartwright,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yep,\u2019 said Virgil. \u2018That\u2019s what I said. That Cartwright fellar.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s got married,\u2019 said Meena.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yep,\u2019 said Virgil. \u2018He has.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meena stared at the paper. \u2018He was the one that taught me how to kiss,\u2019 she said thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He did?\u2019 asked Virgil as he put the squalling twins on the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Meena with a sigh. \u2018He was a very good kisser.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Virgil looked hurt. \u2018Ain\u2019t I a good kisser Meena?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meena patted him on the arm. \u2018Of course you are,\u2019 she said. \u2018But Joe Cartwright was a really good<\/em> kisser.\u2019\u00a0 She frowned. \u2018Mind you \u2026 he was a bit of a liar too.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I ain\u2019t no liar,\u2019 said Virgil with pride.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 agreed Meena. \u2018You know what Virgil?\u00a0 Papa offered him a half share in our goldmine and he still wouldn\u2019t marry me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Virgil looked confused. \u2018How come?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meena shrugged. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 she said. \u2018He said something about how I had no choice cause he was the only one here at the time.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want it to be like that.\u2019\u00a0 She reached down and pulled the twins apart as they rolled past her on the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He didn\u2019t know what he was missing out on,\u2019 said Virgil sincerely as he pulled his eldest son down from the stove where he was balancing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meena glanced down at the baby on her lap who was sucking contentedly on the newspaper. \u2018No,\u2019 she agreed. \u2018He didn\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morpeth<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Augusta<\/em><\/strong>, Georgia<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t see what the problem is,\u2019 said Davis haughtily. \u2018You never seem to care where I go so why should you suddenly worry about it now?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morpeth gave her husband a frustrated look. \u2018But its my father,\u2019 she said. \u2018Don\u2019t you think it would be nice if you were here to have dinner when he comes?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davis shrugged. \u2018What difference would it make?\u2019 he asked. \u2018We don\u2019t get on and he\u2019d probably be relieved if I wasn\u2019t here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 Morpeth held up her hands in dismay. \u2018Honestly!\u00a0 Sometimes I wonder why we ever got married in the first place!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davis gave her a scathing look. \u2018You know very well why we got married,\u2019 he said. \u2018My money was far too temping for you and your father to resist my dear, wasn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morpeth gave him a dark look. \u2018That\u2019s a horrible thing to say!\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davis gave a short laugh as he leant over to kiss her on the top of her head. \u2018Horrible perhaps \u2026 but true,\u2019 he said. \u2018Face it my dear. After your father lost everything in the war I was your ticket to the kind of life that you were used to, wasn\u2019t I?\u00a0 You didn\u2019t exactly come into this marriage with your eyes closed did you?\u2019\u00a0 He walked aver to the door. \u2018I\u2019ll be back later tonight,\u2019 he added. \u2018Make sure your father doesn\u2019t stay too late.\u00a0 I\u2019d rather not run into him if I can help it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morpeth listened to the door closing behind her and then buried her head on her arms in front of her on the table. Why did it always have to be like this?\u00a0 Perhaps Davis was right in a way \u2026 she had been attracted to his money at first, but after getting to know the man she found her love beginning to grow and longed for the day when he would return it. Perhaps it was just as well that they\u2019d never had any children for how sad it would be for anyone else to be trapped in this loveless house along with them both.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She wondered why Davis had ever married her?\u00a0 Probably because of her father\u2019s connections \u2026 but that had all gone astray after the war. She wondered if he had ever cared for her at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morpeth wiped her eyes with her lace-trimmed handkerchief and sighed as she tried to compose herself. She didn\u2019t want her father coming in to find her like this, for he would only worry about her.\u00a0 He had enough of his own problems with trying to establish himself in business at the moment.\u00a0 He had lost everything during the war and she admired him for the way in which he was trying to pick himself up again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morpeth stared at the open paper on the table and her brow wrinkled as she read the wedding announcement softly. \u2018Joe Cartwright!\u2019 she said out loud and her eyes filled with tears again. The memories came flooding back of a young boy with sparkling green eyes and the most beautiful smile she had ever seen. He had spoken to her of love and marriage and together they had envisaged a life of contentment and ease.\u00a0 But that was before \u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She thought about how ironic it was that she should everything that she and Joe had dreamed of together.\u00a0 The big white house with the tall pillars out front. The servants and fine clothes.\u00a0 The parties and the social events.\u00a0 It was all there \u2026 all except one thing.\u00a0 The man she loved to share it with.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morpeth fingered the page and watched as her tears fell onto it and began to smudge the printing.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s name smudged as her tears fell on it and she tried to wipe it clean again.\u00a0 She wondered what his new bride was like and smiled as she thought about all the jokes they had shared as they had planned their own wedding together. It had another time and another place \u2026. and another world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe Cartwright,\u2019 she said, softly this time. \u2018If only I hadn\u2019t let things come between us.\u2019\u00a0 She sighed again for a love lost and a life that had disappeared forever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Omaha<\/em><\/strong>, Nebraska<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Excuse me Miss Blessing,\u2019 said the boy as he opened the door. \u2018They\u2019re ready for you now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George lifted her head. \u2018What?\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The men. They\u2019re ready for you,\u2019 he said again patiently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh.\u00a0 OK,\u2019 said George, trying to smile at the boy. \u2018I\u2019ll be in soon.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Patrick Brown stood up and stretched. \u2018George dear, I really think you should go in now,\u2019 he said. \u2018They won\u2019t like to be kept waiting.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George Blessing looked up at her lawyer and confidant. \u2018They can wait,\u2019 she said irritably. \u2018Who\u2019s running this show anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Patrick put his hands up in a gesture of defeat. \u2018I suppose you are,\u2019 he said as he sat down again. \u2018But just keep in mind one thing.\u00a0 They might be very anxious to view your latest pieces, but you really shouldn\u2019t antagonize the press unnecessarily.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George gave him one of her famous scowls and he wondered for the tenth time that day just how such a gauche and unattractive girl could produce such works of beauty.\u00a0 Miss Georgina Blessing certainly had a rare gift for photography and they were both bringing in big money because of it. Why the way she was going she might end up one of the richest women in the country and he wasn\u2019t about to let go of his meal ticket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I ain\u2019t antag \u2026 what you said,\u2019 declared George. \u2018I\u2019m just gonna take a few minutes before I go out there that\u2019s all.\u2019\u00a0 She stared at the faded photograph in her hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Patrick looked across and noticed that it was a portrait of a handsome young man. \u2018Who is it?\u2019 he asked, intrigued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Just someone I used to know,\u2019 she replied with a sigh. \u2018He just got married.\u00a0 It says so in there.\u2019\u00a0 She indicated the paper on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Patrick leant over and read the wedding announcement. \u2018Joe Cartwright,\u2019 he said and then studied the photograph again. \u2018Handsome young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure is!\u2019 agreed George.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018An old boyfriend of your perhaps?\u2019 he asked cagily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Aw nah!\u2019 she said. \u2018He weren\u2019t interested in me!\u2019\u00a0 George stared at the picture. \u2018I sure liked him but.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Patrick\u2019s eyebrows lifted. \u2018Yes?\u2019 he prompted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018My uncle did some of these portraits for the Cartwrights just before he died,\u2019 she explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But that was years ago! You still have his picture after all that time?\u2019 asked Patrick amazed.\u00a0 This girl never ceased to amaze him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah!\u2019 she said and blushed. \u2018He was a right purty one.\u00a0 I like ta look at it.\u2019\u00a0 She looked sad for a moment. \u2018I thought about going back out there one day and getting ta know him again.\u00a0 I reckoned if I had all this money that I\u2019ve been making then he might like me some.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Seems like it\u2019s too late,\u2019 said Patrick, trying to hide his relief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said George sadly as she gazed at the photograph of the young handsome man in the dark blue suit. \u2018I reckon it is now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you\u2019d better forget him then,\u2019 suggested Patrick.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George shook her head firmly. \u2018Nah!\u2019 she declared. \u2018I ain\u2019t ever gonna ferget him!\u00a0 No man will ever come close ta him in my mind, so I reckon I\u2019m just gonna haveta die an old maid!\u2019\u00a0 She sighed wistfully at the thought of it. \u2018I reckon I might invest my money in one of them female academies that\u2019s springing up round here.\u00a0 Uncle Enos always wanted me ta go ta one of em, so maybe it\u2019d be the best idea.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Patrick tried to hide his concern at her words. \u2018Well I think you should come out and start showing off these latest photographs of yours,\u2019 he said. \u2018They\u2019re not going to wait forever.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm,\u2019 said George still studying the photograph. \u2018You go.\u00a0 I\u2019ll along in a minute.\u2019\u00a0 She waited until the door closed behind him and then put the photograph to her lips with a sigh. \u2018Sure was a might purty thing!\u2019 she said wistfully as she put it carefully into a drawer and locked it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alice<\/em><\/strong>
\nPonderosa Ranch, Nevada<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Alice pulled her shawl closer around her as a slight breeze entered the room and caused her to shiver.\u00a0 She looked up at the moon as it came out from behind a cloud and thought back on the event of the day. Everything had been so wonderful \u2026 just as she had imagined it would be. It had been everything a girl always dreamt of for her wedding day.\u00a0 The guests \u2026 the flowers \u2026 the food \u2026 everything had been so wonderful! She looked over at her new husband sleeping in the bed behind her and smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had wanted to start straight away on their wedding trip and leave for San Francisco this afternoon, but she had persuaded him to delay it a day.\u00a0 She had wanted so desperately to spend their first night together here in the home that he had built for them \u2026 the home that they would be spending the rest of their lives together in.\u00a0 She had told him that that had plenty of time for trips, but only one chance to spend their wedding night here.\u00a0 Of course he had agreed with her as she had known that he would.\u00a0 He agreed with everything she said.\u00a0 He was such a wonderful man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alice turned away from the window and moved silently over to the bed, sitting down next to the sleeping man and looking down at him.\u00a0 She noted his profile in the moonlight and gently ran a finger down his cheek as she sighed softly.\u00a0 She found it hard to believe that this beautiful man was really her husband and wondered what she had done to deserve such happiness. She had a sudden urge to brush the curls off his forehead and gently ran her fingers through his hair as he lay there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe suddenly opened his eyes and smiled up at her. \u2018Hello,\u2019 she whispered softly.\u00a0 He said nothing, but merely reached up for her and drew her to him until she was lying on his chest. His arm around her to encircle her and she snuggled in towards her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What are you doing out of bed?\u2019 he asked softly. \u2018I thought you\u2019d gone to sleep.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I was just thinking,\u2019 she replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He kissed her lightly on the top of her head. \u2018About what?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Today,\u2019 she replied. \u2018About how wonderful it all was \u2026 and how lucky I am.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m the lucky one,\u2019 said Joe with a smile. \u2018I\u2019ve got you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And I\u2019ve got you,\u2019 she said as she returned the look. \u2018I still can\u2019t believe it. The most eligible bachelor around here has suddenly become my husband. I wonder what all your old girlfriends would think if they knew?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Doesn\u2019t matter,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018You\u2019re the only one that matters in my life now.\u2019\u00a0 He gazed down at her with love in his eyes. \u2018Forever?\u2019 he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled back at him, the look in his eyes reflected in her own. \u2018Forever,\u2019 she agreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Note:\u00a0 The women portrayed in this story appeared in the following episodes:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>
\nJulia \u2013 \u2018The Actress\u2019
\nTessa \u2013 \u2018Bullet For a Bride\u2019
\nConnie \u2013 \u2018Denver McKee\u2019
\nJane \u2013 \u2018Calamity Over The Comstock\u2019
\nEmily \u2013 \u2018Emily\u2019
\nWendy \u2013 \u2018Shining in Spain\u2019
\nMeena \u2013 \u2018Meena\u2019
\nGeorge \u2013 \u2018A Girl Named George\u2019
\nMorpeth \u2013 \u2018The War Comes To Washoe\u2019
\nAlice \u2013 \u2018Forever\u2019<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0The announcement of Joe’s wedding to Alice brings a variety of reactions from some of his old girlfriends<\/p>\n

Rated: K (7,735 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"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":[23,4,61],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1919","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-humor","category-missing-scene","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-4-id","wpcat-61-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1062,"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":1784,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1784","url_meta":{"origin":1919,"position":0},"title":"The Commitment (by Cheaux)","author":"Cheaux","date":"June 20, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0\u00a0Joe makes a commitment without fully understanding what's involved. \u00a0 Rated: \u00a0T -- WC \u00a01200","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\/02\/bonanza.jpg?fit=295%2C295&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6628,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6628","url_meta":{"origin":1919,"position":1},"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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