{"id":2408,"date":"2009-05-04T11:02:03","date_gmt":"2009-05-04T15:02:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2408"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:13:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:13:27","slug":"a-fathers-dilemma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2408","title":{"rendered":"A Father’s Dilemma (by Dodo)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>My entry for the April Literary Challenge…with a few additions.\u00a0 A missing scene from Dark Star.\u00a0 Ever wondered why Ben was so calm when Joe said he wanted to marry Tirza?\u00a0 Read on…<\/p>\n

Word Count:\u00a0 1510\u00a0\u00a0Rated:<\/span> K+<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0A Father’s Dilemma<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had been a strange and unusual time for us all on the ranch since Joe and me first come across that pretty gypsy gal called Tirza running scared across our land. <\/em><\/p>\n

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

Did I say they was unusual days?\u00a0 More like bizarre and unlike anything us Cartwrights had ever known or experienced before! \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Full moon nonsense of worshipping heathen gods, chicken feathers scattered all over the living room floor and blood daubed everywhere.\u00a0 Plus there was the ritual exorcism, nearly carried out on an ostracised Tirza by her own people to rid her of the evil she supposedly possessed! <\/em><\/p>\n

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

But thankfully it was all behind us now since that hogwash about Tirza being a witch had been cleared up and she\u2019d been proved to be as sane as the rest of us. \u00a0And as I leaned on the corral fence I couldn\u2019t help but grin with delight.\u00a0 For after sitting by her bedside Joe had just left a sleeping Tirza for a few minutes to tell me he\u2019d decided to ask for Pa\u2019s blessing to wed that little gal.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

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

And while I watched him disappear quickly back through the front door of the house I could feel a warm glow spreading throughout my insides. Little Joe was well and truly in love.\u00a0 In fact I\u2019d never seen him so animated\u2026so totally smitten with a female!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sworn to secrecy and excited at the news I couldn\u2019t help but continue to beam a huge grin and was just about to get on with my early morning chores when I noticed Pa walking across the yard from the direction of the kitchen.<\/p>\n

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

I don\u2019t know if he\u2019d even noticed me but suddenly the smile on my face faded away and my heart sank within me. Something was wrong. Very wrong.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

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

With his hands pushed down deep into his pockets, Pa\u2019s broad shoulders were uncharacteristically hunched; his expression grim. I followed him inside the barn where he\u2019d sat down dejectedly on a bale of straw.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I swallowed nervously. \u201cPa? Is something wrong? You feelin\u2019 okay?\u201d I asked as I moved towards him. <\/em><\/p>\n

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

Pa gave a hardly discernable nod and remained silent; his deep brown eyes glistening watery as he stared straight ahead, though his gaze was fixed on nothin\u2019 in particular. <\/em><\/p>\n

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

I cautiously sat down by his side and studied him closely for a few moments. His face appeared slightly paler than usual, though his jaw was darkened with stubble and I guessed he hadn\u2019t slept much that night as he clenched his fists tight on his lap.<\/em><\/p>\n

He continued to sit this way without a word; his lips pursed while deep in thought, totally ignoring my presence. Then after what seemed an interminable time but was probably only a few minutes it eventually came to a point where I couldn\u2019t stand the quiet or being paid no heed any longer. \u201cCome on Pa\u2026what\u2019s botherin\u2019 you?\u201d<\/p>\n

As though suddenly realising I was there in a flash Pa looked me straight in the eye and began to deny anything was wrong; there was nothing particular on his mind.<\/p>\n

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

But then he gave a rueful smile and patted my arm apologetically. \u201cSorry Hoss. If you must know I\u2019m a little worried.\u201d\u00a0 I frowned quizzically and he gave a heartfelt sigh. \u201cNo. That\u2019s not the whole truth.\u00a0 Fact is I\u2019m a whole lot worried\u2026about Joseph and Tirza.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

I felt a coldness grip my chest. \u201cBut why Pa?\u00a0 That gypsy gal seems to have a real soft spot for little brother.\u00a0 And I\u2019ve just spoken to Joe and I\u2019ve never known him happier. In fact from what he told me the pair of them have become real good friends now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pa nodded. \u201cYes\u2026I know son. But I have a feeling it\u2019s become more than friendship.\u201d\u00a0 Then as he continued his gloomy expression didn\u2019t alter.\u00a0 \u201cThis may come as a shock to you Hoss but I really think your brother might just ask Tirza to marry him.\u00a0 And if truth be told I don\u2019t know if\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Pa\u2019s voice trailed off and I didn\u2019t have the heart to tell him Joe had already divulged this piece of information \u2018cause his voice was shakin\u2019, making him sound more like a nervous little kid than the strong willed father I\u2019d always known. It unnerved me; made me anxious all of a sudden, and I found myself swallowing an unrelenting lump in my throat. \u201cWhat you tryin\u2019 to say Pa? Don\u2019t you want Joe to marry Tirza? \u00a0I thought you liked that little gal?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pa looked at me then all serious like. \u201cOh I do like her Hoss. I\u2019ve grown to like her a lot and after all she\u2019s gone through I think she\u2019s turned into a fine young woman.\u00a0 But\u2026but Joe\u2019s so young and he\u2019s only known her for a few days. Surely that can\u2019t be long enough for him to know she\u2019s the one?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Recalling the look of devotion on my little brother\u2019s face minutes before I tried to sound as positive as I could.\u00a0 \u201cBut if Joe\u2019s in love as much as you think, he must believe she\u2019s the one Pa, and no mistake!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Pa frowned and shook his head. \u201cBut what if it doesn\u2019t work out between them Hoss?\u00a0 Could they really have a future together coming from such different backgrounds?\u201d he asked in a sad, edgy sort of voice.\u00a0 \u201cJoe\u2019s bound to ask for my blessing and the thought of your brother eventually having an irretrievably broken heart because I agreed to let him have his way\u2026I just don\u2019t know what to do for the best.\u201d<\/p>\n

He broke off; obviously hating the sound of the uneasy tremor in his voice and now simply unable to say another word.<\/p>\n

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

I took an anxious gulp. It weren\u2019t usually my job to hand out advice, especially to my Pa, but things had to be said and fast. \u201cYou know I\u2019ve never had much experience with women, not like Adam or Joe.\u00a0 But from what I\u2019ve noticed with those two is lovin\u2019 can be a bit like gambling,\u201d I interrupted nervously, quickly gaining confidence as I saw Pa for once hanging onto my every word. \u201cSometimes you win\u2026sometimes you lose. But unless you take the risk you\u2019ll never know how things would turn out, one way or the other, for better or worse.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Pa narrowed his eyes. I half expected him to argue the point with me but instead he just nodded his head thoughtfully so I folded my arms over my chest and continued with my ramblings. \u201cAnd do you think for one doggone minute Pa, even if you don\u2019t agree to let Joe wed that little gal, the way he feels about her he\u2019d just go off and marry her anyhow?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a long, tense silence, and then Pa forced a smile onto his face. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019re quite right Hoss. Knowing your brother like I do I expect he would; and without a second thought.\u201d\u00a0 Then he chuckled and shot me a sheepish look. \u201cJust as I would have done at his age.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

I raised my eyebrows in surprise.\u00a0 \u201cYou Pa? You\u2019d have gone and eloped regardless of what your father would say?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIf I was young and hopelessly in love like your brother seems to be, without a doubt,\u201d Pa responded, then with his face awash with emotion, he stared at me intently, as if seeing me in a different light for the very first time.<\/em><\/p>\n

I looked at him with slight surprise and absently brushed a hand across my face. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter Pa? Is there a dirty mark on my nose?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pa gently laughed and placed his arm around my shoulders and gave me a loving squeeze.\u00a0 \u201cNo son. No dirty mark, but I have a feeling this won\u2019t be the last time I\u2019ll come to rely on you for your wise advice.\u00a0 Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I must have positively glowed with pride as I felt my face reddening into a hot blush. Praise like that from Pa was not easily or often earned.\u00a0 \u201cAh shucks Pa. It weren\u2019t nothin\u2019. And after all that\u2019s been going on around here lately, it ain\u2019t a wonder you couldn\u2019t think as clearly or straight as usual.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

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

Then I tried to shrug off my embarrassment as nonchalantly as I could. \u201cSo what you gonna do about Joe?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Pa smiled and rubbed his stubbly chin. \u201cThink I\u2019d first better go have me a shave. \u00a0I have a feeling your brother is going to ask me something special before Tirza wakes up so I want to look my best during breakfast when I give him the answer he wants to hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Then with that Pa gave me a thankful smile before standing up, straightening his back and with a sense of purpose turning and walking back into the house.\u00a0 And as I watched him retrace his steps a smile once more unashamedly covered my face, and I began to unconsciously whistle \u2018Here comes the Bride\u2019 in the early morning air.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

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

Weddings\u2026I just love \u2018em!<\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0 A missing scene from Dark Star.\u00a0 Ever wondered why Ben was so calm when Joe said he wanted to marry Tirza?\u00a0 Read on…\u00a0 <\/p>\n

Word Count:\u00a0 1510\u00a0\u00a0Rated: K+<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5869,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,27,40],"tags":[15,17],"class_list":["post-2408","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-whi","category-challenges","tag-ben","tag-hoss","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-27-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1618,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/DarkStar170.jpg?fit=617%2C472&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5868,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5868","url_meta":{"origin":2408,"position":0},"title":"Fish Out of Water (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"September 1, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Rating: K+ Word Count=4993 Summary:\u00a0Joe rescues a mysterious girl from the river.","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/DarkStar170.jpg?fit=617%2C472&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/DarkStar170.jpg?fit=617%2C472&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/DarkStar170.jpg?fit=617%2C472&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14380,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14380","url_meta":{"origin":2408,"position":1},"title":"Death Star (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 1, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0With Rona's permission, I am posting \"Death Star\" as inspired by her Adam Death fic. \u00a0 Rating: \u00a0T \u00a0(2,620 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15539,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15539","url_meta":{"origin":2408,"position":2},"title":"Head Examining on the High Sierra! 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