Summary: Christmas is the time for bringing peace and good will. A young woman returns to the Ponderosa hoping to do just that, after her delusional mother left a broken triangle of love in her wake.
\nRating: G Words (4,000)
\nWritten for the 2022 Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar<\/p>\n
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Bringing Peace<\/strong><\/p>\n “Are you sure this is what you want to do?”<\/p>\n “Yes Daddy. After all that has happened, it is something I must do.”<\/p>\n “But it’s almost Christmas. You won’t be back in time.”<\/p>\n “Christmas is a time of peace and goodwill. It\u2019s the reason I have to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n “I’ll tell you what. You go and take care of things. Let me know if all goes well, and if you want me to join you. I can leave early next week after putting the paper to bed. Thomas can run everything until we get back. How does that sound, my angel?”<\/p>\n “Oh daddy, it sounds wonderful.”<\/p>\n The stagecoach bounced and rattled its way through the Sierras leaving its passenger jarred and exhausted. During the trip the only woman passenger remained silent, lost in her thoughts. She ran the last conversation with her father, and many others, through her mind as she left the city behind. She continually questioned if she was doing the right thing, but once the stage reached its final destination, she settled on the truth. Her departure months ago left too much unsettled with two members of the family who hosted her family and she couldn\u2019t move forward in her own life until she answered the lingering questions concerning them.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n Stepping onto the boardwalk, ghostly memories flashed before her. In the chilled afternoon air she shook them off and turned to the driver to identify her luggage.<\/p>\n The station manager stepped up. \u201cWould you like me to have your suitcases taken to the hotel, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo thank you. I\u2019ll be staying with some friends for a few days. Could you show me where I could rent a buggy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly. Go to the corner and turn right. You\u2019ll see the livery on your left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you.\u201d She dropped a few coins into the man\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019ll return shortly to collect my luggage.\u201d<\/p>\n The manager watched the young woman until she turned the corner. He then winked at the stage driver. \u201cShe\u2019s a wonder. Anyone dressed like that would be lost in this little town of ours, but she\u2019s got quite a lot of spunk about her. I\u2019d love to see what ol\u2019 Jake thinks of her.\u201d<\/p>\n The two friends shared a laugh then separated to their own jobs.<\/p>\n Jake\u2019s impression of the young lady was quite different. He was a man who didn\u2019t mind an independent woman, but to let one as young and as pretty as this one drive herself into the mountains, well, that made his protective nature kick in. It took a bit of persuasion but she finally agreed to let him drive her to her destination, at no extra charge. And off they went, after Jake got his son Danny to take over for him.<\/p>\n As the afternoon shadows grew, Danny stopped sweeping out a stall when he heard his father\u2019s name called. The teen peered over the stall wall and smiled at the big man in front of him. \u201cHowdy, Hoss. What can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, hey there, Danny. Just came to see if I could leave Chub here for the night. I\u2019m waitin\u2019 on some important mail but it looks like it won\u2019t be in \u2018til tomorrow. Say, where’s your Pa anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n Danny leaned on the broom and scratched his itchy nose. \u201cHe took off while back to drive a lady up to your family\u2019s place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYa don\u2019t say. Did ya catch her name? I don\u2019t think we\u2019re expectin\u2019 any guests.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope, but I bet Pa wrote it in the book.\u201d<\/p>\n Danny found the ledger and Hoss glanced over the young man\u2019s shoulder. He mumbled something about trouble and took off.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Hoss. Ain\u2019t ya gonna board your horse?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNah, changed my plans. You think it was only an hour or so ago that they left?\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Danny.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss reined his mount around and raced out of town. \u201cOh Lordy. I sure hope I can catch up to her before she gets to the house.\u201d<\/p>\n The lower trail to the Ponderosa was an easy climb for horse and rider, and Hoss knew Jake would be driving the buggy at a slower pace. It was on the steeper portion that he hoped to catch up to their unexpected guest. Pausing to let Chub rest, he caught a glimpse of the buggy making a sharp turn. It seemed he had been wrong about Jake. They had covered more ground than Hoss had expected. He nudged Chub forward and caught up to the vehicle before they started their final descent toward the house.<\/p>\n \u201cHo there, Jake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhoa!\u201d Two heads turned at once to watch Hoss approach. Jake\u2019s surprised but amicable smile greeted the rider. The lady released the breath she was holding and put on a friendly smile.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJake, I saw Danny and he told me you were bringin\u2019 a guest out to see us.\u201d He tipped his hat toward the lovely lady with the hesitant hazel eyes. \u201cHowdy, Miss Melinda. It\u2019s mighty good to see you again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Hoss. I hope your family won\u2019t mind if I show up unannounced.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss didn\u2019t miss the nervousness in her voice. Well, he was none too calm himself. \u201cNah, I don\u2019t think they\u2019ll mind. How \u2018bout I ride along with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Melinda gave a slight nod of acceptance. Jake snapped the reins and led the way into the front yard of the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n Hoss was glad his family was out on ranch chores. It gave time to get Melinda Banning settled in the house and Jake on his way back to Virginia City. After freshening up, she joined Hoss in front of the fire.<\/p>\n Ornaments on the Christmas tree were reflecting the dancing flames. She wandered over and touched some silvery ribbons hanging from the branches. \u201cWhat are these, Hoss? I thought they were ribbons but they\u2019re not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, that\u2019s called \u2018tinsel\u2019. Adam ordered some from back East. It\u2019s meant to look like the icicles outside. I kinda like \u2018em \u2018cause they\u2019re shiny. But they sure create a mess when we hafta take \u2018em off.\u201d<\/p>\n She pondered what he\u2019d said. The silvery tinsel made her think of her mother\u2019s dreams. They were a false taste for glamour and Melinda\u2019s marriage for money.\u00a0 She turned her back on the tree and faced Hoss. \u201cI know you want to ask me what I\u2019m doing here. Well, it\u2019s difficult to explain but in truth I\u2019m here to see your brothers. When I left here with my family last Spring, I settled a few things with Joe but you and Adam were away. I never got to speak to him about some of the things that happened.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 face was gentle as he listened to Melinda speak. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you just write to him? I mean, I\u2019m not sayin\u2019 you ain\u2019t welcome here but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think seeing me again will bring up all those awful memories and some harsh feelings between Joe and Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Melinda leaned over to rest her hand on Hoss\u2019 knee. \u201cI have a story to tell all of you that will address many concerns from my first visit. Also, I hope to speak to Joe and Adam separately to settle any feelings, good or bad, between us. A lot has happened that I would like you all to know about and I felt Christmas was the best time to do this.\u201d At Hoss\u2019 puzzled frown, Melinda added. \u201cIt\u2019s the time of peace on earth and goodwill toward men, is it not? I strongly feel led to make sure there is peace among us all after everything my mother did to me, my father, and to your family.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss rose up and nodded toward the front door. \u201cI think you\u2019ll have your chance. It sounds like my Pa an\u2019 brothers are home.\u201d<\/p>\n Melinda stood and smoothed out her skirts. \u201cWell, no time like the present.\u201d<\/p>\n Noticing her nervousness, Hoss touched her elbow. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go chat with Hop Sing a bit. I\u2019ll go out to the barn an\u2019 pave the way for you.\u201d<\/p>\n The brightness in her eyes pleased Hoss and the light kiss Melinda gave him made him blush. \u201cHoss, you\u2019re the best. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Opening the door and gazing at the barn, Hoss sighed. \u201cIf only my pa and brothers could be that easy to please. Shucks, here goes.\u201d<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n Four men entered the house, each with a unique cautiousness. Ben was wary of a new hurt to his sons. Joe had a spark in him he was afraid to ignite. Adam wondered what her motive was for coming. Hoss hoped his family would be united and happy when the visit was over.<\/p>\n After removing their outerwear, they gather silently in front of the fire. The dark cloud over each of them was dispelled when warm laughter emanated from the kitchen. In a matter of moments, Hop Sing appeared with a tray of coffee, brandy and cookies. He set the tray down and gave each man a cool look. \u201cYou give Missy happy smiles and a good listen. You make her cry, you deal with me. Dinner in thirty minute.\u201d He gave a firm nod of his head and padded back to his domain.<\/p>\n While eyes darted from Cartwright to Cartwright, Hoss cleared his throat. \u201cIt\u2019s been said for various reasons that the Cartwright men have hard heads. Well, we also appear to have long memories, for good or bad. I hope the latter ain\u2019t true tonight. That little gal in there has come a long way to bring peace an\u2019 goodwill, and to make amends for what her mother did. I hope it all turns out well for her an\u2019 for us.\u201d He paused to let his words dissipate in the silence. \u201cI\u2019m gonna go wash up in the wash house. The smell of that roast pork is startin\u2019 to drive me crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n After Hoss exited, Ben glanced at his remaining two sons. \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shuffled his boots and put one foot on the hearth, finding interest in the dancing flames. Adam rubbed his stiff neck then shoved his hands into his pockets. He was the first to speak.<\/p>\n \u201cI for one would like to have a chance to clear the air with Melinda since I wasn\u2019t here when she left.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sniffed and turned away from the fire. \u201cYeah, me too. I\u2019ve had time to think things through and I guess she has too. I\u2019ll listen with an open mind, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m pleased to hear this from both of you. I know you settled things between yourselves but I hope this will end all the conflict and let us enjoy a good friendship with the Bannings.\u201d<\/p>\n With that Ben placed an arm on each son\u2019s shoulders. \u201cLet\u2019s go wash up and welcome our guest appropriately.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing smiled to himself as he peeked around the corner from his domain. He would be pleased to report to Hoss that the atmosphere was brightening. It looked to be a happy meal for Missy Melinda and the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n Melinda relaxed in the soft bed, the downy covers creating a warm nest for her to sleep in. She pondered the evening meal and the after-dinner conversation. Mr. Cartwright welcomed her warmly and when he inquired about her parents\u2019 wellbeing, she was pleased to tell him of her father\u2019s successes with the newspaper. No one could have imagined that Horace Banning would become the publisher after only a few months on the job.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m quite pleased to hear Horace is doing so well. I\u2019d like to send a telegram inviting parents to come visit us while you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy father would love that, Mr. Cartwright. Thank you. However, I have some rather sad news about my mother.\u201d For some reason she didn\u2019t understand she sought Hoss\u2019 hand for support. \u201cWhile my mother changed her ways after we left here, she was never the same. Oh, she accepted our love for her but some kind of light had gone out of her. We had a few good times together as father\u2019s job solidified, but after a couple of months she just withered away. At least her last words to us was that she loved us, and she regretted her actions toward us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so sorry to hear this, Melinda.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright but we\u2019re alright now. She is at peace and so are Daddy and I.\u201d<\/p>\n After a moment of silence, the conversation turned to lighter topics, making her grateful to have the truth told. It wasn\u2019t much later that she announced she would like to retire for the evening.<\/p>\n Melinda closed her eyes and snuggled against the pillow. It had been a long day of traveling and she still felt overwhelmed at being there. But as her father was fond of saying, \u201ctomorrow is a new day, with its own hopes and dreams\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Daddy, how I wish you could be here. But this is my journey and I will see it through. Tomorrow, I will begin to put things right with Adam and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n With a plan in mind, sleep enveloped her in its velvety arms until the early rays of dawn would chase it away and welcome her to a new day.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Melinda.\u201d<\/p>\n At the sound of the cheerful voice Melinda paused at the bottom of the stairs. She was expecting the whole family to be at the table but found it to be Joe all alone, not even any extra place settings.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Joe.\u201d She smiled as her plans crumbled silently in her head. Once seated with a full plate of eggs and ham in front of her, she regained her composure.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are the others?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOut and about. It may be near Christmas but we still have lots to do until the snow sets in. Pa and Hoss went to town and Adam\u2019s checking one of the herds. He\u2019ll be back this afternoon but I don\u2019t know if Pa or Hoss will be here before dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I see.\u201d She nibbled at her breakfast until Joe cleared the air.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind but Hoss clued us in as to why you\u2019re here. You\u2019ve been on my mind a lot and I\u2019m glad you came. It will give us some time to settle things better than when you left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss is a good friend. I\u2019m glad he spoke to you all about this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell you what. Let\u2019s enjoy our breakfast then I\u2019ll take you out for a ride. The lake and mountains are something to see this time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would enjoy that very much.\u201d<\/p>\n Melinda found the ride to the lake refreshing. She marveled at how the cold mountain air cleared her thoughts and calmed her. She actually enjoyed strolling along the shoreline with Joe. When he stopped in the shelter of boulders, she turned to him in amazement.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s warm here. How is that possible?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe sun shines on these and warms them. It fades quickly as the sun sets but on a sunny day it gives a reprieve from the winter air. You ought to feel them in the summer. They get so hot they\u2019ll dry our wet clothes and even stay warm through the night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour land is always full of surprises.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI like to think so.\u201d Joe took her hand in his. \u201cI guess this is a good time to say that I understand now that a marriage would never have succeeded between us. Pa was trying to show me that love is the only thing that can keep a marriage going.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd at least a few common interests.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laughed. \u201cYeah, that too. You\u2019re a beautiful woman Melinda, inside and out. Any man would be lucky to have you by his side.\u201d<\/p>\n Melinda felt her cheeks warm to Joe\u2019s compliment. She reached up to touch his cheek. \u201cThank you, Joe. Even though things didn\u2019t work out between us, may I call you a friend?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope you will.\u201d<\/p>\n They embraced and Joe felt her shiver. \u2018You\u2019re cold. We should head back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, but I\u2019m not shivering from the cold. I\u2019m shivering from the joy of having peace between us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that what Hoss was talking circles around? I kept feeling like he was telling us something about the reason you are here without telling us that reason. Am I right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSilly Joe, and Hoss. Yes, you are right. I guess Hoss wanted so much to smooth the way for me to talk with you and Adam but he felt my reasons were a secret he needed to keep. He\u2019s such a dear man and friend.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, let\u2019s get home and warm up. Hop Sing promised venison stew for lunch and I for one don\u2019t want to be late.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve never had venison stew. It sounds delightful.\u201d<\/p>\n The pair made their way back to the horses and arrived just as Hop Sing set the bowls out. They noticed a third bowl and a warm baritone voice coming from the stairs confirmed their guess.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, you two. Did you enjoy your ride to the lake, Melinda?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did. Joe showed me how the boulders absorb the sun\u2019s heat and make a warm spot to stand against.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it is quite something. May I fill your bowl?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease.\u201d She returned Adam\u2019s warm smile and settled down for a leisurely lunch with the two brothers.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n That afternoon while Adam completed some paperwork Melinda read then spent time at the Christmas tree. She couldn\u2019t get her thoughts off the tinsel.<\/p>\n Adam closed the ledger and glanced up to see Melinda lost in thought at the tree with several strands of tinsel in her fingers.<\/p>\n \u201cWould you like to go out to the barn with me? One of our mares just foaled and I thought you would like to see her. I recall your interest in horses from the first time you visited.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would love to see the filly.\u201d<\/p>\n Their short walk to the barn turned out to be a challenge. The wind swooped down from the hills and made walking quite difficult. Many times Adam nearly toppled into Melinda or she into him. Breathing hard from the cold and from laughing, both were grateful to reach the warmth and security of the barn. Adam lit a couple of lamps before leading Melinda to the largest stall.<\/p>\n She peered over the wall and beheld the wondrous site of the sleeping foal and the mother looking on. She turned her shining smile to Adam who mirrored hers. He indicated some boxes to sit on so they could talk.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n She lifted her eyes to gaze at him. \u201cYes. It was such an amazing site to behold.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is. The foal is only a couple of days old.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWere you here to see the birth?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but Hoss was. This is one of his mares he raised from a filly and he wouldn\u2019t let anyone else handle her when the time came.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow special. He really loves animals doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, he does.\u201d<\/p>\n The conversion slowed as Melinda began to realize something about her and Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s on your mind, Melinda?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was just thinking how you and I never spoke like this when I was last here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere weren\u2019t any proper opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, you are correct, of course. My mother was determined for me to love Joe and I found you more intriguing and mysterious.\u201d She eyed him shyly. \u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind me saying this now.\u201d<\/p>\n He shook his head. \u201cPlease continue.\u201d<\/p>\n She pulled a few strands of crinkled tinsel out of her pocket. \u201cAdam, I realize it was just a few months ago but I feel I was looking at you through the eyes of a school girl with her first crush. In truth I was hoping you would acknowledge some kind of feeling for me, so I could be rescued from marrying Joe. Instead, my selfishness caused a deep rift between you and your brother. For that I am truly sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Melinda lowered her head, refusing to meet Adam\u2019s soulful eyes. He reached out and gently guided her to look at him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is I who should apologize. At first I was confused and concerned by your attempts to attract me to you. You must know I would never do anything that would put me between one of my brothers and a woman he was interested in. That is why I left after you kissed me. Once I was away, I felt it was a cowardly retreat, but Hoss told me that if I had stayed it would have been impossible for me to work out the truth with you as long as your mother was directing your steps.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, my mother made things\u2026very difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cListen to me, Melinda. Your mother pushed you to Joe because he was the most gullible, the easiest to persuade to love you. Hoss clearly showed no interest in you. And as for me, I knew she was studying each of us at the table that first night as she wove her tale of glamour and glitz.\u201d He reached for the silver strands and held him up. \u201cShe knew I\u00a0 would see through the tinsel of her false wealth, and couldn\u2019t be manipulated like Joe could be. I was not pleased by any of it then but now I hold no ill-will toward you or your mother. I have long since moved on from what happened. With that said, I am glad you chose to visit and to give us a chance to share our true thoughts. It brings a sense of closure for each of us, does it not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt does and that is why I came, Adam. I knew then that you had no feelings for me and your gruffness was your way of trying to protect me from myself. I came to see if each of us, you, me and Joe, could find peace between us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you find it with Joe this morning?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam squeezed her hand. \u201cAnd you have it with me as well.\u201d Her face brightened into a wide smile making Adam laugh. \u201cThat\u2019s the Melinda I recall. When you were away from everyone, joy and beauty filled your face. I hope you stay this way.\u201d\u00a0 Adam slipped his arm around her in a brotherly embrace.<\/p>\n She leaned into him, peace and security filling her heart as she acknowledged that she had found another friend she could look up to.<\/p>\n \u201cThe wind seems to have stopped so we better get going.\u201d<\/p>\n She watched Adam with a new eye as he quickly checked the feed and water for the animals then put out the lamps. Opening the door, Adam and Melinda both gasped at the sight before them. Yes, the wind had stopped and now large snowflakes were drifting down and landing on the already whitened ground.<\/p>\n Melinda ran out and twirled around with her hand held high, the tinsel strands flying through the icy air. \u201cAdam, it\u2019s lovely! Just look at how gently the flakes fall and feel how soft the snow is.\u201d<\/p>\n At that moment, Ben and Hoss rode in and the laughter drew Joe and Hop Sing to the front porch to take in the sight of Adam and Melinda chasing each other round in the snow. Joe couldn\u2019t resist. He rushed to get his coat and grabbed more tinsel from the tree. Racing outside he joined them flinging silver strands everywhere.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no. You all get sick. Come inside now.\u201d<\/p>\n Soon Hoss and Ben had joined in. When Hop Sing fussed at them, no one listened but instead they drew the venerable cook and family member out into their snow dance. He joined in for a few minutes before scurrying back to the sanctity and warmth of his kitchen. Warm pie and hot cocoa were in order for the snow angels outside. To the music of their laughter Hoss paused to grin at the sight and wink at Hop Sing. Hop Sing happily nodded. \u201cEverything good now. Peace and goodwill have come to all.<\/p>\n ******<\/span><\/p>\n Merry Christmas!<\/span><\/p>\n Peace and goodwill to all this Christmas season!<\/span><\/p>\n ______________________<\/p>\n Primary Character: Hoss<\/p>\n Item: tinsel<\/p>\n Second Character: Melinda Banning<\/p>\n A WHN for A Lady from Baltimore<\/p>\n Many thanks to BettyHT for some special inspiration concerning the tinsel.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n