{"id":2211,"date":"2007-03-05T22:28:44","date_gmt":"2007-03-06T03:28:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2211"},"modified":"2026-07-22T13:26:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T17:26:56","slug":"adjustments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2211","title":{"rendered":"Adjustments (by Donna)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/strong> Joe awaits Merrie’s arrival west, and finds himself having to deal with Walsh once again as Walsh and the Empire Railway threaten the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Rated K+ (15,565 words)<\/p>\n

The Only Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Only<\/a>
\nAdjustments
\nFinding the Way Home<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adjustments<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright tipped his hat down across his face, blocking the rays of the sun that entered the stagecoach. The trip home from New York seemed to take forever, he thought to himself as he saw the outskirts of Virginia City in the distance. Joe was looking forward to seeing his father and telling him about his trip, a trip that turned out much better than any of them could have expected.<\/p>\n

The stage finally reached its destination. As Joe climbed out, he felt a big hand give him a slap on the back. \u201cWelcome home son!\u201d Ben exclaimed, grabbing Joe into a big bear hug. Joe returned his father\u2019s embrace as he replied, \u201cIt\u2019s great to be home Pa.\u201d The two men stepped back and took turns looking each other over. \u201cLooks like New York agreed with you, Joe\u201d Ben told him, as he tugged on Joe\u2019s green jacket. Joe looked at Ben and said softly, \u201cMore that I ever could\u2019ve imagined, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grabbed his carpetbag from the stagecoach driver and walked with Ben towards the livery stable. \u201cCochise is itchin\u2019 for a good run, Joe. It\u2019s been a while.\u201d Joe smiled at Ben and said, \u201cHe\u2019s going to have to wait a few minutes longer, Pa. Need to check and see if there\u2019s any mail.\u201d As he made his way to the Post Office, Joe\u2019s stomach tightened. He started to think that perhaps Merrie had already forgotten about him. His anxiety was at its height when he reached the desk and asked, \u201cHello, Edith. Any mail for the Ponderosa today?\u201d Edith smiled and said \u201cWelcome back, Joe. Yes, I\u2019ve had some mail for the Ponderosa. Here you go\u201d and handed Joe a bundle of letters.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s curiosity didn\u2019t allow him to make it to the front door. He shuffled the letters until he found the one he hoped he\u2019d find:<\/p>\n

Mr. Joseph Cartwright
\nPonderosa Ranch
\nNevada Territory, U.S.A.<\/p>\n

A warm smile crossed Joe\u2019s face. As he exited the Post Office, he tucked the letter into his green jacket and went to meet Ben at the livery stable. On the ride home, Ben caught Joe up on the goings on at the Ponderosa in his absence. As they neared the lake, Ben knew from experience where Joe needed to go. \u201cDon\u2019t be too long, Joe. Hop Sing has prepared a feast to welcome you home.\u201d Ben said. \u201cI\u2019ll be along soon Pa, I wouldn\u2019t want to get Hop Sing mad at me my first day back!\u201d Joe yelled, as he and Cochise galloped away.<\/p>\n

By instinct, Cochise knew exactly where they were headed and where to stop. After Joe tied the reins to a nearby tree, he ran over to a rock that overlooked both the lake and the graves of those he loved and missed. This was his favorite spot as long as he could remember. Joe reached into his pocket and took out Merrie\u2019s letter. His eyes clouded with tears of happiness as he opened the envelope and started to read the note.<\/p>\n

It read:<\/p>\n

24 August<\/strong><\/p>\n

My Dearest Joe,<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I hope that this letter finds you back home, safe and sound and that your trip back to the Ponderosa was uneventful.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Things here are progressing. I gave my notice to Empire Railway the Monday after your departure, and have two more weeks in their employ. That was the easy part, my love.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

However, things with my parents have not gone as smoothly as I would have wished, with my dad, in particular.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Please don\u2019t worry, Joe, as I will be with you soon. I miss you more and more each day we are apart and long for the day that we can be together again.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Will write again soon \u2013 be well and be safe, my cowboy.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Yours,<\/strong><\/em>
\nMerrie<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Joe looked up from the letter with concern. What was really going on back in New York? He cursed himself, realizing that he should not have left Merrie alone to deal with her father. He remembered their first and only meeting and should have known that the idea of Merrie coming out West to be with him would not be welcomed. Stuffing the letter back in his jacket, Joe untied Cochise and bolted for home.<\/p>\n

\u201cMistah Joe, first night home, and it\u2019s still the same. Pick, pick, and pick at your food. Hop Sing should pack bags and go home to China.\u201d Some things never change, Joe thought as Hop Sing continued his tirade. Before Joe could apologize, Hop Sing picked up a plate and stormed into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we relax in the great room for a while, Joe? I want to hear all about your trip.\u201d Ben said. Joe took his brandy and sat on the settee, handing Ben the Railway agreements. He scratched his head as he began, \u201cWhere should I start? The whole trip was nothing like I ever imagined, Pa.\u201d Joe then told Ben about his negotiations with Harold Walsh of Empire Railway, and how at the conclusion of the deal, he was offered a job. As he looked over the signed contracts, Ben was impressed and proud of how well his son represented their interests, and was intrigued by Empire\u2019s job offer.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what did you do after you sealed the deal? You must have had plans for that extra week\u201d Ben mentioned innocently. Joe let out a sigh, as a warm smile crept across his face. \u201cThat\u2019s the second part of my story, Pa\u201d he said quietly. Pulling out a picture and handing it to Ben, Joe continued. \u201cI met a girl, Pa. A very special girl. I know I\u2019ve said this many times before, but this time it\u2019s the real thing. I love her, Pa.\u201d Joe let out a deep breath as he finished. Surprised at his son\u2019s serious tone, Ben got up out of his chair and sat next to Joe on the settee. Putting his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder, he asked, \u201cJoseph, just how do you and this young lady plan to continue a relationship that has 3000 miles between you?\u201d With a bit of hesitation, Joe answered, \u201cW-Well, Pa, I asked her to come out here. I wasn\u2019t sure at first if I should, but someone convinced me otherwise. That\u2019s the third part of my story.\u201d This was going to be the hardest part to tell you Pa, Joe thought as he stood up and poured himself another brandy.<\/p>\n

Confused, Ben started to say, \u201cJoe, who was…\u201d but Joe interrupted him with one word, \u201cAdam.\u201d Ben\u2019s eyes widened with surprise. \u201cY-Y-You mean your brother, Adam? How on Earth did you find him?\u201d Ben shouted, his emotions rising to the surface. Calmly, Joe explained to Ben about going to the Winchester Ball, and how he inadvertently met Adam there. He went on to tell Ben the reasons behind Adam\u2019s reluctance to attend Hoss\u2019 funeral, and how he convinced Adam to keep in touch with them, as they would never judge him for his decisions. \u201cThe one thing I realized\u201d Joe added, \u201cis that Adam\u2019s heart is not with the Ponderosa any more. But the important thing Pa is that I realized that mine was.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two men talked until the wee hours of the morning. Joe continued to explain to Ben about Merrie, and told his father about his concerns regarding the letter he had received upon his return. In his most fatherly manner, Ben told his son, \u201cJoseph, your Merrie sounds like an intelligent young lady who is capable of handling the situation with her father by herself. Give her a chance to reason with him and I\u2019m sure that all will turn out well.\u201d Joe smiled as he looked at Ben, knowing that once again his father was the voice of reason. Stifling a yawn, Joe said, \u201cI\u2019m beat Pa. All that traveling has caught up with me. Do you need me up early tomorrow \u2013 or should I say later this morning?\u201d Ben smiled and replied, \u201cAnything that needs to be done can wait until later in the day. Sleep in tomorrow and I\u2019ll leave a note for Hop Sing to cook a little later. Maybe that will save us from another rant.\u201d Laughing as they headed up the stairs, Ben patted his son\u2019s back and whispered, \u201cNight son. Good to have you home.\u201d<\/p>\n

The next day, Joe and Ben rode up to the land that had become the center of the Empire Railway dispute. Joe wanted to show his father exactly the problems were. \u201cSee here Pa,\u201d Joe shouted, \u201cthis is how close they wanted the track to go. Too close to the cattle for my liking, that\u2019s why I had it pushed back 100 miles north.\u201d Ben rode over to where Joe was standing. Hopping off of Buck, Ben said, \u201cDo you think that Walsh can be trusted? I know we have it on paper, but…\u201d \u201cI don\u2019t trust him at all\u201d Joe interrupted. \u201cHe gave in too easy. I\u2019m sure that he is figuring a way to work around the contract as we speak. That\u2019s why I think we need to watch this area very closely.\u201d Ben nodded in agreement. \u201cWe\u2019ll post two of the hands at the closest line shack\u201d Ben decided. \u201cThey\u2019ll watch this area and in the event of a broadside by Walsh, we\u2019ll be ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe fell back into his old routine rather quickly. His days were spent on the land, helping to get the ranch ready for the upcoming winter months. There was also a contract from the Army to fill, and Joe had to get twenty horses broken before the end of October. All of the work left Joe bone tired by dinnertime. Every night, he would head out to make sure that all was well with the two hands stationed at the Borden\/Ponderosa property line.<\/p>\n

But the one thing that was always in his mind was the thought of his Merrie. In her most recent letters, she had said that her father was \u2018thinking\u2019 about her decision and would let her know what his thoughts were in due time. Merrie had told Joe about her growing impatience, but felt that it would be disrespectful for her to do anything until they had reached an understanding. Joe was disappointed, and regretted that he hadn\u2019t been able to be there to help her. But he knew that no matter how long it took, that their love was still strong and that they\u2019d be together eventually \u2013 but when?<\/p>\n

Autumn came to the Ponderosa, and Joe was busy breaking the last of the horses needed to fill the Army contract. He was having trouble with one in particular, and cursed as he dusted himself off after another fall. \u201cLoad him in one more time!\u201d Joe shouted to one of the hands. Joe\u2019s concentration to the task at hand was not at its best. His mind was scattered as he thought of how much time he and Merrie had been apart, and how much he resented her father for putting himself in the way of their happiness. Joe mounted the horse, raised his hand and nodded. The hands opened the shoot and Joe and his feisty mount fought once again. It looked as if Joe had finally conquered his foe when all of a sudden, there was a loud noise in the distance and the horse reared unexpectedly. Joe flew off and crashed into the corral fence, the impact breaking the boards in two. Joe didn\u2019t move. One of the hands grabbed the horse and led it away from its rider. Another hand ran to Joe, turning him over. A huge gash was over his right eye, with blood pouring down his face. \u201cSomeone go get Mr. Cartwright!\u201d the hand screamed. Arriving at the scene, Ben ran to the lifeless body of his son. \u201cWe\u2019ve already sent for Doc Martin\u201d the hand said. Ben held his son in his arms and cried, \u201cJoseph, it\u2019ll be alright. Don\u2019t you worry \u2013 you\u2019ll be as good as new.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben waited anxiously as Doc Martin tended to Joe. It seemed like hours before he finally came down the stairs. \u201cJoe\u2019s head took quite a blow, Ben. He\u2019s concussed for sure, but thankfully, there\u2019s no fracture. My concern now is just how long it\u2019s going to take for him to wake. The longer it takes, the more worries I have.\u201d Doc sighed as he told his old friend the news. Ben sat down in his chair, and put his head in his hands. \u201cJust how much does the Lord expect me to shoulder, Paul? I\u2019ve lost one son; the other has his own life to live, and the one that loves this land as much as I may never recover. I don\u2019t know if I could take any more.\u201d With that, Ben dissolved into tears. When his tears finally ebbed, Ben and Paul sat together quietly, hoping and praying that things would look better in the morning.<\/p>\n

The first stage of the day entered Virginia City earlier than usual. The driver opened the door and helped the petite young woman step down. As he took her belongings off the top of the stagecoach, the driver instructed, \u201cThe hotel is one block down. Called the International House. You can get a room there.\u201d The young woman smiled and thanked the driver as he pulled away. I can\u2019t believe I\u2019m here, Merrie Hamilton thought to herself as she picked up her luggage and began the walk to the hotel. As she looked around, Merrie now understood just why Joe was sometimes daunted by the sights and sounds of New York. She could now see for herself just how different their worlds were, and found herself already overwhelmed by the vast differences she\u2019d encountered in her first moments here.<\/p>\n

Merrie checked into the International House and headed up to her room. As she unpacked, she put aside her feelings of insecurity and concerned herself with happier thoughts – of how she would be able to surprise Joe. He had told her about some of his friends who lived in Virginia City \u2013 perhaps she could find and ask one of them to help her out, she decided. Laying on the bed, she started to devise a plan but soon fell asleep as the days of long travel finally caught up to her.<\/p>\n

When Merrie finally awoke, it was close to dinnertime. She headed downstairs and sat at a table that was close to the saloon doors. She was not prepared for what she saw and heard in the room next door. Large plumes of smoke billowed past the doorway, and language she had never heard touched Merrie\u2019s ears. She tried to hide her fear as a man, who was obviously drunk, spilled through the doors and landed at Merrie\u2019s feet. The drunken cowboy grabbed Merrie\u2019s ankle and slurred, \u201cHow are ya princess? Care to come inside for a drink? You sure are a pretty one!\u201d Merrie instantly regretted her plan not to tell Joe that she was arriving \u2013 she sorely underestimated just how untamed the West really was!<\/p>\n

Jumping to her feet, Merrie felt the cowboy grab at her dress. She heard a rip as she pulled her leg away and started to head for the stairs. Surprisingly agile, the cowboy stood and went to grab Merrie, pulling at the sleeve on her dress. He tried to pull her close, and started to mumble at her as he grasped at her hair, the clip that held it back falling to the ground. Anger overtook Merrie\u2019s fear, and she stepped down with her spiked heel on the drunken cowboy\u2019s foot. He screamed in pain, and angrily went to reach for Merrie once again. \u201cNo filly gets away with that!\u201d he yelled. The cowboy lunged towards Merrie, but was stopped when a white haired man stepped in front of him.<\/p>\n

Ben grabbed the cowboy and shook him. \u201cJust what is the meaning of this? Leave this young lady alone!\u201d he bellowed, as he shoved the cowboy back through the doors back into the saloon.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you so much.\u201d Merrie said softly. \u201cYour timing was wonderful.\u201d Ben looked at the young lady standing before him. Something about her seemed familiar. \u201cYou are quite welcome. I\u2019m sorry that you had to experience something like that. Are you new to these parts?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cYes, I am new here. I\u2019m from back East. New York. I\u2019ve traveled here to be with my\u2026.\u201d Merrie started to answer, but Ben interrupted. \u201cMerrie? Are you Merrie Hamilton?\u201d he said quietly. Merrie was unsure how to answer this stranger, but something about his eyes convinced her that he was asking for a reason. \u201cYes, sir, I am Merrie Hamilton. And you are…\u201d Ben interrupted again. In a gentle tone, he told her, \u201cI am Ben Cartwright, Merrie. Joe\u2019s father.\u201d Merrie ran to Ben and gave him a huge hug, sobbing as she said, \u201cI am so happy to meet you, Mr. Cartwright, and so relieved. I\u2019ve found Virginia City a little more overwhelming than I expected.\u201d Ben held her in his arms until her crying subsided. She looked up at him as he smiled and assured her, \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Merrie. You\u2019re safe now. Let\u2019s get your belongings and get you out to the Ponderosa.\u201d Merrie then asked Ben, \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe? Is he at home?\u201d She saw Ben\u2019s face turn to one of sadness. \u201cIs something wrong with Joe? Please Mr. Cartwright; please tell me what\u2019s wrong!\u201d Merrie cried, clutching the necklace Joe had given her.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s taken a bad fall while he was trying to breaking in some horses\u201d, Ben said dejectedly. \u201cHe\u2019s had a hard blow to his head, and still hasn\u2019t awoken. I was in town to drop the Doctor back to his office. He had stayed at the Ponderosa as long as he could, waiting for Joe to come to.\u201d Merrie saw the sadness etched in Ben\u2019s face. At the thought of Joe in such a condition, tears started to fall from Merrie\u2019s eyes. \u201cI need to see him, Mr. Cartwright. Can we leave now?\u201d she whispered. Ben looked into Merrie\u2019s eyes, seeing for himself the love this woman had for his son. \u201cWe\u2019ll be on our way as soon as we can\u201d he replied. \u201cI have to go to the livery and rent a carriage for us to take back to the Ponderosa. I\u2019d imagine that you\u2019ve never had the opportunity to ride a horse, Merrie, and the middle of the night is not the opportune time to start.\u201d Merrie laughed as she nodded in agreement. Soon the arrangements had been made, and as Merrie sat beside Ben, they started the long ride back to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

In the time they spent together, both Merrie and Ben were surprised at just how easily the conversation flowed between them. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you wire Joseph and let him know you were coming? Ben asked, as he directed the horses towards their final destination. Merrie said haltingly, \u201cWell, sir, I wasn\u2019t sure when I was leaving, and when I finally did, I thought I\u2019d surprise him. I kept thinking of his face when he\u2019d see me step off the stagecoach\u2026.\u201d She stopped suddenly and then continued. \u201cI was so sure of myself, too sure, I guess. I never, ever anticipated what I experienced once I got here. People say this is untamed territory, and compared to what I\u2019m used to, it sure is. I should have wired Joe \u2013 keeping him waiting as long as I did, he must have thought that I was never going to get here. And I\u2019d bet that thought preoccupied his mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind what has already happened, Merrie. You\u2019re here, and you\u2019re safe, that\u2019s all that matters.\u201d Ben said as they reached the front yard of the house. Now let\u2019s get you inside and upstairs to Joe.\u201d As she entered the front door, Merrie was amazed at the size of the living room and the hearth before her \u2013 she had never seen anything so big. A voice interrupted her thoughts and said quietly, \u201cThis way, Merrie.\u201d as Ben led her up to Joe\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing\u2019s head turned when he heard the door opening behind him. He looked up at Ben forlornly and said, \u201cLittle Joe still the same, Mistah Ben. No move since you bring Doc Martin to Virginia City.\u201d The little man stood and began to leave the room. When he saw Merrie, he smiled. \u201cThis must be friend of Little Joe. He tell Hop Sing all about you.\u201d Puzzled, Ben looked at Hop Sing and asked, \u201cAnd just how are you so sure about that?\u201d Hop Sing turned to Ben and replied, \u201cI know because of her eyes. Blue sapphires filled with love, just like Little Joe said.\u201d<\/p>\n

Merrie ran to Joe\u2019s bedside. Running her hand over the curly brown locks on his forehead, she shook her head and began to speak. \u201cMy daring cowboy, it\u2019s me, your Merrie. I\u2019m here; I\u2019m finally here on your Ponderosa. I love you, Joe. Please hear me, open your eyes and let us know you\u2019re going to be OK.\u201d She took Joe\u2019s hand and put it to her face, her tears flowing unashamedly.<\/p>\n

From that moment, Merrie never left Joe\u2019s side. For the next 24 hours, she touched him gently and spoke to him virtually non-stop, waiting for some sort of response. Ben had tried to cajole her to come downstairs and eat or to take a nap, but she would hear nothing of it. She was relentless in her quest to bring Joe back to her.<\/p>\n

In his mind, Joe was far away from the Ponderosa. He was back in New York with Merrie, reliving the memories that had brought him such happiness. At one point, he heard a tired, weak voice interrupt his dreams. \u201cJoe, please come back to me. I miss you so much. I need you to come back to me. We have so much ahead of us\u2026please…\u201d Joe began to remember that voice\u2026could it be\u2026.Merrie\u2026for real?<\/p>\n

Merrie had laid her head on Joe\u2019s chest, grateful that he was still alive. She was exhausted, and knew that Ben was starting to worry about her well-being. My stubbornness has done it to me again, she thought, as she held Joe\u2019s hand once more and began to close her eyes. All of a sudden, her eyes opened with a start, and she jolted upright. She had felt something. She looked down at her hand and saw that Joe\u2019s was actually moving, squeezing hers! \u201cThat\u2019s it Joe, come back to me, I\u2019m here, I\u2019m waiting, please open your eyes\u201d she cried. Joe\u2019s eyelids began to flutter, and when he finally opened his green eyes once more, he tried to focus them on the face in front of him. He thought he was still dreaming as he saw Merrie\u2019s face in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it you? Is it really you?\u201d Joe squeaked, his voice dry. Tears streaming down her face, Merrie hoarsely replied, \u201cYes, it\u2019s me Joe, I\u2019m here. Thank God you\u2019ve come back to me.\u201d She put her head on his chest and started to sob. Hearing the commotion upstairs, Ben scurried in to find Joe\u2019s arms around Merrie. Running to the head of Joe\u2019s bed, he looked down at Joe to find him looking back up at him. \u201cHi Pa\u201d he said, \u201cHave you missed me?\u201d Ben started to speak, his voice weak with emotion. \u201cCertainly have son. How are you feeling? And don\u2019t give me the standard reply.\u201d Joe gave Merrie a squeeze and answered, \u201cBesides a bit of a headache, I\u2019m really am fine, Pa. Couldn\u2019t be happier to be alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

As always, Joe\u2019s recovery was faster than Doc Martin had ever imagined. Ben attributed it to the presence of Merrie, who was soon becoming an important part of their household. As she helped Joe convalesce, she told him about her trip west and how his father saved her from what could have been a tragic situation. Joe was amazed as always at Merrie\u2019s strength and resolve when it came to handling herself, and found himself loving her even more than before.<\/p>\n

Sitting in the living room one evening, Ben and Joe started to discuss his accident. \u201cJoseph, I still don\u2019t understand what happened that afternoon. The hands said that it looked like the horse was broken\u2026\u201d Ben\u2019s words were interrupted by Joe. \u201cPa, he was, but at that particular moment, I heard a gunshot from out of the brush to the left of the corral. I swear it was deliberate, Pa. But who or why would someone want to do that?\u201d
\nBoth men tried to figure out the clues before them. Merrie , who was intently listening to the conversation, started to ask a question. \u201cWho would want to see you out of commission, Joe? Is there a reason why \u2026\u201d Seeing Merrie\u2019s point, Joe\u2019s mind clicked. \u201cWalsh\u201d he said, snapping his fingers. \u201cHas to be, Pa. Trying to divert our attention from the land line. Have you sent anyone out to check on \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding his head no, Ben said, \u201cJoe, I was totally consumed with you and your well being. I assumed that the hands we\u2019d sent up there were doing their job, and if there was a problem they\u2019d let me know. I hope that I wasn\u2019t wrong.\u201d Joe started to get up and head to the door. \u201cPa, I\u2019m going to take a ride up there and see what\u2019s going on. Just to be on the safe side.\u201d Merrie stood up abruptly and grabbed Joe by the arm. \u201cWait a minute!\u201d she cried, putting herself between Joe and the door. \u201cWhat makes you think that if you find any trouble there, you\u2019ll be able to handle it yourself? Joe, you can\u2019t do it alone. You need help. Don\u2019t go. Let\u2019s figure out how…\u201d \u201cNo Merrie, I can\u2019t.\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cThere\u2019s no time to \u2018figure out\u2019 anything. For all I know, Walsh could be laying track as I stand here. I have to go. Pa, I\u2019ll be back…\u201d Gently moving Merrie aside, Joe opened the door and headed to the barn. In a few moments, the sound of galloping hooves left the yard.<\/p>\n

Stunned, Merrie turned to look at Ben. \u201cHe didn\u2019t mean it, Merrie\u201d Ben said softly. \u201cThis whole thing with Walsh has him\u2026\u201d \u201cI understand, Mr. Cartwright, I understand perfectly\u201d Merrie insisted. Heading to the guest room, she waved to Ben and said, \u201cGood Night, Sir.\u201d As she closed the door, Merrie let out the tears she had hid from Ben. She remembered the look on Joe\u2019s face as he left \u2013 she had never seen that look before. It was one of anger and hate. As she wiped the tears from her face, she wished that she could figure out a way to help. He hasn\u2019t had a moment\u2019s peace since he\u2019s arrived home, she thought. Coming home, filling horse contracts, getting ready for winter, and dealing with Walsh, never mind waiting to hear from me. And on top of it all, getting hurt. No wonder he snapped tonight, she reasoned.<\/p>\n

There was a low knock on her door. A voice said softly, \u201cMerrie, are you still awake?\u201d It was Joe. Merrie went to the door, opening it slightly. She looked at his face, his eyes brimming with tears. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, so sorry Merrie\u201d he said, choking out the words. \u201cI never meant to speak to you like that. Please forgive me.\u201d Merrie took Joe into her arms as they sat on her bed and answered softly, \u201cYou have nothing to be sorry for, Joe. I can\u2019t imagine the stress you\u2019ve been under since you\u2019ve returned. I love you, and together we\u2019ll get through all this. Just let me help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked into Merrie\u2019s blue eyes and said, \u201cThat\u2019s why I love you so much, Merrie. You have always known what I needed, since the very first day I met you. I\u2019m just sorry that things have been out of control. Hell, I haven\u2019t even had a chance to show you a bit of the Ponderosa, you\u2019ve been cooped up here playing Florence Nightingale since you arrived.\u201d In a teasing tone, Merrie added, \u201cHaven\u2019t even had one riding lesson yet \u2013 and you call yourself a cowboy? Nevermind the fact that no one has brought me to Virginia City to buy some new clothes \u2013 my eastern dresses really don\u2019t suit me here.\u201d Joe leaned in closer, his lips brushing Merrie\u2019s, and said in a deep sultry voice, \u201cMiss Hamilton, I don\u2019t care if you have clothes on or not\u201d and began to kiss her passionately, the first real kiss they had exchanged since Merrie arrived at the Ponderosa. Both of them felt their senses reeling as they found themselves starting to succumb to their pent up emotions. Joe just couldn\u2019t get enough of Merrie, kissing her neck, holding her tight, and Merrie kept up step for step. As they both took a look into each other\u2019s eyes, they knew what they both wanted, but knew in their hearts they couldn\u2019t have. They sat up on the bed, adjusting their clothes, which had become slightly askew in the throes of the moment. As he started to head for the door, Joe, still breathing heavily, told Merrie, \u201cWe have to do something about this, Miss Hamilton.\u201d Merrie, still recovering herself, smiled as she said, \u201cYes, you do, Mr. Cartwright\u201d as she closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n

The next morning, Ben watched Merrie and Joe exchange glances across the table.<\/p>\n

I guess all is right between them, Ben summized, as they continued to spend more time looking at each other than eating their breakfast.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, was all well up at the property line last night?\u201d Ben asked. Joe barely heard his father as he continued to gaze lovingly at Merrie, thinking of what could\u2019ve been the night before. \u201cJoseph! Did you hear what I asked?\u201d Ben shouted, trying to get his son\u2019s attention. \u201cO-Oh y-yeah, Pa, everything was fine.\u201d Joe said, finally roused from his dreams. I haven\u2019t seen this side of Joe in a long time, Ben thought as he saw his son, again miles away.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you and Merrie spend the day together?\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cShe hasn\u2019t had a day off the Ponderosa since she arrived, and I think it\u2019s about time she got the grand tour.\u201d \u201cI couldn\u2019t agree more, Pa\u201d Joe concurred. \u201cNo one leave Ponderosa until breakfast is finished!\u201d chimed in Hop Sing, as he poured Ben another cup of coffee. Everyone laughed as they obeyed Hop Sing\u2019s orders.<\/p>\n

Joe got the buckboard ready as Merrie watched intently. \u201cWhy can\u2019t I ride a horse of my own into town?\u201d she lamented. \u201cWell, first off, you\u2019ve never ridden a horse in your life\u201d Joe stated. \u201cSecondly, if I put you on a horse today, the distance we have to travel would make you so sore that you couldn\u2019t get out of your bed for a week!\u201d As he turned away, he mumbled, \u201cNot that I\u2019d mind that\u2026especially if I had exclusive visiting privileges\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard that Joe Cartwright!\u201d Merrie exclaimed. Both of them laughed as Joe helped her onto the buckboard and they headed into Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Merrie requested that the first stop on their trip into Virginia City be the clothing store. Joe was more than happy to oblige, and opened the door for her as they entered. The women in the store were surprised to see Joe Cartwright, but even more intrigued by the woman he brought in with him. Her clothes were much more elegant than any they had ever seen. The women looked at each other and whispered quietly as Joe and Merrie made their way to the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I help you?\u201d the clerk asked Merrie. \u201cYes, I\u2019d like to purchase a few items a bit more conducive to living here in the west.\u201d Merrie said, as she looked at a hat on the counter. Joe, feeling a bit embarrassed, murmured in Merrie\u2019s ear, \u201cWould you mind terribly if I waited outside? Too many eyes looking at me.\u201d Merrie laughed as she replied, \u201cIt isn\u2019t a problem, Joe. I\u2019ll meet you by the buckboard when I\u2019m done.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes brightened as he came up with an idea. \u201cWhy don\u2019t I see if I can get us a picnic lunch\u201d he suggested. \u201cSounds wonderful, my cowboy. Didn\u2019t know they had such things out here.\u201d Joe stuck out his tongue teasingly in response. \u201cMeet you at the buckboard\u201d he shouted as he slammed the door behind him, the ladies in the room jumping at the noise.<\/p>\n

While Merrie was shopping, Joe had some errands of his own to complete. Running into the Post Office, he reached the counter and asked, \u201cIs there a package here for me from Carson City, Edith? \u201cI believe there is, Little Joe, let me check\u201d she replied. Returning from the back room, she handed Joe a small package. \u201cThanks!\u201d shouted Joe, and as he ran out of the Post Office, he looked over at the buckboard to see if Merrie had finished her shopping. Luckily, she hadn\u2019t reappeared from the clothing store. Joe then proceeded to the International House, ordering the picnic lunch he had promised. He had loaded the buckboard and was still waiting for Merrie to exit the store when he took out the package he had just received. Ripping away the paper, he opened the small box in his hand. Perfect, he thought as a warm smile crept over his face. Just perfect.<\/p>\n

Joe took the buckboard up to a secluded spot on the Ponderosa overlooking Lake Tahoe. Merrie became quiet as she took in the beauty of the landscape before her. \u201cThis is amazing\u201d she exclaimed. I never could\u2019ve imagined just how beautiful this was.\u201d Joe helped her off the buckboard and led her to the blanket and food that he had prepared. They ate quietly as Merrie took in the sights around her. Joe knew how she felt, as he had some of the same feelings when he saw some of the sights of New York during his visit.<\/p>\n

As they relaxed and looked over the lake, Joe took Merrie\u2019s hand in his. He began, \u201cMerrie, are you happy here? I know it hasn\u2019t been long, but do you like what you\u2019ve experienced so far? You know, after your sick cowboy recovered.\u201d Merrie gave Joe a warm smile. \u201cJoe, it has been nothing like I ever could\u2019ve imagined\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s a totally different way of living, and it has been an adjustment. But I came here knowing that life would be different for me. I have no doubt that I will adapt, as long as I have my cowboy by my side.\u201d Joe looked lovingly into her deep sapphire eyes and whispered, \u201cThat\u2019s one thing you never have to worry about. I plan on being with you for the rest of my life.\u201d With that, Joe got up from the blanket and bent down on one knee in front of Merrie. Tears started to fill his eyes as he said softly, \u201cI love you, Merrie Hamilton. From the first day I met you, I knew you were special. You helped me through a time in my life when I thought I\u2019d never be able to be with anyone. I was prepared to live the rest of my life alone. You filled my heart with happiness again. I love you so very, very much, Merrie. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?\u201d Out of his jacket, he took out the little box and handed it to Merrie. As she opened it, she gasped when she saw what was inside.<\/p>\n

The ring was the most magnificent piece of jewelry Merrie had ever seen. A diamond ring, surrounded by sapphires. Tears streaming down her face, Merrie looked at Joe, her eyes filled with happiness as she replied, \u201cYes, Joe, Yes. I couldn\u2019t think of anything that would make me happier than being Mrs. Joseph Cartwright.\u201d Joe then leaned forward and took the box from Merrie. Removing the ring, he whispered, \u201cFor now and for always, Merrie.\u201d kissing her as he placed it on her finger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

News of their engagement spread like wildfire across Virginia City. Barely able to contain his excitement, Ben planned an engagement party to be held at the Ponderosa the following Saturday. Hop Sing was at his best, getting everything ready for the special event<\/p>\n

Trying to tie his tie for what seemed the hundredth time, Joe thoughts wandered to his brothers. Adam, true to his word, had started corresponding with Ben, which pleased Joe immensely. He had wired Adam himself this week to tell him about his engagement, and informing him that the wedding would take place right after Christmas. As he looked to his dresser he found his eyes wandering to his picture of Hoss. Oh, how Hoss would\u2019ve love Merrie, he thought. Joe\u2019s eyes misted as he remembered his brother, the one who looked out for him when Joe least expected it, the one who bought into many a hair brained scheme that Joe devised. Looking out his window, Joe whispered, \u201cI miss you, Hoss. More than you know. But it\u2019s going to be all right now. I\u2019m happy. I know that\u2019s what you would\u2019ve wanted for me.\u201d Finally getting his tie right, Joe looked at Hoss\u2019 picture once more before he headed out the door.<\/p>\n

Knocking on Merrie\u2019s door, Joe bent down to the keyhole and yelled, \u201cOK M\u2019am. Enough primpin\u2019 in there \u2013 let\u2019s get movin!\u201d He laughed as he waited for Merrie to open the door. As she did, Joe noticed that Merrie didn\u2019t share his mood. She was dressed, but the expression on her face looked as if she was about to attend a funeral rather than a celebration. Concerned, Joe looked at Merrie and said, \u201cSweetheart, what\u2019s wrong? Are you feeling OK? Please tell me so I can help.\u201d Merrie, not able to speak, put a piece of paper into Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cRead this\u201d she wept.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the wire, It read:<\/p>\n

17 November<\/strong><\/p>\n

My Dearest Sister Merrie,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

So happy to hear about your upcoming marriage to Joe. I am so happy for the two of you.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, will not be able to attend. Dad will not allow any of us to make the trip.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

He is still angry that you\u2019ve left, Merrie, and says that he only has two daughters instead of three. He never mentions your name.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

I hope you understand that I cannot disobey Dad after all that has happened.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Emily sends her love too and wishes she could be with you, as do I. We will be thinking of you.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Must end here, as I want to get this out before Dad returns. I\u2019m afraid he doesn\u2019t want us to be in touch with you. But that rule I will disobey<\/em><\/strong>
\n.<\/em><\/strong>
\nBe well my sister.<\/em><\/strong>
\nAll my love<\/em><\/strong>
\nSara<\/em><\/strong>
\n\u201cI\u2019m so sorry, Merrie.\u201d consoled Joe, as he took Merrie into his arms. \u201cI didn\u2019t realize that he was so angry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew he wasn\u2019t happy when I left Joe. I left so abruptly because I was fed up with waiting for him to make a decision that I knew he wasn\u2019t going to make. I thought as time passed, he would understand. I guess I was wrong.\u201d Merrie sobbed. \u201cI\u2019m an orphan. I\u2019ll have to walk down the aisle at our wedding alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

A deep voice came from the hallway. \u201cYou have a family, Merrie. Right here on the Ponderosa. You are my daughter. And I would be honored to walk you down the aisle.\u201d Merrie looked in the doorway and saw Ben smiling at her. \u201cThank you Mr. Cartwright.\u201d she said softly. \u201cTo you, my daughter, I am no longer Mr. Cartwright\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to find another name to call me.\u201d Running to the doorway, Merrie threw her arms around Ben and suggested, \u201cIf you didn\u2019t mind, Pa sounds good to me.\u201d Ben nodded in agreement as the two of them embraced.<\/p>\n

Merriment abounded as the couple and their guests celebrated. Joe proudly introduced his bride-to-be to all in attendance, as Merrie tried to memorize all the names being mentioned, hoping she\u2019d not have to remember them again this evening. Ben smiled from ear to ear as he saw the happiness that lit up Joe\u2019s face. Months ago, he never thought he\u2019d see his son smile again, as the loss of his brother and the resulting responsibility had taken its toll. As Slim Duncan and the boys began to play, Ben watched Joe as he took Merrie and they started to reel with the guests in attendance. Their smiles lit up the yard as they both enjoyed the music, laughing as their feet got tangled from time to time as they jigged, sachayed and reeled. That young lady, she was the medicine Joe needed, Ben concluded. He smiled to himself as he asked Mildred White to dance, and joined in the festivities.<\/p>\n

Joe and Merrie were about to cut their cake when Ben asked for everyone\u2019s attention. Raising a glass, he toasted his son and his fianc\u00e9e. \u201cI thank all of you for being here and helping us celebrate on this very special occasion. As all of you know, we\u2019ve had our share of ups and downs here on the Ponderosa, as most of us here have. We have mourned our losses, but now we celebrate a new beginning. Joseph, you have found the perfect partner in Merrie. You were right when you told me that she completes you. Merrie, I am honored to welcome you to our family. Know how much you are loved and how lucky I feel to now have a daughter. To Joseph and Merrie \u2013 all of the love, luck and happiness in the world.\u201d \u201cHere Here!\u201d toasted the guests in kind.<\/p>\n

The sound of horses filled the air as a closed buggy suddenly stopped on the edge of the celebration. Everyone looked quizzically as the door opened and a man stepped out, carrying a silver cane. Joe and Merrie looked at each other and said, \u201cWalsh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright! I am sorry to have interrupted, what\u2019s this, a party of sorts?\u201d Walsh sneered. Joe felt his face start to redden with anger, as this man once again tried to rile him. Merrie grabbed Joe\u2019s hand and reminded him softly, \u201cYou know what he\u2019s trying to do \u2013 don\u2019t let him win.\u201d Taking a deep breath, Joe looked at the rotund gentleman and retorted, \u201cWhat brings you out west, Walsh? I thought we had everything taken care of months ago.\u201d Leading Walsh inside, Joe gave both Merrie and Ben a look that reassured them that he would be fine.<\/p>\n

Walsh took the liberty of sitting in Ben\u2019s leather chair. \u201cWell, you see Cartwright, I came to do a little check on the progress of the rail line.\u201d Walsh offered. I was wondering why it was taking longer than expected. Wanted to see for myself just what was going on. Taking another puff of his cigar, he continued. \u201cSeems like there\u2019s an awful lot of obstacles out here, obstacles that no one could predict unless you\u2019d see them for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet to your point.\u201d Joe said bluntly. \u201cYou didn\u2019t drive up here to tell me your problems.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like there\u2019s an awful lot of waterways up on the track land. Already have had to build some bridges to cross some of them. It\u2019s too costly, Cartwright, too costly to keep doing that. So, I\u2019ve instructed the men to start building a dam north at Truckee Junction. Keep the water from traveling down those five tributaries. Fill them with dirt, and the track can run smooth straight through to Carson City.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes lit with anger as he heard Walsh describe his intentions. \u201cDon\u2019t you realize that those tributaries run right into the Ponderosa? You can\u2019t do that \u2013 you\u2019ll destroy our timberland, not to mention our water supply in our western boundary. The land will be useless to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

With an evil chortle, Walsh laughed at Joe. \u201cWell, that\u2019s why I\u2019ve come to tell you, Cartwright \u2013 thought it would be the neighborly thing to do. Gee, if that land isn\u2019t going to be of any use to you, maybe you\u2019d consider selling it to Empire if the price was right…\u201d \u201cNo price would ever convince me to sell to you, Walsh!\u201d Joe declared. \u201cThat is Ponderosa land, and it will stay that way!\u201d<\/p>\n

In a condescending tone, Walsh said, \u201cWhatever you say, Cartwright. Closing the door behind him, he concluded, \u201cYou can find me in Carson City if you change your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Merrie and Ben turned to the door as they heard it creak open. As Walsh sauntered out, he tipped his hat to Merrie and said, \u201cSurprised to see you here, Miss Hamilton. Look forward to seeing you around.\u201d Walsh threw his cigar butt on the ground and proceeded to enter the buggy. Tapping his cane on the roof, the driver then sped off into the night.<\/p>\n

Merrie and Ben turned back once again to see Joe standing in the doorway, running his hands through his hair. Ben and Merrie hurried to the porch, worried about what had just transpired.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got trouble, big trouble.\u201d Joe said angrily. \u201cWalsh found a totally different way to get some of our land \u2013 And I didn\u2019t see it coming!\u201d Joe walked to the fireplace, and threw a log into the fireplace, sending sparks flying. Ben and Merrie watched as Joe continued to pace about the living room, his green eyes ablaze. \u201cDamn it, how stupid could I be?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben knew better than to ask any questions. \u201cI need to take a ride\u201d Joe muttered as he threw his jacket and tie on the settee, and headed to the credenza to pick up his hat and gunbelt. Merrie knew by intuition that Joe needed her, even if he didn\u2019t realize it, right now. She cleared her throat as she said, \u201cJoe, mind if I take the ride with you? After what we\u2019ve both been through today, perhaps we both need each other more than we know.\u201d Joe, although he was extremely agitated, turned to Merrie and as his mood softened, looked at her with loving eyes. \u201cI\u2019d like that Merrie. We\u2019ll be back Pa.\u201d and led Merrie out the opened door. Ben watched in amazement from the doorway. He had just witnessed his most emotional, irrational son mature in an instant, right before his eyes. \u201cThanks, my dear daughter\u201d he whispered as he closed the door and went up the stairs.<\/p>\n

Together on Cochise, Merrie leaned into Joe as they rode at breakneck speed up to the lake. Joe, lost in his thoughts, had forgotten how little experience Merrie had riding horses. His mind jolted back to the present as he felt her arms tighten around his waist. They reached their destination as he slowed the pinto down. Joe swung off first, and then helped Merrie get down. Her legs were a little shaky as she grabbed Joe by the shirt to keep upright.<\/p>\n

Startled by her weakness, Joe grabbed Merrie by the hands. \u201cAre you OK?\u201d he said anxiously as he led her to a rock to sit. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Joe.\u201d Merrie assured him. I think that the ride had me a bit scared \u2013 I\u2019ve never seen you ride Cochise that way.\u201d Joe looked back at her apologetically. \u201cI was thinking about Walsh \u2013 oh how that man gets under my skin, Merrie. He is a conniving, ruthless, son-of \u2013\u201cJoe cut himself off abruptly. \u201cWell, how\u2019s about telling me what happened \u2013 don\u2019t you forget that I do know sonething about railroads\u201d Merrie said teasingly, trying to calm Joe down by reminding him of their first meeting so many months ago.<\/p>\n

Joe then recounted the exchange between him and Walsh. Merrie could not contain her surprise and anger as Joe explained the new tactics that Walsh intended to employ. She grew serious and lost in her own thoughts as she started to anayze the facts Joe presented to her. Joe watched as he could see her mind racing, trying to figure out a solution.<\/p>\n

Shrugging her shoulders, Merrie sighed as she concluded, \u201cThis is a tough one, Joe. Cutting off the water supply can endanger more than livestock. What vegetation do you have over in the western\u2026\u201d she paused, her eyes brightening. \u201cWhat \u2013 have you thought of something?\u201d Joe asked, his heart starting to race with anticipation. \u201cMaybe\u2026Joe, do you know what type of plants line the banks of those tributaries? Any idea?\u201d Momentarily thinking that his fianc\u00e9e had lost her mind, Joe looked at Merrie and laughed. \u201cSweetheart, I have no idea what any of those plants are up there. Never took the time to look.\u201d Sensing that Joe did not understand the reasons behind her question, she looked up at him and replied, \u201cYou may want to help me take a closer look if you want to save the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe listened in rapt attention as Merrie explained her idea. \u201cOne of my college courses was in botany, which as you know is the study of plant life. But part of the course was about endangered plant life, and how areas where it was found could be protected by the government. If we could prove that there was something there that needed to be protected\u2026\u201d Joe stood up and picked Merrie up, swinging her around. \u201cYou are the prettiest, SMARTEST woman in the west!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cDo you think this can work?\u201d Merrie looked up at Joe as she thought out loud. \u201cWell, I\u2019d have to get to a library so I could look up the vegetation that is in these parts, and get a look at the latest list of what\u2019s considered endangered by the U.S. Department of Wildlife, and then lastly, but most important, take a walk along the tributaries to see if I could find anything. All it would take is one piece, Joe. One piece and Walsh would be prohibited from damming Truckee Junction. And the best part is, I don\u2019t think he\u2019d see it coming.\u201d Joe gazed lovingly into her blue eyes and said softly, \u201cYou are something, Merrie Hamilton. Tonight, which should one of the happiest days in your life, and you\u2019re sitting here solving my problems.\u201d \u201cYour wrong, my cowboy,\u201d she whispered. \u201cOur problems.\u201d Joe took another look at Merrie and taking her face into his hands he said quietly, \u2018How did I get so lucky to find someone like you? God, how I love you Merrie.\u201d Joe took Merrie into his arms and started to kiss her with the passion of a man whose love was unending.<\/p>\n

Merrie melted in his embrace and as she responded to his love, stopped for a moment. Joe looked down at her, questioning her actions. \u201cLook, Joe.\u201d She started. \u201cIt\u2019s just like I imagined. The moon is over Lake Tahoe, my feet are on Ponderosa soil, and I am with the man I love in the most beautiful place on Earth.\u201d Joe nodded in agreement, and without any words needing to be said, took Merrie into his arms once again as they both looked out onto the beauty that surrounded them.<\/p>\n

The day started early on the Ponderosa the next morning. Joe filled Ben in on what had happened the night before, and how Merrie had a potential solution to the problem. \u201cDaughter, that is a brilliant idea!\u201d gushed Ben. Merrie blushed at the compliment and as she put her fork down, looked to Joe and said, \u201cOK cowboy, I think we have some work to do. Shouldn\u2019t we be going?\u201d Joe was taking his last sip of coffee as he laughed and said, \u201cSee Pa? Feels like I\u2019m married \u2013 taking orders!\u201d Merrie threw her napkin at Joe as she smiled and headed to the door. \u201cLater Pa! Are you coming, cowboy?\u201d she teased.<\/p>\n

Their first destination was the Telegraph Office in Virginia City. Since Joe wanted to keep their plan as quiet as possible, he convinced his old friend Jeb to let him send his own wires. \u201cFor old times sake, Jeb. Wanna impress my girl here.\u201d Jeb winked and left Joe and Merrie in the office. The both of them got directly to work, first sending a wire to Adam, explaining the situation and asking for his help in obtaining the most recent endangered list that Merrie needed. Luck on their side, Adam wired back immediately and told them that he had a contact in one of the government offices, and would ask him to get the newest list from the Department of Wildlife. He would then send the list to them as soon as possible. Joe and Merrie agreed that would be the best method, for they didn\u2019t want to take any chances with news from wires reaching Walsh\u2019s ears. They also knew that it would take a while for Walsh\u2019s men to reach Truckee Junction, since the weather had started to turn cold and had further slowed their efforts.<\/p>\n

The next stop was to the nearest library, or some semblance thereof. Adam had said that the closest research facility was in of all places, Carson City. Joe looked cautiously at Merrie as they realized that Walsh would be there. \u201cThis is dangerous, Merrie.\u201d Joe said cautiously, stroking her hair as they climbed onto the buckboard. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m not afraid of Walsh. I have to do this. But maybe you should stay…\u201d \u201cDon\u2019t even say it, Merrie, it\u2019s not an option\u201d Joe broke in, his tone serious. \u201cWe do things together, remember?\u201d Merrie looked at Joe and nodded. \u201cTogether\u201d she said as they left for the second part of their adventure.<\/p>\n

Joe brought the buckboard into Carson City through the backroads, quietly bringing it to the backdoor of the livery. He and Merrie found the quietest streets and slipped virtually unnoticed into Town Hall. Joe watched as Merrie headed to the card catalog and pulled out three cards. \u201cGreat!\u201d she whispered to herself as she grabbed the cards tight. As if he were her bodyguard, Joe followed Merrie to her next destination. She walked past stacks and stacks of books until Joe saw her eyes light up. Her hands ran across the bindings until she pulled out the three books she had needed. Looking up at Joe, she smiled and nodded towards a large table. When they both sat down, she flipped through the three books and whispered, \u201cThese will do the trick. Let\u2019s check these out and get back to the Ponderosa.\u201d Joe was bursting with pride inside as he watched Merrie head to the desk and check out the books that could possibly save the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Walking back to the livery, a smell of cigar smoke reached their senses. \u201cMy, my, who do we have here?\u201d It was Walsh, looking at the couple intently. \u201cWhat brings the two of you to Carson City?\u201d Merrie spoke first. \u201cWedding plans, Mr. Walsh\u201d she said animatedly. \u201cJoe and I have a lot of things to do to get ready.\u201d This girl of mine can certainly think on her feet, Joe thought, as he watched Merrie go toe to toe with Walsh.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see. Well Miss Hamilton, the best of luck to you and Mr. Cartwright. Don\u2019t know how you can stand the thought of living out here, I myself, can\u2019t wait to get back to New York. But then again, I guess you really wouldn\u2019t have anything to go home to back East, from what I\u2019ve heard, your Dad has pretty much forgotten that you exist.\u201d Those words stabbed Merrie as if they were a knife plunging in her heart. She could not disguise the pain those words caused, and she turned her face from Walsh, not letting him see the tears that had started to flow. Joe was stunned as he heard Walsh\u2019s last two sentences, and became incensed as realized what he had said. Without any thought, Joe grabbed Walsh by the neck and slammed him up against a wall. \u201cHow dare you say those things, Walsh! My fianc\u00e9e deserves an apology, and I want to hear one NOW!\u201d Joe growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut him down, Joe. He\u2019s not worth it.\u201d Merrie grabbed his arm as she continued. \u201cPlease, let\u2019s go home.\u201d Joe looked at Merrie\u2019s pleading eyes and took his hold off of Walsh. \u201cJust telling you what I\u2019ve heard, young lady, no sin in telling the truth. Enjoy your wedding.\u201d Walsh smiled menacingly. He looked at Joe. \u201cCartwright.\u201d he sneered as he headed down the sidewalk.<\/p>\n

The ride home was unusually quiet as Merrie was alone in her thoughts. Joe wanted to say something, but didn\u2019t want to risk upsetting her any more than she already was. As they approached Virginia City, Joe asked, \u201cDo you want to stop here for anything? Rest awhile? Buy you a sasparilla…\u201d Merrie looked up at Joe and gave him a forced smile. \u201cThat\u2019s alright, Joe. Let\u2019s get back to the Ponderosa.\u201d Her blue eyes were filled with sadness. At that moment, Joe wished he could help Merrie as much as she had helped him. Unfortunately, he had no idea how.<\/p>\n

Merrie was very quiet as they finished their breakfast the next morning. Joe struggled as he tried to find just the right thing to bring her out of her malaise. His green eyes twinkled as an idea, an extreme idea, came to his mind. Knowing my Merrie, this just might do it, he thought hopefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart, how about we ride up to the lake today? Thought that maybe I could finally teach you how to ride, and maybe something else\u201d he said expectantly. Merrie\u2019s eyes briefly flashed with excitement as she said, \u201cSomething else? Joe Cartwright, what would that be?\u201d Joe looked at her with anticipation as he replied, \u201cWell, you\u2019ll have to join me at the lake to find out.\u201d Her curiosity getting the best of her, Merrie said, \u201cLead on, cowboy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Merrie rode with Joe on Cochise on the lake, with the horse Joe had broken for her tied on behind. The couple spent the day with Joe as instructor and Merrie as student, teaching her the basics of being, as Joe called it, \u201ca true western cowgirl.\u201d As was her habit, Merrie was a fast learner, and was soon galloping side by side with Joe in the countryside. Joe was relieved to hear her laughter in the breeze as she pulled up beside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cCowgirl lesson numbers 1-2 and 3 complete. What\u2019s next?\u201d Merrie asked. Joe\u2019s face turned serious as he told her, \u201cMerrie, I want you to know that I thought long and hard about his, but I think it\u2019s something you need to know.\u201d Merrie\u2019s curiosity could not be contained. \u201cPlease tell me already!\u201d she pleaded. Joe looked down and told her, \u201cI\u2019m going to teach you how to use a gun. But you must promise me that it will be our secret. It\u2019s no one else\u2019s business but ours.\u201d Merrie nodded her head in agreement. \u201cI understand Joe, just between us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rest of the day was spent with Joe giving Merrie detailed instructions about the use of a gun. She knew that Joe was initially reluctant when she had asked him, and was surprised that he had changed his mind. She vowed to herself that she would make Joe proud. She looked up at Joe as he picked up the gun and picked off three cans he had set up in the distance. \u201cIt\u2019ll take some time, but with practice, you\u2019ll be able to hit them.\u201d he instructed. As the day started to wind down, Joe let Merrie ride her own horse back to the Ponderosa. The freedom she felt as she rode was something she never had experienced before \u2013 it was a wonderful feeling, she thought as she took the clip from her hair, letting it blow in the breeze. Joe, who trailed behind, felt pleased as he knew that this day was exactly what Merrie needed. While brushing the horses in the barn, Merrie went up to Joe and pulling his shirt towards her, she kissed him intensely. With an incredulous look on his face, Joe pulled back and squeaked, \u201cW-What was that for?\u201d Merrie, her blue eyes twinking once again, whispered, \u201cFor just being you, Joe Cartwright.\u201das she leaned in to kiss him once more.<\/p>\n

Merrie found her emotions betraying her as she gave into her feelings. Joe was taken aback at how Merrie was taking control, and fell into the hay as she pushed him down. She kissed him passionately, with more passion than Joe had ever known her to show. Her hands traveled under his shirt, pulling him closer to her. Confusion overtook Joe as he tried to understand what was going on \u2013 it was happening so fast, and it felt so good, but\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cMerrie, we have to stop.\u201d Joe\u2019s face betrayed his true feelings as he uttered the words. \u201cI know, Joe\u201d Merrie told him, her face flushed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry; I just don\u2019t know what got into me. I felt so free today as I rode, free from thinking about anything, and I think that freedom got the best of me.\u201d Joe understood perfectly, and told her so. \u201cThat invigorating feeling, I know the one, Merrie, I have experienced it many times in my life here. You just feel so good, nothing else matters. It can get the best of you \u2013 you have nothing to be sorry about my love. Just think, a month from now, well, we won\u2019t have to stop doing anything. Nothing else will matter.\u201d Giving her a kiss, Joe also gave her a knowing wink as he stood up to finish bedding the horses.<\/p>\n

The days went by as Joe and Merrie awaited Adam\u2019s package. Merrie spent her days pouring over the books they borrowed from Carson City, and familiarized herself with the vegetation that was native to the territory. She also continued with her wedding plans \u2013 a wedding that was less than two weeks away. Joe found himself with more time on his hands than usual, with the winter months being a more quiet time of year when it came to the ranch. Coming home earlier than usual, Joe found himself heading into Virginia City with Merrie, waiting in the Silver Dollar as she had her wedding dress altered to her specifications.<\/p>\n

A week before the wedding, Joe found himself waiting once again as his future bride entered the dress shop one more time \u2013 so she said. As he turned and started to walk to the mercantile, the late afternoon stage pulled up to its usual place. Joe watched as the passengers disembarked, and much to his surprise, saw a familiar face hop off. \u201cAdam!\u201d Joe shouted, as he ran towards his brother. The two men gathered each other into a warm embrace. \u201cWhat are you doing here!\u201d Joe exclaimed. \u201cNever in a million years did I think…\u201d Adam jumped in and said, \u201cHow could I stay away from my little brother\u2019s wedding? Thought you may need a best man for the day \u2013 I\u2019m here if you want me.\u201d Adam smiled warmly. \u201cAbsolutely, Adam. This is something I\u2019d imagined, but never thought would happen. I would be so happy for you to stand with me on Saturday.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice started to betray him as he tried to wrap his mind around what was going on around him. He still couldn\u2019t believe it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also have the information that you and Merrie needed.\u201d Adam said. \u201cThat\u2019s the real reason I came you know\u2026to keep it as confidential as possible\u201d he said jokingly. \u201cThat\u2019s great Adam, Merrie will be so happy \u2013 well, to see you first of all. But also to finally be able to get up to the tributaries and see if we find ourselves some endangered flora or fauna.\u201d Adam, who couldn\u2019t believe what words his brother just said, looked at him and said, \u201cI wouldn\u2019t have believed it if I hadn\u2019t heard it with my own ears. Flora and Fauna, huh? That girl of yours is certainly teaching you a thing or two, little brother.\u201d Joe gave Adam a smile and said, \u201cMore than you\u2019ll ever know, Adam. Much more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Merrie was delighted when she came out of the dress shop and saw Adam standing with Joe. She ran over and put her arms around him, hugging him tightly. \u201cWell, this is a wonderful surprise!\u201d she exclaimed. \u201cJoe! Did you know\u2026?\u201d Merrie started, but Adam interrupted, telling her, \u201cNo Merrie. Little Joe was just as surprised as you are to see me standing here.\u201d \u201cHow about we all get home- there are two more people who need surprisin\u2019\u201d Joe told them, as he started to head to the buckboard. \u201cJust one more thing, Joe.\u201d Merrie said, as she pointed to the dress shop. \u201cMy dress is ready to go home.\u201d Joe\u2019s face froze as the realization hit him \u2013 they were getting married soon, very soon. Adam, sensing his brother\u2019s discomfort, told Merrie \u2013 I\u2019ll carry it for you \u2013 let\u2019s go get it.\u201d Adam hopped off the buckboard and told Joe, \u201cJitters little brother? Just remember that special girl you\u2019re marrying, just how much she means to you, and just how much you mean to her. Not any girl would uproot her life to move to a new and different place for a man, you know.\u201d Joe smiled as he realized the truth in Adam\u2019s words. \u201cAs always, straight to the truth\u201d he said as he punched Adam in the arm. \u201cNow, would you please help my intended with her gown please?\u201d<\/p>\n

The ride home in the buckboard was quite animated, as Joe and Merrie brought Adam up to speed on the doings of Walsh and the Empire Railway. \u201cHopefully, you\u2019ll find something at the tributaries that fits the bill\u201d Adam said hopefully. I\u2019ve already wired my contact down in Washington and he\u2019s ready to file anything you find as soon as possible. He is also sending a representative from the Department of Wildlife to Virginia City to verify anything you may find. \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait to read that list\u201d Merrie said from the back of the buckboard. She had decided that she would hold the box containing her dress for the ride home, afraid that a sudden bump would send it into oblivion or better still, a mud puddle. Relief crossed her face as she saw the lights of the Ponderosa before them.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to go in first or should I?\u201d Joe asked Adam as they hopped off the buckboard. \u201cHow about together?\u201d Adam replied apprehensively. He knew that his father would be overjoyed to see him, but was anxious just the same. As they opened the door, Ben stood up, expecting to see Joe and Merrie. But as he saw the other familiar figure in the doorway, he couldn\u2019t believe his eyes and sat down to gather himself. \u201cIt\u2019s me, Pa. It\u2019s not a mirage.\u201d Adam cried as he ran to his father, giving him a hug. \u201cSon, I can\u2019t believe it\u2019s you\u201d Ben wept. \u201cIt\u2019s been so long..\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo long Pa, I know.\u201d Adam answered, his voice on the verge of breaking again. Merrie and Joe watched the scene playing before them, both of them feeling their eyes fill with tears. \u201cHow about we give them some privacy?\u201d Merrie told Joe, tugging on his arm. How about we put the horses away and sit out here until dinner?\u201d Joe looked and read the message coming from Merrie, loud and clear. \u201cYou\u2019re right\u201d he said. Let\u2019s take care of things and wait here for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing prepared a delicious dinner for all but still had his usual complaints. \u201cMistah Adam should tell father and Little Joe he\u2019s coming\u2026Hop Sing can\u2019t make special dish if he doesn\u2019t know Mistah Adam coming home.\u201d He put a freshly baked cake on the table. \u201cMissy Merrie needs to eat. Hop Sing don\u2019t care if she need to fit into dress for special day. Miss Merrie needs to stay healthy.\u201d He then put down the coffee pot and stormed back into the kitchen. \u201cSome things never change\u201d Adam laughed, as he poured out coffee for all.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, do you think I could see that endangered list now?\u201d Merrie asked. Adam was more than happy to oblige as he went to his carpetbag and pulled out an envelope. \u201cThere you go \u2013 let\u2019s keep our fingers crossed.\u201d hoped Adam as he handed the envelope to Merrie. Merrie turned to Ben and asked, \u201cPa, if you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019d like to read this at your desk \u2013 it will be easier for me to look at the textbooks at the same time.\u201d \u201cOf course, Merrie\u201d Ben replied as he took a sip of his coffee. As he looked upon his sons, he had a feeling of contentment that he hadn\u2019t experienced in years. The men then got into their usual conversations as Merrie sat and perused the paperwork in front of her.<\/p>\n

Joe found himself distracted as he tried to listen to Adam and his father. He heard Ben say, \u201cWhat do you think Joe?\u201d and was startled back into the conversation. Looking at Joe, Ben sensed that his thoughts were elsewhere and told him, \u201cGo to her Joe. Adam and I have a lot of catching up to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pulled up a chair and sat besides Merrie, who was deeply engrossed in her research. \u201cWe have a chance of three species living up by the tributaries\u201d she said to Joe. \u201cWe need to find just one to stop Walsh.\u201d Joe looked at her and whispered, \u201cYou are amazing. Absolutely amazing.\u201d and gave her a soft kiss. Merrie rubbed her temples and told Joe, \u201cI could use a bit of fresh air. Do you think we could take a short ride? I just need to clear my head a bit.\u201d Joe was more than willing to oblige. \u201cSure, I\u2019ll saddle up the horses and we\u2019ll be on our way. In fact, there\u2019s something I\u2019ve been meaning to show you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe led them to a different spot by Lake Tahoe. \u201cOne spot is more beautiful than the next.\u201d Merrie remarked as she stood at the edge of the cliff. Joe took her into his arms and asked her, \u201cHow would you feel if you could look at this view every day for the rest of your life? When you woke up in the morning, when you went to bed at night. What would you think, Merrie?\u201d \u201cJust what are you driving at, cowboy?\u201d Merrie responded, her blue eyes dancing in the moonlight.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I had thought, well, if you agreed, that I\u2019d build our house right on this spot. It\u2019s a pretty spot, Merrie, and I thought it could be our most beautiful spot on the face of the Earth. That is, if you agreed with me.\u201d Joe looked into Merrie\u2019s eyes, waiting to see her response. \u201cIt\u2019s perfect, Joe, just perfect. I will be happy here forever.\u201d Joe took Merrie\u2019s hands and kissed them tenderly. \u201cI love you, Merrie Hamilton. Seven more days until we\u2019re together.\u201d He kissed her lips gently as they made their way back to their horses and headed for home.<\/p>\n

Both Merrie and Joe were up early the next morning, as they had much ground to cover, hopefully finding one of the three species on their list. \u201cBe careful\u201d Ben warned as he walked them to the door. \u201cYou two know Walsh better than I. You don\u2019t know what he can have planned.\u201d Joe looked to Ben and said, \u201cHopefully Pa, we\u2019ve kept this so quiet that Walsh won\u2019t know what hit him. Keep your fingers crossed.\u201d Both he and Merrie hopped on their horses and headed to the western boundary.<\/p>\n

As they got closer, Joe stopped Cochise and waved Merrie to come up next to him. He opened his saddlebag and handed Merrie a gun and holster, sized for her. \u201cNot that I want you to see you use this, but just in case.\u201d he told her. Merrie was taken aback at the gesture, but quickly composed herself and strapped the holster on her right side. Nodding to Joe, they moved quickly and quietly to their first stop. Tying their horses, they started to walk the banks of the first tributary. Two hours later, they had found nothing that matched the three species. They rode their horses to the second tributary and then the third, again with no luck in their search.<\/p>\n

Both Merrie and Joe felt their luck dwindling as they approached the fourth tributary. It was now late afternoon, and both of them were tired from all of the walking they\u2019d done since early morning. Joe saw the fatigue on Merrie\u2019s face and announced, \u201cThis one will be the last for the day. We\u2019ll set up camp nearby on Ponderosa land and start the fifth in the morning.\u201d Merrie yawned as she nodded in agreement. They again started to walk the tributary, when something caught Joe\u2019s eye. He waved to Merrie and whispered, \u201cMerrie \u2013 over here!\u201d She ran and knelt next to Joe. His fingers surrounded a leaf of a plant; one that he thought could possibly be the answer to their prayers. Merrie took out her papers, and put her tracing of the leaf next to the actual one on the bank. \u201cThat\u2019s it!\u201d she cried. We\u2019ve found our answer!\u201d Both Merrie and Joe found themselves working on adrenaline as they mounted their horses and rode back to the Ponderosa. Adam and Ben were still awake as Joe banged open the door, yelling, \u201cPa! Adam! We found it! We found it!\u201d Ben and Adam came in from the kitchen and looked at Joe and Merrie. Merrie confirmed Joe\u2019s words, saying softly, \u201cYes, we found what we needed. Now we have to get that agent in Virginia City to confirm it.\u201d Adam, Ben and Joe looked at Merrie as went to sit down, obviously exhausted. \u201cMerrie, if you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019ll go with Joe to Virginia City to see the agent.\u201d Adam offered. Her eyes half closed, Merrie nodded in agreement as sleep began to overtake her.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe put in a long day\u201d Joe grinned, as he scooped her tiny frame in his arms and brought her to her bedroom. Not taking any liberties, Joe took off her boots and placed her into her bed, pulling up the covers. Kissing her on the forehead, he said, \u201cGreat job partner,\u201d as he headed out to meet Adam and continue to Virginia City.<\/p>\n

The next morning, Merrie stirred as she opened her eyes. She saw the height of the sun and realized that she was rising later than she had intended. After washing up and putting on new clothes, she ran down the stairs, only to see Hop Sing putting some clean dishes on a shelf in the dining room. Hop Sing turned to Merrie and told her, \u201cMissy Merrie verrry tired, Little Joe, Mistah Adam, and Mistah Ben leave long time ago with agent man.\u201d Merrie grabbed an apple from the bowl in the living room and grabbing her hat, ran out the front door. There was no way in hell that she was going to miss this, she thought to herself as she saddled and mounted her horse, strapped on her saddlebags and galloped away.<\/p>\n

Riding at breakneck speed, Merrie reached the fourth tributary in record time. As she tied up her horse, she opened her saddlebag and took out her gunbelt, fastening it onto her tiny waist. She crept slowly towards the riverbank when she heard a strange voice. Looking through the brush, she saw Joe, Ben and Adam, along with the Federal Agent, tied up and sitting on the ground. Walsh, along with two cowboys, was standing above them.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what was the plan, Cartwright?\u201d Walsh bellowed. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about\u201d Joe replied curtly. One of Walsh\u2019s men took the back of his hand and slapped Joe\u2019s face, making his head snap. \u201cThat answer is not good enough, Cartwright. Tell me the truth and perhaps you\u2019ll make it to your wedding day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Merrie\u2019s face filled with anger. How she hated that man, she growled to herself. She started to think about how she was going to get everyone out of this in one piece. Think, Merrie, Think, she admonished herself. There has to be a way\u2026.<\/p>\n

She crawled closer to where the Carwrights were sitting. Adam was sitting closest to the trunk of a big pine. Merrie was able to hide behind it, and grabbed Adam\u2019s hands. Adam knew who it was and kept a stoic face as Merrie removed the ropes. She handed him an extra gun that Joe had put in her saddlebag, telling her, \u201cIn case of an emergency.\u201d The three men were over by the riverbank with Joe, still trying to coerce him into revealing why he was there. Adam looked to Ben and nodded towards the tree, and Merrie poked her head out briefly. She ran over to Ben and untied his hands, as well as those of the Agent. \u201cDid you get what you needed?\u201d she asked the Agent. Incredulous, he looked at the young woman and replied, \u2018It\u2019s all right here\u201d as he patted his coatjacket. \u201cTake my horse and get back to Virginia City to file that claim. Hurry!\u201d she whispered forcefully. The Agent got up and ran into the brush, with the sound of hooves following shortly.<\/p>\n

Walsh and his men turned around at the sudden sound, only to see the two men left. \u201cWhat on Earth\u2026\u201d he shouted as he tried to assess the situation. Suddenly, a shot rang out and one of his cowboys hit the ground. As the other turned to see where the shot came from. Joe hit the ground and rolled into the brush. Confusion reigned as shots exploded everywhere until there was an eerie silence.<\/p>\n

Joe got up out the brush, dazed but unhurt. \u201cPa, Adam? he called. \u201cOver here, Joe\u201d Ben yelled back. Running to a large rock, Joe was relieved to see his father and brother, not looking too worse for wear. Scratching his head, Joe asked, \u201cWhere did that first shot come from? It didn\u2019t come from this direction.\u201d Ben and Adam looked at each other, then back at Joe. \u201cMerrie\u201d they both said in unison. Horrified, Joe\u2019s head spun, trying to see where she could be. \u201cHave you seen her? Have you seen her!\u201d Joe screamed. \u201cNo, Joe, the last I saw her, she untied our hands and sent the Agent on her horse to Virginia City,\u201d Adam recalled. Joe surveyed the scene around him and all of a sudden realized that there was one more person missing \u2013 Walsh.<\/p>\n

Grabbing his gun from the ground, Joe ran towards Cochise. His head reeled as he tried to imagine where Walsh would take Merrie. The man from the city couldn\u2019t go far, Joe deduced as he started to follow some tracks from where Merrie had taken her shot. As he rode along, he knew he was headed in the right direction when he saw Merrie\u2019s gun lying in the grass. Oddly enough, it was pointed in the direction of the boxed canyon at Gunnar Pass. Yes, Joe thought, Merrie and I did ride through there once, perhaps she remembered! Joe urged Cochise to go faster as he prayed his hunch was right.<\/p>\n

Getting as close as he dared with Cochise, Joe continued to the boxed canyon on foot. As he got closer, he heard Walsh\u2019s voice. \u201cYou thought you were smart, Miss Hamilton, sending that Agent off like that. You\u2019ll pay dearly. If I have my way, you\u2019ll never see your cowboy or your wedding day!\u201d Merrie was tied to a tree, struggling to escape. Walsh continued his tirade, pulling a clip from Merrie\u2019s hair. \u201cYou are so beautiful, wasting your life on a cowboy. Perhaps you need to be reminded just what an Eastern man can give you.\u201d He bent down and started to kiss Merrie on the neck. She turned her head in disgust, trying in vain to break free from her bonds. As Joe came upon the scene, he saw Walsh kneeling above Merrie, his hands reaching for her riding dress. \u201cNO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!\u201d Joe screamed as he lunged at Walsh. Knocking him to the ground, Joe grabbed the rotund man and dragged him to his feet. With one punch, Joe knocked Walsh unconscious. As his body hit the ground, Joe turned and ran to Merrie, who was hunched up in a ball, sobbing.<\/p>\n

Joe untied her quickly, and taking her into his arms, started to console her. \u201cShhhh\u2026it\u2019s ok now, I\u2019m here, and it\u2019s over Merrie\u201d Joe whispered into her ear. Still sobbing, Merrie looked up into Joe\u2019s green eyes, saying nothing. There was a rustle in the woods behind them \u2013 Joe turned to see his father and brother run towards them. \u201cIs she OK?\u201d Ben asked worriedly. Joe nodded his head as he continued to rock Merrie in his arms. Adam had gone to check on Walsh, who was still unconscious. \u201cYou popped him but good, Joe\u201d Adam remarked. \u201cHe deserved it\u201d barked Joe, as he looked over at the lifeless body.<\/p>\n

Joe looked down at his Merrie, tears coming down his face. \u201cMerrie, darling, please speak to me, please let me know you\u2019re OK\u201d Joe said, his voice cracking. Merrie continued to stare at him, still not uttering a word. Adam came over to Joe and looking at Merrie told him, \u201cI think she\u2019s in shock, Joe. Best we get her to Doc Martin as soon as possible.\u201d Very gently, Adam helped Joe get Merrie onto Cochise. Pulling his hat down low over his tear filled eyes, Joe held Merrie close as they headed back to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

The three Cartwrights waited in the great room for Doc Martin to descend the stairs. Joe hadn\u2019t uttered a word since he brought Merrie to her bedroom, and was sitting in front of the fireplace. He had found a bottle of whiskey in the kitchen and sat staring into the fire, alone with his thoughts. Adam and Ben knew better than to interfere.<\/p>\n

There was a knock on the door, and Adam opened it to find Sheriff Coffee. \u201cCome on in, Roy\u201d he said as he led Roy to the settee. \u201cI\u2019ve got good news.\u201d Roy said, looking around the room. \u201cFederal authorizes have just picked up Walsh \u2013 he\u2019s not going anywhere for a long time. And I have here a wire that I thought you\u2019d want to see as soon as possible, Ben.\u201d As he took the wire, Ben told Roy \u201cThanks\u201d and with Adam, read the note. Both men smiled as they came to its conclusion. Walking over to Joe, Ben put his hand on his shoulder and said, \u201cThe Department of Wildlife agreed with Agent Martin, Joe. The tributaries have been designated as protected. Empire Railway cannot dam Truckee Junction. The Western boundaries are safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe got up and looked at Ben, his green eyes blazing. \u201cAt what cost, Pa, at what cost!\u201d he shouted, as he threw his glass into the fireplace and headed upstairs. In his haste, he ran into Doc Martin as he reached the hallway. \u201cWhoa, Joe\u201d Doc exclaimed as he stopped Joe with his hand. Joe snapped back into the moment, asking the doctor \u201cIs Merrie OK? Is she going to be OK?\u201d Doc looked at Joe and said, \u201cPhysically, Joe, she is fine. Not a scratch. But mentally, well, that\u2019s difficult to gauge. The mind is a funny thing, Joe. Something happened out there that made Merrie retreat into herself \u2013 and I\u2019m perplexed to figure out what. She\u2019s in there, Joe, of that I\u2019m sure. You have to talk to her, reassure her, and hopefully, she\u2019ll be able to snap out of it. You\u2019ve got a strong girl there, Joe.\u201d Quietly, Joe took in all that Doc Martin had said. \u201cCan I sit with her?\u201d he asked. \u201cNo reason not to. Go ahead; I\u2019ll be downstairs for a while if you need me.\u201d Doc patted Joe on the back and headed down to tell the rest of the family his diagnosis.<\/p>\n

Joe opened the door to Merrie\u2019s room. The light was low, but illuminated her features. Joe went to the head of the bed and sat down in the chair beside it. Merrie\u2019s eyes were closed. Joe spoke quietly. \u201cMerrie? Can you hear me?\u201d Merrie gave him no response.<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Joe tried to hold back his tears as he saw his rock, the person who made him complete, lying helplessly in the bed next to him. Stroking her hair from her face, Joe tried to put his love into words, to help his partner come back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerrie, darling, I love you so much. I am so proud of you, what you did to save Pa, Adam and me. I could never thank you for all you\u2019ve been to me these past months. I know that it was hard for you to adjust to living here in the west, but boy oh boy, sweetheart, you fit in just fine. Better than you realize. I need you to come back to me, please Merrie, I don\u2019t think I could face living without you by my side. You\u2019re my partner, remember? Please come back to me.\u201d Joe buried his face in his hands as he finished.<\/p>\n

Wiping his eyes, he continued. \u201cYou know, sweetie, you had me in Virginia City more times than I could remember in the past few months, workin\u2019 on that wedding dress of yours. I hope you\u2019re going to walk up that aisle to me on our wedding day \u2013 did you forget, we\u2019re getting married in four days! Hop Sing is gonna be plenty mad at us if we don\u2019t make it official \u2013 he\u2019s planned quite a reception, Pa says. And we can\u2019t get Adam angry at us, traveling all the way out here and not having a wedding \u2013 he wants to be a Best Man in the worst way you know. And Pa wants to be a grandfather real bad. I can\u2019t do that without you, that\u2019s for sure.\u201d He wiped his eyes as he smiled wistfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got that right, cowboy.\u201d Joe\u2019s head turned as he heard the tiny voice coming from the bed. Smiling, Joe cried, \u201cMerrie, my Merrie, you\u2019re OK! Thank you God, you\u2019re OK\u201d he sobbed as he pulled her into a hug. Hearing Joe\u2019s voice, Doc, Adam and Ben ran to Merrie\u2019s room where they found Joe and Merrie crying in each other\u2019s arms. Doc Martin turned to Ben and said, \u201cJust like I told Joe, Ben. He\u2019s got a strong girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

The next few days were a whirlwind as the Cartwrights got ready for Joe and Merrie\u2019s wedding day. Merrie, just like her intended had done many times, recuperated faster than anyone anticipated \u2013 except Joe. He had learned long ago never to underestimate his bride.<\/p>\n

Saturday finally arrived. It was a cold winter day, with the first flakes of snow beginning to fall on the Ponderosa. Joe looked around his room, the room he had grown up in. How many memories were in this room, he mused as he touched some of the treasures of his youth. Looking at his bed, he remembered the times Adam, Pa, and Hoss would come to console him when he woke up from one of his many bad dreams, dreams that haunted him for many of his early years. He thought of the many times he had been brought up to this room, injured, only to have his father and brothers rally around his side until he was well again. How he snuck out of this room to play a hand of poker, or have one too many drinks\u2026. or how he took to this room after his brother and best friend, Hoss, left him too soon\u2026.. All of these memories came flooding back as he perused the room once more. \u201cIt\u2019s time, Joe.\u201d Adam called from the hallway. Looking in his mirror and adjusting his tie, he said softly to no one but himself, \u201cYou\u2019ve had a pretty good life, Cartwright. But today, it\u2019s only going to get better, much better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Merrie sat in front of her mirror, adjusting her veil for the last time. \u201cPerfect\u201d thought to herself. A knock on her door interrupted her. Ben stuck his head in and asked, \u201cMay I come in?\u201d Merrie nodded and Ben shut the door behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look beautiful, daughter. Prettier than any bride I\u2019ve ever seen.\u201d Ben gushed. Merrie\u2019s face reddened at the compliment. \u201cThank you for making my son happy again\u201d Ben continued. \u201cWhen I sent him to New York so many months ago, he left as an angry, empty man. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that he could come home so happy, so complete. It was all because of you, Merrie. I will never be able to thank you enough.\u201d Merrie, giving Ben a hug, told him, \u201cPa, you have already thanked me \u2013 by welcoming me into your home and treating me like another member of your family. I am so happy with Joe, happier than I\u2019ve ever been in my life. I will make you proud as I become your daughter- in- law.\u201d Ben looked at her and said, \u201cCorrection, Merrie. You\u2019re my daughter, not my Daughter in Law.\u201d He smiled. \u201cAre you ready? I think your groom will be wearing a hole in the floor if he has to wait another minute.\u201d Ben laughed as he took Merrie\u2019s arm and led her down the hallway.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the stairs for what seemed the hundredth time. \u201cShe\u2019s there, little brother, don\u2019t worry.\u201d Adam counseled. In a voice that reminded Adam of a freckled faced youth long ago, Joe said, \u201cI know, b-but this waiting is killing me.\u201d All of a sudden, the organist started to play the beginnings of the Wedding March. Joe looked up the stairs once again, beaming as he saw the image of his Merrie on Ben\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

Merrie herself was overwhelmed when she saw just how beautiful the great room was decorated. Flowers were everywhere as she walked down the stairs with Ben, who walked proudly beside her. As he gave Merrie to Joe, Ben whispered to both of them, \u201cI love you both so much\u201d and proceeded to sit in the front row.<\/p>\n

Joe and Merrie gazed into each others eyes as the preacher began the ceremony. Time stood still for both of them as they listened to the words being said before them. The time came when they both had to profess their love for each other once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you, Joseph Francis Cartwright, take this woman, Merrie Hamilton, to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to be true to her, honor and cherish her, and love her all the days of your life?\u201d Joe, with tear filled eyes, looked at Merrie and said, \u201cYes, I do.\u201d Merrie smiled as she looked to the preacher for her cue. \u201cMerrie Hamilton, do you take this man, Joseph Francis Cartwright, to be your lawful wedded husband? Do you promise to be true to him, to love, honor, cherish and obey him, all the days of your life? Merrie looked up a Joe, and and said tearfully, \u201cI do.\u201d Adam then took the rings out of his pocket. Merrie and Joe had decided that both of them would wear wedding bands, even though it wasn\u2019t customary for a man to do so at the time. The Preacher blessed the rings, and Joe and Merrie carefully placed the simple gold bands on each other\u2019s finger. The Preacher then looked at the guests and said, \u201cBy the power vested in me by the Territory of Nevada, and by God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the Bride.\u201d Joe looked at Merrie and taking her face in his hands said, \u201cI love you Merrie Cartwright\u201d and kissed her gently.<\/p>\n

Their reception was a joyous event, as everyone ate, danced and drank for hours. Joe and Merrie spent time with their guests as well as each other, enjoying every minute of their special day. As they danced, Joe looked into Merrie\u2019s eyes and asked, \u201cAre you happy, Mrs. Cartwright?\u201d Merrie\u2019s face glowed as she answered, \u201cI am the happiest woman on Earth tonight, my cowboy\u201d as she kissed him passionately, letting him know in no uncertain terms what the snowy night ahead would bring.<\/p>\n

~ The End ~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Next Story in The Only Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Finding the Way Home<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0 Joe awaits Merrie’s arrival west, and finds himself having to deal with Walsh once again as Walsh and the Empire Railway threaten the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Rated K+ (15,565 words)<\/p>\n

The Only Series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":1050,"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_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1007,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2211","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","category-romance","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id","wpcat-3-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/MyFriendMyEnemy1.png?fit=486%2C296&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2211","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2211"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2211\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1050"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2211"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2211"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2211"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}