{"id":2055,"date":"2009-06-05T15:03:56","date_gmt":"2009-06-05T19:03:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2055"},"modified":"2026-03-05T08:19:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T13:19:05","slug":"my-life-to-live","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2055","title":{"rendered":"My Life To Live (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/span>\u00a0 A woman in Ben’s life comes between Joe and his father<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K (13,015 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My Life To Live<\/strong><\/p>\n

As soon as he heard the sound of his father\u2019s horse in the yard below, Joe sprang out of bed and ran over to the window.\u00a0 He watched with a sigh of relief as he saw his father dismount and lead his horse into the barn.\u00a0 As he turned away from the window and headed back towards bed, Joe cursed himself as he had countless times before for feeling this way.\u00a0 What was wrong with his father going out after all?\u00a0 What was it about it that made him feel so uncomfortable?\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t know the answer to that, he only knew that he always felt a huge sense of relief whenever the man came home again.<\/p>\n

Maybe it has something to do with the reason for his outings<\/em> he thought as he snuggled down under the covers again. Maybe it was the thought of Katherine that he just couldn\u2019t come to terms with?\u00a0 He knew he didn\u2019t like the woman, but he just couldn\u2019t put his finger on why that might be so.\u00a0 For his father\u2019s sake at least he knew he had to hide the fact\u2026.. for the man seemed so fond of her, but for the life of him Joe couldn\u2019t understand why.<\/p>\n

She just seemed so… he sighed as he rolled over towards the wall and closed his eyes. So…pushy<\/em> was the word that sprang to mind.\u00a0 So confident in herself and everything she did.\u00a0 Not that there was anything wrong with that of course, but it was her attitude towards him that really got under his skin.\u00a0 She seemed to look at him as if he wasn\u2019t good enough all the time and whenever Joe was around her that was exactly how he felt.<\/p>\n

Every remark she made seemed designed to make him feel as if he wasn\u2019t measuring up to what she considered one of Ben Cartwright\u2019s sons should be and he didn\u2019t know why.\u00a0 She and Adam got along fine, but then that was to be expected.\u00a0 They shared a lot of the same interests after all. He had heard them sit and talk for ages about books and the theatre and he couldn\u2019t make head nor tale of what the conversation was about.<\/p>\n

Hoss on the other hand she had absolutely nothing in common with, and that should have meant that they didn\u2019t get on either.\u00a0 But in fact it was the exact opposite.\u00a0 Hoss seemed to worship the ground she walked on and considered her right for their father in every way.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t make sarcastic comments where Hoss was concerned and seemed to accept him just the way he was.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t need to talk about the finer things in life to get on.\u00a0 She just seemed happy to talk to Hoss about things that interested him\u2026and in fact she seemed to take a delight in it.\u00a0 He had seen Hoss come out of his shell with Katherine more than with any other woman ever and that very fact in itself was amazing.<\/p>\n

It seemed like it was just him who felt uncomfortable around her.\u00a0 Pa of course thought the world of her and Joe sensed that things might have the potential to become quite serious between them both.\u00a0 He cringed at the thought of it.\u00a0 Of course he loved to see his Pa happy.\u00a0 There was no question of that.\u00a0 But it was just that\u2026 he sighed.\u00a0 There was no easy answer to this at all.\u00a0 He wanted to be fair to Pa, but he just couldn\u2019t bring himself to like the woman.\u00a0 Joe wished that he could, for his father\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u2018So how did your evening go?\u2019 asked Adam from his position in the large armchair near the fireplace.<\/p>\n

\u2018You still up?\u2019 asked Ben surprised. \u2018I thought everyone would be asleep by now.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss and Joe went up ages ago,\u2019 replied Adam as he shut his book.\u00a0 \u2018I wanted to finish this.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben sat down and stretched his legs out in front of him. \u2018So?\u2019 asked his son again. \u2018Did you have a good time?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I certainly did,\u2019 replied Ben with a contented smile.<\/p>\n

Adam grinned. \u2018You seem to be spending an awful lot of time with Katherine lately,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Do you mind?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Not a bit.\u00a0 I think she\u2019s wonderful, you know that.\u00a0 I\u2019m just glad you\u2019re happy Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I wish everyone around here felt the same way,\u2019 said Ben, glancing at the stairs.<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t need to ask whom he meant. \u2018He\u2019ll come around Pa.\u00a0 You know what he\u2019s like.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded thoughtfully. \u2018I hope you\u2019re right,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019d like to see them getting on better.\u00a0 Katherine is quite worried about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sure it will all sort out,\u2019 said Adam, opening his book again. \u2018Katherine could get around anyone in time.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he stood up. \u2018Well she sure is trying,\u2019 he said. \u2018Coming up?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Soon,\u2019 said Adam absently. \u2018I\u2019ll just finish this. Night.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Good night,\u2019 replied Ben as he mounted the stairs.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s fascinating,\u2019 said Adam.\u00a0 \u2018What motivated him to enter politics in the first place though?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018My father was always politically minded,\u2019 Katherine replied. \u2018He was a lawyer during his early career and I think he just saw so many injustices that he decided that he should try and do something about them.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018He must have been a fascinating man,\u2019 said Ben, looking at her admiringly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes he was,\u2019 she replied.<\/p>\n

\u2018I thought about studying Law at one stage,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018But I eventually decided on engineering instead.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Education is a wonderful thing no matter what field you study in,\u2019 said Katherine. \u2018I\u2019m so glad my father impressed that upon me.\u00a0 He was a very forward thinking man for his time you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018He sure sounds it,\u2019 said Hoss.\u00a0 He was hanging on Katherine\u2019s every word, his eyes shining as he gazed at the confident woman opposite him at the table. \u2018It ain\u2019t fer everyone though.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine smiled back at him. \u2018Well everyone has their niche in life Hoss.\u00a0 All I\u2019m saying is that education can only enhance what gifts we have.<\/p>\n

\u2018Reckon so,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. \u2018I guess I\u2019m just not the studying kind.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Nor me!\u2019 said Joe emphatically. \u2018I could hardly wait to get out of school.\u2019\u00a0 He gave Katherine a challenging look.<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s never too late to further your education though Joseph,\u2019 said Katherine sweetly. \u2018You could still go to College you know.\u00a0 A boy your age \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I ain\u2019t no boy!\u2019 declared Joe, cutting across her.<\/p>\n

She continued to smile at him. \u2018No, I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 she said. \u2018I shouldn\u2019t have said that. \u2018Seventeen is practically a man isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Ain\u2019t no practically about it,\u2019 said Joe sulkily.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well haven\u2019t you considered College?\u2019 asked Katherine, ignoring the remark. \u2018I\u2019m sure your father would be keen for you to go.\u2019\u00a0 She smiled at Ben next to her who returned the look.<\/p>\n

\u2018Actually Joseph and I have discussed it many times,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He knows that I would love for him to attend College if he wants to.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And I\u2019ve said that I don\u2019t want to go!\u2019 declared Joe, feeling his temper begin to rise.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t see what business it was of Katherine\u2019s anyway and was angry that she\u2019d turned the attention to him.<\/p>\n

\u2018You know you might enjoy it Joe,\u2019 interrupted Adam. \u2018There are many courses that you\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018How many times do I have to say it!\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018I\u2019ve said over and over that I don\u2019t want to go!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Alright,\u2019 said Ben, holding up his hand. \u2018Let\u2019s change the subject shall we?\u00a0 I suppose it\u2019s unreasonable for me to think that you should go just because Adam did after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe put his head down, obviously unhappy with the whole conversation.\u00a0 Ben glanced at him and then over at Katherine. \u2018So how did you go with the negotiations with Forsyth?\u2019 he asked pleasantly to change the subject.<\/p>\n

\u2018Fine,\u2019 she replied. \u2018He said that he\u2019d like to sell as soon as possible. Ben, are you sure that you don\u2019t want to bid on that land yourself?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m happy for you to take it.\u00a0 It\u2019ll make a good addition to your property and provide you with a steady water supply.\u00a0 Have you looked it over yet?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 she said. \u2018It\u2019s certainly strange doing all this myself now.\u00a0 I\u2019m so used to Martin doing these things.\u00a0 Since he died it\u2019s all been somewhat of a challenge for me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018One I\u2019m sure you\u2019re coping with extremely well,\u2019 said Adam with a smile.<\/p>\n

Katherine returned the smile. \u2018There are times when I\u2019m not so sure about that,\u2019 she said. \u2018Honestly Ben, I don\u2019t know how you run a place as big as The Ponderosa.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you forget that I\u2019ve got the boys to help me,\u2019 said Ben, looking around the table proudly. \u2018If we can help out at all with anything Katherine, you know you only have to ask.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you,\u2019 she said, laying her hand on his.\u00a0 The three boys all noticed her display of affection with varying emotions. Adam smiled, Hoss looked embarrassed and Joe glared at her. \u2018Actually I was going to ask if you wouldn\u2019t mind me riding up to Bluff Peak and taking a look at the section of land from that angle,\u2019 she continued. \u2018I\u2019d like to see it that way.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Only you really should have one of us show you the way.\u00a0 That high country can be a bit tricky. I\u2019m busy tomorrow, but ..\u2019 he gave Joe a quick glance and winked at Katherine. \u2018I\u2019m sure Joseph wouldn\u2019t mind showing you, would you Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the sound of his name. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018You wouldn\u2019t mind showing Katherine up to Bluff Peak tomorrow would you son?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe tried not to show his true feelings. \u2018Couldn\u2019t Hoss or Adam do it?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019m working on those horses tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018They can keep until the afternoon,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019d like you to do it please.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Why?\u2019 Joe couldn\u2019t quite keep the frustration out of his voice.<\/p>\n

\u2018Because I\u2019m asking you,\u2019 said his father meaningfully.<\/p>\n

\u2018If I have to,\u2019 replied Joe somewhat ungraciously. He put his head down and pretended to be interested on what was on his plate, not daring to look at anyone in case his true feelings showed.\u00a0 There was an awkward silence around the table.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u2018Ben you shouldn\u2019t have forced him,\u2019 said Katherine as she wrapped her shawl tighter around her body to ward off the chilly air.<\/p>\n

\u2018Nonsense,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I thought it would be a good opportunity for you to have a talk and get to know each other a bit better.\u00a0 Besides, that boy has to learn to think about other people for a change and not just concentrate on what he wants.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018He obviously doesn\u2019t want anything to do with me,\u2019 said Katherine sadly.<\/p>\n

\u2018He just doesn\u2019t know you well yet,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018When he does\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well, when he gets to know you he\u2019ll realise just what a special person you are,\u2019 said Ben, giving her a long look.<\/p>\n

She moved over on the buggy seat and sat closer to him. \u2018Well thank you,\u2019 she said. \u2018What a lovely compliment.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around her. \u2018Just the truth,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018Adam and Hoss know you for what you are and I\u2019m sure that Joseph will come around given time.\u00a0 After all, he\u2019s his father\u2019s son and he couldn\u2019t help but be smitten with you as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

She put her head on his shoulder. \u2018As well?\u2019 she said. \u2018Does that mean that his father is?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018As if you didn\u2019t know that,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I think I\u2019ve made my feelings very clear.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You have,\u2019 she said with a short laugh. \u2018But I just like to hear you say it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben rested his head on top of hers. \u2018I think you are an incredible person,\u2019 he said. \u2018Intelligent, beautiful and delightful.\u00a0 Is that good enough for you?\u2019<\/p>\n

‘It\u2019s a start.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And I\u2019m very fond of you,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Just fond?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018More than fond,\u2019 he said as he bent down towards her. \u2018Very fond.\u00a0 In fact\u2026\u2019\u00a0 His words were cut short by their lips meeting and he pulled the horses to a stop and put both his arms around her.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s down there,\u2019 said Joe with a wave of his hand. \u2018You can see the boundary by the line of that hill over there.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine pulled up beside him. \u2018I see,\u2019 she said. \u2018Perhaps if we got down and walked to those rocks I\u2019d get a clearer view.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe slid down from the saddle without a word and politely helped her down from her horse as well.\u00a0 He had to admit to being impressed by her horsemanship on the way up here.\u00a0 For a woman she was an outstanding rider.\u00a0 He tied both reins to a low branch and led her up towards the rocks.<\/p>\n

\u2018This is much better,\u2019 said Katherine. \u2018Does the river mark the other side of it?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s really beautiful from this angle.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Mmm.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine glanced at the young man standing beside her. \u2018You don\u2019t think so?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018It\u2019s a fine piece of land,\u2019 he said. \u2018You don\u2019t need me to tell you that.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No, I suppose not,\u2019 she admitted. \u2018I was just interested in your opinion that\u2019s all.\u2019\u00a0 Joe shrugged again and looked away. After a moment Katherine tried again. \u2018You don\u2019t like me very much do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glanced at her. \u2018I don\u2019t really have an opinion one way or the other,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh yes you do. You\u2019ve made it fairly clear that you only tolerate me because of your father,\u2019 Katherine replied.<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged again and leant back against the rock behind him as he gazed off into the distance, not feeling inclined to enter into a conversation with her.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sorry you feel that way Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Because of your father.\u00a0 He and I are very fond of each other you know, and I\u2019d hate to see our relationship affect him.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018We don\u2019t have a relationship,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s what I mean,\u2019 she said patiently. \u2018Your father would like for us to get on.\u00a0 I\u2019d like it too.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood up straight and faced her. \u2018I really don\u2019t care what you\u2019d like,\u2019 he said. \u2018You and Pa might be happy with each other but it doesn\u2019t mean that I\u2019ve got to carry on like my brothers do.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Which is?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Falling all over you just to get you to like them and to keep Pa happy.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I would think you\u2019d want to make your father happy,\u2019 Katherine said. \u2018He\u2019s done a lot for you, you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at her. \u2018You don\u2019t have to lecture me about my Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s none of your business anyway.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I think it is my business,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019m very fond of your father and anything that affects him is important to me.\u00a0 Including your behaviour.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Why don\u2019t you just mind your own business,\u2019 said Joe, beginning to feel quite angry with her. \u2018You ain\u2019t a part of this family\u2026or is that a part of your plan?\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine stared at him. \u2018That is between your father and myself,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh!\u00a0 So what I do is your business, but what you and Pa do isn\u2019t my business is that it?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018That is flawed logic Joseph,\u2019 Katherine said in a haughty tone. \u2018I would have thought you might have understood what I am saying, but obviously I was wrong.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Are you calling me dumb or something?\u2019 he asked indignantly.\u00a0 To be honest, every conversation he had with her made him feel that way.<\/p>\n

\u2018I just thought you would be able to understand what I\u2019m trying to say,\u2019 she repeated. \u2018Maybe you\u2019re just too young.\u2019<\/p>\n

He put his hands on his hips. \u2018Do we have to go through this again?\u2019 he said sarcastically. \u2018I told you before I\u2019m grown up!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well why don\u2019t you start acting like it?\u00a0 Obviously I\u2019m wasting my breath speaking to you about it,\u2019 she replied and gave him a condescending look. \u2018Such childish behaviour Joseph doesn\u2019t warrant recognition.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe continued to glare at her, not quite knowing what to say.\u00a0 She made him feel so angry, yet unable to express his opinions at all.\u00a0 He turned on his heel and strode back to his horse, calling over his shoulder. \u2018You coming?\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine glared at him and walked over to her own horse. \u2018Just ride down as far as the lake with me\u2026I can make it from there,\u2019 she said crossly. \u2018I think you and I might be better off apart for a bit.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Suits me fine,\u2019 he replied and turned his horse away from her.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

Ben stood and watched his son bring the horse to a standstill. \u2018Good ride son!\u2019 said Ben, patting Joe on the back as he dusted himself off.<\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 replied his son grinning back at him. \u2018He had me going for a while there though.\u2019 He leant against the fence as he stood next to his father and surveyed the horses in front of them. \u2018I think I\u2019ll try that black next.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Before you do,\u2019 said Ben, putting his hand on his son\u2019s arm, \u2018I\u2019d like to talk to you about something Joe.\u2019\u00a0 He motioned him over to the house. \u2018Come and sit on the porch for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe gave his father an anxious look. \u2018What have I done?\u2019 he asked as they walked against the front yard.<\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Nothing.\u00a0 You\u2019re not in trouble,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe looked relieved as they sat down. \u2018Then what is it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Ben hesitated for a moment before replying. \u2018It\u2019s about Katherine,\u2019 he said, watching the boy carefully for a reaction. He noticed a guarded look instantly cross Joe\u2019s face which he tried to hide.<\/p>\n

\u2018What about her?\u2019 asked Joe, trying to sound casual.<\/p>\n

\u2018I wondered what you thought of her,\u2019 replied his father.<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018She\u2019s OK,\u2019 he said nonchalantly. There was silence for a few moments.<\/p>\n

\u2018I had the impression that you didn\u2019t really like her,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe looked into the distance, obviously avoiding making eye contact with his father. \u2018No, I like her OK,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph if you don\u2019t, then it\u2019s alright,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father briefly before turning his face away again. \u2018I told you that I did,\u2019 he said carefully. \u2018What more do you want me to say?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow. \u2018I want you to tell me the truth,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s obvious to everyone that you aren\u2019t fond of her and I thought we should talk about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Because I am fond of her and I don\u2019t want this to come between us,\u2019 his father replied.<\/p>\n

\u2018It won\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben gave a small sigh.\u00a0 It seemed that he was getting nowhere with this boy of his and he felt like shaking him. ‘Joe, please look at me.\u2019 Joe reluctantly turned to face his father. \u2018I know this must be hard for you\u2026\u2019 began Ben.<\/p>\n

\u2018It ain\u2019t hard,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Anything that makes you happy is OK with me Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben studied his son\u2019s face. \u2018Joe, you and your brothers are the most important things in my life and you always will be.\u00a0 You know that.\u00a0 But sometimes son, a man needs more.\u2019 Joe flushed slightly.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to be part of this conversation and wished that his father would change the subject. \u2018Katherine fills a gap that has been in my life since\u2026well, since your mother died.\u00a0 She makes me happy and that\u2019s something I\u2019ve really missed during these past few years.\u00a0 But I don\u2019t want it to be at the expense of what I have with you son.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at his father. \u2018It ain\u2019t Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I told you it\u2019s OK.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I know you did, but I really don\u2019t think you\u2019re being completely honest with me.\u00a0 If you\u2019re not comfortable with this, then now is the time to talk about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath. \u2018I think it\u2019s great that you\u2019re happy with her Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure she\u2019s nice.\u00a0 But I don\u2019t have ta feel the same way do I?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And what way do you feel?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well\u2026she just makes me feel like\u2026I dunno.\u00a0 She makes me feel dumb or something.\u00a0 Like I\u2019m not good enough I reckon.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018Well I\u2019m sure she doesn\u2019t mean to,\u2019 he said. \u2018Katherine likes you son and she wouldn\u2019t want to make you feel any less than you are.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Then why is she always on at me about doing things with my life?\u2019 asked Joe defensively. \u2018She\u2019s always saying how she\u2019s done lots of things and carrying on about Adam and all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 Ben was genuinely surprised to hear his son talk like this.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well it\u2019s like I\u2019m not as good as Adam or Hoss.\u00a0 Like I\u2019m not matching up to being a Cartwright or something.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulders. \u2018Joe I\u2019d never think that,\u2019 he said. \u2018And neither does Katherine. It\u2019s just that she\u2019s an educated woman who has made the most of the opportunities she has been given in life and I suppose she doesn\u2019t want you to waste yours.\u00a0 She\u2019s only thinking of you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, well I wish she wouldn\u2019t,\u2019 declared Joe as he stood up. \u2018Pa it\u2019s great that you get on with her so well, and I\u2019m happy for you.\u00a0 But please don\u2019t expect me to feel like you do about her, cause it just ain\u2019t gonna happen. I\u2019ll be polite to her, but more than that I just can\u2019t be.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben stood up next to his son. \u2018Well just promise me that you\u2019ll try to get to know her a bit,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think you\u2019ll like what you find.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe bit his bottom lip. \u2018Alright,\u2019 he said. \u2018Can I go back to work now?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course.\u2019 Ben watched as his son walked back over to the corral and got straight back onto the black that was waiting for him. The boy rode as if his life depended on it and it was obvious to Ben that all his hidden anger was directed towards the animal. He sighed as he turned back towards the house again.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u2018Who put that there?\u2019 asked Joe as he reached the bottom of the staircase.<\/p>\n

\u2018Katherine,\u2019 replied Adam, glancing at the huge vase of flowers on the table. \u2018Looks nice, don\u2019t you think?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm.\u00a0 What right has she got to rearrange our house?\u2019 Joe muttered angrily.<\/p>\n

Adam looked at him surprised. \u2018She\u2019s not rearranging the house,\u2019 he said. \u2018She thought they would look nice for us, that\u2019s all.\u2019 Joe didn\u2019t comment further, but sat down on the sofa and stared into the fireplace. \u2018What\u2019s wrong with you anyway?\u2019 asked Adam after a moment. \u2018She can\u2019t do anything right where you\u2019re concerned.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Darn right!\u2019 declared Joe. He glared into the fire as if it were at fault. \u2018She\u2019s getting too bossy around here I reckon.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe, you need to grow up,\u2019 said Adam, shaking his head. \u2018Can\u2019t you for once put your own feelings aside and think about Pa for a change?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I am thinking about Pa,\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018I don\u2019t think she\u2019s any good for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I disagree,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018And so does Hoss. Anyway Pa\u2019s a big boy and I\u2019m sure he can work out what\u2019s best for himself.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brother. \u2018Adam, do you think they\u2019re serious about each other?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I do. I haven\u2019t seen him like this for a long time.\u00a0 Not since your Ma died actually.\u2019 Joe winced at the mention of his mother. \u2018Joe, Pa deserves a bit of happiness, don\u2019t you think?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course I do,\u2019 Joe replied, still staring into the fire. He stood up and shrugged. \u2018Whatever makes him happy I guess. See ya.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam watched thoughtfully as his younger brother left the room. His words had sounded hollow to him, and he wasn\u2019t at all convinced that Joe had meant them.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u2018They look good together don\u2019t ya think?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe turned to face his brother Hoss and frowned at his words.\u00a0 \u2018I guess so,\u2019 he admitted with a shrug of his shoulders.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What do ya mean\u2026ya think so?\u2019 queried Hoss with a snort. \u2018Course they do!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe watched his father and Katherine across the churchyard.\u00a0 He had to admit that they seemed so right together, much and all as he didn\u2019t like the fact.\u00a0 Katherine was a tall and stately woman who carried herself extremely well. He had to admit that she was a fine figure of a woman.\u00a0 She also had an air of confidence about her that few people seemed to find it hard to resist\u2026in fact it seemed that everyone except Joe himself had fallen under her spell.<\/p>\n

Even now as she stood beside his father she was the centre of attention with all those who surrounded them and Joe had to admit that she was witty and intelligent. Everyone seemed to be hanging on her every word\u2026including his father.\u00a0 Joe looked at his Pa\u2019s face and realised that Adam had been right last night.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t seen him so animated in a long time and Joe felt a pang of guilt at the thought that perhaps his father hadn\u2019t had the life he deserved in these past few years.\u00a0 Perhaps what he was seeing now was the true Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 Lord knows the man deserved some happiness!<\/p>\n

Joe resolved to try harder with Katherine for his father\u2019s sake. \u2018They sure do look good alright,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. He wandered over to his father and began listening to their conversation.<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t see why not!\u2019 Katherine was saying. \u2018You\u2019d be wonderful Ben!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u2018I have enough to do here on the ranch without getting involved in politics Katherine,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m quite happy to leave it to those who know what they\u2019re doing.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But that\u2019s just the point!\u2019 she countered. \u2018You have a vested interested in this Territory Ben and it\u2019s up to people like you to see that the best interests of the people are safeguarded.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I agree, said Paul Martin. \u2018You should really think about it Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And who would look after my business interests here while I was off on the electoral circuit?\u2019 asked Ben with a laugh. \u2018I don\u2019t think it would be fair to leave it all to the boys.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You know perfectly well that Adam is quite capable of taking up any challenge that The Ponderosa could bring,\u2019 said Katherine, smiling at him.\u00a0 \u2018And with Hoss\u2019 help they could run this place quite well for a while.\u2019 Joe scowled as he realised that she hadn\u2019t made mention of him.\u00a0 He took a step backwards to listen without being noticed.<\/p>\n

\u2018And Joe?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well he\u2019s still a boy of course, but surely Adam and Hoss could look after him,\u2019 replied Katherine.<\/p>\n

Still a boy of course!<\/em>\u00a0 Joe scowled even further. He\u2019d show her just what kind of boy he was!<\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u2018Well it\u2019s all academic at the moment,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m not about to jump into politics in a hurry, I can assure you.\u2019\u00a0 He took Katherine\u2019s arm. \u2018Now if we\u2019re going to that picnic we\u2019d better get a move on. We\u2019ll see you there Paul.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe watched as his father led Katherine over to the Cartwright buggy and helped her up. Great! <\/em>he thought. Now I\u2019ll have to put up with her all day.<\/em> He sighed as he remembered his new resolve to try a bit harder for the sake of his father. Sometimes life was hard to take and people like Katherine Higgins just served to make it harder.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u2018These are delicious!\u2019 Katherine exclaimed as she took another sandwich. \u2018Hop Sing certainly is a treasure Ben.\u00a0 I can see why he\u2019s invaluable to you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Hop Sing\u2019s part of our family,\u2019 said Joe before he could stop himself.\u00a0 The way she said it, she made Hop Sing sound like a servant and he didn\u2019t like thinking of the cook that way.<\/p>\n

Katherine looked at him a moment before replying. \u2018I know that Joe,\u2019 she said. \u2018I just meant that he\u2019s good at his job.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It ain\u2019t no job for him,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018I told you he\u2019s part of our family.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s thigh. \u2018Katherine knows that Joseph,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018She didn\u2019t mean anything by it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe settled immediately, remembering in time his decision to be polite to the woman. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said, turning to his father with a smile. \u2018They are good sandwiches.\u2019\u00a0 He reached for another one to divert his attention and to change the subject before he could lose his temper at the woman.<\/p>\n

\u2018So,\u2019 said Katherine brightly. \u2018What are your plans for the afternoon boys?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe scowled when he caught the term boys<\/em>.\u00a0 Somehow it sounded different to him than when his father used the expression. He knew that she felt he was still a child and didn\u2019t like her rubbing it in.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u2018I have plans in town,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018So do I,\u2019 added Joe.<\/p>\n

Katherine looked at Ben meaningfully, who said quickly. \u2018I think you\u2019d better stick close to home this afternoon Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t like the sound of those characters who\u2019ve been hanging round the saloon lately.\u00a0 Roy says that they\u2019re looking for trouble and I\u2019d rather you stayed away in case there\u2019s any in there tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Adam\u2019s allowed to go,\u2019 said Joe defensively.<\/p>\n

\u2018Adam is a lot older than you,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018He can take care of himself in case of any trouble.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And I can\u2019t?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe, they are nasty characters,\u2019 said Katherine. \u2018Your father just thinks\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe turned on her. \u2018My father can tell me what he thinks himself!\u2019 he retorted.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 snapped Ben. \u2018That will do!\u00a0 Katherine told me that the men were\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018She told you!\u2019 exploded Joe. \u2018So it\u2019s her interfering is it?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben fixed his youngest son with a steely glare. \u2018That will do!\u2019 he said. \u2018Katherine just happened to mention\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood up angrily. \u2018And of course whatever she says goes!\u2019 he said unable to control himself. \u2018Before she came along we managed ourselves quite well around here!\u00a0 What has she got to do with anything anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe calm down,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Can\u2019t ya spend the afternoon with me fishing? There\u2019s no need to carry on like this.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glared around at them all.\u00a0 It was pointless trying to reason with any of them while she was around, that was clear to see.\u00a0 He turned on his heel and stomped away. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 called his father.<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t worry,\u2019 replied Joe over his shoulder. \u2018I\u2019m going home like a good little boy!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head as they all watched the youngster stride over to his horse. \u2018Well that went well,\u2019 said Adam dryly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Ben, I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 said Katherine. \u2018I shouldn\u2019t have become involved. I know it only makes him angry.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You have nothing to apologize for,\u2019 said Ben grimly. \u2018He\u2019s old enough to know not to behave like that. I think that boy needs a good talking to.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence as they all continued to eat.\u00a0 Somehow the atmosphere had been ruined for them all.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated before stepping out of the shadows towards Katherine.\u00a0 The talk with his father was still fresh in his mind and he wasn\u2019t looking forward to this next conversation, but he knew that it had to be done. Katherine turned at his approach. \u2018Hello Joe,\u2019 she said pleasantly. \u2018Would you like to sit down?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe sat down on a chair as far away from her on the porch as was possible and there was silence for a few moments while they both looked at the stars. He cleared his throat before speaking. \u2018Pa says I have to apologize to you for this afternoon,\u2019 he said. Katherine waited. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u2018That didn\u2019t sound very gracious,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

He bristled without meaning to. \u2018Well what do you want me to say?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe, I wish you\u2019d realise that I\u2019m not trying to upset you,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019m very fond of your father and I\u2019d like to be friends with you, but you\u2019re making this very hard.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m making it hard?\u2019 he asked. \u2018What about you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine sighed. \u2018It seems that you and I just aren\u2019t meant to get on at the moment,\u2019 she said. \u2018Perhaps we\u2019ll have to think about how to try and fix that.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018Maybe you should just stay away for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s not what I meant.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well what do you want then?\u00a0 I ain\u2019t going anywhere.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not going anywhere,\u2019 she corrected without thinking.<\/p>\n

He glared at her. \u2018You just can\u2019t help making me feel stupid can you?\u2019 he spat. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just leave me and my family alone?\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine turned to face him. \u2018I would think that you\u2019d want to try and get on with me for your father\u2019s sake,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

Joe breathed deeply. \u2018I\u2019m trying to,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018But seems like I can\u2019t, don\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Doesn\u2019t it,\u2019 she corrected again.<\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018See what I mean?\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018You just can\u2019t help yourself can you?\u00a0 You think it\u2019s smart or something to keep on at me all the time?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m only trying to help you,\u2019 she replied. \u2018You\u2019re a smart boy and I think you could make something of yourself if you only tried.\u00a0 There\u2019s so much more to life for you if only you\u2019d\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t start that again!\u2019 Joe declared. \u2018You\u2019re only trying to get rid of me by making me want to go to College ain\u2019t you?\u00a0 You think that if I go away then you\u2019ll have Pa to yourself!\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine snorted. \u2018Hardly to myself.\u2019 she said. \u2018Have you forgotten you have two brothers who live here also?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah!\u00a0 Two brothers who think you\u2019re great! You\u2019d be real happy if I wasn\u2019t around though wouldn\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine gave him a strange look. \u2018I\u2019m only thinking of your father Joe,\u2019 she said. \u2018You must admit he is happy in my company.\u00a0 This tension is not helping him you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glared at her. \u2018Are you suggesting that Pa would be happy if I left?\u2019 he asked incredulously.<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course he wouldn\u2019t say that,\u2019 she said carefully. \u2018But he is feeling the strain of it all somewhat.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe was silent for a moment. \u2018Pa would never want me to leave here,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course he would only want what\u2019s best for you Joe,\u2019 she replied.\u00a0 \u2018You heard him say himself that he\u2019d love for you to go to College.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe was silent again, suddenly feeling on unsafe ground. \u2018Well all I know is that you ain\u2019t helping the situation around here,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n

\u2018I think it\u2019s you who isn\u2019t helping Joe,\u2019 retorted Katherine. \u2018Why don\u2019t you think of your father\u2019s happiness for a change?\u2019\u00a0 She smiled to herself, happy to have planted a seed in the boy\u2019s brain. \u2018Well, you think about it,\u2019 she said. \u2018It could work out well for all of us if you decide what I think you should.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe turned from her and strode into the house again. Katherine sat back in her chair with a deep contented sigh. Suddenly things were looking better again.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s wrong with you?\u2019 asked Adam as he watched his youngest brother leaning against the rake in his hand and staring off into the distance, obviously deep in thought.<\/p>\n

Joe looked around startled. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said. \u2018Oh\u2026nothing.\u00a0 Just thinking is all.\u2019\u00a0 He bent down and began to rake out the stall again. After a moment he stopped and faced his brother. \u2018Hey Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Do you think Pa really wants me to go to College?\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018You heard him say that he did. He understands if you don\u2019t want to though.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, but he\u2019d be happy if I did wouldn\u2019t he?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose so.\u2019\u00a0 Adam looked at his brother carefully. \u2018Why do you ask?\u00a0 You aren\u2019t reconsidering are you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u2018I don\u2019t think so,\u2019 he said. \u2018But if I did, what sort of things do they offer that I might like?\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam sat down on a barrel. \u2018Well\u2026 there\u2019s Agriculture and\u2026maybe some sort of business course.\u00a0 I think you\u2019d want to look at something you could use back here on the ranch don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

‘Guess so.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You don\u2019t sound too enthusiastic about it.\u00a0 What\u2019s brought all this on so suddenly?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It ain\u2019t sudden,\u2019 said Joe defensively. \u2018Pa\u2019s always talking about it.\u00a0 Specially when she\u2019s<\/em> around!\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t have to ask who she<\/em> was. \u2018So this has something to do with Katherine then?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged again. \u2018She said that I should think about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018She\u2019s been saying that for quite a while.\u00a0 Why all of a sudden is it important to you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath. \u2018We ain\u2019t getting on Adam.\u00a0 Much and all as I try to, she just makes me feel \u2026stupid or something.\u00a0 She just makes me so mad at her!\u00a0 She said that it\u2019s not fair to her and Pa to have me around feeling like this.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam frowned. \u2018Katherine said that?<\/p>\n

\u2018Well not in so many words,\u2019 explained Joe. \u2018But that\u2019s what she meant.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And so you thought you should go to College to make it easier for Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Sorta,\u2019 he admitted.<\/p>\n

Adam stood up again. \u2018Well I don\u2019t think that\u2019s the right reason to go,\u2019 he said. \u2018Fair enough if you want to Joe, but you obviously aren\u2019t keen on it.\u00a0 Pa wouldn\u2019t want it to happen like this and you know it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Maybe.\u00a0 But what else can I do?\u00a0 She sure ain\u2019t going anywhere!\u2019<\/p>\n

Perhaps you should try to get to know her before you give up on her,\u2019 suggested Adam. \u2018You might be pleasantly surprised.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face didn\u2019t look too hopeful. \u2018That\u2019s what Pa said,\u2019 he replied.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I think he\u2019s right.\u00a0 What have you got to lose?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018My temper,\u2019 he mumbled.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed and patted him on the shoulder. \u2018So what\u2019s new?\u2019 he asked with a twinkle in his eye.\u00a0 \u2018If Katherine\u2019s going to stay around here then she\u2019ll have to get used to that, don\u2019t you think?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe smiled in spite of himself. \u2018Yeah, I guess so,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well, I\u2019ll try to get to know her a bit, but it ain\u2019t gonna be easy.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Life wasn\u2019t meant to be easy,\u2019 replied Adam wisely. \u2018Now get back to work buddy, or you\u2019ll find life is a whole lot harder without those chores of yours done.\u2019\u00a0 He patted Joe on the back again and walked out of the barn whistling.\u00a0 Joe shook his head and turned back to his work again.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe!\u2019 said Katherine in surprise as she opened her front door. \u2018What are you doing here?\u00a0 Is everything all right with your father?\u2019\u00a0 She looked at the youngster anxiously.<\/p>\n

Joe fiddled with his hat nervously and ran his fingers through his hair. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018Everything\u2019s fine.\u2019\u00a0 They looked at each other in silence for a moment before he continued. \u2018I just thought\u2026.I mean\u2026I came for a visit, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine raised her eyebrows. \u2018Really?\u2019 she said in surprise. \u2018Well\u2026 this is nice. Um\u2026 come in.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe entered the house and looked around him.\u00a0 It was the first time he had ever been there and it was much as he had imagined.\u00a0 Tastefully decorated and well ordered. \u2018This is nice,\u2019 he said politely.<\/p>\n

Katherine looked at him strangely. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 she said. \u2018Have a seat.\u2019\u00a0 They sat for a few moments in silence, until finally Katherine broke the ice. \u2018May I offer you a drink?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said. \u00a0As she left the room he sighed and ran his hand through his hair again.\u00a0 Maybe this had been a mistake?\u00a0 He didn\u2019t feel at all comfortable here and wanted nothing more than to get out before she returned, but he knew that he owed it to his father to at least try and go through with it.\u00a0 By the time Katherine returned he was resigned to doing his best to communicate with her.<\/p>\n

;Thanks,\u2019 he said as he took the coffee from her, glad to have something to focus on.<\/p>\n

\u2018So do what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?\u2019 Katherine asked pleasantly, although Joe swore he heard an edge to her voice.<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018No reason,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just\u2026I mean, I told Pa that I\u2019d try and get to know you a bit, so I\u2019ve come to do it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine laughed. \u2018Well I\u2019ll say this much for you Joe, you don\u2019t beat around the bush do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at her. \u2018What\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u2019 he asked, feeling slightly miffed.\u00a0 He felt as if she were putting him down with the comment.<\/p>\n

\u2018Nothing,\u2019 she said pleasantly. \u2018I think it\u2019s a good idea for us to have a talk, especially if we\u2019re going to be seeing a lot more of each other in the future.\u00a0 That is, unless you\u2019ve thought over our conversation the other night about going to College.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe put the College remark to one side for the moment. \u2018What do you mean we\u2019ll be seeing a lot more of each other?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Katherine gave him another smile. \u2018Well I think that might be for your father to discuss with you,\u2019 she said easily. \u2018Let\u2019s just say that I\u2019m hoping I might become a bigger part of The Ponderosa soon.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What you\u2019re trying to say is that you\u2019ve got your eye on my father ain\u2019t it?\u2019 said Joe, narrowing his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u2018Now Joe, that can\u2019t surely be a surprise to you can it?\u2019 Katherine said innocently. \u2018After all, we\u2019ve been seeing quite a lot of each other lately.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018My Pa wouldn\u2019t bring you into our family without discussing it with us first,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course he wouldn\u2019t,\u2019 she replied as she sipped her coffee calmly. \u2018I\u2019m just suggesting that you might expect a talk with him soon.\u2019\u00a0 She studied the boy sitting opposite her. \u2018I don\u2019t suppose that will please you greatly?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe said nothing, but stared into his coffee cup. Katherine sat forward. \u2018It would make your father very happy though,\u2019 she said. \u2018I have a feeling that once I become part of your family Joe, your father will begin to see things my way.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glared at her.\u00a0 This visit was not going as he had expected. \u2018Which is?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018I think your father is a wonderful man.\u00a0 I\u2019ve waited a long time to have a man like him in my life and I mean to make the most of our life together,\u2019 Katherine said. \u2018The way I see it, he\u2019s a man with so much to give.\u00a0 He\u2019s somewhat wasted here you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You mean you want him to go into politics,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u2018My!\u00a0 You\u2019re more perceptive than I thought!\u2019 replied Katherine. \u2018Well politics would be an option, but there are many things your father could do with the right guidance. \u2018Who knows what we can achieve together?\u2019\u00a0 She gave a satisfied smile.<\/p>\n

\u2018\u2019You mean away from The Ponderosa and us don\u2019t you?\u2019 said Joe, feeling his temper beginning to rise.\u00a0 How dare this woman plan things for his father in this way!<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019m sure we\u2019d be here for some of the time,\u2019 she said calmly.\u00a0 \u2018Your father does love it so.\u00a0 But he just needs to understand that there\u2019s so much more to life than what he has here.\u00a0 A man with his intelligence and money\u2026why who knows what our future could be?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just leave him alone?\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018My Pa doesn\u2019t need someone like you in his life.\u2019<\/p>\n

She gave him an amused look. \u2018I think that\u2019s for him to make up his mind about don\u2019t you Joe? Let\u2019s see what he decides.\u2019<\/p>\n

He gave her a withering glance. \u2018Yeah, let\u2019s!\u2019 he said sarcastically. \u2018I think I\u2019ve got to know you quite enough thanks.\u00a0 I\u2019ll let myself out.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine continued to smile as the boy left the room. It was true that she\u2019d never met anyone as fascinating as Ben Cartwright and she had no intention of giving him up.\u00a0 If that boy of his got in the way, then she\u2019d just have to find a way to deal with him.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u2018So how did you go?\u2019 asked Ben as he entered Joe\u2019s bedroom. \u2018Did you feel that you got to know Katherine a bit better?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe avoided his father\u2019s eyes and looked out of the window. \u2018Yeah I certainly did,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Ben sat down on the bed and looked at his son standing by the window. \u2018So?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged, still avoiding his father\u2019s eyes. \u2018So what?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018So did you get on any better? asked Ben, trying to keep patience with his son.<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018No we didn\u2019t,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018I tried Pa, really I did.\u00a0 But \u2026well I just can\u2019t like her.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben sighed as he fiddled with the quilt on the bed. \u2018Well that\u2019s unfortunate,\u2019 he said. \u2018I was really hoping you would Joe.\u00a0 You see\u2026\u2019\u00a0 he stopped, unsure of how to express himself.<\/p>\n

Joe turned to face him. \u2018You\u2019re going to marry her aren\u2019t you?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at his son. \u2018Yes\u2026I\u2019m thinking of asking her.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe turned and stared out of the window again. There was silence in room.\u00a0 Ben stood and walked over to his son and put his hand on his shoulder. \u2018I know that bothers you Joe,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018But it\u2019s like I said before son. I love you and your brothers very much and I don\u2019t want to do something that\u2019s going to upset you.\u00a0 To be honest I would have asked her quite a while ago if it weren\u2019t for the fact that you don\u2019t seem to get on with her, but there comes a time when a man has to do what\u2019s right for him.\u00a0 I hope you can understand Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018She\u2019s not right for you Pa,\u2019 said Joe in the same low voice. \u2018I know it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018Joe, you can\u2019t expect everyone to feel about things the same way that you do.\u00a0 Katherine is very special to me and I\u2019d like to think that in time you and her will solve your differences. In the meantime I do believe that we can all make a life together here on The Ponderosa if you would just try for my sake.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I have tried Pa.\u00a0 But that\u2019s just the problem.\u00a0 She don\u2019t want you to be here with us anymore.\u00a0 She wants you to go off and be in politics or something.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u2018Whatever makes you think that?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe looked his father directly in the eye for the first time. \u2018She said so,\u2019 he replied. \u2018She said that you and her are gonna be busy with all sorts of things away from The Ponderosa.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I think I would know if that were the case don\u2019t you?\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018I know that Katherine is keen for me to become involved in things outside the ranch, but I\u2019m the one who will be making those decisions about my life son, not her.\u2019\u00a0 He massaged the back of his son\u2019s neck. \u2018Joe nothing will change around here.\u00a0 I promise you son I will still be your Pa in just the same way I\u2019ve always been.\u00a0 The only difference will be that we\u2019ll have an addition to our family\u2026and I believe that she will be a wonderful addition.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood silently for a few moments before speaking. \u2018You can think that if you like Pa,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018Just please don\u2019t ask me to believe it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben gave him a frustrated look. \u2018Joseph I can\u2019t stop living my life my way just because you want me to,\u2019 he said and stole a glance at the picture of Joe\u2019s mother on his dresser. \u2018Loving Katherine doesn\u2019t mean that I love your mother any less, just as I never stopped loving Adam and Hoss\u2019 mothers when I married yours.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And you have to learn to grow up a bit now Joe.\u00a0 You and your brothers have had me to yourselves for a long time now.\u00a0 I need to do this with my life and I need you to understand it.\u00a0 But if you don\u2019t approve of Katherine, then I can\u2019t change that.\u00a0 All I\u2019m asking is that you understand why I\u2019m doing it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes welled up with tears.\u00a0 \u2018I never wanted to hurt you Pa,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I do want you to be happy.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben pulled his son towards him. \u2018I am happy Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Truly I am.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just hope that in time you can be truly happy for me too.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and tried to smile at his father. \u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll give it my best shot.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben patted his son\u2019s neck again. \u2018That\u2019s my boy,\u2019 he said. \u2018I knew that I could count on you. Now how about we go downstairs before Hop Sing throws all our supper away?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his jacket. \u2018Or Hoss eats it,\u2019 he said. \u2018I am kinda hungry.\u2019\u00a0 Father and son linked their arms around each other and headed out of the room.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

Ben put his arms around Katherine and held her close. \u2018Ben,\u2019 she said. \u2018What will the boys think?\u2019<\/p>\n

He laughed. \u2018They\u2019ll think their father is showing some affection to their future step-mother, that\u2019s all,\u2019 he said. \u2018After all, it isn\u2019t every night we have a celebration of this kind on The Ponderosa.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced at the table next to them. \u2018Everything looks beautiful darling, you\u2019ve done a wonderful job.\u2019<\/p>\n

She looked up and kissed him. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 she said. \u2018And just you wait until you see what Hop Sing has prepared.\u00a0 I spent a very long time giving him instructions on exactly what was needed for the meal.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows. \u2018And you got away with it?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019m surprised that he let you tell him what to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine frowned at him. \u2018Well why wouldn\u2019t he?\u2019 she asked surprised. \u2018I\u2019m in charge now, not him.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben frowned slightly. \u2018Well it\u2019s just that Hop Sing has been in control in the kitchen around here for a long time,\u2019 he explained. \u2018It might take him a bit of time to get used to having a woman around.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine smiled sweetly at him. \u2018Well he\u2019ll have to,\u2019 she said in a determined voice. \u2018Now that I\u2019ll be living here we\u2019ll just have to get along won\u2019t we?\u00a0 Everyone will have to get along.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve spoken to Joseph if that\u2019s who you\u2019re referring to,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Don\u2019t worry.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure that everything will work out in time.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I certainly hope so,\u2019 she replied. \u2018Otherwise things could become very difficult.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Ah here are the boys now,\u2019 said Ben, turning towards the staircase where Adam, Hoss and Joe were appearing. \u2018Come on down boys and we\u2019ll have a pre-dinner drink to the latest addition to our family.<\/p>\n

Adam gave Katherine a smile as he headed towards the drinks tray and began to pour five glasses.\u00a0 He handed them around to everyone graciously as they all listened to Ben\u2019s words. \u2018Here\u2019s to my beautiful Katherine,\u2019 he said. \u2018May she bring joy and happiness to all our lives for a long time to come.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam gave Joe a hard glance, but his youngest brother didn\u2019t flinch.\u00a0 He was determined not to spoil this night for his father, even if he felt so wrong about the match and so he stood in silence and tried to smile.<\/p>\n

\u2018To Katherine,\u2019 said Adam, beaming at her<\/p>\n

\u2018Ma\u2019am,\u2019 added Hoss with a nod of his head and a twinkle in his eye.<\/p>\n

There was silence for a moment while everyone waited for Joe to say something. Finally, Katherine smiled around at them all. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019m sure we\u2019re all going to be very happy together.\u2019<\/p>\n

At that moment Hop Sing entered the room and announced that dinner was ready.\u00a0 \u2018May I escort you to the table?\u2019 asked Ben as he offered Katherine his arm.<\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you sir,\u2019 she replied graciously.<\/p>\n

As they all headed towards the table, Joe made to go to his usual spot next to his father, but Katherine put a hand on his arm to stop him. \u2018If you don\u2019t mind Joe,\u2019 she said. \u2018I thought it would be appropriate for me to sit here now.\u00a0 Would you mind sitting over there next to Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed before he could make a reply that he might regret. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t mind.\u2019\u00a0 He sat down on the other side of Hoss, feeling quite sad to think that he wasn\u2019t getting to sit next to his father as he had done for as long as he could remember.\u00a0 No one else seemed to realise the slight though, and he held his head high and tried to ignore his feelings on the matter.\u00a0 If Katherine were going to be part of their family now, he\u2019d have to get used to much worse than this for his father\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n

\u2018So when is the wedding going to be?\u2019 asked Adam as Hop Sing came in with the first course.<\/p>\n

\u2018We haven\u2019t really discussed it yet,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Thank you Hop Sing.\u2019\u00a0 He raised his eyebrows at the contents of the platter in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u2018I thought June would be nice,\u2019 said Katherine. \u2018If that suits you dear.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked momentarily startled. \u2018Oh.\u00a0 Well yes, we\u2019ll discuss it of course\u2019 he said. \u2018June sounds nice though.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m glad you think so.\u00a0 I\u2019ve already written to several places to find out about the availability of accommodation for our wedding trip.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018We haven\u2019t talked about where we\u2019ll go yet though,\u2019 replied Ben.<\/p>\n

Katherine put a hand on his arm. \u2018Of course we will darling.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that I wanted to be prepared.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want us to miss out on the best places you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at her, but said nothing. He picked up the platter and passed it to Hoss who looked at it suspiciously. \u2018What\u2019s this?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s a seafood platter,\u2019 said Katherine. \u2018I ordered it especially.\u00a0 I thought it was about time you tried a few different things around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss continued to look at the food suspiciously. \u2018What\u2019s them things?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u2018They\u2019re oysters,\u2019 he explained. \u2018Try one and see if you like it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss took a shell and scooped out the oyster.\u00a0 He put it into his mouth and chewed for a moment before replying. \u2018It ain\u2019t bad,\u2019 he said. \u2018Different though.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at Katherine. \u2018Hoss and Joe haven\u2019t had much opportunity to try seafood,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

And we don\u2019t want to!<\/em>\u00a0 thought Joe, trying not to scowl. We don\u2019t need all that fancy stuff around here just because she decided we do!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018Here Joe, try some,\u2019 offered Katherine.<\/p>\n

\u2018No thanks,\u2019 replied Joe.<\/p>\n

\u2018You won\u2019t know if you like it until you try it,\u2019 she urged.<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t want it,\u2019 he replied, then added reluctantly. \u2018Thank you anyway.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe\u2019s not much of an eater,\u2019 said Ben as he noticed Katherine\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019ll have it,\u2019 interrupted Adam, taking the platter. \u2018I love seafood.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine gave him a dazzling smile. \u2018I suppose you indulged in many fine foods during your years in Boston,\u2019 she said. \u2018Now there\u2019s a city!\u00a0 I remember one time\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe scowled at his plate as he heard the two of them talking about the delights of Boston.\u00a0 He supposed it would always be like this from now on and wondered how Hoss would cope with it.\u00a0 Surprisingly, his brother seemed to be alright with it all.\u00a0 Joe glanced at him and noticed him piling his plate with the seafood and listening intently to his brother and Katherine.\u00a0 Pa of course was in his element, so once again Joe felt completely left out of the conversation.<\/p>\n

He held his glass out for another drink as Hoss offered the wine decanter to him and was startled to hear Katherine say. \u2018Do you think that\u2019s wise Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at her startled. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019ve already had one drink.\u00a0 You\u2019re only seventeen after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018So?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I think Katherine\u2019s right Joe,\u2019 said his father pleasantly. \u2018One drink is enough for a boy your age.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe opened his mouth to object and then closed it again.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t give her the satisfaction of knowing that she\u2019d got to him again. He sighed and hoped that the time between now and June would go as slowly as possible.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

Joe entered the house, glad that the evening was over and he didn\u2019t have to sit and listen to Katherine any more.\u00a0 As soon as dinner was over he had escaped to the barn, using Cochise as an excuse.\u00a0 The horse had thrown a shoe that afternoon and it seemed like a perfect reason to miss out on some of Katherine\u2019s boring talk.\u00a0 He\u2019d only have ended up losing his temper with her and he was anxious to avoid that at all costs.<\/p>\n

As he closed the door he was startled to see Katherine sitting on the sofa by herself. \u2018I thought you\u2019d have left by now,\u2019 he said, none too pleasantly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Your father is upstairs getting his coat,\u2019 she replied. \u2018He\u2019s going to take me home in the buggy.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded at her, but didn\u2019t comment.\u00a0 \u2018Night,\u2019 he said and crossed to the staircase.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe I hope you didn\u2019t take offence with my comment about that drink tonight,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

Joe stopped. \u2018Well actually I did. I don\u2019t see what business is it of yours how much I drink,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018Next time I\u2019d appreciate it if you\u2019d keep your comments to yourself.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Anything you do is my business from now on,\u2019 Katherine replied sweetly. \u2018Your behaviour affects your father and therefore me.\u00a0 You\u2019d better get used to my comments from now on.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe turned to face her. \u2018Really?\u00a0 Well you\u2019re not a part of this family yet and until you are you can just keep out of my life!\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine stood up and straightened to her full height. \u2018I\u2019m not used to being spoken to like that!\u2019 she said haughtily.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well get used to it then!\u2019 replied Joe before he could stop himself.<\/p>\n

She took a step closer to him. \u2018I think you should apologize for that comment,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

Joe smirked at her, all his resolve to keep his temper forgotten. \u2018Yeah right!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

He made to move away from her, but she grabbed him by the arm and held onto it. \u2018I told you to apologize!\u2019 she said angrily. Joe tried to shake off her arm, but she held it tightly. He smirked at her again and was startled when she lifted her hand and struck him smartly across the cheek.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes widened in surprise and he stared at her, not knowing what to say or do.\u00a0 Behind him he heard a step on the stairs and both he and Katherine turned to see Ben standing there.<\/p>\n

\u2018How long have you been there?\u2019 asked Katherine sweetly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Long enough,\u2019 replied Ben, his eyes glued to Joe. \u2018I thought you understood how important it is to me for you to at least make some kind of effort with Katherine Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed, not knowing what to say to his father. Finally he said in a low voice, \u2018Sorry.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not the one you should be apologising to,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe stared at his father in disbelief. \u2018What?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018You heard me.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head and counted to five.\u00a0 Slowly he turned to face Katherine. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he said as he glared at her, aware that his father couldn\u2019t see his face.<\/p>\n

\u2018I accept your apology Joe,\u2019 replied Katherine and gave Ben a sweet smile. \u2018I think it would be best if we were to go now Ben.\u00a0 \u2018Good night Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe watched them leave with a sinking feeling in his heart.\u00a0 It seemed like where his father was concerned he just couldn\u2019t win lately.\u00a0 Not while she<\/em> was around anyway.\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t his Pa see what she was really like?\u00a0 The man just seemed to be blinded by his feelings for the woman and Joe could only see it getting worse.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

‘Thank you darling,\u2019 said Katherine as she cuddled into Ben in the buggy. \u2018You came along just in time.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018So it would seem,\u2019 he replied in a short voice.<\/p>\n

Katherine glanced up at him, unsure of his mood. \u2018I\u2019m sure Joe didn\u2019t really mean things to go that far,\u2019 she said pleasantly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Did you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What do you mean?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I really don\u2019t think there was any need to hit the boy like that,\u2019 he said shortly.\u00a0 \u2018If my son needs to be disciplined I\u2019ll do it myself.\u2019<\/p>\n

There was silence for a moment. \u2018Darling I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 Katherine said finally. \u2018It seems like I\u2019ve overstepped the mark somewhat doesn\u2019t it? I honestly didn\u2019t mean to.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Katherine I know that Joseph can be a very stubborn boy, but I\u2019ve told you how hard all this is for him.\u00a0 I really think he needs understanding, not treatment like I witnessed tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine opened her mouth in surprise.\u00a0 It was the first time Ben had ever admonished her and she found that she didn\u2019t like it one bit. \u2018Well I\u2019m sorry!\u2019 she said shortly. \u2018It just seems to me that the boy needs to develop some manners.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018As I said, he\u2019s my son and I\u2019ll deal with him,\u2019 replied Ben.<\/p>\n

\u2018So even though I\u2019m to be your wife, I\u2019m to have nothing to do with your sons?\u2019 she asked angrily. \u2018What kind of a marriage is that?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s not what I meant,\u2019 replied Ben. He pulled the horses to a halt and turned to face her. \u2018Katherine it\u2019s just that\u2026well, the boys and I have been on our own now for a long time.\u00a0 There\u2019s going to have to be adjustments on all sides.\u00a0 Joe in particular has never really had a mother in his life and you\u2019re going to need to take it slowly with him. The way you treated him tonight is not going to help your cause. You\u2019ve never been through anything like this and I just want to help you with the benefit of my experience as a parent.\u00a0 I know that boy very well and he\u2019ll be won over if you will just handle him in the right way.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine sat in silence while Ben spoke.\u00a0 When he had finished she took a deep breath, aware that he was watching her intently for her reaction to his words. \u2018I understand what you\u2019re saying Ben, but I just can\u2019t tolerate being spoken to like that.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And I will deal with the boy. But it doesn\u2019t mean that you have the right to treat him as you did.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine bent her head onto his shoulder.\u00a0 \u2018Let\u2019s just forget it Ben.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry I did what I did and there\u2019s an end to it.\u00a0 I trust you to deal with Joe and I\u2019ll do my best not to let it happen again.\u00a0 Is that good enough for you darling?\u2019<\/p>\n

He kissed her on the top of her head. \u2018I promise it will get better,\u2019 he said in a softer tone.<\/p>\n

She smiled up at him. \u2018If I have your support I know it will,\u2019 she said softly. \u2018I love you Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I love you too,\u2019 he said. As he hitched up the horses again, Katherine smiled to herself.\u00a0 It was obvious that she would have to be a little more careful in the future, but she was determined that nothing would get in the way of her happiness.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright was hers, and nothing\u2026not even his son\u2026would take him away from her. She would just have to be a bit more careful in future.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

Joe was surprised the next morning when his father made no mention of the incident from the night before.\u00a0 He had expected at the very least a lecture about it and couldn\u2019t believe it when Ben acted as if it just hadn\u2019t happened.<\/p>\n

Ben sensed Joe\u2019s puzzlement and decided to let the boy think about his behaviour without commenting on it.\u00a0 As far as he was concerned there had been faults on both sides and he figured that the apology that Joe had been forced to make was enough punishment for him.\u00a0 Besides, he really didn\u2019t inclined to go over it again and dredge up other issues from the evening.\u00a0 The atmosphere had been tense enough without reliving it.<\/p>\n

\u2018I won\u2019t be home for supper this evening boys,\u2019 said Ben as they finished up their breakfast.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ll be dining with Katherine at her place.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Is that proper Pa?\u2019 asked Adam with a wink at Hoss. \u2018I mean, I know that you\u2019re engaged and all\u2026but dinner alone with a lady?\u2019 He grinned at his father who pretended to be offended by his son\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

\u2018For your information I won\u2019t be dining alone with Katherine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Her cousin arrived form San Francisco today and he\u2019ll be joining us.\u2019 He stood up and pretended to swat Adam on the head. \u2018Not that it\u2019s any of your business.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss laughed as their father left the room. \u2018Guess we\u2019ll haveta get used to Pa being away from here for meals a fair bit between now and June,\u2019 commented Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u2018Guess so,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018The sooner they get married the better.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s your opinion,\u2019 said Joe sulkily.<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t start that again,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018I think it\u2019s about time you changed your attitude.\u00a0 Personally I think Pa\u2019s being too lenient with you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe gave his brother a dark look and stood up to leave the table. \u2018Well just you both remember what I said,\u2019 he replied. \u2018No good will come to this family through her!\u2019 He stormed out and slammed the door behind him, leaving his brothers shaking their heads behind him.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u2018How do you do?\u2019 said Martin Higgins as he held out his hand to Ben. \u2018I\u2019m glad to meet you at last. Katherine has written often about you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben took the man\u2019s hand. \u2018Pleased to meet you,\u2019 he said. \u2018I hope it was all good?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course darling,\u2019 interrupted Katherine. \u2018In fact Martin has really been looking forward to meeting you Ben. He\u2019s a lawyer you know and I thought you might have quite a bit in common.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows. \u2018Really?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I don\u2019t see what.\u00a0 I\u2019m a rancher, not a lawyer.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Ah yes, but you both have an interest in politics,\u2019 she replied.<\/p>\n

\u2018Katherine tells me that you\u2019re interested in becoming more involved in public affairs,\u2019 said Martin pleasantly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I have an interest,\u2019 replied Ben,\u2019 but I wouldn\u2019t really say I was looking to become more involved.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Darling you\u2019re too modest!\u2019 Katherine said with a smile. \u2018He\u2019d really make an ideal addition to your cause Martin,\u2019 she said. \u2018See if you can convince him will you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well if he\u2019s really not that interested\u2026\u2019 began Martin, looking a bit embarrassed.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not,\u2019 said Ben firmly, giving Katherine a meaningful look.<\/p>\n

\u2018Nonsense,\u2019 she replied. \u2018After we\u2019re married we\u2019ll be able to visit San Francisco quite a bit and it makes sense to become involved if you can.\u00a0 There\u2019s quite a bit you could do for this Territory from there you know Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben fixed her with a steely glare. \u2018I said I\u2019m not interested,\u2019 he said, before turning to Martin. \u2018My ranch keeps me quite busy,\u2019 he explained. \u2018As well as my boys.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sure,\u2019 said the man pleasantly. \u2018You will have to visit me in San Francisco when you come though.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh we will,\u2019 said Katherine. \u2018Won\u2019t we darling? I suppose we\u2019ll get up there quite a bit.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben said nothing.<\/p>\n

\u2018In fact, I\u2019ve been thinking we should get a place there ourselves for when we are in town.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you look around for us Martin and see if you can get an idea of the current value of properties?\u2019<\/p>\n

Martin looked embarrassed. \u2018Well\u2026\u2019 he said, looking at Ben. \u2018That would depend\u2026sometimes it\u2019s best to search these things out for yourself.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m really not in the market to buy anything,\u2019 said Ben shortly. \u2018When I come it\u2019s usually only for short visits and there are some excellent hotels there.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes but darling if we intend to go more frequently I think it makes sense to buy don\u2019t you?\u2019 asked Katherine.<\/p>\n

\u2018No I don\u2019t,\u2019 he replied. \u2018\u2019I\u2019m sorry Martin, but I\u2019m really not interested.\u2019<\/p>\n

There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment until Katherine stood up. \u2018Well I\u2019ll see if dinner is ready,\u2019 she said and left the room.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sorry about that,\u2019 said Martin, leaning forward. \u2018None of that was my idea.\u00a0 My cousin can be quite forceful when she wants to, as I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve found out.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m beginning to realise that,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Please think nothing of it.\u2019 Katherine\u2019s comments had made him begin to wonder and after the meal was over and Martin had excused himself, Ben decided to broach the subject again with Katherine.<\/p>\n

\u2018What makes you so determined to get me involved in politics?\u2019 he asked as they were seated in front of her fireplace. \u2018I\u2019ve told you I\u2019m not really interested and I wish you\u2019d listen to me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But I am listening darling,\u2019 she said with wide eyes. \u2018It\u2019s just that I don\u2019t think you understand just how good you\u2019d be at it. Why, this place needs someone like you to stand up for the citizens around here and help the area to develop. Lord knows that something should be done about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you must admit it is a bit of a backwater,\u2019 she said pleasantly. \u2018I know that you enjoy living here Ben, but to be honest I just don\u2019t see what the fascination is for a man like you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018A man like me?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes.\u00a0 You\u2019re far too intelligent and worldly to be happy here for the rest of your life,\u2019 she said. \u2018I think it\u2019s fine for short periods of time, but we\u2019d be much happier in a city you must admit.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No I don\u2019t know that,\u2019 he said curtly. \u2018You might be, but I wouldn\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

She put her arm through his. \u2018Darling don\u2019t get cross with me,\u2019 she said. \u2018Of course we\u2019ll live wherever you want.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that I think you could do so much more with your life, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben stood up. \u2018I\u2019m doing exactly what I want with my life,\u2019 he said. \u2018The Ponderosa is enough for me and I wish you\u2019d stop interfering.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 she said. \u2018I know you\u2019re happy here. I just thought that when we\u2019re away from the ranch you should fill in your time with something worthwhile, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head. \u2018So my work here isn\u2019t worthwhile?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

She shrugged her shoulders. \u2018Well it\u2019s all very nice,\u2019 she said. \u2018You\u2019ve built up a wonderful business here and I\u2019m sure you feel a great sense of achievement.\u00a0 But there\u2019s more to life than just The Ponderosa you know.\u00a0 I could never be happy being completely confined to the ranch.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well then maybe you\u2019d be happier without being confined there as you put it,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018Somehow I don\u2019t think you and I want the same things in life Katherine and it\u2019s better that we find out now rather than after we\u2019re married.\u2019<\/p>\n

Katherine paled at his words. \u2018What do you mean?\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

\u2018I mean that perhaps we should re think this whole marriage thing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m too independent to be told how to live my life by anyone, even a wife.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not telling you how to live your life!\u2019 she declared, standing up next to him.<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh yes you are!\u2019 he replied. \u2018You constantly try and get me involved in politics, you embarrass your own cousin by bringing him here and trying to have him organise a career and a house for me\u2026why you\u2019ve even started making arrangements for the wedding and a trip afterwards without even consulting me!\u00a0 If that\u2019s not organising my life I don\u2019t know what is!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t mean to,\u2019 she said. \u2018It\u2019s just that I\u2019m used to being in charge of myself, that\u2019s all. I\u2019m independent as well you know!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And somehow I don\u2019t think the two will mix,\u2019 he said. \u2018If this is what\u2019s happening before we\u2019re even married, then I hate to think of how we\u2019ll be afterwards.\u2019<\/p>\n

She frowned at him. \u2018And of course there\u2019s that precious boy of yours as well isn\u2019t there?\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019m sure he\u2019s got something to do with this sudden change of heart!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I take it you\u2019re referring to Joseph?\u2019 he said frostily.<\/p>\n

\u2018Who else?\u2019 she said with a nasty tinge to her voice. \u2018Since the day he met me that boy has been determined to split us up! Well it looks as if he\u2019s been successful after all doesn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I do not need my son to tell me that this isn\u2019t right,\u2019 said Ben, turning away from her. \u2018And for your information this isn\u2019t a sudden change of heart. Perhaps I should have taken more notice of the boy in the first place.\u2019\u00a0 He picked up his hat. \u2018Good evening,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll understand if I don\u2019t call on you again?\u2019<\/p>\n

He left the room, shutting the door quietly behind him.\u00a0 Katherine sat for a moment on the sofa without moving, then angrily picked up a cushion and threw it across the room in a fit of temper. \u2018Damn you Ben Cartwright!\u2019 she hissed. \u2018We could have been so good together!\u2019<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u2018I wondered why you weren\u2019t at breakfast,\u2019 said Ben as he sat down next to Joe on the grassy knoll overlooking the lake. \u2018I thought I might find you here.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe turned to smile at his father. \u2018I wasn\u2019t hungry,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just came here to think.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded as he looked around.\u00a0 Here next to Joe\u2019s mother\u2019s grave was his favourite place as well and he knew that they both found great peace up here.<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019 said Joe, turning to his father.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes son?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve been thinking about things and I need to talk to you about something.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I need to talk to you about something as well,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve made a decision,\u2019 continued\u00a0 Joe. \u2018Things aren\u2019t gonna work out between me and Katherine, you know that as well as I do.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe put his hand up. \u2018Please let me just say it Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well I don\u2019t want any trouble about it when she moves in, so I was thinking I might go to College after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe there\u2019s no need\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

‘But there is!\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll end up making you and me both miserable.\u00a0 You know what my temper\u2019s like!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018You\u2019d really go to College to make things better for me?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah.\u00a0 I think I should.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018There\u2019s no need to Joe,\u2019 said Ben quietly. \u2018Katherine won\u2019t be moving in.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father puzzled. \u2018Why not?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben stared over the water in front of him. \u2018We\u2019re not getting married after all,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

Joe looked shocked. \u2018What?\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa\u2026you don\u2019t haveta do this!\u00a0 I promise that I won\u2019t make it hard for you.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go away, honest I will and she won\u2019t\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018It\u2019s decided Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019re not getting married son.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018Pa please\u2026 I\u2019d never forgive myself if I let you do this because of me!\u00a0 I don\u2019t want\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s nothing to do with you,\u2019 interrupted Ben. \u2018I decided it last night.\u00a0 It\u2019s because of other things Joe, not you.\u2019\u00a0 Joe stared at his father silently. \u2018It just wasn\u2019t going to work son. We\u2019re two different people with different views on life and it wasn\u2019t going to work.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa I\u2019m sorry.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben gave his son a gentle smile. \u2018So am I Joseph,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Are you sure about it?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben sighed and glanced at the stone marker beside him. \u2018Son it\u2019s like this.\u00a0 When I was married to your mother I knew that she wanted me to live my life for myself. Whereas with Katherine it was as if she wanted me to live it for her.\u00a0 There\u2019s a big difference between those two attitudes and the difference is what makes a love a true one. There would have ended up being two very unhappy people in our house if we\u2019d gone through with it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Three,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben gave a short laugh. \u2018Yes.\u00a0 Three,\u2019 he said. \u2018So no more talk of College?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No.\u00a0 No more talk of College,\u2019 he replied. \u2018You don\u2019t really mind do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed the back of his son\u2019s neck thoughtfully. \u2018I don\u2019t mind at all,\u2019 he said. \u2018You live your life the way you want to Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just as I intend to live mine.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe sprang to his feet. \u2018You know what Pa?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018No, what?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m hungry all of a sudden!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u2018Well I wouldn\u2019t count on there being any breakfast left after your two brothers have had theirs,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019ll just haveta convince Hop Sing to make some extra then won\u2019t I?\u2019 declared Joe happily. \u2018Come on!\u2019\u00a0 He bounded over to his horse and climbed up into the saddle. \u2018Come on Pa!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018I\u2019ll race you back!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put his hands in his pockets and slowly followed Joe over to his horse. \u2018You go ahead son,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll follow you in a while.\u2019 He waved Joe off and watched as he disappeared into the trees, then turned and faced the lake again. He sighed as he stared out across the water, his hands still in his pockets as the sun beat down upon him. After a moment he turned and walked away alone.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 A woman in Ben’s life comes between Joe and his father<\/p>\n

Rated: K (13,015 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":13990,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1015,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2055","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2627,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/House-Divided.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12243,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12243","url_meta":{"origin":2055,"position":0},"title":"Life… It’s All About Love (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"September 1, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: WHN story: The Stallion and a bit of Forever tossed in to wet the eyes Rated:\u00a0 G (2,325 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\/2017\/03\/Black-Stallion.jpg?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6366,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6366","url_meta":{"origin":2055,"position":1},"title":"The Art of Parenting: Lesson One (by the Tahoe Ladies)","author":"Tahoe Ladies","date":"November 4, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"This is the first part of The Art of Parenting Trilogy. Rated K \u00a0Word Count:\u00a0 1700 The Art of Parenting Trilogy, links to all stories of this series included.","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\/04\/Enter_Mark_Twain3.jpg?fit=802%2C654&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Enter_Mark_Twain3.jpg?fit=802%2C654&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Enter_Mark_Twain3.jpg?fit=802%2C654&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Enter_Mark_Twain3.jpg?fit=802%2C654&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":16272,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=16272","url_meta":{"origin":2055,"position":2},"title":"Hearts Afire #3 – Consequences (by Christy)","author":"Christy","date":"August 9, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0Adam made choices when he left for college.\u00a0\u00a0Now eight years later, there is an empty spot in the hearts of Ben, Hoss and most especially Little Joe.\u00a0\u00a0What will the final consequences of Adam\u2019s choices be and how will those consequences affect Little Joe and the Cartwright\u2019s?\u00a0\u00a0 Rated:\u00a0PG\u00a0for some violence\u00a0 (12,650\u2026","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\/05\/Adam-traurig.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adam-traurig.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adam-traurig.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adam-traurig.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11357,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11357","url_meta":{"origin":2055,"position":3},"title":"But for the Grace of God (by JoanS)","author":"JoanS","date":"September 5, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Events force a son to look back on a traumatic time in his life; acknowledging how thankful his is for his family. Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (11,205 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\/04\/joe-pa.jpg?fit=640%2C514&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe-pa.jpg?fit=640%2C514&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe-pa.jpg?fit=640%2C514&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6494,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6494","url_meta":{"origin":2055,"position":4},"title":"Sarah (by rita)","author":"rita","date":"September 10, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 Joe has been shot and needs to find shelter. Rated: T \u00a0WC \u00a02100","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\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12219,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12219","url_meta":{"origin":2055,"position":5},"title":"To Honor Thy Father (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"October 1, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Little Joe learns to honor thy father when too many trips on thin ice leave him in dangerous waters. 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