{"id":3931,"date":"2004-01-27T02:20:29","date_gmt":"2004-01-27T07:20:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3931"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:19:15","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:19:15","slug":"all-in-a-days-work-a-near-perfect-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3931","title":{"rendered":"All in a Day’s Work: A Near-Perfect Day (by Puchi Ann)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>The first story in a trilogy, \u00a0detailing the events of a single day in the life of the three Cartwright brothers. \u00a0Please read them in order. \u00a0Pa has divvied up the chores according to his “usual fair method,” and Joe is exceedingly happy with his assignment.<\/p>\n

Rated: K \u00a0WC \u00a06300<\/p>\n

All in a Day’s Work Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Near-Perfect Day
\nA Day for Respect
\n<\/a>A Day Beyond Endurance<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All in a Day’s Work: A Near-Perfect Day\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Little Joe Cartwright draped his lean torso along the top rail of the fence he\u2019d just repaired and smiled with satisfaction into the amber light of the setting sun.\u00a0 It was time to leave.\u00a0 Supper would be waiting on him by the time he returned as it was, but he wasn\u2019t yet ready to quit this quiet pastoral scene.\u00a0 A few more minutes wouldn\u2019t matter, surely, wouldn\u2019t give Pa cause for either worry or anger.\u00a0 Maybe he even had time for a final cup of coffee, if the dying coals had kept it warm enough.<\/p>\n

He pushed back from the fence, and as the fading light bathed his sleek and shirtless body in a golden glow, he moved toward the small campfire he\u2019d built at noon and kept on low burn throughout the afternoon.\u00a0 He lifted the coffee pot and poured out what remained.\u00a0 Not quite a cup and not quite hot, but warm enough to ward off the slight chill of the evening breeze caressing his sweat-glazed chest.\u00a0 He carried the coffee back to the fence to savor, for just a little longer, the blush of the sun on the evergreen slopes to the west.<\/p>\n

It had been a near-perfect day, from start to finish.\u00a0 Such days were rare, and he wanted a few more minutes to reflect on just how well this one had gone and savor the satisfaction. . . .<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That morning Joe woke in his own time.\u00a0 No yelling in his ear, no splash of cold water on his face, just a long, lean stretch and a leisurely, languid yawn.\u00a0 Perfect, just the way he liked to wake.\u00a0 He pulled back the covers and swung his feet over the side of the bed, surprised to see, when he opened his eyes, how faint was the light filtering through the billowing curtains.\u00a0 Early, then.\u00a0 Wouldn\u2019t Pa be proud!<\/p>\n

Morning ablutions complete, he descended the stairs with a bounce in his step and zest for life sparkling in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cMorning, Pa, brothers,\u201d he called cheerily as he took his place at the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like someone woke up on the right side of the bed for a change.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss winked at his older brother.<\/p>\n

Adam lowered his coffee cup long enough to say, \u201cI\u2019m just impressed that he\u2019s up . . . and on time for a change.\u201d\u00a0 He brought the cup back to his lips and took a long, lingering sip while keeping his eyes fixed on Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHa, ha,\u201d Joe said dutifully.\u00a0 He stabbed his fork into the pile of flapjacks on the platter and snared two.\u00a0 \u201cLike I said, \u2018Morning, Pa.\u2019\u201d\u00a0 He noticeably omitted the other two men at the table this time.<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cGood morning, Joseph, and I must say I am gratified to see you up early and apparently ready for a day\u2019s work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet, Pa,\u201d Joe assured him.\u00a0 \u201cJust let me get a solid breakfast tucked in\u201d\u2014he patted his tummy\u2014\u201cand I\u2019ll be ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Across the table Hoss grinned broadly.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s the virtue of gettin\u2019 up early, Shortshanks\u2014you do get a full breakfast, instead of your big brothers\u2019 leavin\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben cleared his throat loudly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad to hear you\u2019re ready for a day\u2019s work, Joseph, and that you are touting the virtues of rising early to start your day, too, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 He fixed his eldest with a discerning smile.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I just know that Adam will set his younger brothers a fine example by demonstrating his willingness to put in a good, hard day, for boys\u201d\u2014his gaze took in all three this time\u2014\u201cwe have exactly three little items needing attention today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam slowly wiped his mouth with his napkin and set it to one side.\u00a0 \u201cWhy is it I feel that these \u2018little items\u2019 will be\u2014how shall I put this?\u2014unsavory?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, one of them is, I admit,\u201d Ben acknowledged with a chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cThe other two aren\u2019t too tough, but, boys, someone has got to go up and clear out that blocked stream near Cutler\u2019s Ridge.\u00a0 It\u2019s narrowed down to a trickle, and our cattle in the lower pasture need that water, so . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a job that calls for engineering skill,\u201d Joe observed quickly with a significant glance at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr a strong back,\u201d Adam fired back, aiming his volley at Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr somebody who can slip in and out of tight places slick as a whistle.\u201d\u00a0 With his head Hoss pointed across the table at Little Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben slammed his palm to the table.\u00a0 \u201cEnough!\u201d\u00a0 As the room fell silent, he stared at each son in turn.\u00a0 \u201cBefore you start bickering over that little assignment, perhaps you should at least hear what the others are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flicking a glance at first one brother and then the other, Adam cautiously stroked his chin.\u00a0 \u201cSounds reasonable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned sharply toward Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cReal reasonable,\u201d the big man said, head bobbing, wide smile looking forced.<\/p>\n

Ben slowly swung toward Little Joe, who merely nodded as he nibbled his lower lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cNow that I have your attention, I hope you won\u2019t interrupt until you\u2019ve heard both of the other tasks for the day.\u201d\u00a0 He paused a moment, heard gratifying silence and continued.\u00a0 \u201cAs you yourself pointed out, Adam, the storm last week did considerable damage to the south fence line.\u00a0 Not enough for cattle to stray, but if neglected . . . well, we\u2019re not going to neglect it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each of the boys looked as though he would like to put in a bid for that job, but none dared open his mouth when Ben again fixed them with a stern glare.\u00a0 \u201cFinally,\u201d he said, \u201cthere was also some damage to the barn roof in that storm.\u00a0 By far the easiest of the chores, I realize, and comes with the benefit of being at home for a hot dinner prepared by our esteemed cook.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three Cartwright brothers hazarded a look at each other, and each confirmed exactly what he\u2019d thought.\u00a0 Not one of them wanted that \u201ceasiest\u201d chore of working under Pa\u2019s eagle eye all day.\u00a0 It might be preferable to clearing tangled branches, mucky leaves and other debris out a blocked stream, but if so, the margin was a slim one.<\/p>\n

Little Joe was the first to speak.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa.\u00a0 That barn roof needs to be just right, to protect our stock, and you never know when you might hit a problem that only a real architect could handle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, just a minute!\u201d Adam snapped with an accusatory finger at the chin Joe was jutting at him.\u00a0 \u201cYou are perfectly capable of nailing shingles to a roof, my lazy little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLazy?\u00a0 No, I\u2019m willing to do my share, even take on one of the harder chores.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe spread his hands, palms up, to convey his innocence.\u00a0 \u201cAll I\u2019m sayin\u2019, older brother, is that Pa ought to match these jobs up with the best man for each.\u00a0 Now, anyone can mend a fence, and since I\u2019m the youngest and least experienced\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst time I\u2019ve ever heard you admit that!\u201d\u00a0 Adam arched a scornful eyebrow at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for dadgum sure, you cocky little\u201d\u2014Hoss stopped mid-sentence and sent Little Joe a seemingly benign smile.\u00a0 \u201cYou got a point, though, \u2018bout bein\u2019 the youngest and smallest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say smallest!\u201d\u00a0 Seething, Joe almost came out of his chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right, punkin,\u201d Hoss cooed, patting the air as if it were Little Joe\u2019s curly head and deliberately drawing the old baby name out of storage to complete the picture.\u00a0 \u201cI just wouldn\u2019t feel right lettin\u2019 a little feller like you heft those heavy fence rails.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I wouldn\u2019t feel right about letting either of you take on a job that requires real . . . real . . .\u201d\u00a0 It rarely happened, but Adam suddenly felt at loss for words.\u00a0 Unfortunately, his baby brother had pegged the task of mending fence exactly right: it didn\u2019t require \u201creal\u201d anything; it required no great amount of either skill or strength; it could be done by any one of them.\u00a0 So, for that matter, could either of the other chores Pa had listed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI must say, I am disappointed in the three of you,\u201d Ben said, shaking his head.\u00a0 \u201cI had hoped we might sort this out logically and equitably, but rather than listen to more of this haggling, we\u2019ll decide who does what by the usual fair method.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Little Joe looked at each other, and a slow smile began to curl on each of their faces.\u00a0 Hoss gulped and looked a little worried.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t figured out why yet, but he always seemed to come up the big loser when Pa resorted to his \u201cusual fair method\u201d of deciding things.<\/p>\n

Ben yelled for Hop Sing to bring him the match box., and Hoss hurried to place himself next to the doorway, so he could get first choice of match.\u00a0 While both of them had their attention on the entry to the kitchen, Adam and Joe, exchanging a wink, dabbled their fingers in their water glasses and then hid the evidence by tucking their hands beneath their folded arms.\u00a0 Each young man selected his match with care.\u00a0 It would never do to choose one even fractionally shorter than the next man\u2019s!\u00a0 Adam and Little Joe slid wet fingers up and down their individual matches, liberally dampening the wooden sticks, and reassumed their nonchalant stance while Pa went through his time-honored routine of explaining this reliable means of sorting out unwanted chores.\u00a0 Hoss just listened, miserable, and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, I assume that no one wants to clear the stream,\u201d Ben said, \u201cso the first man to drop his match draws that lovely assignment.\u00a0 For reasons I can\u2019t begin to fathom, repairing the roof appears to be equally unpopular, so the second man out will do that, and the last man standing with match in hand will spend the day mending fence, for some odd reason the popular choice of the day.\u00a0 Fair enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCompletely equitable,\u201d Adam replied with confidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss grunted, a faint ray of hope flickering in his clear blue eyes.\u00a0 As Alexander Pope had said, \u201cHope springs eternal in the human breast,\u201d even in a breast as oft disappointed as that of Hoss Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cFair enough,\u201d Little Joe said, his tone expressing neither confidence nor fear.\u00a0 Adam had a tendency to come out on top in these little contests, for reasons Joe hadn\u2019t completely figured out.\u00a0 Steadiness of hand, maybe, that coolness under pressure that stood his big brother stead in so many tough situations.\u00a0 This time, though, winning wasn\u2019t nearly as important as not losing.\u00a0 So long as he beat Hoss, he could avoid the worst chore, and if he had to put up with Pa as supervisor for a whole day, at least he could console himself that it might have been worse.<\/p>\n

Ben struck a match and touched its flame to the three matches his sons held together.\u00a0 \u201cMay the best man win,\u201d he decreed with judicial impartiality.<\/p>\n

Each match caught fire; each man watched carefully, prayerfully and, in Hoss\u2019s case, with growing alarm, for his match was burning more quickly than either of his brothers\u2019.\u00a0 Closer and closer to his fingertips danced the flame, and beads of sweat appeared on his wrinkled brow.\u00a0 Finally, he could bear the heat no longer, and the match fell to the floor and fizzled out.\u00a0 \u201cDadgum it!\u201d Hoss sputtered and popped his fingers into his mouth.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s and Joe\u2019s flames did a slow waltz down their match sticks.\u00a0 Adam made eye contact with his youngest brother, again favoring him with that maddening smile of cool confidence.\u00a0 Joe took a deep breath and looked away.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t going to be defeated by his own emotions, not this time!\u00a0 Refusing to look at Adam or even Adam\u2019s match, he kept his gaze fixed on his own.\u00a0 He heard a grunt and gradually a smile came to his lips as he looked up to see his oldest brother sucking on singed fingertips.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like the best man won,\u201d he taunted glibly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe youngest and most inexperienced,\u201d Adam reminded him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right now,\u201d Ben laughed, clapping both of them on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve got your assignments, boys, so let\u2019s get on with it.\u00a0 Joe, Hoss, you\u2019ll need to get a lunch from Hop Sing.\u201d\u00a0 With a sympathetic smile he moved to console the big loser of the contest.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll tell him to make it an extra good one, son,\u201d he soothed.<\/p>\n

Face still glum, Hoss thanked his father, though he didn\u2019t think the food that could make him feel better about this day had ever been created by any cook.<\/p>\n

Adam and Joe quickly made themselves scarce, each heading outside to gather supplies for his individual task.\u00a0 \u201cFeel kinda bad about the way Pa\u2019s \u2018usual fair method\u2019 turns out for poor ole Hoss every time,\u201d Joe admitted as they walked across the yard together.<\/p>\n

\u201cBad enough to take his place clearing out that stream?\u201d Adam asked with a knowing smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0 Joe had the good grace to look chagrined, though still unrepentant.<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled in response.\u00a0 \u201cMe, either.\u201d\u00a0 He circled Joe\u2019s shoulders in conspiratorial camaraderie.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll help you hitch the buckboard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re just puttin\u2019 off that trip up to the roof,\u201d Joe accused with a mocking grin.<\/p>\n

Adam arched an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cWouldn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sniggered.\u00a0 \u201c\u2018Til Pa went to bed if I could!\u201d<\/p>\n

Together they worked to hitch the team to the buckboard, and still wanting to put off his own chore, Adam helped Joe load replacement rails into the back.\u00a0 He sighed after sliding the last one into the wagon.\u00a0 \u201cNo putting off the inevitable, I suppose.\u201d\u00a0 He reached out to shake Joe\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cHave a good day, kid.\u00a0 You won, fair and square\u2014at least against me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe returned the handshake warmly.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, big brother.\u00a0 You have a good day, too\u2014well, try to, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll try, but it will be an effort.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t I know it!\u00a0 Well, gotta go.\u201d\u00a0 Joe jumped up into the seat of the wagon and started to drive off.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe!\u00a0 Little Joe!\u201d a lilting voice called urgently.\u00a0 \u201cYou come back here, get dinnah!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah, don\u2019t want to forget that!\u201d\u00a0 Joe bounded to earth as quickly as he\u2019d gone up and raced toward the cook.\u00a0 \u201cHey, what\u2019s this?\u201d he asked when Hop Sing handed him a dinner pail, in addition to a small, paper-wrapped package.\u00a0 He\u2019d been expecting sandwiches for his noon meal, maybe with a fried pie for dessert if he was lucky.<\/p>\n

\u201cStew from last night,\u201d the cook explained.\u00a0 \u201cOnly little bit left.\u00a0 Not enough for Mr. Hoss, so you take.\u00a0 You have plenty wood for fire, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe thought of the broken fence rails he was going to replace.\u00a0 \u201cPlenty,\u201d he agreed, \u201cand thanks, Hop Sing.\u00a0 Wasn\u2019t expecting a hot lunch.\u201d\u00a0 Inspiration lighted his hazel eyes.\u00a0 \u201cHey, you got an extra coffee pot around?\u00a0 The one we use on cattle drives, maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHumph!\u201d Hop Sing snorted.\u00a0 \u201cGive boy extra good meal; now he want coffee, too.\u00a0 All-a time make mo\u2019 work for Hop Sing.\u201d\u00a0 He scurried back inside, jabbering in rapid-fire Cantonese.\u00a0 Though he acted irked, he was secretly pleased to make up a packet of coffee and a smaller one of sugar for Number Three Son; it was a sign to him of how much the hot meal and he himself were appreciated.\u00a0 Everything gathered, he hurried back outside with coffee pot and packets.<\/p>\n

Joe took them and rewarded the cook with a big grin.\u00a0 He tucked his treasures into the back of the wagon, between rails, and once again climbed into the seat.\u00a0 Hoss was just mounting Chubby after tying a small spade to his saddle, in the likely case that he would need to dig out some reluctant root or bothersome branch.\u00a0 Joe lifted a hand in farewell.\u00a0 \u201cHey, have\u201d\u2014the look on Hoss\u2019s face cut him short.\u00a0 \u201cGood luck,\u201d he finished weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss growled, not because he was upset with Joe, but because he already figured he would need good luck and probably find it in short supply.<\/p>\n

For a moment his older brother\u2019s misery dampened Joe\u2019s good mood.\u00a0 Then, as he considered how very well this day was starting off, his smile returned.\u00a0 You win some, you lose some,<\/em> he thought as he lifted the reins and headed out of the yard.\u00a0 Today, he was the big winner, and he intended to relish every moment of his victory<\/p>\n

Having been with Adam when the storm damage was surveyed, he knew exactly where he wanted to start, and his happy frame of mind continued as he drove to the south boundary fence.\u00a0 The day was beautiful: bright, sunny, a few fluffy white clouds drifting overhead in fanciful shapes, foothills dressed in skirts of emerald pine rising to the west and beyond them the snow-capped peaks of the higher ranges.\u00a0 This is the kind of day best spent dangling a line in a fast-running creek<\/em>, Joe mused dreamily, or maybe just lying back in the grass with your feet bare and your britches rolled up above your knees<\/em>.\u00a0 No time for that kind of thing today, of course.\u00a0 His brothers frequently labeled him lazy, and he had to admit there were times the label fit, but he didn\u2019t really mind work.\u00a0 Work was what a man did, and this was an easy job in a setting he could gaze at all day and still feel there was more beauty to soak in.\u00a0 Having the day off would have been better, of course\u2014always was\u2014but today it felt good to work under a warm sun with a mild breeze blowing across the back of his neck.<\/p>\n

The first break in the fence was a small one, quickly and easily mended.\u00a0 As he set the final rail in place, a yellow butterfly fluttered to rest on the next post down as if to set its stamp of approval on a job well done.\u00a0 He pushed his hat back and watched for a few seconds until the colorful insect flitted over the fence onto the neighbor\u2019s land.\u00a0 Then, after stretching his arms back, Joe tossed the damaged rails into the back of the wagon and headed west along the fence line.<\/p>\n

He came to the next storm-torn section, but as he pulled up beside it, he heard the plaintive bawl of a calf, echoed by the deeper lowing of an older animal.\u00a0 The two tones flowed back and forth in an ongoing cacophony that hinted at creatures in crisis.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t see anything, for directly to the west the land swelled briefly before dipping down into the next dale.\u00a0 Joe trotted up the low rise and, topping it, saw a cow nudging the fence with her nose and a calf on the other side.\u00a0 \u201cWhat you doin\u2019 over there, little fella?\u201d he asked after running down the hill.\u00a0 He stepped up to the cow and patted the flank with a pine tree burned into its hide.\u00a0 \u201cHe yours, mama?\u00a0 Well, don\u2019t fret none; we\u2019ll get him back where he belongs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe lithely bounded over the fence.\u00a0 Frightened, the little calf backed away on gangly legs.\u00a0 \u201cHey, come back here,\u201d the young man laughed and gave chase.\u00a0 The calf trotted away, but not far.\u00a0 Joe snared him with his bare hands and pointed the calf toward his mother.\u00a0 \u201cHungry, little fellow?\u00a0 Yeah, bet you are.\u00a0 No tellin\u2019 how long you been over here visitin\u2019 the neighbors.\u00a0 Well, breakfast\u2019s waitin\u2019, right over there, so we got to get the two of you back together again.\u201d\u00a0 The mother cow mooed her complete agreement, or so it seemed to Little Joe.<\/p>\n

Deciding that the quickest way to accomplish that goal was to remove the top rail of the fence and lift the calf over, Joe set to work.\u00a0 He was well aware that he was proposing to remove an unbranded animal from a neighbor\u2019s property, but the Reynolds were good folks, not the kind to squabble over a stray maverick.\u00a0 Besides, it was obvious who this little fellow\u2019s mama was.\u00a0 \u201cHe run off like this much?\u201d Joe asked the cow across from him as he pulled the rail from the mortise in the fence post.\u00a0 \u201cYou oughta tell my pa all about your troubles, ma\u2019am, \u2018cause he can surely sympathize.\u00a0 Had himself a little tyke once that trotted off pretty regular\u2014or so he tells me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He had a sudden picture of Mrs. Cow coming to call on Mr. Cartwright and the two of them sitting in those padded oxblood leather chairs and exchanging the woes of parenting as they shared a neighborly cup of tea.\u00a0 The image set him laughing so hard he bent double, but he got hold of himself quickly.\u00a0 It might seem funny to him, but the hungry calf and the cow with the bloated udder weren\u2019t joining in.\u00a0 Sliding the rail the opposite direction, he removed it from the mortise on the next post, lifted it and set it down carefully.\u00a0 Then he picked up the calf and, cradling it in his arms, stepped over the remaining rails and set it down again<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, buddy, go to mama,\u201d he instructed with a pat on the animal\u2019s rear.\u00a0 He smiled as the calf made a beeline for the dinner spout and started sucking noisily.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d he chuckled, brushing from his shirt the dirt that had been clinging to the calf\u2019s hide, and went to work putting the fence rail back in place.\u00a0 \u201cJust my luck, I got to mend a fence that wasn\u2019t broke,\u201d he snickered.\u00a0 \u201cSomehow, though, I don\u2019t think my brothers are gonna sympathize with my troubles.\u201d\u00a0 He grinned, not much sympathizing with them himself.\u00a0 Wonder how poor ole Hoss is making out.<\/em>\u00a0 Adam, he figured, could hold his own, even against Pa, but there was just no way Hoss\u2019s day could turn out anything but miserable.<\/p>\n

Job done, he propped his elbows on the rail behind him and watched the reunion for a couple of minutes.\u00a0 Then it was time to get back to work.\u00a0 He tipped his hat.\u00a0 \u201cGot to be goin\u2019, folks,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cYou be sure and drop by the house, Mrs. Cow, for that chat with Pa.\u00a0 Might be surprised how much you got in common.\u201d\u00a0 Cackling in chorus with a blue jay perched on a limb to his left, Joe retraced his steps to the wagon.<\/p>\n

He took a good look at the broken section of the fence and shook his head.\u00a0 Just about enough open space for a determined little calf to wedge through and get himself trapped over on the Reynolds\u2019 ranch, but not big enough for mama to chase through and fetch him.\u00a0 \u201cWell, best see that don\u2019t happen again,\u201d Joe said decisively and set to work removing cracked rails and replacing them with solid ones.<\/p>\n

By the time he\u2019d finished, the sun was well on its way toward its zenith, and Joe was beginning to work up a sweat.\u00a0 Thanks to the calf, his shirt was pretty dirty already, so he slipped it off and tossed it in the back with the damaged rails he was taking to the house to be used as firewood.\u00a0 He mounted the buckboard and drove west, giving a wave to Mrs. Cow and her son as he passed.\u00a0 When he reached the section of the fence where the storm had done the greatest damage, he drove along the line, stopping every few feet to take out the rails he estimated he would need.<\/p>\n

Preparatory work finished, he drove to about the middle of the area in need of repair and parked the wagon.\u00a0 A good place to set up his makeshift camp and build a fire to heat Hop Sing\u2019s stew.\u00a0 He took the wood from the wagon and laid it ready for that purpose, but since it was still about an hour too early to eat, he walked down to where the damage began, his supple muscles moving in a swinging stride that was poetry in motion, much like the smooth movement of a thoroughbred racehorse around a track.<\/p>\n

By the time the sun stood directly overhead, he hadn\u2019t managed to work his way back to the midpoint where his camp was established.\u00a0 Pushing his hat back, he swept damp curls off his forehead and stood, elbow propped on a post, as he tried to decide whether to stop now or work a little longer and take a late dinner.\u00a0 Slowly he became aware of an approaching rider, and his smile was warm with welcome when he recognized the dun mare belonging to his neighbor.\u00a0 He lifted a hand in greeting, and the girl galloped over.\u00a0 Joe climbed over the fence to meet her.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Laurie.\u00a0 Your pa got you out ridin\u2019 line now?\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl\u2019s light laugh sounded like the tinkling of a glass bell to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like somebody needs to, and it sure can\u2019t be Pa, with him down in his back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held the horse\u2019s reins as Laurie dismounted.\u00a0 \u201cHadn\u2019t heard he was, but tell him not to worry about the fence\u2014this one, anyway.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got it well in hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laurie smiled admiringly at him.\u00a0 \u201cI can see that.\u00a0 It\u2019s our boundary, too, though; we should, at least, share in the cost.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cWhat cost?\u00a0 We cut these rails ourselves, a little chore Pa likes to dole out when he thinks we\u2019ll get into mischief if we ain\u2019t kept busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must have been full of mischief lately,\u201d Laurie teased, indicating the long line of rails Joe had laid out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know me, always into something.\u00a0 I can personally vouch for the quality of almost every single one of those rails.\u201d\u00a0 He burst out laughing, and Laurie joined in, violet eyes sparkling with mirth.\u00a0 \u201cWhat you doin\u2019 out this way, Laurie?\u201d Joe asked as the gushing laughter trickled down to a rivulet.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know,\u201d she said, twirling a long strand of dark brown hair that tumbled about her shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cPa said I needed a day off after tending him for more than a week, so I packed up a lunch and just rode out, no special destination in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took her hand.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad you meandered this way, then.\u201d\u00a0 His eyes brightened.\u00a0 \u201cHey, you said you brought a lunch.\u00a0 Have you eaten yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she said slowly, \u201cbut I don\u2019t have much, Joe\u2014just a roast beef sandwich and some sugar cookies.\u00a0 I can\u2019t imagine half of that will make a dent in a working man\u2019s appetite, but you\u2019re welcome to share it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at her fondly.\u00a0 Sweet and generous\u2014that was how he always thought of Laurie Reynolds\u2014always the first to notice other folks\u2019 needs and take quiet action to meet them.\u00a0 His grin widened as he began to swing her hand.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take you up on that offer,\u201d he said, \u201cand I promise neither of us will go hungry.\u00a0 Hop Sing sent the leftovers of yesterday\u2019s supper stew in a pail for me.\u00a0 He said there wasn\u2019t much, but since he tends to judge portion size by Hoss\u2019s standards, it\u2019s probably more than enough for the two of us.\u00a0 And I\u2019ve got two fried apple pies to put with those cookies\u2014and coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds wonderful,\u201d Laurie said enthusiastically, \u201cespecially the coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get on back to my camp then,\u201d Joe suggested.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got the wood laid, so I\u2019ll fire it up, and while the food heats and the coffee brews, we\u2019ll have ourselves a fine chat.\u00a0 Been too long since we did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laurie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cLet me get my contribution.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet; I love sugar cookies.\u201d\u00a0 Joe followed her over to the horse and once she\u2019d removed her lunch from the saddle bags, took it from her.\u00a0 \u201cNot quite like carrying your books home from school,\u201d he said as she tied her horse\u2019s reins to the top fence rail, \u201cbut it reminds me of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laurie glanced away demurely.\u00a0 \u201cThat didn\u2019t happen much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not near enough,\u201d Joe replied.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure why, either, except Laurie had never had the flashy kind of looks he\u2019d been drawn to as a youngster taking his first sips of love\u2019s sweet nectar.\u00a0 She\u2019d always been a pretty little thing, but kind of mousy, never drawing attention to herself.\u00a0 Now that he thought of it, though, Laurie was always the first to offer a caring smile when he\u2019d landed in trouble.\u00a0 He took her hand, and as they walked along the fence line after stepping through one of the broken spots, they gossiped sociably about friends and family until they reached the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get the fire going,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cYou want to get the food and such out of the wagon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHappy to,\u201d Laurie said, \u201cand do let me make the coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah,\u201d Joe chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d better; mine\u2019s nothing to brag about.\u201d\u00a0 Soon he had the fire going and the stew and coffee placed where they could heat.\u00a0 Glancing down, he realized for the first time that he was shirtless, not exactly the appropriate attire for dining with a young lady.\u00a0 \u201cUh, Laurie,\u201d he stammered awkwardly.\u00a0 \u201cI know it ain\u2019t proper, showin\u2019 myself like this, but\u2014uh\u2014if you saw how filthy my shirt was\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you look fine.\u201d\u00a0 Her gaze lingered on his well sculpted, sun-bronzed chest.\u00a0 \u201cYou look\u201d\u2014long eyelashes lowered to veil her eyes\u2014\u201cfine . . . really.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look . . . finer.\u201d\u00a0 Finishing in a whisper, Joe bent to touch his lips lightly to hers.<\/p>\n

Laurie blushed, adding rosy color to her cheeks.\u00a0 \u201cWell,\u201d she murmured, eyes on the horizon, mostly to keep them off those mesmerizing muscles, \u201cwhere shall we dine, good sir?\u00a0 I had intended to have my sandwich on a fallen log somewhere among the trees, so I didn\u2019t bring a picnic blanket.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but I\u2019ve spread an entire carpet of green velour for you, my lady.\u201d\u00a0 Joe swept his hand to indicate the wide pasture behind them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat could be more luxurious?\u201d\u00a0 Laurie laughed. \u00a0\u201cAnd wouldn\u2019t Miss Jones be proud of you for using a two-dollar word like that!\u00a0 Shall we sit upon it, then, and share that sandwich while we wait for the stew?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good.\u201d\u00a0 Joe drew his pocketknife from his pocket and held its blade in the flames of the fire.\u00a0 \u201cNot sure what I did with it last,\u201d he chuckled, \u201cbut I think we\u2019ll both feel better about me cuttin\u2019 that sandwich with it if it makes a trip through the fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re so thoughtful, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d\u00a0 Joe looked genuinely surprised.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s one of the words that always comes to mind when I think about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it fits you very well,\u201d Laurie said softly.\u00a0 \u201cAlways kind and considerate, that\u2019s the boy I remember from school, and the man is no different.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pulled the knife from the fire and sliced the sandwich in two.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re different, though,\u201d he said as he handed her half.\u00a0 \u201cFrom when we were in school, I mean.\u201d\u00a0 He helped her sit on the grassy carpet and then eased down beside her.\u00a0 \u201cYou always seemed so shy back then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was shy.\u201d \u00a0Again she lowered her eyelids.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m still shy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t seem that way today,\u201d Joe commented.\u00a0 \u201cSeem like you\u2019re at ease, talkin\u2019 freely, like it came natural.\u201d\u00a0 He took a bite of his sandwich.<\/p>\n

Laurie smiled.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe you\u2019re just easy to talk to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Swallowing, Joe shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, it\u2019s you.\u00a0 You have changed\u2014like a butterfly comin\u2019 out of its cocoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA simile!\u00a0 Oh, Miss Jones would be proud,\u201d she teased.\u00a0 Then she smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose I have come out of my cocoon a bit, Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been helping out at the orphanage from time to time, and working with the children, being accepted by them, has given me confidence to speak out more with others.\u00a0 I\u2019ve found that when I work at putting the other person at ease, I feel more at ease myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never had much problem that way,\u201d Joe admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe because you always worked at putting the other person at ease.\u00a0 At least, that\u2019s the boy I remember.\u201d\u00a0 Ducking her head again, Laurie took a nibble from one corner of her sandwich.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re gonna make me blush,\u201d Joe chuckled, \u201cshy kid that I am.\u201d\u00a0 He bounced up.\u00a0 \u201cHey, that stew ought to be hot by now.\u00a0 I\u2019ll fetch it and the coffee pot.\u00a0 Sorry there\u2019s only one spoon and one cup.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can share.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe trotted over to the fire, thinking as he ran how nice the notion of sharing things with Laurie sounded.\u00a0 Not just a spoon and a cup or even a pleasant afternoon, but maybe more.\u00a0 Talking and laughing together, they shared the meal, polishing off stew, sandwich, fried pie and cookies to the last crumb.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should go,\u201d Laurie said, standing and brushing grass from her skirt.\u00a0 \u201cYou have a lot of fence left to mend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I do,\u201d Joe replied reluctantly, \u201cbut you\u2019ve sure given me a refreshing break from it, Laurie.\u00a0 Thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

She curtsied formally.\u00a0 \u201cAnd thank you, sir, for a wonderful afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked her back to her horse and helped her mount.\u00a0 \u201cLaurie,\u201d he said as he handed her the reins, \u201ctell your pa I\u2019ll ride his fence line and check for damage first chance I get.\u00a0 He don\u2019t need to be worryin\u2019 \u2018bout that when he\u2019s laid up.\u00a0 You tell him that\u2019s what neighbors are for.\u201d<\/p>\n

She leaned down to kiss his cheek.\u00a0 \u201cSee?\u00a0 Thoughtful, considerate, Joe Cartwright\u2014synonyms.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe laughed.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Jones sure ought to be proud of great little grammar students like us.\u201d\u00a0 He paused, and though it was almost an alien emotion to him, he felt suddenly shy, bashful, awkward.\u00a0 \u201cLaurie, you think, maybe, I could come calling sometime?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe, I . . . yes, please . . . I\u2019d like that very much.\u201d\u00a0 She dared to touch his bare shoulder and felt a shiver run up her arm.\u00a0 \u201cCome by the house after you check Pa\u2019s fence line.\u00a0 I\u2019ll have sugar cookies baked and waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do know how to tempt a man.\u201d\u00a0 He took a step back, so her horse had room to move, and smiled up at her tenderly.\u00a0 \u201cTomorrow, if I can.\u00a0 Bye, Laurie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBye, Joe.\u201d\u00a0 She turned and cantered away south, and Joe went back to work, keeping at it steadily throughout the afternoon.\u00a0 He\u2019d taken a longer noon hour than planned and needed to make up for lost\u2014though not really lost\u2014time, especially if he wanted to spend tomorrow at the Reynolds\u2019 place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

. . . Joe drained the final cup of coffee, made sure the fire was well out and gathered the tools and utensils that he hadn\u2019t yet loaded.\u00a0 The air was growing slightly chilly, so he slipped his shirt back on just before climbing up to the wagon seat.\u00a0 He turned the buckboard around and headed for home as a burnt orange sun set behind him.<\/p>\n

By the time he pulled into the yard at the Ponderosa, full darkness had descended.\u00a0 With complete predictability Pa came out to meet him.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Pa.\u00a0 Sorry I\u2019m late,\u201d he called to forestall any forthcoming lecture.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t worried\u2014yet,\u201d his father said with a welcoming smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing threatened to go back to China yet?\u201d Joe snickered.<\/p>\n

Ben echoed the laughter.\u00a0 \u201cNot yet.\u00a0 In fact, Hoss still isn\u2019t out of the tub, so it isn\u2019t just you he\u2019s holding supper for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss had a bad day, huh?\u201d Joe asked, face filled with commiseration.<\/p>\n

Wincing, Ben closed his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t even ask; you\u2019ll live longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLong, hot bath\u2019ll help,\u201d Joe assured his father.\u00a0 He grinned.\u00a0 \u201cBetter wait \u2018til after supper for mine, I think, but I will wash up and change my shirt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d\u00a0 Ben circled his son\u2019s slim shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cNice to see one of my sons, at least, come home in a good mood.\u00a0 Your day went all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWent great!\u201d Joe said with enthusiasm.\u00a0 \u201cAlmost perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cOnly almost?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe put on a playful pout for effect.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I did have to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben squeezed him close as they moved toward the front door.\u00a0 \u201cI guess that would take a slight edge off perfection.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe flashed his dazzling smile.\u00a0 \u201cJust a slight edge, though.\u00a0 Yeah, it was a near-perfect day.\u201d\u00a0 A dreamy look came across his face; then he turned quickly toward his father.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Pa, Laurie Reynolds rode by.\u00a0 Told me her pa\u2019s laid up with back trouble, so I said I\u2019d check his fence line for storm damage.\u00a0 Okay if I do that tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked proud.\u00a0 \u201cSure.\u00a0 I\u2019d appreciate it if you would.\u00a0 That\u2019s what neighbors are for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust what I said,\u201d Joe told him.\u00a0 \u201cLaurie\u2019s turned out mighty pretty, don\u2019t you think, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stopped and cocked his head as he appraised the moon-eyed expression on his son\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I\u2019ve always thought Laurie Reynolds was a lovely young lady with inner beauty, as well as a fair face.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe beamed.\u00a0 \u201cI think so, too, Pa . . . and, Pa . . . I think I\u2019m in love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben resisted the temptation to ask, \u201cAgain?\u201d and simply smiled as he steered Joe toward the front door.\u00a0 Maybe . . . just maybe . . . this love would be more than a fleeting whim.\u00a0 Laurie Reynolds.\u00a0 Sweet girl.\u00a0 He could see her gracing the table here.\u00a0 And if he did gain a new daughter . . . and ultimately, grandchildren . . . why, that would push this day all the way over the edge to radiant perfection.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

January, 2004<\/p>\n

Note:\u00a0 Ben\u2019s \u201cusual fair method\u201d for assigning unwanted chores is adapted from \u201cThe Auld Sod\u201d by Charles Lang.<\/p>\n

Next Story in the All in a Day’s Work Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Day for Respect
\n<\/a>A Day Beyond Endurance<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0The first story in a trilogy, \u00a0detailing the events of a single day in the life of the three Cartwright brothers. \u00a0Please read them in order. \u00a0Pa has divvied up the chores according to his “usual fair method,” and Joe is exceedingly happy with his assignment.<\/p>\n

Rated: K \u00a0WC \u00a06300<\/p>\n

All in a Day’s Work Series, links to stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":3932,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1007,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-cartwright","category-romance","wpcat-1007-id","wpcat-3-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1656,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joeshirtone.jpg?fit=350%2C311&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":37274,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=37274","url_meta":{"origin":3931,"position":0},"title":"Halloween Silly (by SJR Cartwright)","author":"SJRCartwright","date":"October 26, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The silliest things can happen.\u00a0 Halloween is a perfect time for nonsense.\u00a0 The Cartwrights had some special guests for their dinner this night. Rating: G Word Count: 501","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/F751D902-659A-4EF3-B023-90488A40025D.jpeg?fit=624%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/F751D902-659A-4EF3-B023-90488A40025D.jpeg?fit=624%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/F751D902-659A-4EF3-B023-90488A40025D.jpeg?fit=624%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":17742,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=17742","url_meta":{"origin":3931,"position":1},"title":"Without You (by PSW)","author":"PSW","date":"July 14, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The brothers share a bittersweet day.\u00a0 Written for the July 15 Pinecone Challenge and (very slightly) expanded for inclusion here.\u00a0 Prompt\/lyrics: God only knows what I'd be without you. (Brian Wilson, Tony Asher) Rating: K\u00a0 \u00a0WC: 576","rel":"","context":"In "Short Stories"","block_context":{"text":"Short Stories","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=8"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":18034,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18034","url_meta":{"origin":3931,"position":2},"title":"Joe (by A-P)","author":"A-P","date":"August 15, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A group of poems about Joe Cartwright . Rating: K Word Count: 578","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe1.png?fit=608%2C570&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe1.png?fit=608%2C570&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe1.png?fit=608%2C570&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12135,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12135","url_meta":{"origin":3931,"position":3},"title":"Prelude to Rebirth (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this story should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12136,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12136","url_meta":{"origin":3931,"position":4},"title":"The Rebirth of Joe Cartwright (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this story should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-2.jpg?fit=338%2C338&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12120,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12120","url_meta":{"origin":3931,"position":5},"title":"Blundered Seduction (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"December 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Caught with his pants down and in a compromising situation by the one person he'd least likely want to find him as such, Joe learns three valuable lessons; no one ever died of embarrassment, chose your friends carefully, and being 16 and still a virgin is nothing to be\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3931","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\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3931"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3931\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}