{"id":3835,"date":"2002-10-26T17:53:47","date_gmt":"2002-10-26T21:53:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3835"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:14","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:14","slug":"love-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3835","title":{"rendered":"Love Story (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Identical twin girls arrive in Virginia City. Joe falls in love with one of them, but her past is fast catching up.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (9,755 words)<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0Love Story<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the noon stage arrived in Virginia City \u2013 late as usual \u2013 the young man leaning against the stage office wall straightened up. His green eyes fastened on the stage, and he was rewarded a moment later by the appearance of an older man with grey hair. Tall and well built, the man stepped down from the stage, and turned around to offer his hand to the person just behind him.<\/p>\n

By this time, the young man had pushed through the small crowd. \u201cPa!\u201d he hailed, a dazzling smile on his handsome face.<\/p>\n

Half turning, the older man smiled in return. \u201cJoe!\u201d he exclaimed, and there was no mistaking his delight. \u201cHow are you, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no immediate answer, but the older man, Ben Cartwright, wasn\u2019t surprised. The young woman he was assisting from the stage was enough to take anyone\u2019s breath away, and Ben\u2019s youngest son was no novice with the ladies. Ben curbed the smile that wanted to break free. Joe was in for a shock.<\/p>\n

Already, Joe was by his father\u2019s side, smiling that dazzling smile at the young woman, who was responding in kind. \u201cMiss Foster, my I present my son, Joseph. Joseph, this is Miss Katherine Foster.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPleased to meet you, Ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe said, tipping his hat. \u201cAre you staying in Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben cleared his throat, and Joe glanced at him. Ben was helping another young lady from the stage, and for a moment, Joe thought his eyes were deceiving him. For the second young lady looked exactly like the first! As Ben smirked, Joe realised his mouth was hanging open. He snapped it shut and bit his tongue.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said, casually, \u201cthis is Miss Kelly Foster.\u201d<\/p>\n

Regaining his self-possession, Joe found his smile again, and flashed it at the other sister. \u201cMiss Foster,\u201d he said. He glanced back at the first sister, to find her smiling at him still. In fact, both sisters were smiling, and then breaking into laughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr Cartwright,\u201d Katherine said, \u201cyou were right about the reactions to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwins,\u201d Joe said. He could see now that Kelly Foster was wearing a burgundy travelling suit, while Katherine was wearing a dark blue one.<\/p>\n

\u201cIdentical twins,\u201d Kelly corrected, her blue eyes laughing.<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Joe couldn\u2019t help but smile. He had never met identical twins before, and he couldn\u2019t help comparing them. Both were fairly tall, and had long fairish, curly hair, and blue eyes. They were slender and shapely, and very pretty. They had the fairest skin Joe had ever seen. Kelly\u2019s skin almost seemed transparent.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very pleased to meet you both,\u201d Joe said, sincerely, and they both smiled at him. \u201cAre you staying in Virginia City?\u201d he asked again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re staying with our aunt for a while, \u201c Kelly replied.<\/p>\n

Reminded, Katherine began to scan the crowd, and spotted their aunt. She waved, and their aunt pushed through the crowd. Joe recognised her instantly as Mrs Hardy, who owned a rooming house. He stepped aside as the girls greeted their aunt, and he and Ben got the luggage down.<\/p>\n

But the girls hadn\u2019t forgotten them, and thanked Ben for his assistance on the journey. Ben made the usual \u2018no trouble\u2019 noises. He and Joe lifted the girls\u2019 valises, and carried them to the Hardy\u2019s buggy. As he helped Katherine into the buggy, Joe said, \u201cThere\u2019s a dance on Saturday night in the hotel. Would you like to come with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

With a smile, Katherine said, \u201cThat would be very nice, Mr Cartwright, but I couldn\u2019t go without my sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCall me Joe,\u201d said Joe, smiling back. \u201cI would be honoured to take your sister, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen thank you, we would love to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

\u201cHow was your trip, Pa?\u201d Joe asked, as he stashed his father\u2019s valise on the back of the buckboard, which was loaded with supplies. Ben had been away visiting a friend in the East, after a bad bout of flu, earlier in the season.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, Joe, just fine,\u201d Ben assured him, settling onto the seat. \u201cHow are things at the ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, ticking over just fine,\u201d replied his son, with a mischievous grin. \u201cIn fact, we barely noticed you were gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, thank you for that!\u201d retorted Ben. \u201cYou haven\u2019t fallen out with Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot on a permanent basis,\u201d Joe hedged. \u201cHe\u2019s still alive, if that\u2019s what\u2019s worrying you.\u201d He shot a laughing glance at his father, and dodged the swipe Ben took at his head. \u201cNo, we rubbed along okay, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

He then set about regaling his father with funny stories of what had happened on the ranch during his absence. The journey home seemed to pass very quickly, and Adam and Hoss were waiting in the yard when they got in. There was much backslapping and laughter as Ben greeted his two older sons, and they all talked at once as they unloaded the buckboard and took everything inside.<\/p>\n

Over supper that evening, Joe finally had a chance to tell his brothers about the Foster sisters. He didn\u2019t spare himself in the telling, even down to biting his tongue. Adam and Hoss couldn\u2019t help but laugh. Ben tossed in his impressions of Joe\u2019s reactions to the twins, which made them all laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo when are you going to ask them little gals out?\u201d Hoss asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen?\u201d echoed Joe. \u201cI already did it, Hoss. You can\u2019t let the grass grow under your feet. I\u2019m taking them to the dance on Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth of them?\u201d Adam queried.<\/p>\n

Trying hard to look complacent, Joe couldn\u2019t hide the smirk that tugged at the corners of his mouth. \u201cSure, both of them. After all, it wasn\u2019t fair to leave one of those girls out, when they don\u2019t know anybody in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a hard job, but somebody has to do it, eh?\u201d Adam said, sarcastically.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it,\u201d Joe agreed, nodding sagely.<\/p>\n

Leaning back in his chair at the head of the table, Ben thought how much he\u2019d missed these meals and his sons\u2019 banter. He\u2019d needed the rest and had enjoyed his stay with his friend, but it was good to be home.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Saturday night rolled round, and Joe left early for the dance to collect the Fosters. Despite his best efforts, he\u2019d been unable to wangle any time off, and so hadn\u2019t seen the sisters since his father\u2019s return. He was dressed in his best white shirt and black string tie, with carefully pressed pants. He\u2019d spent so long preening in front of his mirror, that Adam and Hoss had both commented on how glad they were that they hadn\u2019t to share it!<\/p>\n

Oblivious to his brothers\u2019 teasing, Joe simply gave them a sunlit smile, and headed off to town. He wasn\u2019t renown for good time keeping, but Joe was determined to make a good impression on his first date. The Misses Foster were waiting for him, wearing beautiful dresses of a dark red material. Joe had made one brief stop, and bought them both boxes of candy. After exchanging pleasantries with their aunt and uncle, and receiving due warnings about bringing them home at a reasonable hour, Joe escorted the girls to the buggy.<\/p>\n

Their entrance to the dance was everything Joe had hoped it would be. Virginia City was accustomed to Joe making an entrance with one pretty girl or another, but to see him arrive with two pretty girls, who happened to look exactly alike \u2013 well, it was the sensation of the month!<\/p>\n

Satisfied with their entrance, Joe began to introduce the girls around. He finally led them across to his family. Adam was looking at the girls with a smile, which Joe knew from past experience the ladies found irresistible. His own smile faded slightly as he saw Katherine and Kelly respond to it, but it came back to full wattage as Katherine kept her arm tucked into Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

The girls had no shortage of dance partners that night, but they tended to stick with the Cartwrights. Kelly seemed taken with Adam, and Katherine stayed by Joe\u2019s side. The evening flew by, and Joe reluctantly realised that he was overdue taking them back.<\/p>\n

Separating Kelly from Adam, Joe took the girls to the buggy, and then back to their aunt\u2019s. He walked them to the door, and Kelly said good night and went straight in. Katherine lingered, her hand still in Joe\u2019s. \u201cThank you for a wonderful evening,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to see you again,\u201d Joe said, squeezing her fingers. \u201cWould you like to see the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to, Joe,\u201d she replied, with flattering enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll call to collect you both tomorrow afternoon, if that suits,\u201d Joe said. \u201cWe usually come into town to church, unless there\u2019s a crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Katherine nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll see you in church, then, unless there\u2019s a crisis.\u201d She looked at him for a moment, and Joe wondered if he ought to kiss her, but the moment passed, and she went inside.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

The church service passed in a daze for Joe. Ben, wondering at how still his son was sitting, followed Joe\u2019s gaze, and found it pinned on the back of the Misses Foster. He realised that Joe clearly wasn\u2019t listening to a word the minister said, but on reflection, he left Joe alone. It was a pleasant change to have Joe sit still through a sermon. Closing his eyes, Ben put up a brief prayer that this relationship would work out the way Joe wanted.<\/p>\n

After church, Joe crossed to Katherine\u2019s side. Even after only a few hours in their company, he was noticing the small differences between the girls. Kelly was paler than her sister, and her eyes laughed less. Katherine had a few freckles scattered over her nose. To Joe, they were now quite different, although he wasn\u2019t sure exactly how he knew them apart when they had their backs turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cKelly won\u2019t be coming with us after lunch,\u201d Katherine said, as Joe greeted them all. \u201cShe isn\u2019t feeling all that well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry about that,\u201d Joe said, turning to her. \u201cI hope you feel better soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

To his surprise, Kelly gave him the ghost of a wink, and said, with a totally straight face, \u201cI\u2019m sure I shall, thank you.\u201d She gave a small smile. \u201cBut please don\u2019t let it stop you taking Katherine out for the afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t, ma\u2019am,\u201d assured Joe. \u201cI do hope you feel better soon.\u201d Joe sketched a bow to Mr and Mrs Hardy, and tucked Katherine\u2019s hand into the crook of his arm.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

It was a glorious afternoon, and Katherine saw the Ponderosa at its best. She had delighted Joe by asking him if she could have a horse to ride, and they galloped in harmony across the broad acres. They stopped by the lake, where Joe unpacked the small picnic Hop Sing had put together for them. \u201cThis is a beautiful place, Joe,\u201d Katherine said, lifting her face to the sun.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sure is,\u201d Joe agreed. He smiled at the girl. \u201cI was born here,\u201d he continued, and gave her a brief history of the Cartwrights. Katherine listened attentively, and asked a few questions. When Joe had finished, he leaned back on one elbow. \u201cYour turn,\u201d he invited.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Katherine began \u201cI\u2019m 19 years old, and I\u2019m older than Kelly by about 10 minutes. Our mother died 7 years ago, and we\u2019ve moved about quite a bit since then. Our father has a lot of business interests in Chicago, and he doesn\u2019t really have the time to spend with us. We\u2019ve always gone to boarding school, but we finished school last year, and we\u2019ve been travelling ever since. I love the outdoors life, and I love to ride like we have this afternoon. Kelly prefers to be genteel and ladylike. She\u2019d sooner ride in a buggy than on a horse. I do have some ladylike pursuits, though,\u201d she added. \u201cI like to sew, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a relief,\u201d Joe joked. \u201cI was worried about that!\u201d<\/p>\n

Katherine laughed. \u201cI can cook, too, but I\u2019m not very good!\u201d She drew a deep breath as she looked around again. \u201cWe\u2019re going to be in Virginia City for several months. My uncle said my father sent some money, asking him to buy a horse for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could help you there,\u201d Joe said, sitting up. \u201cI run the horse side of the Ponderosa, and I\u2019m about to break this black mare. She\u2019s real gentle, and would suit you fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Katherine said, looking at Joe with shining eyes. \u201cThat would be marvellous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI begin breaking in the morning,\u201d Joe said, speaking faster in his excitement. \u201cPerhaps your uncle could bring you out, and you can see the mare?\u201d<\/p>\n

As they grinned at each other, Katherine nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll ask. Oh, Joe! I\u2019m so glad we met.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too,\u201d Joe agreed, and leaned forward to give her the kiss he hadn\u2019t the night before.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Breaking horses is a matter of perseverance and courage. Joe was ideally suited, as he was stubborn, brave, and not too tall. Although Adam often broke horses, too, it had become Joe\u2019s field of expertise, as he\u2019d grown older. This day, as on many others, he was engaged in breaking horses for use round the ranch. Most of the horses were destined to end up as working teams for ploughing, or timber operations or pulling the buckboard. But the little black mare Joe had told Katherine about was different. She was delicate, with small neat hooves, and Joe knew she would never have the bulk to work in harness. She was definitely saddle stock, but not tall enough for most cowboys.<\/p>\n

By the time Katherine appeared, Joe had broken two horses, and was about to start on the mare. He was having a much-needed drink when the buggy appeared, and he went to greet his guests. He got a pleasant surprise, for Katherine had brought Kelly, not her uncle. He greeted them both with a smile, and wiped his sweaty hand on his pants leg before gallantly kissing both sisters\u2019 hands.<\/p>\n

After a short conversation, Joe returned to the corral, where the hands had got the mare saddled. Joe jammed his hat further onto his unruly, sweat-dampened curls, and climbed into the chute. \u201cLet her go,\u201d he ordered, quietly.<\/p>\n

The mare set off across the corral, bucking for all she was worth. However, Joe\u2019s weight soon had her calming down, and within a short time, he was guiding her around the corral with the neck rein. Mindful that she was now intended for a lady\u2019s ride, he called to one of the hands for a bridle. While the mare was still tired from her fight with the rider, they bridled her, and Joe set about teaching her more manners than he might usually have done on a first lesson.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t a long lesson, because Joe knew the horse was tired. He dismounted, and patted the horse\u2019s neck, and led her over to the bars of the corral. \u201cKatherine,\u201d he called. \u201cWant to meet her?\u201d<\/p>\n

With no hesitation at all, Katherine was soon petting the horse through the bars. There seemed to be some chemistry between girl and mare, but Joe was watchful that the mare didn\u2019t try to bite. After a few minutes, he called to Jeb, one of the hands, to take the mare. As Jeb walked away, one of the other hands dropped a bucket with a loud\u00a0clang<\/em>. The black mare let out a startled snort, and kicked out with one leg.<\/p>\n

Letting out a cry, Katherine tried to warn Joe, but wasn\u2019t quick enough. The mare\u2019s hoof caught Joe on his right arm as he half turned to watch her walk away. There was an audible crack as the mare\u2019s hoof connected, and Joe let out a cry of pain.<\/p>\n

The hands crowded round their injured boss, as Joe, white faced, breathed through clenched teeth. Both Jeb and the hand who\u2019d dropped the bucket apologised profusely, but it was simply an accident. Joe assured everyone he was fine, but his assurances were mostly aimed at Katherine and Kelly, who were very nearly as pale as Joe.<\/p>\n

Knowing that he would have to go home, and no doubt see the doctor, Joe reluctantly agreed to Walt bringing Cochise over for him to mount. Katherine was looking at him with a concerned frown. \u201cJoe, will you be all right? Oh dear, I feel so responsible, because she will be my mare, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Swallowing against the pain, Joe said, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Kathy. It was purely an accident. Your little mare isn\u2019t vicious or anything. She was just startled. And I\u2019ll be fine getting home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Swinging himself into the saddle, Joe missed the look the twins shared, but a smile was on both their lips when he looked at them again. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked, fighting the nausea that mounting had caused.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only person who\u2019s ever called me Kathy is\u2026\u201d Katherine started.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe,\u201d finished Kelly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what do you know?\u201d Joe said, blankly. \u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind,\u201d Katherine whispered.<\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

The twins insisted on escorting Joe home, following him in the buggy. Joe was glad of the company, which helped keep his mind off his throbbing arm. It was obvious to both girls that the journey was a nightmare experience for Joe, who kept Cochise at a walk the whole way.<\/p>\n

The only person at home was Hop Sing, who started clucking in Chinese, as he guided \u2018number three son\u2019 to the settee in front of the fireplace. He organised Katherine and Kelly into seats, and provided them all with coffee, even as he sent a hand to get Ben, and another to get the doctor. This miraculous sleight-of-hand was commonplace to the Cartwrights, but was a wonder to the twins. Even more miraculous to them were the few words of Chinese Joe spoke to the irate housekeeper, who was furious with Joe for not being more careful.<\/p>\n

The arrival of Ben and the doctor, at virtually the same moment, seemed to provide the cue for the twins to leave, but Ben was graciousness itself, and insisted they stay for lunch. Hop Sing was delighted to have two new faces to show off for, and so they allowed themselves to be persuaded, as Joe was helped upstairs.<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t reappear until later in the afternoon. By then, Hoss and Adam had both come home, and were entertaining the twins. Joe was still as white as a sheet. His arm was in a cast, and a sling, but he made an effort to appear normal. Katherine sat beside him on the settee, and the rest of the Cartwright family exchanged speaking glances. \u201cHonestly, I\u2019m fine,\u201d protested Joe, as the twins asked how he felt.<\/p>\n

\u201cPooh,\u201d snorted Kelly, throwing her hands into the air. \u201cFine! We can all see how fine you are! You remind me of someone I know!\u201d<\/p>\n

The blush staining Katherine\u2019s face and neck was a dead giveaway. Joe looked at her with even more interest, while she made unconvincing denials. Adam rolled his eyes, as he caught his father\u2019s gaze. Ben was trying hard not to laugh, and Hoss just sat beaming at both girls.<\/p>\n

Seeing that Joe was tired, and still in some pain, the twins soon insisted it was time to take their leave. While Joe had been with the doctor, Katherine had paid Ben for the mare, and it was agreed that the hands would finish schooling her for Katherine. She had chosen the name Ebony.<\/p>\n

Escorting the twins to their buggy used up the last of Joe\u2019s energy, and he watched from the porch rocker as Adam rode off with the girls. After a few moments, Joe became aware that his father was standing beside him, talking. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cI didn\u2019t hear what you said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said,\u201d Ben repeated, mock sternly, \u201cthat its time you were in bed! Paul said you shouldn\u2019t get up again, after having your wrist set.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t stay upstairs when Katherine was here,\u201d Joe protested, as Ben helped him up. \u201cThat would have been rude.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure she would have understood, Joe,\u201d Ben reproved, gently. \u201cYou really like her, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s great, Pa,\u201d Joe replied, trying hard not to lean on his father\u2019s arm, but failing. \u201cShe\u2019s just great.\u201d<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Joe soon became accustomed to the cast on his wrist, and he began riding every day. Quite often, Katherine would join him, and she rode Ebony for the first few times out at the ranch. It wasn\u2019t long before the mare was ready for longer rides, and Katherine and Joe would mount up and go off together.<\/p>\n

Watching Joe and Katherine, Ben could see his son was in love. Joe had seldom been this calm for so long a spell. Sure, he had the odd tantrum, but then this beatific calm would re-assert itself, and he would be serene again. It was a source of joy to Ben, seeing this mercurial being, who was his youngest son, so happy. Joe wasn\u2019t even fighting with Adam any more, and, Ben smiled at the thought, it seemed Adam was missing this habitual conflict.<\/p>\n

The only snag was that Joe and Katherine were unchaparoned on their daily rides. Ben knew that Joe could be trusted, but his trust didn\u2019t stop evil gossip, and Ben had visited the Hardys to assure them of Joe\u2019s intentions. Mr Hardy was a taciturn fellow, but seemed pleasant enough. Mrs Hardy was all warmth and chatter, and made up for her husband\u2019s silence. Neither had any objection to their niece riding out with Joe, even if they were alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou see, Mr Cartwright,\u201d Mrs Hardy explained, earnestly, \u201cKatherine and Kelly have had a hard life in a lot of ways. Their dear mother died a while back, and their father don\u2019t seem to have much time for them. They\u2019re moved around from pillar to post all the time. Katherine knows how to take care of herself, and I trust Joe. He\u2019s a nice, polite young fella. I know they won\u2019t get up to anything they shouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

By the time Paul Martin took the cast off Joe\u2019s wrist, he and Katherine were an established couple in Virginia City. They went to all the dances together, and Katherine proved her boast about being able to sew by making all her and Kelly\u2019s dresses. Kelly, although not shy by any means, wasn\u2019t as outgoing as her twin. She preferred sewing and reading to riding. Joe had an intense fondness for Kelly, which was just as well, as Katherine had already confided to Joe that they had never been parted. Joe was thinking about marriage, and he knew that Katherine wouldn\u2019t stay if Kelly were unhappy.<\/p>\n

However, with the cast off, Joe was back to full time work, and he saw less of Katherine as a result. They both missed their daily rides, but Katherine understood that Joe was a worker by nature. It made their time together even more special.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

One Sunday afternoon, Joe and Katherine double dated with Adam and Kelly, and took the twins for a picnic by Lake Tahoe. Kelly and Adam had been seeing one another on and off, but everyone knew it was just friendship they shared, not a grand passion. Adam began to tell Kelly about a new book of poetry he\u2019d received, and Joe pulled Katherine to her feet. \u201cCome on, Kathy,\u201d he said. \u201cPlato is just getting started. Be back shortly, you two.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing at Joe\u2019s reference to his brother as \u2018Plato\u2019, Katherine followed Joe along the waterside for a bit. They stopped beneath the shade of a tree, and Joe kissed her. \u201cKatherine,\u201d he said, hoarsely, \u201cwill you marry me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joy leapt into the girl\u2019s eyes, and she began to smile. And then, like a cloud passing over the sun, the joy went from her eyes, and tears formed. Joe had begun to smile in anticipation, but his smile died. \u201cOh, Joe,\u201d she whispered. \u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blinking furiously, Joe tried to hide his hurt. He\u2019d been sure Katherine felt the same way that he did. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said, stiffly. He started to turn away, unsure what to do or say, but Katherine caught his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen!\u201d she cried, and the tears began to fall. Joe\u2019s heart twisted painfully. \u201cIts not that I don\u2019t love you, Joe. I do! I would be honoured to be your bride, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what?\u201d demanded Joe. \u201cPlease, Kathy, be honest with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur father has forbidden either of us to get married until we are 21.\u201d Katherine looked out from wet lashes, and more tears spilled down her face. \u201cI\u2019m not 21 for nearly two years!\u201d It came out as a wail of anguish.<\/p>\n

To her surprise, Joe gave a teary laugh. \u201cOh my darling, is that all? Well, we\u2019ll just wait then. I would wait for you forever, don\u2019t you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sniffling, Katherine nodded her head, then shook it, and finally laughed. They hugged each other, and wiped away the other\u2019s tears, and hugged again, laughing in the delight of being young and in love. They sat together, and began to plan for the future. \u201cWe\u2019ll choose a spot and build a house,\u201d Joe proposed. \u201cWe\u2019ll make sure its got enough room for Kelly, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

The look Katherine gave Joe was one of pure thankfulness. \u201cOh, Joe, do you really mean it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Serious for a moment, Joe nodded. \u201cI know you and Kelly don\u2019t want to be parted. She and I get on fine, so its no problem, honest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do so love you, Joe Cartwright!\u201d Katherine flung her arms around his neck, and Joe thought of the two years stretching ahead of them, and knew that he could wait for this girl until the end of time.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

As they approached the lake again, Kelly was sitting watching them intently. Joe smiled at Adam. \u201cFinished reading that book already?\u201d he enquired, innocently.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d commented his older brother dryly, \u201cI didn\u2019t read her the book. I simply lent it to her. If that\u2019s what you do on your dates, I\u2019m surprised any girl goes out with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The twins were ignoring this by-play. Kelly had risen, and was looking at Katherine. \u201cIts happened,\u201d she said, and the joy in her voice caused everyone to smile. Joe and Adam exchanged a look, not knowing what she meant.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Katherine said, and hugged her twin. She shot a glance at Joe, who nodded. \u201cJoe asked me to marry him and I said yes!\u201d<\/p>\n

The girls clutched each other again, and tears fell. Kelly reached out to hug her future brother-in-law. Adam climbed slowly to his feet, and took Katherine\u2019s hand in his. \u201cWelcome to the family,\u201d he said. He thumped Joe on the shoulder. \u201cCongratulations, little brother,\u201d he said, and smiled.<\/p>\n

Once they had their emotions under control again, Adam said, \u201cKelly, what did you mean, \u2018its happened\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

The twins exchanged a smile. \u201cI knew something good had happened to Katherine. I felt it,\u201d she explained. \u201cWe often feel it if the other is frightened or hurt, or especially happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard of that,\u201d commented Adam, \u201cbut I never believed it was true.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh boy, that\u2019s a scary thought,\u201d Joe interjected, jokingly. \u201cI\u2019d better not get you riled up, darling!\u201d<\/p>\n

They all laughed at the thought.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Joe escorted the girls home, and asked formal permission of the girls\u2019 uncle to become engaged to Katherine. Since he was acting\u00a0in loco parentis<\/em>, he agreed, but there was an uneasy look on his face, which Joe couldn\u2019t understand. However, nothing could quash his mood. The journey back to the ranch passed in a haze of bliss.<\/p>\n

At the supper table, Joe made his announcement. Adam hadn\u2019t said anything, knowing that the news wasn\u2019t his to impart. Ben was silent for a moment, but his smile of pride and joy spoke for him. \u201cJoe, I can\u2019t tell you how delighted I am,\u201d he said, as Hoss thumped Joe affectionately on the back, nearly knocking down his more slightly built brother. \u201cSo when is the big day?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh,\u201d said Joe. \u201cWell, you see, Katherine and Kelly have been forbidden to marry until they are 21. Katherine thinks her father is abroad right now, so isn\u2019t able to cable him to ask for permission to marry any sooner. So I\u2019m afraid we have to wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a pity,\u201d Ben commented, \u201cbut if that\u2019s what her father has decided, well, she must do as he says.\u201d He smiled again. \u201cWe must have a toast. Adam, get the glasses.\u201d Once they all had a glass, Hop Sing, too, Ben raised his high. \u201cTo Joseph and Katherine. May life bring them much joy together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe and Katherine,\u201d the others echoed.<\/p>\n

Drinking from his glass, Joe couldn\u2019t imagine being much happier than he was at that moment.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

When next Joe saw Katherine, he has a surprise for her. Engagement rings weren\u2019t common, as most people couldn\u2019t afford them. But Joe had picked out a simple band of gold with garnets set in it. He knew red was Katherine\u2019s favourite colour, which had influenced his choice.<\/p>\n

Handing her the box, he watched her face as she opened it. She was silent, her mouth open in wonder. Finally, she lifted her gaze from the ring, and Joe saw tears in her eyes. \u201cOh, Joe, it\u2019s the most beautiful ring I ever saw!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTry it on,\u201d urged Joe, his voice husky. It was a perfect fit. For a moment, Katherine held her hand up, to let the sunlight play on the richly coloured stones, then she threw her arms round Joe\u2019s neck, giving him a most inappropriate hug, scandalising a passing matron. Joe was enchanted with her delight, and found himself planning on buying her as much jewellery as he could afford.<\/p>\n

Kelly soon joined them on the porch, and admired the ring. She had already made it clear to Joe how delighted she was with her sister\u2019s match. Joe had been grateful. Normally, he was the possessive type \u2013 things belonged to him alone \u2013 but he didn\u2019t feel that way with Kelly and Katherine. He felt a genuine affection for his betrothed\u2019s twin, and knew that she felt the same for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa would like you both to come out for supper on Sunday,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAnd your aunt and uncle, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kelly went to consult, and came back to say they would be pleased to come for supper. After that, Joe had to get back to work, and he and Katherine stole a kiss before he left.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a pleasant supper. Mr Hardy spoke enough not to be rude, and Mrs Hardy said everything else. Joe and Katherine sat together, and were more interested in each other than in the food. Kelly sat beside Adam, and they talked about books and plays.<\/p>\n

Over coffee, Ben dropped what would turn out to be a bombshell. \u201cI took the liberty of wiring to Chicago, and enquiring about your father,\u201d he said, casually, pouring coffee into a cup. \u201cI thought that perhaps I could talk him into allowing you two lovebirds to get married a little sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s great, Pa,\u201d Joe exclaimed. He glanced at his bride-to-be, and it seemed as if she had turned to stone. Her face was pale, and her hand shook. Alarmed, Joe looked at Kelly and the Hardys, and found them to be in similar conditions. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

In the end, it was Mr Hardy who spoke. \u201cKatherine and Kelly\u2019s father isn\u2019t abroad, Mr Cartwright. That was a fiction, I\u2019m afraid. But, well, we didn\u2019t want you to know the truth. Alan Foster is in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJail?\u201d echoed Joe, clutching Katherine\u2019s hand. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was jailed for murdering the head of another criminal gang in Chicago. The girls were in school, and therefore safe. But after they left school, their lives were in danger.\u201d Hardy eased his tight collar. \u201cYou see, the son of the murdered man, Thorpe, swore to take revenge on Alan, and is after the girls. We told no one where they were. Alan had provided us with money for their keep a few years ago, just in case they needed to come here to us. We were told never to wire him, but to wire to an associate in New York, if we wanted anything.\u201d He looked at Ben straight for the first time since starting his story. \u201cYou may have inadvertently told Thorpe where the girls are.\u201d<\/p>\n

The stunned silence was broken by hysterical crying from Katherine, who rose and fled the house. Kelly got to her feet, her eyes damp, too, but Joe stopped her. \u201cI\u2019ll get her,\u201d he said, and an unspoken message passed between he and Kelly.<\/p>\n

Outside, Joe walked over to where Katherine stood, leaning on the corral fence. \u201cKathy,\u201d he said, and there was so much love in his voice that she winced. Joe put his hand on her shoulder and turned her towards him. \u201cKathy,\u201d he repeated, making her look at him. \u201cThis changes nothing between us. I still love you as much as ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning into him, Katherine\u2019s sobs increased. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry I lied to you, Joe,\u201d she sobbed. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to, but we were always told not to mention Pa. Our mother was embarrassed by his activities, and when he was jailed, she went to pieces. She died shortly after.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKathy, none of this is your fault,\u201d soothed Joe. \u201cYour father is paying for his crime, but that doesn\u2019t change the way I feel about you. I still want to marry you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dashing away the tears, Katherine said, \u201cBut Joe, what if Thorpe comes looking for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be safe with me,\u201d Joe promised. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of you. It\u2019ll be all right. Just be honest with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

They stood together by the corral, and each wondered if Joe could keep his promise.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Weeks passed, and as nothing happened, the nervous families began to relax. Ben had offered to have the girls come and stay at the Ponderosa, but the Hardys had refused. They felt that they could better keep an eye on the girls in town.<\/p>\n

Ben received an answer to his wire about a week later. It gave details of Alan Foster\u2019s criminal activities. He had made a fortune out of crime, but the money appeared to have vanished. It told Ben which prison he was in, but Ben decided against writing direct to the prison. He didn\u2019t want to put the girls at any more risk than he had already done. He was sorry that Katherine and Kelly\u2019s parent wasn\u2019t more respectable, but it never once crossed his mind to try and dissuade Joe from marrying into the family. He thought of his beloved Inger\u2019s brother, who had a rather shady life. It didn\u2019t stop him from loving Inger.<\/p>\n

The Joe that his family knew best \u2013 temperamental and high strung \u2013 returned for a while, but as everyone\u2019s nerves settled, he re-discovered his new found serenity. He continued to work hard, and spend as much free time as he could with Katherine. It was difficult. The autumn round up had begun, and the whole family was out every day rounding up the herd, and preparing them for the move to winter pastures. There was some timber cutting to be done, and Joe had successfully bid on an army contract to supply remounts.<\/p>\n

Katherine spent as much time at the ranch as she could, but she wasn\u2019t able or willing to coma and go alone. Ebony was moved to the ranch, so that Joe and Katherine could ride out whenever she was there. Sunday was about the only day they could see each other.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Snow fell, and still there had been no sign of Thorpe. Ben was making plans for a large Christmas gathering at the ranch. He had persuaded the Hardys to stay with them for a few days, and everyone was looking forward to it. Hop Sing was complaining loudly about extra work, but none of the Cartwrights took him seriously.<\/p>\n

Taking Joe aside, Ben told him that when he and Katherine had found a place for their home, he could have the land. Adam volunteered to help him design the house, if Joe wanted, and Hoss offered help in the building process. To Joe, it was the best present he could get.<\/p>\n

The following Sunday, he and Katherine rode out, despite the covering of snow, to see if they could find the perfect spot. The sun was shining, although the air was quite cold, but neither noticed their surroundings, so caught up were they in talk of their future.<\/p>\n

After a couple of hours, they pulled up, and sat looking at the Lake. \u201cYou know,\u201d Katherine said, thoughtfully, \u201cI really think I\u2019d like to build quite close to the main house. That way, there would be company around when we wanted it, but we\u2019d also be alone together. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019d like that,\u201d Joe agreed. As far as he was concerned, Katherine could have had a house built on Eagle\u2019s Rock, and he\u2019d still have approved. \u201cIf that\u2019s what you really want,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Giving Joe a radiant smile, Katherine said, \u201cI do.\u201d She watched as Joe slid from Cochise\u2019s back, and ducked under his nose to come to her side. He stood looking up at her, stroking Ebony\u2019s neck. Katherine gave a coy smile.<\/p>\n

At that moment, Cochise nickered. Joe, half turning, felt something hard poking into the small of his back, and froze. \u201cDon\u2019t move,\u201d warned a deep voice.<\/p>\n

Looking at Katherine\u2019s pale face, Joe realised that some sort of trouble had found them. They had all but forgotten their peril, and Joe had let down his guard. It was, he supposed remotely, quite natural. The Ponderosa was his home; why wouldn\u2019t he feel safe there? He snagged Katherine\u2019s gaze, and carefully mouthed \u2018run when you get the chance.\u2019 She nodded slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTurn around, and don\u2019t try anything,\u201d ordered the voice.<\/p>\n

Keeping his hands where they could be seen, Joe slowly turned round. He wasn\u2019t sure what he had expected, but Thorpe wasn\u2019t it. He was tall and well built, with sandy, thinning hair. He was dressed in a business suit, and had a .38 in his hand. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer,\u201d was the short reply. \u201cOne of the Foster twins. I\u2019ll get the other one, too, but this one was easiest.\u201d<\/p>\n

The smallest spark was all that was required to light Joe\u2019s temper. Thorpe\u2019s casual attitude provided that spark. All rational thought left Joe\u2019s head, and his only intent was to save Katherine\u2019s life. In a swift, deadly movement, Joe reached for his gun.<\/p>\n

It was part way out of the holster when Thorpe fired. Despite the close range, Thorpe\u2019s aim was poor, and the bullet only grazed Joe\u2019s arm. He never even felt it. He drew his own gun and fired back, but Thorpe was already moving, and Joe missed cleanly. He dropped his gun.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t deter him however. He dived at Thorpe, intent on beating the man\u2019s brains out. \u201cRun, Kathy!\u201d he screamed. \u201cGet help!\u201d He swung a punch at Thorpe, and heard hoofs as Katherine did as she was told, and rode for help.<\/p>\n

Trading blows with Thorpe, Joe realised that this man was stronger than he was, and his only hope was to use his greater agility. Joe dived to where his gun lay in the snow beside Thorpe\u2019s. It was a futile gesture, allowing Thorpe to jump on top of Joe.<\/p>\n

With a super human effort, Joe threw his assailant off, but he was feeling the effects of the beating he was taking, and, although he hadn\u2019t felt his bullet wound, it was bleeding steadily, sapping his strength. Joe tried desperately to block the blows that were coming to his face, his stomach and his face again.<\/p>\n

Falling, Joe saw that Cochise hadn\u2019t strayed all that far away. There was no sign of another horse, and Joe suddenly feared that Thorpe might try and get on Cochise, and chase Katherine down. Changing tack, he lunged for the pinto, yelling like a banshee. Startled by his master\u2019s odd behaviour, Cochise turned tail and fled.<\/p>\n

One danger removed, Joe lunged with renewed energy at the other man. Thorpe was marked by the fight too, but his greater weight was telling in his favour. His punches did more damage when they landed than Joe\u2019s did. Realising this, Thorpe decided to use his weight against Joe, and threw himself to meet the smaller man.<\/p>\n

They knocked each other off their feet, and rolled over and over, until Thorpe\u2019s weight won out, and he ended up sitting on Joe\u2019s abdomen. Joe struggled and heaved to rid himself of his opponent, but failed. Thorpe\u2019s blows were getting through Joe\u2019s guard more and more often. Joe could taste blood in his mouth, and his ribs ached unmercifully.<\/p>\n

Bringing his knees up sharply, in a last ditch effort, Joe managed to catch Thorpe by surprise, and knock him off. Rolling away, Joe didn\u2019t think he could stand up. Even as he thought that, Thorpe regained his feet and kicked Joe hard in the stomach. Joe crashed back to the ground, gasping for air. Thorpe didn\u2019t stop there. He continued kicking his helpless victim, taking out on Joe his frustration at Katherine\u2019s escape.<\/p>\n

Barely conscious, Joe reached out and caught Thorpe\u2019s foot \u2013 more by accident than design. Thorpe crashed to the ground, momentarily winded. Joe crawled desperately towards his gun, knowing it was too far away for him to reach.<\/p>\n

Before he could reach it, Thorpe dashed past him, and scooped up both guns. He cocked the hammers, and Joe collapsed on the cold, wet ground. He was measuring his life in heartbeats now, and his greatest regret was that he hadn\u2019t been able to say goodbye to any of his family.<\/p>\n

A gun fired, and Joe was surprised at how far away it sounded. Then the air was full of gunfire, and bullets bit into Joe. He cried aloud at the pain, but it was too much for his beaten, bruised, body, and he sank into unconsciousness.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Straightening up, Adam said, \u201cHe\u2019s dead, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bending over his youngest son, Ben didn\u2019t spare Thorpe a single glance. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get Joe home, Adam, \u201c Ben said. \u201cHe\u2019s bleeding badly. Dear God, please let him survive.\u201d It was a plea from the heart, straight to the Father of all.<\/p>\n

Wrapping Joe in Adam\u2019s thick leather coat, Ben mounted Buck, and Adam passed Joe\u2019s unconscious form up to him. They rode home as swiftly as possible, knowing that every moment counted. Neither one had ever seen anyone as badly hurt as Joe was. There didn\u2019t seem to be a single, unmarked inch of skin on his face.<\/p>\n

At the house, Paul Martin was already waiting, having been summoned earlier. Ben passed Joe to Hoss, who carried him upstairs. Paul went straight to Joe\u2019s side, and began to cut away the blood stained clothing. He spared only a single glance at Ben. \u201cI\u2019m going to have to operate at once,\u201d he said. \u201cSend Hop Sing to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

As the hours ticked by, the strain began to tell on the Cartwright family. They moved about or sat stiffly in chairs, each pretending to be busy. But the coffee left on the table grew cold without anyone ever touching it, and the books and checkers were soon abandoned. Ben sat with his eyes shut, praying for his youngest son\u2019s life. When Paul finally came wearily down stairs, they all seemed to have aged several years.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Ben demanded. They had all jumped to their feet at Paul\u2019s appearance, as if they could better bear the news standing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI removed 6 bullets from Joe,\u201d Paul reported, flatly. \u201cHe\u2019s got several broken ribs and a broken nose. I\u2019ve taken some stitches in his face. It\u2019ll be months before he\u2019ll get over this.\u201d He swallowed. \u201cI expect him to live, as long as infection doesn\u2019t set in. I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any brain damage, but he\u2019s not conscious yet, so I can\u2019t tell for sure. If you hadn\u2019t arrived when you did, Joe would be dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Paul,\u201d Ben said, and began to go up stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen?\u201d Paul said. As his friend looked round, he went on, \u201cI\u2019m only sorry I couldn\u2019t save the girl, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was the following day before Joe regained consciousness. He was unable to see, because of the swelling round both his eyes, and his nose. He had bandages all over. Paul had dug bullets out of both legs, one hand, his shoulder and arm. When Joe did waken, he was already running a fever. \u201cPa?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Joe,\u201d Ben soothed, running his hand gently through Joe\u2019s hair. \u201cYou\u2019re home, boy. Pa\u2019s going to take care of you. Just rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine,\u201d Joe persisted, panting.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, she\u2019s safe,\u201d lied Ben. \u201cYou must rest, Joe.\u201d It broke Ben\u2019s heart to have to lie to his son, but Paul had insisted that Joe was too weak to accept the news. He needed all his strength to recover.<\/p>\n

For a while, it seemed like Joe might not recover. Infection set in, and then pneumonia. Joe\u2019s breathing became more and more strained, and nothing they did seemed to help him. Paul all but lived at the ranch. He gave Joe powders to help clear his chest, and other powders to help him sleep, for Joe\u2019s delirium kept him from resting. Once or twice, Paul forced a sleeping powder on Ben, who aged visibly every day.<\/p>\n

Everyone at the ranch was exhausted. Adam and Hoss dealt with the day-to-day business of the ranch, and then took turns sitting with Joe every night, while Ben snatched what little sleep he could. Joe\u2019s temperature continued to rage upwards, consuming his body with heat. Even ice packs seemed to have little effect, and Ben began to think the unthinkable \u2013 that his son would die. Once the thought had crossed his mind, it haunted Ben, and he increased his efforts to help Joe, as though by doing that, he could deny fearing the worst.<\/p>\n

Finally, a week later, Joe\u2019s fever broke with a drenching sweat. Within moments, he was shivering with cold, but he wakened briefly, and although he could barely speak, he recognised his family. Joe had turned the corner, and taken his first steps on the long road to recovery.<\/p>\n

The improvement was barely noticeable at first. Joe was cooler, but still slept the clock round. He had screaming nightmares, which seemed very little different to his delirious dreams. To his waiting family, it seemed as though his life still hung by a thread.<\/p>\n

It was several days after that that Joe woke, and stayed awake for more than a few seconds. Ben spooned broth into the boy, but after only a few mouthfuls, Joe was exhausted. Lying back on the pillows, Joe tried his first smile. It was a pitiful effort, but gave Ben great hope. \u201cPa,\u201d he whispered, his voice paper-thin. \u201cKatherine?\u201d<\/p>\n

The moment Ben had dreaded had come, and he still wasn\u2019t sure Joe was up to receiving this piece of news. But Paul had told him that Joe would ask when he felt able to deal with things, and Ben could only be guided by his friend\u2019s advice.<\/p>\n

Alarmed by his father\u2019s silence, Joe began to look agitated. \u201cKathy!\u201d he called, in a voice so thin and worn that Ben nearly wept at the sound of it. \u201cKathy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe. Son.\u201d Ben took Joe\u2019s uninjured hand in his. Joe\u2019s eyes caught in his father\u2019s warm brown gaze, and he knew what Ben was going to tell him. \u201c I\u2019m sorry. Katherine died.\u201d<\/p>\n

The scream of anguish pierced Ben to the heart. He gathered Joe into his arms, heedless of his son\u2019s injuries. The injury to his heart needed more treatment than his physical injuries at that moment. \u201cNo! No! It can\u2019t be!\u201d Joe protested, until his voice went altogether.<\/p>\n

As Joe\u2019s paroxysm of grief ran its course, Ben gently laid him back onto the bed. Still clutching Joe\u2019s hand firmly, he told his son what had happened. \u201cKatherine found Adam and I not far from where you two were. She told us what was going on, and I told her to ride back to the house, and send for the sheriff and the doctor. It was only as we were leaving that we saw the blood where her horse had been standing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stopping to swallow back his own grief, Ben raised his eyes. Joe\u2019s green eyes contained such pain, that Ben wished he didn\u2019t have to tell him this. \u201cWhen she reached the house, Hoss was here. He realised that Katherine was ill, and brought her into the house. Katherine told him that Thorpe had shot at you. The bullet had creased your arm,\u201d he gently touched the bandage on Joe\u2019s right bicep, \u201c and it ricocheted into her side.\u201d He drew a deep breath. \u201cPaul operated as soon as he got here, but Katherine had lost too much blood. She died about 10 minutes before we got you back here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tears ran unheeded down Joe\u2019s battered face, and drowned the green eyes. His grief was no less intense for being mute. If anything, it made it more poignant. Ben gently got a damp cloth, and wiped Joe\u2019s face with it. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, son,\u201d he repeated. \u201cSo sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Exhaustion and grief soon lulled Joe back to sleep, and Ben rose stiffly from the chair. He felt battered by the emotions swirling round the room, and slowly made his way down stairs. Adam and Hoss were both dozing by the fire, but wakened at the sound of his steps. They only needed one look at his face to know that he\u2019d told Joe about Katherine. \u201cHow is he, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked, sounding subdued.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben answered, honestly. \u201cToo worn out to deal with it properly. We\u2019ll just have to take each day as it comes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crossing to his father\u2019s side, Adam put an affectionate hand on his shoulder. \u201cGet some rest, Pa,\u201d he urged. \u201cHoss and I will sit with Joe. It\u2019ll all work out somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, son,\u201d Ben replied, and took Adam\u2019s advice.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

In the days that followed, Joe retreated further and further into himself. He didn\u2019t speak as one or another of his family sat with him, and helped him to eat. He kept his head turned away, and often his eyes were shut, too. He ate everything he was told to, but with no enthusiasm. He never complained, and that was the most frightening thing of all.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with him?\u201d Ben asked Paul, after his friend had examined Joe. \u201cHe won\u2019t talk to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s depressed,\u201d Paul answered. \u201cI think its quite likely that Joe blames himself for Katherine\u2019s death. After all, the bullet that killed her had ricocheted off Joe. He had sent her for help. Knowing Joe, he probably thought he should have protected her from all harm, and been the one to get help, too! Keep talking to him, Ben. In some ways, a nature like Joe\u2019s isn\u2019t a blessing. He feels things very deeply. But it could mean that he bounces back more quickly in the end. We just have to wait and see.\u201d<\/p>\n

So Ben persevered. He chatted away to Joe about the mundane things of the ranch. He talked about Cochise, who looked for Joe each time someone entered the barn. He talked about the snowfall. He passed on the gossip from town. He felt like he would more response from the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Katherine?\u201d Joe asked, one day. He had been silent for about a week. His voice was weak from lack of use. \u201cHow\u2019s Kelly?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine was buried in the cemetery in town,\u201d Ben said, rejoicing that his son was coming back to life. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen Kelly since the funeral.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see her,\u201d Joe insisted. His eyes, which had been blank, were now full of pain, and something else Ben had feared he would never see again: Joe\u2019s mule-headed determination.<\/p>\n

\u201cSoon,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cYou need to get stronger, first. We\u2019ll see how you get on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I need to see her,\u201d he persisted. \u201cToday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Ben helped Joe into a more comfortable position. Joe\u2019s muscles were weak, and he could barely shift around his bed. \u201cIts too late to ask Kelly to come here today,\u201d he said, firmly. \u201cIts been snowing, and it\u2019ll be dark soon. But,\u00a0if<\/em>\u00a0the weather is better tomorrow, I\u2019ll get Adam to go to town. And I mean\u00a0if<\/em>, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

Recognising the tone, Joe subsided. Ben sat there for a moment longer, then started to rise. Joe reached out and caught his father\u2019s wrist. \u201cPa, please stay,\u201d he whispered. Pleased, Ben settled himself. Joe looked at his father, and tears came to drown his eyes again. \u201cI miss her so much,\u201d he admitted in an anguished whisper. \u201cHow can I go on living without her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tears were in Ben\u2019s eyes, too. He knew the question. He had asked it himself each time he had lost a wife. The answer was \u2013 you had to go on. In his case, he\u2019d had sons who\u2019d needed him. In Joe\u2019s case, he had a family who loved him. It didn\u2019t make it any easier to bear. \u201cGod let you live for a purpose, Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cWe may not know yet what that purpose is, but we have to trust God. Katherine was a wonderful girl, and our lives are richer for having known her. Time is a great healer, and although we never forget the person we lost, their memory stops bringing pain and brings comfort instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was apparent that Joe was listening hard. \u201cEach day, you have to make an effort. It seems that the smile on your face is so false that no one could believe it. But each day, it gets a little easier to smile, and then one day, the smile doesn\u2019t feel false.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can I smile?\u201d Joe asked, misery in every line of his body.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think Katherine would be pleased that you were starving yourself to death, or that you were determined to be unhappy for the rest of your life?\u201d Ben demanded. \u201cI didn\u2019t know her as well as you, Joe, but I do know that she wouldn\u2019t have wanted that. Katherine told me that she fell in love with your smile on that very first day you two met. How do you think she would feel if she knew you were never going to smile again?\u201d<\/p>\n

After a moment, Joe gave a tiny strained smile. \u201cShe\u2019d probably come back to haunt me,\u201d he said, and Ben gave a small laugh.<\/p>\n

He knew then that he\u2019d got through to Joe, and that his son would now recover from his loss. That night, as Ben retired to bed, he said a special prayer of thanks.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

The meeting between Joe and Kelly was laden with emotion. Joe had recovered enough to recognise other people\u2019s grief, and he was willing to share it. But he hadn\u2019t really thought how it had been for Kelly. Not only had she lost her sister, but she had lost a sister who was closer to her than most siblings. Kelly had experience Katherine\u2019s pain and had known the exact moment of her death.<\/p>\n

When Kelly finished relating this to Joe, he couldn\u2019t think of anything to say. He had lost his soul mate, but Kelly had lost so much more. Joe had been holding Kelly\u2019s hand since her arrival in his room, and he squeezed it sympathetically. \u201cI didn\u2019t know,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one but you knows,\u201d Kelly said, wiping her tears. \u201cI didn\u2019t dare tell anyone else. But I can feel Katherine\u2019s presence, and she wants us both to be happy. She\u2019s watching over us both, like a guardian angel. But I think, that once we\u2019ve both recovered, she\u2019ll gradually let us go.\u201d Kelly gently extracted her hand from Joe\u2019s. \u201cI have a gift for you,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was to be your wedding gift.\u201d She lifted a small package, and opened it. In it was a photo of the twins. \u201cI\u2019m leaving Virginia City, Joe. I don\u2019t know where I\u2019ll end up, but I doubt if we\u2019ll see each other again. Take care, and be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKelly, wait,\u201d Joe protested, trying to rise up.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe,\u201d she said. \u201cMy mind is made up. I can\u2019t stay here. I will think of you often. Goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWrite and let us know where you are,\u201d Joe begged. \u201cPlease! Even just a note.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right. I\u2019ll write sometimes. But don\u2019t hang onto me, Joe. I\u2019m not Kathy.\u201d Kelly paused at the door to his room. \u201cLook after yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Joe was quieter over the next few days, but as he began to really recover his strength, his spirits lifted, too. Christmas was a more muted affair than had originally been planned, and there were several poignant moments. Hoss had carried Joe downstairs, so that he could be with his family. He had eaten his Christmas meal with something approaching a normal appetite, and the others had rejoiced. After the meal, Ben read the Christmas Story from the family bible, something he usually did on Christmas Eve, but postponed this year until Joe could be with them.<\/p>\n

Looking at his family, Ben gave thanks once again that they were together, even if a little the worse for wear. He knew that there would still be hard times ahead for Joe, for grief can creep up on you unexpectedly. But Joe had begun to make his peace with Katherine\u2019s death, and was remembering the good times. Thinking of the three women who had been so dear to him, Ben remembered only the good times.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas,\u201d he said, softly.<\/p>\n

*****End*****<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Identical twin girls arrive in Virginia City. Joe falls in love with one of them, but her past is fast catching up.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (9,755 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":21331,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,41,1007,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3835","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","category-joe-cartwright","category-romance","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-1007-id","wpcat-3-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":972,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/joec.jpg?fit=505%2C572&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6756,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6756","url_meta":{"origin":3835,"position":0},"title":"The Crazy Lady (by Jayne)","author":"Jayne","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe and Hoss scare themselves one night, come to Adam's room and tell him the story of the crazy lady. Prequel\/Young Cartwrights\/Humor \u00a0Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a0700","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6179,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6179","url_meta":{"origin":3835,"position":1},"title":"The Star of the Show (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"December 15, 1999","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The town's Christmas pageant brings down the curtains in epic proportions.\u00a0 Will there be Peace on Earth?\u00a0 Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 WC 4300","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"Joe Abigail","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/1999\/12\/Screenshot_20250529_032257_YouTube.jpg?fit=565%2C605&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/1999\/12\/Screenshot_20250529_032257_YouTube.jpg?fit=565%2C605&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/1999\/12\/Screenshot_20250529_032257_YouTube.jpg?fit=565%2C605&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2913,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2913","url_meta":{"origin":3835,"position":2},"title":"Ride of Destiny (by faust)","author":"faust","date":"January 18, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Adam's fate is sealed. 650 words, rated K","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/destiny.jpg?fit=300%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5398,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5398","url_meta":{"origin":3835,"position":3},"title":"A Lost Bonanza (by BnzaGal)","author":"BnzaGal","date":"November 1, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0When I read the challenge to write a \u201cSpooky\u201d poem or story for ML\u2019s birthday challenge I had to think about it. What would be spooky\u2026 frightening, horrifying. Rated:\u00a0K (1,255 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5402,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5402","url_meta":{"origin":3835,"position":4},"title":"Farewell (by BnzaGal)","author":"BnzaGal","date":"May 1, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Every Adam's Girl nightmare... Adam is leaving the Ponderosa. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K (1,100 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe1.png?fit=608%2C570&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe1.png?fit=608%2C570&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe1.png?fit=608%2C570&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13999,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13999","url_meta":{"origin":3835,"position":5},"title":"The Hand of Fate (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The stage on which Joe is riding home is held up and robbed, sending Ben and Hoss on a mission to rescue Joe. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (19,900 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Fathers-Day.jpg?fit=300%2C300&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\/3835","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\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3835"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3835\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21331"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3835"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3835"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3835"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}