{"id":38825,"date":"2022-06-22T12:33:43","date_gmt":"2022-06-22T16:33:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=38825"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:38:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:38:04","slug":"leo-romancing-the-ponderosa-book-3-by-millieshepherd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=38825","title":{"rendered":"Leo – Romancing the Ponderosa Book 3 (by millieshepherd)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: Hoss rescues a small girl and after finding out her mother’s a widow and that she doesn’t have a penny to her name, he invites them to stay on the Ponderosa until they can get back on their feet. But then disaster strikes the second day of their stay and the Cartwright family is forever changed.<\/p>\n

Rating: T<\/p>\n

Word Count: 18,984<\/p>\n

Romancing the Ponderosa series:<\/p>\n

Mrs. Little Joe (Book 1)<\/a><\/p>\n

The Redhead (Book 2)<\/a><\/p>\n

Rose, My Love (Book 4)<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Note: This is the third book in the series and it should be read in chronological order. Ty \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leo\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 1<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pullin\u2019 up in front of the general store, I climb off the buckboard\u00a0 an\u2019 am \u2018bout to go in when I hear two drunks hoopin\u2019 an\u2019 hollerin\u2019 out in front of the saloon. I look over at them and start to shake my head but freeze. There\u2019s a little gal runnin\u2019 across the street right towards their buckin\u2019 horses. Without even thinkin\u2019, I run after her, hopin\u2019 that I can grab her before she\u2019s trampled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She lets out a little scream as my arm wraps around her belly. I lift her up outta the way and carry her away to safety. I walk towards the buckboard with her but look over my shoulder when I hear a little voice a shoutin\u2019, \u201cCherry, Cherry darlin\u2019, where are you?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOvah here, Jeff!\u201d The little gal in my arms shouts back. A little boy with yeller blonde curls comes runnin\u2019 up beside me. Bendin\u2019, he puts his hands on his knees as he tries to catch his breath. I sit the gal up on the buckboard bench while I wait for him to get his breath so he can tell me what this is all about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, mister, you just saved my little sister\u2019s life! Thank you! If it wasn\u2019t for you she\u2019d be about as flat as one of Ma\u2019s pancakes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just glad I saw your little sister when I did.\u201d I put my hands on my hips. \u201cI figure you were supposed to be watchin\u2019 her an\u2019 she got away from you, didn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. I\u2019m real sorry that she did, but you see, she\u2019s always runnin\u2019 off. Not just on me either but on Ma, too.\u201d He shakes his head at her. \u201cWell, we best be gettin\u2019 on back, Ma\u2019s waitin\u2019 on us.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold on a minute.\u201d He tries to get her off the seat despite the fact that the top of his head doesn\u2019t reach the underside of the bench, so I pick her up instead. \u201cHow about I go with you? That way you won\u2019t lose her again on the way back. Anyhow I think it\u2019s only fittin\u2019 that I meet your Ma.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, mister\u2026 what’s your name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss. Hoss Cartwright.\u201d I point for him to lead the way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHorse?\u201d He grabs my free hand as he leads me along.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, just plain Hoss.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s sure a funny name for a man.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your name, little buddy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJeff Tirk and that\u2019s Cherry.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherry, hmm, like the fruit?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but her real name is Evangelina. We just call her Cherry.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Cherry, you\u2019re a lot like me then.\u201d Turnin\u2019, I look at her an\u2019 she smiles up at me, her purty blue eyes all scrunched up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Ow?\u201d She asks in a little, high pitched baby voice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you see, people call me Hoss but my real name is Eric. Hoss is my nickname like Cherry\u2019s your nickname.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe tink me \u2018ike \u2018Oss betta.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do too, sweetheart.\u201d I look between the two of them tryin\u2019 to figure out their ages. \u201cHow old are you two, anyhow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe two!\u201d She holds up two pudgy fingers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m five.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPurty young to be runnin\u2019 around town all by yourselves, don\u2019t you think?\u201d I can\u2019t help but wonder what kinda ma these kiddos have.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMa was busy with our luggage at the stage station and Cherry ran off, so I went to find her.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI figure your Ma\u2019s probably worrin\u2019 herself into a fit right about now.\u201d Walkin\u2019 up to the stage station I see a purty blonde gal pacin\u2019 up an\u2019 down the sidewalk. She hears my boots and turns towards me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, there you two are!\u201d She grabs Cherry off of my arm an\u2019 wraps her in a tight hug. \u201cDon\u2019t you two ever run off again, do you hear?!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Es, Ma.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am, but I had to find Cherry.\u201d He tugs on her sleeve. \u201cMa, Hoss here saved Cherry\u2019s life. She almost got trampled by horses again.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSir, I\u2019m very thankful that you were able to save my daughter’s life. I don\u2019t know how to repay you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t worry about it, ma\u2019am, it was nothin\u2019. I\u2019m just glad that I saw her an\u2019 was able to get to her in time.\u201d Takin\u2019 off my hat, I hold it between my hands. \u201cNow, ma\u2019am, if you\u2019ll excuse me I\u2019ve got some business that needs tendin\u2019 to.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, of course! But wait, what is your name? I don\u2019t think you told me.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright, ma\u2019am. Hoss Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish we could have met under happier circumstances, yet I\u2019m glad to meet you, Mr. Cartwright. My name is Leona Tirk and I\u2019m sure you already know my children\u2019s names.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes \u2019um, that I do.\u201d I put my hat back on and tip it in her direction. \u201cNow if you\u2019ll excuse me, ma\u2019am, I\u2019ll be on my way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Steppin\u2019 outta the general store with the last sack of flour on my shoulder, I flop it down on the back of the buckboard. As I wipe the sweat off my face, somethin\u2019 catches my eye. I turn my head just in time to see Mrs. Tirk jump up from where she was sittin\u2019 on the hotel steps to chase after Cherry. She snags her just before she runs out in the street. That little gal kicks up a fuss as her mama sits back down with her an\u2019 plants her firmly in her lap. I can\u2019t help wonderin\u2019 why her husband ain\u2019t helpin\u2019 her with them youngins or why they\u2019re on the outside of the hotel instead of inside where it\u2019s cooler.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeff sees me as I walk towards \u2018em an\u2019 stands up from his seat on the step, wavin\u2019 with a big ole toothy grin. Mrs. Tirk looks in my direction as well, a look of relief on her face. Cherry wiggles from her lap, runs up to me an\u2019 grabs my legs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Tirk, it looks like you\u2019re havin\u2019 a little bit of a hard time with these youngins. They\u2019re more than a little gal like you can handle, ain\u2019t your husband around someplace? I can go fetch him for you if you want.\u201d I offer as I scoop Cherry up so she don\u2019t trip an\u2019 fall over my feet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really wish you could, Mr. Cartwright, but my husband passed away a little over a year ago.\u201d She looks up at me with a sad smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean to tell me you\u2019ve been takin\u2019 care of these two youngins all by yourself for a year?\u201d I give her face a closer look an\u2019 can see how tired she is by the dark circles under her eyes. She has rather plain features but she\u2019s still a purty gal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s been hard but we\u2019ve made it this far.\u201d With a sigh she stands up. \u201cExcept for five cents, I spent every last penny to get us here to Virginia City. I figured I could find work and be able to take better care of my children here than I could in Carson City, but now I have nowhere to go and no way to feed them or myself.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am, you could come stay on the Ponderosa, my Pa\u2019s ranch, for a few days. Well, at least until you get back on your feet.\u201d I offer, feelin\u2019 terrible for the little gal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr. Cartwright, but I don\u2019t want charity.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t think of it as charity, think of it as doing me an\u2019 Pa a favor. The house has been down right lonesome since my two brothers moved out.\u201d Grinnin\u2019 at Cherry, I ruffle Jeff\u2019s hair. \u201cThese two little rascals will liven the house up quite a bit, they\u2019re just what my Pa needs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess if you put it that way, we\u2019d be glad to stay at your place.\u201d She says after a thoughtful moment as her face breaks out in a grin. She snatches her carpet bag off the step which I take from her insistin\u2019 on carryin\u2019 it, so she grabs Jeff\u2019s hand instead and follows me across the street to the parked buckboard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI figure you\u2019ll want this little missy up on the seat with you.\u201d I swing Cherry up on the seat before helpin\u2019 Mrs. Tirk up an\u2019 over the wagon wheel. I gently toss the carpet bag behind the seat while I give Jeff a boost into the back on top of the sacks of goods. He plants his hat on his little head an\u2019 pushes it back slightly; the way it\u2019s angled reminds me of the way Joe wears his hat sometimes. I walk around the side of the buckboard an\u2019 climb up on the seat beside Mrs. Tirk, who\u2019s holdin\u2019 Cherry firmly in her lap. As I slap the reins, I call out, \u201cGiddyup!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I can\u2019t thank you enough for your hospitality.\u201d She runs her hand over Cherry\u2019s hair to smooth her messy curls. \u201cIf there was only something I could do for you in return.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is, ma\u2019am, just call me plain ole Hoss.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, alright, I will, that is if you\u2019ll drop the Mrs. Tirk and just call me Leo instead. Calling each other Mr. and Mrs. sounds so formal and this isn\u2019t exactly a formal sort of place.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat it ain\u2019t, ma\u2019am, that it ain\u2019t.\u201d Lookin\u2019 over at her, I see Cherry\u2019s sound asleep, her head pillowed on her mama\u2019s chest. \u201cDid you say Leo? That ain\u2019t much of a name for a purty little gal like yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Hoss isn\u2019t exactly a name for a man either, even though it seems to fit you quite well. I\u2019ve been called Leo ever since I was a little baby. I guess it was just easier to call a baby Leo instead of Leona.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy name ain\u2019t actually Hoss, it\u2019s really Eric. When my older brother saw how big I was he started callin\u2019 me Hoss an\u2019 it just sorta stuck.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou said you had two brothers and a Pa, what are they like?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, my older brother, Adam, he\u2019s the brains of the family. He even went back East to go to college and got a lot of fancy book learnin\u2019. Then about five months ago he got himself hitched to a purty little gal.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do your brother and his wife look like?\u201d She interrupts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s a little shorter than me an\u2019 he has black hair an\u2019 light brown eyes. His wife, Misty, is a purty little thing with fiery red hair and gray eyes, she\u2019s a spitfire, too. She actually lived with the Indians for fourteen years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, how awful!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then there\u2019s my little brother, Joe, well I should say Little Joe. He\u2019s hotheaded and wild but since he married Hannah, he\u2019s calmed down quite a bit. I figure you want to know what they look like too, don\u2019t you?\u201d She nods. \u201cWell, Little Joe\u2019s the shortest of us four menfolk an\u2019 he\u2019s got curly brown hair an\u2019 green hazel eyes. Hannah\u2019s a purty little thing just like Misty, that is except she has dark brown hair instead of red an\u2019 the prettiest dark green eyes you\u2019ve ever seen.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about your Pa? What\u2019s he like?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s steady an\u2019 sure, I guess you would say he\u2019s just Pa.\u201d I shrug, not knowing how else to describe how Pa is. A person has to meet him for himself to find out how he really is. \u201cHe\u2019s got a really deep, smooth voice an\u2019 dark brown eyes with gray hair.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, your family sounds wonderful! I hope I get the chance to meet all of them.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t have to wait long cuz they\u2019re all comin\u2019 to supper tonight.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

A few hours later all nine of us cram ourselves around the dinner table. It’s tight, but we fit. Cherry and Jeff share the end opposite of Pa while Adam, Joe, an\u2019 I sit across from the three ladies. I\u2019m awful glad I brought Leo and her youngins home today, the look on Pa\u2019s face said all I needed to know. They weren\u2019t even in the house for an hour before Pa was sittin\u2019 with little Cherry in his lap, helpin\u2019 her with her rag dolly. Even though he\u2019s a tough man, he\u2019s got a soft spot for babies an\u2019 little ones. Cuz of that soft spot, all three of us boys know how excited he is about the baby Hannah\u2019s gonna have.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeo, those two babies of yours sure have brighten up this house! I haven\u2019t seen Ben look so happy since before Little Joe and Hannah moved out.\u201d Misty scoops mashed taters onto Cherry\u2019s plate an\u2019 then hands the plate across to Adam. He takes it with a smile as he scoops some onto Jeff\u2019s plate. Leo watches from where she sits between Misty an\u2019 Hannah, clearly knowin\u2019 that they sat down real quick like so to only leave the middle chair open for her. They both saw how tuckered out she was an\u2019 immediately pitched in to help.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t a baby! I\u2019m five years old.\u201d Jeff shoves a forkful of taters into his mouth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJeffry! You know that\u2019s not how you talk to people. Apologize this instant, young man.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mrs. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cApology accepted, and just call me Misty.\u201d She winks at him as a big grin spreads over his face. \u201cAnyway, it\u2019s my fault. I should have known better, a five year old isn\u2019t a baby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe no \u2018aby!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you aren\u2019t? Just how old are you, young lady?\u201d Adam\u2019s grin looks like it\u2019s going to split his face in two.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe two!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, you are a big girl.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Ep!\u201d She gives him a little nod an\u2019 smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherry\u2019s birthday is soon.\u201d Jeff says, his mouth full of food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen is the big day?\u201d Joe asks Leo from where he sits on my right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn two weeks on the fourteenth.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to have a party then!\u201d Hannah exclaims.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s completely unnecessary!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s not! I’ve been searching for a good excuse to throw a party and you just gave me something better than an excuse. Anyways, it\u2019ll be the best way for you to meet everyone.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s alright with Ben, I\u2019ll gladly let you throw Cherry a birthday party.\u201d Pa nods his approval. \u201cShe\u2019s never had a birthday party before so it\u2019ll be extra special for her, but I insist on helping. I don\u2019t want you all to have to do everything.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHannah.\u201d She looks up at Joe, his voice serious soundin\u2019. \u201cDon\u2019t over exert yourself, you hear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sittin\u2019 up straight, her lips twitchin\u2019 as she tries not to grin, she puts her hand on her forehead in a salute. She quickly lowers it, \u201cYes, sir.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone but Joe starts to laugh. He glances around at us and the serious look on his face slowly melts into that grin of his. His little boy laugh joins in with ours after a second. Cherry looks at all of us, her little eyebrows all scrunched up, \u201cWhy \u2018augh, \u2018ike ha ha?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her question just makes us laugh even harder. Hannah\u2019s laughin\u2019 so hard it looks like she ain\u2019t even breathin\u2019 while both Misty an\u2019 Leo are wipin\u2019 tears off their cheeks, tryin\u2019 to catch their breath. Once he\u2019s stopped laughin\u2019 too, Pa signals to Hop Sing, who\u2019s got a big grin on his face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, will you make us some fresh coffee?\u201d He nods and heads back to the kitchen. We all settle down as Pa turns towards us. He\u2019ll probably have us all go sit in the livin\u2019 room since we\u2019re done eatin\u2019. \u201cShall we go sit down in the living room?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t mind, I think I\u2019ll put my little ones to bed. It\u2019s about time for them to go to sleep, they\u2019ve had a long day.\u201d Standin\u2019 up, Leo starts herdin\u2019 Cherry an\u2019 Jeff towards the staircase. \u201cI\u2019ll be back down in a few minutes.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I sit down on the fireplace as Pa starts fillin\u2019 up cups with the coffee that Hop Sing brought. He hands them around as everyone else settles down around the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThose two little ones are just adorable!\u201d Misty says from where she sits in Adam\u2019s lap over in the blue chair. \u201cHoss, how did you find her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I was pullin\u2019 up in front of the general store when I saw Cherry about to be trampled by the horses of two drunk cowboys. I luckily was able to snatch her up before that happened. Jeff came runnin\u2019 an\u2019 then he took me back to his mama. I left them by the stage station to go finish my errands an\u2019 right before I was about to head for home, I saw her sittin\u2019 on the hotel steps. So I went over to make sure she was alright. After she told me she was a widder and that she only had five cents to her name, I invited her here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBig brother, I believe this just might be one of the best bunch of strays that big heart of yours has made you bring home.\u201d Little Joe nods at me, clearly approvin\u2019 of the Tirks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have to agree with Joe.\u201d Adam puts in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we can all agree that those children have brightened up this house tremendously, they\u2019re just what everyone needed.\u201d Hannah leans her head on Joe\u2019s back where he sits on the arm of the couch beside her. We all know that she really means Pa an\u2019 not everyone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearin\u2019 soft steps on the stairs, we all look up to see Leo comin\u2019 down. She covers her mouth with her hand to try to hide a yawn. She smiles as she sits down on the couch beside Hannah and Pa hands her a cup of coffee, \u201cI figure this might help some.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sir. It\u2019ll help but I think what I really need is a solid night\u2019s sleep in that soft bed upstairs.\u201d She laughs before she takes a long drink from the steamin\u2019 cup. With a sigh she leans back into the couch with her eyes closed for a moment. As sets her cup in her lap, she catches my eye and gives me a small smile. \u201cHoss, I can\u2019t thank you enough for talking me into staying here. You made it seem like I was doing your family a favor, but really you\u2019ve already done so much for me and the children in this one evening that I don\u2019t know how I\u2019ll repay you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, don\u2019t worry your purty head \u2018bout a thing. We enjoy takin\u2019 care of folks who need takin\u2019 care of.\u201d I wave my hand at her and dismiss her need to repay us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just can\u2019t sit around and do nothing, I\u2019ll go stir crazy.\u201d She gets a determined look on her face. \u201cI can cook, clean, and even do ranch work. I\u2019ll do whatever you want me to, it\u2019s the least I can do for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you say ranch work?\u201d Joe asks. \u201cYou don\u2019t look big enough to do ranch work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can too.\u201d She laughs. \u201cSize doesn\u2019t matter, you should know that being the smallest in your family. My husband and I owned a little ranch which had about ten head of cattle and a three acre corn crop. I ran the ranch by myself after my husband died a year ago. The only reason I ended up in failure was because we had a freak hail storm come through that destroyed the crop and then I got swindled when I sold the cattle. Our house burnt down one night about five days ago and thankfully we all\u00a0 got out in time without any injuries. We were staying at the hotel but I realized I only had enough money for few more days and the food to last us that long or two tickets to Virginia City. You know what I chose to do since I\u2019m here now. I couldn\u2019t stay in Carson City, my husband wasn\u2019t exactly liked there and therefore I wasn\u2019t either.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy wasn\u2019t your husband liked in Carson City?\u201d Pa asks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMany reasons.\u201d She sighs. \u201cHe ran a whiskey still and was one of the town drunks. Plus he had debts at practically all the main stores.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019d you marry a man like that? You don\u2019t seem like the type of gal to get yourself hitched to a no good.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Little Joe, I was actually a mail order bride. I used to live in a small town in Ohio with my mother, father, and nine younger siblings. My older twin sisters both had become mail order brides and are happily married, so since my father was having a hard time providing for all twelve of us at home, I decided to become a mail order bride as well. I would have married a boy from my hometown but the only single men were scraggly old men without any teeth.\u201d I see Misty shutter so I figure she\u2019s thinkin\u2019 about how close she came to marryin\u2019 a dirty ole man. \u201cWilliam\u2019s letters were the first I received. He told me wonderful things about his little ranch and the plans he had for it; in a way I was swept off my feet. He paid for my stage ticket and I came West. When I arrived, I found a man who was twelve years older than me, which was something he hadn\u2019t mentioned in any of his letters. He was sort of a burly man with jet black hair and brown eyes. We were married for three years before we started to have problems. Our ranch began to fail, we worked so hard too, but it still failed and with the failure came debts. Plus on top of the failure and all the debt I was expecting Jeff. Will began to go to town and when he came home it would be really late and he would smell like booze. Each time it got worse and I could tell he was beginning to have a hard time holding his liquor. After a while he would just come home stone cold drunk, so drunk I would have to lead him to the bed when he got home.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind me asking, but how did he pass away?\u201d Misty asks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne night a little over a year ago he came staggering in the drunkest I\u2019ve ever seen him. Somehow he made it to the bed by himself. As soon as he was in the bed he rolled over and told me that he loved me and the children. He rolled back over and fell asleep. I woke up the next morning to find him dead beside me in bed. I guess he had reached his limit and his body couldn\u2019t take that much alcohol anymore.\u201d She wipes a tear off her cheek. \u201cHe really wasn\u2019t a bad man, our hard times just got the better of him. Despite the fact that during most of our last four years together he was almost never sober, he was never mean to me or the children. I truly loved him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, how awful!\u201d Misty whispers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve all been through something.\u201d Leo shrugs off her concern. \u201cI\u2019m sure each of you have a story to tell.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat we do.\u201d Hannah scooches herself into a more comfortable position on the couch; her belly gets more swollen each time I see her. \u201cBut what do you plan on doing now that you\u2019re in Virginia City?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had planned on finding whatever work I could get my hands on.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I just might have a job for you. Joe\u2019s going into town tomorrow to pick up the bushel of peaches I bought to make preserves. With this belly and my aching feet, I could use some help. If you\u2019ll help, I\u2019ll pay you five cents a jar.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how I can refuse! Putting up preserves was always one of my favorite things to help my mother do.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a deal then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a deal!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Pullin\u2019 up in front of Little Joe\u2019s house, I stop the horses. I climb down an\u2019 walk over to help Leo get to the ground safely. She gives Cherry an\u2019 Jeff quick kisses before puttin\u2019 her hand into mine. She grabs her skirt with her other hand as she hops down to the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou two be good for Miss Misty, you hear?\u201d She points her finger at them where they sit on the wagon seat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma, we will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Es, mama.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherry Berry, we\u2019ll just have to wait and see about you.\u201d She laughs at Cherry\u2019s little innocent look.<\/span><\/p>\n

The front door opens an\u2019 Little Joe steps out, ploppin\u2019 his hat on his head. He waves to the kids an\u2019 nods at me. \u201cHannah\u2019s already got all the jars lined up on the counter and about five peaches cut up. She\u2019s rearing to go!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, I best get in there!\u201d She scoots past Joe into the house. \u201cHannah?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBack here!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get goin\u2019, big brother, Adam\u2019s probably waiting for us.\u201d He climbs up on the wagon seat and puts Cherry in his lap. I step up on the other side, squishin\u2019 Jeff between Joe an\u2019 me. He lets out a little grunt. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter buddy, a little tight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Little Joe, I can\u2019t breathe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve got two legs.\u201d Joe puts Cherry on his right leg so Jeff can climb onto his left.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you drop those little \u2018uns now, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019ve got them.\u201d He squeezes them tight to prove it an\u2019 Cherry lets out a little squeak. \u201cNow as long as you don\u2019t hit a big bump in the road, we\u2019ll be ok.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try an\u2019 not hit any, everyone ready?\u201d Seein\u2019 everyone is, I \u201cgiddyup\u201d to the horses with a slap of the reins on their backs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As I listen to Joe talkin\u2019 with Cherry an\u2019 Jeff, the three mile ride to Adam\u2019s place seems to take half the time. When I stop the wagon in front of Adam\u2019s barn, Little Joe looks up with a surprised expression on his face. I guess he hadn\u2019t realized how much time had gone by.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam walks around the barn towards us, wipin\u2019 sweat off his forehead. The front door of the house opens an\u2019 Misty comes out She tucks loose hair back into it\u2019s proper place as she walks over, where steps over to Joe an\u2019 she reaches up for Cherry. She swings her onto her hip an\u2019 bounces her until she giggles. Adam reaches up to take Jeff so Joe can get down without droppin\u2019 the little feller. Once on the ground, Jeff grabs Misty\u2019s free hand an\u2019 they skip along to the house together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat little gal\u2019s goin\u2019 make a good mama one of these days.\u201d I say, shakin\u2019 my head as I climb down from the wagon myself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah and hopefully sometime soon, too!\u201d Joe laughs, slappin\u2019 Adam on the back. Adam gets a funny look on his face, like he\u2019s excited \u2018bout something\u2019 but he\u2019s tryin\u2019 to keep it a secret. \u201cHey, Adam, what\u2019s that look for, what\u2019s goin\u2019 on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, nothing.\u201d Adam walks towards the back of the barn, glancin\u2019 over his shoulder at Joe to see if he\u2019s sparked his imagination. Joe glances at me before he takes off at a sprint to catch up with him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d you mean, nothing? Apparently it\u2019s something, you\u2019re acting mighty suspicious.\u201d He looks over at me. \u201cAin\u2019t he, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, what\u2019s goin\u2019 on Adam?\u201d I cross my arms over my chest, brows all scrunched up, lips puckered out a bit. He looks between Joe an\u2019 me, the look on his face tellin\u2019 that he\u2019s \u2018bout to give in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. I\u2019ll tell you.\u201d He throws his hands up in the air an\u2019 then points at us, \u201cBut you have to promise not to tell Pa, I want to tell him myself!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t tell.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe neither.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Misty\u2019s expecting.\u201d I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve seen him smile that big since the day when he came walkin\u2019 out from between those Indian tepees with his arm wrapped around Misty, holdin\u2019 her close.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWoo hoo!\u201d Joe yells as he grabs him in a hug. Adam pats him on the back, his grin turnin\u2019 goofy. Joe let\u2019s go an\u2019 I see his grin is as big as Adam\u2019s, but then his look turns into realization, \u201cWho else knows?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour wife.\u201d Adam cocks his right brow, all the while that grin still plastered to his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat explains it!\u201d Little Joe snaps his fingers. \u201cHannah\u2019s been acting like she\u2019s got something up her sleeve for a few weeks now. I kept asking her what was going on but she would just smile and say nothing. Well, this ain\u2019t nothing, that\u2019s for dang sure!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen are you goin\u2019 to tell Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe had planned on telling everyone last night but with that story the little lady you brought home told.\u201d He shakes his head. \u201cWe both agreed it wasn\u2019t the time to tell.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He bends an\u2019 picks up a hammer to start workin\u2019 on the fence we\u2019re buildin\u2019 behind his barn. \u201cI\u2019m going to ride over tonight and tell him.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\u201cCherry! Get back here!\u201d Jeff\u2019s voice shouts across the yard, she must have gotten away from him again. \u201cEvangelina Rosemary Tirk, I said come back here! I\u2019ll tell Ma an\u2019 she won\u2019t let Miss Misty watch you ever again!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I hear his patterin\u2019 feet as he chases after her an\u2019 Joe straightens, wipes the sweat outta his eyes, lets out a little laugh, an\u2019 says \u201cThat girl\u2019s name sure is a mouthful! Evangelina Rosemary Tirk, whooee. I\u2019m glad she\u2019s just called Cherry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure her mother\u2019s glad, too, as much as she has to chase her around.\u201d Adam laughs while he unbuttons an\u2019 untucks his black shirt. \u201cShe reminds me of you, Joe, when you were her age. I\u2019m honestly surprised you survived!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherry! Jeff!\u201d Misty\u2019s voice floats across the yard. \u201cI\u2019ve got some cookies and milk, come get them.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A high pitched scream comes from the barn followed by a soft thump an\u2019 all three of us take off runnin\u2019 for the barn. Joe beats us to her; he scoops her off the ground an\u2019 cradles her limp body to his chest. Misty\u2019s at his side in an instant, pushin\u2019 damp curls off Cherry\u2019s pale face while Adam bends down next to a cryin\u2019 Jeff, who\u2019s sittin\u2019 in a heap near the door. Not gettin\u2019 an answer from him, he picks him up so he can at least have some comfort. \u201cJeff what happened? We need to know.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, it was awful!\u201d He sobs even harder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was awful?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe was climbin\u2019 up the ladder to the loft an\u2019 I must have scared her when I ran in. She fell off the ladder!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow far up was she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Bout halfway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, she needs a doctor badly.\u201d Joe says. \u201cI can feel blood on the back of her head and it looks like her arm might be broken.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe needs her mother, too.\u201d Misty says, slowly takin\u2019 her from Joe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ride back home and get Hannah and Leo. Hoss, you take Cherry back to the house since it\u2019s closer, I\u2019ll bring the girls there.\u201d Joe turns but then realizes he ain\u2019t got a horse to ride. \u201cAdam, I don\u2019t have Cochise.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake Blueberry, I\u2019ll need Sport to go get Doc Martin. Misty, go with Hoss and the little ones.\u201d He gives her a quick kiss before sittin\u2019 Jeff down so he can saddle his horse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They take off as I\u2019m helpin\u2019 Misty an\u2019 the little \u2018uns into the back of the wagon. I climb up on the seat an\u2019 slap the horses into action. I make \u2018em go as fast as I dare so I don\u2019t jostle Cherry too much.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When we\u2019re \u2018bout halfway to the house I hear quiet cryin\u2019. I quickly look back to see who it is an\u2019 find Misty sobbin\u2019. Jeff scooches over to her an\u2019 taps her on the arm. \u201cPlease, Misty, don\u2019t cry! It ain\u2019t your fault Cherry fell. It\u2019s all my fault so please stop cryin\u2019\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Jeff, it isn\u2019t your fault!\u201d I hear him begin to sob, too. \u201cSweetheart, stop crying, please, it\u2019ll only make matters worse, not better. I can\u2019t stop if you don\u2019t and I don\u2019t want Adam to know I\u2019ve been crying. It\u2019ll upset him since he hates to see me cry.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I hear \u2018em both try an\u2019 stop their tears an\u2019 by the time I\u2019ve pulled up in front of the house the only trace of their tears is Misty\u2019s red rimmed eyes an\u2019 Jeff\u2019s occasional sniff. Little miz Cherry\u2019s still unconscious an\u2019 neither Adam or Joe are here yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The front door opens as Pa hurries over, knowin\u2019 somethin\u2019s wrong cuz I ain\u2019t supposed to be home until supper time. I help Misty outta the wagon bed as Pa grabs Jeff an\u2019 swings him to the ground. Misty an\u2019 I hurry into the house with Cherry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Misty gently lays the still unconscious gal on the bed in the spare room downstairs by the dining room. Pa comes in a moment later with a bowl of warm water an\u2019 a clean cloth. Jeff\u2019s nowhere to be seen so I figure Pa musta given him somethin\u2019 to keep him busy an\u2019 outta the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere.\u201d Pa hands the squeezed out wet cloth to Misty an\u2019 she wipes Cherry\u2019s face with it. \u201cJeff told me what happened. Has she woken up since the fall?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo and that\u2019s what worries me the most.\u201d Misty hands Pa back the cloth to dip in the water again. \u201cShe must have hit her head harder than we thought.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We hear a wagon pull up fast outside. \u201cI reckon that\u2019s Joe.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Walkin\u2019 out to the livin\u2019 room, I hear feet run across the front yard to the door which flies open seconds later. Leo runs in, her eyes lookin\u2019 wildly around for Cherry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeo, she\u2019s in the little room over here.\u201d I point to the open door an\u2019 she rushes in. I hear more footfall on the front porch an\u2019 look up to see Joe an\u2019 Hannah come in. \u201cAny sign of Adam?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not yet.\u201d Joe throws his hat on the table. \u201cIs Cherry any better?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe hasn\u2019t woken up yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean she\u2019s still unconscious?\u201d Hannah gasps. \u201cShe must be way worse than Little Joe thought.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m \u2018fraid so. That\u2019s why I was askin\u2019 if you\u2019d seen Adam, he should be back by now with the doc.\u201d I turn around to look for Jeff as I suddenly remember him but he\u2019s nowhere in sight. \u201cI reckon Jeff went upstairs or somethin\u2019. Pa was with him last an\u2019 probably sent him up there.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I walk up the stairs an\u2019 glance back to see Hannah plop down on the sofa, fannin\u2019 herself with a handkerchief. Joe\u2019s standin\u2019 over by the open front door where I reckon he\u2019s watchin\u2019 for Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As I turn the corner at the top of the stairs, I hear faint cryin\u2019. With hurried steps, I make my way down the hall an\u2019 into Jeff’s room. Walkin\u2019 in the open door I see the little feller face down on the bed with his face buried in a pillow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Jeff, there ain\u2019t no reason to cry.\u201d I sit on the edge of the bed an\u2019 rub his back. \u201cThings like this happen all the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey do?\u201d He picks his head up off the pillow an\u2019 looks at me with red, teary eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep. You wouldn\u2019t believe how many timeless we\u2019ve had to put Little Joe back together!\u201d I laugh, tryin\u2019 to cheer him up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean Little Joe\u2019s gotten hurt bad before?\u201d He slowly inches over into my lap, his eyes as big as saucers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat little brother of mine\u2019s gotten himself hurt so many dadburn times I\u2019m surprised he\u2019s still in one piece.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHas he ever gotten shot?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMore times than I can count on one hand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, wow! He don\u2019t look like it though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to look like it.\u201d I give him a nod. \u201cYou want to know somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYea, I sure do, what is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost all of us Cartwrights have been shot before. The only Cartwright who ain\u2019t been shot is miz Misty.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean Miss Hannah\u2019s been shot before? But she\u2019s a lady, my ma said so!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Jeff, sometimes ladies get shot, too.\u201d I shift him onto my other leg. \u201cYou see, \u2018bout a year ago, Little Joe found miz Hannah walkin\u2019 by herself through one of our fields. She was hurt real bad like, so Joe brought her home. Then two days later a bad man came to try an\u2019 take Hannah away but we put up a fight. Durin\u2019 that fight Little Joe an\u2019 Hannah both took a bullet, Joe in the arm an\u2019 Hannah in the leg.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, wow!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearin\u2019 two horses ride up outside, I sit Jeff back on the bed. \u201cI figure that\u2019s Adam an\u2019 the doc. I better get back down there, you stay up here, alright?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing else I can do for her.\u201d Doc Martin says as he snaps his bag shut. \u201cShe seems to be in a coma from how hard she hit her head, now it\u2019s all up to her whether or not she pulls through. Her heartbeat is strong as is her breathing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if she does pull through?\u201d Leo nearly whispers from where she stands by Pa\u2019s red chair, grippin\u2019 the back so tight her knuckles are white.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a very large chance of memory loss. Whether it would be temporary or permanent I don\u2019t know. Plus there\u2019s also a possibility that she might be different after this.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by different?\u201d Adam asks from where he\u2019s sits on the fireplace.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes after a person hits their head really hard it causes damage to the brain which in turn can cause a person to act differently.\u201d He turns back to Leo. \u201cHow did she act before this, what type of personality does she have?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s extremely full of energy and is constantly running off to see something that\u2019s caught her eye. She\u2019s always happy and cheerful, in fact she\u2019s almost never grouchy or tempered.\u201d A small smile plays on her lips. \u201cEvangelina is like a little angel, that is a feisty little angel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, after this, that is if she pulls through, she might be quiet, slower, and not as even tempered.\u201d His sigh sounds like the whole world is sittin\u2019 on his shoulders. \u201cI don\u2019t want to worry or scare you Mrs. Tirk, but also want you to know the truth. Do you think you can handle it? Perhaps you should sit in that chair instead of standing behind it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She steps around the chair an\u2019 sits down before she slowly nods at Doc Martin, \u201cI want to know. Please don\u2019t mince your words because you think I can\u2019t handle it; I can handle it and I have to know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, I’ll get straight to the point: if she does make it, it would really surprise me. The impact her head received is likely to have caused her brain to bleed, which can be fatal if it doesn\u2019t stop or is more than a small amount. Truly the only thing that can save her now is prayer and a miracle.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut if she does make it?\u201d Leo sounds like she\u2019s tryin\u2019 her best not to begin to cry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf she does, then we can only hope she doesn\u2019t have too much head pain and that she doesn\u2019t experience severe memory loss. Her arm should heal nicely since it was a clean break but right now, that\u2019s the least of our worries.\u201d He lets out another sigh as he picks up his bag. \u201cI don\u2019t like to leave, but there\u2019s nothing else I can do and I have other patients that I need to tend to. I\u2019ll come back tomorrow morning.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa walks him to the door, thanking him for all his help. As soon as the door clicks shut, Misty begins to sob. Hannah wraps her arm around her shoulders since she sittin\u2019 next to her on the sofa as Adam jumps up from his seat. He quickly pulls her to her feet and wraps her in his arms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all my fault!\u201d Her voice is muffled by sobs an\u2019 Adam\u2019s shirt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Leo jumps up an\u2019 walks over to Adam an\u2019 Misty. She reaches out to squeezes Misty\u2019s shoulder, which makes her lift her head up an\u2019 look at her. When she sees who it is she starts to sob even harder. \u201cMisty, please it\u2019s not your fault!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is, Leo! If I hadn\u2019t turned my back to pour that milk then she would\u2019ve never run out of the house.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s not your fault, it\u2019s not anyone\u2019s fault! I feel like deep down I\u2019ve always known something like this would happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, as soon as she could walk, she began to run off and get into dangerous situations. Something like this could\u2019ve happened yesterday but Hoss stopped it. It wasn\u2019t the first time she ran into the street and I knew it wasn\u2019t the last.\u201d She wipes the tears off her cheeks. \u201cI just never expected it to happen this soon or this way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven if it wasn\u2019t my fault, I still feel horrible about it.\u201d Movin\u2019 away from Adam, Misty wraps Leo in a tight hug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need to get back to Cherry.\u201d Leo leans back, wipin\u2019 the tears off of Misty\u2019s face an\u2019 kisses her cheek before lettin\u2019 go. She turns to go back to Cherry but I guess she remembers somethin\u2019 else cuz she turns back around an\u2019 looks at Hannah. \u201cHannah, I\u2019m sorry I can\u2019t help you finish putting up the peach preserves. I feel bad, you\u2019re already wore out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it! I\u2019ll finish them myself somehow or have Little Joe help me.\u201d Hannah moves to get off the couch but doesn\u2019t quite make it. Adam, who\u2019s the closest to her, offers her his hand. She takes it with a smile as he helps her to her feet. \u201cI\u2019ll go ahead and pay you for the jars you did make. If I don\u2019t right now I know I\u2019ll somehow forget. How many jars did you make again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwenty-five.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at five cents a jar, that evens out to be a dollar and twenty-five cents.\u201d She looks over at Joe. \u201cLittle Joe, do you have your wallet? I left my reticule at the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He pulls it outta his jacket pocket an\u2019 tosses it to her. She takes out the amount an\u2019 puts them in Leo\u2019s hand. \u201cBut, Hannah, you said a dollar and twenty-five cents, this is two dollars.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. That extra seventy-five cents is for your excellent company today.\u201d She grins with a wink. \u201cNow you get back in there to your baby girl.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hannah. Thank you everyone for everything!\u201d She turns an\u2019 hurries back into Cherry\u2019s room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

I wake up with a start, a snore comin\u2019 out a loud snort. I lay there not exactly sure what woke me up. Then I hear it again, a shout from downstairs. Swing\u2019 my legs off the bed, I jump up, my green checked nightshirt fallin\u2019 back over my knees.<\/span><\/p>\n

I hear Pa in the hall as another shout comes from downstairs, \u201cMr. Cartwright! Hoss!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Leo\u2019s voice cracks like she\u2019s tryin\u2019 not to let a sob loose. The worst must have happened while we were all asleep. I brace myself for the grim news as I hurry down the hall, reachin\u2019 the top of the stairs just as Pa sprints down the bottom half.<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve both come to love little Cherry in the short time that the Tirks have been with us. I see Pa\u2019s shoulders stiffen right before he walks into Cherry\u2019s room. I know he\u2019s goin\u2019 to take Cherry\u2019s passin\u2019 hard. I know I am, too. In fact all of us Cartwrights will, we\u2019re just a big bunch of softies who open our hearts easily. Especially to fiery, towheaded little gals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Walkin\u2019 into the room, I prepare myself for the worst but I see a sight I ain\u2019t expectin\u2019. Leo and Pa try to hold a writhin\u2019 Cherry still. She lets out little moans as her body continues to shake. I step up to the bed knowin\u2019 this ain\u2019t goin\u2019 end good. I can hear her little teeth clackin\u2019 together inside her mouth as her seizure continues. I watch, not knowin\u2019 how to help, as tears fall off Leo\u2019s cheeks an\u2019 splash down onto Cherry\u2019s pale face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her seizure keeps goin\u2019 for what feels like an hour, but I glance at the clock on the wall an\u2019 see it ain\u2019t even been two minutes. Suddenly her whole body relaxes into the bed an\u2019 all three of us release the air we\u2019ve been holdin\u2019 in. Reachin\u2019 up, Pa wipes his cheeks dry. Seein\u2019 the tears that he\u2019d let trickle freely down his cheeks makes me notice my own. Usin\u2019 my sleeve, I dry \u2018em off as Leo sinks onto the edge of the bed. Her shoulders begin to shake with silent tears.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Walkin\u2019 around the edge of the bed, I lay my big hands on her shakin\u2019 shoulders. Slowly, she lifts her head up from where she had it cradled in her hands. Her face is red an\u2019 puffy from all her cryin\u2019. Tears stream down her cheeks as she tries to choke back her sobs. I slowly pull her to her feet an\u2019 she steps into my arms, layin\u2019 her head on my chest. As I rub my hand up an\u2019 down her back, she lets loose. Her whole body shakes from the force of her sobs. I let her cry herself out, tryin\u2019 to give her as much comfort as I can.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa runs his big hand over Cherry\u2019s forehead. She looks so little layin\u2019 there in that big bed, her face a pale white with pink flushed cheeks. Pa slowly sits down on the edge of the bed beside her an\u2019 takin\u2019 her little hand in his, he bows his head, lips silently movin\u2019. I know he\u2019s prayin\u2019, prayin\u2019 for that miracle that Doc Martin said was the only thing that would save Cherry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All cried out, Leo just lays limp against my chest. Slowly she turns and looks back at Cherry. She shutters, I imagine thinkin\u2019 \u2018bout what just happened. Steppin\u2019 away from me, she looks up at me and mouths, \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, thank you for helping me.\u201d She gives Pa a look of gratitude as she runs her hand over Cherry\u2019s forehead. Her face screws up into a worried look again. \u201cShe\u2019s burning up!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I noticed she was hot.\u201d Pa stands up an\u2019 moves towards the door. \u201cI\u2019ll get some cold water and a cloth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As he walks outta the room, Leo sits back down on the bed beside Cherry. Steppin\u2019 away from the bed, I walk across the room an\u2019 stand in front of the wall by the door. Pa comes back in the room, carryin\u2019 a bowl of water an\u2019 a cloth. He glances at me as he passes an\u2019 gives me a small smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, Leo.\u201d She takes it from him, immediately wettin\u2019 the cloth. After squeezin\u2019 it out she wipes Cherry\u2019s forehead. Cherry doesn\u2019t move a muscle, she just lays there limp an\u2019 quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seein\u2019 the little gal like that on the brink of crossin\u2019 over causes somethin\u2019 to crack inside me. Feelin\u2019 my eyes fill with tears again, I back up until my backside bumps into the wall. Watchin\u2019 Leo an\u2019 Pa workin\u2019 to keep her on this side makes me feel small for the first time in my life. I\u2019ve always known that life is precious and short, but watchin\u2019 this gal fight for her life makes it become even clearer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I feel a sob well up in me as I watch Pa an\u2019 Leo tryin\u2019 to lower Cherry\u2019s high temperature. Feelin\u2019 it slowly make it\u2019s way up, I quickly clear my throat tryin\u2019 to make it disappear. Pa looks over his shoulder at me, his brow wrinkles up then smoothes as he slowly smiles. \u201cEverything\u2019s going to be alright. Hoss, why don\u2019t you go back to bed. We don\u2019t need your help right now and someone needs to get some sleep tonight.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa.\u201d My voice sounds creaky but he just nods at me so I turn to leave the room. As I walk up the stairs, my heart feels heavy in my chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Floppin\u2019 down on my bed, I listen to it creak under my weight. Pa\u2019s words echo in my head, \u201cEverything\u2019s going to be alright.\u201d But I ain\u2019t so sure everythin\u2019 is gonna be alright this time. Layin\u2019 on my back, I close my eyes as tears trail down my cheeks an\u2019 onto my pillow. Silently I pray for Cherry, for Leo, an\u2019 for all of us. With my endin\u2019 amen, I let myself go an\u2019 sob. Still sobbin\u2019, I drift off into a dreamless sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

I wake up the next mornin\u2019 to the sound of patterin\u2019 feet goin\u2019 down the hallway. The sound brings back memories of when Little Joe was still a youngster. Shakin\u2019 my head, I thumb the sleep outta my eyes. I swing my legs off the bed an\u2019 look up as my door squeaks open. A little blond haired head pops into the room. Blue eyes squint and then go wide as they look at me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you look awful!\u201d He exclaims, his voice somehow soundin\u2019 a strange mixture of surprise and seriousness. His brows scrunch up as he slips all the way into the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t help but laugh at the little worried look he\u2019s givin\u2019 me. Standin\u2019 up, I lay my hand on his head for a second as I walk passed him to get a look at myself in the mirror. I see that he ain\u2019t wrong cuz I look like I haven\u2019t slept in a week an\u2019 my eyes are still a bit red from all those tears I cried last night. I know some folks think it\u2019s weak for a man to cry but I don\u2019t think so. A man has every right to shed tears, too. I\u2019ve seen my Pa cry a time or two an\u2019 he\u2019s no less a man to me cuz of them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, little buddy, it seems you\u2019re right!\u201d I ruffle up his hair with a smile before reachin\u2019 for the pitcher of water on my nightstand. Pourin\u2019 some into the bowl, I look down to see those two little blue eyes watchin\u2019 me. \u201cHow about you stand out in the hall while I get dressed an\u2019 then we\u2019ll go see what ole Hop Sing\u2019s fixin\u2019 for breakfast.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Hoss.\u201d He hurries over to the still open door. Pullin\u2019 it closed behind him, he sticks his head back in. \u201cYou\u2019ll hurry? I\u2019m half starved.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll hurry!\u201d I shoot him a wink as he closes the door with a grin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I quickly wash the sleep off my face an\u2019 throw on my clothes for the day. Pausin\u2019 for a moment, I can\u2019t help but wonder what today will bring for Cherry. Somethin\u2019 deep in my belly tell me that after what happened last night, it ain\u2019t gonna be good. I quickly shake my head, decidin\u2019 to act cheerful an\u2019 happy no matter what for Jeff\u2019s sake. As I reach for the doorknob, I hear a foot tappin\u2019 on the floor out in the hall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, I go too slow?\u201d His head turns and he looks at me, his face all puckered up in a fake serious look. It makes me laugh which causes a grin to slowly spread across his face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you took so long gettin\u2019 ready I thought I was gonna shrivel up like a raisin!\u201d Shakin\u2019 his head at me, he puts his hands on his hips. Still laughin\u2019, I put my hand on the back of his head an\u2019 lead him towards the stairs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We walk down the stairs, together both of us still chucklin\u2019 a little, an\u2019 see Pa get up outta his chair. As he hurries over to the staircase, I try an\u2019 read his expression but all I see is a tired an\u2019 worried look.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe quiet you two.\u201d He says in a loud whisper. \u201cMiss Leo is asleep and I don\u2019t want her to wake up. She\u2019s just fallen asleep after not having any all night.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. I\u2019ll be quieter than a mouse!\u201d Jeff whispers back with a serious nod an\u2019 even seriouser look.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour breakfast is on the table, son. Go eat it while it\u2019s still hot.\u201d Pa pats Jeff\u2019s head as he passes him, goin\u2019 as fast as he quietly can.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d He looks at me, his eyes soulful. He knows what I\u2019m askin\u2019 without me even sayin\u2019 anymore. Lookin\u2019 behind him to make sure Jeff\u2019s at the table busy with his breakfast, he turns back to me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she\u2019s still with us.\u201d He says slowly shakin\u2019 his head. \u201cShe\u2019s still burning up with fever and it doesn\u2019t seem to want to break.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny more seizures?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thankfully not.\u201d He puts his hand on my shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019s up to the Lord now whether or not she lives.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d I nod.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We slowly walk across the room to the table. Sittin\u2019 down, we silently eat our breakfast with a little boy who very soon might become an only child.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Just as I\u2019m puttin\u2019 my last bite of hominy grits in my mouth, someone knocks on the front door. Pa an\u2019 I look at each other for a second before he quickly wipes his mouth, layin\u2019 his napkin on the table. \u201cI\u2019ll get it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Pa walks to the front door I hear the bedroom door squeak open. Both Jeff an\u2019 I look up to see a very tired an\u2019 pale Leo standin\u2019 in the doorway. She walks towards the table an\u2019 sits down in an empty chair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019, Ma.\u201d Jeff smiles but I can see the worry in his eyes as he looks at his worn out ma.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Jeff.\u201d She pours herself a cup of coffee as Pa comes around the corner with Doc Martin. Takin\u2019 barely a sip, she puts her cup back down an\u2019 jumps up. \u201cOh, doctor, I\u2019m so glad you\u2019re here! I\u2019m afraid she\u2019s taken a turn for the worse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All three hurry into the bedroom. Pa gives me a look mixed with worry an\u2019 concern before closin\u2019 the door behind him. Jeff sighs heavily beside me, \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Jeff.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs Cherry gonna die?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d I put my hand on his shoulder. \u201cOnly God knows an\u2019 it\u2019s all up to Him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d He quickly lowers his eyes as they fill with tears so I give his shoulder a light squeeze.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing walks in to clear the table. He starts to pick up the dirty plates but then he notices Jeff\u2019s tears an\u2019 my worried look. \u201cMister Jeff?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Hop Sing.\u201d His head pops up fast like an\u2019 he wipes his cheeks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou help Hop Sing make pie?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Hop Sing, can I?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Grinnin\u2019 Jeff jumps outta his chair an\u2019 gives Hop Sing a big hug. Hop Sing awkwardly pats him on the back, clearly uncomfortable. I can\u2019t help myself, I let out a chuckle. Hop Sing throws me a dirty look before leadin\u2019 Jeff into the kitchen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gettin\u2019 up from the table, I walk over to the livin\u2019 room. I almost sit down in Pa\u2019s chair but then decide I better not sit down. I need to do somethin\u2019 with my hands or I\u2019m gonna go crazy waitin\u2019 on that door to open. So I go over to the fireplace an\u2019 grab the poker stick to stir the dead embers around a bit. I\u2019m makin\u2019 my fifth round with the poker in the embers when I hear a horse gallop up outside. I figure it\u2019s either Adam or Joe come to see how Cherry\u2019s fairin\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The front door opens a moment later an\u2019 Adam walks in. Layin\u2019 his hat on the table, he walks towards me. I see him lookin\u2019 around to see if anyone else is in the room before he nods at me an\u2019 leans against the back of the red chair. \u201cMornin\u2019, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019.\u201d I lay the poker down an\u2019 turn around to walk over an\u2019 sit in the blue chair across from him. \u201cHow\u2019s Misty?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s alright.\u201d He sits down after glancin\u2019 back at that closed door. \u201cHow long has Doc Martin been here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Bout ten minutes or so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid she make it through the night?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Leanin\u2019 up, I rest my elbows on my knees. \u201cBut last night was rough. Pa an\u2019 I woke up at about two in the mornin\u2019 to Leo hollerin\u2019 for us. Cherry was havin\u2019 a bad seizure an\u2019 she\u2019s had a fever ever since then.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a feeling that this isn\u2019t going to turn out very good.\u201d Adam sighs an\u2019 then as if suddenly rememberin\u2019 somethin\u2019, he sits up an\u2019 looks around. \u201cWhere\u2019s Jeff?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing\u2019s got him in the kitchen helpin\u2019 make a pie.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood, he doesn\u2019t need to go through all of this with us. Misty and I were talking about it last night and we thought that maybe we should keep him out at our place for a few days. That is, at least, until we know what the outcome is going to be. But if Leo wants him here, that\u2019s understandable as well. Even though he\u2019s young he still deserves to know what\u2019s going on, but he just doesn\u2019t need to start worrying or worse, blame himself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think Misty\u2019s up to it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe said she is. She hasn\u2019t been that sick, well at least not like Hannah was at the beginning.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearin\u2019 another horse gallop outside, I figure it\u2019s probably Joe this time. An\u2019 sure enough it is cuz he comes through the door and hurries across the room towards us. Just like Adam did, he glances back at that closed door before throwin\u2019 himself onto the sofa. \u201cMornin\u2019. How\u2019s Cherry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill with us but barely. She had a bad seizure last night an\u2019 now has a high fever.\u201d I fill him in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh boy.\u201d He blows out a sigh. \u201cHow\u2019s Leo?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally tired. She\u2019s maybe gotten half an hour of sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow we have to hope she doesn\u2019t wear herself out and get sick.\u201d Adam says as the bedroom door opens. All three of us jump to our feet as Pa, Doc Martin, an\u2019 Leo walk across the room towards us. Leo leans on the back of Adam\u2019s chair, lookin\u2019 past exhaustion. Adam gently takes her arm an\u2019 makes her sit. Given\u2019 him a very small smile, she sinks back into the chair with a sigh.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how is she?\u201d Joe asks, his arms crossed over his chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike I was telling your father and Mrs. Tirk, at this point I would be extremely shocked if she does make it.\u201d He lets outta deep sigh as Leo begins to gently sob. Steppin\u2019 over to her, I lay my hand on her shoulder. She reaches up an\u2019 gently pats my hand in thanks. \u201cInstead of improvement from how she was yesterday, I see the opposite. But then, of course, only time can tell with these things.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo there\u2019s nothing you can do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately not. I\u2019m sure she\u2019s in pain but since it\u2019s a brain injury, I can\u2019t give her anything for it.\u201d His head bobs down towards his chest as he sighs yet again. \u201cNow it\u2019s just a waiting game.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 10\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sittin\u2019 next to Leo, I try an\u2019 get her to eat her lunch. She\u2019s so tired she can barely eat but she hasn\u2019t ate since lunch yesterday. That on top of being extremely tired ain\u2019t a good combination. Even though she\u2019s tryin\u2019 to hide it from me, I can see her hands tremblin\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She\u2019s been workin\u2019 really hard to get Cherry\u2019s fever down ever since Doc Martin left this mornin\u2019. Pa, Hop Sing, an\u2019 me have been helpin\u2019 her all we can by fetchin\u2019 all the cold water an\u2019 clean cloths a body could want. We hoped that she would rest an\u2019 let one of us take over for a few hours but she\u2019s one stubborn woman an\u2019 won\u2019t let any of us do anythin\u2019 but bring her what she needs. But at least we don\u2019t have Jeff to trip over an\u2019 worry \u2018bout since Leo let Adam take him home with him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeo, please, at least, just try an\u2019 eat some of the roast beef.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss, but I\u2019m just not hungry.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t eat for yourself, but for your two little \u2018uns. You have to have strength to comfort them.\u201d Reachin\u2019 over, I lay my big ole hand on top of her little tremblin\u2019 one. She looks up at me, her big blue eyes sad an\u2019 soulful. \u201cPlease, Leo.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She puts a forkful of the beef in her mouth as Pa comes out of the bedroom, bowl of water in hand. Seein\u2019 that door open makes her get antsy. Glancin\u2019 at me first she looks down at her plate that\u2019s still full of food. She ignores it an\u2019 she reaches over to pick up her cup of coffee, takin\u2019 a drink an\u2019 settin\u2019 it back down. She stands slowly an\u2019 creeps back into Cheery\u2019s room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So much for gettin\u2019 her to eat. I lean back in my chair with a sigh as I cross my arms over my chest. Comin\u2019 back through with a new bowl of water, Pa looks at her full plate of food. He shakes his head as he looks at me an\u2019 I shrug in defeat. But I can tell he understands by the look on his face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Followin\u2019 him into the bedroom, I look past him at the bed. The sight saddens me. A very pale an\u2019 hollow eyed Leo leans over her still an\u2019 quiet, feverish child. She continues to dab that cool cloth on Cherry\u2019s pale yet rosy red cheeks an\u2019 forehead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa sits down the bowl of water an\u2019 watches Leo with a worried look. Wonderin\u2019 why he looks so concerned, I take look closer at her. That\u2019s when I see it. She\u2019s quiverin\u2019 like a leaf in the wind. She starts to sway an\u2019 quickly tries to hide it from us by leanin\u2019 on to the bed. But it does the opposite cuz it only makes Pa an\u2019 me notice it more. I go over to her as she begins to sway again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeo, just sit an\u2019 rest a bit.\u201d Grabbin\u2019 her shoulders, I gently push her down onto the edge of the bed. \u201cWe can\u2019t have you goin\u2019 an\u2019 gettin\u2019 sick on us, now can we?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we can\u2019t.\u201d Givin\u2019 me a small smile full of hopelessness, she lays her head in her hands. \u201cI just feel so helpless! I just can\u2019t sit here and watch her fade away like this, but I don\u2019t know what else to do.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeo, listen to me.\u201d I squat down in front of her so we\u2019re eye to eye. \u201cYou just have to have faith is all. Remember faith can move mountains. If we all believe she\u2019s goin\u2019 get well an\u2019 work real hard like to try an\u2019 make it happen then she has a better chance. But if we wear ourselves out with just plain ole worrin\u2019, we won\u2019t have the energy to help her like we should.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Hoss. I\u2019ll try to stop worrying.\u201d Straightenin’ her shoulders, she lets outta deep sigh. \u201cI know the only thing that can save her is pure grit, faith, and a miracle if God\u2019ll grant it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that\u2019s the attitude.\u201d Pa walks around the side of the bed to us. \u201cWe all know that this isn\u2019t going to be easy, but that\u2019s why we\u2019re all going to be here for you every second of the way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you so much, Ben.\u201d She pats the hand he has restin\u2019 on her shoulder. \u201cI know you will but I need to get back to work now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, young lady, what you need right now is a nice hot cup of coffee.\u201d He walks outta the room to go get it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you and your family are very insistent people.\u201d She lets out a small laugh.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat we are, ma\u2019am, that we are.\u201d I smile at her an\u2019 the smile she gives back is one of the beautifulest I\u2019ve ever seen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, here you go, Leo.\u201d Pa hands her the cup of coffee. \u201cIt\u2019s hot and fresh. Hop Sing just made it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 11<\/span><\/p>\n

Walkin\u2019 down the stairs the next mornin\u2019, I can\u2019t help but wonder again what today\u2019s gonna bring. Yesterday was pretty uneventful with us just tryin\u2019 to get Cherry\u2019s fever down an\u2019 then tryin\u2019 to get her stubborn mama to eat. That dadburn woman just wouldn\u2019t eat! Everytime we tried she would insist that she was fine an\u2019 wasn\u2019t hungry, but she ain\u2019t had anythin\u2019 but coffee since the day Cherry fell an\u2019 that was two days ago.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pullin\u2019 out my chair from the table, I hear a strange noise come from out of the bedroom. I open the door to see a very pale Leo tryin\u2019 to make her way to the door. She\u2019s usin\u2019 the footboard to hold herself up as she tries to get to me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeo!\u201d Hurrin\u2019 across the room, I grab her so she don\u2019t fall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Hoss.\u201d She sobs out as her whole body goes limp in a faint. I catch her an\u2019 carry her out to the livin\u2019 room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d I yell, layin\u2019 her on the sofa. \u201cPa! Come quick!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Runnin\u2019 outta the kitchen, he sees me over by the sofa an\u2019 hurries over. His face falls when he sees Leo layin\u2019 pale an\u2019 small on the sofa. \u201cI had a bad feeling this would happen. You better go into town and get Doc Martin.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa.\u201d Grabbin\u2019 my hat an\u2019 gun belt, I run out the door. Pretty much throwin\u2019 Chub\u2019s saddle on, I skeddle to town. Seein\u2019 an\u2019 feelin\u2019 Leo faint dead away like that in my arms scared me more than I care to let on. It scared me nearly as much as Cherry\u2019s seizure did.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been tryin\u2019 and tryin\u2019 the past few days to fight a certain feelin\u2019 that\u2019s been swellin\u2019 up inside of me. I know it ain\u2019t the time to let myself catch that type of feelin\u2019 with everythin\u2019 goin\u2019 on, but I\u2019ve not been able to fight an\u2019 keep \u2018em away, especially after Leo fainted like that. I love that purty gal an\u2019 both of her little \u2018uns. I know I\u2019ve only known them for a few days but I feel like when a person goes through somethin\u2019 like this, it can\u2019t help but bring out their true colors. Plus I can\u2019t help but recall the words Pa told Joe an\u2019 Hannah when they wanted to get hitched after only knowin\u2019 each other for a little over a day. He\u2019d said, \u201cSometimes you don\u2019t have to know a person that long to know they\u2019re that special someone in your life who you find yourself not being able to live without.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I never realized that three days ago I had found that person who I can\u2019t imagine livin\u2019 without. Leo\u2019s just special somehow. She\u2019s real pretty, but stubborn an\u2019 somehow meek at the same time. Of course her young \u2018uns helped out, too. That spunky little gal an\u2019 towheaded boy that both look like miniature versions of their mama have gotten ahold of my heartstrings an\u2019 they ain\u2019t lettin\u2019 go. I\u2019ve loved an\u2019 lost gals in the past, whether it be to another man or to the Maker, but I know for a fact I\u2019m not gonna let this one get away without a fight!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Bout fifteen minutes or so later I jump down from Chub in front of Doc Martin\u2019s. Walkin\u2019 in, I see him through the window separatin\u2019 his office from the sittin\u2019 area. He\u2019s busy sortin\u2019 his medicines but he hears me an\u2019 he turns in my direction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Hoss, is something wrong?\u201d He hurries towards me. \u201cHas Cherry taken an even bigger turn for the worse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Doc, it\u2019s Leo, she fainted an\u2019 is doin\u2019 poorly.\u201d Takin\u2019 off my hat, I fiddle with it in my hands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s probably from not having eaten and then the stress and shock of Cherry\u2019s condition.\u201d He grabs his bag and follows me outside. \u201cHave you gotten her to eat anything since I was out there last night?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir. The only thing she\u2019s had is a few cups of coffee. She makes the most dadburn excuses an\u2019 then if they ain\u2019t workin\u2019, she waits until something distracts us an\u2019 then sneaks back into Cherry\u2019s room.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe girl\u2019s stubborn, that\u2019s for sure!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 12<\/span><\/p>\n

Back at the house, Doc Martin inspects a still unconscious Leo. He looks worried but he ain\u2019t said anythin\u2019 yet. He just keeps listenin\u2019 to her heart an\u2019 lookin\u2019 at his watch. Sittin\u2019 down on the coffee table, he let\u2019s outta a deep sigh.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Doctor?\u201d Pa asks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019m afraid we\u2019ve got two sick patients on our hands now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with her, Doc?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Hoss, from what I can figure is that she\u2019s just worn herself out. Everything that\u2019s happened the past few days has put her through a lot of stress and worry, which has just now caught up to her. For the past few days she\u2019s been running on straight adrenaline. That and the fact that she hasn\u2019t eaten anything in over two days has caused her to collapse. Her heart is beating very fast and she has a slight fever, it\u2019s just the way her body is reacting.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we need to do?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTry and get the fever to break and then when she wakes up, get some good hearty food into her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kinda food exactly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThings like broth and soup. Maybe even some milk and of course plenty of water.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell Hop Sing.\u201d Pa goes into the kitchen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019ll also need lots of rest. Rest and food are the most important things right now.\u201d He stands up. \u201cI\u2019ll check on Cherry since I\u2019m already out here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Goin\u2019 into the bedroom together, he begins to check her. But as he pulls up her eyelids an\u2019 listens to her heart, he stops dead in his tracks. For \u2018bout half a minute or so he just stares at her. Somethin\u2019 must be wrong, but I know she ain\u2019t gone cuz I can see her little chest movin\u2019 up an\u2019 down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI…I can\u2019t believe it!\u201d He stutters out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t believe what?\u201d I ask, worried, as Pa comes into the room behind me an\u2019 lays his hand on my shoulder. We both hold our breath as we wait while he continues to stare at her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMartin?\u201d Pa asks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s…She\u2019s come out of the coma!\u201d He runs his hand through his hair. \u201cI never expected this to happen, it\u2019s a miracle!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, this is wonderful news!\u201d Pa practically shouts. \u201cThis means she\u2019ll live, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not necessarily. There\u2019s a high chance we could still lose her, but this is a step in the right direction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d A weak soundin\u2019 voice calls from out in the livin\u2019 room. Turnin\u2019 around, I hurry outta the room as Pa an\u2019 the Doc follow me. She looks up at me an\u2019 her brows scrunch together in a worried look. \u201cHoss, what\u2019s wrong? Why are you crying?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reachin\u2019 up, I wipe the tears I didn\u2019t even know I was cryin\u2019 off my cheeks. She begins to sit up, but bendin\u2019 down beside the sofa, I push her back down. \u201cLeo, nothin\u2019s wrong. Cherry\u2019s come outta that dadburn coma.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOut of the coma?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Hoss, it\u2019s a miracle!\u201d Throwin\u2019 her arms around my neck, she begins to cry. I wrap my arms around her, pullin\u2019 her close. I rub my hand up an\u2019 down her back as I let her cry as long as she wants. She leans back after a moment an\u2019 wipes her eyes dry with her sleeve. \u201cI have to go see her!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin puts his hand on her shoulder as she swings her legs off the sofa. Lookin\u2019 up at him, her lips start to quiver again. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Doc Martin?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is just what I was afraid of.\u201d Sighin\u2019, he sits down on the sofa beside her after I scoot outta the way. \u201cEven though her coma has broken doesn\u2019t necessarily mean she\u2019ll make it. There\u2019s still a very large chance that she\u2019ll pass away, but this is one step in the right direction. It\u2019s still going to be a waiting game full of hard work. It\u2019s very important to get her fever down, she\u2019s had it for way too long now. Then if we an get it to go away, she\u2019ll have a very long healing process. Her brain has taken a severe blow and I can\u2019t tell how badly it was injured until she wakes up, that is if she does.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Leo\u2019s shoulders fall an\u2019 her head bobs down towards her chest. Lettin\u2019 outta sigh, she wipes her eyes again. She looks over at Doc Martin an\u2019 straightens her shoulders, a determined look in her eyes. \u201cI\u2019m prepared to do lots of hard work and with Ben and Hoss\u2019s help, I just know we can save Cherry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, young lady, you aren\u2019t going to be doing that hard work for a few days.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Leo interrupts. \u201cMy baby needs me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, she needs you, but right now what she needs you to do the most is rest. You have a slight fever yourself and are very weak. Not eating and the stress this accident has caused for you has made you collapse. I\u2019m going to have to order you to stay in bed for the next few days so you can regain your strength. While you\u2019re resting, Ben and Hoss along with Hop Sing will take very good care of Cherry.\u201d Even though she tries to interrupt again, he continues. \u201cHop Sing is making you some food right now and I want you to eat everything he gives you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Doc Martin, I can\u2019t just lay around and do nothing but eat!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you can and not only can you, you will. I\u2019ll make sure you do. We have enough on our hands right now with only one patient, we don\u2019t need two.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine, I\u2019ll rest.\u201d The sigh she lets out sounds like it came from the very bottom of her belly. \u201cBut if I have to lay around, I\u2019ll do my laying around on this sofa. I want to be right here so I can hear Cherry if she needs me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine by me. I don\u2019t care where you lay around, just as long as you do it.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 13<\/span><\/p>\n

Four hours later I sit in Pa\u2019s chair by the sofa an\u2019 watch Leo sleep. We\u2019ve gotten her to eat two hearty meals since Doc Martin left, once at lunch an\u2019 then again at supper which was \u2018bout half an hour ago. Either Doc\u2019s words hit home or she just feels really bad cuz she hasn\u2019t put up a fight \u2018bout lyin\u2019 around an\u2019 restin\u2019. I figured she\u2019d at least try an\u2019 get up a few times or somethin\u2019 but she hasn\u2019t.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve known she was a beauty since that first time I saw her, but she looks purtier somehow as she sleeps. Her hair\u2019s kinda messy an\u2019 all around her face but it looks more like a blonde halo or somethin\u2019 instead of just a mess. Then with her long lashes layin\u2019 on her pink cheeks an\u2019 her lips parted in sleep slightly, she\u2019s enough to tempt any man. Her husband sure was a lucky man to have had this little filly for as long as he did.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Walkin\u2019 outta the bedroom, Pa comes over to me. He lays his hand on my shoulder with a sigh. We both just quietly watch her sleep for a few minutes. Steppin\u2019 around me, Pa sits down on the fireplace where he looks at me then at Leo and back at me again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou love her, don\u2019t you?\u201d He finally asks. The question doesn\u2019t surprise me, Pa can read all three of us boys like one of his books. Somehow it seems like he knows me better than I know myself sometimes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I stand up an\u2019 walk around the chair. Grabbin\u2019 the back of it in my big ole hands, I watch Leo shift in her sleep. I turn to look back at Pa an\u2019 find him watchin\u2019 me as he wait for my answer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan we go outside for a bit?\u201d I ask cuz I don\u2019t want to wake up Leo. Anyhow it would be dadburn awkward talkin\u2019 \u2018bout someone when they\u2019re layin\u2019 right there on the sofa asleep beside you. Plus she might not really be asleep but just pretendin\u2019 or restin\u2019 with her eyes closed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, son, we can go outside if you want.\u201d We walk out onto the front porch. I lean my back against the porch pole while Pa sits in a chair. He continues to watch me for a moment. \u201cYou love her, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYea, Pa, I guess I do.\u201d I sigh an\u2019 it feels like it goes clear to my toes. \u201cI know it sounds so dadburn foolish since I\u2019ve only known her for a few days, but, Pa, I do. I really do love that little gal.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t say I blame you son, she\u2019s a very beautiful young lady.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think I\u2019m foolish then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not at all.\u201d Standin\u2019 up, he puts his hand on my shoulder. I turn towards him an\u2019 watch his eyes as he talks. \u201cShe\u2019s a strong, able girl with a sweet temper, and from what I\u2019ve seen, a big heart. On top of that she\u2019s also got a stubborn streak, which, of course, isn\u2019t bad and can probably make her almost feisty sometimes. She\u2019s everything any man could want, Hoss. And even more important she compliments you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d you mean by that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, the two of you go together. In a way you\u2019re like two peas in a pod.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike she\u2019s my better half?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut the only problem now is whether or not she could love a big, ugly man like me.\u201d I sigh again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll have too hard of a time with that, and Hoss you aren\u2019t ugly.\u201d Scrunchin\u2019 my eyebrows together, I give him a look. \u201cHoss, it isn\u2019t about how a man looks on the outside but how he looks on the inside. It\u2019s about whether or not they have a good heart and that, son, is something you have, a great, big generous heart.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess Adam an\u2019 Little Joe are just downright plum lucky!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve both got such dadburn good looks plus some of the biggest hearts I know!\u201d We both have a good laugh together for a moment. After I stop laughin\u2019, I wonder \u2018bout somethin\u2019 he just said. \u201cPa, what\u2019d you mean when you said I wouldn\u2019t have a hard time winnin\u2019 Leo over?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Hoss, I\u2019ve seen the way she looks at you when you\u2019re not looking.\u201d He watches me with a serious yet soft look. \u201cAnd then that night Cherry had that seizure, the way Leo let you hold her. A woman wouldn\u2019t just let a man hold her like that or look at him like she looks at you when she doesn\u2019t at least care for him a little bit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut how can I make her love me if she only cares for me a little bit?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust continue what you\u2019re doing right now and wait and see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 14<\/span><\/p>\n

Sittin\u2019 in the chair next to Cherry\u2019s bed, I let myself doze off for a little, but I wake all the way up when I hear a strange noise. I look around an\u2019 can\u2019t help wonderin\u2019 if I was dreamin\u2019 things up. Dadburn sure I wasn\u2019t hearin\u2019 things, I walk across the room an\u2019 look out into the livin\u2019 room to see if it was Leo I heard. Shakin\u2019 my head, I look around the room again. I coulda swore I hear a soft, sleepy soundin\u2019 voice call my name.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Oss?\u201d I swivel around when I hear the voice again. My eyes widen in disbelief as reality smacks me square in the face. Rushin\u2019 over to the bedside, my knees hit the floor with a crack as I try an\u2019 believe what I\u2019m seein\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherry.\u201d It comes out soundin\u2019 more like a sob than I intended it to as I stroke her little rosy cheek. \u201cCherry, lamb, you\u2019re awake!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy \u2018Oss cry?\u201d Her brows scrunch over glassy blue eyes. \u201c \u2018Erry do sumtin\u2019 \u2018ad?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you ain\u2019t done nothin\u2019 bad.\u201d I push the sticky, damp curls off her forehead. \u201cI\u2019m just happy, is all. You\u2019ve been sleepin\u2019 for a long time cuz you hit your little noggin\u2019 an\u2019 I\u2019m just happy you woke up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Her eyes slowly close but then pop back open again. \u201cMe \u2018ired, \u2018Oss. Me sweep.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, little lamb, go back to sleep now.\u201d As soon as she\u2019s back to sleep, I slowly stand up an\u2019 make my way to the door. Walkin\u2019 across the room, I squat down next to the sofa. I reach out an\u2019 gently shake Leo\u2019s shoulder to wake her up. \u201cLeo, Leo wake up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m awake.\u201d She stirs, her voice a sleepy mumble. She rubs her eyes for a second before lookin\u2019 at me. \u201cHoss, what\u2019s the matter? Is something wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothin\u2019s wrong, it\u2019s somethin\u2019 wonderful!\u201d Swingin\u2019 her legs off the sofa, I help her stand up. I put my arms around her shoulders to steady her as we walk towards Cherry\u2019s room. \u201cCherry was awake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAwake!\u201d Grabbin\u2019 the front of my shirt, she pulls me down to her eye level. \u201cHoss, so help me, if you’re fooling around with me, I\u2019ll send you to your Maker right now!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDadburn it, Leo! What kinda man do you think I am?\u201d I look down into fiery, blue tear filled eyes. \u201cShe really was awake! I heard someone call my name but I didn\u2019t know it was her until I heard it a second time. I started cryin\u2019 an\u2019 she asked me if she\u2019d done somethin\u2019 bad an\u2019 of course I told her no. I told her I was just happy to see her awake after bein\u2019 asleep for so long. An\u2019 then she went back to sleep.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Hoss!\u201d She lets go of my shirt an\u2019 practically runs to the bed. I watch from the foot of the bed as she strokes Cherry\u2019s forehead an\u2019 kisses her cheek. Turnin\u2019, she looks back at me, tears streamin\u2019 down her cheeks as her shoulders shake with sobs. \u201cHer fever\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Walkin\u2019 over to her, I wrap my arm around her shoulders. She collapses against me an\u2019 sobs out all her fear and worry. I put my hand on the back of her neck an\u2019 press her closer as I lay my cheek on top of her head. Tears roll off my cheeks and wet her hair. We stand like that, sobbin\u2019 in each other’s arms for \u2018bout ten minutes before she turns an\u2019 looks back at Cherry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s truly a miracle.\u201d She looks up at me, her eyes shinin\u2019 an\u2019 red rimmed. \u201cI think she\u2019ll live!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think so, too.\u201d Standin\u2019 side by side, we just look at each other for what feels like an hour but I know it\u2019s really only been a few minutes. I don\u2019t know why, but for some reason all of a sudden she stretches up towards me as I lean down towards her. My hand goes up her back an\u2019 into her hair as our lips meet. After a few moments she pulls away an\u2019 takin\u2019 a few steps to the right, puts a couple of feet between us. She smooths her hair with one hand an\u2019 then cups her cheeks in her hands, takin\u2019 a deep breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ll go back out to the sofa now since she\u2019s asleep.\u201d Walkin\u2019 towards the door, she turns back an\u2019 looks at me. \u201cIf Cherry wakes up again, come get me please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 15<\/span><\/p>\n

In the mornin\u2019, I walk out to the dinin\u2019 room table where I hear Pa an\u2019 Leo eatin\u2019 breakfast. They\u2019re talkin\u2019 together all excited like so I figure Leo\u2019 tellin\u2019 Pa \u2018bout Cherry. Pa looks up as I pull out my chair an\u2019 sit down. \u201cGood morning, Hoss!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019, Pa, Leo.\u201d She nods at me with a smile, actin\u2019 the same as always. \u201cI\u2019m guessin\u2019 Leo told you \u2018bout how Cherry woke up last night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, she did.\u201d He takes a drink of his coffee, a huge, happy grin splittin\u2019 his face in two. \u201cIt\u2019s a miracle! Doc Martin was so sure that she wouldn\u2019t make it, but apparently the Lord had other plans because gave us that miracle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat He did.\u201d I fill my plate an\u2019 start to eat. \u201cWe\u2019re really lucky He decided to give it to us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019re all eatin\u2019 in a happy, contended silence when we all hear a noise. Leo slowly lowers her cup of coffee as Pa quickly wipes his mouth, throwin\u2019 his napkin on the table. Standin\u2019 up, they both rush into Cherry\u2019s room. I throw down my fork an\u2019 follow behind them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMama.\u201d Steppin\u2019 into the doorway, I\u2019m just in time to see Leo scoop up an awake Cherry. \u201cMama, \u2018Erry \u2018irsty. \u2018Ave \u2018ater?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, angel, you can have some water.\u201d She looks back at Pa, who noddin\u2019 walks past me to get a glass. I notice that he swipes at his eyes as he walks by. He\u2019s back in a second with the water. Handin\u2019 it to her, Leo helps Cherry sit up a little an\u2019 holds the glass to her lips. \u201cThere, Cherry, better now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Es mama.\u201d Cherry leans back in her mama\u2019s arms, eyes slowly closin\u2019. But they pop back open again. \u201c \u2018Ere Jeff?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJeff\u2019s staying at Adam and Misty\u2019s house.\u201d Leo strokes her hair. \u201cWould you like to see him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Es, \u2018Erry want Jeff.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle lamb, you\u2019ll get him real soon.\u201d She looks over at me when she hears my voice, a smile on her little face. \u201cI\u2019ll go get him right now.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hoss.\u201d Noddin\u2019 at Leo, I walk outta the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly mountain\u2019 Chub, I gallop off in the direction of Adam\u2019s house. I\u2019m there before I know it an\u2019 Adam\u2019s comin\u2019 outta his front door to see who\u2019s gallopin up. Rushin\u2019 over, he grabs Chub\u2019s reins as I jump down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs something wrong?\u201d His voice sounds worried as he glances behind him at the house, makin\u2019 sure neither Misty or Jeff have come out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, actually the opposite.\u201d Takin\u2019 my reins back from him, I tether Chub. \u201cCherry woke up last night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe what?!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe woke up and her fever\u2019s gone, too. She was awake before I left an\u2019 she wants Jeff. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here, to take him back with me.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course!\u201d We walk towards the house together. \u201cIt\u2019s truly a miracle!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat it is big brother, that it is.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Openin\u2019 the front door, Adam waves for me to go in before him. I take off my hat an\u2019 nod with a smile at Misty. She nods back with a scared look on her face, probably thinkin\u2019 I\u2019m here to tell bad news. Jumpin\u2019 down from his seat at the table, Jeff runs over an\u2019 grabs my legs in a hug. I swing him up so he can look me in the eye.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, why\u2019re you here?\u201d His little blonde brows scrunch up over those big blue eyes of his.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Jeff, I\u2019m here to get you.\u201d Pointin\u2019 at him, I gently push my finger into the front of his shirt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet me?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep. You see, there\u2019s this little gal named Cherry who wants to see her big brother.\u201d Hearin\u2019 a thud, I look up. Misty\u2019s dropped the rollin\u2019 pin she was usin\u2019, a look of shock on her face. \u201cShe asked me to come get him, so here I am.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s awake?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe sure is, Jeff. Well, at least she was when I left. She might be asleep again by now, but I bet she\u2019ll wake up just for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, put me down!\u201d He wiggles as I set him back on the floor. \u201cI need to get my stuff so we can get goin\u2019!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He zooms off into the other room, an\u2019 I hear him openin\u2019 an\u2019 shuttin\u2019 drawers. Walkin\u2019 over to me, Misty still has that same shocked look on her face. Her mouth keeps openin\u2019 an\u2019 closin\u2019 like a fish\u2019s when it ain\u2019t in the water as she tries to say somethin\u2019. She shakes her head in disbelief an\u2019 she is finally successful, \u201cIt\u2019s a miracle!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been hearin\u2019 those words all mornin\u2019 an\u2019 I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll ever get tired of hearin\u2019 \u2018em.\u201d Jeff pops back into the room, gunny sack slung over his shoulder. \u201cReady to go, little buddy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s get goin\u2019 then!\u201d Walkin\u2019 back outside, I lift him up on my saddle. I swing myself up behind him an\u2019 look down at Adam. \u201cWould you take the good news out to Joe an\u2019 Hannah for me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll head out as soon as I\u2019ve finished my chores.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d I turn Chub towards home. With a sudden thought I slow him down an\u2019 call over my shoulder, \u201cOh, and Adam, come over for supper tonight. Tell Little Joe an\u2019 Hannah to come too. We\u2019ve got some celebratin\u2019 to do an\u2019 maybe even some new good news, that is if you an\u2019 Misty are ready.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Hoss.\u201d He waves. \u201cSee you tonight!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Chapter 16<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as I set Jeff on the ground he takes off runnin\u2019 for the front door. He throws it open an\u2019 continues to run until he\u2019s in his ma\u2019s arms. I watch from the doorway as she scoops him up, spinnin\u2019 around a few times the both of \u2018em laugin\u2019 an\u2019 cryin\u2019. She sets him back down an\u2019 hurries him into Cherry\u2019s room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa slips outta the room to give them privacy as I hang up my hat an\u2019 unstrap my gunbelt. Sighin\u2019 happily, he walks over to me, pattin\u2019 me on the back. \u201cI know it\u2019s still early in the day but I feel like celebrating. Would you care to have a brandy with me?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa.\u201d We walk over to his study where he pours us each a small glass. He hands me one of them an\u2019 I take a sip of it before I say, \u201cPa, I invited Adam an\u2019 Misty over for supper tonight. An\u2019 I told him to invite Joe an\u2019 Hannah as well when he goes over there to tell \u2018em \u2018bout Cherry later. I hope that\u2019s alright with you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it is!\u201d Pa sits down his empty glass. \u201cHop Sing needs to be informed so he can make enough food for that many people.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Walkin\u2019 across the room towards the kitchen, I stop an\u2019 peek in Cherry\u2019s room as Pa continues on to Hop Sing\u2019s territory. Jeff\u2019s sittin\u2019 on the bed next to Leo, his head leanin\u2019 on her chest with her arm wrapped his shoulders. Since I can\u2019t see Cherry, I lean into the room a little, peerin\u2019 around the two on the bed. Little Cherry\u2019s asleep again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I hate to interrupt the tender moment but I need to talk to Leo while I have the chance to. Knockin\u2019 on the doorframe, I watch as Leo\u2019s head slowly turns in my direction. Seein\u2019 who it is, she gives me a small smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeo, can I talk to you for a moment?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Hoss. What do you want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I was hopin\u2019 we could talk private like.\u201d Her shoulders stiffen a little bit as she scoots Jeff off the bed an\u2019 stands up. \u201cI was also hopin\u2019 that you\u2019d go on a little walk with me.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, of course I will.\u201d Her voice sounds reluctant but givin\u2019 Jeff a pat on the back of his pants she shoos him outta the room, \u201cJeff, why don\u2019t you go unpack your things and put them away in your room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Ma.\u201d He flys outta the room an\u2019 up the stairs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Leo quietly follows me outside an\u2019 we walk over to the table on the porch, where I pull out a chair for her. Sittin\u2019 down myself, I watch as she tries to look anywhere but at me. I have a feelin\u2019 this ain\u2019t gonna be easy like I thought it would be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you at least look at me?\u201d Her eyes slowly move back to my face from where they were lookin\u2019 over at the corral by the barn. \u201cThat\u2019s better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was it you wanted to talk to me about?\u201d Her eyes travel down to her hands which are fiddlin\u2019 with a handkerchief that she\u2019d pulled outta her sleeve.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLast night.\u201d She stiffens as her hands stop movin\u2019 for a second. \u201cI hope I didn\u2019t offend you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no you didn\u2019t.\u201d Her words sound stilted an\u2019 almost rough. Watchin\u2019 her, I see tears begin to roll down her cheeks. A guilty, sinkin\u2019 feelin\u2019 fills my belly. As I reach out, I lay my hand on top of hers an\u2019 feel her stiffen even more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeo, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I just can\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t do what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLove again.\u201d She pulls her hand out from under mine. She looks me in the face an\u2019 I can tell that whatever she says next ain\u2019t gonna sit too well. But then at the same time, there\u2019s somethin\u2019 in her face that makes me think that what she\u2019s \u2018bout to say is just a bluff an\u2019 that she actually feels the opposite. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss, but I don\u2019t love you and that kiss last night should\u2019ve never happened. I\u2019m very thankful for all you and your family have done for me, but I only care for you like a friend.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Watchin\u2019 her run back into the house, I know that I\u2019ve never loved a woman like I love her. I also know that despite what she just said, she does love me. I could see it in her eyes just now an\u2019 I felt it in her kiss last night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 17<\/span><\/p>\n

Still sittin\u2019 on the porch, I hear the front door open an\u2019 by the sound of a person’s footfall, it must be Pa. Feelin\u2019 a hand firmly squeeze my shoulder, I know I guessed right. He lets outta a sigh as he pulls out the chair across from me an\u2019 sits down. I glance up an\u2019 find him watchin\u2019 me with a thoughtful look on his face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt didn\u2019t go like you thought it would, did it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d you mean, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pretty sure I know why you asked Leo out here and why she ran back in the house and up to her room crying.\u201d Leanin\u2019 his chair back, he crosses his arms over his chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe ran up to her room cryin\u2019?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u201d He for some reason has a satisfied look on his face, a look that makes me feel angry an\u2019 uncomfortable. \u201cYou told her you loved her, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, dadburn it, I didn\u2019t!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCuz she ain\u2019t in love with me.\u201d I stand up an\u2019 begin to pace in front of Pa\u2019s study window. \u201cShe told me that right here in this very spot not ten minutes ago. She told me she can\u2019t love again an\u2019 that she only cares for me like a friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you don\u2019t believe that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa, I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you so sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, last night after Cherry fell back asleep we were both so happy that we were both cryin\u2019 an\u2019 I guess I let my happiness somehow take control of me cuz I\u2026\u201d I quickly sit back down, my face flamin\u2019 in embarrassment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou kissed her.\u201d He says it so matter of factly that all I can do is nod. \u201cAnd because of that kiss and probably something you heard in her voice or saw in her face just now makes you think that what she feels for you is more than friendship.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d I sigh. \u201cBut I don\u2019t know how to make her admit those feelin\u2019s or let her see that she can love again.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s quite simple.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s something that means more than the world to her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHer two little \u2018uns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut how are Cherry an\u2019 Jeff a part of this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou show her that she can love again and not only love again, but love specifically you, by loving her two children.\u201d I nod. \u201cThey say the way to a man\u2019s heart is through his stomach, well the way to Leo\u2019s heart is through her children. And you know what, you can start loving those two even more right now. Hop Sing needs a bunch of fresh trout for supper tonight and you\u2019re the man to catch them all. Why don\u2019t you take Jeff along? Fishing always seemed like a good bonding experience, well at least it was for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Pa.\u201d We both stand up. \u201cI sure hope you\u2019re right \u2018bout this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, just watch and you\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 18<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Hoss, look I\u2019ve gotta bite!\u201d Jeff yanks his pole back, tryin\u2019 to pull the fish to land.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure do, little buddy!\u201d Layin\u2019 down my pole, I watch as he struggles to pull it in. \u201cThat little fish is sure givin\u2019 you a hard time, let me help you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

We pull the fish in together an\u2019 It lays floppin\u2019 on the ground for a minute or so before I put it on the stringer with the others. We\u2019ve already been out here for an hour but we still need quite a few more fish to feed everyone tonight at supper. \u201cWell, Jeff, you better bait your hook again, we\u2019re gonna need \u2018bout six or seven more of \u2018em.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat many?\u201d He pulls a worm outta the pail an\u2019 sticks it to his hook. He\u2019s a purty good fisherman for only a five year old boy. He casts his line back out an\u2019 it lands with a plop on the lake as he turns back to me. \u201cHow many do we have already?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFive.\u201d I pick my pole back up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do we need so many for, anyhow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCuz both of my brothers are comin\u2019 for supper tonight an\u2019 Hop Sing needs a lot so that we all have enough to eat.\u201d My pole tugs forward so I quickly yank it towards me. The fish flies outta the water an\u2019 lands at my feet. \u201cNow we\u2019ve got six!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeff falls back into a fit of giggles. He rolls around for a second, laughin\u2019 so hard he\u2019s barely breathin\u2019. It reminds me of the giggle fits Little Joe used to have when he was a little feller. \u201cDid…did you see it, Hoss? The fish flied!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, it sure did!\u201d I laugh along with him as I bait my hook before throwin\u2019 it back in. His giggles slow down so I look over to see what he\u2019s doin\u2019. He\u2019s just sittin\u2019 there with his pole in his hands, a sad look on his face. \u201cHey, little buddy, why the sad face?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I was just thinkin\u2019.\u201d He shrugs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThinkin\u2019 \u2018bout what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA lil bit of everythin\u2019, I guess.\u201d He lets outta deep sigh as he stares out at the lake. \u201cMostly \u2018bout Cherry, an\u2019 Ma…an\u2019 you, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you be worrin\u2019 your little self \u2018bout Cherry. Remember what Doc Martin said before we left, he told all of us that Cherry should be fine now.\u201d Smilin\u2019 at him, he gives me a small smile back. \u201cAs for your Ma an\u2019 me, what\u2019s botherin\u2019 you? There ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 wrong with us.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Why\u2019d you think somethin\u2019 was wrong with us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Ma came runnin\u2019 back in the house cryin\u2019 an\u2019 then you were actin\u2019 all sad too when you came back in. I thought you an\u2019 my ma were friends?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJeff, we are friends. We just had a little mistunderstandin\u2019 is all. All friends have them every once in awhile.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you get it all figured out soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, can I tell you somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope that you an\u2019 ma become more than friends.\u201d He walks over to me an\u2019 wraps his arm around the back of my neck. Reachin\u2019 over, I pull him into my lap. \u201cI hope that you\u2019ll fall in love with my ma an\u2019 marry her so you can be our pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to be your pa, Jeff, but I can\u2019t make your ma love me like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo that means you love her, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I love your ma, but she doesn\u2019t love me.\u201d I never figured on havin\u2019 a conversation like this with him, but then he\u2019s a curious little fella. \u201cThat\u2019s what she told me right before she ran into the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she lied then!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t remember much \u2018bout my pa, but I remember one thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow Ma smiled at him.\u201d He turns to look right at me. \u201cAn\u2019 she smiles at you the same way.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen maybe there\u2019s hope then.\u201d My pole jerks as a fish takes the bait. Jeff jumps outta my lap so I can pull it in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I stop short, lettin\u2019 the fish flop around on the ground in front of me. Reachin\u2019 over, I tossle his hair, tears blurrin\u2019 my eyes. \u201cI love you, too, little buddy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 19<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Oss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Cherry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWant to go out \u2018ere.\u201d She points to the door behind me where everyone is gettin\u2019 settled in the livin\u2019 room. She\u2019s been asleep for most of the evenin\u2019, she even slept through supper. \u201c \u2018ease.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course! Come here, lamb.\u201d Bendin\u2019 down, I gently scoop her up. She lays her head down on my chest with a sigh. Walkin\u2019 out into the livin\u2019 room, Pa sees me an\u2019 jumps outta his chair, wavin\u2019 for me to sit down in it as everyone turns to look at me. Jeff sees his little sister an\u2019 jumps outta Adam\u2019s lap to run over.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherry, you\u2019re up!\u201d He lays his head on her for a moment, tryin\u2019 to give her a hug. \u201cAre you hungry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA wittle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMa, can Cherry eat somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course!\u201d She jumps up off the sofa an\u2019 walks over to us. Leanin\u2019 down to Cherry\u2019s level, she strokes her hair, completely avoidin\u2019 lookin\u2019 at me, as she asks Cherry what she wants to eat. After hearin\u2019 what she wants, Pa calls for Hop Sing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Ben?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, this little girl would like a little dish of those mashed potatoes we had for supper!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI get them right away!\u201d He hurries back into the kitchen an\u2019 is back just as quick with a bowl an\u2019 spoon. \u201cHere, missy Cherry, you eat up. Help you get very strong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I take the bowl after sittin\u2019 Cherry up on my lap. Since she\u2019s still very weak an\u2019 her hands are temblin\u2019, I feed her. I look up after givin\u2019 her a bite an\u2019 find everyone watchin\u2019 me. Both Misty an\u2019 Hannah have tears in their eyes as they watch the little gal we all thought we were gonna lose sittin\u2019 up an\u2019 eatin. She eats a few more bites before pushin\u2019 the bowl away. With a sigh, she lays her head back on my chest as she curls up in my lap. Within moments she\u2019s sound asleep. I feel a hand on my arm so I glance up to find Leo lookin\u2019 down at me. She mouths the words, \u201cthank you\u201d an\u2019 I nod back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want me to take her back to her bed?\u201d She asks, smoothin\u2019 Cherry\u2019s curls again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she\u2019s comfortable here an\u2019 I don\u2019t mind holdin\u2019 her.\u201d With a nod, she walks back to her spot on the sofa. Jeff follows her an\u2019 climbs up into her lap where he snuggles down as she kisses his head.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam clears his throat nervously, which immediately gets everyone\u2019s attention. He stands up an\u2019 he\u2019s real nervous, I can tell cuz he keeps layin\u2019 his hand on his chest, smoothin\u2019 his shirt. It\u2019s the little tick he does when he\u2019s nervous or excited \u2018bout somethin\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMisty and I have something to tell you. We had actually planned on telling you sooner but with everything that\u2019s happened we figured it wasn\u2019t the right time and all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what is it? I\u2019m all ears.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t get mad at me, but I told Hoss and Joe the day of Cherry\u2019s accident. I had planned on telling you that night but I couldn\u2019t with everything going on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo basically everyone here knows what you\u2019re going to say except for me? Is that what you\u2019re trying to tell me?\u201d Pa has an angry look on his face but all of us except Adam can tell he\u2019s just fakin\u2019 it. I guess he\u2019s just too nervous to tell.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well everyone but you and Leo that is. I didn\u2019t intend to keep it from you but\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh for goodness sake, Adam! Can\u2019t you tell that he\u2019s really not mad and that he\u2019s just joshing with you?\u201d Misty interrupts as Joe begins to giggle at the look on Adam\u2019s face. \u201cBen, what Adam is trying to tell you is that we\u2019re expecting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just wonderful!\u201d Pa hurries across the room to give her a kiss on the cheek an\u2019 a gentle hug. Slappin\u2019 Adam on the back, he gives him a hearty handshake. \u201cWhy would I be mad at you? I understand that you couldn\u2019t tell me. This is wonderful news, I\u2019m going to be a grandpa to two babies instead of just one!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

We all sit around talkin\u2019 an\u2019 drinkin\u2019 coffee for a while longer. Jeff nods off to sleep in his mama\u2019s lap after an hour or so. Leo shifts him into a more comfortable position as she turns, glancin\u2019 over her shoulder at the clock. \u201cWell, I guess I better get this little man off to his bed, he\u2019s had a long exciting day. I\u2019ll be back down in a few minutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we better be gettin\u2019 on home, too.\u201d Joe says standin\u2019 up as Leo heads for the stairs with Jeff cradled against her chest. \u201cI think it\u2019s going to be goodnight for Hannah and me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Misty decide to leave too an\u2019 after a chorus of goodbyes, the house is empty. Slowly an\u2019 carefully I stand up. Cherry stirs slightly but doesn\u2019t wake up. Walkin\u2019 across the room, I go into Cherry\u2019s room an\u2019 gently lay her on the bed. I fix the covers over her little body an\u2019 place a kiss on her head before I smooth her wild curls with my big hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Walkin\u2019 back out into the livin\u2019 room, I nearly run Leo over in the doorway. I quickly grab her shoulders so she doesn\u2019t topple over. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Leo, I didn\u2019t see you standin\u2019 there.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s ok, Hoss, it was my fault.\u201d She peeks around me. \u201cIs she still asleep?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSound asleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d She hesitates like she\u2019s got somethin\u2019 else she wants to say. \u201cHoss, will you go for a walk with me? I\u2019d like some fresh air and I wanted to talk to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d We walk around to the front door as Pa starts to go up the stairs to bed. \u201cNight, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood night.\u201d He tells us both.<\/span><\/p>\n

We walk out the door an\u2019 don\u2019t stop until we get to the corral. Leanin\u2019 on the fence, I wait for Leo to start talkin\u2019. I have a feelin\u2019 it\u2019s got somethin\u2019 to do with the talk we had earlier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I was wrong.\u201d She says after \u2018bout five minutes or so.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWrong \u2018bout what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout not being able to love again.\u201d She sighs an\u2019 then turnin\u2019 to me, I see the tears rollin\u2019 down her cheeks. \u201cHoss, I never meant what I said earlier about not loving you because I do! I\u2019ve been thinking about it all day and I was just trying to deny and fight it. To be completely truthful I\u2019ve loved you since that first day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Reachin\u2019 over I pull her close to me an\u2019 she lays her head on my chest with a sigh that sounds more like a sob. \u201cI\u2019ve loved you since that first day, too. I hope this ain\u2019t too soon or sudden, but, Leo, would you marry me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, Hoss! I was hoping harder than I\u2019ve ever hoped before that you\u2019d ask.\u201d She leans back, lookin\u2019 at me with those blue, tear filled eyes. \u201cI feel so blessed to be able to find love not only once but twice!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Leanin\u2019 down, I kiss her an\u2019 her arms come up around my neck for a moment before I pull away. \u201cWhen should we get married?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherry\u2019s birthday.\u201d She says it without hesitation. \u201cHannah and Misty are still planning that party and it seems like the perfect day. We won\u2019t have to plan the whole thing for another day and anyways if it wasn\u2019t for Cherry we would\u2019ve never met.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherry\u2019s birthday then.\u201d I pull her close again an\u2019 kiss her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 20<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, hold still!\u201d Joe says tyin\u2019 my string tie again for the third time. \u201cI can\u2019t get it straight with you moving around like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t help it, Joe, it feels like I\u2019ve got a whole hive of bees swarmin\u2019 around in my belly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThose are actually called butterflies.\u201d Adam laughs from where he sits on the bed behind me. \u201cI had my fair share of them on the morning that Misty and I got married. Joe, what about you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt felt like I had a bushel of them flying around in my stomach!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you two sure did a good job at hidin\u2019 \u2018em.\u201d They both laugh at me. \u201cWhat\u2019s so dadburn funny?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe way you\u2019re carrying on.\u201d Joe steps away an\u2019 admires his work. \u201cI think it\u2019s finally straight, what do you think, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks straight to me.\u201d He slaps me on the back. \u201cDon\u2019t look so nervous, you\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s a quick knock on the door as it opens an\u2019 Jeff falls into the room. Laughin\u2019, Joe scoops him off the floor. Jeff grabs him around the neck in a hug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, are you almost ready?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, little buddy, I\u2019m all ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood, cuz Ma is, too.\u201d He turns an\u2019 looks back at Joe. \u201cLittle Joe, could you please put me down, I want to talk to Hoss.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing.\u201d He sets him down an\u2019 both he an\u2019 Adam slip out the door, shuttin\u2019 it behind \u2018em.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d you want to talk to me \u2018bout?\u201d I pick him up an\u2019 sittin\u2019 on the bed, put him in my lap.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince you\u2019re marryin\u2019 Ma that makes you my pa.\u201d I nod. \u201cCan I call you Pa then?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you can.\u201d I ruffle his hair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood cuz I already talked to Ben an\u2019 he said I could call him Grandpa.\u201d His grin turns into a slight frown like he\u2019s thinkin\u2019. \u201cDo you think Adam an\u2019 Joe\u2019ll let me call \u2018em Uncle an\u2019 Hannah an\u2019 Misty call \u2018em Aunt?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure they will, I bet they\u2019d even want you to!\u201d I put him on the floor when someone knocks on the door. Openin\u2019 it, I find Pa standin\u2019 there. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing\u2019s wrong, it\u2019s time for you to get downstairs.\u201d He grins as he takes Jeff\u2019s hand an\u2019 starts walkin\u2019 down the hall. \u201cYou better hurry or your bride\u2019s going to be waiting.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I follow \u2018em down hall an\u2019 stairs, walkin\u2019 over, I step up next to the preacher. I glance around an\u2019 see the faces of my friends an\u2019 all the people I love. Misty sits next to Adam with Cherry curled up in her lap while Jeff climbs up onto Little Joe\u2019s lap over on the other side of the room. Joe pulls him close as he wraps his arm around Hannah. Leanin\u2019 over, he kisses her on the top of the head an\u2019 she gives him a big, happy smile. Pa hurries back up the stairs to go get Leo. He\u2019s givin\u2019 her away since her own Pa ain\u2019t here to do it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It feels like hours but I know it really ain\u2019t more than two minutes when Pa an\u2019 Leo appear at the top of the stairs. She looks beautiful in her white dress an\u2019 long veil. Before I know it, they\u2019re standin\u2019 in front of me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Handin\u2019 her off to me, Pa goes an\u2019 sits down. After that everythin\u2019 goes by in a blur. Before I know it I hear Leo say, \u201cI do\u201d and then I say it myself. I seem to get lost in her blue eyes but then the preacher\u2019s voice brings me back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou may kiss the bride.\u201d Pullin\u2019 her close, I kiss her soundly. Somewhere in the distance I hear Little Joe whistle an\u2019 then people clappin\u2019 but I can only think \u2018bout the purty gal in my arms an\u2019 the fact that she\u2019s all mine.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Family,\u00a0Hoss Cartwright,\u00a0hurt\/comfort,\u00a0wife \/ wives<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: Hoss rescues a small girl and after finding out her mother’s a widow and that she doesn’t have a penny to her name, he invites them to stay on the Ponderosa until they can get back on their feet. But then disaster strikes the second day of their stay and the Cartwright family is forever changed.<\/p>\n

Rating: T<\/p>\n

Word Count: 18,984<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12407,"featured_media":38826,"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,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[7,23,1006,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38825","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-drama","category-hoss-cartwright","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1006-id","wpcat-41-id"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Picture-for-Leo-for-Bonanza-Brand-.jpg?fit=720%2C486&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38825","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\/12407"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=38825"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38825\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/38826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=38825"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=38825"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=38825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}