{"id":26981,"date":"2020-01-19T17:42:11","date_gmt":"2020-01-19T22:42:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=26981"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:39:19","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:39:19","slug":"when-smiles-reach-the-heart-by-ac1830","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=26981","title":{"rendered":"When Smiles Reach the Heart (by AC1830)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: Still too restless to head straight home after three years of travel, Adam makes a detour to Ireland. There he discovers the warmth of the people and their strength to overcome adversity. \u00a0 A new friend teaches him a certain truth about the Irish people:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Irish hearts are happy, All the world seems bright and gay.<\/span><\/p>\n

And when Irish eyes are smiling, Sure, they steal your heart away.\u201d*<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rating: T, Word Count: 24,164<\/p>\n

When Smiles Reach the Heart<\/b><\/p>\n

Chapter 1<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1868<\/b><\/p>\n

Leaden pearl-gray clouds dulled what once was a cheery azure sky as brisk winds began to churn the waters of Dublin Bay. Adam Cartwright leaned on the stone wall, edges of his dark hair shifting with the gusty winds.\u00a0 His thoughts bobbed like the ships anchored nearby. After traveling around Europe for nearly three years, he was ready to begin his trip home. Well, almost ready. Rather than taking a steamer from France to America, he chose a detour to Ireland. He wasn\u2019t quite sure why but perhaps it was because he still felt unsettled despite having satisfied his desires for travel, independence, and a change of scenery. He had enjoyed all of his travels, but something was still missing; some desire was not yet satiated.\u00a0 Having heard so much about the beauty of Ireland\u2019s lush landscape and the warmth of the people, Adam decided a short visit might be in order. Perhaps it could be a time of reprieve, a transition before returning to his life in Nevada.<\/span><\/p>\n

Noticing that the sun had slipped closer to the horizon, he pushed away from the wall and headed in the direction of town, pulling his jacket collar around his neck to ward off the chilled wind. He was finding springtime in Ireland to be a fickle season, warm and cheery one day, cold and rainy the next.\u00a0 He\u2019d been in Dublin just over a week and found the city busy but friendly. Working his way through the streets Adam had one place in mind to go this particular evening – The Palace Bar.** It had become his favorite place to visit. Slipping inside, he stopped by the bar to order his drink then made his way to the back room to find a place to sit. It was still early so he smiled at having the chance to sit quietly and indulge his gloomy thoughts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Settled at a table in the back room, Adam nursed his pint of Irish Red Ale, lost in a reflective mood. He\u2019d happened on this quaint pub his first night in Dublin. Strolling down the street looking for a place to eat, he heard the laughter and singing drifting through the front door and followed the cheerful sounds. Wandering inside he noted the long bar with stools on the right and a small sitting area on the left, so much smaller than any saloon back home. After stopping to request a beer, Adam made his way through the crowd to the back room which widened out to include more tables and chairs. It also had a much higher ceiling with a stained glass window in the center.\u00a0 This room quickly became Adam\u2019s favorite spot as it seemed his moodiness would vanish as soon as he took a seat.** After pulling up a chair to watch a card game in progress, Adam sipped his beer for the first time and frowned at the strong, bitter taste. The card players joked about his reaction before inviting him to join them. That was the night that he learned Ireland produced more than one kind of beer, and all of it quite different from what he was used to back home.<\/span><\/p>\n

During that first week Adam took his time getting used to the different beers, and found he\u00a0 already had a few favorites. Enjoying his current pint of ale, Adam smirked at that random thought, wondering if he\u2019d ever be able to drink Western beer again. He raised the mug to his lips and slowly finished the drink, hoping its light flavor might brighten his melancholy mood.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAch, that\u2019s no way ta be drinkin\u2019, lad. Here I\u2019ll show ye how it\u2019s done.\u201d\u00a0 Paddy Magee spun a chair around backwards, straddled it, and took a deep drink from his own Guinness stout while settling in his chair. Wiping away the froth from his lips he set the mug down hard. \u201cThere. Now ye have a go, me boy, an\u2019 see if ye can do it any better.\u201d He pushed a second mug, filled with the darker brew, toward Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Grinning, Adam took up the mug and drank down half of the beer in one breath. Returning his mug to the table with a loud thud, he released a hearty laugh as Paddy reached out and slapped him on the arm.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell done, me friend, well done.\u00a0 We\u2019ll make a true Irishman of you yet!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two men laughed as Paddy ordered another round, despite Adam\u2019s attempts to wave him off. The first night that Adam had drifted into the bar, Paddy was one of the card players. He was a longshoreman, and the pub was his favorite place to see friends and have some fun after a long day on the docks. Singing was also one of Paddy\u2019s favorite pastimes so, after learning that Adam could sing, he convinced him to join in. The next day Paddy helped Adam find a better place to stay, to buy some new clothing to help him blend in, and to show him around the area. The two became fast friends after that.<\/span><\/p>\n

Watching Adam\u2019s face shift from cheery back to sullen, Paddy spoke up, \u201cNow tell me what\u2019s got ye so glum on this fair night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam cast his eyes down to his mug and traced the outline of the handle. \u201cJust missing home I guess.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been gone for nearly three years and, well…I guess it\u2019s time to see my family again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut somehow I get the feelin\u2019 you\u2019re not too happy \u2018bout headin\u2019 home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A hint of a smile appeared. \u201cOh, I do want to go home, but it feels like I haven\u2019t accomplished all I set out to do when I left.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy leaned an elbow on the table, propping his chin with his hand. \u201cAn\u2019 what would that be, my friend?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the problem. I don\u2019t know.\u201d\u00a0 Adam shook his head and took a long draw on his beer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy studied his friend for a bit. He was a moody one to be sure but Paddy thought he might know how to lift his friend\u2019s spirits.\u00a0 \u201cWell I\u2019ll tell ye somethin\u2019, ye\u2019ve not been here long an\u2019 I\u2019d sure hate to see ya leave us so soon. Won\u2019t ye stay a bit longer, an\u2019 give our fair country a chance?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u00a0 You\u2019ve been a good friend, Paddy, helping me find a place to stay and all, but…\u201d\u00a0 Adam caught his friend\u2019s hopeful expression and his own face brightened. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what. I\u2019ll stay two more weeks and I dare you to show me the best Ireland, and Dublin, have to offer. How\u2019s that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy slapped his hand on the table, \u201cHa! \u2018Tis a deal. Now let\u2019s drink to it, then we\u2019ll see if we can teach you some of our songs tonight!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grinned as the friends saluted each other with their mugs and drank down their beers. Pushing away from the table and heading to a different corner of the room where a few musicians had settled, Paddy addressed the growing evening crowd.\u00a0 \u201cFriends, this night we\u2019ll be teachin\u2019 my American friend here some of our favorite songs. Are ye with me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cheers filled the small space, and Adam realized his gloom had been chased away once again by the warmth and friendship he\u2019d found in Paddy Magee and The Palace Bar. As the crowd warmed up with a local song, a young barmaid carrying a tray of dirty mugs across the room paused to listen. However it wasn\u2019t only the singing that held her attention, but also the dark-haired American who seemed to fit in perfectly with the jovial crowd. A call from the front room ended her musings as she returned to her tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n

After several zesty songs, and his voice growing hoarse, Adam called it a night. The pub had become packed and he was ready for some fresh air. Maneuvering around the patrons standing near the front door, he came face to face with the barmaid, two mugs of beer in each of her hands. He paused in place to let her pass and that was when their eyes locked on one another. For a brief moment neither moved, then a shy smile graced her lips as she headed toward the back room. In turn Adam continued outside. He found the cool air refreshing as he made his way back to his apartment.\u00a0 On the way, his mind kept returning to the brief image of the young girl with chestnut hair the color of a Tahoe sunset and green eyes as clear as the lake itself. But it was her smile, which brightened those eyes, that followed him into his sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 2<\/b><\/p>\n

The next morning Adam enjoyed a hearty Irish breakfast at a nearby cafe before heading out to explore the city. His head was full of family, home, and Ireland. Throughout the morning, Adam sat in parks and wandered through city streets, trying to sort out what was missing in his life and where he belonged. He missed his family and was ready to head home but that desire carried an emptiness he couldn\u2019t understand. As he headed toward the Palace Bar late in the afternoon, he found himself hoping he would see the young lady he\u2019d seen the evening before. As he approached the bar an omnibus stopped at the corner and she stepped off, walking briskly toward the pub. Adam came up from the other direction and offered to hold the door for her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, allow me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The girl hesitated for a moment, tightening her woolen shawl about her slim body, before giving Adam a curt nod and entering the pub followed by other patrons. When Adam entered he could not see her anywhere so he inquired of the bartender.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe young lady that just entered, did you see where she went?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAye, where she always goes. To th\u2019 back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man\u2019s clipped tone and dark look kept Adam from asking any more questions. Not sure what to do next, he chose to sit on a stool nearby. A few minutes later she returned, tying on a white apron over her gray dress.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She paused only long enough to be polite, aware of the bartender\u2019s scrutinizing gaze. \u201cHello.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe passed each other in here last night as I was leaving.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAye, \u2018twas a busy night. I\u2019ve got to get to me work now.\u201d\u00a0 She darted behind the bar, missing the look of disappointment on Adam\u2019s face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam saw the barkeeper glaring at him so he ordered a beer and a bowl of stew before heading to the back room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The bartender scowled as he handed the girl a cleaning rag. \u201cYou best be watchin\u2019 yerself, missy. Seamus will be after me own hide if anythin\u2019 happens to ya.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAch, leave it be, Uncle Danny. You know as well as I, me Da\u2019s stuck too much in th\u2019 old ways.\u201d She scrubbed at the bar\u2019s surface as her eyes drifted over to the back room where the American had just gone, a soft smile tugging at her lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

Danny didn\u2019t miss the look. His niece was headstrong to be sure and keeping an eye on her was a full-time job in itself. When Adam\u2019s order was ready, the girl placed it on a tray and disappeared before Danny could stop her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sat up straighter when the young lady approached. She quickly set his bowl of stew and beer on the table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust ask for Ellie if ye need anythin\u2019 else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will… Ellie.\u201d\u00a0 He tipped his head and smiled as she spun away to tend to other customers, her braided hair swinging across her back. Tucking into his meal he discreetly watched her as she flitted from table to table. Around the customers she was restrained as if not wishing to have extended contact with anyone, but she would throw furtive glances at Adam when she thought no one was looking. To him she was an enigma, and one he wanted to figure out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy eventually arrived and once again drew Adam into the singing. After a couple of spirited songs, the two friends took a break to enjoy their beers. Ellie brought the pints, long with a meal for Paddy, and as she turned to leave, Paddy caught her hand and drew her close to him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere lass, let me introduce you to me friend, Adam Cartwright. He\u2019s from America. Adam, this here\u2019s Eleanor Rigby, the finest singer in all Ireland.\u201d He gave her a warm hug. Her eyes flitted briefly to Adam\u2019s wondering what he must be thinking about her and Paddy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Tis a pleasure, Mister Cartwright.\u201d She gave Adam a warm smile before returning her attention to Paddy. \u201cAn\u2019 don\u2019t ye be talkin\u2019 like that, Paddy Magee. I\u2019m not that good a singer! You\u2019re just sayin\u2019 it \u2018cause I\u2019m your cousin,\u201d she fussed as she worked out of Paddy\u2019s embrace.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least in all o\u2019 Dublin. So why don\u2019t ye give us a song, Ellie. A Sean-n\u00f3s song.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAch no, you\u2019ll get me fired. Now leave me be.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow then, ye won\u2019t be losin\u2019 yer job. Ye see Adam, Danny, who runs this fine establishment is me Da, an\u2019 Ellie\u2019s uncle.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie pushed away from Paddy. \u201cAn\u2019 you best be rememberin\u2019 that yeself, Paddy Magee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on lass, give us a song, for ye ol\u2019 Paddy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, since ye asked so nicely, I guess I can\u2019t refuse, now can I?\u201d She waved a finger at him. \u201cBut just the one!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s me girl.\u201d\u00a0 Ellie finally gave Paddy a smile as she set her tray on an empty table. When she headed toward the musicians Paddy scooted his chair around to sit by Adam. He leaned in and spoke quietly, \u201cWhat Ellie\u2019s goin\u2019 to sing is called Sean-n\u00f3s singin\u2019. A song in the old style. The voice is the only instrument and the song usually reflects deep emotions – love, sadness, loss.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the musicians offered her his stool and she settled on it, closed her eyes and let her voice fill the small room.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s heart fluttered with the angelic sounds that floated on the air. While he couldn\u2019t understand the Gaelic words, he felt he didn\u2019t need to. Ellie\u2019s voice was all that was needed to convey the emotions of what she sang. He sat mesmerized until the song ended, the last note drifting away to silence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When Ellie finished, she demurely accepted the gentle applause from the listeners, then quickly slipped from the group to return to her work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy eyed Adam as the musicians began to play once more. Taking up his pint, he waited for Adam\u2019s response.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, she has a beautiful voice, but somehow that doesn\u2019t seem to describe it. Does she sing often?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAch no. Not as much as she should. Her Da let\u2019s her work here only because we\u2019re family, otherwise he keeps her on a tight rein. Don\u2019t get me wrong, Adam. Ellie\u2019s a fine girl. She\u2019s young, spirited and a hard worker. But her father is full of rules and such. He\u2019s not happy with Ellie workin\u2019 at all, but they need the money since her Da left the brewery due to an accident. The lass is ready ta meet the world but \u2018tis her Da holdin\u2019 her back with his strong beliefs in the old ways.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam absorbed all Paddy said but didn\u2019t feel comfortable discussing it further. Silently he felt that explained Ellie\u2019s behavior around the patrons, and perhaps, around him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the evening crowd headed home, Adam slipped out with them. He stood just down the street in the shadows of a gas lamp. Not one to linger he just wanted one more chance to see her. A half hour later, he saw Ellie leave alone. She waited at the corner for her bus but Adam noticed she was becoming agitated, glancing up and down the street. He approached her, clearing his throat so as not to startle her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood evening, Miss Rigby. I was heading home and saw you standing here by yourself. Is everything alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMister Cartwright. Good evenin\u2019 to ye. Just waitin\u2019 on my bus. It should have arrived by now. If I don\u2019t leave soon I\u2019ll be late gettin\u2019 home an\u2019 me Da will be frettin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps it will come soon. Would it be alright if I waited with you? You shouldn\u2019t be here at night all by yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie gave a single nod without a word, but inside she was grateful for Adam\u2019s companionship and thoughtfulness. It was the first time someone took an interest in her safety, without giving her a lecture about rules or propriety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI enjoyed your singing tonight. Paddy\u2019s right. You have a lovely voice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank ye for the kind words. You sing well too, Adam. I\u2019m sorry, I should\u2019ve asked.\u00a0 Is it alright if I call you Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is my name.\u201d He smiled, then seeing her embarrassed look he quickly amended his small bit of teasing. \u201cForgive me. I\u2019d be pleased to have you call me Adam, if I may call you Ellie, or do you prefer Eleanor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, Ellie is fine. Only me Da calls me Eleanor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing the jingle of harnesses both looked down the street to see the Omnibus coming.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess I\u2019ll say good night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m not workin\u2019 t\u2019morrow. Would you like me to show you around the city? Would you be interested in visiting some of our museums?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that very much. I promised Paddy I\u2019d stay a couple more weeks and I\u2019d like to learn as much as I can about Dublin before I leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie smiled as the bus arrived and she stepped aboard. \u201cThey\u2019re not far from here.\u00a0 I can meet you outside the pub around ten.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood night then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam touched the visor of his flat cap as the bus pulled away, then he headed off to his apartment, Ellie’s warm smile and bright eyes lingering in his thoughts. Paddy stepped from the doorway and watched his friend stroll down the street whistling a tune. He was pleased to hear that Adam and Ellie would be spending time together the next day. He planned to follow them for a bit to make sure Adam was the gentleman he appeared to be. If so, he felt Ellie\u2019s future might be looking up, especially if her father didn\u2019t recover enough from his injuries. The girl deserved a happy life with a family of her own. Being her cousin, Paddy knew Ellie had seen enough pain for one lifetime.\u00a0 It was time for someone to set her on a new path. As he headed home, he hoped he was doing the right thing by her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 3<\/b><\/p>\n

The next morning Adam arrived outside the pub just as Ellie was stepping off the bus. She waited until the driver pulled away before she acknowledged Adam. He made his way closer to her, his eyes taking in how well her dark blue dress, though simple with a modest neckline and touches of lace on the sleeves, made her face glow. He also noticed she wore her hair loose but pulled away from her face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood mornin\u2019 to ye, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Ellie. What do you have planned for us today?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAch, only a couple of museums. We have an art gallery that opened a few years ago and a natural history museum, if that is alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThose sound just fine. I\u2019m ready if you are.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam waited for Ellie to indicate the direction then he fell into step beside her. As they walked, Ellie gave a brief history of the city and pointed out a few important buildings. Having shared only a few words the evening before, Adam was surprised and pleased at how engaging Ellie could be when she spoke about the city and its history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After the museums, they bought some cheese and bread from a vendor and sat in a park to enjoy it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for a wonderful morning. I enjoyed hearing you tell about the history of Dublin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pleased you had a good time.\u201d She lowered her eyes shyly. \u201cI was afraid you would be bored with it all. I couldn\u2019t tell if you were the kind of person who would enjoy such things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cI tend to give that impression to many people. You see I grew up on a wagon train traveling across America because my father had a dream to own his own land in the West. We had very little for many years, but it was his determination that saw us through. He\u2019s made that dream come true with my help and that of my brothers. As we grew up he made sure we had a basic education and taught us good manners. When I returned to the East for college, I had many opportunities to learn about history, art and music. I guess I never lost my wanderlust as my dream was to travel and experience more than what my father\u2019s ranch offered.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie\u2019s eyes brightened when Adam mentioned college. \u201cAre those things what you studied at college?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam brushed bread crumbs from his fingers as he reached for a piece of cheese. \u201cI did but my degree was in Engineering and Architecture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a builder?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I get the chance. I was able to make some improvements to our ranch and sawmill. We grow our own timber for milling and selling to those who need it. We also raise cattle and horses. \u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie tittered softly; music to Adam\u2019s ears. \u201cYou\u2019re a cowboy as well? You have so many talents, Adam. I\u2019ve read about American cowboys, but you don\u2019t seem anything like what I\u2019ve read. You look more like an Irishman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can thank Paddy for that. He felt I needed to \u2018blend in\u2019 a bit better than wearing my city clothes all the time. I\u2019ve been traveling through Europe these last three years and I\u2019m making my way home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell me more about your ranch and what you do as a cowboy. Please?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam could tell Ellie was eager to learn, and it brought to mind Paddy\u2019s words the night before about her being held back by her father. He settled back and told her all about growing up on the Ponderosa. He smiled as her eyes grew wide with his tales of cattle roundups, breaking wild horses, and cutting down trees that touched the sky.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he ran out of stories, they listened to the birds singing and the sounds of the city. Adam turned toward Ellie, resting his arm on the back of the bench behind her. \u201cEllie, tell me how you came to know so much about your fair city?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie bit her lip before answering in a quiet voice, \u201cI love to learn things, an\u2019 I spend as much time as I can at the museums an\u2019 talkin\u2019 to folks.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sensed there was more to her answer but didn\u2019t push for it when she stopped speaking and looked away into the distance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Settling back into the bench, he glanced at the sky noting the sun\u2019s position. \u201cIt\u2019s nearing one o\u2019clock. Do you have anything more planned for us today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When he finished speaking distant church bells rang out chiming the single hour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie was amazed. \u201cHow did you now the time so precisely?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cWhere I live we are far from any town. When we\u2019re out on the range, we have to know how to read the position of the sun, and to recognize the weather patterns as they can change without notice.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you teach me some of those things, Adam?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you like. My father taught me on our journey across America.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve seen so much of the world. I wish I could see as much.\u201d Ellie suddenly stood and packed away their remaining food and wrappings. \u201cI\u2019ve got to go an\u2019 prepare dinner for Da. He likes to eat early, then go to bed by sundown.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam carried the food as they walked back to the bus stop. He handed the package to Ellie as she boarded the bus and then bid her farewell, suggesting they could meet again for another tour around the city. Ellie gave him a bright smile. \u201cI\u2019d like that, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy ambled up just as the bus pulled away. Adam turned to find him leaning against the wall with his thumbs stuck through his suspenders. Adam leaned against a light post and crossed his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo how long have you been following us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy pushed away from the wall and headed down the street, with Adam joining him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLong enough to know that you and Ellie enjoyed your morning together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd checking to see if I would be a gentleman with her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy shrugged. \u201cGuilty as charged. She\u2019s like a sister to me, Adam, and I feel responsible for her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know you could have joined us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy released a hearty laughed. \u201cAn\u2019 where would th\u2019 fun be in that, for the two of you or me, my friend?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That morning was only the beginning of a busy two weeks for Adam. Paddy lived up to his promise and gave his friend a tour of the Guinness Brewery, and the nightlife of Dublin, shows and pubs. Ellie took him to museums and parks, and on one sunny day Adam rented a carriage for a picnic with her in the countryside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Those first days with Ellie opened Adam\u2019s eyes to her true personality. At first he only knew her as the shy barmaid of The Palace Bar. Away from work she was playful, bold, and, as Adam discovered, quite knowledgeable in the arts and culture of the city. They found they had shared interests in history and literature. He told her more about his life and family in Nevada, and tried to explain some of the jobs of a cowboy. Her giggling at his pantomimes of roping a calf and busting a bronc sounded to Adam like angels singing. As each day passed, the two became stronger friends, she teaching him Gaelic and Irish lore, and he encouraging her to sing American songs with him. Both were finding many reasons to laugh and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The more time Adam spent with Ellie, the more Paddy\u2019s words about her father and uncle kept crossing his mind. He could see how she would shy away from men with her uncle keeping a close eye on her, but in Adam\u2019s company she became a wonderful, bright, exciting young woman. She was just a couple of years older than Joe and for the most part self-educated in history, the arts and literature. A few times he tried to ask about her family, but she grew dark and changed the subject. He could see the undercurrent of an Irish temper, so he chose to let her bring up the topic on her own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During their final days, before Adam was to leave for America Ellie announced she had a surprise for him. They had been strolling along the River Liffey admiring the view but with a twinkle in her eye, she led him away from the river and toward town, refusing to answer his questions as to their destination.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they neared the location she stopped walking and turned to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs I\u2019ve shown you our fair city, I\u2019ve noticed you ask many questions about the buildings – how they are made, their history. Well, what we are about to see is the seven hundred year old Saint Patrick\u2019s Cathedral***. However, after many wars it had fallen into great disrepair. But come, let me show you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clasping his hand in hers she led him down the block and around a corner. Ellie jerked to a stop when she realized that Adam was no longer moving. Looking back she grinned at his awestruck expression. Hoping to see an Irish cathedral but not expecting to see one fully restored, Adam gaped at the magnificent structure rising before him. Ellie knew he would appreciate the beauty of the structure that was invisible to most passersby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome Adam. We can walk around the grounds then I\u2019ll take you inside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As they explored the grounds and inside the Cathedral, Adam noticed many architectural differences from the cathedrals he\u2019d studied in France and Italy.\u00a0 He asked Ellie if she could explain them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAye, I\u2019ll try. In the last hundred years the Cathedral fell into great disrepair. So much so the city wanted to tear it down, fearing its collapse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. All the history, and beauty, would be lost.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAye. I knew ye would understand. Many in the church felt the same way, so Mister Benjamin Guinness, grandson son of Arthur Guinness, the man who founded Guinness Brewery, offered to fund the entire restoration, but on the condition that he be allowed to make changes to parts of the church.\u00a0 Reluctantly the church leaders accepted as they felt they had no other choice, and what you see now is the result of that grand work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam wandered around the nave, taking in every detail. \u201cSo it\u2019s a mixture of Medieval and Victorian architecture. Amazing. Mister Guinness did an incredible job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie\u2019s heart soared as she observed how Adam reverently absorbed every detail of the building, gently touching a stone wall, brushing his fingertips across a colored window pain. As he wandered through the Nave, she realized she enjoyed every moment they could have together. She was sure Adam felt the same way, as his face always brightened when she came near. Today, she felt she was seeing another side of Adam, someone who was lost in his own world and having the time of his life exploring it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While Ellie pondered these things, Adam returned to her side. She felt his hand slip around hers as he led her outside to a garden bench. She sat by him as he continued to hold her hand and study her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, thank you for bringing me here. This is magnificent. But I also want to thank you for the last two weeks. You\u2019ve given me a wonderful tour of your home and its culture. For that I\u2019ll always be grateful.\u201d He paused to consider whether his next words would spoil the moment, but forged ahead anyway. \u201cThis will sound trite but you have changed my life. When I first met you, I was adrift, feeling a deep dissatisfaction with my life. Now, you\u2019ve shown me how to have fun and see the beauty in the smallest of things. You\u2019ve brought sunshine into this lonely life with your warm smiles, spirited songs, and tales of Irish lore. I want to spend more time with you and get to know you so much more.\u201d He paused to check her reaction. She turned her face away but didn\u2019t pull her hand from his.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam spoke again, his voice quiet, his words gentle. \u201cIf you\u2019re agreeable to our seeing more of each other, I\u2019d like to postpone my trip home.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie lost her breath and struggled to get it back. She pulled her hand from Adam\u2019s and wrapped her arms about herself. This was all she had dared hoped for but how would she ever explain to her father that she was falling in love with an American. She struggled to keep control over her quivering voice.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, you don\u2019t know how I have hoped you would stay. I want to know more about you too, but before you make that decision, you must understand about my background, my family and the strong traditions that tie them together. After you hear what I have to say, I will understand if you choose to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s heart pounded as she spoke. He drew her to his side. \u201cI understand more than you may think. Paddy told me your father is strong-minded and expects you to follow the traditions of your people and your faith. I can respect that. I\u2019ve grown up under my father\u2019s directives, and they have given me my foundation in life. Mind you I love him very much and respect all that he has taught me, but there came a time when I needed to find my own way. I had a desire to find something different for my life. Something I couldn\u2019t put a name to, until these past weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

A smile broke out on Ellie\u2019s solemn face much as the sun would appear through storm clouds. \u201cTo be free, to choose your own path?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And to have someone to share that path with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, I wish that too, but I fear it canna be, at least for me. The Irish are held by their traditions, their faith in God, and their families.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how to explain it further.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTry telling about your family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She flicked her eyes up to see Adam\u2019s earnest expression. It gave her courage to share about the difficulties in her life. \u201cMy life has not been easy but the potato famine made it worse. Ye know of it?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded solemnly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was only five years old when it struck and me Ma died before it was over. Da was never the same after that. He lost so much – his wife, his livelihood, and many friends. We struggled just to stay alive for several years. About five years after the famine ended, Ma\u2019s brother Danny found work at the Guinness brewery, an\u2019 convinced Da to join him, so we moved here to Dublin.\u00a0 After a few years Da remained workin\u2019 for the brewery but Uncle Danny left to manage the Palace Bar. By that time I was finishing my schooling an\u2019 had a chance to continue on with a scholarship at a college here, but Da put his foot down. He said I needed ta marry a man with land and raise a family. He said I had enough education to be a good wife. We argued \u2018bout it because most of the young men had other jobs away from farmin\u2019, an\u2019 weren\u2019t interested in marryin\u2019 anyway. I let the schoolin\u2019 go an\u2019 I felt lost, but I had to respect me Da\u2019s wishes\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, if your father wants you marry a landowner, I own land.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie shook her head. \u201cNo, ye don\u2019t understand. It\u2019s not just about the land. It\u2019s also that you are an American. Da would never allow me to marry you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he know that we\u2019ve been spending time together?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam, I am afraid to tell him \u2018cause his health is not good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of his grief or the accident?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYe know about that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaddy mentioned it to me. I don\u2019t know the details.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaddy…I don\u2019t know what to do with him sometimes.\u201d Ellie sighed and continued. \u201cLast year, someone at the brewery was careless with storin\u2019 the large empty barrels an\u2019 some fell on Da, hittin\u2019 him in th\u2019 head and injurin\u2019 his leg. He\u2019s not worked since. The company paid for some of our bills and gave him a pension but it\u2019s not enough to live on so I started workin\u2019 at the pub for Uncle Danny. Paddy\u2019s the one that got the job for me. Uncle Danny swore to Da he\u2019d keep me safe and not let me stray around the men there.\u201d Ellie blushed at that but could tell Adam knew what she meant. \u201cDo ye see, Adam, why I can\u2019t let ye get any closer? Why we can only be friends? \u2018Tis not what would please Da, an\u2019 he means the world to me. He has no one but me, an\u2019 I canna leave him.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s thoughts were racing as he tried to balance her situation with both their desires.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, listen to me. I understand how you feel about your father, and I\u2019d never ask you to give up your faith or go against your father. But don\u2019t you see that he\u2019s keeping you from pursuing your own dreams? You\u2019ve given up on more education for him, you\u2019ve not told him about me, because of his health, and you won\u2019t consider a future with me, because you believe your father won\u2019t approve.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie wanted to dispute all that Adam had said but knew she couldn\u2019t.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really do understand how you\u2019re feeling about all of this. You deserve a chance to find your own path. You are a vibrant and lovely young woman, and I love you for that.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scanning her face he saw her conflicts reflected there. He gently took her hand in his, kissed her fingertips, her palm, then leaned in to kiss her lips. Instead of drawing away, she returned his kiss. He drew back and caressed her cheek gently as she closed her eyes. His voice was low, almost a whisper, \u201cI don\u2019t want to lose you. If you will give me the chance, we can find a way to make this work. I promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She leaned her head against his broad chest. In the comfort of each other’s arms they remained silent, listening to the songbirds, relaxing in their newfound love for each other, and both worrying about how to connect two different worlds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 4<\/b><\/p>\n

Despite Ellie\u2019s protests, Adam postponed his departure. He continued to see her whenever she was off during the week. Their love grew stronger as they began to talk through all their differences. Adam was patient with Ellie, not forcing her into anything she felt would harm her relationship with her father, but encouraging her to talk with him, to be honest with him. Paddy, as well as Danny, were aware of what was happening and tried to help the couple by offering to convince Ellie\u2019s father to allow her to marry Adam. Adam even agreed to remain in Ireland, but Seamus Rigby refused to meet Adam much less let Ellie marry a non-Irishman. He had become more and more bitter over the years due to his personal losses, and refused to see the harm that bitterness was doing to his daughter\u2019s life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One evening Adam entered the bar and stopped to chat with Danny.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvenin\u2019 Adam. What can I get ya?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie or Paddy here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie\u2019s not workin\u2019 t\u2019night. Seamus needed her at home. Paddy\u2019s goin\u2019 ta be late. They had some workers quit an\u2019 a cargo ship needs loadin\u2019 so it can leave at dawn. I expect he\u2019ll be here in an hour or two. Go find ye a table. I\u2019ll send some stew and Guiness your way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Danny. That\u2019s sounds good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam settled at a corner table and let his thoughts drift. He needed to find a way to speak to Seamus Rigby, to get to know the man. When the food arrived he ate without tasting any of it while he formulated a plan. So focused on his ideas and meal, he didn\u2019t immediately notice the shadow cross over his table. Thinking it was Paddy he looked up to see a well muscled-man standing there, large fists clenched in front of him, intense eyes glaring down at him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYe the man been seein\u2019 me Eleanor?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam slowly set his mug down, resting his palms on the table. \u201cMister Rigby I presume.\u201d Keeping his eyes fixed on the large man in front of him, Adam started to rise and hold out his hand in a peaceful gesture, when Seamus grabbed his arm and pulled him across the table. Adam landed face down on the floor as patrons scattered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Recovering quickly, Adam rose to his feet in time to be hit broadside with a chair. After that Seamus grabbed Adam\u2019s shirt and drew him to within inches of his face. \u201cYe leave me daughter alone ye heathen. I\u2019ll not be havin\u2019 the likes of you soilin\u2019 her good reputation. If I see ye around her anymore, I\u2019ll kill ye, ye hear me?\u00a0 I\u2019ll kill ye.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeamus Rigby what in tarnation are ye doin\u2019 bustin\u2019 up me bar and threatenin\u2019 me patrons!! Put him down now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam twisted slightly against Seamus\u2019 strong grip to see Danny standing with his feet spread and grasping a club in one hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seamus shoved Adam away and turned to face Danny. \u201cYou stay out o\u2019 this, Danny. \u2018Tis between me an\u2019 him!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam straightened his clothes and stepped closer to Seamus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam step away,\u201d\u00a0 Danny called but Adam ignored him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMister Rigby, I don\u2019t appreciate being manhandled and threatened. If you had taken time to ask I would tell you that I have nothing but good intentions toward your daughter. In fact–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He never finished as Seamus\u2019 large fist landed against his jaw and sent him reeling across a table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor the love of all that\u2019s good, Seamus, are ye daft? Get out o\u2019 here \u2018fore I call the constable.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seamus huffed and limped past Danny who followed to make sure his brother-in-law was gone then returned to check on Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Someone had helped Adam into a chair and another brought ice for his face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre ye alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, nothing\u2019s out of place.\u201d He rolled his eyes at his worried friend. \u201cWell, not quite the first meeting I expected to have with Seamus Rigby.\u201d\u00a0 He winced as the ice touched the bruises that were beginning to form.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Danny helped Adam to the store room, grabbing a cloth and whiskey along the way. Sitting on a barrel, Adam remained quiet as Danny helped him clean the blood from his face and then handed Adam some fresh ice wrapped in a towel.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t ye worry none. I\u2019ll be havin\u2019 a good talk with him t\u2019morrow. I\u2019ll not be havin\u2019 him treatin\u2019 you or anyone else that way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine. I\u2019m more concerned about Ellie. Someone should check on her, considering the mood Seamus is in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeamus has a temper, that ye\u2019ve seen, but one thing I know is that he won\u2019t hurt his daughter. She\u2019s all he\u2019s got, and he\u2019ll fight to keep her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019ve learned that the hard way.\u201d\u00a0 Adam placed the ice back on his jaw and sighed. Danny patted Adam on the arm then returned to attend to his customers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When Paddy arrived he walked Adam home. He offered to stay but left after Adam convinced him he didn\u2019t need a nurse nor a bodyguard. Instead Paddy left his friend with a promise to check on Ellie as soon as he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam settled in bed and, despite his aching jaw, soon fell asleep, no closer to settling things with Seamus, and worried for Ellie\u2019s safety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The next afternoon, Adam found out just how complicated Seamus Rigby had made his and Ellie\u2019s lives. He was reading by the fireplace when a pounding on the door broke the silence. When he opened the door, Ellie\u2019s red-rimmed eyes grew wide and she gasped when she saw his bruised face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam\u2026\u201d She fell into his arms, nearly hysterical, and Paddy stepped inside, shutting the door behind him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Holding tightly to Ellie, Adam looked askance at Paddy. \u201cWhat\u2019s happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe best sit down.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam guided Ellie to the sofa and sat with her. She refused to let go of him. Paddy sat on the edge of the chair and began to explain. \u201cSeamus\u2019 bitterness an\u2019 anger has taken him to a dark place. It all started when Ellie tried to talk with him yesterday about how she felt toward you. Seamus wouldn\u2019t listen, claiming you were leading her astray, lyin\u2019 to her.\u00a0 He\u2019s accused you of, well, defiling Ellie, an\u2019 essentially sayin\u2019 you\u2019re forcin\u2019 her ta go away with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe what?! That\u2019s ludicrous! Just last night he told me to stay away from her. How…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy held up his hand to stay anymore of Adam\u2019s outburst. \u201cAye, well, that\u2019s why he showed up at the bar last night. We know it ain\u2019t true but Seamus has convinced himself of it an\u2019 there\u2019ll be no changin\u2019 his mind. He told Ellie ta stop seein\u2019 ya a while back but she refused. When he discovered she\u2019d defied him, he came out with his accusations \u2018bout you. Now he\u2019s plannin\u2019 ta send Ellie away to a convent claimin\u2019 you\u2019ve drawn her into sin. An\u2019 well, we know what he said to you last night.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shifted to look at Ellie. \u201cIs it true that he told you not to see me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She held his gaze and nodded. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam. I couldn\u2019t stop seein\u2019 ya an\u2019 I told Da that. It only made him angrier. He hasn\u2019t been himself for weeks and I no longer know what to do.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam began pacing the small room. \u201cWhat does all this mean, Paddy? What\u2019s going to happen to Ellie now?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDa\u2019s with Seamus now, tryin\u2019 to convince him he\u2019s believin\u2019 a lie \u2018bout you two. We think Seamus just isn\u2019t right in the head anymore, an\u2019 well, we don\u2019t think any kind of reasoning will get through to him. We also think that after his threats to you last night perhaps it might be best if you leave the city, at least for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I won\u2019t leave Ellie to fend for herself in this mess, or let Seamus send her away, and I won\u2019t run from a lie. I\u2019m going to talk to Seamus.\u201d He headed toward the door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie ran to him, grabbing his arm, her pale face flushed with fear. \u201cNo Adam, please don\u2019t. Paddy told me what Da said last night. He\u2019ll kill ye if you go. He\u2019s that mad \u2018bout it all. Please, ye need to stay way. I\u2019ll be fine. Paddy will see to that. Please Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In that moment, Adam saw something other than fear in Ellie\u2019s eyes that determined his next steps. Despite her words, her eyes told him something entirely different. Paddy sensed it too and nodded once to give Adam his encouragement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam turned back to Ellie, lost himself for a moment in her emerald eyes, then spoke the words he\u2019d wanted to say for weeks.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, I love you. I have supported you in all your choices to stay true to your father\u2019s wishes.\u00a0 You also know that I would do anything and everything to care for you, to protect you, to give you the life you crave. But the time has come for you to trust me completely, to know I have your best interests at heart.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He gathered her shaking hands in his, never breaking his gaze. \u201cEleanor Mae Rigby, I want to marry you, right now.\u00a0 Let me give you your dreams. Allow me to protect you, to care for you, to give my love to you completely.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie\u2019s hands flew to her mouth as her tears fell furiously. Her eyes flicked from Adam to Paddy and back to Adam. She began to shake her head, then her entire body began to shake. Fearing her collapse, Adam stepped forward but she moved away from him. \u201cAdam, I–I cannot…I want to but….Da\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy moved in and took her into his arms. While she cried into his shoulder, he hoped his words would convince her to accept Adam\u2019s proposal. \u201cEllie, ye don\u2019t need ta listen to any of my words, ye only need to listen ta your heart. Ye have told me many times how much ye love Adam. Now is the time to trust him. I do.\u201d He glanced at Adam to solidify that statement. \u201cThis is the path ye\u2019ve dreamed of. Follow it, lass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It took several more minutes for Ellie to calm down. She sat down as Adam poured a small amount of whiskey for all three of them. Over the next hour, Adam and Paddy tried to figure out their options concerning Seamus, as Ellie remained silent and listened.\u00a0 As they talked openly and honestly, she began to comprehend the truth about her father, and realized she had been denying it for so long.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the conversation drifted to silence, Adam noticed that Ellie had curled up in the corner of the sofa with her eyes closed. Paddy got his attention and moved toward the door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I better get Ellie home, an\u2019 see if Da\u2019s made any progress with Seamus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaddy, look at her. She\u2019s too exhausted to go anywhere. Let her stay here tonight. I\u2019ll bring her home tomorrow and maybe Seamus will be in a better mood.\u201d He saw Paddy\u2019s questioning look and gave a tired smile. \u201cShe\u2019s better off here than at home right now, and I\u2019ve already said I\u2019m not backing down from this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy rested his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI know, my friend. Take care of her. We\u2019ll see you tomorrow.\u201d With that he headed into the darkness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed the door and returned to Ellie. She was sound asleep. He gently lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bed. After covering her with a blanket he lowered the lamp and pulled the door closed. Releasing a long sigh he stretched out on the sofa trying to shut out the entire evening so he could get some sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometime during the night, Adam awoke with a start. Remaining still in the dark room, he waited, trying to determine what had awakened him. Hearing a strange sound, he rolled off the sofa and crept down the hall. Standing outside the bedroom, he heard muffled sobs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Quietly he cracked the door open. \u201cEllie?\u201d\u00a0 The sobs stopped. Adam slipped into the room. In the dimness, he saw Ellie balled up in the bed with the covers wrapped tightly about her. Adam slowly lowered himself onto the mattress and began to stroke her hair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie? Talk to me, please?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly she was in his arms, pouring out her heart between sobs. \u201cI canna do this. I canna live in two worlds. Da needs me but I need to be free, to choose my path in life. I love him and it hurts to see what he\u2019s become. I want to be with you, Adam. I love you, but how can we be together, ever, with Da the way he is!\u201d\u00a0 She turned her tear-stained face toward him, pleading for him to give her the magic answer. Adam felt crushed; he had no solution for her save one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He gently took her face in his hands and began wiping away the tears with his thumbs.\u00a0 He pushed her wavy hair back and smoothed it down. She reached up and lightly touched his rough chin, smiling at the dark beard trying to grow there.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They kissed, then Adam released a breath near her ear, \u201cAll I can give you is my love, and a promise that I\u2019ll always be here for you, to care for you, to protect you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him toward her and the bed. She ran her hands through his tousled hair and down his back, savoring the strength in the muscles she felt through his shirt. She touched his lips with her fingers. He kissed her fingertips as he looked into her deep green eyes, seeing her desire for him. \u201c\u2018Tis what I want Adam. I know it would be a sin but I love ye. That should count for somethin\u2019 as our hearts want to beat as one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pulled away from her embrace, keeping his eyes locked with hers for a moment longer. When he moved to the window, she sat up on the bed not understanding his silence; fearful he was rejecting her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam turned back to her and saw her fear and uncertainty. He reached out for her to join him at the window. \u201cListen to me Ellie. You\u2019ve fought too hard to protect what you\u2019ve been taught, and I\u2019ve supported you completely. Don\u2019t give up on that now, in this one moment. I want you too, but not this way. I want to make love to you as my wife.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie raised her head and gave Adam a long kiss, a kiss that ignited buried passions in both. But then she pulled away, a tear trailing down her cheek. \u201cI know this. But how can we get married right now with Da the way he is? He won\u2019t give his blessin\u2019. I\u2019m torn between him an\u2019 you.\u201d She wrapped her arms about herself as if to keep herself from falling apart. \u201cI don\u2019t know anymore what to do. Adam will you just stay with me tonight? I canna be alone right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam brushed her hair from her shoulder, stroked her soft skin. Oh, she was so beautiful. Yet there were still so many conflicts to sort out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stay, but not in the way you may want.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie accepted Adam\u2019s restrictions. They settled in the bed, Ellie wrapped in her own blanket and safely ensconced in Adam\u2019s arms as he lay on top of the covers. As emotional exhaustion overtook them, Ellie relaxed into Adam\u2019s arms, a place she had longed to be since that day, weeks ago, outside of St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral. A peace crept into her heart, trying to chase out the fear that resided there. His arms, and his words, gave her strength to face her father and the future. The two drifted off into slumber.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 5<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

About an hour before dawn, Adam awoke to find Ellie standing by the open window. The day\u2019s first sounds drifted up from the alley below as the curtains fluttered with a light breeze. He slipped from the bed to steal up behind her, not wishing to disturb her thoughts. Slipping his arms around her waist he drew her back to lean against him as he rested his head upon hers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPenny for your thoughts, my sweet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie remained silent, causing Adam concern. He gently turned her toward him.\u00a0 \u201cEllie, what\u2019s on your mind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him for dear life. \u201cPromise ye won\u2019t leave me. No matter what Da says to ye today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam lifted her chin so she could see his face. \u201cThe promises I gave you yesterday are there for a lifetime. I love you and I will never leave you.\u00a0 You understand that, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI understand. My heart believes you but it\u2019s Da that worries me.\u201d\u00a0 She rested her head on his chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam caressed her soft hair as emotion colored his words. \u201cI know, my love. It\u2019ll be difficult but just remember you are not facing this alone anymore. There is nothing your father can do to chase me away from you.\u201d Turning back to the window they watched the rising sun brighten the early morning. Adam lifted a prayerful thought toward Heaven that all would go well this day with Seamus Rigby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After freshening up and eating a light breakfast which Ellie fixed, the couple headed toward Ellie\u2019s home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They took the bus to the outskirts of town, then began to walk the rest of the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, do you make this trip everyday on foot?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Tis not far an\u2019 I enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside, especially after bein\u2019 in the city. My home\u2019s in a small village just the other side of that hill.\u201d Noting the concern in Adam\u2019s face, she added, \u201cOne of Da\u2019s neighbors meets me at the bus stop on the nights I work in town. So you see, I don\u2019t walk it at night, as you might be thinkin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie gave him a playful nudge then slipped her arm around Adam\u2019s as they strolled passed fields of wildflowers and hills dotted with sheep. The morning had warmed up nicely from the cool night, and the sky was a cloudless blue. Adam paused for a moment along the path to take in the beauty around them. Ireland was a lovely and charming country. He felt comfortable in its midst and knew he could stay if he needed to for Ellie\u2019s sake.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing how captivated Adam was by the scenery, she took his hand to lead him across a flower-strewn hillside. The impromptu detour, and ensuing gathering of wildflowers, brightened their otherwise serious trip. Reaching the road once more s<\/span>he squeezed Adam\u2019s hand as she sniffed the scented flowers<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

-o-o-o-\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With the village in sight, Adam and Ellie slowed their pace. Ellie pointed out one cottage among several with half-timber styling and a thatched roof. Adam admired the design, and silently noted it was the only one on the lane with an unkempt garden.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh my….\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam followed her gaze and noticed a man in a dark suit leaving the residence and entering a black carriage. \u201cWho is that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Tis the doctor.\u00a0 Oh Adam, you don\u2019t think\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know anything Ellie. Let\u2019s go and see what\u2019s happening. I see Paddy on the front steps.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As they entered the garden, Ellie turned to watch the carriage go by. Paddy\u2019s voice drew her back around.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad to see you both. The doctor has just left and, well, we need ta talk. Let\u2019s go \u2018round back where it\u2019s more private. Da\u2019s in the house with Seamus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaddy, Da\u2019s not…not\u2026\u201d Ellie\u2019s voice broke with the thought that her father could be dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah, lass, he\u2019s alright but the doctor gave us some new information about his condition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Behind the house, Ellie refused to sit or be comforted by Adam. She stood by the back door with her arms wrapped tightly around herself listening to Paddy explain what the doctor had found.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, Da was not successful in changin\u2019 Seamus\u2019 mind about you and Adam. Since you didn\u2019t come home Ellie last night, Seamus is convinced even more that you\u2019ve been led inta sin. I told Da where you were and that I trusted Adam to keep you safe. Seamus over heard and locked himself in his room. He refused to come out for any reason. Da heard him bangin\u2019 things around in his room and moaning somethin\u2019 fierce. He sent me for the doctor. After about an hour, Seamus finally let the doctor in an\u2019 we only just learned what he found out.\u201d\u00a0 Paddy reached for Ellie\u2019s hand and drew her to him. \u201cEllie, love, you\u2019re Da\u2019s not goin\u2019 ta get any better. He\u2019s got something wrong in his head that can\u2019t be fixed. The doctor said the best we can do is make his life as comfortable and peaceful as possible. That means no arguing with him if he says things that don\u2019t make sense. Just let him believe what he wants to believe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stepped up. \u201cBut if we do that, he\u2019ll try to send Ellie away. We can\u2019t have that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo we can\u2019t, an\u2019 we won\u2019t.\u201d Paddy rubbed the back of his neck, worried about Adam\u2019s reaction to his next words. \u201cAdam, I\u2019m sorry but it seems best that Ellie stay here, to care for Seamus, and that ye head back to town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow wait a minute! I am not about to walk away and leave the woman I love to face her father alone. If she has to stay to care for Seamus, then I\u2019m staying too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes flared as he stepped to within a foot of his friend. The scowl on his face and angry eyes would have rivaled his father\u2019s. Despite his riding anger, his voice was just above a whisper, \u201cNo Paddy, it\u2019s you who doesn\u2019t understand. Last night I promised Ellie I would never leave her, and that she won\u2019t have to deal with Seamus alone. I don\u2019t go back on my word, Paddy Magee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Danny came out. \u201cPaddy, take Ellie inside for a bit. I\u2019d like a word with Adam alone.\u201d He waited for the door to close then turned to Adam. \u201cI overheard most of what was said out here. I understand what you\u2019re promise to help Ellie, but think about it from Seamus\u2019 side for a moment. It could be dangerous for Ellie, and you, if Seamus saw you two together, especially since we don\u2019t know what\u2019s goin\u2019 on in his head. Perhaps you both need some time to think about all of this. I believe \u2018tis best right now for Ellie to stay here and for you to go back to town, before Seamus discovers you\u2019re here. Just so you know either Paddy or I will be here at all times, so Ellie won’t be alone with Seamus. I\u2019ll bring Ellie in tomorrow an\u2019 the two of you can talk then.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam glared at Danny for a moment, his eyes full of sparks, ready to snap at him for his suggestion. Then he thought of Ellie and calmed down. \u201cAlright, I\u2019ll go back to town but I\u2019m not letting Ellie go through this alone. I love her, Danny, and at some point she and I will marry, but if she needs to be with Seamus, then that comes first.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam. You\u2019re a good man; I can see that. I only wish it could be better for Ellie right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, a scream from Ellie pierced the air and they heard Paddy call out to Seamus. Before Danny or Adam could react, Seamus burst through the back door, swinging what appeared to be a broken closet rod. He ran straight at Adam who attempted to jump out of the way in the small yard. It wasn\u2019t enough and the rod connected with his arm.\u00a0 With pain shooting up to his shoulder and being knocked off balance, he fell to the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet out of my house, ye heathen. An\u2019 you let me Eleanor alone. Ye\u2019ve done \u2018nough to hurt her and you\u2019ll be payin\u2019 if ye show up \u2018round here again!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Seamus continued to hit Adam with the rod until Danny managed to grab Seamus\u2019 arm. \u201cAdam stay down. Don\u2019t move.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll kill ye, man, for what ye did to me daughter. Ye get out o\u2019 here an\u2019 ne\u2019er come back if ye want ta live.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seamus stumbled as his bad leg gave away allowing Paddy to wrangle the rod from him. He tossed the rod over the fence and eased Seamus to the ground. At that point Seamus had gone quiet until Adam spoke. \u201cWhere\u2019s Ellie? Is she alright?\u201d\u00a0 He managed to get up but his arm was numb, and his ribs ached where Seamus had struck him across his back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seamus began to yell again and struggled against Paddy’s iron grip as Adam pushed passed all three men to get into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie? Where are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She came around a corner colliding with his injured arm causing him to wince. \u201cYou\u2019re hurt. Oh Adam, I\u2019m sorry. It\u2019s all my fault. I mentioned you to Da an\u2019…an\u2019 he …\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Adam was beginning to get the feeling back in his arm he reached for Ellie with his good arm. \u201cShh, it\u2019s alright. I\u2019ll be fine. Were you hurt?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head then looked up into his face. \u201cYou\u2019re goin\u2019 ta leave, aren\u2019t you? There\u2019s no choice is there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, I\u2019m only going to go back to town and I won\u2019t try to see Seamus again, but I\u2019m not leaving Dublin. You and I need to talk; we need time to sort all of this out. When you are ready I\u2019ll be waiting. I\u2019m not going anywhere, my love.\u201d He touched her lips with his.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both heard Seamus starting to call out again. \u201cI better go. I\u2019ll see you tomorrow. I promise.\u201d Ellie watched him leave through the front door, his kiss still warm on her lips, yet salted with her tears. Closing the door she took a deep breath, dried her face and headed out to the back garden to help with her father. Ellie had no idea what lay ahead but her heart was telling her that Adam would be part of it somehow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With the village behind him Adam rounded a curve in the road that opened up to a green meadow filled with wildflowers. He paused for a moment, recalling their recent stroll along the hillside just a short time ago. For a moment he considered stopping near a stone wall and spending time to think but his feelings were still too raw. As he walked on, leaving the meadow behind, his thoughts began to fill with memories of Ross Marquette, a dark time he never wanted to remember but now Ellie was facing something similar. It pained him to realize he had no solution then, or now.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There was one thing he knew for certain. He was committed to making Ellie part of his life and helping her through this tragic time but she kept wavering. He knew it wasn\u2019t about her feelings for him but more a question of whether she could handle her father and marriage at the same time? Adam felt the answer was yes, but even Paddy and Danny didn\u2019t seem so sure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All he could do now was to wait, and waiting was something he didn\u2019t do very well when someone he cared about was in trouble. Reaching his apartment, he fixed a small meal and took a hot bath to ease his aching muscles. By the time he settled into his chair by the fire, sipping a brandy, the traumatic day was shifting into evening. His arm and ribs still ached but they dimmed in comparison to what he felt he was losing. How was it that he\u2019d just found the missing piece in his life, yet it was being ripped away? Adam gulped down his brandy, and stared hard into the darkening room, lit only by the fire. This time he was not going to let the woman he loved slip away. He was going to fight for her. He rested his head against the back of the chair, letting the brandy do its work. Drifting off, Adam\u2019s last thoughts were of Ellie\u2019s weak smile through her tear-stained face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 6<\/b><\/p>\n

Ellie expertly balanced the food tray with one arm as she slowly pushed the bedroom door open.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDa? Are ye awake?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A grunt was the only response so she entered anyway and set the tray by the window. The day before had been a long afternoon and difficult night with Paddy and Danny sitting with Seamus until he finally calmed down and fell asleep. Ellie was too exhausted to be of much help so she fixed the meals then went to bed, although sleep was elusive for her as well. All she could see in her mind was her father\u2019s attack on Adam in the backyard and Adam\u2019s worried expression when he left.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, with the sun just beginning to rise, Ellie decided to check on her father while Paddy and Danny slept.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDa, I brought you some soup and eggs. Are ye hungry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes Da.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When he tried to sit up, Ellie helped by adjusting the pillows. In the gray light, she saw how much her father had changed in only a couple of days.\u00a0 His eyes were sunken, his pallor pale. He accepted the tray and began to eat a little at a time. Ellie sat nearby and watched, her heart breaking as she realized her father would one day be gone from her, and she knew not when that would happen. As she remained silent, it seemed to her that her father had forgotten she was there. He never once looked up from his meal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When he finished, he tried to move the heavy tray, and Ellie jumped to his side, taking it before it fell to the floor.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the silence in the room continued, Ellie hung her head in sadness. She started to open the door when Seamus finally acknowledged her. \u201cEleanor, I told Danny to make arrangements for you to leave. Ye need to go to confession an\u2019 ask the Almighty ta forgive your sins, an\u2019 ye need to atone for you what you\u2019ve done with that man. When ye\u2019ve done that, I\u2019ll let you back in me house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Seamus\u2019 admonishing tone struck Ellie hard; the pain of his words crushed her heart. Unable to respond she rushed from the room, holding back her tears. Leaving the tray in the kitchen she rushed outside and ran as far as she could. Throwing herself down in a field, she sobbed until nothing was left inside. She lay for a while longer waiting for the maelstrom inside to cease before sitting up. Drawing her knees to her chest she stared blankly out over the sweeping hills. She felt hollow, empty inside. Her world, strictly controlled by her father, now crumbled around her. Searching her heart, she found that a flame still flickered for him. She did still love him and would stay by his side no matter what he accused her of doing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But at the same time a second flame burned, one for a new man in her life. Adam could lead her into a future she craved, one she had dreamed of, but no, it was too much. She feared that managing both men in her life would tear her asunder. Her love for her father had withstood the test of many trials but she had no clue how it could it withstand this new challenge – his misjudgment of her behavior.\u00a0 Her love for Adam was young, fresh as the Spring wildflowers – tender and easily damaged. It needed time to grow stronger.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie tightened her grip around her legs and began to rock. The motion reminded her of her mother\u2019s embrace, and a calm came over her. Soon reason returned to her thoughts.\u00a0 As her emotions abated she found a new flame had ignited deep inside giving her a determination to remain by her father’s side until he was no longer in the world. She might have to keep out of his sight but she would care for him until the very end.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie rested her chin on her knees as a breeze whipped loose strands of her hair around her face. She\u2019d only made half the decision. Yes she would stay with her father but could she also accept Adam\u2019s proposal of marriage? The thought thrilled her and terrified her at the same time. Oh how she wanted to be with him, to be his wife and travel with him wherever he went, but then she couldn\u2019t share all the joy with her father. It broke her heart to think that he would never celebrate, nor bless, her marriage. She didn\u2019t want to live any more of a lie around her father than she had to.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy had told her to listen to her heart but that only confused her even more as Adam\u2019s words spoken to her at the Cathedral mixed into her thoughts:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t you see that he\u2019s keeping you from pursuing your own dreams?\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

You deserve a chance to find your own path. You are a vibrant and lovely young woman, and I love you for that.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

If you will give me the chance, we will find a way to make this work. I promise.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, I long to be with you, to be your wife, but I cannot, not while Da is still alive. Will you wait for me? Will you let me care for my father before we begin our life together?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tears began anew but this time they were for Adam. She didn\u2019t want to hurt him, but feared her decision to stay with her father would end any chance she had with the man she loved.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Catching her breath, she knew in her heart Adam would not accept her decision, and somehow she would have to convince him to leave, to go home. She would follow as soon as she could but she needed these last months, or weeks or days, with her father.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With a renewed spirit, she stood and brushed off her skirts. As she made her way back to the house she saw Paddy coming toward her. Coming closer Paddy knew something had changed in Ellie.\u00a0 He waited.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 ta stay an\u2019 care for Da until he doesn\u2019t need me anymore.\u00a0 I may have to stay out of his sight but I\u2019m not leavin\u2019 him, Paddy. I don\u2019t know what Adam will say but I\u2019m goin\u2019 ta try to convince him to go home, to America.\u00a0 If he\u2019ll wait for me I\u2019ll follow him when I\u2019m able.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With that, she brushed past her cousin, and headed into the house, throwing herself into her chores before getting ready to work at the Palace that night. Paddy told his father of Ellie\u2019s plan and the two men agreed to help her in any way they could, even though they too worried it would be at the cost of her happiness with Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

By mid-afternoon, Ellie left her father\u2019s house for town. She wanted to talk to Adam before work that night. The closer she got to his apartment the tighter her chest became. Could she tell him everything? Did she have the ability to convince him to leave Ireland?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His presence filled the open doorway and chased all coherent thought from Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie.\u201d He moved aside to allow her entry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Regaining her nerve she spun around and began explaining her plans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019ve come to tell ye\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam reached out to lay a finger gently on her lips. \u201cI know. I have so much I want to say but in truth it\u2019s already been said, many times over.\u201d He dropped his hand. \u201cI stayed up all night thinking about this. I want to marry you, today, Ellie, but I know it would not be good for either of us at this time.\u201d He stepped closer and reached over to tuck a stray curl behind her ear. \u201cI\u2019m not giving up on us, and I know you aren\u2019t either. We will keep in touch and when you are ready, I\u2019ll return. We\u2019ll marry and live wherever you wish.\u201d Her emerald eyes opened to her soul, so trusting yet full of sorrow. Oh how they reflected the beauty and soul of Ireland. In that moment, lost in her searching gaze, his desire for her was rising, making his heart race. He inched toward her, resting his lips against hers. Not knowing how she would react, he was thrilled when she threw her arms around his neck and returned his kiss with passion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gently breaking the kiss, Ellie reached up and brushed a lock of his dark hair away from his face. Looking at him now, she could see he must have lost as much sleep as she had. Oh her plans were all crumbling around her, all for the love of this man.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The mantle clock chimed, momentarily reminding them both that time was marching on. The spell was broken.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have to leave for work. Will I see you tonight?\u201d\u00a0 Ellie held her breath, feeling she didn\u2019t even have a right to ask.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A weak smile and a shadow of a dimple was her answer. Adam watched her leave, powerless to stop another loss in his life. His jaw clenched again, as he cursed the circumstances that conspired to keep them apart. Reaching for the brandy, Adam paused. <\/span>No, that\u2019s not the answer. And I know what the answer is. I\u2019ve known it all along.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Yes, he would be at the pub, and he would say goodbye to her properly. He moved about his apartment, cleaning up, and packing. Heading out for the evening he made one detour along the way, to purchase his passage home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

-o-o-o-<\/span><\/p>\n

The pub was crowded when Adam finally arrived. Danny nodded a solemn greeting and waited for Adam\u2019s order.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIrish Whiskey, a bottle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking the bottle and glass he made is way to the back. A table in a dark corner suited him just fine and he poured his first jigger. Paddy drifted over, poured himself a round and sat down by his friend. Neither spoke, no need to.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the evening rolled on, the crowd drifted away. All that were left were the regulars. Irish music carried through the smoky air, wafting toward the glass ceiling. Adam and Paddy had enjoyed nearly half the bottle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All through the evening, Adam\u2019s eyes scanned the ever-shifting crowd, spying Ellie every now and then. She had become adept at evasion where he was concerned. Every so often their eyes would meet and she would be the first too look away. He could see it plain on her face – if she looked too long, she\u2019d never be able to look away again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Time was closing a door between them, and Adam made his move before it became too late. Paddy watched as he left his place in the dark, sought her out, and whispered something in her ear. She nodded slowly, set her tray down, and allowed him to lead her toward the musicians.<\/span><\/p>\n

Until the bar closed, they sang jaunty songs, lusty songs, and love songs. For Adam and Ellie no one else existed that night. The last song was a Sean-nos, Adam\u2019s gift to Ellie. As his voice faded at the end, Adam and Ellie found themselves alone in the back room. He brushed the back of his hand along her cheek as she closed her eyes to savor his gentle touch.\u00a0 She felt his lips brush against hers, press harder for a heartbeat, then pull away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye, Ellie. You will always be the music for my soul. I love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her heart stopped at the sudden silence. Her eyes opened confirming the truth, he was gone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her heart seized, chasing away any indecision that remained. She ran through the bar and out to the dark street. A familiar figure drifted down the sidewalk, becoming one with the shadows. Quickening her pace she fell into step beside him, her hand slipping easily into his. Two shadows moved down the street under a canopy of stars and the soft glow of the gas lamps.<\/span><\/p>\n

-o-o-o-<\/span><\/p>\n

The apartment door closed with a soft click. Ellie remained in the tiny foyer while Adam lit a wall sconce. Turning back around, he was a breath away from her. In the glow of the lamp light her eyes glimmered like emeralds. As if controlled by their thoughts their bodies floated together and their lips touched ever so gently. Adam pulled away first, his eyes searching for something in Ellie\u2019s eyes. Her eyes flickered over his face, conducting a search of their own. When their eyes finally locked, their arms entwined and lips met in a deep, passionate kiss. Their love ignited and all the world melted away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Curtains fluttered as a gentle breeze drifted across the room. Silver tendrils from the moonlight caressed the quilt that covered the sleeping forms. The lovers had taken their time, not wishing to rush, choosing to savor the pleasures their love brought them.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the moon drifted on its way, chased by the gray light of morning, Adam slipped from the bed, and eased into his clothes. Where his heart was alive and beating wildly early in the night, it now was heavy with his looming departure. They had shared their thoughts and their love, but both knew they could not remain together just yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam placed his bag by the door and returned to the bedroom one last time. Ellie was deep in sleep, her luxurious hair spread across the pillows. Adam leaned over to brush her cheek and kiss her lips once more. Breaking the trance that had come over him, he placed an envelope by the lamp, and departed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stirring from her slumber, Ellie found herself alone. She wrapped up in the quilt and hugged Adam\u2019s pillow, still covered with his scent, as the fog-shrouded sun weakly lit the room. Through her tears, she saw the envelope propped against the lamp. When she opened it, a small picture fell out. She remembered when they had it taken on one of their trips through Dublin. They passed by a photographer\u2019s studio and Adam suggested they step inside. This one was of the two of them, taken just as he had said something that made them both laugh. Now she was grateful to have this image of his dear face.\u00a0 Brushing the tears away she read the note, hearing Adam\u2019s voice in her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

My lovely Ellie,\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Although it will be difficult, and I still feel it\u2019s wrong, we will go our separate ways\u2026 for now. When the time is right, I will be waiting. All you need do is let me know when and I will come to get you. You are in my heart as I am in yours.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t replace your smile with tears, for your smile is what beguiled me to love you. It is your strength, all that you are, brighter than any light the sun can offer. There is nothing better than seeing your Irish eyes twinkle and to hear your lilting laughter which sounds like angels singing. Your smile has reached my cold heart and brought it back to life. I will think of nothing else until you are back by my side once more.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve left you the picture we took together. I hope you will keep it close, and be reminded that my thoughts will be with you always.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Until then…Gr\u00e1 Geal Mo Chro\u00ed – Bright love of my heart\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Forever yours,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Adam<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

-o-o-o-<\/span><\/p>\n

A frigid breeze swirled the mist up from Dublin Bay, sending a shiver down Adam\u2019s back as he leaned heavily on the rail of the boardwalk; his small valise felt like a thousand pounds hanging from his hand. The Irish weather had turned fickle once again as a fog formed over the chilled waters and began to drift toward the land. Through the mist the ship he was getting ready to board appeared as a ghost, something perhaps from Davy Jones\u2019 locker. Pulling his eyes away from the ship to stare deeper into the thick mist, a pair of green eyes suddenly appeared.\u00a0 Adam blinked in surprise and they were gone. Scrubbing his face and eyes with his gloved hand, he realized those beautiful eyes were only in his thoughts. Memories of their time together just hours before flirted with his heart. Images of her golden chestnut hair, emerald eyes, milky-white skin that was as soft as a rose petal, and that sweet angelic laugh of hers filled him with joy and desire, and sorrow as he left her behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Straightening up Adam suddenly found himself in need of air. He took a deep breath, let it out slowly and began to wonder what in the world he was doing.\u00a0 Before he could finish the thought other passengers began to press around him and he was carried by the wave of bodies onto the ship. This was it. He was leaving Dublin for Liverpool, finally on his way home. A crushing panic began to set in convincing him his heart was tearing apart inside. Searching the landing behind him revealed no one but the dock workers and the port attendants.\u00a0 As the engines of the ship began to vibrate and the vessel drifted into the cold waters and murky fog, Adam chanced one more glance toward the shore. Nothing. His heart sank. Perhaps it was for the best, for if she had been there, anywhere, he surely would have jumped overboard to get back to her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He turned his back on what was now the past, gripped his coat tighter to keep his heart from breaking out. If he had only watched for another instant, he would have seen her, stepping from the shadows of a warehouse. When she saw him turn away, she felt a snap inside. He might be leaving, out of her life, but he\u2019d never be out of her heart. Never! Ellie gripped her shawl tightly in one hand and Adam\u2019s note in the other. Hot tears streamed over her chilled cheeks as she recalled their last night together and Adam\u2019s final words to her, \u201dMo Ghr\u00e1 Geal Mo Chro\u00ed – My bright love of my heart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When the ghostly mist churned around the vortex left by the disappearing ship, two souls became locked their separate worlds.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSoon, Adam, I promise I will come. And we will be together again, my love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 7<\/b><\/p>\n

1870<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cWhew, sure glad that\u2019s over. What do you say we go get some dinner and something cold to drink, brother? All that talking and finagling made me dry as a bone.\u201d Joe pushed his hand through his wavy hair then plopped his hat over it as he eyed the saloon across the street. It was nearing sunset and Ogden, Utah was still a busy town. Adam was impressed with how quickly the town filled with commerce and travelers after the final connection of the Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Point the previous year.\u00a0 Those improvements are what brought business opportunities to the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat \u2018finagling\u2019 as you call it is the fine art of negotiating. I hope you realize we\u2019ve got them right where we want them. When they look over our final offer tonight they\u2019ll realize they can\u2019t afford to say no.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smoothly slid his Stetson over his dark hair and stepped into the street, leaving his brother to ponder his last words.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smirked at Adam\u2019s show of confidence and ran to catch up with him. Entering the saloon, they took a table and ordered. As they enjoyed their meal and a couple of cold beers they observed a few businessmen holding a meeting in one corner and a couple of cowboys playing cards in another. After their quiet meal, they headed to their hotel room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Adam, you sure have lightened up since coming on this trip.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you insinuating that I was of a darker mood at home, little brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t miss the smirk as Adam unlocked the room door.\u00a0 \u201cOh, well, if that\u2019s how you want to refer to it, I\u2019ll go along. Listen, I know you weren\u2019t happy having to come, since Hoss injured his foot, but you\u2019ve been in and out of those dark moods for a long time, ever since you got home from your travels, especially after those letters quit coming.\u201d Joe had quickly extricated himself from his suit and tossed the items over a chair before reaching for his nightshirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe that\u2019s been two years. I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve been that moody for that long. And those letters had nothing to do with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh come on, you can\u2019t fool me. They sure did. But, brother, I have to say I\u2019m glad to see you getting back to your old self. It sure is easier to be around you now. Guess a change of scenery was all you needed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you calling \u2018old\u2019?\u201d Adam swung his arm not so lightly into Joe\u2019s midsection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo are you ever gonna tell me why you came back like you did?\u00a0 I mean you hid it well from most folks but we could tell something happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam paused in folding his clothes then answered with a quieter tone, \u201cNo. After all this time I don\u2019t wish to discuss it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, come on Adam, we\u2019re brothers. We share things, good and bad. And we look out for each other. I know Hoss knows. Come on, why not tell me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed as he stretched out on his bed, a myriad of thoughts and regrets going through his head. \u201cI met a girl in Ireland and felt sure it would work out, but it didn\u2019t. Her father became ill so she stayed and I came home. I\u2019m sorry I didn\u2019t include you when I told Hoss, but you know him, he figured it out anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry too, that it happened like that. Couldn\u2019t you have just stayed?\u201d Noticing a darkness roll over Adam\u2019s face Joe quickly regretted his last suggestion. But then the look was gone and the expected retort wasn\u2019t there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s too complicated to explain, Joe. I have to admit I wish I had stayed but it could have made things worse rather than better. Listen, we need to get some sleep, to be ready to close that deal tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Adam. Good night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Night, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After he checked his clothes for the morning, Joe turned down the lamp and settled on his bed. He suddenly felt bone weary, and not just because of the negotiations over breeding stock. His heart ached for his brother having lost another chance at love. Letting his exhaustion take over he turned on his side and was asleep in minutes. In the other bed, Adam lay still but sleep was nowhere near. His thoughts were focused on emerald eyes and a warm smile. Memories of Ellie which he hadn\u2019t had for some time kept him awake for another hour until he, too, succumbed to his fatigue. Although his heart ached, his dreams were full of smiles and laughter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

-o-o-o-<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, gentlemen.\u201d Charles Hansen smiled warmly and shook hands with the Cartwright brothers as they entered the meeting room. \u201cI trust last evening was relaxing for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You have quite a town here, Mister Hansen.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Joe took their places at the long table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. It has grown quite a bit since the railroad arrived last year and in light of being a primary stop on the East-West route many of the cattlemen in this area have learned that we need to be willing to change our ways of raising beef if we are to survive. Thus our inquiry to your ranch concerning breeding stock.\u201d\u00a0 Hansen glanced at the other two gentlemen in the room to include them in the conversation. \u201cWe\u2019ve read through your offer Mister Cartwright, and after considering it and the discussions of yesterday, we have decided to accept your offer as it stands.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All five men took turns shaking each other\u2019s hands. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to hear this, Mister Hansen. You won\u2019t regret it once you see the quality of our cattle, and the changes in your own herds over the next few years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Hansen looked square at Adam. \u201cYou are an excellent negotiator, Mister Cartwright. You and your brother. I had heard stories of that quality to which you refer and perhaps one day I may have a chance to travel to your ranch to observe your operations.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stepped forward. \u201cYou would be welcome any time. In fact, if you have the time, why don\u2019t you come visit before we drive the cattle to the railhead at Reno? I know our brother Hoss, who runs our cattle operation, would certainly be pleased to show you around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo give him our best for a quick recovery, and I shall consider your generous offer. Well now gentlemen, perhaps we should sign the papers and then have a bit of brandy to celebrate.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone agreed, and an hour later Adam and Joe left the office with the signed contracts for two stud bulls and twenty-four heifers to be delivered in three months\u2019 time. They would also be sending a hundred head of beef cattle for the town\u2019s use. It was the opening Ben was looking for, more business away from Nevada and California, and the railroad**** was making it all possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After sending a wire home confirming the deal and putting the signed contracts back in their room, Adam and Joe found they had time on their hands. They had planned for two full days of negotiations but all the business was concluded in one day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell Adam, what do we do now? We\u2019ve got a couple of hours before lunch. I kind of wish our train left today instead of tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we can use this time to our advantage. Let\u2019s get changed and rent some horses so we can explore the area, then this evening we can see what Ogden offers as far as nightlife.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good to me. I\u2019m more than ready to get out of this suit anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A short while later, dressed in their ranch clothes and laden with food for lunch on the trail, they rode out to explore the land around Ogden, the surrounding towns, and the railroad. By mid-afternoon they returned, armed with more possibilities of business opportunities for the Ponderosa.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After returning their horses to the livery, Adam and Joe made their way back to their room to clean up and prepare for a fun night on the town. After an early dinner and a play, they made their way to a saloon for a couple of beers and maybe a poker game to round out the evening. Pushing the batwing doors open, Adam froze causing Joe to bump into him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, what are you doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam ignored him and turned back to the street. Puzzled, Joe watched his brother scan the street, tilting his head as if listening for something. That\u2019s when Joe heard the agitated voices of a woman and a man coming from across the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve told ye, I can manage on me own, sir. If you\u2019ll excuse me now.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but a lady as pretty as you shouldn\u2019t be walking anywhere by herself. I\u2019ll make sure you get to where you\u2019re going safely, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u201c\u201dTis Miss, an\u2019 I can get there meself.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Adam was already heading in the lady\u2019s direction as he called over his shoulder. \u201cGo on without me, Joe. I\u2019ll catch up with you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes and sighed as he slipped away from the door to watch his brother. Leave it to Adam to go help a damsel in distress. He straightened up though when he saw Adam push his jacket away from his holster. The man and woman had moved further down the street making the conversation difficult to discern but the actions were quite clear. The man didn\u2019t like Adam stepping in, but Joe imagined that his brother\u2019s cold expression and hand on his pistol was what made the other man toss up his hands in surrender and back away. However, it was the lady\u2019s response that shocked Joe the most. When Adam turned to her and removed his hat, she threw her arms around his neck and gave him a firm kiss.\u00a0 Adam lifted her off the ground and swung her around. Joe\u2019s eyes grew wide and his mouth dropped open when the pair kissed a second time, right there on the street. Setting the young woman back on her feet they gathered her luggage and headed toward the hotel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe readjusted his hat, huffed, and headed into the saloon mumbling to himself. \u201cWell, Joseph, looks like you\u2019re on your own tonight, and any kind of explanation from older brother will have to wait \u2018til tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0 Stopping by the bar he ordered a beer and in a short time was caught up in a poker game.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As midnight closed in most of the town had finally gone to sleep. Joe wandered into the hotel, patting his bulging jacket pocket filled with his winnings.\u00a0 Stopping by the desk to retrieve his key from the hook noticed the guest book was opened. He quickly scanned it and saw a lady\u2019s name written at the bottom of the list – Eleanor Rigby. She was assigned to a room just down the hall from his and Adam\u2019s. Swinging the key on his finger, he headed up to bed. He wasn\u2019t completely surprised to find the room empty, and wondered if he’d get anything out of Adam in the morning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the scene in Miss Rigby\u2019s room down the hall was nothing like Joe was imagining. Ellie sat curled up in a chair, her head resting on her drawn up knees. She watched Adam\u2019s back as he leaned against the window frame. It had been an intense couple of hours since they had met on the street. Ellie’s thoughts roamed over their conversation once more, trying to determine if she could have handled any of it better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam dropped Ellie\u2019s bags onto the bed after closing the door. She explored the small room and when she turned around his eyes went from warm to cool. His arms were crossed and he waited for her to speak first.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Ellie drifted closer to him, reaching up to uncross his arms and take his hands in hers. \u201cWhere do I begin? When I recognized you on the street, an\u2019 ye swung me around, my heart soared. \u2018Twas the reunion I\u2019d dreamed of, but I know we have much to discuss an\u2019 I don\u2019t really know where to start.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s hands had remained unresponsive in hers so she released them and moved toward the bed, fingering the wrought iron frame. \u201cDa passed away, God rest his soul, about three months after you left. \u2018Twas a hard time to see him shrink away from us, from me, but Adam,\u201d she spun around, her face lighting up, \u201cI had a chance to talk, really talk with him about you an\u2019 me, an\u2019 he accepted that I loved you. I never got a chance to tell him we wanted to marry but somehow I think he would be fine with that now.\u201d Ellie lowered her head, unable to bear Adam\u2019s scrutiny.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened after that, Ellie? Why didn\u2019t you respond to more than two of my letters, or wire me so I could come get you?\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cI sent you letters, Adam. I swear. They must have gotten lost. I was ready to come but there were other changes an\u2019 there was so much to do to take care of Da\u2019s home, all the legal papers an\u2019 such. Danny an\u2019 Paddy helped me with that an\u2019 to put what money I received into the bank. There wasn\u2019t much as it turned out. Da owed a lot for medical bills an\u2019 other bills. I had to raise more money to come, an\u2019 by the time I did all that an\u2019 was able to travel…\u201d she shrugged. \u201cWell, I\u2019m here now.\u201d She smiled and saw Adam\u2019s stern look soften just a little.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

He went to her, drew her into his arms. \u201cI should never have left, Ellie. I promised to make things work out but\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Ellie shook her head. \u201cNo, Adam. Don\u2019t blame yourself. We made the agreement together that we thought was for th\u2019 best.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Adam stepped away to stand at the window as if to distance himself from her; to suppress his memories, his regrets, his desires for her at that moment. He needed time to determine how he really felt.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

And that’s where he remained. Hearing Adam\u2019s clothes rustle softly as he shifted his position, she tilted her head to study his broad back and his tall frame. He now stood like a sentry at the window, arms crossed tightly, but it was his silence that bothered her the most. Despite their discussion, both knew something had been left unspoken. Ellie sighed and unfolded her lithe body from the chair to go to him. She stopped just behind him and slid her arms around his waist, resting her head against his black shirt. She could feel his heart beating slow and steady. She felt a rumble as he began to speak, his voice just above a whisper. He turned in her arms and gazed down at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, something is still not right. I know we\u2019ve talked it all out but I feel there is still something between us and I can\u2019t fathom what it could be. Have I changed that much? Have you? Why did it take you two years to come?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie pulled away and took Adam\u2019s arm to guide him over to the bed. \u201cSit here with me for a moment.\u201d\u00a0 Adam sat beside her, his posture guarded. He watched as she withdrew a locket from inside her blouse. She let it rest against her chest for a moment as she unfastened the chain. Gathering it gently into her hand she reached for Adam\u2019s hand and placed it there.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam gave her a puzzled look but she encouraged him with a nod and a smile. He first examined the gold locket, laden with carved flowers on the front. Turning it over he noticed a faded engraving on the back – \u2018<\/span>To my dear Ellie, never stop smiling.\u2019<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Twas a gift from me Ma. She bought it when I was born an\u2019 had it engraved later. She gave it to me just before she died. She said I always smiled as a babe.\u201d\u00a0 Ellie touched Adam\u2019s fingers and encouraged him to open the locket.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he saw the pictures inside his brows drew together, his lips parted, and his breathing quickened. He recognized the picture of himself, which was taken with Ellie in Dublin, but it was the other picture that had him confused. The sepia colored photo of a young child made the child’s hair appear dark, and Adam felt like he was looking into the past, at an image of himself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho is this, Ellie?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie caressed Adam\u2019s fingers and the picture. \u201cI had his picture taken just before we left Ireland. His name is Sean Addison Rigby. He\u2019s our son, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

-o-o-o-<\/span><\/p>\n

The silence was heavy in the room. Adam remained seated on the bed unwilling to remove his hand from Ellie’s, nor did he look away from the pictures as his breathing became more rapid. The room was closing in on him and he had to move. He bolted from the bed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen? How?\u201d He ran his hand over his face and turned back to Ellie, a sheepish expression showing. “The night before I left?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She moved toward him and with a light touch stopped his pacing. \u201cThat night was meant ta be, Adam. \u2018Twas a blessin\u2019 neither of us knew about. That\u2019s why I dinna come after Da passed, rest his soul. I had just discovered I was with child an\u2019 was afraid to travel.\u201d Feeling his body shaking, she wrapped her arms around him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh God, Ellie. If I had known I would never have left.\u201d He took her face into his hands. \u201cYou know that don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I do, Adam. But at that time, neither of us knew about it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo of course not.\u201d He shook his head as he tried to sort through the timeline. \u201cWhen you found out why didn\u2019t you write me? Ellie, I had a right to know about my son. Why wait for nearly two years?\u201d\u00a0 Adam’s pacing grew erratic and his tone more irritated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie shied away from him. She had feared his reaction to the news about his son. \u201cPlease Adam, stop moving and just listen for a moment. Da was gone and I was near collapse as it was when I found out I was carrying our child. I was missin\u2019 you somethin\u2019 fierce an\u2019 it all became too much. If Uncle Danny and Paddy hadn\u2019t been there I–.\u201d She collapsed in the chair in tears.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam dropped to his knees in front of her pulling her toward him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I wasn\u2019t thinking. I can only imagine what you had to go through. It\u2019s all so much to take in after thinking I\u2019d never see you again. Please forgive me.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt pained me the most that ye dinna know. I wanted ta tell ye in the letters, but how could I? What words could I use?\u201d Tears continued to fall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShh…\u201d\u00a0 He looked passed her at the blackness beyond the window, then turned back to Ellie. \u201cIt\u2019s well past midnight. You\u2019ve got to be exhausted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded and tried to calm herself. She kept her eyes focused on her hands in Adam\u2019s, ashamed to look at him. \u201cAdam, I was goin\u2019 to send for you but that next year was so busy I couldn\u2019t figure out when to contact you. Then Danny offered to pay passage for me an\u2019 Sean to come here. What he dinna know was that our friends at the bar were raising money for Danny and Paddy to travel too.\u00a0 That\u2019s part of what took so long. I wanted to let ye know we were comin\u2019 but I had no idea when we would be able to leave.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam touched her chin so she would make eye contact with him. \u201cYou\u2019re here now and you\u2019ve told me all I need to know. I\u2019m sorry for only thinking about how miserable I was without you. I should have known you\u2019d\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, no, don\u2019t blame yourself. So many events conspired to keep us apart, but now\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, now we are together again.\u201d He leaned over and kissed her, then searched her face for a reaction. She trailed her fingers down his cheek keeping her eyes locked on his. For the first time since reuniting, they communicated silently. Adam felt their bond reconnect. He fastened the locket back around her neck, leaving a soft kiss where the chain rested. He trailed kisses across her cheek finishing at her lips.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, I love you and I want to marry you. Will you finally say \u2018yes\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam. I will marry you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a giddy chuckle and a grin he took her hand, pulling her to stand with him. When he tried to lead her through the door and down the hall, Ellie held back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s the middle of the night. Where are we going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo get married. Wait here, I have to wake Joe up. We need a witness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie tugged on his arm, releasing a quiet giggle. \u201cNo, don\u2019t do that. We can get married in th\u2019 mornin\u2019.\u201d She pulled him back to the room. \u201cIt\u2019s only a few more hours. We\u2019ve waited two years, I don\u2019t think it\u2019ll be too hard to wait till the sun rises.\u201d\u00a0 She gave him a mischievous grin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart, I\u2019ve waited two long years and I don\u2019t think I can wait those few hours, but I guess I\u2019m not thinking very clearly, am I. You\u2019re right, and we should get some sleep. It\u2019s going to be a busy day tomorrow, with the wedding and then catching the train home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe train home? Do ye mean Nevada? Adam, wait, slow down. I canna go with ya, not yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean? Ellie –\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing the Adam\u2019s new found joy drain from his face she hastened to give an answer. \u201cIt\u2019s Sean. He\u2019s in New York with Paddy and Danny. I came out here alone so I could see if ye still loved me, an\u2019 to tell ye about him. They are waitin\u2019 for me to wire them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI…Oh Ellie, I\u2019m sorry. I wasn\u2019t thinking. Of course, we have to get Sean.\u201d She watched as Adam\u2019s eyes grew distant. \u201cSean…my son.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie gave Adam a soft nudge and laughed at his confused state. \u201c\u2018Tis quite a shock I\u2019ve brought to ye. But we\u2019ll have to wait to see your family \u2018til after he gets here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam wrapped her in his arms and kissed the top of her head. \u201cOf course. First thing in the morning we\u2019ll get married, then we\u2019ll send a wire to New York. We\u2019ll stay here until they arrive and figure things out after that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie snuggled deeper into Adam\u2019s arms. \u201cNow that\u2019s the Adam I\u2019m used to.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He chuckled and kissed the top of her head again as he began to caress her arms and back. \u201cI think we need some sleep, milady.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly sleep, milord?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After the couple rekindled their love, and drifted into much needed sleep, all the pieces of two broken hearts fell back into place. As the sun broke over the horizon, Adam and Ellie lay entwined in each other\u2019s arms, he saw her bright smile appear as he kissed her awake. At long last, they were ready to start their new journey together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 8<\/b><\/p>\n

Joe was just buttoning his shirt when there was a quick rap on the door and Adam\u2019s head appeared around the edge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMind if I come in?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s your room too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s tone told Adam he was in a good mood but expecting an explanation for Adam\u2019s behavior the evening before.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see you\u2019re nearly dressed, and I\u2019m sure you have a few questions for me. If I agree to answer your questions would you be willing to change to your suit?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe left several buttons undone as he studied Adam\u2019s face, trying to decide if he was teasing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn answer to your expression, I\u2019m not joking. Let\u2019s sit for a minute and talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. But really Adam, you don\u2019t have to explain anything about last night, I mean, well\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cYeah, I certainly don\u2019t need your approval to spend some time with a lady.\u00a0 But, in this case, I would like you to agree to be my best man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam got the look from Joe that he wanted, and more. Joe jumped up, and started to cheer when he froze in mid step and stared at Adam. \u201cWait a minute. A best man means a wedding. Who are you marrying? Not that gal from last night? Adam, that\u2019s a bit soon isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold on. I guess that wasn\u2019t the best way to tell you so sit back down and let me fill you in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat on the edge of his bed, his impatience showing in his fidgety hands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m going to marry the girl from last night. Her name is Ellie, and she\u2019s the girl I met in Ireland.\u201d\u00a0 He paused to let Joe register that part.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unable to sit any longer Joe sprang off the bed once more and paced along the end it. \u201cBut, are you sure? I mean you said she wouldn\u2019t come with you, and it\u2019s been two years, and\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSit down and listen. I can\u2019t concentrate with you pacing. It\u2019s a long story and I don\u2019t have time to tell you everything so I\u2019ll give you the highlights.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat down again and listened to everything Adam told him about his time with Ellie in Ireland. Adam said nothing about his son, as he didn\u2019t want it to appear that Sean was the only reason he was marrying Ellie. When Adam finished speaking he waited for Joe to voice his concerns. But he had none.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re really sure about this aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am. And so is Ellie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen all I\u2019ve got to say, older brother, is yes, I\u2019ll be your best man.\u201d Joe held his hand out and when Adam took it Joe pulled him off his bed and into a hug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Joe. Let\u2019s get ready, then I\u2019ll take you to meet Ellie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As they changed clothes Joe asked about a minister or church and Adam said he had already decided on a little church he\u2019d seen when he and Joe had been exploring outside of town. Joe then offered to rent a carriage and play chauffeur as well as best man.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once they were dressed, the brothers walked down the hall and Adam quietly knocked on the door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me see if she\u2019s ready. Wait here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He entered the room, but was not prepared for the angel standing before him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing the door open, Ellie turned to greet Adam. She stood before him in a dark green cotton dress with an open neckline and short puffed sleeves, all trimmed in ecru lace. Her auburn curls were braided and fastened into a bun at the nape of her neck, leaving a few ringlets to frame her face. The locket rested against the lace bodice of the dress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs this okay to wear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stepped closer and trailed his fingers down her bare arms as he leaned in to give her a kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s perfect, my love. You look ravishing.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, is it okay for me to come in? I\u2019m kind of getting strange looks from guests in the hallway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The couple turned to see Joe enter. His grin and bright eyes put Ellie at ease immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe reached for her hand as he spoke, \u201cMy brother seems to have forgotten his manners. I\u2019m Joe, and you, my dear lady, must be Ellie, my future sister-in-law.\u201d He kissed her finger tips and gave her his most charming smile and a wink.<\/span><\/p>\n

The smile she gave him made her emerald eyes twinkle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you failed to tell me how enchanting Miss Ellie is.\u201d Joe turned back to Ellie. \u201cMy dear, it is indeed my pleasure to welcome you to the Cartwright family.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie giggled as Adam guided her hand away from Joe\u2019s and into his own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, why don\u2019t you go and rent the carriage, and bring it around. Ellie and I will meet you in the cafe for breakfast.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Adam.\u201d\u00a0 He tipped his head to Ellie then scooted out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie giggle some more. \u201cYour brother is delightful, and a lot of fun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s Joe alright. Let\u2019s get your wrap and we\u2019ll head downstairs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

-o-o-o-<\/span><\/p>\n

Breakfast in the cafe gave Joe and Ellie plenty of time to get to know each other. Adam was thrilled to see Ellie so relaxed, thanks to Joe\u2019s charming ways. She had confided in him the night before that she was quite nervous meeting his family. This way she had the chance to learn more about each of them through Joe\u2019s stories.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The ride to the little church was brief as Joe guided the carriage through the foothills outside of Ogden. When Adam gave Joe the directions, he knew exactly where to go. As they approached a bend in the road, Adam asked Joe to drive more slowly. They were rounding the curve and he wanted Ellie to see the little church come into sight. Her quiet gasp and gentle squeeze of his hand let him know his choice was perfect for them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, \u2018tis like the little churches in the dales back home. However did ye find such a lovely place?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam could not stop grinning as he assisted his bride from the carriage. \u201cJoe and I were exploring the area. When this came into view, all I could think about was you and our time together.\u201d With her hand resting in the bend of his arm, he escorted her up the stone steps and inside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a small stone church, with only a few pews inside. The altar, simply carved from a\u00a0 local wood and covered in a lace cloth, held a large bouquet of flowers, two lit candles, a cross and a Bible.\u00a0 Behind it was a stained glass window in three panels, which depicted all manner of wildflowers. Adam and Ellie stood at the entrance to enjoy the peacefulness of the small sanctuary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie closed her eyes and inhaled the fresh scent of flowers drifting on the breeze. \u201c\u2018Tis so beautiful here. It\u2019s almost like it was set up just for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s heart soared as she floated around the small area, gently smelling the flowers and touching the lace cloth. \u201c\u2018Tis a lovely place ta get married.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stepped forward to stand behind her just as the minister entered from a side door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreetings and welcome. I\u2019m Reverend Matthew. Is there something I may help you with?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Reverend. I\u2019m Adam Cartwright. My, um…I mean the lady and I would\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Reverend. I\u2019m Joe Cartwright. I believe what my brother is trying to say is that he and his lovely lady would like to get married and wondered if you would be willing to perform the ceremony.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shot a look at Joe who deftly ignored it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes, would you be able to marry us, Reverend?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. It would be my pleasure. Grant me one moment to summon my sister for I would need her to act as the second witness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When the minister and his sister returned, he guided everyone to their places. Joe stood on Adam\u2019s right, giving a wink to encourage him, as Ellie took her place on Adam\u2019s left side. Sarah, the reverend\u2019s sister who was close to Ellie\u2019s age, handed Ellie a bouquet of daisies from their garden, and stood by her side.\u00a0 Reverend Matthew began, \u201cWe are gathered here today in the sight of God to join this man and this woman together in holy matrimony.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The ceremony was simple and brief but to Adam and Ellie it was most elegant, and each word took on full meaning as they vowed their lives to one another. When the sun rose higher and began to shine through the stained glass window, Adam and Ellie shared their vows and the reverend pronounce them man and wife.<\/span><\/p>\n

Their first kiss as husband and wife lasted perhaps a bit longer than was proper but no one objected.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reverend Matthew and Sarah stood on the church steps ringing small bells as the newlyweds settled into the carriage for their ride back to town. Joe took a longer, more scenic route to give Adam and Ellie some time to relax and enjoy being together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After dropping them off at the hotel to change, Joe returned the carriage and checked the train schedule. Their train for Nevada was scheduled to depart early in the afternoon. Satisfied that it had not been delayed, or worse cancelled, he returned to the hotel to change and find out the next steps toward getting home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Finding the room empty, Joe flipped the key onto the bed and shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m gonna have to get used to Adam being married, and quit talking to myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He quickly changed and packed his bags for the trip home. He realized his brother\u2019s bags were not packed when he saw that Adam\u2019s ranch clothes were missing and his suit was still laying on the bed. Well, there was still time, but he felt something was amiss. Reaching for his hat he found a note from Adam instructing him to join them in Ellie\u2019s room<\/span>.<\/span><\/i> Joe twirled his hat in his hand as he headed down the hall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Entering Ellie\u2019s room he found she had changed to a simple dark blue dress and her hair was in one long braid hanging down her back. She sat in the chair while Adam balanced on the edge of the bed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi Joe. Are your bags packed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe scrunched his eyes suspiciously at Adam, in light of the strange question. \u201cYes. And I noticed yours aren\u2019t. What\u2019s going on, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood and exchanged a look with Ellie. \u201cWe\u2019re staying here for a while longer, shouldn\u2019t be more than a month.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA month? Why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, for one,\u201d Adam winked at Ellie, \u201cwe would like a little time together before being surrounded by strangers on the train and then the rest of the family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, that makes sense. But what\u2019s the other reason? You did say \u2018for one\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam realized his blunder. \u201cThere is another reason but\u2026\u201d he looked at Ellie for guidance. She understood his reluctance to tell Joe about Sean at this time but shrugged, leaving the choice up to him. Adam turned back to his brother.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not willing to reveal that yet. Please trust me on this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam scrutinized his brother and saw the indecision but Joe nodded his acceptance of the terms. \u201cOkay. But only a month right? Pa\u2019s not going to be pleased that you didn\u2019t come back. We\u2019ve got round up soon, you know. Not to mention filling the new contract for Mister Hansen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. I promise it shouldn\u2019t be more than a month.\u201d He reached for the door, his voice cool and quiet. \u201cI\u2019m going to pack and bring my things in here. Wait here and I\u2019ll give you the contracts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In Adam\u2019s absence, Joe dropped onto the bed with a loud sigh, and fidgeted with his hat. Ellie observed him, recalling Adam\u2019s caution to her that Joe was not going to like not knowing their secret. She gently touched his arm to get his attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, please don\u2019t be mad at Adam. I promise all will be made clear when we arrive in Nevada.\u00a0 An\u2019 I think you\u2019ll be quite pleased when you learn what it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not mad at Adam, or you. I\u2019m guessing Adam warned you that I don\u2019t like being left in the dark about things.\u00a0 But I trust my brother, and I can tell this is something important.\u201d Joe gave her a pat on the hand. \u201cOf course, I guess having a month to yourselves isn\u2019t such a bad thing, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie blushed and gave him one of her brightest smiles. \u201cNo, not such a bad thing at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled back, his heart lighter. He was beginning to see how Adam fell in love with Ellie. Her warm smile and bright eyes were captivating, almost to the point of being bewitching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After lunch, Adam and Ellie said their farewells to Joe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRemember, Joe, not a word to Pa about Ellie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know. You\u2019re checking out some other business interests and will be home by the end of the month.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam smirked and held out his hand to Joe. \u201cSorry to put you in such a bind, little brother, but I think it’s best he hear about Ellie from me, don\u2019t you agree?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took his brother\u2019s hand and gave it a good shake. \u201cOh most definitely, older brother. However, you\u2019ll owe me big time when you do get home.\u201d He winked and stepped onto the train. \u201cAnd you remember, end of the month or I will start talking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam tried to glare at him but couldn\u2019t hold it as the train pulled out. He smiled and waved, as Joe gave a single wave back before disappearing into the train car.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched after the train until it disappeared in a cloud of steam and smoke. Ellie slipped her arm through Adam\u2019s and waited patiently for him to respond.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess there\u2019s nothing more to be gained by standing here.\u201d He turned and together they walked toward town.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry we couldna go with him.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. The hardest part is going to be waiting until Danny, Paddy and Sean arrive. It will be a long week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly in one way.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He turned his head and caught her wicked expression. \u201cYou\u2019re quite right my dear. We do have plenty of time to spend together and some things to catch up on. Which reminds me, there is one stop we need to make before the day gets away from us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, an\u2019 where would that be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will see, my dear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam led his wife of a few hours into town and to a jewelry store. A short while later, she was wearing a delicately engraved gold band. It was another turning point in their relationship. Ellie discovered that Adam enjoyed surprising his wife, but she also realized that she would no longer have to worry about being taken care of. While they waited for Danny, Paddy and Sean to arrive, she found she needn\u2019t have worried about Adam accepting instant fatherhood. As the days passed, he grew more excited and asked many questions about their son. That was when she realized their family was secure no matter what might cross their paths in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 9<\/b><\/p>\n

As the sun reached its zenith over Ogden the train platform filled up. The eastbound to Cheyenne had departed two hours before, and the westbound was due to arrive any minute. Families mingled with businessmen and cowboys who were either meeting travelers or preparing to travel further west. Near the ticket office, a man and woman waited for the train to arrive. She, sitting on a bench wearing a pale blue dress and a straw bonnet covering her auburn hair, appeared calm and patient despite her fingers working the fringe of her shawl into knots. The man, dressed in a brown shirt and black pants with his arms crossed over his broad chest, stood still as a soldier beside her. His clenched jaw and constantly roving eyes beneath the brim of his black Stetson betrayed his impatience. A distant whistle sounded above the din of conversations and the couple shared a look before the lady stood to join the man near the front of the platform.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For this couple who were waiting to welcome the newest member of their family, it seemed to take an eternity for the train to arrive, stop, and release its passengers. The addition of more people onto the platform made it impossible for the lady to see anything.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how will we know where they are? They could be near the back of the train for all we know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing the panic rising in her voice he put an arm around her and drew her closer. \u201cI know but it would be best that we wait here until the crowd thins. I\u2019m keeping an eye out for Paddy. His height and blonde hair should make it easier to spot them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Halfway up the platform two men and a young child left the train and became trapped in the tide of passengers drifting toward the opposite end of the platform.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the crowd thinned, with many making their way to the street, Adam spied a tall, blond man moving their way. He grabbed Ellie\u2019s hand, leading her forward. \u201cI see them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie followed along blindly until she heard a squeal.\u00a0 \u201cMam-mee!\u201d She released Adam\u2019s hand and rushed toward Paddy. She barely made it when her fifteen-month old son squirmed from his cousin\u2019s grasp and fell into Ellie\u2019s outstretched arms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Sean!\u201d\u00a0 She held him tight as she planted kisses all over his small head. Adam remained a few steps away, strong emotions swirling through him. His first instinct was to join Ellie in greeting his son, but then he realized that he was a stranger to the child. So he waited for Ellie to come to him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Danny noticed Adam\u2019s awkwardness and headed toward him. \u201cAdam, \u2018tis a pleasure to see you again. Might I say, I\u2019m not sure I would\u2019ve recognized ye dressed as ye are.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam warmly greeted Danny, and Paddy, but kept turning back to watch Ellie and Sean. Danny smiled wistfully. \u201cAye, he sure missed her.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They all watched as Ellie spoke quietly to Sean while showing her opened locket to him. She then turned him around to see Adam. The child\u2019s small fist held tight to Ellie\u2019s dress as he stared at Adam. Ellie motioned for Adam to join them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy patted Adam on the back. \u201cGo on, man. Meet your little one. Da and I will go get the luggage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stepped forward and slipped his hat off his head. Sean\u2019s tawny eyes remained glued to Adam\u2019s face as Ellie continued to whisper to him. Adam smiled at the child and Sean\u2019s face brightened. \u201cDah-dee?\u201d The child looked at Ellie who nodded.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAye, Sean. He\u2019s your Da. \u2018Tis Dah-dee.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sean leaned across Ellie\u2019s arms, and Adam took that as a cue to gather his son into his arms. Sean wrapped his arms around Adam\u2019s neck, nestling his head into Adam\u2019s shoulder. Adam took a quivering breath and his sparkling eyes met Ellie\u2019s as Sean\u2019s soft brown curls tickled his cheek. The joy on his face was unmistakable but he turned away to hide his misty eyes, pressing his son closer to his chest. Ellie waited until Adam turned back, then reached out and touch his arm. His smile mirrored hers but he raised a questioning brow. Having learned to read her husband\u2019s expressions, she could tell he was puzzled by his son\u2019s quick acceptance of him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She began rubbing Sean\u2019s back. \u201cSince the day Sean was born I\u2019ve been tellin\u2019 him about you. I showed him your picture as often as I could, so did Danny and Paddy, when they helped to take care of him. You look different now with your hat an\u2019 all, but \u2018twas your smile he was used ta seein\u2019 and that\u2019s what told him \u2018twas you today. I\u2019m sorry that I dinna tell ye that Sean has grown up knowin\u2019 you were his Da. Please forgive me but I was afraid that if you had known and Sean didn\u2019t accept you right away that it\u2019d hurt you more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She said it all so gently, so lovingly that Adam knew he could never be angry at her for here was his child perfectly content to nestle in his arms. All he could do was smile and hug her. \u201cI love you, Ellie, and you\u2019ve done a wonderful job with our son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With those words she relaxed in his embrace.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see Danny and Paddy coming. Let\u2019s get them checked into their rooms and then get something to eat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shifted Sean to one arm and gave his free arm to Ellie. Together the new family headed to the hotel, Adam walking proudly with his wife by his side and his son in his arms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

-o-o-o-<\/span><\/p>\n

The hypnotic rocking of the train car worked its magic on several of its occupants.\u00a0 Ellie\u2019s head rested against Adam\u2019s shoulder while Sean was stretched out across their laps. Both had been sleeping for more than an hour. In the seats facing them Paddy and Danny carried on a quiet card game. Facing the back of the train, Adam leaned against the wall to watch the desert landscape rush away from him. As the train began to turn southward he noted the ever-growing mountains indicating they were getting closer to home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recalling the telegram he\u2019d sent his father, Adam frowned. He knew it was cryptic but how do you tell your father that you\u2019re bringing home a wife and son, plus two more guests?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Arriving by train at Reno on Tuesday. Expect four others. Bringing good news. -A<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Adam let his eyes drift shut, and his thoughts meander where they may. It had been a busy month, reuniting with Ellie, getting married, getting used to having a child to take care of, and visiting with his friends. Ellie had been wonderful in showing Adam how to help with Sean. She knew he had experience from raising his brothers, and that was displayed many times with Sean, but she also knew he needed to get to know his own son so she let the two spend a lot of time together, with only a few guiding suggestions given when needed. Adam had enjoyed every moment, and it shone on his face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Danny watched Adam settle into a comfortable routine with his wife and child, he realized his earlier concerns over time and distance were unfounded. The man was a natural with children, and his love for Ellie showed in everything thing he did for her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the time came for them to head to Nevada, Danny and Paddy prepared to return to Ireland, but Adam and Ellie convinced them to extend their visit and join them on the Ponderosa. Ellie\u2019s argument of wanting them to see where she and Sean would live sealed the deal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The haunting train whistle sounded and Danny nudged Adam to wakefulness. \u201cI think we\u2019re arrivin\u2019. Best wake Ellie an\u2019 the little one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shifted slightly to wake Ellie and to ease her into a straighter position. Rubbing her neck to loosen her stiff muscles, she looked around to get oriented.\u00a0 \u201cAre we there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are. I\u2019ll take care of Sean and you can stretch a bit.\u201d Adam shifted the still sleeping child up to his shoulder. \u201cPaddy, what\u2019s the time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paddy pulled out his pocket watch. \u201cAlmost five o\u2019clock.\u201d He leaned his head against the window trying to see ahead. \u201cI think I can see the station ahead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Another loud whistle sounded and the car jerked as the train began to slow heading into the Reno station.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHopefully Pa, Hoss and Joe have already arrived. Otherwise, we\u2019ll get the luggage and find rooms, then we\u2019ll get something to eat. We\u2019ll be able to rest tonight before we start the trip to the Ponderosa tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long will it take to get to your home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout four hours. Pa should have a large carriage for us and wagon for the luggage.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie groaned. \u201c\u2018Tis goin\u2019 ta be hard gettin\u2019 used to the distances here. But I canna wait ta see everything. I\u2019m gettin\u2019 excited now, and a wee bit nervous meetin\u2019 your family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam put his arm around her and mimicked her accent. \u201cJust a \u2018wee bit nervous\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie elbowed Adam in the ribs. \u201cAch, ye know what I mean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chuckling, he hugged her tighter. \u201cI\u2019ve told you before, they\u2019re going to love you, and Sean. You\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shifted Sean back to his lap and spoke quietly to him to help him wake up. The lad wasn\u2019t too happy leaving his slumber but seeing the buildings creep by as the train slowed drew his attention. By the time the doors were opened Sean was his boisterous self, and Paddy took him so Adam could assist Ellie to the platform.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stepped down and reached up to take Ellie\u2019s hand as she made her way down the steps. Paddy followed with Sean wiggling in his arms, and Danny brought up the rear with their valises in each hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The group turned as one as Ben strode toward them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiding his nervousness with a grin, Adam moved forward and gave his father\u2019s hand a vigorous shake.\u00a0 \u201cGood to see you Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou too, albeit about a month late.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam caught the admonition that was given along with a glint of humor in his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cThanks Pa. And thanks for not complaining about my delay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two men grinned at each other as they silently agreed to leave that topic alone. \u201cI should apologize for my cryptic message. My news was pretty important, and a telegram didn\u2019t seem the right method to deliver it.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although puzzled by Adam\u2019s comment, Ben turned to acknowledge the two young adults and child along with the older man behind Adam. With their similar hair colors he assumed they might be related. The child gave him a coy smile and that\u2019s when Ben noticed his hazel eyes that were nearly the color of gold. \u201cWell son, would you like to introduce your friends?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s not quite what you\u2019re thinking.\u201d Adam turned around and held out his hand inviting Ellie to join him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s gaze shifted from his son to the young woman coming toward him. Her striking green eyes held Adam’s gaze. His grin faded when he looked back at Adam. Adam\u2019s eyes were on the woman and Ben didn\u2019t miss the soft, loving expression on his son\u2019s face. As Adam took her hand Ben turned back to her, becoming more perplexed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, may I present Eleanor Mae Rigby Cartwright, my wife.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Certainly not the introduction he was expecting, Ben brows shot up as he shifted his gaze back to Adam. Ben remained silent for a long moment as he processed the news.<\/span><\/p>\n

Apprehension was building inside Adam. \u201cAre you alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I am,\u201d he muttered, then reached toward Ellie with a warm smile and an embrace, \u201cWelcome to our family, Eleanor.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She relaxed with Ben\u2019s bright smile and gentle arms around her. \u201cActually, \u2018tis Ellie, Mister Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ‘Ellie’ it is, and we\u2019ll work on what you wish to call me.\u201d\u00a0 He gave her another hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam walked over to Paddy and took Sean in his arms, his eyes crinkling as the boy hugged him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still trying to piece everything together, Ben reached out to touch the child\u2019s arm. \u201cAnd who is this handsome young man?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis young man is your grandson, Sean Addison Rigby.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When Ben\u2019s face registered his shock, Ellie started to speak, but Adam shook his head. He spoke quietly to Sean. \u201cSean this is your Seanathair, your grandfather.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s expression softened when he heard the foreign word followed by \u2018grandfather\u2019. The child studied Adam\u2019s face then turned toward Ben with uncertainty but gave a small smile nonetheless before ducking his head under his father\u2019s chin. That tiny smile melted Ben\u2019s heart as joy filled his eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He lightly touched Sean\u2019s fingers. \u201cHello, Sean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled and eyed Ellie. \u201cWell, we\u2019re making progress.\u201d Ellie thought Adam was only referring to Sean\u2019s calmness around a stranger, but Adam was including his father\u2019s reaction as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Ben had a chance to ask any questions, Adam turned to introduce the two men waiting patiently behind Ellie.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, this is Danny Magee and his son Paddy. Danny is Ellie\u2019s uncle, and Paddy\u2019s her cousin, and both are my good friends.\u201d He waited as Ben welcomed them both then spoke up. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long trip and we\u2019re starved. We need to get our luggage and find a place to eat. I hope Hoss and Joe came with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, they\u2019re right over there.\u201d Hoss and Joe had just stepped onto the platform, after finding a spot to park the wagon. Ben motioned for them to join him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about time you decided to come home, big brother. You can\u2019t imagine how hard it\u2019s been on me this last month.\u201d Joe gave Adam a look that left Ben and Hoss wondering about the odd comment considering Joe had been in an unusually good mood sense returning home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m back now so you can rest easy little brother.\u201d He quickly turned to greet his middle brother. \u201cGood to see you back on your feet. Let me introduce you to some special friends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After another round of introductions and cheers from Hoss and Joe, the brothers headed off with Danny and Paddy to retrieve the luggage and load everything into the wagon. Having regained his composure, Ben escorted Adam\u2019s family to the carriage. \u201cWe\u2019ve been here since last night, not knowing when your train would arrive. After seeing the schedule, I figured you would need to eat, and based on the number of people you hinted at, I\u2019ve found a small cafe willing to close early so we can eat there in private. Everything should be ready so we can go as soon as the luggage is loaded. There\u2019s a small hotel near the cafe and I\u2019ve already paid for the rooms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, that helps a lot.\u201d He assisted Ellie into the carriage then handed Sean over as he spoke quietly to her. \u201cI\u2019ll be right back. I need to speak with Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking toward the horses Adam turned to his father, his voice low and lacking the excitement of earlier. \u201cUm, I should apologize about the way I delivered my news. I know it was a big surprise and you must have a lot of questions. Ellie and I are prepared to answer them but can they wait until we get home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course son.\u201d Realizing how serious Adam had become, Ben added, \u201cI hold no judgement toward you, Adam, you should know that. I\u2019m just trying to piece it all together. That was quite a shock earlier, son. Good news indeed, but still quite a shock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Adam rubbed his neck and shrugged his shoulders to release his tension. \u201cI met Ellie in Ireland two years ago, and due to some difficult circumstances with her father, I had to leave her behind. That\u2019s a long story that we\u2019ll tell you later. She promised to let me know when she was ready to come. It wasn\u2019t supposed to be two years. When I left, we didn\u2019t know she was with child, and that\u2019s what prevented her from traveling until now. As Sean grew, she made sure he would know who I was when we finally did reunite. Danny and Paddy were instrumental in our getting together initially, and taking care of Ellie in my absence. They are just visiting so will return to Ireland in a month or so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re welcome to stay as long they wish.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne more thing you should know. Ellie and I never had a chance to get married before I left. That\u2019s why Sean doesn\u2019t have my name. When she arrived in Ogden we married right away. She and I have talked and I plan to formally give Sean my name.\u00a0 I\u2019m just not sure what that will entail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Hiram can advise you.\u201d Ben placed his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. \u201cI appreciate you filling me in, and I want you to know I\u2019m very happy <\/span>for you. You\u2019ve got a fine looking family, son. I\u2019ll look forward to hearing more stories later. By the way, what was the word you spoke to Sean about me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it was \u2018seanathair\u2019. It\u2019s Gaelic for \u2018grandfather\u2019. Ellie taught me some Gaelic and I\u2019ve been trying to learn more with Annie Lunberg\u2019s help. Ellie uses it quite a bit so you\u2019ll probably hear more of it from time to time.\u201d\u00a0 Adam nudged his father with his elbow as they shared a laugh together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At that point, the luggage bearers arrived, and the wagon was loaded. Ben drove the carriage with Adam\u2019s family and friends as Hoss and Joe followed with the wagon. They all eagerly headed toward the cafe for a family meal; the first of many to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

-o-o-o-<\/span><\/p>\n

The evening sky was afire with oranges, reds, and purples. In the shadows by the barn, Ben puffed on his pipe and paused to enjoy the fiery sunset and mull over the recent changes to his family. The trip home from Reno had gone smoothly, with everyone arriving at the Ponderosa in the early afternoon. Since Ben had sent a telegram ahead, Hop Sing was prepared with a light meal for the weary travelers, and showed his excitement at meeting Adam\u2019s new family with a promise of all his favorite foods at dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning toward the house Ben watched as his eldest son strolled out to the porch and took a seat by his wife and son. His own heart was brightened with memories of similar times with Marie. Now he felt his heart might burst to see the peace and contentment in his own son, and the love the couple shared.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie sat on the edge of the porch with Sean fast asleep in her arms. She hummed an Irish lullaby as Adam settled down beside her. Inside the house, good-humored voices could be heard as games were played and tales were told.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Tis been a wonderful day. I feel so much a part of your family. An\u2019 now this glorious sunset. I\u2019ve never dreamed of a place as beautiful as this.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took her free hand in his and leaned over to steal a kiss.\u00a0 \u201cI told you they would love you. I love you, too. Your laughter is music to my ears, and your smiles have reached my heart.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When she smiled at his words her emerald eyes lit her face. Adam placed his arms around her as she snuggled back against his chest. Together they watched as the Nevada sky exploded with vivid colors that slowly faded to lavender, violet, and indigo. He was still in awe of how Ellie had brought him to life, filling him with the lilt of her Irish laughter and the smiles that reached her Emerald eyes. Envisioning his life going forward, he recalled the engraving on her locket – <\/span>Never stop smiling<\/span><\/i>. He knew that would be true for him as long as she was by his side.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– End –<\/span><\/p>\n

A\/N —————————<\/span><\/p>\n

*<\/span> When Irish Eyes are Smiling\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Written by Chauney Olcott and George Graff, Jr. Melody composed by Ernest Ball. (Pub. 1912)<\/span><\/p>\n

** The Palace Bar on Fleet Street, Dublin, Ireland was built in 1823. After 196 years it still retains its Victorian charm in its furnishings. It\u2019s a pub where writers, journalists, artists , and others have gathered over the decades.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

** The Palace Bar\u2019s front room is long and narrow with a mahogany bar on one wall and separate sitting areas at the end of the bar. Beyond this room is a \u2018backroom\u2019 which is more open and full of light from the ornate stained glass roof light above. When the sun shines through, colored light fills the room, giving it an airy and relaxing feel.<\/span><\/p>\n

*** St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral, founded in 1191, is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Being in great disrepair by the 19th century, Benjamin Lee Guinness, grandson of Arthur Guinness (founder of Guinness beer), offered to fund the full restoration if he could have free rein on the design. The restoration took place from 1860-1865, with the new Cathedral a mixture of medieval and Victorian styles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

**** On May 10, 1869 the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads connected at Promontory Point, north of Ogden Utah. The route passed through Reno, Nevada (founded 1868) on its way to Sacramento. Reno is 22 miles from Lake Tahoe. In 1871, the Virginia and Truckee RR was extended from Virginia City to Reno.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags: Adam Cartwright<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: Still too restless to head straight home after three years of travel, Adam makes a detour to Ireland. There he discovers the warmth of the people and their strength to overcome adversity.\u00a0\u00a0 A new friend teaches him a certain truth about the Irish people.<\/p>\n

Rating: T, Word Count: 24,167<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8333,"featured_media":13033,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1005,7,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26981","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-a-u","category-romance","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-3-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1568,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":49892,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49892","url_meta":{"origin":26981,"position":0},"title":"The Savage (WHN) (by Katie)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"August 6, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 An alternate ending to the episode, The Savage Rating:\u00a0 Teen\u00a0 (775\u00a0 Words)","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49984,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49984","url_meta":{"origin":26981,"position":1},"title":"The Brightest Gift (by wx4rmk)","author":"wx4rmk","date":"December 25, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Adam finds an old miner\u2019s lamp and shares the history with his family. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 265 words Written for the 2024 Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":48233,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48233","url_meta":{"origin":26981,"position":2},"title":"BTR Sourdough Starters #11 – March 2019 (by BZTrailriders)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"March 31, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: March is the month of St. Patrick's Day. Use the from the songs \"Oh, DANNY Boy\" and \"ELEANOR RIGBY\" for your Original Characters who will interact with one or more Cartwrights. Don't forget to throw in a bit o' Irish Luck or Shenanigans as well. Rating: G, Word Count:\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sourdough Starter"","block_context":{"text":"Sourdough Starter","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1323"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15678,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15678","url_meta":{"origin":26981,"position":3},"title":"Valentine Nightmares (by Hart4Ben)","author":"Hart4Ben","date":"February 14, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A light-hearted look at the Cartwright men struggling with the upcoming Valentine's Day dance. Rating: K+\u00a0 Word Count: 667","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":15958,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15958","url_meta":{"origin":26981,"position":4},"title":"The Poetry of Ben and Adam Cartwright (by JC)","author":"JC","date":"February 7, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 With such a well of inspiration from which to draw, one could imagine them putting pen to paper on occasion.\u00a0 Ben's \"Journey to the Sea\" is an homage to his three wives; \"Girl in the Moonlight\" was composed by Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 Rating K+ (WC 290)","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Adam"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Adam","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1016"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-and-Adam-1.png?fit=629%2C435&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-and-Adam-1.png?fit=629%2C435&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-and-Adam-1.png?fit=629%2C435&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5392,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5392","url_meta":{"origin":26981,"position":5},"title":"The Ballad of Ben Cartwright (by ansinico)","author":"ansinico","date":"May 1, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0l have put my own words to the\u00a0air of an Irish drinking song, \u00a0'The Wild Rover' also called 'No Nay Never' \u00a0l hope you like it. Rated: K \u00a0(500)","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-1.jpg?fit=234%2C234&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26981","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\/8333"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=26981"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26981\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13033"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=26981"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=26981"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=26981"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}