Love Pa<\/em><\/p>\nAdam grinned, this was good. They needed his father very bad.<\/p>\n
“Good news?” James asked.<\/p>\n
Adam nodded, “He\u2019s comin\u2019 home.”<\/p>\n
James grinned, “Good.”<\/p>\n
“Where\u2019s Bethy and Marie?”<\/p>\n
“Marie is in the kitchen with Lu Chang, and I ain\u2019t sure where Bethy is.”<\/p>\n
At that point Bethy walked in. “Hello,” she greeted her brother and cousin.<\/p>\n
“Where ya\u2019 been?” Adam asked as James slipped out of the room, he knew there would be a fight. Ever since his grandfather passed away Bethy was out of control.<\/p>\n
“Just out.” She answered simply.<\/p>\n
“Out where?”<\/p>\n
She shrugged and turned to go upstairs.<\/p>\n
“Elizabeth,” Adam called.<\/p>\n
She stopped and looked at him.<\/p>\n
“I got a letter from Pa\u2019, he\u2019s coming home.”<\/p>\n
She stared at him, as a smile played on her lips for the first time since Joe died. “Really?”<\/p>\n
Adam nodded. “Yeah, and Ben and Richard are coming too. They\u2019re gonna stay for good. Pa\u2019s gonna run the ranch.”<\/p>\n
“Because Uncle Joe died and Pa\u2019s the only one left that can do it, right?”<\/p>\n
Adam nodded as he stood up and walked over to her. “It\u2019ll be okay Elizabeth, you\u2019ll see.”<\/p>\n
She frowned and looked away from her brother.<\/p>\n
That night the family celebrated the news that Adam would be coming home.<\/p>\n
*****<\/p>\n
Adam frowned as he looked over his paperwork, he wondered if he was going to be able to leave when he wanted to. He was having doubts on packing up and leaving his home, he loved it here and even though he was struggling he felt that it might bounce back. Then his mind went to the Ponderosa and his family; he could see them in front of him. He didn\u2019t know if he would be strong enough to run it without his brothers and father. He knew the ranch would bring back so many memories some good and some bad. A lot has changed, he knew that. The question was: was he up to the change? He was older now and all by himself, he hadn\u2019t run the ranch now for more years then he could remember. He knew his children would be a huge help and as would James and Marie, Joe did a good job with the two of them. Then there was Josh, he was Hoss\u2019 child and he never knew his father, Hoss had died before he ever had a chance to meet his only child. The last time Adam was home the boy reminded him so much of his brother it was scary. He never really knew Jamie, since Pa adopted him after he left home, but Joe always wrote fine things about the young man.<\/p>\n
Adam signed and went up to bed; he lay in bed staring at the ceiling for a long time. He finally fell into a reckless sleep.<\/p>\n
“Adam!”<\/p>\n
Adam rolled over and ignored the annoying voice that was trying to wake him.<\/p>\n
“Adam, come on get up. We gotta talk.”<\/p>\n
Adam frowned as he opened his eyes, he didn\u2019t see anything, but then a figure came into view.<\/p>\n
“Hey this is a switch huh? Me waking up you.”<\/p>\n
Adam sat up quickly as his eyes focused on the dark figure.<\/p>\n
Joe grinned as he saw his brother\u2019s confused look. “It\u2019s me Adam.”<\/p>\n
Adam shook his head.<\/p>\n
“It is big brother.”<\/p>\n
“No Joe, you\u2019re dead.”<\/p>\n
Joe nodded as the smiled left his face, “Yeah, I am.”<\/p>\n
“Then am I going crazy?”<\/p>\n
Joe shook his head, “No Adam you ain\u2019t going crazy.”<\/p>\n
“What are you doing here?”<\/p>\n
“I think you know.”<\/p>\n
“How\u2019s Pa and Hoss?”<\/p>\n
“They\u2019re good, they miss everyone, but they\u2019re okay.”<\/p>\n
“Joe what are you doing here? Am I going to die?”<\/p>\n
“No, Adam. Like I said, I think you know why I\u2019m here.”<\/p>\n
“Joe don\u2019t talk in riddles. What are you doing here?\u2019<\/p>\n
Joe frowned, “I came to yell at you Adam.”<\/p>\n
Adam stared at him, “What?\u2019<\/p>\n
“What is your problem?”<\/p>\n
“What do you mean Joe?”<\/p>\n
“Why aren\u2019t you home yet?”<\/p>\n
Adam shrugged.<\/p>\n
“Are you scared Adam?”<\/p>\n
Adam took a deep breath, “I guess I am. I mean Joe all of ya\u2019 are gone. I don\u2019t know if I got the strength to do what needs to be done.”<\/p>\n
Joe walked over and sat next to his brother, “You do. You\u2019re the strongest of all of us. You always have been. You must go home Adam.”<\/p>\n
“But what if I fail?”<\/p>\n
“Adam you don\u2019t fail. It is against your better judgement to fail. Besides there is more to lose then the ranch.”<\/p>\n
“What do you mean?”<\/p>\n
“I mean your daughter Adam. Elizabeth needs you so bad. After I left her, she was filled with guilt. She blames herself for my death Adam. She is a lot like I was when I was her age. She holds everything inside of her instead of letting it out. She\u2019s going to the saloon a lot and drinking. She wants to die Adam and she will if you don\u2019t move your ass. I have tried to talk to her, but she won\u2019t let me in. I can\u2019t help her and neither can Adam Jr. Only you can. Pa has tried, but she won\u2019t listen to him either. She needs her Daddy, Adam, and that is you.”<\/p>\n
Adam had started to cry as he listened to Joe. “Are you sure Joe?”<\/p>\n
Joe nodded, “You have to hurry Adam. I have to leave soon. I\u2019ve been watching her, but I can\u2019t much longer.”<\/p>\n
Adam nodded, “Then I will leave tomorrow. I wish you weren\u2019t gone Joe.” He said as his voice caught.<\/p>\n
Joe nodded, “I know.”<\/p>\n
“There\u2019s so much I\u2019ve never told you that I should have. Like how much I love you and how proud I was of you. You turned out to be a hell of a man.”<\/p>\n
Joe grinned, “I knew how you felt. I love you, Adam. Go home, okay?”<\/p>\n
*****<\/p>\n
Adam bolted up in bed, confused. He looked around for Joe. It was a dream, but so real. “I\u2019ll go home Joe.” He cried, “It\u2019s my turn to look out for your children like you did mine.”<\/p>\n
Adam and his two sons left for America the next morning.<\/p>\n
They arrived in Virginia City weeks later; they told no one that they were arriving, so there was no one there.<\/p>\n
As they went to the livery stable to rent a wagon, someone called out to Adam.<\/p>\n
“Adam Cartwright!”<\/p>\n
Adam stopped at the familiar voice. He turned and grinned as he saw Roy Coffee. Adam rushed over to the old friend and took him in a warm embrace. After they parted Adam introduced his sons.<\/p>\n
“What are you doing here?” Roy asked.<\/p>\n
Adam frowned, “Came to take over the ranch.”<\/p>\n
Roy frowned as his eyes showed the grief. “I am so sorry about Little Joe.”<\/p>\n
Adam nodded, “Well I better go. I want to see my kids.”<\/p>\n
Adam rode into the yard and stared at the house, he could see Joe and Hoss running out of it in his mind.<\/p>\n
He stopped the wagon and went in, as soon as he entered the house the memories once again insulted him.<\/p>\n
Adam Jr. looked up as the door opened, he jumped up when he saw his father. “Pa\u2019!” He yelled and ran to him and threw his arms around his father. “Thank God Pa\u2019! I am so happy to see you.”<\/p>\n
Adam looked at his oldest and grinned, he was crying, “Oh son, I am thrilled to see you.”<\/p>\n
Adam Jr. then took each of his brothers in his arms.<\/p>\n
“Where\u2019s your sister?” Adam asked.<\/p>\n
A.J. frowned, “I ain\u2019t sure Pa\u2019. She ran out of here about two hours ago.”<\/p>\n
“Uncle Adam!” James exclaimed as he and Marie came in and ran to their uncle. Soon the whole family except Elizabeth came home and was reunited with whom they considered the savoir of the ranch.<\/p>\n
Elizabeth came in and her eyes fell on her father. She stared at him, as the room became quiet. Adam stood up and looked at his beloved youngest, at his daughter.<\/p>\n
“DADDY!” She screamed and ran to him and threw herself on him and hugged him tight as she started to cry.<\/p>\n
Adam squeezed her tight and started to cry as well. “Oh baby, I love you.”<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t answer him, just cried and hugged him.<\/p>\n
“Let me see you child.”<\/p>\n
She stepped back and looked at him.<\/p>\n
“God you\u2019re beautiful.”<\/p>\n
“Oh Daddy, I didn\u2019t think you were gonna come.”<\/p>\n
He smiled, “I had to come.”<\/p>\n
“Are you going to leave?”<\/p>\n
“No, never.”<\/p>\n
She hugged him again. “I love you Daddy.”<\/p>\n
He nodded, “I know you do.”<\/p>\n
*****<\/p>\n
The next day after everyone left, Adam sat at his father\u2019s desk and looked over the paperwork.<\/p>\n
“Pa where is Joe?” Adam asked as he looked over his father\u2019s shoulder and read the paperwork he was working on.<\/em><\/p>\nBen looked at him; “Do you mind son?”<\/em><\/p>\nAdam signed and stepped back, “Where is Joe, Pa?”<\/em><\/p>\n“He\u2019s with Hoss, I suppose. Why?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n“I think we should talk to him Pa.”<\/em><\/p>\n“Why?”<\/em><\/p>\n“He hasn\u2019t been pulling his weight. He\u2019s twenty now Pa, he needs to grow up.”<\/em><\/p>\n“He\u2019s doing fine son.”<\/em><\/p>\n“No he ain\u2019t.”<\/em><\/p>\nHoss walked in shortly followed by Joe.<\/em><\/p>\nAdam looked at both of his brothers; “Did you fix that fence Joe?” Adam demanded.<\/em><\/p>\nJoe frowned at his brother\u2019s tone. “I forgot about it Adam.”<\/em><\/p>\n“Why?”<\/em><\/p>\n“I don\u2019t know, jus\u2019 did.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n“Damn Joe, can\u2019t you do anything right?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\nJoe got angry quickly, he hated when his brother questioned him. “I\u2019ll do it tomorrow Adam, now leave me alone.”<\/em><\/p>\nAdam shook his head.<\/em><\/p>\nJoe looked at Ben, “Pa, tell your son to leave me alone.”<\/em><\/p>\nBen looked up, “What?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\nJoe rolled his eyes and walked away.<\/em><\/p>\n“Joe!” Adam called, as he came over to his brother.<\/em><\/p>\nJoe looked at him, “What do you want now Adam?”<\/em><\/p>\n“I want you to do your part around here.”<\/em><\/p>\nAnd I want you to lay off.”<\/em><\/p>\n“Well I ain\u2019t gonna let that happen. I am sick of picking up after you.”<\/em><\/p>\n“Then don\u2019t! No one asked you too.”<\/em><\/p>\nAdam also got mad, “No, but someone has to.”<\/em><\/p>\n“No, no one does.”<\/em><\/p>\n“Yes we do Joe. You don\u2019t do your work anymore. You\u2019re lazy.”<\/em><\/p>\nBen stood up as Joe\u2019s eyes blazed over with anger. “That\u2019s enough, both of you.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n“But Pa\u2019, I didn\u2019t do anything.” Joe said.<\/em><\/p>\n“That\u2019s the problem!” Adam snapped, “You don\u2019t do nothing!”<\/em><\/p>\nJoe glared at him, “Shut up!”<\/em><\/p>\nBen shook his head; “I said that\u2019s enough. Now both of you stop it.”<\/em><\/p>\n“But Pa\u2019, he started it. All I did was come home.” Joe said.<\/em><\/p>\nBen looked at him, “I said that is enough Joe.”<\/em><\/p>\nJoe shook his head, “Pa\u2019 he had no right to say what he said.”<\/em><\/p>\n“I have every right to, you little runt!” Adam snapped. “You don\u2019t pull your own wake and I am sick of it!”<\/em><\/p>\n“I do pull my weight Adam! I do all of the horses. So what if I forgot to fix a fence. I\u2019ll do it tomorrow.”<\/em><\/p>\n“Yeah sure you will!”<\/em><\/p>\n“Leave me alone!”<\/em><\/p>\n“No Joseph, you’re lazy and I am tired of it. I ain\u2019t doing your work no more, you will.”<\/em><\/p>\n“I know I will, now shut up!”<\/em><\/p>\nAdam shook his head, “You ain\u2019t gonna change, you\u2019ll always be lazy.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\nJoe went after him, before Ben could stop him, he punched Adam in the jaw, Adam hit him back. Joe went after him as he did Ben grabbed him, Adam swung and hit his brother before while Ben held him still. Joe jerked loose of his father and went after his brother again, but Ben stepped in between them and Joe\u2019s fist made contact with his father\u2019s face.<\/em><\/p>\nJoe froze, as did both of his brothers.<\/em><\/p>\nBen had fallen, but was slowly getting up.<\/em><\/p>\nJoe swallowed, “I\u2019m sorry Pa, I was trying to hit Adam, not you.” He looked at Adam like it was his fault.<\/em><\/p>\nBen stood in front of his youngest son, he was mad.<\/em><\/p>\nJoe looked at him, “It ain\u2019t my fault Pa, it\u2019s Adam\u2019s”<\/em><\/p>\n“It ain\u2019t my fault.” Adam snapped.<\/em><\/p>\n“Yes it is!”<\/em><\/p>\nBen shook his head, he saw red and before he could stop himself he backhanded his son so hard Joe fell.<\/em><\/p>\nThe room was consumed by a great silence.<\/em><\/p>\nJoe stood up and looked at his father as his eyes glistened with tears. He rubbed his cheek, “Why did you do that Pa\u2019?”<\/em><\/p>\nBen shook his head, now he was angry with himself and he could not look at his son, “Go to your room Joe.”<\/em><\/p>\nJoe stared at him, “What?”<\/em><\/p>\n“Just get out of my sight Joe!”<\/em><\/p>\nJoe stared in shock at his father, but the turned and went up to his room.<\/em><\/p>\nAdam frowned, he didn\u2019t want this. “Pa\u2019 I\u2019m sorry.”<\/em><\/p>\nBen turned to his oldest son, “Adam don\u2019t take this wrong, but get out of my sight.”<\/em><\/p>\nAdam frowned and nodded, he went to his room, and Hoss followed him up.<\/em><\/p>\nThe next day, Joe rode out early to fix the fence.<\/em><\/p>\nHoss looked at Ben and Adam as they ate breakfast, “I think I\u2019ll go and help Joe later.” Hoss said.<\/em><\/p>\nBen nodded, “Fine.”<\/em><\/p>\nAdam, who was still feeling guilty, looked at Hoss. “I\u2019ll go with ya\u2019. Three can get it done pretty quick.” He stated.<\/em><\/p>\nHoss grinned, “Well that\u2019s jus\u2019 great Adam, it sure is. Joe will sure be happy.”<\/em><\/p>\nAdam nodded and smiled back at his brother, one thing for sure one couldn\u2019t help but smile when Hoss smiled.<\/em><\/p>\n“What about all the work you boys have to do?” Ben asked.<\/em><\/p>\n“Ah, Pa\u2019 we\u2019re get it done. We\u2019ll all jus\u2019 help each other.” Hoss said.<\/em><\/p>\nBen signed, but didn\u2019t say anything.<\/em><\/p>\n“Pa, I was wrong last night.” Adam said, “I shouldn\u2019t have lit into him like that.”<\/em><\/p>\nBen nodded, “I think I was wrong as well. I shouldn\u2019t have hit him.”<\/em><\/p>\n“Then come out with us and help him.” Adam suggested.<\/em><\/p>\nBen took a deep breath as he considered it.<\/em><\/p>\nAdam smiled, “Come on Pa\u2019, think of the surprise it will be.”<\/em><\/p>\nBen took a deep breath, “Okay.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\nHoss grinned.<\/em><\/p>\nJoe was riding back to get supplies when he saw his family coming. He stopped and watched them. He wondered what they were doing; they were properly coming to check on him. He shook his head, that damn Adam why can\u2019t he just leave it alone?<\/em><\/p>\nJoe thought about turning and running off, but that would just prove to Adam that he was right and there is no way that Joe will let that happen.<\/em><\/p>\nJoe started to ride toward them when he saw the dust coming from the mountain, it was a rockslide and his family was heading right for it.<\/em><\/p>\nJoe panicked and ran hard, shouting their names as he neared them; they were still coming straight for it. Joe pulled out his gun and shot at Adam\u2019s feet.<\/em><\/p>\nThe three riders stopped their horse in shock and looked at the youngest as he was pointing his gun at them, but before he could say anything Cochise stumbled and Joe fell off of her and before his family got to him the rocks tumbled down.<\/em><\/p>\nBen and Adam and Hoss stared in shock as the rocks covered their view of Joe.<\/em><\/p>\n“Joe!” Ben yelled.<\/em><\/p>\nSoon the smoke cleared and they scanned for their loved one.<\/em><\/p>\n“Oh God!” Hoss cried as he saw the green jacket, half covered by rocks. He ran over to him and started to throw the rocks off of his brother.<\/em><\/p>\nHoss had him uncovered before Adam and Ben reached him. Hoss scooped up his brother and moved him to the grass. He could feel him breathing.<\/em><\/p>\nBen knelt by his son, “Joe, come on wake up.”<\/em><\/p>\nJoe opened his eyes, he winced in pain. “I\u2019m okay Pa\u2019, really I am.”<\/em><\/p>\nBen smiled, he could see the many cuts and bruises over his body. Nothing looked broken though and that relieved Ben.<\/em><\/p>\nJoe looked at his father and brothers and started to cry. “I shot at ya\u2019 Adam, I hit ya\u2019 Pa\u2019. I\u2019m sorry.”<\/em><\/p>\nBen frowned, he gathered his son in his arms, “Oh son, I\u2019m sorry.”<\/em><\/p>\n“Pa please forgive me. I\u2019m sorry.”<\/em><\/p>\nBen kissed his head, “Don\u2019t worry son, it ain\u2019t your fault.”<\/em><\/p>\nJoe looked at Adam, “I was jus\u2019 tryin\u2019 to stop ya\u2019, I saw the rocks comin\u2019. I was scared it would kill you.”<\/em><\/p>\nAdam took his brother from his father, “Listen Joe, listen to me. You saved my life and Hoss\u2019 and Pa\u2019s. You\u2019re a hero and I am so proud of you.”<\/em><\/p>\nJoe looked at him, “Really?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n“Yes little brother. You saved all of us. Thank you.”<\/em><\/p>\n“You scared us little brother.” Hoss said, “we thought we lost you.”<\/em><\/p>\nJoe smiled, “Nah, it\u2019ll take more then a few rocks to kill me.”<\/em><\/p>\n“I\u2019m sure it will.” Ben said<\/em><\/p>\nJoe smiled as he looked at his family, “Besides it wouldn\u2019t have been so bad.”<\/em><\/p>\n“What wouldn\u2019t have been so bad buddy?” Adam asked.<\/em><\/p>\n“To have died saving your lives. It would have been a good reason to die for those you love.”<\/em><\/p>\nAdam kissed his head as he started to cry.<\/em><\/p>\n*****<\/p>\n
“Daddy,” Elizabeth said quietly as she saw her father crying.<\/p>\n
Adam looked up and smiled at his daughter, “Do you know Joe almost got killed saving me and Hoss and Pa from a rockslide once?”<\/p>\n
She frowned and turned away.<\/p>\n
“Talk to me sweetheart.”<\/p>\n
“No Daddy.”<\/p>\n
Adam stood up and put his arm around her, “Listen to me honey. That day when he saved us, he told us that it was a good reason to die for someone you love. Do you understand? Joe would have preferred to die, and you live. He looked at it as an honor. You don\u2019t need to be sad anymore, he wouldn\u2019t want that, he loved you too much.”<\/p>\n
“But Daddy, it\u2019s my fault.”<\/p>\n
“No darling, no it\u2019s not. It was the rock\u2019s fault. Joe would hate it that you\u2019re blaming yourself. He loved you too much for you to be hurt like this.”<\/p>\n
“But, I miss him so.”<\/p>\n
Adam nodded, “Me too. Let\u2019s go talk to him.”<\/p>\n
They left and went to his grave site. Adam placed a flower by Marie, Pa\u2019s, and Hoss\u2019. Then he went and knelt by Joe\u2019s, he touched the headstone and tears rolled freely down his cheek. “Oh Joe, it is hard to say goodbye to you. How can I thank you for saving Bethy? You were my baby brother; I was supposed to go first not last. I was supposed to look out for you but instead you looked out for me with saving my daughter\u2019s life. Joe I owe you everything.”<\/p>\n
“Dad!” Elizabeth screamed.<\/p>\n
Adam jumped up, his hand on his pistol. When he turned he saw his daughter ashen face as she was looking at Joe.<\/p>\n
She ran over to him and hugged him, “Is that Joe? Is that Uncle Joe?”<\/p>\n
Joe smiled at his brother; “You\u2019re home.”<\/p>\n
Adam nodded, “Now it\u2019s time for you to go home.”<\/p>\n
Joe nodded he looked at Elizabeth, “Honey, don\u2019t blame yourself. I would do it again in a minute and besides it was my time.”<\/p>\n
“But uh but I miss you.”<\/p>\n
He nodded, “And I miss you, but your Pa\u2019s here now.”<\/p>\n
“I love you.”<\/p>\n
He nodded, “I know and I love you too. I always will.”<\/p>\n
She smiled at him; “Can I touch you?”<\/p>\n
He nodded and put his arms out.<\/p>\n
She went and hugged him and was surprised to feel him. She kissed him and he kissed her. She stepped away and looked at her father.<\/p>\n
“You rest Joe, I\u2019ll take care of James and Marie. You take care of Pa and Hoss for me okay.” Adam said as tears rolled down his face.<\/p>\n
Joe nodded, “I know you will. Give me a hug Adam.”<\/p>\n
Adam walked over and hugged his brother. “I love you little brother.”<\/p>\n
Joe nodded, “I love you too.”<\/p>\n
Adam stepped back and too his daughter\u2019s hand. “Rest now Joe, it\u2019ll be okay.”<\/p>\n
Joe nodded and blew a kiss to them, then turned and walked away. Adam smiled when he saw Joe walk into the arms of his father and mother and Hoss. Adam put his arm up in a greeting as tears blurred his vision.<\/p>\n
After a long minute, Adam turned to his daughter. “Time to go home.”<\/p>\n
She smiled.<\/p>\n
They went home and had a family dinner and once again the Cartwrights were whole again. It was a new generation of Cartwrights, but they were foremost Cartwrights, and the Ponderosa was alive once again.<\/p>\n
THE END<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0 A new generation of Cartwrights, with very familiar names, breathes new life into the Ponderosa.