{"id":4243,"date":"2007-11-30T16:46:17","date_gmt":"2007-11-30T21:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4243"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:11:17","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:11:17","slug":"beginnings-east-meets-west","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4243","title":{"rendered":"Beginnings–East Meets West (by swgirl)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Adam meets a young lady from the east and romance blossoms.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (46,295 words)<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Beginnings–East Meets West<\/strong><\/p>\n

CHAPTER ONE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright was already dreading his and his brother Joe\u2019s arrival home. Not only had the past week been hard and physically demanding, Adam now faced another trying job.<\/p>\n

Ben had informed his sons before they left that a very old friend of his was going to be staying at the Ponderosa while this friend looked for land in the Nevada Territory. This friend was looking specifically for enough land to establish a horse ranch. His daughter was accompanying him, which meant Adam would most likely be the one to entertain her. This responsibility always fell to him and he had begun to resent it. He had found that the daughters of his father\u2019s friends from back East – in this instance Virginia – were always shallow, self-centered creatures that lacked any imagination, much less any intellect at all.<\/p>\n

Adam was bored with this responsibility and wished it would pass to one of his brothers, Hoss or Little Joe. But, as always, Adam would do what his father wished no matter how distasteful.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should have left the Ponderosa last month as I wanted to and should not have allowed Pa to talk me out of going back east. As soon as these visitors leave, I\u2019m leaving. There is nothing here for me and I feel like there\u2019s more in life than just being here on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reminded himself that he had a college education and felt he was wasting away in Nevada. He had more talents than to be just a rancher.<\/p>\n

Even though Adam was the one who handled all of the books for the ranch, he felt there was so much more he was capable of – so much more he wanted to do and see.<\/p>\n

Adam had been the quiet one, the thinker of the three sons of Ben Cartwright. Always a private person from the time he was a small boy, shouldering responsibility from a very young age, he was always controlled in his emotions and his feelings for others. Fiercely loyal to his family he wanted more than just his father and brothers. He wanted a life.\u00a0His<\/em>\u00a0life.<\/p>\n

As they approached the house, Adam observed that the carriage was in front of the house, indicating their guests had already arrived. As he and Little Joe dismounted, Hoss strolled out to greet them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did the round-up go?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cFound about fifty head,\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it our guests have arrived,\u201d Adam stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. And, for once, Adam, I think you just might find this visit interestin\u2019,\u201d Hoss chuckled.<\/p>\n

Adam looked at his brother with a wary eye and asked, \u201cWhat is that supposed to mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNuthin\u2019. Jest interestin\u2019. Pa sent me out to fetch you two. He wants to introduce you to Judge McDonald and his daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be in when we get the horses put away.\u201d Not looking forward to his assigned duties, Adam remembered the conversation his father had with him prior to his and Joe\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I expect you to see that Miss McDonald is entertained while she and her father are here. He is one of my oldest and dearest friends and I want their visit to be enjoyable. Who knows? They may become our neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWO<\/strong><\/p>\n

After seeing to their horses, washing up and changing clothes in the bunk house, Adam and Little Joe entered the house.<\/p>\n

Ben began the introductions. \u201cJonathan, these are my other two sons, Adam and Joseph. Boys, I\u2019d like for you to meet Judge Jonathan McDonald.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the men shook hands, the library door opened and a voice with the softest Southern accent Adam had ever heard began.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, y\u2019all have a wonderful library. If you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019d like to borrow\u2026 Oh, excuse me! I didn\u2019t mean to interrupt\u2026\u201d She stopped in mid-sentence.<\/p>\n

Adam turned to see where this voice was coming from and, standing there in front of him, was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life. She had a slender, small waist, long soft, flowing curly auburn hair framing her face, porcelain skin, voluminous lips, and a gorgeous smile. But the details that stood out the most \u2013 the ones which fascinated and attracted Adam \u2013 were the color of her eyes. They were the rich blue color of Lake Tahoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam. Joseph. I would like you to meet Miss Katherine McDonald,\u201d Ben said, finishing the introductions.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my pleasure to meet you both, but please call me Kate,\u201d she said smiling, eyes sparkling as she came toward the two brothers to greet them.<\/p>\n

The whole time Adam never took his eyes off her.<\/p>\n

Joe started toward her to take her arm, showing a great deal more interest in her than he normally would with a guest. He was stopped by Adam\u2019s hand on his chest. Adam took her arm, steering her away from his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate I see you\u2019ve visited our library. Tell me, what do you think of it?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

Looking into his warm eyes, she replied softly. \u201cI don\u2019t believe I\u2019ve ever seen such a complete library in a private home. Your selections include everything – the classics, poetry, and Shakespeare.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad someone else finds it more than adequate. You mentioned poetry. Do you have a favorite poet?\u201d Adam asked, his interest piqued. He was always interested in anyone who was well-read.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, your collection is far more than adequate. And, to answer your question, I would have to say my favorite is Tennyson. So many poets\u2019 writings are too flowery for me. Tennyson is very visual and straight to the point.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, call me Adam,\u201d he said with a smile and barely-veiled interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, Adam,\u201d she said, smiling at the tall man before her.<\/p>\n

Adam was surprised by her answer to his question. Most girls he had met who had a genuine interest in reading concentrated only on romantic poems – not on the works of the true poets. He would soon learn, in the days to come, that this girl held more surprises for him. Adam was completely intrigued by her. Not only was she beautiful, but he was becoming keenly aware she was also very intelligent.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THREE<\/strong><\/p>\n

As Ben and Judge McDonald went into Ben\u2019s office area to look at the maps of land parcels available for sale that Ben had picked up at the surveyor\u2019s office for the Judge\u2019s perusal, Adam took Kate\u2019s arm and led her to the sofa where they sat side by side.<\/p>\n

Adam began the conversation by asking Katherine how she felt about moving to Nevada.<\/p>\n

Taking her time to answer, she replied, \u201cI\u2019m excited to be here! From everything I\u2019ve seen so far, the land is beautiful and would be a wonderful place to live.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour father wishes to purchase land for a horse ranch. Do you ride?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate is one of the finest horsewomen in Virginia,\u201d her father interjected.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Kate answered, ignoring her father\u2019s interruption. \u201cRiding is one of the passions I have that my father doesn\u2019t dissuade. I learned to ride when I was very young. I\u2019ve always been around horses and enjoy them immensely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate and Adam sat and talked for hours about things they both were interested in \u2013 things like music, art, and literature. Adam noticed that when Kate was talking to or listening to someone, she looked that person in the eye. He found her easy to talk to but discovered yet another asset – she was a good listener. This was something most women from his experience were not good at.<\/p>\n

By this time Hoss had approached his younger brother. Speaking quietly, he said, \u201cTold Adam this visit was gonna be interestin\u2019 for him. She\u2019s a real nice gal. I got to talk to her for a spell before you two got back. She might just give ole\u2019 Adam a run for his money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Adam isn\u2019t the only one who can entertain a girl.\u00a0I<\/em>\u00a0just might be the one to show her around while she\u2019s here,\u201d Joe, replied<\/p>\n

Katherine McDonald had been pleasantly surprised in Adam, not really caring to meet one of her father\u2019s old friends or his sons. She thought immediately how handsome he was, finding him powerfully built, tall, tanned, broad-chested and broad-shouldered, with a narrow waist and hips, dark hair, beautiful kind eyes and a wonderful smile.<\/p>\n

She detected aloofness in him, possibly an underlying anger, when they had first met, but it seemed he was relaxing with her. The fact that they shared a great deal of the same interests pleased her very much. Most of the men she had met in her life had been snobs and treated her as an inferior.<\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright is different. He is a real man, not some self-centered person. And he\u2019s intelligent. Being handsome doesn\u2019t hurt either<\/em>, she thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you and your father decide to leave Virginia and come way out here? Wasn\u2019t Virginia to your liking?\u201d Adam was curious.<\/p>\n

\u201cI loved it until recently. I hate all the talk of War. I was born in Virginia. My mother died when I was very young, so it\u2019s just been father and me. He raised me – with the help of nannies, of course – making sure I was raised with his way of thinking. All of the proper Southern requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam noted the slightest bit of sarcasm in her response.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I grew older, he became at a loss as what to do with me. My father has preconceived notions as to how I should behave and what I should do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it you didn\u2019t conform to his way of thinking,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I could never behave in the way that those back in Virginia believe a properly-raised southern girl is supposed to act. Heaven forbid that a woman should be so bold as to\u00a0think<\/em>, much less\u00a0voice<\/em>\u00a0her ideas! I have a habit of doing this, much to the horror of my father. I\u2019ve also been told on more than one occasion that I\u2019m stubborn and that I have a bit of a temper.\u201d She laughed as she confided this to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, to answer your question, Adam, I loved the idea of coming here where possibly people are different and not so buried in antiquated ideas of how people should be or behave. Then, when father received an appointment to the federal bench here in Nevada, we made the decision to put roots down here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Realizing she had probably said too much (which she was not in the habit of doing, especially with someone she had just met), she excused herself. \u201cPlease excuse me, Adam. I didn\u2019t mean to run on so.\u201d<\/p>\n

After hearing this, Judge McDonald added, \u201cKate also failed to mention that, to my horror, she also has a very analytical mind. To my way of thinking, this is not becoming to a woman of today\u2019s world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI beg to differ, Sir. I find that particular quality in a woman rare and very refreshing,\u201d Adam challenged.<\/p>\n

Having heard all she wished to hear from her father, Kate said, \u201cWell, if you gentlemen will excuse me, you may continue to discuss me in my absence. I believe I would like to walk outside and enjoy this wonderful evening.\u201d Rising from the sofa, Kate went to fetch her shawl.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER FOUR<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam rose to his feet at the same time. \u201cI think I\u2019ll join you, Kate. I would prefer to discuss a lady\u2019s qualities in your presence.\u201d He threw this rejoinder over his shoulder, helped Kate with her shawl and then walked outside with her.<\/p>\n

Ben, watching and listening to the interaction between the two, thought, \u201cI don\u2019t believe Adam will find Kate as much a chore as he thought she would be.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Walking into the courtyard, Adam looked closely at Kate, noting that every feature was perfect. He found she had both an easy smile and laugh, making anyone with her feel comfortable.<\/p>\n

Kate caught his inspection and looked straight at him with a smile. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to feel obligated to entertain me, Adam, if you have other matters you need to tend to. You must think me rude for leaving the others\u2019 company. Forgive me. It just angers me when my father talks about me as though I am not present. I\u2019m sure he would have preferred that I had been born a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is nothing I would rather do than be with you, and I meant what I said – I think you are rare and very refreshing. And I, for one, am glad you were not born a boy.\u201d Adam noted Kate\u2019s perfect white teeth as she shared his laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe anyone has ever told me I was rare and refreshing. I\u2019ve been told many\u00a0other<\/em>\u00a0things, but never\u00a0that.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam reddened at her last remark, and Kate stumbled over her apology, touching his arm gently as she spoke softly. \u201cAdam, I\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t mean to embarrass you. I have a habit of saying what I think – another quality my father hates.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI prefer a woman who speaks honestly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Looking at the house, she turned to him and said, \u201cYour father told me you designed and built this home. It\u2019s very beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Realizing she was trying to make him feel comfortable again, he replied, \u201cThank you. Yes, I designed it but we all had a hand in building it. From what Pa has told us, you had quite the grand home in Virginia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a nice house in Virginia – it had been in my mother\u2019s family for generations. It was far too large for two people. I understand that, when my mother was alive, it was a wonderful home. I don\u2019t remember much of that time. After she passed away, it just became a house. I didn\u2019t spend that much time there. And there is a definite difference between a house and a home, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate, wanting to change the subject, began. \u201cYour father also told us you wanted to leave this paradise, to go back east to New York.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was planning on leaving last month, and Pa talked me out of going. Have you ever been there? I\u2019ve wanted to go there for as long as I can remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

She responded with a small laugh, \u201cYes, I have been there.\u201d She began slowly, choosing her words carefully, walking slowly in front of him. \u201cI was in New York – but not by choice. My father realized when I turned fourteen that he had no idea what to do with me so he sent me to a boarding school in New York. I was there for four years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must have loved every minute of it. I can\u2019t imagine anything more exciting,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Shaking her head, Kate looked into his eyes and said with a sad smile, \u201cAdam, it wasn\u2019t a pleasant experience for me. I didn\u2019t enjoy being alone\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly realizing she had said far too much, she whispered, \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2026 I\u2026 shouldn\u2019t have gone on like this. I usually don\u2019t discuss private matters or my feelings with anyone.\u201d Casting her eyes downward for a moment, she continued. \u201cI still have bad feelings about that time in my life. Please forgive me for burdening you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate,\u201d he said sincerely, sensing this was painful for her, \u201cthere\u2019s nothing to forgive.\u201d<\/p>\n

That evening after dinner, Adam took Kate for a ride in the carriage under a full moon. They spoke of the things they enjoyed. Adam was envious when Kate told him she had been to an opera prior to leaving Virginia. \u201cIt was so wonderful! I had never heard voices like that in my life!\u201d Kate\u2019s face glowed as she remembered.<\/p>\n

Realizing how passionate she was about things she loved intrigued Adam even more.\u00a0She is kind, gentle and well-read, extremely rare in someone her age. I\u2019ve learned so much about her after spending such a short time with her,<\/em>\u00a0he told himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate I\u2019d like to spend time with you and show you around the area if you would permit me to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like that, Adam,\u201d she replied. \u201cVery much.\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER FIVE<\/strong><\/p>\n

When Kate felt she was settled and ready to be shown around the Ponderosa, she told Adam.<\/p>\n

Eager to spend additional time with her, Adam planned out the day. What he hadn\u2019t planned on was Joe and Hoss joining them – a plan the younger brothers had hatched up the night before while unsaddling their mounts.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Joe said dramatically, \u201cwhat\u2019s Adam gonna do? He can\u2019t make us stay here. She\u2019s our guest too. We\u2019ll just tag along.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, now you know how Adam gets. I\u2019m jist not so sure I want any part of this,\u201d Hoss told him.<\/p>\n

Shrugging his shoulders, Joe replied, \u201cSuit yourself. This is one time Adam ain\u2019t gonna have the upper hand. Didn\u2019t you hear her say she\u2019d\u00a0consider our offer<\/em>\u00a0the other night when we suggested showing her around? When she said that, I thought it was an invitation if ever I heard one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss thought, \u201cThat\u2019s your problem, Joe. When it comes to gals, ya don\u2019t think.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think she was just being polite, Joe,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cShe don\u2019t seem like the kind of gal who\u2019d hurt a feller\u2019s feelin\u2019s. \u2018Sides, Adam would be madder than a wet hen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I ain\u2019t scared of Adam and I didn\u2019t think you were neither, Hoss. \u2018Bout time Adam learned we\u2019re grown men and he can\u2019t push us around,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

The next morning Adam brought Sport and another stallion into the courtyard as he waited for Kate. His brothers came around the side of the barn on their mounts.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing into Virginia City this morning?\u201d Adam asked, checking the cinches on the saddles.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d they both answered at the same time.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust what do you two plan on doing today?\u201d Adam asked warily, eyeing the two.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we just thought we\u2019d help you show Kate the Ponderosa.\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo you\u2019re not,\u201d Adam began, \u201cI don\u2019t need any help. You two just find some other way to entertain yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to be hospitable – just like you, big brother.\u201d Hoss chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Joe, I mean it! I don\u2019t need any help.\u201d Adam spoke through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n

Kate came out of the house, saw the three brothers together and greeted them with a \u201cgood morning\u201d and a smile. Not hearing the conversation between the brothers, Kate walked over to Adam and innocently asked:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re all going to go riding? How wonderful!\u201d<\/p>\n

A dark looked crossed Adam\u2019s face – the look that normally caused his brothers to scatter. But today, in front of a pretty girl, both of them wrapped in a sense of bravado, they had lost what common sense they had.<\/p>\n

As Kate mounted her horse, Adam did also. Joe and Hoss got on either side of her as they rode out.<\/p>\n

\u201cComing, Adam?\u201d Kate asked over her shoulder.<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t like this turn of events.\u00a0What were his brothers thinking? They had never openly defied his wishes before.<\/em>\u00a0He was in a foul mood as he followed the three riders in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, this is the main road into Virginia city,\u201d Joe explained, smiling at her. \u201cWe found that this is the fastest way into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing, Joe,\u201d Adam said with a smirk. \u201cIt\u2019s the\u00a0only<\/em>\u00a0road from the Ponderosa into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, Miss Kate,\u201d Hoss began \u201con this here road, we can go into the city whenever we want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hoss. Thank you, Joe.\u201d Kate smiled at them. \u201cI\u2019ll remember that this is the only road into Virginia City and we can use it whenever we wish.\u201d<\/p>\n

A thought crossed Adam\u2019s mind. \u201cShe knows they\u2019re trying to impress her, why they\u2019re tagging along. They\u2019ll make fools of themselves before long. I\u2019ll just hang back and watch and wait.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Kate,\u201d Joe explained seriously, \u201cthis is where Hoss and I were this morning, rounding up steers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not to be outdone, Hoss nodded his head. \u201cYeah, we were here a good three hours before any of the hands got here.\u201d He gave her a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost admirable, Hoss. I\u2019m glad to see you and Joe are so diligent in your work habits,\u201d she replied, adding, \u201cIs there anything you\u2019d like to show me, Adam? That is, other than the only road into Virginia City and where Joe and Hoss were this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Kate, not quite yet,\u201d he said, fighting the urge to laugh. \u201cLet Joe and Hoss give you the tour of how to get from the ranch house to the road to Virginia City. I\u2019ll be ready when you want to see something of value.\u201d<\/p>\n

If it hadn\u2019t been for his brothers in their attempts to impress this girl, he would have felt sorry for the two as they made fools of themselves. At least Kate wasn\u2019t ridiculing them. \u201cShe would never make fun of someone, not even two foolish men like my brothers,<\/em>\u201d he told himself.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER SIX<\/strong><\/p>\n

After an hour of riding, Kate had seen enough of the road, the pasture and the latest item Joe and Hoss had come up with – the feeding station for the cattle.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s explanation of the feeding station was the last straw for Adam as he yelled, \u201cFeeding station? It\u2019s a pasture, Joe! A pasture!\u201d<\/p>\n

Fighting the urge to laugh, Kate pulled her horse to a stop telling his brothers, \u201cI believe I\u2019d like Adam to show me some of the Ponderosa now. Thank you both for taking the time to show and explain so many things this morning. We\u2019ll see you back at the house, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

They had been dismissed and they knew it. She had accomplished what Adam couldn\u2019t do: she had gotten rid of Joe and Hoss.<\/p>\n

After telling her good-bye, the two men rode back towards the Ponderosa ranch house. She and Adam sat waving, watching them go.<\/p>\n

Looking over at Adam, she noted a grin on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey had that coming,\u201d he told her. \u201cPathetic. Absolutely pathetic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought they were sweet,\u201d she replied. \u201cThey did their best to come up with things they thought I might be interested in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, please. Showing you a road? A pasture? Don\u2019t you think they were a bit foolish?\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never think someone is foolish who tries to be kind,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

Wanting to change the subject, he asked, \u201cWould you like to see a few things I really think you\u2019d be interested in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam, I would,\u201d She turned her horse to join him.<\/p>\n

He led the way to a lake he told her was named \u201cPyramid Lake.\u201d He explained, \u201cThe Indians believe it has healing powers. They bring all their sick people here to bathe in its waters. We\u2019ve been in the saddle most of the day. Would you like to get down and walk for a while?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I would,\u201d she said as she alit from her horse. Walking to the shore of the lake, she told him, \u201cIt\u2019s very pretty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it is,\u201d he replied. \u201cThe other reason I wanted you to see this place is there is a herd of wild mustangs that roam the area around the lake. I thought we might get a glimpse of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be wonderful! I would like to see them – I\u2019ve read about them and would be thrilled to see one up close.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s stay here for a while and see if any come around.\u201d He took her hand, leading her to a mound of grass overlooking the lake.<\/p>\n

They waited for two hours with nary a sight of anything other than assorted birds and prairie dogs. But the time was not lost – they talked of many things, places they had been, what Adam had studied in college, his asking her more about her home in Virginia.<\/p>\n

After a while Adam told her, \u201cI guess they\u2019re grazing somewhere else today. Sorry, Kate. I thought we might get lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER SEVEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

After that first day, Adam planned different activities for them every free day he had. Something special that he had never done before, that he and Kate could enjoy together. Some days they just went riding and ended up walking the horses back, talking as they went.<\/p>\n

He loved the soft lilt to her voice and the gentleness she possessed, confident of herself yet soft spoken and feminine.<\/p>\n

She asked to see the cattle they raised on the Ponderosa as he took her riding out to the north pasture. Coming upon a small part of the herd she observed, \u201cThey are huge! How on earth do you control so many at one time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is only a fraction of the herd, Kate,\u201d he explained, shifting in his saddle. \u201cThe larger body is further south and they graze all over the Ponderosa. This happened to be the closest group. They aren\u2019t that hard to control when they\u2019re grazing. On a cattle drive, now that is totally different.\u201d<\/p>\n

With their daily excursions, Adam and Kate got to know each other well. They soon learned the other\u2019s likes and dislikes; discussing books they had read and voicing their opinions on them when the other asked.<\/p>\n

One evening while Kate was sitting on the porch – while Adam was busy going over the books for the Ponderosa \u2013 Ben asked if he could join her. He had been watching a growing fondness develop between his son and her and wanted to know her better.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease do, Mr. Cartwright. This evening is too beautiful not to share.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you enjoying yourself, Kate, or are my sons driving you insane?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour sons, all of them, have been very kind to me. They\u2019ve all shown me different parts of the ranch and explained many curiosities to me. Y\u2019all have a territory totally different from Virginia,\u201d she confided in him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam had to review the books tonight, Kate. We have a meeting with some buyers tomorrow and I want to be sure of my figures. Besides,\u201d he confided in her, \u201cI hate keeping the books. Adam does a far better job.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat laughing with him then became serious. \u201cMr. Cartwright, may I ask you something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Kate, please do.\u201d Ben said encouraging her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know my parents in Boston – my Mother in particular?\u201d She asked.<\/p>\n

Surprised at her question, he answered her slowly, \u201cYes, Kate, I did. Adam\u2019s mother and I were friends of your parents before you or Adam were born.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was she like? I don\u2019t remember much about her she passed away when I was so young.\u201d She looked into the older man\u2019s dark eyes, waiting for his response.<\/p>\n

Ben began, his mind drifting back to that time, smiling. \u201cYou remind me a lot of her. You look like her and have her personality. Victoria, like you, always had a smile for everyone. I don\u2019t believe that woman ever met a stranger. She and Adam\u2019s mother were best friends – they met shortly after your parents moved to Boston. I swear, your mother was as excited as Elizabeth when we found out we were going to have Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stopped for a moment, remembering, then went on. \u201cWhen Elizabeth passed away, your mother was devastated and it was as though she had lost her sister. We stayed in touch for awhile. I had taken Adam and started West. I didn\u2019t hear from your father until four years later that you were born, and then again when he wrote telling me she had passed away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI often think of her,\u201d she said as she leaned her head on the back of the rocker. \u201cI remember a few things – her laugh, her touch – but every day I forget more. Thank you, Mr. Cartwright. It was kind of you to take the time to tell me of her. My father doesn\u2019t speak of her anymore. I imagine it\u2019s too painful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was happy to, Kate,\u201d Ben said. \u201cAnytime you want to talk about it, I\u2019m more than happy to remember with you.\u201d He smiled at the girl.<\/p>\n

As they sat there, no words passing between them, he thought,\u00a0\u201cShe is like Victoria. Her mother was gentle as Kate is, concerned with the feelings and well being of others. I like Kate – she has a gentle strength about her. I can see why Adam wants to spend time getting to know her.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cKate,\u201d Ben began, \u201cHop Sing just made fresh coffee. Would you care for some?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, I would. Please allow me to get us some,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re our guest. I\u2019ll get it,\u201d Ben replied<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Mr. Cartwright, allow me. Since we arrived, I haven\u2019t done a thing for myself and I\u2019m not used to that,\u201d she said, laughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Kate,\u201d he replied, \u201cif you wish.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Kate entered the house, she saw Adam at the desk. Going over to him, she asked, \u201cI\u2019m getting your father and me coffee. May I get you a cup?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it is not too much trouble, I would love some. My father has made this task almost impossible. Thank you Kate,\u201d Adam said, smiling at her.<\/p>\n

Walking into the kitchen, she realized she had developed a stronger feeling for Adam other than just a passing friendship. She thought\u00a0\u201cThose dimples of his when he smiles are so charming. And those eyes – a woman could get lost in them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

CHAPTER EIGHT<\/strong><\/p>\n

She returned shortly carrying a tray with three cups and a pot of coffee. Setting the tray on the desk, she placed Adam\u2019s cup by him and poured for him. Her fingers lingered there looking at what he was doing. He absently felt for his cup, instead finding her hand.<\/p>\n

The touch was a shock to both, and they pulled their hands back at the same time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am sorry, Adam. I wasn\u2019t paying attention,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, it\u2019s all right. I rather enjoyed that.\u201d<\/p>\n

She picked the tray up, blushing, and took Ben\u2019s coffee to him.<\/p>\n

Watching her leave, Adam thought,\u00a0\u201cThere is something about her that draws me to her. Granted, we have the same interests and get along well, but there is something else, something making me want to be with her all the time.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Carrying the tray to the porch, her mind still on Adam, she hadn\u2019t heard Ben Cartwright until he raised his voice to get her attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, my dear. Let\u2019s put the tray between us,\u201d Ben instructed. \u201cIs Adam pulling his hair out yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

Setting the tray where he had indicated, she began pouring for them as she replied with a laugh, \u201cNo, sir, not yet. I got him coffee also. He seems to be making progress.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting together Ben and Kate discussed many different things. Ben asked more about Shiloh, school and Virginia.<\/p>\n

Kate inquired about Ben\u2019s family – in particular she was most interested in Adam. Ben told funny anecdotes about his three sons and how they were growing up – confiding in her that he had barely maintained his sanity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re three fine men, Mr. Cartwright. You\u2019ve done a wonderful job – all so different yet all similar. Yes, you must be very proud of them,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am, Kate,\u201d he answered. \u201cIt was hard at times but, with Adam\u2019s help, we got Hoss and Joe raised.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s help?\u201d she questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I had to depend on Adam\u2019s strength in raising his brothers from the time he was six. Hoss\u2019 mother was killed shortly after Hoss was born. With trying to build us a home here, I had to turn Hoss over to Adam to pretty much raise. Then, when Joe was born and his mother\u2019s dying when he was five, I had to again rely on Adam. I was so distraught after Marie\u2019s death – Adam had to shoulder the responsibility again of being in charge of a child and of running the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo wonder he\u2019s so competent in so many areas,\u201d Kate observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben told her. \u201cAdam is most capable in all areas. He had to grow up very fast, much faster than I had hoped for.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two continued to talk for some time. After awhile they heard the door open and Adam joined them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe I have the books in good condition,\u201d he told his father. \u201cTook a while, but now the figures make some sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, son. I appreciate your efforts. Now, if you and Katherine will excuse me, I will go and prepare for tomorrow\u2019s meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took Ben\u2019s seat beside Kate. As he reached to pour himself more coffee, Kate took the pot and poured the coffee for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Kate,\u201d he replied. \u201cPa will be back to normal after tomorrow. He always gets this way before a major sale.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think your father has been wonderful. In fact, all of you have. Everyone has gone out of his way to make our visit enjoyable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe, who had been absent all evening, came out of the barn. Seeing Kate, Hoss called to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate! I got something here in the barn I think you\u2019d like to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising, along with Adam, Kate made her way to where Hoss was standing.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe and Joe been working with this mare all night. Come on – in got something special to show ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

Entering the coolness of the barn, he led her to a stall in the back. Before her stood a mare and a newborn colt.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s beautiful, Hoss,\u201d she declared, going to the colt, running her hand along his flank. The small horse, made nervous by her touch, shied away to his mother.<\/p>\n

Kate was patient with the small animal and, after petting him and talking in soft tones to him, he came to her. Smiling, she knelt down and looked the foal over.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is beautiful Hoss. How long was she in labor?\u201d Kate asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty much all day. She had a hard time with the last one so we\u2019ve been keeping an eye on her. He is purty, ain\u2019t he?\u201d Hoss declared proudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Hoss, he is,\u201d Kate replied. \u201cWho is his sire?\u201d<\/p>\n

Surprised by her question, Hoss fumbled over his response, \u201cKate, don\u2019t rightly know – that all happened out on the range. We don\u2019t match em up – it just sorta happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Kate said, beginning to blush. \u201cBack at Shiloh, we used certain stallions for stud. I thought you did that here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam explained, \u201cWe don\u2019t do that with the horses, Kate. Occasionally, we will purchase a bull for stud purposes but usually, they mate on their own. We\u2019re primarily a cattle ranch. The horses are necessary stock.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss knows just about every she-animal that is ready to drop a…\u201d Joe added.<\/p>\n

Realizing he was speaking to a woman he began to blush, \u201cSorry, Kate. I just meant that Hoss, that the animals…\u201d Joe was fumbling badly as he tried to explain himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right, Joe, I understand,\u201d she replied, smiling at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate,\u201d Adam began, \u201cwould you like to go for a walk?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam, I would \u2013 if Hoss and Joe will excuse me. The foal is beautiful, Hoss. Thank you for showing him to me,\u201d she replied, grateful that Adam had rescued her from the uncomfortable discussion she had been having with his brothers.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER NINE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam took her arm, leading her out of the barn. As they turned toward the mountains, he led her to a large mound where they could sit and see the vista before them.<\/p>\n

After a few moments of silence Kate told him, \u201cI was telling your father that all of you have done every thing in your power to make me feel welcome. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been my pleasure, Kate,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cI only hope my brothers haven\u2019t pestered you too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey haven\u2019t,\u201d she said laughing. \u201cThey have both tried very hard to entertain me. That isn\u2019t necessary. On occasion, I\u2019ve had to entertain myself and managed quite well. But I so appreciate their efforts and yours, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

They sat for a while, just looking at the beauty before them, with her finally telling him, \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind I\u2019m tired, I believe I\u2019ll retire for tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Kate,\u201d he began. \u201cI was tied up all evening. I had planned to take you for a carriage ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you take your responsibility to entertain me too seriously. Don\u2019t you think I know your father forced me on you? I don\u2019t want you to do anything you don\u2019t want to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Watching her face, Adam was taken aback that she spoke so straightforward. He had never known a woman who spoke her mind the way Kate did.\u00a0\u201cAnd how did she know Pa had put me in charge of her?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cKate, everything I have done is because I want to. Yes, Pa asked that I show you around and, yes, at first I wasn\u2019t happy with the idea. But now everything I do is because I want to. I want to be with you and get to know you better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, she rose as he took her arm and led her back to the house.<\/p>\n

He walked back with her in silence. He didn\u2019t understand why he cared so much that what she thought was important to him. He didn\u2019t want her to feel she was a chore; before they met, he could have cared less. Reaching the house, they walked in together and found Ben in the living room.<\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine, your father went on to bed. He asked that I tell you and Adam good night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she replied. \u201cIf you two gentlemen will excuse me, I believe I will follow suit. Good night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam watched as she mounted the stairs while Ben observed his son\u2019s reaction. Adam sat in the chair that was designated as \u201chis.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave a good walk with Kate, son?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa, it was fine,\u201d Adam replied absently.<\/p>\n

Something was on Adam\u2019s mind but, as always, Ben would have to wait until his eldest son wanted to discuss it.<\/p>\n

For once Ben didn\u2019t have long to wait as Adam began. \u201cPa, what did you and Kate talk about tonight while I was working on the books?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you ask, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was, I don\u2019t know, rather distant this evening. Usually, she\u2019s open and cheerful. Tonight I got the feeling something was on her mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate and I talked of a number of things. She asked if I had known her mother and father in Boston. Primarily she wanted to know about her mother,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know you knew her mother.\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

Ben began. \u201cI guess I never told you how John and I became friends. It was because of your mother and Kate\u2019s mother. They were best friends in Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, surprised, responded. \u201cYou\u2019re right. You never told me any of this. I thought Kate\u2019s mother was from Virginia. I assumed you met John after Kate\u2019s mother passed away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVictoria and John were from Virginia but moved to Boston shortly after they married. He opened his law practice there, and the two women met each other at a museum one day. From that day forward until your mother\u2019s passing, they were best friends,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes took on a look of sadness as he added, \u201cVictoria took it very hard when your mother died. She was a great comfort to me while we were still in Boston – helped me with you a great deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taken aback that his father had not told him of this before now, Adam wanted to know more of how the families were intertwined. He sat forward in his chair, fingers laced, his chin resting on them, waiting for his father to continue.<\/p>\n

Ben, sensing this, went on. \u201cAfter you and I left Boston, Victoria and I corresponded for a while. I remember how excited she was when she wrote telling me of being pregnant with Kate. I didn\u2019t hear from her again until Kate was born. I sensed there was something wrong at that time between her and John. I didn\u2019t hear from her or John again for five years until he wrote telling me of her passing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat could explain her mood tonight. She seemed distant – as though her mind was elsewhere,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Adam thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate reminds me of Victoria,\u201d Ben went on. \u201cShe looks a great deal like her mother and has the same temperament. I get the impression that John has not told her much of her mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam realized that, indirectly, Kate was a link to his past and he wanted to know more of her. He decided then and there he would do everything in his power to see that he accomplished this.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

As time past, Kate and Adam grew more at ease with each other. And with each passing day, the attraction between the two of them grew.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohn,\u201d Ben asked his friend one morning, \u201chow do you plan on stocking your ranch? Do you plan on buying the horses here in Nevada, Texas or perhaps Arizona? You need to make plans of how you will proceed once you receive title to the land.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetween you and me, Ben, this horse ranch is Kate\u2019s idea,\u201d John told him. \u201cI\u2019m proud of the fact that our horses at Shiloh had the finest blood line developed in that part of the country. I\u2019m embarrassed to tell you, however, that was because of Kate and her grandfather. She\u2019s the one with an eye for horses, not me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He continued. \u201cTo answer your question, her plan is to ship some of our best mares and stallions from there out here and crossbreed them with stock from the area. She was hoping to have some assistance from you or your sons in accomplishing that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Surprised, Ben replied, \u201cI never would have guessed that she possessed such interests. Most women find such things distasteful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, her father declared, \u201cKate possesses a great deal of traits that I find distasteful in a woman. She\u2019s headstrong, stubborn, and far too intelligent for her own good. I blame her grandfather for all of this; he encouraged her in areas a woman has no business being in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter,\u201d Ben told him, \u201cmy son Adam is the one with an eye for horse flesh. I am sure he would be more than happy to help her in this endeavor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAPTER ELEVEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

A few days after the conversation between her father and Ben about their ranch, Kate found herself watching Ben Cartwright\u2019s sons breaking horses in a corral near the house.<\/p>\n

Her interest peaked as she watched Adam when it was\u00a0his<\/em>\u00a0turn on a horse. Joe and Hoss joined her as she watched from the railing. Soon, his youngest brother began his good-natured ribbing as Adam eased himself onto the horse in the enclosure.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Adam,\u201d Joe chided, \u201cI know you\u2019re older, but you gotta be able to sit that ole nag.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Hoss warned, \u201cyou best leave Adam alone. You know how he gets when you start messin\u2019 with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Hoss, Adam knows I\u2019m just funnin\u2019. He expects me to give him a hard time,\u201d Joe grinned.<\/p>\n

Adam shot Joe a warning look and then noticed he was standing with Kate. He hadn\u2019t seen her come out to the corral and, for the first time in Adam Cartwright\u2019s life, he cared that someone was watching him and how he performed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTurn him out!\u201d Adam called.<\/p>\n

\u201cRide \u2018em, Adam!\u201d Hoss cried.<\/p>\n

Kate watched with interest. She had seen Joe and Hoss ride, seeing immediately a few things they had done wrong, making it harder to settle the animals. She watched to see if Adam made the same mistakes.<\/p>\n

When the gate was pulled open and the horse turned out, she watched Adam. To her trained eye, he did everything perfectly, managing to stay on far longer than the others. Until\u2026just when he thought the animal had reached the point of acceptance, Adam\u2019s concentration wavered \u2013 his thoughts on Kate. The animal sensed this lapse and threw him into the fence.\u00a0Hard.<\/em><\/p>\n

The three people watched and waited for Adam to get up. When he wasn\u2019t on his feet as<\/p>\n

quickly as they felt was sufficient time, they all ran to see if he was all right.<\/p>\n

Kate, the first one to him, touched his arm as he lay on his side, asking softly, \u201cAdam, are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embarrassed that he had allowed the horse to throw him, especially in front of her, he answered a bit gruffer than he intended. \u201cYes, I\u2019m fine! Blasted animal!\u201d He muttered.<\/p>\n

He came to his feet in one fluid motion, grabbing his hat as he stood. As she brushed dirt from his back, Kate said, trying to soothe his ego, \u201cNice ride, Adam, right up until\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNice ride?\u201d Adam snapped at her, \u201cWhat do you know about breaking a horse? Besides, what are you doing out here? This is no place for a girl; don\u2019t you have something better to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

She fought it, but her temper got the best of her. He had yelled at her and embarrassed her, something she would not tolerate from anyone, not even Adam Cartwright.<\/p>\n

Facing him, eyes flashing with anger, she responded. She strode toward him and Adam began backing up. Her head barely came to his shoulder, but she was in no way intimidated by the difference in size as she began, \u201cDo not snap at me because you made a mistake. What do I know about breaking a horse? I know enough to know your knees weren\u2019t tight to his sides and your bottom was too far back in the saddle. Your buck rein was too loose – you hadn\u2019t bothered to tighten it down. Not to mention you had lost one spur and you hadn\u2019t seen fit to wear gloves during this last ride, so you were asking to get thrown.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ending her tirade with, \u201cThat,\u00a0Mister Cartwright,<\/em>\u00a0is what I observed you did wrong while trying to break that horse. And for your information, your\u00a0father<\/em>\u00a0gave me his permission to go anywhere on this ranch I choose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adding as an after thought, \u201cAnd do not call me a\u00a0girl!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

All three men were stunned by what Kate had said, knowing she had been right. Hoss and Joe fought laughter, watching as their older brother got his comeuppance from of all people, a woman.<\/p>\n

Waiting for Adam to explode in rage, they were both astonished as they watched Adam regain his composure and reply, \u201cYou\u2019re right. I apologize. I lashed out at you because of my own mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss stood there open mouthed – Adam had never,\u00a0ever,<\/em>\u00a0let someone criticize him the way Kate had.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re darn right you should apologize!\u201d She railed. \u201cJust who do you think you are speaking to anyone that way?\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate spun on her heel starting back to the house. Adam rushed to catch her, gently taking her arm as he began, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Kate, you were right. It was my own fault and I struck out at you in frustration.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss watched, shaking their heads as Hoss put their thoughts into words.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t Adam, that\u2019s somebody else. Adam ain\u2019t never let nobody dress him down that away \u2018ceptin\u2019 maybe Pa, and then Adam apologize? Reckon hittin\u2019 his head addled him, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOld Granite Head? Naw, I think it\u2019s something else,\u201d Joe told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, please,\u201d Adam reasoned, \u201cI\u2019m sorry. You\u2019re right. My ego, along with a few other things, was bruised. I\u2019m sorry I yelled at you. I don\u2019t know what\u2026Kate, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not understand the urgency, he felt that he had to do whatever necessary to calm her. He didn\u2019t want her upset with him for any reason. He added, \u201cOf course<\/em>\u00a0you\u2019re free to go anywhere you wish, although I would like it if you would allow me the pleasure of your company.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thought,\u00a0Why on earth would I say the last part? What is happening to me? She\u2019s a woman I barely know, and yet I want her to be confident in me and be with only me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

These were emotions Adam had never felt for anyone outside his family, and he struggled to understand them. All he knew was that he wanted to know everything about her and to be with her.<\/p>\n

Kate turned to face him, her temper now subsiding and, taking a deep breath, she responded. \u201cI accept your apology, Adam, and I\u2019m sorry. I shouldn\u2019t have lost my temper. But it makes me mad when a man, any man, puts limits on what I orany woman<\/em>\u00a0is allowed to do. And I hate being referred to as a\u00a0girl<\/em>, In case you haven\u2019t noticed, I\u2019m past adolescence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Softening now, she asked, \u201cAre you sure you\u2019re all right? You hit that fence pretty hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Kate. That\u2019s not the first time I\u2019ve been thrown from a horse. Let me get cleaned up and then I\u2019d like to take you for a ride. Besides, I need to get away from my brothers, who most surely will make a point of riding me about this all day.\u201d He laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would love to go for a ride, but are you sure you are able to, seeing what just happened?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Kate,\u201d he said with a smile, \u201cI can still ride, and it would be nice if you didn\u2019t kid me about this either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling at him, she promised, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Adam, I won\u2019t. Even I, a mere woman, understand that occasionally, big strong men are bruised in more areas than one.\u201d<\/p>\n

After telling her he\u2019d be ready shortly, Adam went to his room to clean up.<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright wanted a word with his son. Ben knocked on Adam\u2019s bedroom door and Adam invited him in.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all right, Adam? Your brothers told me you were thrown and hit the corral fence pretty hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa, just a little mishap. Kate and I are going riding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate is what I wanted to speak to you about, son.\u201d Ben told Adam of the conversation he had with Kate\u2019s father regarding the ranch that the McDonald\u2019s hoped to develop in Nevada.<\/p>\n

After giving Adam a brief rundown on John\u2019s plans, Ben told his son, \u201cKate is the one who chooses the stock, seems she\u2019s very good at it. John hates the fact and blames her grandfather for her abilities. He feels it is totally outside the boundaries that a woman should be allowed. I told him, out of all my three sons, you were the best judge of horseflesh and that I was sure you would help her when the time came.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I will, Pa,\u201d Adam replied thinking,\u00a0\u201cDamn, seems I misjudged the lady – she holds more surprises than I first imagined. I never dreamt there was such spirit beneath that smile and those eyes. She knew what I did wrong and knew the horse was going to react the way it did. No wonder she lost her temper – she knew exactly what she was talking about. What other qualities does this woman possess that are unlike any other I have ever known?<\/em><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWELVE<\/strong><\/p>\n

On the day her father had gone into Virginia City to set up his office, and all four of the Cartwright men were on the range branding cattle, Kate was left to entertain herself.<\/p>\n

It was an extremely hot day, even for Nevada. Kate had tried all morning to stay cool, finally coming up with an idea to get relief from the heat.<\/p>\n

She laid out a change of clothing, a towel and blanket along with a few other items. Putting everything in a canvas bag, she headed downstairs, stopping by the kitchen to tell Hop Sing she was going out for a while.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou no go Missy Kate. You not know ranch, you get lost,\u201d the small man told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll be fine. I\u2019m not going far, just somewhere to get some relief from this heat.\u201d<\/p>\n

She went to the barn, saddling the horse she had been using during her time at the Ponderosa. Kate tied her bag to the saddle and then led the horse into the courtyard. When mounted, she turned him toward the road and then toward the area Adam had shown her – Pyramid Lake.<\/p>\n

Ben and his sons had accomplished the branding faster than they originally thought they would. Riding home, the men talked of their plans for the rest of the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cMan, I can\u2019t wait to get home, get a bath and maybe take a run into Virginia City for a cold beer,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink I\u2019ll do the same, Joe,\u201d Hoss added. \u201cHow \u2018bout you, Adam? Ready to go to town and let off some steam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Any other time Adam would have gone. But now, there was someone who interested him far more than cold beer and loose women.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I believe I\u2019ll just get home, get cleaned up and relax,\u201d he told his brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Adam,\u201d Little Joe urged, \u201cyou ain\u2019t left the ranch in over a month. You gotta be ready to bust. \u2018Sides, there\u2019s a new gal at the Bucket of Blood who\u2019s just your type.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Joe, but I\u2019m not interested,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

Shrugging, Joe added, \u201cOkay, it\u2019s your loss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dOh I don\u2019t think I\u2019m missing anything. There is someone far more important that needs my attention at the Ponderosa,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Adam thought, smiling.<\/p>\n

Kate had retraced the route she and Adam had taken and found the lake with no problem. She chose a small cove which afforded a beautiful view, along with a place to lay her blanket and tie up her horse. Dismounting, she removed the bag, carrying it to a place on the shore. After spreading the blanket, she removed all the items she had brought with her from the bag.<\/p>\n

Sitting, she pulled her hair back using ribbon to tie it in place and then set about removing her boots. Stretching her legs out in front of her, she pulled her skirt up until it rested on her thighs, then removed her stockings.\u00a0\u201cMuch better,<\/em>\u201d she sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean she\u2019s gone out?\u201d Adam questioned Hop Sing. \u201cWhy did you let her go alone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing try to stop. Missy Kate say she go, not get lost, would not listen to Hop Sing, said she want relief,\u201d the little man told Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam turned, grabbed his hat and gun which he strapped on as he left the house, rushing to mount Sport. Turning the horse back toward the road, he kicked the stallion into a run.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn it, what was she thinking? She doesn\u2019t know the area, she could get lost, or worse, she could run into some drifter. Where would she go?\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Adam thought. After a moment he remembered the last thing Hop Sing had said\u00a0\u201cShe want relief.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

She\u2019s headed to Pyramid Lake. I told her that the Indians go there. When I get a hold of her\u2026\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Adam thought, realizing his heart was thundering in his chest.\u00a0\u201dGod, let her be all right! Don\u2019t let anything happen to her!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Kate stood undoing her skirt, letting it drop to the blanket, followed by her shirt. Left only in pantalets and camisole, she made her way to the edge of the lake. Testing the water with her foot, she found it cold and refreshing. Taking her time, she waded out to where she could see a drop off. Pausing for a moment, she took a deep breath, and dove into the deep blue depths.<\/p>\n

Adam had kept Sport at a full run all the way there. \u201cSorry, boy,\u201d he told the stallion. \u201cI\u2019ll make it up to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Off on the horizon Adam saw the sun\u2019s reflection off of Pyramid Lake. Thinking,\u00a0\u201cHow on earth am I going to find where she\u2019s at? She\u2019d would probably want privacy, yet not be too far from the trail around the lake.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Reining Sport to a walk, Adam began the tedious job of looking for her.<\/p>\n

Kate surfaced from the crystal clear water – it had been a shock when she first dove under the water. Now used to the chill, she lay on her back, floating on the surface and letting the sun warm her. She remembered back to the times she and her cousins had spent hours swimming in the river that ran through Shiloh. It had been a refuge from the hot, sweltering, Virginia summers.<\/p>\n

Turning back onto her stomach, she once again dove under the surface, loving the freedom she felt there. Relaxed for the first time in a very long time, she wasn\u2019t in any hurry to leave this sanctuary.<\/p>\n

Adam had heard a splash as his eyes scanned the surface of the lake. He thought he had seen something for a brief moment, at the inlet of the cove. Urging Sport in that direction, he kept his eyes trained on the surface where he had last caught a glimpse of \u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cThere,<\/em>\u201d he thought, after seeing the reflection of the sun off of auburn hair when she surfaced. Relief flooded through him as he realized he had been holding his breath.<\/p>\n

Kate, by now, had re-surfaced and gone back to gently floating in the water, thinking,\u00a0\u201cAs much as I hate to, I better be getting back. I don\u2019t want anyone worried that I was gone too long. But I definitely will return; it\u2019s so peaceful and private here.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

By now, Adam had found where she had tied her horse, along with her belongings. Raising an eyebrow, he wondered what, if anything, she had on. \u201cThis might be a little awkward,<\/em>\u201d he thought.<\/p>\n

Standing there with his arms folded across his chest, legs apart, he waited for her to emerge from the lake.<\/p>\n

Kate was oblivious to anything or anyone around her as she pulled herself up from the drop off and began slowly wading to the shore.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s breath caught in his throat when she stood up – she\u00a0did<\/em>\u00a0have clothing on but, being wet, it left nothing to his imagination.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTEEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam turned his back quickly \u2013 not wanting to embarrass Kate \u2013 and cleared his throat. He called to her. \u201cAh, Kate! Kate! It\u2019s me! Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

At the sound of his voice, her head snapped toward shore.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d she screamed, trying to cover her chest and below her waist at the same time. \u201cJust what do you think you\u2019re doing? You, you\u00a0Peeping Tom<\/em>!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not a Peeping Tom,\u201d he replied – a grin crossing his face, his back still to her.<\/p>\n

Furious, she stomped out of the lake yelling at him, \u201cWhat would\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0call it? Watching a lady swim and then waiting until she got out of the water just so you could, you could\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

All he could think of to say was, \u201cI am\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0a Peeping Tom, and I wasn\u2019t spying on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I don\u2019t know what they call it in Nevada,\u201d she raged, trying to gather her clothes while he was standing in the middle of them, \u201cbut in Virginia and everywhere else I\u2019ve been – you\u2019re a Peeping Tom!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am\u00a0not a Peeping Tom!<\/em>\u201d he yelled, and then quietly added, \u201cI didn\u2019t see anything.\u201d He was furious that he had to keep declaring his innocence.<\/p>\n

Kate continued to rant as she struggled to put her clothes on over her wet body, \u201cI can\u2019t believe I could not even come here for a little privacy without being leered at by some, by some\u2026\u00a0cowboy!<\/em>\u00a0Good Lord! You act as though you\u2019ve never seen a woman before!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen many women, Kate,\u201d he said slowly with a smile, \u201cjust very few so scantily clad.\u201d<\/p>\n

At this she stood straight up, fire in her blue eyes. She dropped her clothes and stalked to face him – closer than she had ever dared before as she began, \u201cI knew it!<\/em>\u00a0You\u00a0did<\/em>\u00a0look! I cannot believe…\u201d<\/p>\n

Coupled with the embarrassment of Adam’s seeing her in a state of undress, she realized she had lost her temper\u00a0again,<\/em>\u00a0and it was\u00a0his<\/em>\u00a0fault. She was now doubly furious.<\/p>\n

She managed to put her stockings back on and made an attempt to button her skirt. Struggling, she tried to pull her boots on, finding that, over wet stockings, this was just not possible.<\/p>\n

Listening to her rage on about him being a Peeping Tom (and did she mention \u201cScoundrel\u201d along with a few other names?), he tried to think if he had heard her correctly.<\/p>\n

Peeking over his shoulder, seeing she was for the most part dressed, he turned to face her. Seeing her dilemma, he approached her as she was bent over, trying to jam her foot into her boot, still raining insults on him. He bent over, grabbed the top of her boot and attempted to help her. As a result of his help, she lost her balance and had to grab for his back to keep from falling.<\/p>\n

The contact of their two bodies was a shock neither soon would forget. Adam felt himself immediately become aroused as Kate\u2019s wet body covered his back. Quickly pulling her leg away, she backed up, not caring that she still was only covered by the wet camisole from her waist up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou tried to trip me!\u201d She exclaimed, perplexed, not knowing what else to say.<\/p>\n

Adam straightened up and walked toward her. \u201cKate,\u201d he said softly, \u201cI didn’t mean to.\u201d His hand reached out to caress her face – something he had wanted to do, since he had first set eyes on her.<\/p>\n

She turned and walked to the lake shore, slipping her shirt on. She was torn with feelings she had never felt before, having no idea how to suppress them.<\/p>\n

The closeness of him, the response of their bodies, was more than Kate could deal with at that moment. Besides, he had spied on her, seen her in a state of undress. In fact, he had seen enough of her that, in Virginia, a wedding would be required.<\/p>\n

He stood terribly close to her, saying in a soothing voice. \u201cKate, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to touch\u2026 to make you feel\u2026 to see\u2026 I mean, you’re a girl and I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d she asked. She wasn’t sure if she had heard him correctly and asked again, \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing he had committed a serious offense, Adam fumbled badly for the right thing to say. \u201cAll I was trying to say was that I was sorry that I had seen\u2026 You’re only a girl, and I’m sorry that I had seen you dressed or really undressed, only a little. And seeing your…\u201d<\/p>\n

Anger filled her as she thought,\u00a0\u201cHe called me that again! I am not a girl!<\/em>\u00a0I am a\u00a0woman<\/em>\u00a0and I have a woman\u2019s emotions and a\u00a0woman\u2019s<\/em>\u00a0body!\u00a0He has embarrassed me for the last time. He needs to be taught a lesson.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Softening perceptibly, Kate looked into his sensual eyes as she walked to him. She said softly, \u201cAdam, it\u2019s all right. I know you enjoyed seeing me like this. If you\u2019d not made yourself known, you would have seen more. It\u2019s all right, I won\u2019t tell anyone. No one needs to know that you and I were here today and that we\u2026\u201d She moistened her lips with her small pink tongue.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes watched every move she made and, when she came to him, slipping her arms around his neck, pressing her wet chest against his, a guttural moan escaped his lips.<\/p>\n

He thought,\u00a0\u201cThis is not at all like Kate. Perhaps this is another side to her I need to explore.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Her lips kissed his neck, her warm breath sent currents coursing through his body. His arms crushed her to him. He felt her breasts straining for release against his chest as she whispered to him, \u201cGo ahead, Adam, take it off.\u201d<\/p>\n

His long fingers fumbled with the tiny buttons of her camisole as she stood facing him – his back to the lake. While he worked diligently on the buttons, her lips nibbled on his earlobe, encouraging him, as her fingers unbuttoned his shirt. She slipped her hands inside, caressing his chest, her fingers running over his nipples. He let out a soft groan as her hands played havoc with his self control.<\/p>\n

When he had two buttons undone and the prizes he longed to hold were so very close, she did something he later would laugh about. Molding herself closer to him, her tongue teasing his ear, she whispered, \u201cDon\u2019t ever spy on me again, Adam Cartwright!\u201d Then she pushed on his chest with every bit of strength she had and watched as Adam, off balance, fell into the lake.<\/p>\n

Standing there, buttoning herself up, she called to him. \u201cThat was for calling me a \u2018girl\u2019, Adam! You may have guessed by now I\u2019m no\u00a0girl\u00a0<\/em>– I am a\u00a0woman<\/em>. I would have thought you knew that when you watched as I came out of the lake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning she grabbed her blanket and her bag, and ran to mount her horse, kicking him into a run back to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Sitting on his bottom, soaking wet in the lake, he watched her ride off as he said to himself,\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m going to marry that woman!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

CHAPTER FOURTEEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arriving at the Ponderosa, Kate found Ben, Joe and Hoss sitting on the porch talking. The boys were dressed for an evening on the town.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon, Mr. Cartwright. How are you gentlemen this fine afternoon?\u201d Kate asked, alighting from her horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re all just fine, Kate. Ben replied. \u201cHop Sing told us you had gone out riding and that Adam had gone after you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, I decided this morning to take a ride to Pyramid Lake. It certainly is beautiful there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dHmm,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Ben thought,\u00a0\u201dKate didn\u2019t mention Adam. Perhaps he didn\u2019t find her.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBy the way you two are dressed, I assume y\u2019all are going into Virginia City for a night on the town,\u201d Kate said, smiling at Hoss and Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe, as always, could not hold his curiosity or his tongue, and blurted out, \u201cKate, how come your hair\u2019s all wet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I went swimming at the lake,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

At that moment Adam rode up on Sport, his clothes still wet from the lake. His brothers and father took one look at him with Joe and Hoss bursting into laughter.<\/p>\n

When they could control their laughter, Hoss asked, \u201cAdam, you do a little swimmin\u2019 too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look like he went swimmin\u2019, Hoss,\u201d Joe said grinning. \u201cLooks to me like he fell in, clothes \u2018n\u2019 all!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ignoring his brother\u2019s laughter, Adam got off of Sport in one swift motion. With a smile on his face, he strode to Kate, taking her arm \u2013 none to gently \u2013 and telling his family as he led her to the barn, \u201cYou\u2019ll have to excuse Kate and me for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam led Kate into the barn and shut the door. Hoss turned to Ben and asked, \u201cHe ain\u2019t gonna whup her, is he, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss,\u201d Ben said chuckling. \u201cI believe Adam wants to talk to Kate privately. We best stay here \u2013 no, better yet, you boys go on to town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before he thought, Joe replied, \u201cNot on your life. I ain\u2019t goin\u2019 nowhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shot him a look.\u00a0\u201dWhat<\/em>\u00a0did you say, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. Nuthin\u2019 Pa,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

Adam had heard Hoss\u2019s comment on the way to the barn and thought,\u00a0\u201dA whipping is long overdue for Miss McDonald. She might just get one before the day is through.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam had taken Kate into the barn and, after shutting the door, he let go of her. As she jerked her arm away from him and started to tell him just what she thought of him, she was stopped by the look on his face.<\/p>\n

He calmly told her, \u201cNow you\u00a0are<\/em>\u00a0going to listen to me Kate. I\u00a0wasn\u2019t<\/em>\u00a0peeping, as you so eloquently called it. I was\u00a0worried<\/em>\u00a0about your being off by yourself. I went looking for you and just happened to find you \u2013 well just that way. What were you\u00a0thinking<\/em>\u00a0going off on your own?\u00a0Anything<\/em>\u00a0could have happened to you! Indians\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She was no longer angry but, for reasons she couldn\u2019t understand, she felt anxious as she replied, \u201cI wasn\u2019t\u00a0concerned<\/em>\u00a0about the Indians. I thought I could go there for a little privacy and a swim to get some relief from the heat. I had no idea that Peeping Toms were so rampant in Nevada. I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am\u00a0not a Peeping Tom!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Adam bellowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0yell at me! And you\u00a0are<\/em>\u00a0a Peeping Tom!\u201d Kate yelled back at him.<\/p>\n

Out in the courtyard Ben shook his head, saying louder than he intended to, \u201cPeeping Tom? Lord, what has my son gone and done now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe looked at each other and busted out laughing \u2013 again.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid Kate call Adam a Peepin\u2019 Tom?\u201d Joe asked laughing. \u201cNow he\u2019s been called a lot of things, but never a Peepin\u2019 Tom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think Ole Adam had to sneak \u2018round to see a gal nekkid. Why I \u2018member\u2026\u201d Hoss laughed as a memory flashed through his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys!\u201d Ben\u2019s voiced thundered. \u201cThat is\u00a0enough!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d they both said sheepishly.<\/p>\n

Inside the barn, the battle raged on.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I don\u2019t have to sneak around to see a woman nude. There are\u00a0plenty<\/em>of women who\u00a0willingly\u2026\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Adam began.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can just imagine what type of woman is attracted to you and your crude behavior.\u201d Kate looked at Adam haughtily.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate!\u00a0Damn it!<\/em>\u00a0I was concerned, no \u2013 worried \u2013 that something had happened to you. You don\u2019t know the terrain or the people. You could have gotten hopelessly lost in the desert!\u201d Adam exclaimed. \u201cNow, I\u2019m sorry that I saw you almost nude, but I won\u2019t apologize for my reaction. You\u2019re a beautiful woman with a beautiful bod\u2026\u201d He stopped himself, realizing that he was about to get himself in more hot water. \u201cBut you had no call to tease me the way you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou called me a\u00a0girl!<\/em>\u201d she screamed.<\/p>\n

Out in the yard, Hoss turned to Joe and said, \u201cShe\u2019s mad \u2018cause Adam called her a girl? Ain\u2019t that what she is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, Hoss. Kate ain\u2019t no\u00a0girl,<\/em>\u201d Joe said grinning. \u201cKate\u2019s a\u00a0woman.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat chuckling to himself thinking,\u00a0\u201dI do believe my eldest son has met his match.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cKate, now I mean it\u2026\u201dAdam began, his anger beginning to rise.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0listen to me, Adam Cartwright. I am\u00a0not a girl<\/em>! I am a\u00a0woman<\/em>! I would have thought that an intelligent man like yourself would\u00a0know<\/em>\u00a0that, after seeing me soaking wet in my\u00a0underware!<\/em>\u00a0What are you?\u00a0Blind?\u201d<\/em>\u00a0She challenged him.<\/p>\n

Now all ears, Ben, Joe and Hoss looked at each other as Joe voiced their confusion. \u201cAdam saw Kate how?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shrugging their shoulders and shaking their heads, the three men continued to listen intently.<\/p>\n

Inside the barn, Adam had grown tired of trying to explain to Kate his reasoning for being at the lake. Kate still seemed angry, and she refused to listen to reason. As he watched her, he thought she was never more beautiful than at that very moment \u2013 except about an hour ago at the lake. He noted that when she lost her temper, her eyes turned a deep sapphire blue.<\/p>\n

Adam did what he had wanted to do since he met her. He grabbed her arm, pulling her to him and kissed her deeply for the first time. Kate had never been kissed this way before and found herself kissing him back.<\/p>\n

Her hands caressed him as her fingers ran through the curls at the nape of his neck. He tightened his grip on her as his tongue explored the warm, sweet, depths of her mouth. She offered no resistance and returned his kiss. His hands moved from her waist to her back, gently caressing her as he pulled her closer to him.<\/p>\n

Kate had been surprised that he hadn\u2019t kissed her way before now. She had felt a strong attraction between them from the moment they met. She had longed to be in his arms \u2013 feeling him, kissing him. Never before had a man made her feel the way he did. They had a connection that had drawn them to each other.<\/p>\n

Moaning, he whispered, \u201cI know you\u2019re a woman, Kate. I didn\u2019t need to see you that way today to know that.\u201d He held her body close to his as he kissed her again.<\/p>\n

He had decided on the ride back that she needed to be kissed and kissed a lot \u2013 but only by him. Kate had captured his heart and touched something deep inside of him \u2013 something he had searched for but never found until Kate \u2013 the perfect woman for him to love. He had realized this early on but, after today, she was going to be his.<\/p>\n

He learned back, his arms still holding her, as he looked into her eyes and said, \u201cI\u2019m not sorry about today, Kate. I was worried about your being alone. Anything could have happened. And seeing you that way made me realize I never want another man to see you as I did, or kiss you the way I am, but\u00a0me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou better\u00a0never<\/em>\u00a0tell anyone about today,\u201d she said softly, smiling as her lips found his, her arms holding him to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pa,\u201d Hoss began. \u201cIt\u2019s awful quiet in there. Think we oughhtta check? Ya think Kate done killed him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing his son, and remembering what it was like to love a woman, Ben shook his head, and told his sons, \u201cNo, they\u2019re fine. Let\u2019s go on in the house.\u201d He smiled as he rose and went on in.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER FIFTEEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam now looked forward to every day. Knowing he would be spending it with Kate, he had found what he had been searching for in her, and was now content with his life. As their relationship grew, so did his brothers questions.<\/p>\n

One afternoon, while Adam was repairing a lariat, Hoss began peppering him with questions.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Hoss asked, \u201chow come you and Kate are only seein\u2019 each other? What about them other gals you were sweet on \u2018fore she got here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I wasn\u2019t\u00a0sweet<\/em>\u00a0on any of those women; they were just someone to pass the time with. I have no interest in anyone else but Kate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen does that mean if another fella asked Kate to go somewhere with him, she\u2019d turn him down?\u201d Hoss pressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I imagine so,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cWhy, what other man is interested in asking Kate out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged, telling him, \u201cNobody I know, I was just whatiffin\u2019 with ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo Joe a favor, Hoss,\u201d Adam began, \u201ctell him about Kate and me, then there will be no misunderstandings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I wasn\u2019t talkin\u2019 \u2018bout Joe. I was just\u00a0whatiffin\u2019<\/em>\u00a0with ya,\u201d Hoss told him.<\/p>\n

At his brother\u2019s last remark, Adam went back to making his repairs. That is until Joe joined them. \u201cHey, Adam,\u201d Joe began, \u201cI got a question \u2018fore ya. I know you don\u2019t like to talk about private things and such, but \u2018member that day when Kate was given\u2019 you all get out in the barn?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing, tired of hearing about being a Peeping Tom, Adam answered, \u201cYes, Joe, I remember.\u00a0Why?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI still can\u2019t figure out why she was so mad \u2018bout you callin\u2019 her a girl,\u201d Joe said, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat Joe, is because Kate is a\u00a0woman<\/em>\u00a0and I mistakenly referred to her as a\u00a0girl,<\/em>\u201c Adam explained.<\/p>\n

It was enough for Adam to know she did not like the term.\u00a0He<\/em>\u00a0for one, certainly wouldn\u2019t call her that again.<\/p>\n

After that day in the barn, Kate and Adam were inseparable. They were openly affectionate with each other, and did not care what anyone thought.<\/p>\n

One evening, as Adam and Kate sat on the porch looking at a full moon, he leaned over and gently kissed her.<\/p>\n

She gave him a curious look, to which he responded, \u201cBecause I wanted to and because I told you, you need to be kissed a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising from her chair she went and sat in his lap. Placing her arms around his shoulders, she softly returned his kiss and said, \u201cI\u00a0love<\/em>\u00a0your ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n

His arms pulled her closer. As he kissed her, Hoss and Joe walked out onto the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that\u00a0all<\/em>\u00a0you two do anymore?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cEvery time I see you two, you\u2019re smooching. It\u2019s kinda\u2019 scary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is it scary Joe?\u201d Adam laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt jist ain\u2019t natural for\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0to be actin\u2019 that way. You ain\u2019t never been that way with no other gal, ever,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

Kate, smiling at Adam then Joe replied, \u201cGood!<\/em>\u00a0It\u2019s nice to know I have no other competition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve never had any competition Kate,\u201d Adam told her pulling her back into his arms.<\/p>\n

Not thinking, Hoss added, \u201cWhy I \u2018member, when Ole Adam use to be worse than Joe here. He had so many ga\u2026\u201d Hoss never finished his statement as Joe\u2019s elbow found his ribs.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow why\u2019d you go an\u2019 do that Joe?\u201d Hoss asked. Then after seeing the look on Adam\u2019s face added, \u201cSorry Kate, I was jist\u2019 messin\u2019 around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate rose from Adam\u2019s lap telling the men, \u201cThat\u2019s all right Hoss. I really should be going in, if y\u2019all will excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dKate,<\/em>\u201d Adam said taking her arm and leading her away from the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey ain\u2019t goin\u2019 back to the barn to yell some more are they?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you say I don\u2019t think before I run my mouth,\u201d Joe said walking away, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate,\u201d Adam said soothingly, \u201cdon\u2019t pay any attention to them, they\u2019re just joking. He led her to the far side of the courtyard, away from the others, so they could talk.<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t want to admit it, but Hoss\u2019 comments had bothered her. She knew Adam had been with other women, but she did not want to be told about it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you had a life before me, Adam, and I\u2019m sure you\u2019re quite popular with the women in town,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I haven\u2019t seen anyone since the day you arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, really you don\u2019t have to\u2026\u201d she started.<\/p>\n

Adam pulled her to him and kissed her long and gently. \u201cKate, hush. You know my heart; there is no one else, nor could there ever be.\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER SIXTEEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

Plans were underway for a big celebration in Virginia City the following week to celebrate Independence Day. Adam and Kate planned to attend along with the rest of the Cartwright family, including Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s an all day event, Kate. There will be a rodeo with bronco riding, and calf roping to name a few of the events. Throughout the day there will also be field games, along with a picnic followed that evening by a dance. Not to mention the fireworks are spectacular,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sounds like fun. Just promise me that you won\u2019t do any bronco riding,\u201d she kidded him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Kate, no more bronco riding for me at least not in front of you. Being embarrassed once was enough,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

Kate slipped her hands around his neck telling him, \u201cDon\u2019t ever be embarrassed with me, there is no reason for you to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the biggest event of the year and the whole town will be there. I will be able to introduce you to the people I know,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

On the fourth of July, the entire Cartwright household was up early and ready to go into town for the celebration. After breakfast, Adam hitched up the carriage and loaded the picnic baskets Hop Sing had prepared.<\/p>\n

Arriving in town later than the rest of the family, Adam found Ben had already secured a picnic table for the Cartwright\u2019s. He and Kate unloaded the baskets, putting them on the table and then made their way to the heart of town.<\/p>\n

Ben accompanied the young couple, explaining to Kate what events Hoss and Joe were to participate in the rodeo.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam promised me he would not enter any events this year,\u201d Kate told the elder Cartwright. \u201cI don’t want him to run the risk of being hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really shouldn\u2019t worry about Adam, my dear,\u201d Ben told her. \u201cHe\u2019s participated in this rodeo for the last four years and come away with nary a scratch.\u201d<\/p>\n

After lunch, Adam and Kate walked through the town, with Adam introducing her to local townspeople.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d she asked, \u201cWho is that man staring at us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat man, Kate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe man over by the saloon, leaning against the building,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

Looking to see whom she was referring to Adam told her, \u201cThat is Matt Larkin. He use to work for us on the Ponderosa. But, we fired him for stealing cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n

He is staring at me as though he has seen me without my clothes on<\/em>, Kate thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust stay away from him Kate, and don\u2019t ever come into Virginia City alone. It really isn\u2019t safe,\u201d Adam told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I am not afraid to go into any town alone, I did it for years back east,\u201d she reminded him.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, you don\u2019t have to go anywhere alone anymore. I\u2019ve told you, if you need to come into town I will bring you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I don\u2019t\u2026\u201d she began.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate,\u201d Adam began, \u201cthis is one matter where I know what\u2019s best and won’t change my mind about. It is not safe in town for any woman alone. I would prefer that you honor my request and wait until I can accompany you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Adam, I\u2019ll do as you say,\u00a0for now<\/em>,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I\u2019m serious, it is simply not safe. Not with the likes of Matt Larkin lurking around town.\u201d<\/p>\n

After spending the afternoon watching Joe and Hoss in their rodeo events Kate and Adam proceeded to the dance. Arriving there, a number of people warmly greeted Adam as he introduced her to his friends. She immediately saw the looks of disappointment on the faces of the other women when he walked in with her.<\/p>\n

He must be in great demand from the expressions on these women\u2019s faces,<\/em>\u00a0she thought.<\/p>\n

As the music floated on the warm evening air, Adam took her hand in his as he led her onto the dance floor. Taking her into his arms, he was rewarded with the gentle scent of her perfume. With her nestled in his arms, they moved around the dance floor talking quietly, oblivious to anyone else around them.<\/p>\n

When the musicians took a break, he asked her if she would like some refreshments.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam, thank you. Punch would be nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Getting their drinks and returning to the dance, he had the opportunity to observe her. As he watched her with his brothers, he smiled as she began laughing at the two men. A feeling of contentment swept through him as he watched her.<\/p>\n

She took Hoss\u2019s arm when the music began, as he led her onto the dance floor. Joe explained to Adam when he returned, \u201cHoss asked Kate to dance until you got back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I\u2019m going to have to keep an eye on you two around her,\u201d Adam observed.<\/p>\n

Joe surprised by Adam\u2019s remark, turned to look at him and stated, \u201cAdam, I’ve never known you to care if we took an interest in any other woman you were seeing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis one is different<\/em>\u00a0little brother, this\u00a0one is definitely different,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Adam replied.<\/p>\n

As the final chords of the song ended, Hoss returned her to Adam. Accepting her punch from him, her hand softly grazed his. Smiling at him before sipping it, she listened to Joe, criticizing Hoss\u2019s dancing.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you listen to him, Hoss. I\u2019ve never danced with a man lighter on his feet than you,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thank ya\u2019 Kate,\u201d Hoss said, blushing all the way to his toes.<\/p>\n

She is so thoughtful of other\u2019s feelings,<\/em>\u00a0Adam thought.\u00a0I have never known a woman like her.<\/em><\/p>\n

After finishing their drinks, the musicians took a break. Adam asked her if she would like to step outside for some fresh air.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be wonderful,\u201d she replied taking his hand. As they walked outside, Adam\u2019s arm slipped around her waist as he asked, \u201cAre you enjoying yourself Kate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m having a wonderful time, Adam, thank you for inviting me.\u201d Pausing she looked into his eyes as a feeling of exhilaration swept through her. \u201cIt is so beautiful out here tonight; will you just look at that moon?\u201d<\/p>\n

He put his arms around her waist. Drawing her to him, he started to kiss her, as Joe burst out the door calling to them, \u201cAdam, Kate, come on the music is starting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI definitely have to talk to that young man about his timing,\u201d Adam said smiling at her. Disappointed he had missed the opportunity to savor those soft lips, he led her back inside.<\/p>\n

Joe met them intending to ask Kate to dance, but Adam told his brother, \u201cHer dance card is full Joe.\u201d Taking her securely into his arms, he looked deeply into her eyes as they glided across the floor.<\/p>\n

All too soon, the evening was over. As he led her off the dance floor, she whispered to Adam, \u201cI wish this evening would never end.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get your wrap Kate,\u201d Adam told her smiling.<\/p>\n

Returning shortly, he placed it around her shoulders, his fingers lingering on the softness of her skin. Placing his arm around her, he led her to their carriage. As he helped her in, he realized that he too wished the evening would go on forever.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

After leaving the dance, during the ride back to the Ponderosa they made a date to go riding the next day. He wanted to show her a very special place. The next morning following breakfast, they headed out. He was again amazed to see how well she handled a horse. She was quite comfortable in the saddle and they talked as they rode. \u201cYour father is right; you are quite adept at riding,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam. I have been on a horse since before I could walk. My grandfather had me riding before I was a year old.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before long they arrived at the place Adam wanted to share with her, a place he had named the \u201cTahoe Rim.\u201d An area located on Lake Tahoe that afforded a panoramic view of not only the lake but the Sierra Mountains behind it.<\/p>\n

Overwhelmed by the beauty before her, Kate was speechless for a moment then told him, \u201cAdam, it’s\u00a0beautiful!<\/em>\u00a0This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. You are so fortunate to possess this; you can come here whenever you wish just to enjoy the beauty of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking his hands in hers, she remarked, \u201cI wish I could stay here forever, I love it here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe we could arrange that,\u201d he said as he took her in his arms kissing her.<\/p>\n

Responding to the kiss, Kate put slender arms around his neck, kissing him back with more ardor than he had expected. When they parted, she smiled at him saying, \u201cThat was nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking into her eyes, he told her, \u201cI\u2019ve never known anyone like you, Kate. You enjoy life so much; those around you cannot help but feel the same. You\u2019re so very different from any woman I have ever known,\u201d Adam pointed out, surprising himself with his openness.<\/p>\n

Taking his hands entwining her fingers in his, telling him, \u201cI\u2019ve never met a man like you either, Adam. You are strong in so many ways, yet gentle and kind even though you try to hide it. I\u2019ve never had a man make me feel the way you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thought,\u00a0Kate is such an enigma. One moment so outspoken, the only woman who ever yelled at me and got away with it, and the next, soft and gentle. She already knows more about me in the short period of time she has been here, than people I have known for years.<\/em><\/p>\n

As they stood by the lake Adam placed his arms around her telling her, \u201cI\u2019ve never shared this place with anyone until you Kate. It will always be ours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I thought you were leaving for New York,\u201d she asked, knowing he had all but forgotten those plans. Taking his hand, she led him to a blanket she had put on the ground as they sat, side by side.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe New York holds the same interest for me as it once did. You\u2019re here now; I know I could be content staying right here with you,\u201d Adam told her as he reclined on one arm, his long legs stretched out before him.<\/p>\n

They spoke of many things, asking and answering questions about each other and their lives. Both of them confided a number of personal details about their lives that they had never shared with anyone else.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d she began, \u201ctell me the truth, what was your first impression of me, I\u2019m curious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0about to answer that Kate,\u201d he said laughing.<\/p>\n

Suddenly serious, she asked, \u201cPlease, tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, that\u2019s not a fair question. I wasn\u2019t in the best mood when I arrived home that evening,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a fair question; now please tell me, what did you think? Pretend it\u2019s a game,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

After a moment he began, \u201cNow keep in mind, I wasn\u2019t pleased to begin with. I had planned to leave Nevada and go back east, that is until you and your father wrote and said you were coming. Pa talked me out of leaving until you and your father left, or made Nevada your home. So just remember that when I tell you of my impressions,\u201d Adam pled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll remember Adam,\u201d she said tucking her feet under her, waiting for him to continue.<\/p>\n

Sighing, he began, \u201cI suppose the first time I heard your voice I was intrigued. I wanted to know who possessed the most lyrical, soft voice I had ever heard in my life. Then, when you came out of the library and I saw you for the first time, I was momentarily speechless. Your eyes melted my heart the first time you looked at me and it has been that way ever since. Oh, I was pleased with your beauty, but your gentleness and warmness stole my heart that day,\u201d he said simply.<\/p>\n

Kate had been watching his face as he spoke and now tears filled her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow your turn,\u201d Adam told her gently, taking her hand.<\/p>\n

Thinking for a moment, then boldly telling him, \u201cI believe I loved you the first moment I set eyes on you. When I looked into your eyes, I lost my soul to them that very second. The sound of your voice still sends chills down my spine and when I\u2019m with you, for the first time in my life, I know I am where I was meant to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat for a moment speechless, just looking into her eyes and then pulled her into his arms. There was no need for words, they knew the other\u2019s heart, and that was enough.<\/p>\n

Adam reclined, lying back on his arm with her next to him. He brushed a curl from her forehead then asked, \u201cKate, Pa told me your father has found land adjacent to the Ponderosa that he wants to purchase.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he\u2019s planning on finalizing the transaction today, so construction can begin on our house and we will stop imposing on y\u2019all,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

With his hand he caressed her face, gently telling her, \u201cKate,\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0were never an imposition,\u201d as he pulled her to him.<\/p>\n

When they parted, she smiled at him telling him, \u201cAdam, I almost forgot. I brought you a present I think you will like.\u201d As she handed it to him she added, \u201cI noticed you didn\u2019t have a copy of his works.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam opened the gift she had given him, a collection of Ralph Waldo Emerson\u2019s poems.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I cannot accept this, he\u2019s one of your favorite poets,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he is, but I know you will enjoy it as much as I have. Please, I want you to have it.\u201d<\/p>\n

They stayed for a while longer talking. Adam, noting the position of the sun, realized he had to get her back before dark. Riding back, Adam asked if she would like to ride to the north pasture with him the following day to see the new foals.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would love to. Father will be in town most of the day on business so I\u2019m free.\u201d<\/p>\n

That evening after everyone had gone to bed, Ben and Adam sat talking. Ben had decided to have a party at the Ponderosa to introduce Jonathan and Kate to their friends since they would soon be landowners.<\/p>\n

Ben sat marveling at the change in his eldest son. Pleased with the change in him since Kate had arrived, he felt he would be remiss if he did not tell Adam what was on his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you\u2019ve been spending a great deal of time with Kate. You do realize she is younger; you are almost four years older than she is and her father is one of my oldest friends. You are used to being around women here in the territory who aren\u2019t, shall we say, as refined as Kate,\u201d Ben said delicately.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, don\u2019t worry, I have been a complete gentlemen. She is a lady and I enjoy being with Kate more than any other woman I have ever known. We are a lot alike and I would never do anything to hurt her or embarrass you. I will tell you, both she and I are very happy she\u2019ll be staying here and not returning to Virginia,\u201d Adam confided in his father.<\/p>\n

Adam continued, \u201cIt\u2019s funny, I was so dreading this visit. I had sworn when they left I was going back east no matter what. Now with her here, I can\u2019t see myself being anywhere else but here, with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

This was not easy for Adam; but wanted his father to know that his intentions were honorable and sincere.<\/p>\n

Adam knew they had not known each other long by standards of the day. Nevertheless, from the moment they met there was something different, something very special about her. Now he knew he loved her.<\/p>\n

Joe was still trying to figure out what had caused the change in his Adam. He was kinder and more patient with his brother’s. Hoss knew what had caused the dramatic change in Adam, it was due to Kate. She had brought this softer side out in Adam. He had watched the two together and knew his brother had found happiness and contentment with this girl from Virginia.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just as the Cartwright\u2019s had seen a change in Adam, Jonathon McDonald had also sensed a change in his daughter. He knew he would have to act quickly to see that Kate\u2019s silly infatuation with Adam Cartwright did not disrupt his plans.<\/p>\n

Living in their own house now, John had the freedom to conduct his business dealings without Kate or the Cartwright\u2019s becoming curious. The last time she had become inquisitive, she had cost him dearly. Kate had been fourteen and John had been involved in a land grab scheme in southern Virginia.<\/p>\n

Being an attorney, he had access to private information that the average person would not. Using this information, he had purchased hundreds of acres of land at a fraction of its value. That is, before Kate had stumbled upon the paperwork. When she began questioning her father, he realized she was becoming too aware of his dealings, and could eventually become a problem. Too late, he learned she had told a friend, the daughter of a local Judge, that her father was\u00a0grabbing<\/em>land. Learning of this, he immediately arranged for her to attend boarding school in New York.<\/p>\n

It was shortly after she left for school, that his business dealings came under the scrutiny of her friend\u2019s father. Aware of this, John decided he would quietly liquidate his assets until he found another business to become involved in. He had always blamed Kate\u2019s mother for him being forced into unsavory ventures.<\/p>\n

Choosing Kate\u2019s mother, Victoria, to be his wife had given him a lifestyle he had only dreamed of. He had met her early in his career as a struggling, young, lawyer. Her family was wealthy and highly respected in Virginia. Marriage to her should have secured his future and a place in Richmond society. Unfortunately, it had not worked out the way he had planned. Her father had distrusted him immediately, and cautioned his daughter against marrying him.<\/p>\n

Victoria, had disregarded her father\u2019s wishes, and had married John. An act of defiance she soon regretted. To escape his father-in-law\u2019s watchful eyes, John moved his wife and himself to Boston, where Kate was born five years later. During their time there, John had complete access to the McCullough fortune.<\/p>\n

Shortly after Victoria\u2019s death, Kate\u2019s grandfather took great pleasure informing John that he had changed his will, and that Kate, not John, would inherit everything when he died. Since that time, John had gone to great lengths to hide the truth from his daughter. John knew he must keep Kate occupied with other matters while he completed his plans. Otherwise, Katherine McDonald would become a very wealthy woman when she turned twenty-one.<\/p>\n

He remembered the conversation he had with his father-in-law the day John found out the old man had learned of his indiscretions and had changed his will. \u201cI will see to my granddaughter, but\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0will be out on the street. You cheated on my daughter and deprived Kate of a father\u2019s love. I cannot do anything about that now, but I will see that you receive nothing. You broke Victoria\u2019s heart and for that, you will pay,\u201d Thad McCullough told him.<\/p>\n

John felt he was entitled to his wife\u2019s estate. He had put up with Victoria during her illness, and had taken care of Kate. Seeing to her education and providing her with the best of everything. Despite the fact it was his own daughter\u2019s money, John had been plotting how he would go about circumventing her grandfather\u2019s will since the day the old man died.<\/p>\n

Now, when he was so very close to success, Adam Cartwright had come into her life.\u00a0Adam is like Ben, he will see something amiss and start delving into matters. As her husband, Kate will give him complete control. That, I cannot allow<\/em>, John thought.\u00a0I am going to have to proceed carefully. I do not want to raise anyone\u2019s suspicions when I am this close.<\/em><\/p>\n

If he had not stood to lose everything, he would have encouraged Kate\u2019s attraction to Adam. He came from a fine family, and Ben Cartwright wielded a great deal of influence in Nevada. Influence that, had they married, would have proved to be very valuable to John\u2019s career.<\/p>\n

However, for now, it was imperative that his daughter\u2019s attentions be elsewhere, until after her birthday, giving him time to finalize the sale of Shiloh. A sale he had no legal right to negotiate, for the plantation belonged to Kate.<\/p>\n

It was these thoughts that ran through John\u2019s mind as he sat in his study composing a letter to Matt Larkin, a man he thought would take care of all his problems. The bartender, at the Bucket of Blood Saloon, had provided information about the man to him, with the assurance that he would deliver John’s message, for a price.<\/p>\n

Mr. Larkin,<\/em><\/p>\n

I have a business proposition I wish to discuss with you. Meet me in my office at the courthouse tomorrow morning at seven o\u2019clock. I believe you will find it most beneficial. I trust you will be discreet.<\/em><\/p>\n

Judge Jonathon McDonald<\/em><\/p>\n

John needed someone who would be capable of dealing with the problems his daughter and Adam presented and be trusted to keep his mouth shut. He had found, in his experience, money bought most people\u2019s silence.<\/p>\n

Completing the note, John sealed the envelope from prying eyes. He would drop it off to the bartender, to give to Larkin, when he and Ben Cartwright went into town that afternoon<\/p>\n

CHAPTER NINETEEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jonathon McDonald had an appointment very early the next morning so the prying eyes of Virginia City would not see the man that now entered his office.<\/p>\n

\u201cJudge, I got a message you wanted to see me,\u201d Matt Larkin said.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut the door,\u201d John instructed. \u201cI don\u2019t want the busybodies of this town knowing my business dealings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Judge,\u201d Larkin said as he closed the door. \u201cNow what did you want to see me about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Larkin, I have been told you are experienced in taking care of problems,\u201d John said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know how to take care of any problems that need to be taken care of. But what problem could a judge have that requires my help,\u201d Larkin asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see if you\u2019re capable of seeing to a few issues I am having. I thought I could hire you to be the foreman of my ranch. This would give you first hand knowledge of my daughter\u2019s comings and goings. It just so happens\u00a0She<\/em>, is one of my problems.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Judge, anything you say. What kinda\u2019\u00a0problems<\/em>you been having with your daughter that you need me to see to?\u201d<\/p>\n

It pertains to her involvement with Adam Cartwright,\u201d John explained.<\/p>\n

Larkin\u2019s interest piqued when he heard the two people he would be dealing with. He had been looking forward to seeing the Judge\u2019s daughter again, and it would be a pleasure to bring Adam Cartwright down a few pegs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen can you start?\u201d John asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow \u2018bout right now,\u201d Larkin responded. \u201cBut first we need to talk money. I want to know what my pay is gonna\u2019 be for solving your little problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever Ben Cartwright paid you I’ll double and there will be a bonus when I\u2019m satisfied with the results,\u201d John explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can live with that, Judge. Now let\u2019s hear what you want done with your\u00a0problem<\/em>,\u201d Larkin said sitting back in the chair listening intently.<\/p>\n

After an hour, Larkin rose telling John McDonald, \u201cI’ll move into your bunkhouse today and get started on your daughter. You sure ain\u2019t like any of the judges I met. Well it’s no matter to me, moneys money \u2018sides, I’ll enjoy takin\u2019 care of her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember Larkin, show some restraint. I do not want her hurt just scare her. What ever else you do is up to you. As far as Adam Cartwright goes, handle it any way you see fit,\u201d John said.<\/p>\n

John McDonald was not a man prone to violence, but he had to do something about Kate and Adam. She was going to balk about going back east, and he would take any steps necessary to bring her into line. He knew she would not allow anything to happen to young Cartwright and hoped Larkin would show some restraint dealing with her.<\/p>\n

However, if the man got a little too heavy-handed, so be it. He had waited a long time to control the fortune Kate’s mother had left her. No one, not even his own daughter, would stand in his way. It was imperative that she not know of her inheritance until everything was finalized. By the time she found out it would be too late. If he were unsuccessful, she would inherit a virtual fortune when she turned twenty-one, and her birthday was only two months away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Larkin stepped out into the dusty streets of Virginia City on his way to the hotel to pack his things and move to Shenandoah. He would meet Katherine McDonald when he got there. Her father had given him a letter of introduction to give to her.<\/p>\n

He wants her out of the way pretty bad to hire me to rough her up,<\/em>\u00a0Larkin thought.\u00a0I wonder what he stands to gain. I need to find that out, there may be more money in it for me before this is over.<\/em><\/p>\n

While her father was plotting against her, Katherine McDonald was in the process of planning her day. She went to the kitchen to speak to their cook and after selecting the menu for that evening, made her way to the corral. She heard a horse approaching, assuming it would be Adam. She turned only to find Matt Larkin, the man Adam had cautioned her about, before her.<\/p>\n

Waiting as he dismounted from his horse, she said, \u201cMay I help you with something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d he began, \u201cyou must be Miss McDonald, the judge\u2019s daughter. I\u2019m Matt Larkin. Your father just hired me as foreman of this ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taken aback by this revelation, Kate regained her composure. \u201cMy father didn\u2019t mention this to me, Mr. Larkin. I will have to check with him about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, Miss McDonald, ya\u2019 don\u2019t have to check. Here\u2019s a letter he said to give ya\u2019,\u201d handing her the folded paper.<\/p>\n

Kate opened it and read its contents. Her father had hired him; why, she could not guess. The ranch did not have that much livestock yet, so there was no need for a foreman.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems you\u2019re correct, Mr. Larkin. You may put your things in the bunkhouse over there,\u201d she said indicating where the bunkhouse was. Kate had an uneasy feeling about the man; the way he looked at her. Adam definitely was not going to like this.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you will excuse me,\u201d she began.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need for excusin\u2019 yourself missy, you\u2019re gonna be seein\u2019 a lot of me,\u201d Larkin said to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Larkin, let\u2019s get something straight,\u201d she said. \u201cMy father hired you to run this ranch. That does not include me; do not make the mistake of thinking that. I won\u2019t hesitate to fire you if you get out of line one time.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he walked toward her, Kate resisted the temptation to back up as he said, \u201cMiss McDonald, there\u2019s no need to threaten me. Your father hired me, and he’s the only one who\u2019s gonna fire me, no matter what. Now you better get use to me bein’ round here all the time. I gotta say it will be a pleasure seein’ you every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll just see about that,\u201d she said through clinched teeth. Kate started into the barn to saddle her horse with Larkin right behind her. Standing far too close to her he told her, \u201cYeah, Miss McDonald, you and me gonna get to be real good friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

She spun around telling him, \u201cStay away from me! Don\u2019t you dare come near me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if I don\u2019t,\u201d he began, \u201cwhat are ya gonna\u2019 do, tell Adam Cartwright? Got news for ya missy, I ain\u2019t afraid of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she seethed, \u201cit won\u2019t be necessary for me to tell Adam. You\u2019re not worth his time; I can deal with you myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m lookin\u2019 forward to that missy,\u201d Larkin said leering at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Larkin, let me give you fair warning. I do two things very well. The first one is riding; the second is using a gun. I am an excellent shot, and I won\u2019t hesitate to shoot anyone who threatens me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, missy, no need to get all mad and such, I was just wantin\u2019 to get to know ya\u2019,\u201d Larkin explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a hired hand and it is not necessary for you to know me. Stay away from me Mr. Larkin, or I will see you gone, one way, or another,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI want him fired,\u201d Kate told her father that evening. \u201cWe don\u2019t need him for twenty horses. What were you thinking?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need someone in place to handle the day to day operation of the ranch, Katherine. I hired him and he’s not going anywhere,\u201d her father told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather, he makes me very uncomfortable. He made some inappropriate suggestions to me. I want him fired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine, it was his first day. He comes highly recommended, let\u2019s give him a chance. He even worked for Ben Cartwright; now that should tell you something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know all about his working on the Ponderosa. He was fired for stealing cattle. I imagine you didn\u2019t know that,\u201d she challenged.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, my dear,\u201d he said, \u201cI do know of that unfortunate incident. Personally, I believe it was all a misunderstanding. Now I am going to give Mr. Larkin an opportunity to prove himself. When and only when\u00a0I<\/em>\u00a0feel he isn’t working out, he will be let go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFather, I had to threaten him today to leave me alone. Doesn\u2019t that tell you anything?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt tells me,\u201d he began, \u201cthat you are judging the man before you know him. I thought you prided yourself on your tolerance of everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam is not going to like this,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright\u00a0does not<\/em>\u00a0run this ranch! I do!\u201d he said vehemently. \u201cNow you may be all enthralled with young Cartwright, but I am not. You listen to him far too much. That is another reason it will be good for you to be away from him for a while. You will be able to regain your impartiality. Something you have lost since you\u2019ve been involved with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSay what you will,\u201d she began, \u201cI am not going anywhere. I am not going back to school so you might as well get use to the idea. Just keep Larkin away from me, I will not hesitate to defend myself if I feel threatened.\u201d<\/p>\n

She would have to tell Adam, and he would be furious. He was to be out of town on business in a few days and now, would be reluctant to go because of Larkin. However, if she did not tell him he would be even angrier.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam came calling later that evening. When he dismounted Sport, Larkin sauntered out of the bunkhouse.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the new foreman, the Judge hired me today,\u201d Larkin responded.<\/p>\n

Adam went to the front door and knocked, watching the man as he stood leaning against the hitching post. Kate opened the front door giving Adam a kiss. As he entered he asked, \u201cWhat is your father thinking, hiring Larkin? Didn’t you tell him the problems we had with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam,\u201d she said taking his hand, \u201cI did, but father is adamant about giving him another chance. He already makes me uncomfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me speak to your father,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe isn\u2019t going to listen\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate,<\/em>\u00a0let me talk to him,\u201d Adam said forcefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, but you won\u2019t get anywhere with him. I have already tried,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

Entering her father\u2019s den she announced, \u201cFather, Adam would like to speak to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in, Adam, good to see you,\u201d John McDonald stood shaking his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, I believe you’ve made a mistake hiring Matt Larkin. He is a cattle thief and who knows what else,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, as I told Kate, this is my ranch. Whom I employ is no one else’s concern. While I appreciate your opinion, this is my decision and I would like you and Kate to respect it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, sir,\u201d Adam began, \u201cI don\u2019t think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!<\/em>\u201d the judge yelled, \u201cI don\u2019t want to be rude but\u00a0this<\/em>\u00a0is none of your business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, it is my business. I am concerned for Kate’s safety with him around. He doesn’t respect women, and he is not to be trusted,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me worry about that, young man. While you seem to be under the impression that only you can see to my daughter\u2019s well-being, you are wrong. She has been under my protection all of her life and no harm has come to her,\u201d the judge responded.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has been fortunate up until now,\u201d Adam stated. He was furious that this man was putting her in danger. Adam had to make him realize this.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, because you are Ben’s son, I am going to overlook your rude comments and behavior. However, be warned, I will not tolerate any more of your conduct. Katherine is\u00a0my<\/em>\u00a0responsibility for now. I don’t feel she is in any danger and until I do, Larkin stays!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate knew Adam was ready to explode as she said, \u201cPlease, Adam, let\u2019s go for a carriage ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood glaring at her father, unable to understand why the judge was being so stubborn and would not listen to reason.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t bring the carriage Kate,\u201d Adam said through his anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then,\u201d she began, \u201clet\u2019s have our new hired hand hitch ours up. After all, he\u2019s being paid to do more than lounge around the bunkhouse,\u201d she said as she started for the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see to it Kate, I want a word with him anyway,\u201d Adam told her, \u201cWait here, I\u2019ll come for you when it\u2019s ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking out the door, Adam donned his hat. Approaching Larkin he told the man, \u201cI would like a word with you while I get the carriage ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following Adam into the barn, Larkin said, \u201cCouldn\u2019t get the judge to fire me could you Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t worry about my conversation with the judge, Larkin. I am warning you, do not go near Kate. I don’t have any idea why he hired a convicted criminal, but I will be watching you. Kate will tell me if you do or say anything out of the ordinary to her. If you value your life, stay away from her,\u201d Adam told the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be threatening me Cartwright. You\u2019re not on the Ponderosa now,\u201d Larkin said.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust remember what I said,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

After leading the horse out of the barn and hitching him to the carriage, Adam went to get Kate.<\/p>\n

When they left the courtyard he asked, \u201cWhy would your father hire Larkin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, something isn\u2019t right. My father has\u00a0never<\/em>\u00a0hired a criminal. His feeling has always been they could not be trusted. He is up to something, I just know it,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, stay away from him until I can figure out what’s going on. I just warned him to keep away from you. If he bothers you in any way, I want to know. I warned you about going into Virginia City alone and your father hires the most contemptible man in the town to work right here,\u201d Adam said, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will be all right,\u201d she told him. \u201cI\u2019ve had to deal with men like him before.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen were you exposed to men like that?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe visited Washington before we came here. There are a great deal of unsavory men running our country. I was able to avoid them, just as I will avoid Larkin,\u201d she said. \u201cNow I don\u2019t want you worrying Adam, I\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t imagine what your father was thinking when he hired him,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

After taking her home and putting the carriage away, he headed back to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Arriving there, he found Ben sitting in the great room reading. \u201cPa,\u201d he began, \u201cmay I talk to you about something?\u201d<\/p>\n

Taken off guard Ben told his son, \u201cOf course, what seems to be the problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m not sure,\u201d Adam began. \u201cJudge McDonald has hired Matt Larkin as his ranch foreman. I tried to tell him about Larkin, and he definitely did not care what my feelings were on the subject. Kate had already told him everything I did before I arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat does not sound like John,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I don\u2019t believe John is the same man you use to know,\u201d Adam stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am starting to believe the same, Adam. I am ashamed to tell you that I contacted an attorney in Richmond when John wrote and told me he and Kate were coming for a visit. I thought it rather odd that after fifteen years he suddenly wanted to renew old acquaintances. The information I am receiving from the attorney is most unsettling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Pa? Does it involve Kate?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t everything back yet, but from what I gathered, it does involve Kate. She, however, is unaware of her part in this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould he put her in any danger?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight now, Adam, I cannot say for sure. I would rather wait until I have all the information. Then you and I will sit down and go over everything. Then we will decide what, if anything, we need to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben Cartwright began, \u201cI know you don\u2019t want to go to San Francisco right now but you are the only one who can close the sale with the army. They have worked with you and won\u2019t deal with anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam began, \u201cyou have to understand my reasons for not wanting to leave Kate right now with Larkin working there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do so son, but you can\u2019t watch over Kate twenty four hours a day. Her father is there and he won\u2019t let anything happen to her,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have more confidence in John than I do,\u201d Adam said. \u201cI don\u2019t trust that man, and with the reports you\u2019re getting back, it\u2019s only a matter of time until I have to tell Kate what type of man her father is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate is over here most of the time anyway,\u201d Ben began. \u201cI know she stays away from there just to stay clear of Larkin. You know your brothers and I will see to her while you\u2019re gone. I really do hate the fact you have to go, Adam, but we\u2019ll take care of her.\u201d<\/p>\n

The next morning Adam rode over to the McDonald ranch Kate had named\u00a0Shenandoah<\/em>. She had described to Adam the valley it was named for. \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful there. It is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River runs through it. During the fall, when the leaves are turning, it looks as though the entire valley is ablaze. I always loved it there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate came out to meet him when she heard him ride up. \u201cMorning, Adam,\u201d she said smiling up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Kate,\u201d he replied as he alit from Sport giving her a kiss. \u201cI thought we would go riding today; we need to talk about a few things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, let me go change. There\u2019s coffee on the sideboard, help yourself,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

Adam had gone into the dining room to get coffee. As he was gazing out the window, the man he was concerned about walked out of the barn. He saw Larkin start toward the house until he saw Adam\u2019s horse. Adam watched as the man mounted and rode away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m ready,\u201d Kate announced as she entered the room.<\/p>\n

Smiling at her, Adam sat his cup down and took her arm as they left the house. She waited as Adam saddled her horse. Neither knew they were being watched. Shortly they were on their way down the road away from the ranch.<\/p>\n

When they arrived at the rim, where they always went when they needed to talk, Adam wasted no time telling her he would have to go out of town. \u201cI hate to leave right now, but I\u2019m the only one who can close this particular deal. I don\u2019t feel right leaving you with everything that has been going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019ll be fine. I have had to be alone and deal with people like Larkin before. I\u2019ll be all right until you get back. I will just stay very close to the house or ride over to visit with your family. He just makes me nervous the way he\u2019s always staring at me,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t understand your father hiring him,\u201d Adam began. \u201cHe had to know his criminal history and to just ignore all of that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know and I don\u2019t want to talk about either of them. When do you have to leave, and when will you return?\u201d Kate questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDay after tomorrow and I\u2019ll be back as soon as the bill of sale is signed. I still don\u2019t feel right leaving you,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense, you must go. Your father is depending on you. I will stay busy and it will be fine. You cannot be with me every minute of every day Adam, I\u2019m a big girl, I can take care of myself,\u201d she declared.<\/p>\n

Pulling her to him, he told her, \u201cThat\u2019s my point, I want to be with you every minute of every day, and I don\u2019t want you having to take care of yourself anymore. I want that job, to see to your every need and want. When I get back, I want to announce our engagement. Then I won\u2019t worry about you as much once we\u2019re married.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate had not told Adam of the heated exchange she had with her father that morning. \u201cI don\u2019t know what has happened to you, Father. You were always against hiring people with a criminal record and now you have gone and hired a man with a very questionable past,\u201d she told her father.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s not your decision Kate, it’s mine. Adam Cartwright might influence your thinking but not mine. I resent the fact he seems to assume his word is law where you are concerned. If he continues, I will be forced to speak to Ben,\u201d John replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam is not a child and neither am I. You have no need to run to Mr. Cartwright. He holds the same opinion of Larkin as Adam,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

Two days later, she and Ben saw Adam off on the stage. \u201cI\u2019ll be back as soon as I can,\u201d Adam told her. \u201cHoss and Joe have promised they\u2019ll check on you until I get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Adam, don\u2019t worry about me, I\u2019ll be fine. Just hurry back and be safe,\u201d she told him, kissing his cheek.<\/p>\n

Adam reluctantly climbed into the stage after their goodbyes. A feeling of dread washed over him as he watched her disappear into the dust from the coach.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t be gone long Kate. I\u2019m sorry he had to go right now. I know he\u2019s upset with me but it couldn\u2019t be helped,\u201d Ben told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Mr. Cartwright, he worries about me far too much. I\u2019m always afraid he will wake up one day and decide I\u2019m too much trouble to bother with,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat, my dear, will\u00a0never<\/em>\u00a0happen,\u201d Ben said smiling at her.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first day Adam was gone was a long one for her. She had declined Ben\u2019s invitation to dinner, telling him she had things at home that needed her attention. A lie, but she had not wanted to burden the elder Cartwright with the job of watching over her, knowing Adam had made his entire family promise to do so.<\/p>\n

Larkin had been making himself scarce lately. So after returning home, Kate busied herself in the house. She decided to straighten her father’s office. Never one to pry before, Kate felt there was something in her father’s office that might lead her to understand the drastic change in him over the last six months.<\/p>\n

As usual, nothing was on his desk except a small notation on a pad of paper about her birthday. She had almost forgotten about it, more engrossed with Adam\u2019s and her relationship, and now the problem of Larkin. She tried opening his desk drawers and found them locked.\u00a0That\u2019s odd<\/em>, she thought.\u00a0He never used to lock his desk. Perhaps he doesn\u2019t trust Larkin either.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe the Judge would appreciate you going through his things, missy,\u201d Larkin\u2019s voice came from behind her.<\/p>\n

Startled, she railed, \u201cWhat do you think you are doing coming into this house without being invited?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSettle down. I\u2019m the foreman here and I\u2019ve got a few questions for the judge. Guess he ain\u2019t here,\u201d Larkin replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know he left early this morning, now get out of this house!\u201d The man did frighten her but she was not about to let him know this.<\/p>\n

When he did not attempt to leave, she added, \u201cDo not make me tell you again. You are not allowed in here. Now go about your duties or I shall tell my father about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do that missy and see how far it gets you. Don\u2019t threaten me, you won\u2019t like my reaction,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

This response infuriated Kate. \u201cI am not easily intimated, Mr. Larkin. Now I am not going to tell you again to get out. If it were up to me I\u2019d fire you on the spot for your insubordination.\u201d<\/p>\n

In two long strides he was beside her, grabbing her arm in a vice-like grip. \u201cYou can say what you will but you\u2019re scared. Good, remember that feeling, and don\u2019t ever order me around again. You have no say over me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate jerked her arm away, glaring at the man. \u201cHow dare you touch me. I warned you before to stay away from me,\u201d she said with more conviction than she felt.<\/p>\n

Turning, Larkin gave her a once over look, smiled and left the house.<\/p>\n

When he had left, Kate sat in her father\u2019s chair, shaking. Trying to quiet her nerves she wished Adam were there.\u00a0I have to talk to Father, he just threatened me, and I believe he can be violent. Surely, he will do something about Larkin now once I tell him about this,<\/em>\u00a0she reasoned.<\/p>\n

Kate made the decision to go for a ride over to the Ponderosa after all. She hated having to leave her own home, but with him lurking around, she felt like a prisoner. Changing into riding clothes, she waited until she saw Larkin ride away and went to saddle her horse. When finished she led the horse into the courtyard, mounted and began her ride to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

I hate feeling this way. I have never had to depend on anyone but me before and now I feel as though I am not capable of dealing with this thug. Adam will be gone for another four days so I best figure out a way to handle Larkin. At least now I am away from him,<\/em>\u00a0she thought. Little did she know Larkin was following her as he did every time she left the ranch.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arriving at the Ponderosa, Ben greeted her, \u201cKate, good to see you. I was just thinking about you. I am glad you changed your mind and joined us. Hoss and Joe should be back soon. Get down, and sit a while with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dismounting, she tied her horse to the hitching post and walked to the porch taking a seat with Ben. Knowing by her face something was wrong, Ben looked into her eyes asking \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Kate, did something happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking her head, she began, \u201cIt\u2019s nothing Mr. Cartwright. Larkin just makes me nervous. Every time I turn around, he is watching me. I had to get away from the house. I don\u2019t like to be there alone when he is the only one around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I think the time has come that I speak to John about this. I know he got angry with Adam the other day when he tried to talk to him about Larkin. But he just may listen to me,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so Mr. Cartwright. Father is not listening to anyone right now. It seems he is determined to keep Larkin on no matter what. I have told him how the man makes me feel and he just laughs it off. After I tell him what happened today, perhaps he\u2019ll change his mind,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

Alarmed, Ben asked, \u201cWhat happened today, Kate?\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing she had made a grievous mistake in letting that slip, she tried to cover it up. \u201cNothing, really he just makes me nervous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine, tell me,\u201d Ben instructed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe came into the house. I was in Father\u2019s office and he snuck up behind me. When I told him to get out, he grabbed me,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s anger soared. \u201cI\u2019ll talk to John today,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t. I believe it will only make matters worse. Let me try to handle it and do not tell Adam. I\u2019m convinced Larkin wants nothing more than a confrontation between him and Adam,\u201d she pled.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I can\u2019t promise that. I need to speak to John anyway. I will just bring up the subject of Larkin and see what his response is. I won\u2019t tell Adam, for now,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cLarkin is just trying to intimidate me because I\u2019m a woman and there alone. If Father were home he wouldn\u2019t behave in such a manner,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

Ben, not so sure of John anymore, was concerned for her well-being. John was not the man he had known, nor was he the least bit concerned about his daughter. More information had come in from the attorney in Richmond and Ben\u2019s feeling of uneasiness grew with each report.<\/p>\n

These same thoughts were going through Adam\u2019s mind. He had been troubled all the way to San Francisco about Kate being alone at the ranch with Larkin. He thought back to their last conversation,\u00a0\u201dStay away from him Kate, even if you have to stay at the Ponderosa. When I return we are going to get this matter settled, once and for all.\u201d I should not have left her. There is no telling what could happen if I am not there. Surely, her Father will see no harm comes to her,<\/em>\u00a0Adam thought.<\/p>\n

If only Adam had known the dark thoughts John had regarding his daughter, he never would have felt confident that he would take care of her.<\/p>\n

Back at the Ponderosa, Kate had relaxed being with Ben. \u201cHop Sing is making lunch Kate. When the boys get back, we\u2019ll eat,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really shouldn\u2019t stay Mr. Cartwright, there are things I could be tending to at home,\u201d she told him. \u201cI miss Adam. I feel closer to him when I\u2019m here,\u201d she said simply.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know my dear and I regret he had to go to San Francisco but Adam is the one who had brokered the deal and the army would deal with no one but him,\u201d Ben explained again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Mr. Cartwright, and I don\u2019t want him to neglect his duties in any way because of me. I have never felt so foolish in my life. I have pretty much taken care of myself since I was fourteen. Now, for the first time in my life, I feel vulnerable. It\u2019s not a good feeling,\u201d she told the older man.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, you are a strong woman and I am confident you will be fine. I just have questions I need answers to and those answers can only come from your father. I would like you to stay here while I go into town to speak to him,\u201d Ben told her. \u201cI will leave when Hoss and Joe return.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, please don\u2019t do or say anything on my account. Father can be rather hostile when he feels someone is questioning him. I do not want to be the cause of any problems between the two of you. I especially do not want Adam to know of any of this. I hate to appear weak. I swore I would never be that way, and here I am running to the Ponderosa the first time I feel uncomfortable,\u201d she told Ben. \u201cI never want Adam to feel I am a burden.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, you are not weak and Adam would never think of you as a burden. He loves you young lady, and wants to marry you. When he gets back, you are going to be hard-pressed to be rid of him. You have made my son a happy man and he is not about to let anything happen to you. However, you are going to have to be patient with him. Adam is going to do what he thinks best where you are concerned, even if it angers you or your father,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

As they were talking, Joe and Hoss rode up. Both men greeted Kate as they got down from their horses. Ben explained to his sons that he had errands to run in town and asked they look after Kate.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa, we\u2019ve got orders from Adam to see to her and it will be a pleasure,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to be a bother for anyone,\u201d Kate began. \u201cI know you two have other things you\u2019d rather be doing than entertaining me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, Kate,\u201d Hoss began, \u201cbeing around you is much more fun than bein\u2019 with Joe. You make sense when you talk. Somethin\u2019 little brother here don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell thank you both, I really don\u2019t want to go back home with Lar\u2026, I mean it\u2019s more pleasant being with all of you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know, Kate,\u201d Hoss said gently smiling at her. \u201cMe and Joe will see to everthin\u2019 and Adam will be home soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright tried to arrange his thoughts, of what he would say to John, on his ride into Virginia City.\u00a0I do not want to alienate him right away but I have to get to the bottom of what he is up to. The longer this goes on the more I am convinced he is up to no good.<\/em><\/p>\n

Confident Kate would be safe in Hoss and Joe\u2019s care, he went directly to the courthouse and found John in his office. Looking up from papers spread on his desk, the judge greeted him. \u201cHello Ben, what brings you to town?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had some errands and thought I\u2019d drop by and see you. Since you moved into your house, I\u2019ve not seen much of you. Perhaps, we could have lunch?\u201d Ben asked smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d enjoy that, Ben. I’m tired of dealing with criminals. I would like to have a conversation with an honest man for once today,\u201d John replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would also like to talk to you John. I\u2019m concerned about Kate,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate?\u201d John asked. \u201cWhy are you concerned with Kate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been hearing about her uneasiness with Larkin around. I know Adam told you of our experiences with him and I\u2019d like to understand why you\u2019ve engaged him,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I will tell you what I told Adam. Whom I hire is my business, not Kate’s, not Adam’s and certainly not yours. I do not tell you how to run the Ponderosa, and I would appreciate it if you would give me the same consideration,\u201d John replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohn, if Kate were my daughter, I would not allow Larkin near her. He\u2019s not to be trusted and capable of just about anything,\u201d Ben told him.<\/p>\n

Ben now saw first-hand the irrationality of the man he had considered an old friend as John exploded in rage. \u201cBen, this is none of your business! Kate may have deceived you and Adam into believing she is frail and unable to take care of herself but believe me, she is more than capable of handling any situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trying to reason with John, Ben began, \u201cJohn, she is your daughter, to be protected and cared for. She should not have to fear for her safety. She is terrified of being alone with him around. She had to come to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen! Do not lecture me on how to care for my daughter! You are no longer welcome here and give Adam a message for me. When he returns, he is not to see my daughter again. Forget we were ever friends as I have just done. Now unless you have legal business with me, get out!\u201d John raged.<\/p>\n

Ben realized that he would now have to bring up the information he had received from the lawyer in Richmond, as he calmly said, \u201cI don’t think so, John. I have some very unsettling reports, I want to discuss with you. When I received your letter telling me you wished to pay us a visit, I was curious. I asked myself why, after so long a period of time, you decided to visit me. I contacted a lawyer in Richmond hoping to find answers to my questions and he has provided them to me. I know you are planning to cheat Kate out of her inheritance. What I have not figured out is what Larkin has to do with all of this. Mr. Lawrence, the attorney in Richmond, was most anxious to find where you had disappeared. With the information I provided him, he was very open with me regarding the details of\u00a0why<\/em>\u00a0you left Virginia. Now Kate will know, as soon as she turns twenty-one. He told me of all correspondence he has sent her regarding her inheritance and that it had all been returned.\u00a0You<\/em>\u00a0saw to that. If you do not want me to tell her all I have discovered, it would be wise for you to terminate Larkin and tell her everything. Do it today and I will let you tell her yourself. I won’t allow her to return home until you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you blackmail me! Everything you have said is hearsay. I have taken care of Kate since her mother died. I have no secrets from her. We were getting along fine until your son turned her against me. Try to come between us Ben, and see what happens. Kate is loyal to a fault, you won\u2019t get anywhere with your accusations,\u201d John told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not blame Adam or anyone else but yourself. He gave her unconditional love, something that girl has not known since Victoria died. Be thankful you are talking to me and not him today. Adam would not give you a chance to tell her. He would have already done so,\u201d Ben told him. \u201cNow I am going back to the Ponderosa. I will tell her you wish to speak to her this evening. Hoss and Joe will escort her home and I will ask her to come see me first thing in the morning. If she has not been told by then, I will tell her. It’s your choice, John,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

By the time, Ben returned home Hoss and Joe had worn Kate out playing checkers and she was ready for a break. \u201cKate,\u201d Ben began. \u201cI spoke to your father. He would like to talk to you tonight. After dinner, Hoss and Joe will ride home with you. I would however, like to see you in the morning. Do you think you could ride over here first thing tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

Not sure what was going on, Kate told him, \u201cOf course Mr. Cartwright, I will. How was Father to talk to?\u201d<\/p>\n

Not wanting to alarm her, he replied, \u201cHe was fine Kate, a little upset at first, but he is all right now,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

After Ben had left his office, John McDonald had closed his court for the day and returned home. He needed to speak to Larkin before Kate returned.\u00a0Blasted Cartwright\u2019s,<\/em>\u00a0he thought,\u00a0now I have to hurry before Ben spoils everything.<\/em><\/p>\n

After dinner, Hoss and Joe rode home with Kate, waiting while she entered the house. When they were sure she was safe, they returned home.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine?\u201d Her father called when she shut the front door. \u201cI\u2019d like to see you in my study.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doing as he requested, she entered asking, \u201cYou wanted to speak to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, dear, sit down,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n

After she was seated, he began \u201cBen came to see me today and I must say I am very disappointed in you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re disappointed in me? What have I done?\u201d She asked. This was not at all, what she had expected from him.<\/p>\n

Rising from his desk, he walked to the front leaning on it, as he looked at her with angry, gray eyes. \u201cRunning to him, telling him you aren\u2019t safe here. Now Katherine you know that is not true. Why, I would never let anything happen to you,\u201d he said in an unsettling voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not run to anyone. They know why I am uncomfortable and with good reason. You would not listen to me, I had no one else to turn to,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou always were a little\u00a0sneak,<\/em>\u201d he said to her in a voice she did not recognize.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather! I have never\u2026\u201d she started.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may have fooled them, your mother, and your grandfather, but I know you for what you are. On the outside all sweet and kind but on the inside devious and calculating,\u201d he spat at her.<\/p>\n

Rising to leave the room, he grabbed her wrist forcing her to sit back in the chair. \u201cI\u2019m not done with you. You are just like your Mother. She spoiled everything for me by having you. None of this would have ever been necessary if\u00a0you had not been born.<\/em>\u00a0I have been saddled with you for the last twenty years and now, when I am so close to realizing my dreams, you are determined to ruin everything,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Tears pooled in her eyes as she said, \u201cI don\u2019t know what you are talking about. I\u2019ve not done anything wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRunning to Ben Cartwright, whining to him just like you did years ago to your grandfather. You remember what happened the last time you did that – I sent you away. That is exactly what I am going to do now. Be rid of you once and for all and live the way I should be able to and not be stuck with\u00a0you<\/em>!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate could not bear to hear any more. She had always suspected he felt that way about her, but had buried it deep within not wanting to admit this to herself. Now he had said it aloud and she knew she had been right.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare criticize me for anything I did to protect myself. You did nothing, after I told you of my fears about Larkin. Then, you were always good at using my fears against me. When mother died, and you knew I was terrified of loosing you, you used that to keep me in line and do your bidding. I was so frightened during that time, I would have done anything to win your favor,\u201d she said tears welling in her eyes. \u201cI had no one except for you and you pushed me away. Thank God, I had my grandfather, as much as he hated you, he loved me. Well I\u2019m not a frightened little girl anymore, I\u2019m grown and I\u2019m in love with a man who loves me more than I thought possible and we\u2019re going to be married. Then you will never be\u00a0saddled<\/em>\u00a0with me again. I will be out of your life, for good, an event I look forward to. However, I do have something to thank you for, the stubbornness and independence you hate so much in me, is because of your treatment of me when I was growing up. I was forced to be that way to survive,\u201d she railed.<\/p>\n

She had derived great pleasure in venting this way for the first time in her life. Adam was right, she should not hold so much inside, and it had felt good to let it out.<\/p>\n

Her father did something that took her aback, he\u00a0laughed<\/em>. Fearing the man had lost his mind until he began, \u201cBravo Katherine, you surprise me you have turned into a formidable adversary. As much as you will hate me saying this, you are just like me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am\u00a0nothing<\/em>\u00a0like you!\u201d She declared.<\/p>\n

Too bad,\u201d he began. \u201cYou should have exhibited these traits before now. It may have changed things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I had to choose between being like you and being dead, I would choose\u00a0death<\/em>,\u201d Kate exclaimed.<\/p>\n

So be it, my dear,<\/em>\u00a0John thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT<\/strong><\/p>\n

After entering her bedroom, only then did she allow herself to cry. Kate was terrified. Her father had never looked or sounded the way he had tonight, even during their worst disagreements. After her tirade, there was no telling how he would react. She knew she could not stay there. If she could just get away from the house, she would ride into town and stay at the International Hotel tonight.\u00a0Adam will be home tomorrow and everything will be alright then,<\/em>\u00a0she told herself.<\/p>\n

In his study, John shook from the rage within him.\u00a0How dare her? After everything I have done for her, she dares to speak to me that way. Kate is smarter than I thought possible. She is going to start putting things together and know what I am doing unless I punt an end to this. Then I\u2019ll be rid of her and the Cartwrights once and for all,<\/em>\u00a0he thought. He rose from the desk and went to the bunkhouse looking for Larkin.<\/p>\n

Kate packed a small bag and quietly slipped down the stairs and out of the house. She would have to pass near the bunkhouse in order to get to the barn. Praying Larkin would be either busy with something or had gone into town, she slowly crept past it, stopped by the sound of her father\u2019s voice. Listening, she heard him say, \u201cWe\u2019re going to have to do something about my daughter right away. When I leave in the morning, wait an hour, and then take care of her. At this point,\u00a0I don\u2019t care what you do.<\/em><\/p>\n

This cannot be happening,<\/em>\u00a0she thought.\u00a0I have to get away from here.<\/em>\u00a0Silently she slipped into the barn and saddled her horse.\u00a0I\u2019ll have to wait until Father returns to the house,<\/em>\u00a0she told herself. As she slipped her bag over the saddle horn, she stood at the door, quietly waiting for him to leave the bunkhouse. She did not have to wait long. She watched as her father exited the bunkhouse and made his way up the stairs and into the house, she opened the barn door and led her horse out.<\/p>\n

Slipping her boot into the stirrup she heard Larkin say, \u201cGoin\u2019 somewhere missy?\u201d<\/p>\n

With her heart in her throat, she turned and said, with more bravado than she felt, \u201cGet out of my way. It\u2019s none of your business where I go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had it with that smart mouth of yours,\u201d he snarled as he grabbed her arm, \u201calways actin\u2019 uppity. \u2018Bout time someone taught you a lesson,\u201d he said drawing back his fist.<\/p>\n

Kate closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE<\/strong><\/p>\n

As he prepared to strike her, a deep voice warned him, \u201cHit her and I will shoot you where you stand.\u201d Looking up he saw Adam and Hoss Cartwright on horseback, their gun\u2019s aimed at him, Adam\u2019s eyes dark with anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d she screamed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright,\u201d Larkin snarled, \u201c\u2019didn\u2019t \u2018spect you back this soon but I been takin\u2019\u00a0real good<\/em>\u00a0care of your gal while you were gone. Just ask her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam got down from Sport, taking his gun belt off. As he handed it to Hoss, Larkin shoved Kate into her horse, knocking her down then lunged at Adam.<\/p>\n

Kate was pulled to safety by the massive arms of Hoss as he told her, \u201cYou stay right here, Kate.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two men grappled with each other, Larkin outweighing Adam by a good thirty pounds. Adam, however, was faster and quickly delivered two blows to the man\u2019s face, breaking his nose. One of Larkin\u2019s punches caught Adam in the stomach, stunning him momentarily.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d she screamed, rushing toward the two men.<\/p>\n

Hoss pulled her back, telling her, \u201cLet \u2018em go, Kate. Adam can take care of his self.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam landed punishing blows to Larkin\u2019s ribs and mid-section. Kate would swear she heard the sounds of bones breaking when Adam\u2019s fists landed on Larkin\u2019s body. Turning her head away, she could not bear to watch anymore.<\/p>\n

The fight ended when Adam landed a solid blow to Larkin\u2019s jaw, knocking him to the ground. It was at this point, Hoss grabbed his brother telling him, \u201cEnough Adam. Ain\u2019t no more fight left in \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

Larkin lay at their feet in a bloody heap. Enraged, Adam fought to free himself of Hoss\u2019 grasp. The big man told him, \u201cI said\u00a0enough<\/em>, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

When he felt his brother\u2019s body relax, Hoss released him. Kate flew to his arms, covering his face in kisses as his long fingers tenderly held her face asking, \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wrapping her arms around him, she could feel his heart as it raced. \u201cAdam, are\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0all right?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I\u2019m fine. Thank God we got here in time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you manage to come home early? I wasn\u2019t expecting you until tomorrow,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI finished with the army early and didn\u2019t want to wait for the stage. So I bought a horse and rode back from San Francisco. After I got home and Pa told me of the meeting he had with your father, I felt you were in danger. Hoss rode over here with me just in case there was trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing for Larkin I did,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cHe\u2019d be dead if I hadn\u2019t come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s your father?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the house,\u201d she told him. \u201cAdam, there is more that happened tonight that I need to tell you.\u201d She said as she told him about the argument she and her father had and overhearing him and Larken in the bunkhouse.<\/p>\n

Adam told her, \u201cWe are going to the sheriff\u2019s office and you are going to tell Roy everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, please, I can\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes you can Kate, this has gone on long enough. He\u2019s made your life hell, threatened you, and hired Larkin for the sole purpose of hurting you. If I hadn\u2019t gotten here in time I don\u2019t know what would have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

By now, Hoss had Larkin on his feet and was in the process of tying him to his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll hitch up the carriage,\u201d Adam told his brother. \u201cBut I want to speak to her father first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Adam, I can\u2019t go back in there, I can\u2019t see him or listen to him anymore,\u201d she begged.<\/p>\n

Taking her hand gently in his he told her, \u201cKate, you\u2019re safe now. I am not going to let anything hurt you. There are a few things I need to say to him and I want you there to hear them.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Hoss watched Larkin, Adam and Kate entered the house. Finding John in his study, the surprised look on his face told Adam everything.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say a word,\u201d Adam warned him. \u201cKate has told me everything about tonight and the instructions you gave Larkin in the bunkhouse. I am taking her to see Roy. He will be very interested in your little plot. She will not be back here until you are gone.\u00a0I<\/em>\u00a0want you out of this house by tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you give me orders,\u201d John raged. \u201cJust who do you think you are?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am going to be her husband very soon, and I will tell you as I told Larkin, if you ever threaten her again,\u00a0I will kill you.<\/em>\u00a0I should do it now for what you have put her through. You will never hurt her again. For now, it will suffice that you will be spending time in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

At this, Adam turned, taking Kate\u2019s hand, and left the house. Hoss had hitched up the carriage and they quickly left for Virginia City.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arriving in town, Hoss took Larkin to the Sheriff\u2019s office while Adam and Kate went to see Paul. Adam knocked for some time, until Paul finally came to the door. Adam explained, \u201cSorry to bother you so late Paul, but Kate needs to be looked at.\u201d<\/p>\n

Opening the door, Paul smiled at the girl then asked, \u201cWhat happened Kate?<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right, Paul. Adam insisted I come to see you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Adam explained the events of that evening telling him, \u201cI just want to be sure she isn\u2019t hurt.\u201d As Paul had her sit on his table and began examining her.<\/p>\n

Adam watched her wince as Paul\u2019s fingers touched her arm. Pushing her blouse sleeve up he said, \u201cThere are no broken bones, but you are going to have a whale of a bruise,\u201d Paul explained.<\/p>\n

When he was finished, Kate insisted that Paul check Adam too. His hand was cut and swollen, but other than that, he had no other visible injuries. Trying to re-assure her, Paul began, \u201cI\u2019ve lost count of the times I have had to patch up the Cartwright men. Out of all of them, Adam has the hardest head. He\u2019ll be fine, but when you get home soak that hand and put some liniment on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thanking Paul, they left his office and went directly to the jail. When they entered, Roy began, \u201cKate, Hoss has told me what happened. Do you do want to press charges against Larkin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

At Adam\u2019s coaxing, she told Roy everything that had happened that night, including the conversation she had overheard between her father and Larkin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe Judge McDonald would do such a thing,\u201d Roy said shaking his head. \u201cAin\u2019t never arrested me a judge before. I\u2019ll go out to the ranch tomorrow morning and pick him up. He ain\u2019t goin\u2019 anywhere before then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate will be staying at the Ponderosa, Roy. If you need any more information from her, you will have to come see her there. So that you know, I ordered her father off of Shenandoah by tomorrow,\u201d Adam told the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see to it, Adam. Now you two best get on home. By the looks of you, you both need some rest,\u201d Roy told them.<\/p>\n

On the ride home, Adam guided the horses with one hand, the other arm around her. \u201cEverything is going to be all right now, Kate,\u201d he told her. \u201cThere are some matters we are going to have to talk about, but the worst is behind us.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the Ponderosa, Ben met them at the door. \u201cAdam, what happened? Kate are you all right? Hoss was just telling me some of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam explained what had occurred and that Kate would be staying with them. \u201cOf course she is staying here. Put her things in the guest room next to you, Adam. Kate I am so sorry about all of this. I thought that after talking to your father, things would be better. I cannot believe I fell for John\u2019s act. For tonight, rest, we\u2019ll talk more tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Kate and I could use a brandy,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAllow me,\u201d Ben exclaimed as he went to the table and poured three brandies, handing one to each of them.<\/p>\n

Sitting on the sofa, Kate began, \u201cMr. Cartwright, I\u2019m sorry to impose. I told Adam I could stay at the International. That was what my plans were, but he insisted I come here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is where you belong, Kate. I feel much better having you here and I know Adam does,\u201d Ben told her.<\/p>\n

Putting her head on Adam\u2019s shoulder, she sat staring into the fireplace. Sensing her mood, Adam suggested, \u201cWhy don\u2019t we get you settled in your room. Tomorrow we\u2019ll talk more, but for now it\u2019s best that you rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam showed her to her room. Turning to her, he pulled her to him asking, \u201cAre you all right? With everything that happened I haven\u2019t even greeted you properly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kissing her, he held her close as she replied, \u201cAdam I\u2019m fine now that you\u2019re here. Promise me we won\u2019t be apart again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot in this life time,\u201d he told her. \u201cOur time of being apart is almost over. No more talking tonight, Kate. The last few days have had to have been a nightmare for you. You\u2019re safe now. Tomorrow we will have to sit down and talk with Pa. He has some information you need to know about. Now I want you to listen to me. I\u2019m going to be right next door; if you need anything, or if you just want to talk, call me,\u201d he told her, kissing her good night.<\/p>\n

After he closed the door, he returned to the great room where his father and brothers waited for him. Hop sing had brought him a basin of water for his hand, and Ben had poured them each a brandy. As he handed Adam\u2019s to him, he asked, \u201cWhat on earth happened over there tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took a seat in his chair, submerging his swollen hand in the water, and began telling them everything Kate had told him. \u201cFrom what Kate said, John seemed almost crazed when he talked to her after she returned from the Ponderosa. He accused her of telling you and me stories about him. There were parts I am sure she omitted; hurtful, hateful things he said to her that I can only imagine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam told them of her plan to get away from the house and ride into Virginia City until Adam got home. \u201cOn her way to the barn is when she overheard her father and Larkin\u2019s conversation. John had told Larkin to\u00a0take<\/em>\u00a0care of her; that he didn\u2019t care what Larkin did to her. Pa, I believe if Hoss and I hadn\u2019t gotten there he would have hurt her badly, possibly killed her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never dreamt it was that bad, Adam.\u201d Ben said shaking his head. \u201cKate wouldn\u2019t tell me anything, and I know she never told you how bad it was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo she didn\u2019t,\u201d Adam replied slowly flexing his hand. \u201cShe always avoided the subject of her father and growing up. I never understood why, until now. She told me a few things about Virginia and how she didn\u2019t care for New York when she attended school there. But I had no idea it was as bad as it was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Hoss began. \u201cThat little gal has had enough sorrow in her life. \u2018Bout time you took care of that big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI plan to Hoss, and soon I swear she\u2019ll never know another sad day from now on,\u201d Adam promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t get it,\u201d Joe said. \u201cKate\u2019s always nice to everybody, she even puts up with ole granite head here. How could anyone treat her so bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Joseph,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cThere is just no understanding someone like Jonathon McDonald.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE<\/strong><\/p>\n

After talking a while longer, Hoss and Joe excused themselves, deciding to turn in for the night.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys you are going to have to handle things tomorrow. There are a few items I need to talk to Kate and Adam about first thing in the morning,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019m going to turn in also, it\u2019s been a long day,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you are tired. With that ride from San Francisco and everything else that has happened,\u201d Ben said, adding, \u201cAdam,\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate is going to get through this. It may take some time, but she will, and in time she will heal,\u201d Ben told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know she will Pa, I can see to anything Kate needs,\u201d Adam said. \u201cGood night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before going into his room, Adam paused outside of her door. Hearing a faint sound, he slowly opened it. She was standing by the window looking out into the night that was as black as ink.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, is something wrong?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

She turned around, and he saw she had been crying. Going to her, he gently took her in his arms, asking, \u201cCan I do anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she said softly. \u201cI have to come to terms with this on my own. But thank you for asking. Now go on to bed; you have to be exhausted. Is your hand any better?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right; I soaked it for a while,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n

Taking his injured hand in hers, she raised it to her lips, kissing it. Then quietly told him, \u201cGo on to bed Adam, I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was hesitant to leave her but knew she needed this time alone. As she had said,\u00a0she<\/em>\u00a0would have to work through today’s events on her own. He hated that she was hurting and as much as he wanted to bear the pain for her, he knew he could not. Tonight she had to work this out on her own but tomorrow, he would take over, and she would never be alone again. Kissing her, he told her, \u201cI love you, Kate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

After he had left, she sat on the bed reflecting on the past day telling herself,\u00a0after tonight I will not let my life prior to now affect Adam or me again. Father will be out of our lives and I pray I never see him again.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sunlight streaming through her window woke her the next morning. She had finally fallen asleep as the grandfather clock, in the great room, had struck mid-night. Lying in bed, she smiled thinking,\u00a0today begins my new life with Adam. Nothing is going to spoil our life together.<\/em><\/p>\n

Slipping out of bed, she washed, did her hair, put on a clean dress, and then made her way downstairs. All four Cartwright men were seated at the table having coffee, talking. Adam saw her first and came to the stairs to meet her.<\/p>\n

Kissing her cheek, he told her, \u201cGood morning. I trust you slept.\u201d<\/p>\n

Returning his kiss, she told him, \u201cYes, I did. Did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he began. \u201cKate, today will be a better day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Kate,\u201d the other men greeted her.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d she replied, smiling at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe waited breakfast for you,\u201d Ben told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have; y\u2019all must be starved,\u201d she declared.<\/p>\n

Her demeanor is better today. Almost like she was before all of this began,<\/em>\u00a0Adam thought.<\/p>\n

Adam held her chair as she took her seat beside him. Hoss poured her coffee, as Hop Sing brought the breakfast platters to the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, missy Kate. You look good. Now eat,\u201d the cook told her.<\/p>\n

While the four men dove into their breakfast, Kate sat sipping coffee watching them. She was relaxed, she felt that this was where she belonged. Kate enjoyed the loving interaction between father and sons. She had always wanted a family like them and now she\u00a0almost\u00a0<\/em>was a part of this one.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing brought her warm muffins as Joe asked, \u201cWhy does Kate get Hop Sing\u2019s special muffins? We gotta be sick to get \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMissy Kate nice to Hop Sing. Not yell like men,\u201d he told Joe.<\/p>\n

Laughing, Ben told her, \u201cHop Sing doesn\u2019t make those for everyone Kate. You should feel honored.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do Mr. Cartwright, I do,\u201d she said smiling.<\/p>\n

After breakfast, Ben asked to speak to Kate and Adam. He had the young couple join him in the great room. Taking their seats on the sofa, he began, \u201cKatherine, first of all I am so very sorry for what you\u2019ve been through the past few weeks. I had no idea\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, please stop.\u00a0I<\/em>\u00a0should be apologizing to all of you. My father took advantage of not only your friendship but also your hospitality. He was at fault; none of you. I am so ashamed for how everything has turned out. So please, don\u2019t apologize,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, Adam knows some of what I am about to tell you,\u201d Ben began. He told her of his suspicions about her father from the very beginning, explaining why he had contacted the attorney in Richmond. \u201cWe have been corresponding, sharing information. In his most recent letter, he informed me that he would be here in Virginia City, the day after tomorrow. Mr. Lawrence was your grandfather\u2019s attorney and he wants to meet with you and explain your inheritance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate had listened intently, while Ben continued telling her what he had discovered about her father. When he was done, she told the men, \u201cI had forgotten about any inheritance until I remembered my last discussion with my grandfather. It was before I was sent to New York; he died while I was away. He told me that he was going to make sure that father never profited from my mother\u2019s death. I didn’t understand what he meant until now. If it is not asking too much, I would like you to be with me Adam, when I meet with this attorney. I want you to know everything he says. I know you feel you should be there also, Mr. Cartwright. I only wish all of you weren\u2019t troubled by this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I want to be with you Kate and I\u2019ll do whatever you want,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, if I may suggest,\u201d Ben said delicately, \u201cwith charges against John forthcoming, it might be wise to ask the local magistrate to sit in on this meeting with Mr. Lawrence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever Adam and you think best,\u201d she said. \u201cI really can\u2019t believe that this\u00a0inheritance<\/em>\u00a0is worth all of the trouble it has caused.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, until he arrives,\u201d Ben told them, \u201cwe\u2019ll have to wait for any more answers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we\u2019re done, I have a day planned for Kate and me,\u201d Adam announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine son. Your brothers and I can handle ranch business today. You and Kate go have some fun,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going on a picnic, something we haven\u2019t done in a while,\u201d Adam said, smiling at her.<\/p>\n

At this announcement, Hop Sing brought out a large basket. As Adam asked, \u201cEverything<\/em>\u00a0is in there that I requested Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Adam,\u00a0everything<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

THIRTY-TWO<\/strong><\/p>\n

As they walked outside to the porch, Kate saw the carriage was waiting for them in the courtyard. \u201cYou\u2019ve had this planned for a while, haven\u2019t you?\u201d she asked, raising an eyebrow, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a while,\u201d he said giving her a grin as he lifted her into the carriage.<\/p>\n

He then climbed in, taking the reins, as he steered the horses toward the rim. When they arrived, he helped her down, grabbed the basket, and led her to their favorite spot.<\/p>\n

After Adam and Kate had left, there was a knock on the door. Opening it, Ben greeted Roy Coffee. \u201cMorning, Roy, you\u2019re out early, come on in and have some coffee, Hop Sing, bring\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy stood in the doorway, nervously twisting his hat in his hands. \u201cNo coffee for me Ben, I need to speak to Adam; you might want to listen in along.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Roy, Adam\u2019s not here right now. May I help you with anything?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I don\u2019t rightly know how to tell you this. But, I went to pick up Judge McDonald early this mornin\u2019. When I got there, he was gone. Hank told me he lit outta there last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy how could you\u2026,\u201d Ben began.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t all Ben. While I was gone, Larkin got the drop on Clem when he brought his breakfast to him. Knocked him in the head and took the keys. He\u2019s gone too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, how could you let this happen? You should have gone and gotten John last night,\u201d Ben rebuked the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, I don\u2019t need you tellin\u2019 me I messed up. But I never dreamt the judge would take off. He ain\u2019t got no wheres\u2019 to go,\u201d Roy said. \u201cThey\u2019re probably both outta the territory by now or near to it. I need you and Hoss, and Joe to join the posse and help me track em.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Ben railed at Roy, back at the Ponderosa, Adam and Kate were enjoying this time alone at the rim. Adam had been planning this moment for six months, rehearsing what he would say over and over again. Now that the time had come, he was nervous. Taking her hand, he walked her to the edge of the lake.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate,\u201d he began. \u201cYou like it here at the rim, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI love it here,\u201d she said. \u201cI told you the first time you brought me here that I could stay here forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright had never been at a loss for words in his life, until now. Struggling to find exactly the right ones he finally began, \u201cI\u2019ve wanted to find the perfect moment to ask you this for some time now. Kate, I have searched for what you possess all of my life. Your love for me has changed my life; you have made me a complete man. I never felt for anyone what I feel for you. Your effect on me is maddening; the simplest look from you and my heart races. Your touch sends my pulse soaring and your love for me is pure and complete. You believe in me and trust me in a way that amazes me. You see and know my every need and want without a word from me. I love you more than anything else in this world. I want to wake up in the morning with you beside me and watch the sun rise and set with you. I want to give you children and watch you grow large with them. I want to spend the rest of my life with you Kate; marry me and be my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took a small box out of his pocket. As he opened it, he told her, \u201cI wanted something special for you; I searched for the perfect ring that would somehow express my love. I had this made while I was in San Francisco.\u201d He took out the most exquisite diamond ring Kate had ever seen and slipped it on her finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes<\/em>!\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d He asked to be sure. He had expected her to hesitate or tease him before giving him her answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I want to be your wife, to love you forever, take care of you, have your children…have a house full of children, with you\u201d she said excitedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat part about the children\u2026,\u201d Adam said grinning.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I meant after\u2026,\u201d she said blushing.<\/p>\n

Pulling her to him, he looked deeply into her eyes, then kissed her softly. He held her for the longest time, not wanting to let her go. He loved this woman, as he never knew he could love anyone. When he gently pulled away, he said, \u201cI know what you meant. That is one of the reasons we need to set a wedding date,\u00a0and soon<\/em>. I\u2019ve waited long enough to make you my wife. I don\u2019t want to wait any longer than necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow? Kate we can\u2019t plan a wedding that fast,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, not. Roy can marry us. We can be married tomorrow,\u201d she said confidently.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I want you to have a wedding that every gir\u2026,\u201d catching himself, he went on \u201cevery woman wants. Beside I have to finish our house and Pa will insist on a big wedding. That is why I asked you if you liked it here. I’m building our home up there,\u201d he told her, pointing to a bluff that was amid vast woodlands, overlooking the lake and mountains.<\/p>\n

Slipping her arms around his neck, pulling him close, she told him, \u201cAdam, I would live anywhere with you, you know that. But if this is what you want, to complete our home, and to have a big wedding, then that is what you shall have. I love you, but I don\u2019t want to wait any longer than necessary. I want to start our life together\u00a0now<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose we could live in the little cabin on the other side of the lake until I finish the house,\u201d he said, considering this idea. Now realization set in that she had agreed to be his\u00a0wife<\/em>; he was going to be married. He wrapped his arms around her telling her, \u201cI\u2019ll make you a good husband Kate, I swear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no doubts that you will make me a\u00a0wonderful<\/em>\u00a0husband,\u201d she pronounced.<\/p>\n

Releasing her, he said, \u201cI brought champagne to celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting on their blanket, she held the glasses as he popped the cork on the bottle, pouring for them both, and made a toast, \u201cHere is to\u00a0our beginning<\/em>, the beginning of our life together for the rest of our lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they sat together, sipping champagne, they talked, making plans for their wedding and their future. They spent the rest of day, happily talking of the life that they would soon have, together.<\/p>\n

Later in the afternoon as Adam lay with his head in her lap, looking up at her, he asked, \u201cIs there anyone in Virginia you would like at the wedding?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are a few, but with the war I doubt they would be able to come. I\u2019m surprised Mr. Lawrence is able to travel so freely,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout, Mr. Lawrence,\u2019 he began. \u201cI think Pa is right about having the magistrate there. There are some legal issues that need to be addressed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever you think best Adam. Now that you have committed your life to me, you are stuck with everything that comes with me. Although, there is very little left that you don\u2019t know about me. My grandfather was a farmer, and with the war I\u2019m sure his estate is minimal,\u201d she said. \u201cPerhaps we will be able to purchase a small piece of art, or a few books for your library with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

As she lay by him, he pulled her close telling her, \u201cI will take care of everything, and deal with Mr. Lawrence. You just see to being ready to be my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sir, I have been prepared for since the first time you kissed me,\u201d she told him, tracing his lips with her finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd\u00a0I<\/em>\u00a0have been ready to make you my wife since I saw you at Pyramid Lake that day,\u201d he said with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d she said sitting up, gently slapping his arm. \u201cYou promised you\u2019d never bring that up again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a confession, Kate,\u201d he said seriously. \u201cI don\u2019t want us to have any secrets from each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, Adam?\u201d she asked hesitantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u00a0did<\/em>\u00a0look at you that day,\u201d he said smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew it!\u201d she exclaimed. \u201cYou swore\u2026,\u201d<\/p>\n

Silencing her with a kiss after he told her, \u201cI can\u2019t wait for the day I can see you that way anytime I wish.\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Hoss began, \u201cdon\u2019t you think one of us should go and try an\u2019 find Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Hoss, we should but I have no idea where they went,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI gotta pretty good idea where they went,\u201d Hoss said climbing astride Chubb. \u201cI know which way they went, I can track \u2018em the rest of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey wait,\u201d Joe cried. \u201cIsn\u2019t that Clem riding this way?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, Hoss, Joe,\u201d the deputy began as he nodded to the men. \u201cRoy sent me to tell ya\u2019 they caught the judge in Carson City. Roy had wired Sheriff Bales as soon as he found out the judge had taken off. Said to tell ya\u2019 that Larkin was spotted heading for Placerville. Roy sent wires to all the towns, told me to tell you it ain\u2019t necessary to join the posse, most likely he\u2019ll be caught by sundown. Roy was more worried about the judge gettin\u2019 away than Larkin.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the deputy left Ben began, \u201cI don\u2019t want anything said to Adam about all of this when he returns. There will be plenty of time to tell him tonight after Kate retires.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Hoss and Joe nodded their acceptance of their father\u2019s decision on the matter. Then unsaddled their horses and returned to the house.<\/p>\n

On the ride home, he asked, \u201cI would like to announce our engagement when we get home if you have no objections.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, why don\u2019t we. When they see this,\u201d she said holding out her hand admiring her ring. \u201cThey are going to know. I\u2019ll keep my hand in my pocket until you tell them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter, let\u2019s sit down and make a list of things we have to do for the wedding,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the house? Don\u2019t you need to make a list for that also?\u201d She asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI drew up the plans on the house months ago. I designed it the way I know you would want it. There is no need to make notes on that,\u201d he told her confidently.<\/p>\n

Tucking her arm in his, she kissed his cheek declaring, \u201cYou think you know me pretty well, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know everything I need to for now,\u201d he said grinning at her. \u201cThe rest, I\u2019ll learn\u00a0after<\/em>\u00a0we\u2019re married.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you have me at a disadvantage. I\u2019m not sure if I understand\u2026,\u201d she began.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not important that you understand\u00a0that<\/em>\u00a0part of our relationship\u2026now,\u201d he explained. \u201cWhen the time comes, I\u2019ll\u00a0help<\/em>\u00a0you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Realizing what he was referring to by their life\u00a0after<\/em>\u00a0they were married, she stammered as she told him, \u201cAdam, you, you know that I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Kate,\u201d he said softly squeezing her hand. \u201cI told you I would see to\u00a0everything,<\/em>\u00a0and I will.\u201d They rode for a while in silence each lost in their own thoughts and dreams when he was torn from his thoughts by her cry.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my gosh! I just realized, I have no one to give me away,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, that is the least of our concerns,\u201d he told her, relieved it was nothing more serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what am I going to do? Even if my father wasn\u2019t in jail I wouldn\u2019t allow him anywhere near us or our wedding. Do you think your father would consider doing it?\u201d She questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe my father would be honored if you asked him,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are sure,\u201d she said hesitantly. \u201cI don\u2019t want him to feel obligated that he has to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I\u2019m positive,\u201d he responded. \u201cAsk him.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they arrived at the Ponderosa, Ben and his sons were on the porch talking.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, Adam, you certainly had a beautiful day for a picnic. You\u2019re just in time for dinner,\u201d Ben said, greeting them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we did,\u201d Adam, declared. \u201cBut before dinner, Kate and I have an announcement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at the young couple before them, thinking,\u00a0he has asked her to be his wife. I know how I felt when I wanted to announce my and Elizabeth\u2019s engagement. I was bursting with happiness, I can see that in Adam\u2019s eyes.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead, son,\u201d Ben coaxed.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate and I are engaged! We\u2019re going to be married,\u201d Adam said bursting with excitement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was the first to shake his brother\u2019s hand saying, \u201cWell I\u2019ll be doggone, Adam. \u2018Bout time you ask this gal. Congratulations, I\u2019m happy for both of ya\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe offered his good wishes also, asking, \u201cYou sure Kate? You know how cantankerous Adam can be. Wouldn\u2019t you rather\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, Kate has said yes and I\u2019m not letting her change her mind,\u201d Adam said, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love Adam just the way he is,\u201d Kate announced. \u201cBetween his\u00a0cantankerousness<\/em>\u00a0and my temper we\u2019re perfect for each other and our marriage certainly won\u2019t be dull.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe both grabbed Kate, kissing her and welcoming her to the family and then shook Adam\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

Ben hugged his son and kissed Kate, announcing. \u201cWe must have champagne. Joe, run to the cellar, and get a bottle. And we must sit down and plan their engagement party and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam began, \u201cKate and I want the wedding as soon as possible, and we want to concentrate on that. An engagement party really isn\u2019t necessary,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is. I have waited a very long time for one of my sons to marry and for a daughter. Now I am going to have my wish and I want everyone to know. We will have it this Saturday. You can\u2019t arrange to have the wedding that quickly anyway,\u201d Ben insisted. \u201cWe\u2019ll invite everyone in Virginia City!\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning to Kate, Adam asked, \u201cIs that all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling at her future father-in-law, telling him, \u201cOf course, whatever your family wants. It\u2019s not every day a Cartwright man is married especially to someone from back east,\u201d she laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right Pa, but Kate and I are concentrating on the wedding plans. The three of you will have to plan this little party,\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will,\u201d Ben told them. \u201cJoe, open that bottle. Hoss, get Hop Sing; he\u2019s part of this family too and grab six glasses.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Hoss and Joe did Ben\u2019s bidding, Ben asked to see her ring.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you know?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know my son, Adam, would have seen to that. I bet he had it commissioned in San Francisco. Besides, your left hand hasn\u2019t left your pocket,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

Kate held out her hand, looking into Adam\u2019s eyes, asking the older man, \u201cIsn\u2019t it beautiful? I will never take it off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking back into the room, Hoss looked at it as he whistled, saying, \u201cDang Adam, that thing is almost too big for her hand. Couldn\u2019t ya\u2019 find a bigger one?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Hoss, it was the biggest one I could find,\u201d Adam laughed. \u201cI want every man to be able to see it so everyone will know she\u2019s spoken for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, don\u2019t tease; it\u2019s perfect, I love it. Adam picked it for me and I would not want anything different,\u201d Kate told him.<\/p>\n

After everyone gathered in the great room, Ben accepted a glass from Joe as he waited for the rest of his family to be served and then began his toast, \u201cToday, my eldest son has made my dream come true. For years, I have prayed for my sons to find women who would love them and make them happy. Adam, I had begun to wonder if you could find a woman who would live up to your expectations and you evidently have in Kate. Son, your mother would be so very proud if she were here.\u201d After a moment Ben added, \u201cNow that I think about it, I swear she and Victoria planned this years ago. Katherine, welcome to our family.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they drank their champagne, Adam congratulated himself on finding the perfect woman for himself.\u00a0Kate is perfect for me. She loves me, yet won\u2019t allow herself to be over-shadowed by me. She has a strong sense of self-worth, so different from the other women I have been involved with who depended on me for everything. She is everything I have ever wanted, everything I have ever dreamed of.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNow can we eat?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cChampagne makes me hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything makes you hungry,\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing came to the young couple, bowing and telling them, \u201cMiss Kate. Mr. Adam. A thousand blessings on your house. May it be overflowing with your love and your children.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hop Sing; as a matter of fact Kate was just telling me just how many children she wan\u2026\u201dAdam began.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, that was\u00a0private<\/em>!\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know honey, I just want to let Hop Sing know we have plans on filling our house with children,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, I need grandchildren and soon. I\u2019m not getting any younger!\u201d Ben laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd neither is Adam,\u201d Joe added, laughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR<\/strong><\/p>\n

That night at dinner they discussed the wedding, the house and their party. As Ben asked, \u201cAre you inviting anyone from Virginia to the wedding Kate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to Mr. Cartwright, but I don\u2019t know if they would be able to travel, with the war going on,\u201d she answered. \u201cBesides, with all of the love and support that y\u2019all have shown me, you have made me feel that my\u00a0family<\/em>\u00a0is sitting right here with me. I don\u2019t need anyone else there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took her hand, kissing it as they smiled at each other. Ben watched the exchange between the two thinking,\u00a0Elizabeth, our son has found his other half. Adam will be all right from here on in.<\/em><\/p>\n

After dinner, when they retired to the great room for coffee, as Kate sat making notes of details for their wedding, Hoss volunteered, \u201cAdam, I\u2019d be glad to give you a hand with the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too,\u201d Joe offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would appreciate all of the help I can get. I don\u2019t want Kate to see it until the wedding. The sooner I finish it the better. We had discussed staying in the little cabin on the other side of the lake, until it is completed, but with all of your help that won\u2019t be necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Kate\u2019s house? Couldn\u2019t you stay there until yours is finished? There won\u2019t be anyone staying there,\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Kate watched for Adam\u2019s response, as he replied, \u201cNo, Joe. We do not want to stay there. It will be in our home or the little cabin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if we all pitch in we can have it done in two weeks,\u201d Ben declared. \u201cBranding\u2019s done and anything else on the Ponderosa can be handled by the ranch hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I can\u2019t ask you to do that,\u201d Adam told him. \u201cBeing one man short will be difficult enough for you to deal with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t ask, I volunteered. Your brothers and I want to help you two in any way we can,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can help, too,\u201d Kate offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the house is a surprise, and you are going to be too busy with the wedding,\u201d Adam told her. \u201cI’ll help as much as I can with the arrangements, but if you can manage that, it would be a big help, and I can concentrate my efforts on the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed!\u201d she told him. \u201cI’ll see to the wedding arrangements. If there is something I believe we need to discuss, we will, otherwise I’ll accept the responsibility of planning it.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the brothers drew up a rough schedule for the house, Hoss said, \u201cIf you don\u2019t need me and Joe any more tonight, we were wantin\u2019 to ride into Virginia City and see what\u2019s goin\u2019 on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Adam, why don\u2019t you go with us?\u201d Joe grinned. \u201cMight just be your last chance to kick up your heels and have a\u00a0good<\/em>\u00a0time before you\u2019re married.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate watched with interest to see Adam\u2019s response. \u201cNo, Joe, I better not, there are things Kate and I have to discuss; you and Hoss go on. We will start work on the house day after tomorrow,\u201d Adam told them. \u201cAfter our meeting with Mr. Lawrence I can concentrate on everything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, while you two and Pa is at your meeting, me and Joe can go up to the rim, and finish clearing the brush,\u201d Hoss told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be helpful, and then the following morning, we\u2019ll get started. I\u2019ve already arranged for the lumber to be delivered that day and we can set the posts at first light,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen it\u2019s settled. We\u2019ll be gettin\u2019 back after you folks are in bed, so good night, see ya\u2019 tomorrow,\u201d Joe explained, grinning.<\/p>\n

Adam caught a brief glimmer in her eyes and instantly knew something was wrong, \u201cYes, Adam,\u201d she began. \u201cMaybe you should go kick up your heels and have a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Kate I am done with that life,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

Ben, sensing there was something amiss, told them, \u201cI\u2019m going to walk your brothers outside and check on a few things.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the house was empty except for the two of them, he asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing except why do I get the impression you were torn about going to town with your brothers, and having a\u00a0good<\/em>\u00a0time or staying here with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t torn; I have no intention of going to town and sitting in a saloon,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvidently, Joe thought there was a chance you would or else he wouldn\u2019t have invited you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, this isn\u2019t the first time my brothers have asked me to go into town with them. Each time I have refused. There was a time that yes, I did go with them and yes, I had a good time. However, all of that was before you. I haven\u2019t been into town other than on business or into the saloon, since I met you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at him for a long time she then told him, \u201cI apologize. I was out of line, I shouldn\u2019t have questioned\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you have that right now, just as I do with you,\u201d Adam told her. \u201cI haven\u2019t the slightest interest in anything now except you, our wedding and our house. Kate, don\u2019t ever doubt my commitment to you. It is you whom I want; I don\u2019t need anything or anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the brothers had left, Kate had wanted to speak to Ben with only Adam present. When he returned, she began, \u201cMr. Cartwright, I know I have imposed on you far too much already, but I have one more favor I must ask of you. Due to the present circumstances, I have no one to give me away at our wedding. I know it is asking a great deal but would you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine, it would be my honor,\u201d Ben told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u2019 she said hugging the older man. \u201cIt means a great deal to me that you are willing to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

They sat discussing what time they would leave the following morning for town. The magistrate would meet with them at ten after Mr. Lawrence was to arrive on the nine o\u2019clock stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should leave by eight,\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cMr. Lawrence will not know anyone in town. Someone should be there to meet him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith that settled, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I believe I\u2019ll retire for the night,\u201d Kate announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m ready for bed also. Good night Pa,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben stopped him, \u201cmay I speak to you for a minute?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sensing Ben wanted to speak to his son alone, Kate excused herself, \u201cAdam, I\u2019ll go on to bed. I\u2019ll see y\u2019all in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

After they heard the door to her room close Adam asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy stopped by this morning after you and Kate left. He wanted to speak to you regarding John and Larkin. Adam, they escaped.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam asked, not believing what he had heard. \u201cHow could they\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben repeated everything Roy and then Clem had told him finally saying, \u201cJohn has already been captured in Carson City and is being brought back to Virginia City. Larkin was seen heading for Placerville. Roy has all ready wired every town between here and San Francisco to be on the look out for him. He is confident Larkin will be captured very soon. I didn\u2019t want to say anything in front of Kate, until I told you,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf all the\u00a0incompetence,<\/em>\u201d Adam raged, \u201chow could Roy and Clem allow this to happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what\u2019s done is done. John is behind bars and Larkin will be soon. I didn\u2019t want to spoil your day but thought you and Kate should know everything,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI better tell her immediately. I don\u2019t want her finding out from someone else,\u201d Adam said dreading this responsibility.<\/p>\n

Kate had not changed into bedclothes knowing Adam would want to see her before he went to bed. Shortly there was a knock on her door. As she opened it Adam asked, \u201cMay I come in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease do,\u201d she said opening the door.<\/p>\n

Adam told her everything regarding her father and Larkin escaping and how John had subsequently been captured. When he finished, he waited for her reaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, at least they caught father. That\u2019s what\u2019s important,\u201d she said calmly.<\/p>\n

Not sure if she had heard him correctly he asked, \u201cYou do understand Larkin is still loose somewhere between here and California.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I understand. I\u2019m not worried; Larkin wouldn\u2019t dare show his face around here. I\u2019m just glad they caught my father, he\u2019s far more dangerous,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, are you sure you are all right? You are taking this much better than I thought you would,\u201d Adam questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam today is the happiest day of my life. I am not going to allow\u00a0anyone or anything<\/em>\u00a0to destroy that happiness. Thank you for your concern but really, I\u2019m all right,\u201d she promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you\u2019re sure,\u201d Adam began, \u201cI guess I\u2019ll go on to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m fine,\u201d she said kissing his cheek.<\/p>\n

Adam held her telling her, \u201cTrust me, I won\u2019t let anyone ever hurt you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do trust you,\u201d she said looking into his dark eyes. \u201cI always have.\u201d<\/p>\n

Only after he left did she let her resolve slip and allow fear to overwhelm her.\u00a0We could not even enjoy today without something to do with my father spoiling it. When is this going to end? I have to trust Adam that everything will be all right. If I don\u2019t, my fears will eventually come between us,<\/em>\u00a0she thought.<\/p>\n

As Adam closed the door to his room, he told himself,\u00a0she is not all right, I watched her eyes, and saw fear there. She has got to learn to trust me that I will never let anything happen to her.<\/em><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kate rose early, having slept little the night before, she was eager to have this day done with. After making her bed, she washed and did her hair. She then selected a charcoal gray suit and white blouse to wear for their meeting. When satisfied with her appearance, she tucked a document into her purse and went downstairs to join the others. She could hear Ben and Adam talking, Hoss and Joe\u2019s voices were noticeably absent. Usually their good-natured banter dominated talk at the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cStopping their conversation, Adam looked up, greeting her as he rose from his chair and met her as she stepped into the great room. \u201cGood morning did you sleep well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I got in bed and didn\u2019t hear a thing,\u201d she said easily skirting the truth. \u201cWhere are your brothers? Surely, they are not sleeping in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t believe it. They are on their way to the rim to start working on the house. When Pa told me, I was astonished. Hoss must have gotten Joe up at daybreak,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cNow come and eat something, we have to leave in just a little while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate accepted coffee, but declined anything else. \u201cI\u2019m a bit nervous, I better pass on food for now,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, you really should eat something,\u201d Adam told her.<\/p>\n

She wasn\u2019t hungry and the thought of food made her nauseous. \u201cNot now, maybe later,\u00a0after<\/em>\u00a0the meeting,\u201d she said firmly.<\/p>\n

Soon they were on their way to Virginia City to meet Mr. Lawrence, arriving before the stage. \u201cGood,\u201d Ben remarked, \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t do to have Mr. Lawrence standing here on the street waiting on us.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he finished his statement, they heard the stage approaching. When it pulled to a stop, the only passenger, a tall distinguished, white haired man got off.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Lawrence?\u201d Ben asked removing his hat.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI am Ben Cartwright,\u201d shaking the man\u2019s hand. \u201cThis is my son Adam and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are Katherine McDonald,\u201d he interjected taking Kate\u2019s hand. \u201cI remember those eyes and that hair. Of course, you were just a little girl then. Now you have grown into a beautiful woman. I\u2019m sure you don\u2019t remember me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, I\u2019m sorry I don\u2019t,\u201d Kate answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cShall we go on to the courthouse? I took the liberty of asking the local magistrate to sit in on our meeting,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well Mr. Cartwright, I will present my credentials to him,\u201d Mr. Lawrence replied. Ben had a valet take the attorney\u2019s bags to the International Hotel where he had reserved the visitor a room.<\/p>\n

As they entered the court, Ben introduced the magistrate to Mr. Lawrence. The attorney presented his papers, identifying himself and then took a seat at the large table and opened his briefcase.<\/p>\n

Taking their places, Mr. Lawrence began, \u201cMiss McDonald, I regret we have to meet under these circumstances. I had sent you numerous inquiries, all of which were returned to me, I am assuming by your father. I was concerned something might have happened to you. Thankfully, Mr. Cartwright contacted me. He has been most kind to keep me informed of events that have occurred the past two months. From the information I have gathered, through various sources, I assume you know nothing of your grandfather’s will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, I don\u2019t,\u201d Kate replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well we shall go over everything. First, you should know I was your grandfather’s attorney for over twenty years and was well aware of the animosity between him and your father. Thad left explicit instructions, written into his will, pertaining to your inheritance, on how\u00a0he<\/em>\u00a0wanted it to be administered. After your grandfather\u2019s death, your father petitioned the courts in Richmond that he be named trustee of the estate. There was nothing illegal or unusual about his request. He was your father and assumed to have your best interest at heart. Therefore, he was granted trusteeship. While living in Virginia, there was no hint of any wrongdoing. It was after moving that\u00a0irregularities<\/em>\u00a0were uncovered. I had to rely on family members, Jackson McCullough for one, to supply me with information on your whereabouts. He informed me you had written to him and were now residing in Nevada. I traced you here and sent inquires to your father.\u201d Here the man paused.<\/p>\n

All the time the man spoke, Adam and Ben had been taking notes.<\/p>\n

He continued, \u201cThe trust was set up so that on your twenty-first birthday you would inherit Thad’s estate which also included your mother, Victoria’s. Due to your father’s refusal to answer my many inquiries, I had a fiduciary responsibility to secure the trust. Therefore, I put a hold on all of the accounts a month ago. I am sure he was outraged when he discovered this. I also petitioned the court, at that time, to remove him as trustee, which was granted. Therefore, since you have not attained the age of twenty-one, a new trustee must be appointed to oversee your interests.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate took her time before responding and then went on, \u201cMr. Lawrence, I appreciate all of your hard work. I apologize that you have had to make this long, arduous, trip in order to set things aright. Since it is my trust and I will receive it within the next two months, I maintain it is my right to choose who I want to be the trustee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith time constraints as they are, I believe that would be acceptable,\u201d Mr. Lawrence agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case, I would like Adam Cartwright to be appointed trustee,\u201d she declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss McDonald, usually a family member is selected. While I have no misgivings about Mr. Cartwright\u2026,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Lawrence,\u201d she began. \u201cI have no other family member in the territory. Adam and I are engaged; he\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0my family. I trust this man implicitly and would appreciate your help in drawing up the necessary paperwork to see that he is given all powers pertaining to the trust,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She is handling herself very well. Assured and concise,<\/em>\u00a0Adam thought.\u00a0This is a side to Kate I\u2019ve never seen.<\/em><\/p>\n

After considering her request, the lawyer told the magistrate, \u201cYour honor, I will have the papers drawn up by this afternoon. If you have no objections I will support Mr. Adam Cartwright being named as the trustee of Miss Katherine McDonald’s trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis court has no objections, Mr. Lawrence,\u201d Magistrate Nelson replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, I shall have the documents completed by early afternoon and will present them to your honor at that time,\u201d the attorney explained. \u201cWith that issue settled, I will tell Mr. Cartwright, and you, Miss McDonald that I have brought all ledgers, deeds, titles, and account numbers with me and shall turn them over to Mr. Cartwright later today. The estate is vast and may take some time to review. I will remain in Virginia City as long as you require, answering any questions you may have.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was here Adam spoke up, \u201cMr. Lawrence, prior to you freezing the accounts, in your opinion, was there any wrong-doing on the part of Jonathon McDonald?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wording his response carefully, the attorney stated, \u201cJonathon McDonald had the right to access monies in order to support his daughter, Katherine.\u00a0Legally<\/em>\u00a0he did nothing wrong. However, I would be remiss if I did not tell you, he did spend a great deal of money. I did question him at one time on his spending and was told that he was\u00a0supporting his daughter in a manner she was accustomed to.<\/em>\u00a0However, the estate for the most part is still intact. I would at this time like to go over Katherine’s holdings in order to provide you some idea of what I am talking of.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here Magistrate Nelson spoke up, \u201cI believe that would be beneficial. But before you do so, I would like to know if you feel Mr. McDonald could be tried for misappropriation of funds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I stated, your honor, legally he stayed within the parameters of the trusteeship. Morally, he abused his authority at his daughter’s expense. Mr. McDonald is an attorney; he stayed\u00a0just<\/em>\u00a0within the legal guidelines. Regretfully I don’t believe there are sufficient grounds to try him for misappropriation,\u201d Mr. Lawrence answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Mr. Lawrence, you may proceed,\u201d Magistrate Nelson instructed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss McDonald owns the following physical properties: the plantation Shiloh, encompassing over five hundred acres of bottom land, numerous rental buildings in Richmond proper and the ranch here in Nevada. There are ten bank accounts, nine of which have not been touched,\u201d the attorney reported. \u201cAll documentation will be released to Mr. Cartwright this afternoon. At that time, he will be able to access said accounts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here Kate asked, \u201cIs there anything that needs our immediate attention?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Miss McDonald. For convenience sake, you may elect to transfer all of the bank accounts here to Nevada. The plantation and buildings, even with the war, continue to provide an additional monthly income to the estate. There is also an additional account, which was set up by your grandfather, to pay the taxes on the buildings and the plantation for the next twenty years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had listened very closely to Mr. Lawrence and was of the opinion that this estate was far greater than anything Kate could have imagined.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I choose to sell everything in Virginia? Can you handle the sale?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but all papers would have to be signed, in person, by you at the time of sale,\u201d he responded. \u201cMr. McCullough had indicated he thought you might wish to do so and if you did, he would like to submit an offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn Shiloh?\u201d Kate asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, on Shiloh,\u201d the attorney responded. \u201cUntil I transfer possession of the trusteeship to Mr. Cartwright, I believe that is about everything, other than telling you of your net worth, Miss McDonald. After the war, the price of land will increase drastically. I have made a very conservative estimate of your holdings as of\u00a0today<\/em>. With the plantation, the ranch, real estate holdings, bank accounts, crop income from the plantation and livestock, I conservatively estimate your net worth at close to half a\u00a0million<\/em>\u00a0dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate sat in stunned silence. Thinking she had not heard him correctly, she asked, \u201cDid you say half a\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Million<\/em>\u00a0dollars,\u201d Adam finished her question.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s impossible,\u201d Kate stated. \u201cMy grandfather was a\u00a0farmer<\/em>\u00a0he raised cotton and horses. There is no possible way his holdings were that vast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss McDonald, I assure you my figures are accurate. Thad McCullough was a shrewd and thrifty businessman. He had one child, Victoria, and she had one child,\u00a0you<\/em>. Therefore, everything he possessed he left to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need some air,\u201d Kate announced rising from the table, starting for the door. Ben stayed to discuss the transfer of everything to Adam with Mr. Lawrence.<\/p>\n

Kate quickly walked ahead of Adam to the outside, where she paused breathing deeply. After a moment he asked, \u201cAre you all right?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t believe so. He cannot be correct. He must have made a mistake. There is no possible way my grandfather could have amassed that kind of money. Adam, I think I better sit down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alarmed, Adam noted how pale she had gotten, taking her arm, he led her to a small bench in front of the courthouse.<\/p>\n

Squatting in front of her holding her hands, Adam asked, \u201cKate, you really didn\u2019t know any of this, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at him, confused, she replied, \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t. My father never discussed any of this. I thought Papa may have left me a few thousand dollars but this,\u00a0this is beyond belief.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

No wonder her father was so intent on doing her harm. He stood to gain all of that if she were dead,<\/em>\u00a0Adam thought. After a moment he began, \u201cWe need to get you something to eat. It\u2019s a wonder you haven\u2019t fainted. Let\u2019s go to the Cattlemen\u2019s Club for lunch, and try to digest what we\u2019ve been told.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you don\u2019t mind that I had you named trustee do you?\u201d she asked as he took her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I told you, I will take care of anything you allow me to. I just wasn\u2019t expecting anything like\u00a0this<\/em>. It\u2019s a little over-whelming,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n

Looking at him for the longest time, she replied, \u201cI<\/em>\u00a0wasn\u2019t expecting this either, Adam. If you are over-whelmed, imagine how I feel. No wonder my father wanted to have me out of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the men bid the attorney goodbye, Adam explained Kate\u2019s absence with, \u201cShe\u2019s a little over-whelmed right now.\u201d Telling the man, \u201cMr. Lawrence, you\u2019ll see her tonight at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just at that moment, Kate joined them. \u201cMay I speak to Mr. Lawrence, alone, for a minute?\u201d<\/p>\n

Taken aback, Adam asked, \u201cKate, are you sure that you don\u2019t want me with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m quite sure. I\u2019ll only be a moment,\u201d she said, smiling at him.<\/p>\n

Adam and Ben walked out of the court as Ben said, \u201cI wonder what that\u2019s all about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know and I\u2019m not so sure I like it. Why would she want to speak to him by herself?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

As they waited for her, Adam thought,\u00a0It is her right, she is entitled to some privacy. But, why didn\u2019t she want me with her? Stop it Adam! Your ego is bruised; she did not need you to hold her hand. If she had wanted you there she would have asked you to stay.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

While Adam was left with his thoughts, Kate was talking to Mr. Lawrence. \u201cI must apologize for my behavior. I just had no idea that it would ever be that much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI realize that, Miss McDonald, now what did you want to speak to me, regarding?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Lawrence, I would like for you to make an inquiry for me when you return to Richmond. My fianc\u00e9 is very interested in windmills as a water source here in Nevada. I have been reading about a company in Pennsylvania that produces these very windmills. Here is an article I found about the company,\u201d she said taking the document from her purse and handing it to him.<\/p>\n

As Mr. Lawrence began reading, she continued, \u201cI would like you to contact them and inquire if they would consider selling the business to me. If they are willing, please wire me and tell me the price. If it is reasonable, I would like to purchase it for Adam as a belated wedding present. I know I cannot access the money now, but if you inquire and they are interested, I am sure we could work something out. I don\u2019t want Adam to know of this,\u00a0under any circumstances<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Miss McDonald, I will make the inquiry for you, but are you sure Mr. Cartwright shouldn\u2019t be aware of your plans?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s not necessary that he knows. This is to be my surprise for him. In the event they are not interested or we cannot come to terms on a price, I don\u2019t want him disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, I\u2019ll see to it and wire you either way when I return. Miss McDonald, up until the last five minutes I was torn about an issue pertaining to the trust. But now, after talking to you, I am sure Thad would want me to give you this,\u201d Mr. Lawrence said handing her a small black passbook.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s something your grandfather wanted you to have. It was another reason I was so intent on finding you. Thad wanted you to have this whenever I was able to meet you and was convinced that you had grown into the person he thought you would be. Your grandfather had great faith in you, Miss McDonald and loved you very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Opening the passbook, Kate read the amount of $100,000. Mr. Lawrence had wired it to the Virginia City Bank, in her name, a week ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wanted to be sure you could handle that kind of money\u00a0before<\/em>\u00a0you turned twenty-one. In light of the past few days I would say that you, Miss McDonald, can handle most anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Mr. Lawrence, I appreciate your confidence in me. I won\u2019t disappoint you or my grandfather. This is\u00a0wonderful<\/em>! If the company is available, I can buy it for Adam as soon as you can negotiate the deal,\u201d Kate said hugging the man. \u201cWon\u2019t you please join us for lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you, I have a great deal of work to complete before this afternoon. I shall see you this evening. And Miss McDonald, I won\u2019t breathe a word of this to Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019m sure he already knows what a thoughtful woman he is marrying,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

As they walked out together, Mr. Lawrence tipped his hat and bid them goodbye.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

After they were seated at the Cattlemen\u2019s Club, Kate began, \u201cThank you both for being so patient with me. I still find all of this hard to believe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI imagine it is a bit of a surprise for you,\u201d Ben told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is,\u201d she replied. \u201cIf you feel it\u2019s too much Adam, I am sure there is an accountant at the bank who could handle everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see to it Kate. I think we should transfer everything out here immediately. It will be easier to keep track of,\u201d he told her, avoiding the urge to ask her about her conversation with Lawrence.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever you think best,\u201d she said smiling.<\/p>\n

While Ben and Adam ate, Kate picked at her food. After a while, seeing she was not going to finish her meal, Ben said, \u201cI\u2019ve got a few other errands to see to in town. That is why I rode Buck. Why don\u2019t you two go on home? I am sure there are things you need to discuss in light of this morning. I\u2019ll be along after I finish.\u201d<\/p>\n

Agreeing, Adam and Kate told him goodbye. Adam turned to her asking, \u201cWhile we\u2019re in town, why don\u2019t we take care of a few things for the wedding. That will get your mind off all of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch as?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m going to need a formal suit and I assume you are going to need a wedding gown,\u201d he said, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a very good idea. I can meet you after I finish at the dressmaker\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, he said, \u201cI\u2019ll meet you. It won\u2019t take me near the time it will you.\u201d<\/p>\n

After leaving her at the dressmaker\u2019s, he proceeded to the tailor. When she entered the store, the owner, Mrs. Rogers, greeted her. \u201cWell, good afternoon Miss McDonald. What may I help you with today? I\u2019ve just gotten in some new fabrics I\u2019m sure you will like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Rogers,\u201d Kate began, \u201cI\u2019m here for a particular article.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing the ring on Kate\u2019s hand she exclaimed, \u201cMiss McDonald, you\u2019re engaged! I assume it is to Adam Cartwright. Seeing you two have been inseparable since you arrived in Virginia City. We\u2019ve all been waiting for an announcement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am, we are. Since we haven\u2019t officially announced our engagement, I trust you will treat this information with discretion,\u201d Kate stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Miss McDonald, I will. I do not\u00a0gossip<\/em>, although I would love to tell\u00a0some<\/em>\u00a0of the ladies of this, I won\u2019t. That is yours and Adam\u2019s business. Now shall we go in the back and take your measurements?\u201d<\/p>\n

Following the woman to the back of the shop, she disrobed as the woman measured her. \u201cMiss McDonald,\u201d she began. \u201cI must have made a mistake, let me re-check my figures.\u201d<\/p>\n

After re-measuring Kate, she looked at the girl and stated, \u201cI didn\u2019t realize before now, how large, your\u2026I mean how ample\u2026,\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Mrs. Rogers, my bust. That doesn\u2019t present a problem does it?\u201d Kate asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy no dear, it\u2019s just that as small as your waist and hips are, your bust is just, well,\u00a0ample.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know,\u201d Kate said, sighing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, my dear most women would love to have your figure. I\u2019m sure Adam Cartwright certainly appreciates it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blushing, Kate said, \u201cWell, perhaps, that is…I really think we should select the pattern and the fabric now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss McDonald, I\u2019m sorry I didn\u2019t mean to embarrass you. Let\u2019s pick a design.\u201d<\/p>\n

After Kate had selected the style she wanted, she then chose the material. When done, the woman told her, \u201cThat style will be most flattering on you Miss McDonald; simple, yet elegant. Not every woman could wear that. I should have it done in a week. Shall I come to your home for the final fitting?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, ma\u2019am, I\u2019m not living there anymore. I am at the Ponderosa.\u201d As soon as she said it, Kate realized she had made a mistake. Now the woman\u00a0would<\/em>\u00a0become a gossip and everyone in Virginia city would soon know that she was staying in Adam\u2019s home.<\/p>\n

Thanking the woman she made her way to the front of the store, where Adam sat patiently waiting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry it took so long,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t been waiting long,\u201d he said smiling at her. \u201cIs there anything more we can take care of today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think I\u2019ve been embarrassed and shocked enough for today,\u201d she answered as they walked into the streets of Virginia City.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe shocked part I understand, but how were you embarrassed?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you about\u00a0that<\/em>\u00a0another time,\u201d she said as he helped her into the carriage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arriving at the Ponderosa, Kate waited for Adam as he put the horse and carriage away. \u201cWould you like to talk about this morning?\u201d he asked leading her to chairs on the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not unless you do,\u201d she answered, sitting beside him. \u201cWell maybe for a moment. There is something bothering me that I think we need to discuss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, what is it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, do you have a problem with all of this?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cA problem, Kate? I\u2019m not sure what you are asking me,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m talking about the estate. I watched your face when Mr. Lawrence told us how much it was worth. You do know none of that means anything to me, don\u2019t you? I would just as soon not have any of it,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI admit I was a little shocked. But, it\u2019s yours and I will learn to deal with it,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not mine, it\u2019s going to be\u00a0ours<\/em>,\u201d she said correcting him. But if it is going to cause problems between you and me, I\u2019ll tell Mr. Lawrence I don\u2019t want it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, you have to understand. I have worked along side my father and brothers for everything I have. I am not use to someone\u00a0giving<\/em>\u00a0me anything. It doesn\u2019t feel right,\u201d he explained. \u201cI grew up in a covered wagon crossing the plains. You grew up in a mansion receiving every advantage a person could have. Yes, today was a shock for you but nothing like it was for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting for a long time looking at him before speaking she rose to stand in front of him, saying, \u201cWhen Mr. Lawrence comes out tonight, we will tell him to dispose of the estate. I do not want to do anything that you are not comfortable with or that could possibly come between us. My cousin Jackson can have Shiloh, and I can deed the buildings to the City of Richmond. Shenandoah and the money could present a problem, but we will think of a way to dispose of all of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would do that for me? Give up everything?\u201d he asked incredulously.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd I\u2019m not giving up anything, everything I love and cherish is right here, in\u00a0you<\/em>. I would do anything for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pulling her into his lap, he told her, \u201cThat isn\u2019t necessary Kate. I will adjust. This is something your grandfather and mother wanted for you. If you want to donate the buildings and give your cousin the plantation, you should. As for Shenandoah, it adjoins the land Pa gave us at the rim for our house. You may want to keep that. The money can be put in trust for our children, when they come. We\u2019ll work it out, I just needed to know that\u00a0we<\/em>\u00a0are more important than all of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe<\/em>, are more important than anything in this world and always will be. Nothing has changed between us and nothing ever will,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

After talking with Mr. Lawrence that evening about the plantation and real estate in Richmond, they decided not to do anything until Adam reviewed the entire estate. Kate and Adam were required to sign legal documents making Adam trustee. After which, Mr. Lawrence told them he would return to Richmond the following day and arrange to have the bank accounts transferred to Nevada. After handing over the ledgers and all documents pertaining to the estate to Adam, he bid the couple farewell, promising to continue to correspond with them and to help in any way he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE<\/strong><\/p>\n

After Mr. Lawrence left, Kate told Adam, \u201cI think I\u2019ll walk outside for a while. Today has been a bit over-whelming; I need time to digest all of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

He let her go, as he sat there thinking,\u00a0Something more than today is bothering her. She has held up so well through all of this, today may have been her breaking point.<\/em>\u00a0\u201cPa,\u201d he began, \u201cI think I\u2019m going to go see about Kate.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Adam walked out the door, he saw she had walked to the corral and was petting Sport. Joining her, he asked, \u201cKate, what\u2019s troubling you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, I just needed some air.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, you wanted more than just air.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I don\u2019t know where to begin, she said. \u201cToday was most unsettling, but I am use to things like this happening in my life.\u00a0You<\/em>\u00a0are not. I know this and it bothers me that you have to be subjected to all of this because of me. Since you have met me, it has been one crisis after another. I\u2019m just wondering how much of this you can take before you decide it\u2019s more than you bargained for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe I told you, just the other day, I can handle anything that pertains to you. I\u2019ve dealt with more crises than you have presented in my life. Have faith in me Kate, I\u2019m not like any of the other men you have known who have been run off by your father and circumstances surrounding you. I\u2019m not going anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I never let\u00a0anyone<\/em>\u00a0get close to me before you for the very reasons I stated. If I am having a hard time coping with this, I can just imagine what you feel. I\u2019m asking myself if I am being fair to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I knew from the first your life had not been easy. I knew your father wasn\u2019t what he appeared to be but that\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0were. There is\u00a0nothing<\/em>\u00a0that will ever make me turn from you. After we are married, you will never have to worry about any of this again. I won\u2019t allow\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, stop! I don\u2019t need for you to fix me. I know all of the other women you were seeing before me were completely dependant on you to take care of their problems. You told me this yourself. Perhaps that is what attracted you to them, your need to fix their lives. Then after you brought them through their hard times, you lost interest. They\u00a0needed<\/em>\u00a0your strength just to survive.\u00a0I<\/em>\u00a0don’t. I don’t\u00a0need<\/em>\u00a0you to fix me, I just\u00a0need<\/em>\u00a0for you to love me. I know I can be a handful, and I can’t promise I will change. I can only promise to love you with everything in me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate,\u201d Adam began solemnly. \u201cI don\u2019t want to\u00a0fix<\/em>\u00a0you, there is nothing wrong with you. I don\u2019t know who you\u2019ve been talking to about my involvements before you. But whoever it was didn\u2019t know what they were talking about. Any other woman I was involved with, I tried to help because they were a\u00a0friend<\/em>. You are not only my friend, you are the woman who I have fallen in love with and want to be my wife. Whether you believe it or not, you\u00a0do<\/em>\u00a0need my strength. You\u00a0do<\/em>need me more than anything. I don\u2019t care about what happened before you met me. As far as I am concerned all of the problems you spoke of are over. You are going to marry me and just be concerned with loving me. Let me worry about the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

After that day, Adam settled into the rigorous task of building their home, and Kate busied herself with plans for the wedding. He would come home with his father and brothers every night, exhausted. He would dine, bathe and fall into bed. Time together for the young couple was minimal and he began to feel he was neglecting her.<\/p>\n

He told her of this the evening before their engagement party. \u201cKate, I know I\u2019ve been preoccupied with the house, but it\u2019s moving along nicely now. It\u2019s halfway completed. I swear once\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She stopped his apology with a kiss telling him, \u201cDon\u2019t apologize. You are doing this for\u00a0us<\/em>. I only wish I could help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are,\u201d he said holding her, \u201cby understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had received news that day she now shared with him. \u201cRoy stopped by today. Father\u2018s trial will be next week. I\u2019m going to have to testify.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel about that?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNervous, but I\u2019ll get through it. I want him out of our lives once and for all, and will do whatever is necessary to see to it,\u201d she said. \u201cYour father is being called to testify also.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be there with you,\u201d Adam told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to be. Your father will be with me. You\u2019re so busy on the house right now, I hate to interrupt you,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0going to be in the same room with him without me being there,\u201d he told her. \u201cBesides, I can use a day off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Remembering another item, she needed to tell him she began, \u201cAdam, I have to go to Shenandoah and pick up a few things. Hop Sing said he\u2019d go with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPondering this for a while, Adam began, \u201cI would rather be with you when you go. I assume you need something for tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I need more clothes. Besides I haven\u2019t been back since\u2026,\u201d she began.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take you in the morning,\u201d he told her. \u201cBut tonight, I would like for just you and I to go into Virginia City for dinner. We haven\u2019t done that in a very long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER FORTY<\/strong><\/p>\n

When they first began courting, Adam saw to it that they had dinner in town at least once a week. They had enjoyed this time alone allowing them to discuss various topics without interruptions. They had grown closer during these intimate dinners and both longed for the privacy this afforded them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would love to go into town tonight. Let me go change\u2026\u201d she began.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look fine in what you are wearing Kate, let\u2019s go now. By the time we get there it will be dinnertime,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Adam,\u201d she told him. Shortly, they were on their way into Virginia City, arriving at the International House Hotel. As they made their way into the candle, lit restaurant Adam asked for a table near the rear that afforded them the privacy they both wanted. Taking their seats, Adam ordered wine for them, as the waiter lit the small candle on their table.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter we\u2019re married, we are going to do this at least once a week. I\u2019ve neglected this part of our courtship since we became engaged and I\u2019m sorry,\u201d he told her, taking her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been busy, Adam, I understand that. But I do love your ideas, we need time for just the two of us,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should have been more organized, making time for\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0everyday. From now on I will,\u201d he promised, leaning over and kissing her.<\/p>\n

The waiter brought their wine and as they sat sipping it, he brought up a subject they had not discussed in some time. Contrary to what everyone thought, Adam and Kate did not always agree on everything. Well read and knowledgeable on current events, she could hold her own with him, a fact that delighted Adam. He had discovered this about her the first few times he brought her here for dinner when they first began courting.<\/p>\n

Unlike the other women he had kept company with, Kate didn\u2019t try to hide her intelligence and enjoyed their lively debates. He now brought up an issue that he knew they differed on.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, have you given any more thought on accepting the invitation of the cultural committee to become a member?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, and you know why,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, it\u2019s not a political organization,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I went to one meeting and all they discussed was the coming elections and the war. I was subjected to that kind of talk when I was in New York and Washington and I have no desire to listen to that prattle again. I want to be involved in cultural events. And when I brought that point up you know good and well what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I\u2019m sure they meant no disrespect,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, they did. When I tried to ask about music and purchasing new books for the library, they almost laughed me out of the hall. They had the nerve to tell me most of the citizens of Virginia City were not\u00a0cultured<\/em>\u00a0enough to appreciate music and books. I\u2019d be willing to bet half of those self-absorbed, old bid\u2026ladies have never even read a book or been to a concert. So no, I won\u2019t be involved in an organization of pig-headed people,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you are making a mistake,\u201d he told her. \u201cEvery Cartwright is involved with affairs dealing with either the school or the city. As my wife, people will be expecting you to do like-wise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat darlin\u2019 is\u00a0your<\/em>\u00a0opinion. And although I love and respect you, you\u2019re wrong on this issue. I will do my part, but\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0until those people change their attitudes,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

Adam had missed this repartee with her and threw his head back and laughed. The first time he had laughed that hard in a long time. \u201cNo one can ever say I will be able to sway my wife\u2019s opinion on anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

They enjoyed the rest of their meal and regretted when the time came to leave. Taking her hand, they walked out into the cool, crisp night. \u201cYou know I was only teasing you don\u2019t you, Kate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, darlin\u2019, if you had been serious you would have been far more forceful in your opinions. I will always respect your positions but I won\u2019t always agree with you,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d he said hugging her, \u201cthat\u2019s one of the reasons I love you. You are not intimidated by me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, Adam Cartwright, have\u00a0never<\/em>\u00a0intimidated me,\u201d she said smiling. \u201cThank you for a lovely evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy pleasure, we\u2019ll do this again very soon,\u201d he promised her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam woke at six that morning, taking his time to shave and dress before going downstairs to meet Kate and take her to Shenandoah. Following his morning routine, he made a few entries into his journal and then made his way to the dining room, surprised she wasn\u2019t already there.<\/p>\n

Joining his father and brothers, he mentioned the fact they were going to Shenandoah that morning. As he was explaining this, Hop Sing brought fresh coffee in, telling him, \u201cMiss Kate, gone. She say tell Mr. Adam not worry, she take care of what she need herself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn it!\u201d Adam exploded, rising from his chair and going to strap his gun on and grabbing his hat, he told his father, \u201cI\u2019ll be back later. She\u2019s gone to Shenandoah alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Adam stormed toward the barn, Hank, one of the men from Shenandoah, pulled up in a wagon. \u201cMorning, Adam. Miss Kate asked I bring these here,\u201d he said indicating a trunk and garment carrier. \u201cShe said to tell you she\u2019d be back later, had a few things she needed to tend to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Furious now, Adam asked, \u201cHank, did she say where else she was going?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam, she sure didn\u2019t. Just asked me to bring these things over here and tell you not to worry; she\u2019d be back when she was done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Hank. Would you take those on in the house? I\u2019m going to look for her,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Saddling Sport, he thought,\u00a0I told her I wanted to go with her. She\u2019s too damn independent. She\u2019s trying to prove to herself and to me that this business with her father hasn\u2019t affected her. I know she didn\u2019t think about it, but Larkin still hasn\u2019t been caught and here she\u2019s out running the countryside, alone.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leading the big stallion into the yard, he mounted and turned the horse toward Shenandoah and began his ride.\u00a0I haven\u2019t any idea where she would go. She didn\u2019t need anything from town, besides Kate promised me she wouldn\u2019t go into Virginia City alone,<\/em>\u00a0he thought.\u00a0The rim, that\u2019s where she\u2019s gone, she always liked to go there to think.<\/em><\/p>\n

Turning Sport west, he headed toward the rim. He found her horse tied to a low branch, but did not find her in the area he thought she would be. He walked up the hill to the house to be sure she was not there. After arriving there he realized,\u00a0Kate wouldn\u2019t come here, she knows I don\u2019t want her to see the house until the wedding.<\/em><\/p>\n

Standing on the bluff afforded him a view of the entire lake. His eye caught a slight movement on the far side; he saw her sitting on the eastern shore. Walking back down the steep incline, he climbed on Sport and began the ride to the eastern side of Lake Tahoe.<\/p>\n

Tying the stallion to some scrub brush, he walked the rest of the way. \u201cKate,\u201d he said approaching her. \u201cI thought we agreed I was going to take you this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Startled to see him standing there, she jumped, saying, \u201cDidn\u2019t Hop Sing tell you I wanted to do this on my own?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he did, but after Hank brought your clothes to the ranch I became concerned and came looking for you,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t need to do that. I just wanted some time alone to sort some things out,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you have to sort out that I couldn\u2019t be with you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that you couldn\u2019t be here with me; I didn\u2019t want you to drop everything to see to me. I\u2019m through being dependent on everyone,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I wanted to help you. I know you were capable of going to Shenandoah this morning alone. I just thought it might have been hard for you seeing it would have been your first time back there,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love it here,\u201d she said looking out over the lake. \u201cI\u2019ve never been anywhere that brings me such peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d he said softly, standing beside her, \u201cit has the same affect on me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is something else,\u201d she began.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought we had resolved everything yesterday, but all right, go ahead,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what happened to the dreams you told me about when I first arrived here, of leaving here and going back east and going to sea?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI met you and my whole life changed,\u201d he told her. \u201cThose things aren\u2019t important to me anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember the look on your face when you spoke of those places and the excitement in your voice. You had such plans, such dreams. I don\u2019t want you to lose your dreams because of me, Adam,\u201d she said, then hesitantly added, \u201cPerhaps we should wait a while before we\u2019re married and give you the opportunity to do all of those things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate,\u201d he began slowly, \u201care you breaking our engagement?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she said watching his eyes, \u201cI\u2019m giving\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0the chance to. I don\u2019t want you to feel obligated to must marry me and I certainly don\u2019t want you, years from now, to regret what you gave up by marrying me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not obligated to marry you. I\u00a0want<\/em>\u00a0to marry you, I love you,\u201d he said, wording his response carefully. \u201cI had those dreams, Kate because I was disillusioned with my life until I met you. I have never wanted anything more than to make you my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, swear to me that is the truth,\u201d she said with her eyes locked on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI swear to you, the only regret I have is waiting this long to make you my wife,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

At this, she wrapped her arms around his neck, telling him, \u201cI don\u2019t know what I would have done, if you had taken me up on my offer to let you out of our engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat, sweetheart, I would have never done, no matter what. I told you once before Kate, don\u2019t\u00a0ever<\/em>\u00a0doubt my love or my commitment to you. They are both unwavering and always will be,\u201d he said. \u201cNow is there anything\u00a0else<\/em>\u00a0we need to talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all Adam, I just wanted you to have the chance\u2026,\u201d she started.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I\u2019m a patient man where you are concerned, but I do have my limits,\u201d he said holding his temper. \u201cI am growing tired of you questioning me about my commitment to you. I don\u2019t want you to\u00a0ever<\/em>\u00a0doubt my love and devotion for you or bring this up again. I decided early on I was in love with you and would never leave you, and I\u2019ve not changed my mind. Now this is the last time I want to have this conversation, agreed?\u201d he asked adding, \u201cAnd if you ever take off again like you did this morning I will warm your backside.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Adam, never again,\u201d she said kissing him and holding him to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go home Kate,\u201d he laughingly told her, \u201cI should help with the preparations for the party tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had almost told him about the windmills but decided this was not the time and she wasn\u2019t really keeping a secret from him. This was keeping a surprise from him, not at all the same thing, or something he could be angry about, or so she thought.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO<\/strong><\/p>\n

Upon returning to the Ponderosa, they found Hop Sing busy basting a large side of beef, being turned on a spit over hot coals by one of the ranch hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cMissy Kate,\u201d he called to her. \u201cHop Sing use sauce you make. You try, very good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop sing is letting you help him cook?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cHe never allows anyone in his kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just made a sauce for the barbeque; come I want you to taste it,\u201d she explained, taking his hand.<\/p>\n

Adam selected a spoon from the makeshift table Hop Sing had set up. Dipping it into the boiling sauce, he waited until it had cooled and tasted it. \u201cThis is really good Kate,\u201d Adam said. \u201cI didn\u2019t know you knew how to cook.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, who did you think would cook for you after we were married? Of course I know how to cook,\u201d she laughed.<\/p>\n

Pulling her close, he whispered, \u201cAfter we are married, cooking is not going to be my first concern of what talents you possess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI swear Adam,\u201d she laughed. \u201cAre you sure you don\u2019t want to have Roy marry us tonight and live in the cabin until the house is done?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs appealing as that is, we\u2019ll wait. I wanted to surprise you, but the house will be finished on Tuesday. Then all I have to do is move the furniture in. We can have our wedding next Saturday,\u201d he said smiling.<\/p>\n

Throwing her arms around him, telling him, \u201cThat\u2019s wonderful! Why didn\u2019t you tell me before now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate,\u201d he began patiently, \u201cI told you I wanted to\u00a0surprise<\/em>\u00a0you.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I have a surprise for you. I finished everything for the wedding. While you were working yourself into exhaustion, I took care of all of the wedding plans. When you have time I would like to go over them with you to be sure we\u2019re in agreement,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe make a good team. Tomorrow we will sit down and you can tell me about the arrangements you have made. Although I\u2019m sure your choices would be what I would want also,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Cartwright, we certainly do! Now I\u2019m sure there are things we both can help with for the party.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have offered to make the punch,\u201d Adam volunteered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will help Joe with the decorations,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut first,\u201d Adam began, \u201cI have a surprise for you. I want you to wait right here and close your eyes. I\u2019ll tell you when to open them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2026,\u201d Kate began.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, close your eyes, and don\u2019t open them,\u201d he instructed.<\/p>\n

Doing as he requested she stood patiently in the middle of the courtyard.<\/p>\n

Adam had arranged for Hoss to bring the surprise he had for Kate to the Ponderosa this morning while they were gone. After a few moments, he told her, \u201cOpen your eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before her stood the most beautiful chestnut mare she had ever seen.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s yours. I thought it was time you had your own horse. Her name is Mariah, she\u2019s spirited and fast as the wind,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe looks just like Sport,\u201d she excitedly exclaimed, going to the mare and petting her neck. \u201cThank you Adam, she\u2019s perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning her attention from the horse to him, she kissed him, telling him, \u201cYou spoil me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he replied, \u201cand I always will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen can I ride her?\u201d Kate asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow, after church, we\u2019ll go riding.\u201d He told her. \u201cBut for now we should help with this party.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking his hand, squeezing it, she brushed away tears from her eyes.<\/p>\n

Seeing this, he asked, \u201cKate, why the tears?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking her head, she told him, \u201cYou are too good to me. Thank you. Now let\u2019s go help.\u201d<\/p>\n

By late afternoon, everything was finished. Kate then excused herself to go bathe and dress.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid she like the mare?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it was a complete surprise,\u201d Adam told his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you tell her about the house?\u201d Ben asked, watching as Kate went into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I did. I was going to tell her tonight anyway,\u201d Adam told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you tell her about San Francisco?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u00a0that<\/em>\u00a0will be a surprise. I\u2019ll tell her on our wedding night,\u201d Adam confided.<\/p>\n

\u201cI talked to Roy about the trial earlier today. With the evidence, the court has along with Kate and my testimony it should be fairly short. If only John would admit his part in all of this the judge would probably go easier on him, and a trial wouldn\u2019t be necessary,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohn will drag it out as long as he can,\u201d Adam declared. \u201cHe will make it as hard as possible on Kate.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they walked into the house, Ben went to taste the punch. Taking a small sip, Ben\u2019s eyes watered as he gasped. \u201cWho made this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did,\u201d Adam, answered. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just a little\u00a0strong,<\/em>\u201d Ben answered, taking his kerchief out and dabbing at his eyes. \u201cWe better make one\u00a0without<\/em>\u00a0liquor for the ladies,\u201d Ben suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the men were finishing last minute details, Kate had finished bathing and was now trying to decide on what gown to wear. She finally selected a deep blue, off the shoulder, satin gown she had purchased in Richmond before leaving to come west. The only jewelry she wore was sapphire earrings and a matching necklace. She had pulled her hair back from her face, catching it in a matching clasp. After checking her appearance, she made her way outside.<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright was already dressed and on the porch having a brandy. \u201cKatherine,\u201d he said, rising, \u201cYou look beautiful tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright, is Adam down yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, my dear, but he shouldn\u2019t be much longer. May I offer you a brandy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes please, I believe I would like that. Mr. Cartwright, I want to thank you for everything for this lovely party, the difficulties with father. You have been so kind; I will never be able to re-pay your kindness. But most of all for having the most wonderful man in the world as a son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, it is I who should thank you. You have given me back my son. Before Adam met you, he was so unhappy and very determined to leave here. Now, I not only will have my son but now, a\u00a0daughter<\/em>. I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am about your and Adam\u2019s engagement. He will make you a fine husband, Kate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are most kind, Mr. Cartwright. I know that Adam will make a\u00a0wonderful<\/em>\u00a0husband. He is so much more than I dreamed possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he handed her a brandy, he told her, \u201cSit with me a while Kate; our guests won\u2019t be arriving quite yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting beside the older man, that she had come to love like a father, she told him, \u201cI will make Adam a good wife, Mr. Cartwright. I will love him and take care of him, don\u2019t ever worry about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, I have never doubted your love for Adam. I see the way you look at him and he at you. I\u2019ve never seen two people more in love than you and Adam, other than possibly Elizabeth and me,\u201d he said, smiling at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what are you doing giving my fianc\u00e9 brandy without offering me one?\u201d Adam asked, joining them.<\/p>\n

Going to Kate, he kissed her whispering, \u201cYou are beautiful tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate admired Adam in his black suit and pristine white shirt. \u201cYou are the most handsome man I have ever seen.\u201d She said caressing his face, as her ring glistened in the light from the setting sun.<\/p>\n

Ben handed Adam a brandy asking him, \u201cAdam did you see to that punch for the ladies as I asked you to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou made the punch, Adam?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but Pa thought the one with brandy was a little too strong for ladies,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I try it?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you should, Katherine,\u201d Ben told her. \u201cIt\u2019s far too strong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, honey, it\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0strong,\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense, Adam, may I please try it,\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, but you were warned,\u201d he told her, winking at Ben.<\/p>\n

Adam went to get her a cup. Returning, he handed it to her telling her, \u201cSip it slowly Kate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking her head at both men, she took the first sip and thought her throat was on fire. Her eyes watered and she couldn\u2019t catch her breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d she coughed. \u201cThat is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStrong,<\/em>\u201d he added handing her his handkerchief, \u201cI tried to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Kate was struggling to catch her breath, Hoss and Joe joined them. With just one look at her face Joe asked, \u201cHey, you didn\u2019t let Kate have Adam\u2019s punch did ya\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI warned her,\u201d Adam told them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t believe I want any more,\u201d Kate coughed, handing it to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s punch is known county wide. The men line up for it,\u201d Hoss boasted. \u201cAin\u2019t no lady ever tried it. You\u2019re the first Kate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHopefully, the\u00a0last<\/em>,\u201d she said. \u201cYou are\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0serving this at our wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Kate, it\u2019s a tradition,\u201d Joe told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot<\/em>\u00a0at our wedding,\u201d Kate declared.<\/p>\n

Adam gave his brothers a wink over her head, then turned toward the sound of approaching carriages. \u201cOur guests are arriving,\u201d he told her putting an arm around her shoulders. Kate and Adam together greeted each guest as they arrived, Adam taking care to introduce her to the people she did not know.<\/p>\n

After everyone had arrived, and before dinner was served, Ben made his announcement. \u201cFriends, thank you for coming tonight. This is no ordinary Ponderosa party. We are here tonight to celebrate a momentous occasion. As all of you know I am extremely proud of\u00a0all<\/em>\u00a0of my sons. My eldest son has recently made me prouder yet. It is with great pleasure I announce the engagement of my son Adam to Miss Katherine McDonald.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those in attendance were not surprised; everyone in Virginia City had been expecting an engagement announcement for months. What they did not expect was Adam\u2019s next declaration.<\/p>\n

\u201cFriends, thank you for coming tonight to help Kate and I celebrate this wonderful occasion. We would also like to announce we have set our wedding date. It will be one week from tonight, here at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

With Kate by his side, smiling the young couple accepted the congratulations of their guests. Kate was invited to join the women, while a group of men whisked Adam away to the punch bowl. Doctor Martin asked, \u201cNot wasting any time are you, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Paul, I\u2019m not. I don\u2019t want to give Kate a chance to change her mind,\u201d he said laughing, as he accepted another cup of punch.<\/p>\n

The rest of the evening was spent visiting with their guests and laughing. Kate was given unsolicited advice from the older women of what marriage would be like. \u201cYoung lady,\u201d the widow Bennett began, \u201cprepare yourself for the duties of being a wife and I ain\u2019t talkin\u2019 about cookin\u2019 and cleaning. It\u2019s a wife\u2019s duty to allow her husband\u00a0liberties<\/em>. From what I hear that Adam Cartwright is some powerful man – so he will be wantin\u2019 those liberties often.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am, I will remember that,\u201d Kate responded, fighting the urge to blush. Seeing Adam, she excused herself and went to join him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was the widow Bennett bending your ear about?\u201d he asked, slipping an arm around her waist.<\/p>\n

\u201cTelling me what my\u00a0wifely<\/em>\u00a0duties would be after we were married,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWidow Bennett,\u201d Adam whispered holding her close, \u201chas no idea what\u00a0your<\/em>\u00a0wifely duties will be with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you best hurry on that house. I don\u2019t know how much longer I am going to be able to listen to all these ladies giving me advice on marriage. I would rather find out for myself, first hand,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne more week, sweetheart. One more week,\u201d he told her, hugging her. As he finished telling her this, the musicians began playing. With his hand at the small of her back, he led her to the dance floor that Hoss and Joe had set in place at the center of the courtyard earlier that day. Going into his arms, she relaxed as her fingers toyed with his hair at the nape of his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, you have no idea what that does to me,\u201d he told her as he kissed her cheek. \u201cYou are making it hard to remember that I am a gentleman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be glad when you don\u2019t have to remember to always be a gentleman,\u201d she laughed.<\/p>\n

Pulling her closer he whispered, \u201cThat time is very near dear. You may regret that statement after we\u2019re married. You\u2019ve never seen\u00a0that<\/em>\u00a0side of me,\u201d Adam told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love\u00a0all<\/em>\u00a0sides of you already. The ones I don\u2019t know, I look forward to discovering,\u201d she said, with a playful smile. \u201cYou know Adam,\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0just might be surprised in me. Don\u2019t forget I wasn\u2019t hidden away in the south\u00a0all<\/em>\u00a0my life. I promise you, our life will never be dull.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never thought it would be, Kate,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss took turns dancing with Kate, much to the disappointment of their dates. After a while, Ben rescued her and told his sons, \u201cYou two have young ladies to attend to; you\u2019ve both been remiss in seeing to their needs. Now go on and let me have a dance with my daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you having a good time, Kate?\u201d Ben asked after he shooed his sons away.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, I am,\u201d she replied. \u201cIt has been a beautiful night and a beautiful party.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, now that you\u2019re going to be my daughter, do you think you could call me something other than Mr. Cartwright, perhaps, Ben or Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, I would like that, although I could never call you Ben. Is Pa all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, is just fine, Kate,\u201d Ben said, kissing her cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the party being such a happy occasion, most of the guests stayed until almost mid-night. Somehow, despite the late hour, the Cartwright family managed to attend church the following morning. At the service, Adam and Kate\u2019s wedding banns were announced. The couple spoke to the minister after church, arranging for him to perform the ceremony the following Saturday.<\/p>\n

As they left the church, they found Roy waiting for them, \u201cMornin\u2019 Kate, Adam,\u201d he said removing his hat. \u201cI wanted to catch you before you left. The trial is set for Wednesday, Kate. Your Pa still wants a trial, refuses to cooperate and plead guilty. I\u2019m sorry Kate, but it should be a fast one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you sheriff for letting me know. I\u2019ll be there.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the ride back to the Ponderosa Adam began, \u201cI am going with you. I hope that the judge will make short work of this trial. Your father doesn\u2019t have a leg to stand on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I had just hoped that he would take a plea and not go to trial,\u201d she mused. \u201cBut then I knew he wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hated that she had to go through with this trial. He would do his best to make it easy on her and after the trial they would be finished with Jonathon McDonald, finally. He would see that no matter what the outcome was, her father would never have access to her again.<\/p>\n

After they returned from church, they changed and he took her riding on Mariah. Adam knew riding always made Kate relax and that this would be the only time he would have to go riding with her until after their wedding.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, don\u2019t take her out alone for a while. I would prefer to be with you the first few times you ride her; she\u2019s high-strung,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I can handle her,\u201d she said as they rode through the pasture. \u201cYou should know that by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate,\u201d he said reining up Sport. \u201cI don\u2019t want you riding alone and not just because Mariah is high-strung. You forget Larkin still has not been captured.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said yourself he is most likely hiding out in California. He wouldn\u2019t come back here, everyone knows him,\u201d she said confidently.<\/p>\n

If only they had known; Matthew Larkin was not as far away as they thought.<\/p>\n

The next two days were filled with activity; Adam finished the house on Monday. And after his father and brothers left, Adam took his time checking every detail. He first walked around the exterior of the house, including the porch and balcony, then the interior. Entering the foyer of the silent home, Adam was rewarded with the pleasant smell of wood and fresh paint. Running his hand over the burled oak walls, he stood admiring the hand polished oak floors. Entering their bedroom, he delighted in the beautiful view of the lake and mountains through large windows.\u00a0Kate and I can lie in bed and enjoy this every morning,<\/em>\u00a0he thought. Opening the French doors leading to the balcony, he stepped out as contentment washed over him.\u00a0I hope Kate loves this house as much as I do. Once we move the furniture and our personal effects in, it will be our home.<\/em><\/p>\n

Mrs. Rogers had brought Kate\u2019s wedding gown to the Ponderosa while the men were away working on the house. As she fitted the gown on her, she congratulated herself that only minor adjustments were needed. \u201cMiss McDonald, I just need to take the waist in a bit. I can do that right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Rogers, you\u2019ve done a beautiful job,\u201d Kate told her. \u201cIt is perfect. Did you bring the other items I had ordered?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Miss McDonald I brought the rest of your order. Mr. Cartwright is a very lucky man to have a wife with your taste. If I may add, Miss McDonald, with a wedding gown this elegant may I suggest you wear your hair up, something a little more formal?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dThank you Mrs. Rogers, I’m so happy you approve of my choices.\u201d she replied with a touch of sarcasm. \u201cHowever, I resent your informality. The other day in your shop, you embarrassed me and if my wedding was not in just a few days, I would cancel this gown right this minute. As to how I wear my hair, that ma’am is none of your business. Furthermore, should you\u00a0ever<\/em>\u00a0make a remark like you made to me the other day, I will\u00a0never<\/em>\u00a0order another item from you. Whether or not my husband-to-be appreciates my figure is certainly none of your concern. I detest gossips. The only thing I detest more is someone who gives un-solicited advice.\u201d With this, Kate paid the woman and saw her out. Taking care to hang the gown in the corner, if Adam entered this room he would not be able to see it.<\/p>\n

She heard Ben and Joe return. Meeting them downstairs, she asked where Adam was.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam is triple checking everything. He\u2019ll go back there again and again before you two move in to be sure everything is just so,\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave your brother alone, Joseph, Adam is a perfectionist. This house is very important to him and he wants everything perfect for his bride,\u201d Ben said smiling at her.<\/p>\n

Adam moved all of the furniture he had ordered into the spacious house on Tuesday, returning home at dinnertime. Kate knew he was physically exhausted, and by the way he walked, she knew that his back was bothering him. She told him to go to his bedroom, lie on his stomach, and she would give him a back rub. Helping him to remove his shirt as he lay on his stomach, she kneaded his shoulders telling him, \u201cYou’ve done too much.\u00a0Now<\/em>\u00a0will you take it easy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMmmm, a little lower, please,\u201d he told her. \u201cYes, I can slow down. I have the most important details completed.<\/p>\n

Moving her hands down his spine, then across the broad expanse of his back, to his waist and hips; she gently kneaded and rubbed the tight muscles. \u201cYou need to get a hot bath and soak for a while,\u201d she said admiring the handsome back and then kissing his shoulder. \u201cThat will help relax your back muscles. I\u2019ll go see that Hop Sing has hot water for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her touch, though light, sent a current coursing through Adam\u2019s body. As he stood up, putting his shirt on, he told her, \u201cThanks, Kate, but we better stop this. It is very hard not to\u2026, you had better stop. I appreciate it, but I\u2019ll go talk to Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling she asked innocently, \u201cDid I do something incorrectly Adam? If you tell me what I did wrong, I can correct it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate,\u201d Adam began. \u201cThat\u2019s the problem, you did everything right and being this close\u2026.\u201d It was here that Adam realized Kate knew exactly what he was talking about.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, you only have three more days to toy with me. After Saturday, you will see, first hand, what your little teasing will bring.\u201d<\/p>\n

Running her hand across the broad shoulders, she gave him a soft whisper, \u201cPromise?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Early Wednesday morning, Adam, Kate, and Ben left for Virginia City. Kate appeared calm, but Adam sensed underneath all that self-control, her nerves were on edge.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust keep your eyes on me, everything is going to be fine,\u201d he told her confidently. Then added, \u201cRemember this is the last time you will have to be subjected to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking into the courtroom together, they saw most of the seats were already taken except in the front row. Reluctantly they sat there. It was not long before Circuit Judge Henry Clay took his place on the bench and called the court to order explaining that Jonathon McDonald had declined a trial by jury. Instead, he requested the tribunal decide his fate, a risky move on his part but completely within his rights.<\/p>\n

Adam leaned toward her, taking her hand as he reassured her, \u201cJust a little longer, it\u2019s almost over.\u201d Holding his hand, she took a deep breath and waited for the trial to begin.<\/p>\n

She watched as Roy and Clem brought in the prisoner, her father, Jonathon McDonald. Kate\u2019s heart quickened as her father\u2019s angry eyes scanned the courtroom. When father and daughter\u2019s eyes met, they locked in a war of wills. Determined not to look away, Kate defiantly held his stare. None of this was lost on Adam.<\/p>\n

As the judge began, \u201cWill the court please come to order? We are here today for the case of the Territory of Nevada vs. Jonathon McDonald. The charges are collusion, intimidation, theft, and battery, Mr. McDonald how do you plead?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot guilty your honor,\u201d was the reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe court will now call Katherine McDonald to the stand.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Kate rose, she took a deep breath, gave Adam a smile, squeezed his hand, and stepped into the aisle way.<\/p>\n

After being sworn in, the judge began with very basic questions until he asked, \u201cWhen did you notice a change in your father\u2019s attitude toward you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout three months ago, your honor, when he began making plans for me to return to Boston to school,\u201d she answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you think something so minor would cause such a drastic change in his attitude toward you?\u201d Judge Clay asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I\u00a0refused<\/em>\u00a0to honor his wishes. I told him I was not returning to school and it infuriated him,\u201d Kate explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen did you suspect your father had ulterior motives concerning you?\u201d the magistrate inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe day he hired Matt Larkin, I immediately told him of my concerns. I explained to father the problems they had at the Ponderosa with Larkin and that the man made me very uncomfortable,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was your father\u2019s reaction to this information?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe refused to listen, insisting that Larkin deserved another chance and that the problem at the Ponderosa had all been a misunderstanding.\u201d Kate had kept her eyes on Adam, but just out of the corner of her eye she could see her father glaring at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell the court what occurred in your home the evening of August 10th, Miss McDonald,\u201d the judge instructed.<\/p>\n

Breathing deeply she began, \u201cI had returned home from the Ponderosa. Hoss and Joseph Cartwright had ridden back with me, as Mr. Cartwright had insisted they see me home. Upon entering the house, father called to me from his study. When I entered the room and took a seat, he began a barrage of accusations, saying he was disappointed in me, that I had told Mr. Cartwright lies about him. He accused me of all sorts of vile things; he was irrational in his ranting. I tried to calm him by reassuring him that I had not done any of the things he accused me of, but that only fueled his anger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas that all that was said during the conversation, Miss McDonald?\u201d The judge asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but the other details aren\u2019t important,\u201d she replied, her eyes were still held by Adam\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you let me decide that,\u201d the judge countered. \u201cPlease Miss McDonald, in order to make a fair decision, it\u2019s important that you tell the court everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

At this point, Kate made the mistake of glancing at her father who sat there with a smug look on his face. Biting her lip she continued, \u201cVery well, he accused me of listening to Adam about everything, disregarding my father’s wishes. He was irrational, saying Adam, and I had\u2026\u201d here she had to stop. Her eyes full of angry tears as she looked at her father, she added, \u201cHe accused me of improper behavior. He said none of his actions would have been necessary if I had not been born. That he had never wanted children, my mother had. That when she died, I was forced upon him, and that I had ruined his life. He said he had never been able to realize his full potential due to being burdened with me\u201d<\/p>\n

The court sat in stunned silence as Kate sat there quietly, drained of all emotion, waiting for the judge to continue. Adam sat fighting the rage that burned within him for her public humiliation.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss McDonald, did he threaten you in any way?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot directly, no.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Miss McDonald, you may step down.\u201d Kate rose to return to her seat when she was stopped by her father\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me your honor,\u201d John spoke up, \u201csince I am representing myself may I question the witness?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. McDonald,\u201d the judge replied. \u201cMiss McDonald, please remain on the stand.\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX<\/strong><\/p>\n

Taking his time, a maneuver Kate had seen him use in court before to make the witness uncomfortable and nervous, she sat patiently until her father asked, nonchalantly, \u201cDid you ever want for anything growing up, Katherine?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are referring to material things, no I never wanted for anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you have a home, clothing, food?\u201d Her father asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you receive a good education?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I imagine so,\u201d she answered staring straight at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t I send you to college and had plans for you to become a lawyer, to attend law school?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose were\u00a0your<\/em>\u00a0plans, not mine,\u201d she answered.<\/p>\n

This question by Jonathon had taken Adam aback. Although they had discussed their schooling, Kate had never told him what her course of study had been and Adam had never asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut surely you can understand my disappointment in your apparent disregard for my wishes and my anger at you for throwing a promising career in law away to marry a\u00a0rancher<\/em>,\u201d John said disgustedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t throw anything away,\u201d she declared adding, \u201cA career in law was your dream, not mine. My life didn\u2019t begin until I moved here and met Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I was such a terrible father, who by your own admission did all of the things a father should do, please explain to me how you could possibly think I would do you harm? I have provided for and protected you all of your life, yet here today, you testify against me calling me irrational, telling the court lies about me. Isn\u2019t this all because you want your inheritance now instead of waiting until you turn twenty-one? That you\u2019re furious with me because I suggested you had fallen under the spell of Adam Cartwright, and he might just be interested in you for your money?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a liar,\u201d she stated calmly.<\/p>\n

Shocked, Adam had never heard her address anyone the way she was now speaking to her father.<\/p>\n

She continued, \u201cI am here because I overheard you instructing Matthew Larkin to harm Adam and me. If you had been successful, Adam and I would be dead. You\u00a0never<\/em>\u00a0said anything about an inheritance to me. Up until that night when Mr. Cartwright told me about it, I didn\u2019t know I even had an inheritance; you had kept that hidden from me for years. If anyone was concerned about money, it was you. That is what this is really all about; you had to be rid of me in order to collect what money there was. You could have had every bit of it, I didn’t care, I don’t care now, but you tried to have Adam and me\u00a0murdered<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was at this point that Kate\u2019s resolve faltered, \u201cYou are a father. A father is suppose to love their child and protect them. You failed miserably in both areas. Benjamin Cartwright has been more of a father to me than you ever were. After today I hope I never set eyes on you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour honor, as you can see, my daughter is over-wrought because of my trial. She is not herself,\u201d John explained. \u201cKate is saying things she does not believe. I never\u00a0stole<\/em>\u00a0from my daughter. Any money I obtained from the trust was for\u00a0her<\/em>support. If I am guilty of anything, it was loving my daughter too much and wanting the very best for\u00a0her<\/em>. My daughter has enormous potential and to see her throw it all away to marry a rancher and live in the middle of nowhere, breaks my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate laughed aloud, and after composing herself her eyes took on a hardened look as she declared, \u201cYou disgust me, and I meant every word I said. Do you really believe that the people in this room are so gullible they would fall for this act of yours? You are a disgrace to the legal profession and fathers everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss McDonald that is enough!\u201d Judge Clay told her. \u201cOne more word and I will find you in contempt. You may step down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Disregarding the judge\u2019s warning, anger consuming her, she continued, \u201cThe only thing contemptible in this courtroom is him,\u201d pointing at her father. \u201cHe was given a trusted position and he betrayed us all. I hope this court has the ability to see him for what he is and send him away for many years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss McDonald! I warned you. While the court understands the emotional pressures you have been under, I will not allow you to blatantly disregard my instruction. Now step down!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate walked right past her seat and continued out to the street. Adam followed her asking, \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, yes now that this is over. I don\u2019t care what they decide to do with him as long as I never have to see him again after today,\u201d she replied, holding on to Adam, fighting tears of rage.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go home Kate,\u201d he told her, gently taking her arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t, Adam, I can\u2019t let him win. As much as I want to go, if I leave now, it is as if I am surrendering. I will not give him that satisfaction. I have to see this through to the end, no matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKate, he began, \u201cyou don\u2019t have to stay and listen to his lies. We know the truth and that is what is important. I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d she said firmly, \u201cI am staying<\/em>. If you want to leave, go, but I\u2019m staying until the end.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not leaving without you,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ll sit in the back of the courtroom until it is finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

They remained until the very end. The judge, after taking a brief break to make his determination, returned to the courtroom and began, \u201cI agree with all the parties involved that Jonathon McDonald is not a good example of a father. However, from the testimony given here, he did nothing\u00a0criminally<\/em>\u00a0wrong. There is no physical proof he stole anything, and it is his daughter\u2019s word against his that he hired Matthew Larkin for the sole purpose of harming her. Therefore, this court has no choice but to find the defendant not guilty of all charges. I encourage him to ask for re-assignment to another territory and he is not, under any circumstance, to contact or try to see his daughter. Please release the prisoner. Court is adjourned.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was an audible gasp by every observer in the courtroom as the verdict was read.<\/p>\n

Adam took her hand, holding her close, as she shook her head with a sad smile and said, \u201cI should have known. We can leave now, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the ride back, she was strangely quiet until Adam, although seething inside said, \u201cHe received something Kate, he must leave the territory and he cannot contact you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, at least he received something. I never have to see him again. That alone, was worth today. Now it\u2019s done and as far as I am concerned, he\u2019s\u00a0dead<\/em>. she said. \u201cAdam, I promise you that our children will never have a second in their lives that they don\u2019t know how much we love them and want them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pulled the carriage over under a tree. Putting his arms around her, he drew her to him as she began to cry. He let her rid herself of the tears she had bravely held inside all of this time. When she was finished, he gently tipped her face up to him as he told her, \u201cYou\u2019ll never shed another tear because of him. We\u2019re rid of him, forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

Friday came and with it a bustle of activity on the Ponderosa. The wedding was to be the following day. Kate was busy with last minute wedding details while Adam spent time with his brothers and father. The couple had agreed they would dine together that evening then not see each other until the wedding.<\/p>\n

Adam had decided to move his and Kate\u2019s things to the house and Ben and his brothers offered their help. While at the new house, Ben brought up the subject of Kate to Adam. \u201cAdam, I know you\u2019re a grown man and have been with a number of women. However, keep in mind Kate is different; she has never been with a man. You are going to have to be patient with her on your wedding night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, caught off guard, could not believe his father was talking to him about such a private and delicate subject. He, more than anyone, knew all of this and was confident he and Kate would be fine. He would be patient and prepare her for this part of their life together. But he was\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0about to discuss this with his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa, I\u2019ve thought of all of this. Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll see to Kate,\u201d Adam told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want you to realize that\u2026\u201d Ben started.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam began, \u201cI\u00a0do<\/em>\u00a0realize, Kate and I will be fine. Trust me, you\u2019ve always said I could handle anything, and I will handle\u00a0this<\/em>\u00a0with my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Joe called from downstairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cUp here Joe,\u201d he replied, grateful for the interruption.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe carried one large trunk, and too many garment carriers to count, up the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe got alla\u2019 Kate\u2019s things from the house, her and Hop Sing packed all this up. Told us just to sit it outta the way, she\u2019d see to puttin\u2019 it away later,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust set the trunk in the dressing room, you can hang the garment carriers in the closet,\u201d he instructed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat gal\u2019s got more clothes than anybody I ever seen,\u201d Hoss observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Adam, where you and Kate goin\u2019 on your honeymoon?\u201d Joe asked as he hung a carrier in the closet.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a surprise Joe,\u201d Adam answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can tell us, we won\u2019t say anything,\u201d he urged.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019d rather keep it a surprise until tomorrow,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cI really think Kate should know before my brothers, where we\u2019re going on our honeymoon. Well that\u2019s everything, let\u2019s go on downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the four men had reached the lower level, Adam paused telling them, \u201cI can\u2019t thank all of you enough for everything you\u2019ve done with the house, for Kate, and me. If I can ever do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry big brother, when me and Joe meet and marry our gal\u2019s we\u2019ll be callin\u2019 on you to help us don\u2019t you worry none,\u201d Hoss assured him.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Adam walked out to the front porch telling his family, \u201cI\u2019m going to miss living with you, but I can\u2019t say I\u2019m going to miss all the bickering with my brothers. I want you to know, I have never been happier in my life than to marry Kate. I\u2019m excited to live here with her and start our life together. One day we will all have our own families, live on this land, and watch our children grow. I only hope we can be as good a father as you have been Pa,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is going to be hard getting use to being one Cartwright short at the Ponderosa,\u201d Ben smiled, his dark eyes filling with tears. \u201cI will miss our daily talks over the dinner table and seeing you every morning when you come down the stairs, but it\u2019s time. You have been the rock for all of us, Adam. It is now your turn to realize your dreams and start your own life. We\u2019ll always be here for you, son, just as we\u2019ve always been.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will always be a part of you,\u201d Adam solemnly said, \u201cNothing will ever change that. Kate is a part of me now but also a part of all of you. I won\u2019t live at the Ponderosa anymore, but we will be together as we always have. We are a family and\u00a0nothing<\/em>\u00a0will ever change that. Our family will continue to grow as Hoss and Joe marry and start their families, and as always, we will be there for each other. You three have always stood by me, supported me, when I know there were times I did not deserve it. Just because I am marrying Kate does not mean I am gone from you. I\u2019m a stones throw away and my door is always open to my family, don\u2019t ever forget that.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that, the four Cartwright men left the house, mounted their horses, and headed back to the Ponderosa as they had done hundreds of times before. Each knew after today their family would change. No longer four lone men, they would now have a woman in their midst with the Cartwright family growing by one. It was a bittersweet moment as they realized four lives that had been intertwined for so many years were about to change.<\/p>\n

Adam eagerly looked forward to his life with Kate. They had started on a path, what seemed so long ago, finally arriving here. The journey had been hard, but they had made it through together. As he looked back at their home one last time he thought,\u00a0I am closing one chapter of my life, but tomorrow starts a whole new beginning.<\/em><\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0 Adam meets a young lady from the east and romance blossoms.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (46,295 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":14742,"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":[2,23,3],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-4243","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","category-romance","tag-adam-cartwright","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-3-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1352,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Compass.jpg?fit=2550%2C2504&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6493,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6493","url_meta":{"origin":4243,"position":0},"title":"We Dance (by MissJudy)","author":"missjudy","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0This was a poem I wrote shortly after Pernell Roberts death, remembering his accomplishments and wonderful character. It's not sad! Those who love Adam or Pernell or any of his other characters will understand exactly what I'm writing about. Sweet dreams! \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a0200","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/the-friendship3.png?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7310,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7310","url_meta":{"origin":4243,"position":1},"title":"Little Girl in Pink (by Sibylle)","author":"Sibylle","date":"May 7, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Adam meets a little girl on the road to Virginia city that he better never found. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0T \u00a0WC 600","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":29886,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=29886","url_meta":{"origin":4243,"position":2},"title":"Of Knights and Cowboys (by Annie K Cowgirl)","author":"Annie K Cowgirl","date":"August 30, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Abigail Jones always considered herself to be a sensible woman except when it came to Adam Cartwright, her knight in shining armor. Rated: K Word Count: 642","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/The-Wooing-ofn-Abigail-Jones.jpg?fit=947%2C714&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/The-Wooing-ofn-Abigail-Jones.jpg?fit=947%2C714&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/The-Wooing-ofn-Abigail-Jones.jpg?fit=947%2C714&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/The-Wooing-ofn-Abigail-Jones.jpg?fit=947%2C714&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5493,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5493","url_meta":{"origin":4243,"position":3},"title":"A Tree for Maggie (by EPM)","author":"EPM","date":"December 20, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Adam remembers a gift given to him last Christmas. 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