Summary:\u00a0 This is third in the series of Adam and his family.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (9,005 words)<\/p>\n
Fatherhood Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n Home is Never Too Far<\/a> <\/p>\n The Brandsters have included this author in our project:\u00a0Preserving Their Legacy<\/a>. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.\u00a0 The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.<\/p>\n Fatherhood:\u00a0 Good Things to Come<\/strong><\/p>\n Adam woke up early, opening his eyes while the moon still shone brightly in the sky.<\/p>\n He peeked in, as this door was always left open, and admired the sight before him. His son, now already nearly three years old lay holding a small stuffed dog, breathing softly into the the early morning air. Benjamin Eric Cartwright looked more like Little Joe than himself, right down to the untamed curly hair. His attitude was much like Little Joe\u2019s also, and Adam sometimes wondered how he ended up having to raise another Little Joe. He smiled thinking how soon he would be greeted with a tight squeeze around the neck, but first things first, he had to get the barn chores done.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa, Papa!\u201d Eric cried cheerfully as his father walked in from the barn.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning little one, sleep well?\u201d Adam walked over to his son picking him up high into his arms and brushing back those unruly curls.<\/p>\n \u201cGood Papa, we wait to eat wif\u2019 you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell thank you my dear.\u201d He walked over to his wife giving her a quick morning kiss. Ella, I have some work to do with Little Joe today, and I was hoping you would join me on the ride over. Eric can visit his grandfather, and his uncles. Then all of us can go to the lake for a picnic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat sounds fine Adam, but I am awful busy around here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cElla, it\u2019s nothing that can\u2019t wait is it? I know my family misses you, and it\u2019s not much of a ride.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, it is a good hour ride over there. But, I miss your family too, and I guess I can finish my work tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYEAH! We go to Grand papa\u2019s house today. I see the t-t-titties.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cK-K-Kitties Eric, with a K.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cK-K-Kitties!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, good job. Well, we better get finished with this breakfast if were going to get an early start.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa, when we go to Grand papa\u2019s, can I go down to the creek?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat depends on if Grandpapa wants to take you, and don\u2019t talk with food in your mouth son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSowwy\u2019 If he takes me, can we stay till the picnic?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike I said, that is up to Grandpapa, I will be out with Little Joe. I guess I\u2019ll go hitch the wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam hitched the horses to the wagon, and watched with a smile in his eyes as his wife and son approached him. He helped his wife onto the seat beside him, and lifted his son into the back of the wagon.<\/p>\n \u201cEric, make sure you stay sitting down until I come get you off of the wagon. Remember what happened last time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI fall off and hurted my head.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right you did fall off and hurt your head. So stay sitting. Do you have your Noah\u2019s Ark to play with?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes papa, and my tablet. I draw you and mama pitchers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPictures, baby. What are you going to draw?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDraw big lake wif\u2019 lots of fishies, we catch em\u2019 for supper.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a great idea for a picture Eric, I\u2019m looking forward to seeing it.\u201d<\/p>\n They headed off towards the Ponderosa, Adam smiled as his wife lay a hand on his thigh.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for coming today. I know you have a lot to do around the house.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I came with you. Where you go, I go, right Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what you said when we were leaving Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, nothing else matters but our family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cElla Bell,\u201d Adam said using her pet name, \u201cI do believe I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love you to Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright stepped outside into the early morning air. He did this every morning, it helped to clear his head. He heard the sounds of a wagon approaching and called out to his son\u2019s inside.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe! Hoss! Adam\u2019s riding up.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and Hoss came outside quickly. It had been nearly a week since they had seen their nephew, and they were excited to greet them.<\/p>\n \u201cHey older brother, bout time you showed up!\u201d Little Joe said watching as the wagon slowed near the house.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Yeah. What have you been up a whole ten minutes?\u201d Adam said slowing the horses. He noticed a look of panic enter his brother\u2019s eyes and turned quickly to see the cause. Eric was standing up near the back of the wagon waiting to jump down.<\/p>\n \u2018BENJAMIN ERIC CARTWRIGHT! SIT DOWN NOW.\u201d Adam tried his best to hold the horses steady as his son looked wide eyed, startled by his father\u2019s harsh tone, and sat down quickly. Eric remained sitting in the wagon.<\/p>\n Adam stopped the horses, and quickly helped Ella off of the wagon. He then walked around to where Eric was waiting.<\/p>\n \u201cI told you to sit in this wagon until I came to get you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSowwy Papa, I forgotted. I wanted to say hi to Grandpapa.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lifted Eric off of the buggy and into a tight hug, then jerked him back roughly to glare into his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could have been killed! If you would have fallen, the wagon could have rolled over you, or you could have broken your neck! You and I are going to the barn to have a very necessary little talk young man.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam carried Eric into the barn. He already felt a pull on his heart strings, as he placed his child over his knee. This was the part of parenting he dreaded. He knew it was necessary however, and Eric had put himself in danger, as well as disobeyed him. He delivered two sharp swats to the child\u2019s back side, then stood him up in front of him. Eric was sobbing now, as he hated his father to be cross with him, and his backside was stinging something fierce.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, I want you to go in the house and get something to drink. I will be in to see you before I go off to work with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Papa.\u201d Eric sniffled and walked slowly towards the house avoiding the sympathetic looks he received from his uncle\u2019s.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, son. Glad you made it out today, I need you to go over some figures with me. That timber contract is just not adding up, and I can\u2019t find the mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure Pa, Joe do you mind if I tackle that first, then we\u2019ll ride out?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, go ahead. I still have my barn chores to do, I did only get up five minutes ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe smiled and ran past his father and brother avoiding their playful swats. Adam and Ben turned to walk into the house.<\/p>\n Ben took his chair behind the desk, and Adam sat on the edge of the desk beside his father. He picked up the contract, and began going over the figures, his father was right they were not adding up.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa,\u201d Eric sniffled tugging on his father\u2019s pant leg. \u201cI sit wif you a mini?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course you can sit with me a minute.\u201d Adam lifted Eric up onto his lap and rested his chin on his soft curls.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat you doing Papa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrying to find where these numbers aren\u2019t matching up. I need you to sit still a minute, or would you rather get down?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSit still a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight here, I found it. This should be an 8, not a 4. See, the numbers are just turned around. Thank goodness, for a minute I thought I was going to have to start from scratch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, now how did I miss that? I have been working these numbers for hours.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Pa, you know how you get when you\u2019re frustrated.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGrandpapa, will you take me to the creek today?\u201d Eric was smiling as Adam bounced him up and down on his knee.<\/p>\n \u201cSure Eric, I would like that. Just give me a few minutes to change.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYEAH!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEric, papa\u2019s got to go to work, you mind your manners you hear.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes papa, I be good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn a few hours we will leave for that picnic. Don\u2019t wear your old grandfather out.\u201d Adam laughed at his father\u2019s expression, and ruffled his son\u2019s hair. He headed towards the kitchen quickly, avoiding his father\u2019s glare. He knew Ella would be in there with Hop Sing, they had a lot of conversation\u2019s over the years, though Ella would never tell him what they spoke about. Their conversation hushed as he entered the room.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m off to work with Joe. You need anything before I go?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo dear, Hop Sing and I are just talking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh huh, what about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t you like to know!\u201d Ella smiled and playfully smacked Adam on the arm. \u201cIs our son keeping his grandfather busy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep, they\u2019re headed off towards the creek. You and Hop Sing should have the morning all to yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing have work to do, no stand all day talking. You number one son, you know better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I know all right. You be nice to my wife Hop Sing. Oh, and you be nice to Hop Sing, Ella, you know how he gets when people are in his kitchen.\u201d Adam ran out the back door as Hop Sing came towards him with the wooden spoon.<\/p>\n \u201cSo Joe, how are you and Susie Garner?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSusie decided that Jake Holster was a better match. We broke up about three days ago when I tried my best to rearrange his face.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see, and did you succeed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot really, Susie was carrying on so much that I couldn\u2019t bring myself to pound him too badly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that\u2019s all for the better I guess. What about Hoss and Mary Lane?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe still turns all red when I mention her name, so I imagine all is well. Enough about us brother, how is that wife of yours? How an ugly blueblood like you could land a lady like that is beyond me brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou remember, she is a blue blood too. She is doing well, all of us are. Eric can sure be a handful, just like you were. I think I gave him the wrong name, should have named him after you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI tried to tell ya brother, but ya just don\u2019t listen. Joseph is the best name there is for a boy, but you had to go in order from age down. Just like you to follow an order, everything has to be done in sequence right brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you had done this fence in sequence in the first place we wouldn\u2019t be spending all morning fixing it now would we?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEric, not so close to the creek please. I thought we were fishing today, not swimming.\u201d Ben smiled down at his grandson. He looked so much like Little Joe he had to laugh. He thought of the sense of humor the lord must have to give Adam a child so much like the little brother he had tangled with all those years.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay grand pappy. I just wanted to catch that minnow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGrand Pappy huh, I haven\u2019t heard that used before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI like it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if it is what you like then I have no objections.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLOOK, LOOK! I CAUGHT HIM.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see, are you going to use him for catching bigger fish then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I am going to keep him as a pet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, but how will we get him home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI brought this old jar, could we put it in there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see why not. Here, I\u2019ll punch some holes in the lid so he can breathe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan I try?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no, no. You are much too young to handle knives son. But, you can carry him back. We better be on our way if we are gonna make that picnic.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric held the jar up close to his eyes. He watched as the fish swam in small circles in the jar.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think he is happy in there Grand Pappy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, there is not much room to swim, and he doesn\u2019t have any friends. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think he misses his mama and papa. I wet him go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet, Eric with an \u2018L\u2019, you\u2019ll let him go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I\u2019ll let him go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, I just don\u2019t know when to tell him. What if something were to happen? It would kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou decide when time ready. I no tell you what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are the most stubborn man sometimes Hop Sing. If I didn\u2019t know any better, I would think you were a Cartwright just the same.\u201d<\/p>\n Ella hushed as Eric and Ben entered the house. She put her finger to her lip in a shush motion to Hop Sing.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re back. I missed you my little handsome man.\u201d Ella smiled and lifted her son into a hug.<\/p>\n \u201cWe caught a fishy mama, I was gonna keep him, but I fought he was sad, so I letted him go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou thought he was sad, and you let him go baby.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, all for the better. It would have been quite a bouncy ride home, I don\u2019t know if he would survive the trip.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s survive?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf he would have been alive dear.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean I coulda kiwwed him?\u201d Eric\u2019s eyes were quickly filling with tears.<\/p>\n \u201cNo baby, you wouldn\u2019t have killed him, mama would have let him go before we left. It\u2019s alright baby.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stifled a chuckle, the child may look and act like Little Joe a lot, but he cared for animals as much as Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, our picnic ready yet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mr. Cartlight, picnic ready.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCartwright Hop Sing!\u201d Eric smiled as he was able to correct someone else\u2019s speech for a change.<\/p>\n \u201cI HOPE WE\u2019RE READY TO GO, JOE AND I ARE ABOUT TO WITHER AWAY INTO DUST!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s ready papa, are we taking the wagon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, now remember, you sit still until I come and get you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes papa, I \u2018member.\u201d Eric rubbed the seat of his pants. How could he forget he wondered.<\/p>\n \u201cEric, your momma and I are going for a walk. You mind your uncles and your grand papa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGrand Pappy, he changed my name.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGrand Pappy huh, and what do you think of that name?\u201d Adam laughed remembering his Pa\u2019s struggle when Adam began referring to him as Pa instead of Sir while they were riding with the wagon train.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it is a grand name, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes Sir,\u201d Adam laughed linking arms with his wife.<\/p>\n \u201cHow was your day Ella Bell?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine, I helped Hop Sing make the dessert. It\u2019s your favorite, ginger bread.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, well in that case, you deserve a kiss.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled her close, brushing his lips lightly against hers. Here he paused, savoring the softness and warmth of her body against his. Then he pressed firmly against her lips, opening his mouth slightly. They remained in this tight embrace, each enjoying the closeness of the other.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think we could\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, what if someone comes looking?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we will just have to make sure we are well hidden.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou Mr. Cartwright\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 have made yourself a deal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to go back. Someone will surely come looking for us soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. We better get dressed then.\u201d Ella stared longingly into her lover\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me help you dress,\u201d Adam said reaching for her once again.<\/p>\n \u201cMama, where have you been? We had to eat wifout you. Uncle Hoss ated all the biscuits up already.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe did, did he?\u201d Adam said walking up behind his wife.<\/p>\n \u201cHe bout to eat up all the samitches too, he said you late to eat, you not weawwy hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam noticed his son was very tired. His speech always turned to baby talk when he was sleepy.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sure we can make do Eric. Come over with Papa to the wagon, I\u2019ll tell you a story.\u201d<\/p>\n This was Adam\u2019s new trick. Any mention of the word nap would throw his son into a temper tantrum, Adam thought that one spanking was enough for a day, and didn\u2019t want to have to perform again.<\/p>\n \u201cA story! Will you tell me the one about Benjamin and the sea horse?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure baby, anything you say.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stood up carefully, and left his sleeping son in the wagon. He walked over to his wife, and together they shared the rest of the picnic basket. Hoss and Joe were swimming, and were getting impatient with their older brother.<\/p>\n \u201cHurry Up Adam, the water is great!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho said I would be going swimming?\u201d Adam said taking the last bite of his sandwich. \u201cRemember, I have to wait a whole hour after eating before I can swim.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed, he remembered Inger telling Adam he could not swim after eating for fear of sinking to the bottom.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like your gonna sink brother!\u201d Hoss and Joe were out of the water in a flash dragging in their fully clothed brother.<\/p>\n \u201cThose son\u2019s of your\u2019s are something else Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey sure are. Raising them was definitely trying sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWas it hard with three of them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure it was, but with Adam being older, he was quite the savior. He watched out for both Hoss and Joe growing up. He was always mature, and made mostly the right choices. I was a little strict with him, but I think it helped him to become the man he is today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can tell you were strict, he is the same way with Eric. Though, Eric is such a wonderful child, Adam must be doing something right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe may be a little strict, but Eric knows he loves him. In the end it is the love that makes a family strong.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am proud to be a member of this family Mr. Cartwright. I love Adam more than anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe loves you the same. I wondered about that boy all my life, I worried he was too serious to be able to find love. But, he found it in you. I am proud to have you as a member of this family.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben watched his three grown son\u2019s splashing away at each other like children. He glanced at the wagon that held is young grandson, and marveled at the wealth the good lord had bestowed upon him.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, it\u2019s pretty late. I was planning on leaving after the picnic. The sun is already setting. We\u2019ll never make it home before dark, we better get a move on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you stay the night Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes dear, I am uncomfortable riding an hour in the dark with Eric along. Why don\u2019t we stay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYEAH PAPA, STAY!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if you all feel so strongly about it. I\u2019ll take my old room, Ella, you and Eric take the guest room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYEAH, WE STAY!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, will you draw a bath for Eric?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do now, I like number one son to stay, feel like old times.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPapa, do I have to take baf?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, all that rolling around you and Hoss did, you are a mess little one. Maybe Joe will let you use his toy boats to splash around with?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, I\u2019ll run up and get em. Sure has been a long time, hope I can find em.\u201d<\/p>\n The house was quiet. Adam walked quietly towards the guest room to check on his family. He opened the door quietly, and met his wife\u2019s eyes. She was heading towards the door her self, and he had startled her.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you okay?\u201d Adam asked wondering why she was still up.<\/p>\n \u201cFine, you startled me is all.\u201d Ella led Adam into the hallway and quietly closed the door behind her. \u201cI was coming to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh really, what for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome to your room and find out.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Ella snuck back to his room. It was akward, Adam had never had a girl in his room before. All of his adventures had taken place elsewhere. Ella began undressing the second the door was closed. She pushed Adam back towards his bed, he stumbled into it, sitting on the bed with a loud creak.<\/p>\n \u201cShhhhhhh,\u201d she laughed unbuttoning his shirt slowly. She pushed him back onto the bed, reaching for his pants. She undid his buckle with one hand, using the other to hold Adam\u2019s hands together above his head. He helped to wriggle free from his pants, enjoying this change of pace. He felt twinge of guilt and hoped his brothers couldn\u2019t hear, then he jolted at the thought of his father coming in. He felt like a teenager, committing the worst of sins under his father\u2019s roof.<\/p>\n \u201cElla, I don\u2019t know\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHush! You let me do the work Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat would you say if I told you a secret?\u201d She asked as they lay side by side, holding hands under the covers.<\/p>\n \u201cThat depends on the secret my dear.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if it was a secret about our family?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe suspense is killing me.\u201d A hint of sarcasm in his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if our family were to grow in numbers?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean you\u2019re\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I am.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree months I think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re PREGNANT!\u201d Adam shouted, then quickly put a hand over his mouth. It was too late, Hoss startled by the shout came running to make sure everything was alright. Joe and Ben followed close behind. Everyone blushed instantly, as the couple was caught. They quietly backed out of the room, and Adam quickly dressed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was this shouting,\u201d Ben whispered harshly, more from embarrassment than anger.<\/p>\n \u201cPregnant Pa, she\u2019s pregnant. Three months. You\u2019re gonna be a grandfather again.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had already forgotten the embarrassment of his predicament, he was shining with glee from the new knowledge he received.<\/p>\n Everyone congratulated him, and went back to bed quickly, they had not forgotten their embarrassment.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go lay with Eric, you stay here. I\u2019m already dressed. I love you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n Ella smiled at the way her husband had taken the news. They actually had not discussed having more children after Eric, and she was not sure how he would take it. She fell asleep quickly, the burden suddenly lifted from her shoulders.<\/p>\n Adam woke up, stretching, he reached for his wife. Remembering where he was, he looked around for Eric.<\/p>\n \u201cEric?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked under the bed, but the boy was not there. Maybe Ella had already come in and gotten him. He started down stairs, and noticed his family already seated at the table. Eric was no where in sight.<\/p>\n \u201cIs Eric with you?\u201d Adam asked alarmed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, we thought he was upstairs with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, the room was empty, how long have you been up?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbout a half hour, we haven\u2019t seen him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam felt a lump form in his throat as worry filled him. He shouted Eric\u2019s name repeatedly throughout the house, his family joined the search outside. Adam felt panic rise within him as he ran towards the creek. He found nothing, but the tears had already formed. He ran back towards the house, he heard Ella calling him. He began to breathe again as he saw Eric in her arms. He ran towards them wrapping them both in a tight hug. He was trying to force the lump out of his throat, and the tears from his eyes. He took Eric from Ella and held him up facing him full on.<\/p>\n \u201cWHERE WERE YOU?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was in the barn Papa, with the kitties.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWHY DIDN\u2019T YOU ANSWER WHEN I CALLED?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t want to scare the kitties by yelling back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYOU DO NOT LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT TELLING SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING. YOU KNOW BETTER THAN THAT. WHAT IF SOMETHING HAD HAPPENED TO YOU?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben approached slowly, he knew what his son was feeling, but he had to calm him down some.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I need to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGET YOUR SELF IN THAT BARN. YOU AND I ARE GOING TO HAVE A VERY NECESSARY TALK YOUNG MAN.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric burst into tears and ran into the barn. He knew he was in for a spanking, but his father had never yelled at him that way before. He ran and hid behind a few hay bales, and sobbed loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I now you are scared, but he is fine. He wandered off. But, remember, he is only a two year old boy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought he had drowned Pa. Remember on the wagon train that boy Kevin Tate, he wondered off in the night, and we found him in the lake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI remember Adam, and I know your fear. But, you can not go in there and deliver punishment in anger. Calm down, count to ten, and then go in. The boy knows he did wrong, but right now he is scared to death.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right. But Pa, what if something had happened to him?\u201d Adam couldn\u2019t fight the tears welling up again.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing happened son. He is in the barn waiting for you. Settle down, and go talk with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam regained his composure and pushed down his feelings of anger. He started to head towards the barn, but turned back towards his father. He wrapped him up in a hug. Ben stared on in surprise, this was not like Adam at all.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa, for all the worry we caused you. How am I going to deal with two of them, one is hard enough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can do it son, don\u2018t you worry. Now go handle your fatherly duty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEric, come out from behind those bales.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric still sniffling, and crying somewhat loudly, slowly walked towards his father.<\/p>\n \u201cYou scared me half to death today. I couldn\u2019t find you, and that is the worst feeling I have ever felt. You cannot do this again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes papa, I sowwy I scawwed you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am too Eric. Come over here now.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric lay belly down over his father\u2019s lap. He yelped with each stinging slap his father gave him. His bottom burned after the three stinging slaps were delivered, and he was hiccupping between sobs. Adam set his sobbing son down on his feet. He had just delivered the harshest spanking he had ever given his son. He fought hard not to cry right along with him. Eric stood still in front of him, still recovering from the spanking. He felt his father\u2019s arms wrap around him, and pull him onto his lap, this time sitting upright. He lay against his father\u2019s chest as they rocked back and forth together. Eric felt a wetness forming in his hair, and looked up at his father\u2019s face. Tears were falling freely, as his father shook with emotion he had never felt. Father and son sat together crying until both of their tears had dried up.<\/p>\n Six Months Later<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you feeling today sweet heart?\u201d Adam asked his wife who was sitting fanning herself in the sun room of their house.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine, just getting everything ready for Eric\u2019s birthday party.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, need any help?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCould you load the wagon dear, we need to head on soon. Eric should be finished with his nap soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get right to it. From the looks of it we are gonna be celebrating another birthday real soon.\u201d Adam leaned down to kiss his wife\u2019s bulging belly. She was due any day now, and she was definitely showing signs that the end of the pregnancy was near. By the looks of her, Adam thought that the next son he delivered would be the size of Hoss.<\/p>\n Adam carried his still sleeping son out to the wagon. He lay him among the wrapped presents for his birthday. Adam felt as much excitement as Eric had all week, he couldn\u2019t wait to see his son so happy with his gifts.<\/p>\n Ella held her stomach as she sat very uncomfortably on the wagon seat. She was very tired, and felt guilt at the way she just wanted the day to end. Adam tried hard to make her comfortable throughout the pregnancy, but these last two weeks had been very uncomfortable. She feared also that she was carrying another Hoss Cartwright.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa, where we goin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo your Grand Pappy\u2019s house, for your party silly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s time for my party. I didn\u2019t think it would ever come.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you\u2019ve been bugging me about it for about a month now, ever since your Uncle Joe talked about presents.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I thought my birfday would never get here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow old are ya now son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m free years old,\u201d Eric said showing his first three fingers to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, three years old. How old will you be in two more years? Add three plus two.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFree plus two, is five papa, I\u2019ll be five years old.\u201d Eric added the numbers up on his fingers.<\/p>\n \u201cVery good big boy, you learn fast.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan I open just one pweasent now papa, I\u2019ll still have free left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour right, you would still have three left, but impressing me with your math skills will not persuade me to let you open a present early.\u201d Adam laughed, but looked with a concerned expression towards his wife who seemed to not hear a word being said.<\/p>\n \u201cRemember, stay sitting until I get you off of this wagon,\u201d Adam said hoping he did not have to talk to his son on his birthday.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t forget Papa, I wait.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood Boy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead and open them son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I open dis one first, then this one, then this one, then\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright already kid, just open em\u2019 before you are another year older,\u201d Little Joe smiled at his young nephew.<\/p>\n Eric tore the paper from the biggest present first. He shrieked with joy when he saw the new wooden wagon.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can thank your uncle Hoss for that one Eric. He\u2019s the woodworker in the family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTHANK YOU UNCLE HOSS,\u201d Eric jumped into his giant uncles arm, and covered his cheek with kisses.<\/p>\n Hoss blushed and tried to pry the child off of him.<\/p>\n \u201cYour welcome young\u2019un. Say, what you gonna use that wagon fer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can help Papa carry the wood, and the hay, and the eggs. Maybe you\u2019ll give me a ride.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing baby, I\u2019m glad you like it.\u201d Adam slapped Hoss on the back, he was grinning from ear to ear.<\/p>\n \u201cWow, look papa, Grand Pappy gaved me these books. They look real good. Oh, and wow, I gotted a train set. Thanks Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright buddy, now that you\u2019ve torn through those, lets have some cake shall we.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCAKE!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, wait, I have one more present for you, I almost forgot. Here, it will only take a second to open.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam tried to hide his smile as he saw his son look questioningly at the gift.<\/p>\n \u201cBritches Papa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep, thought it about time that you shed those old baby drawers, now that you are three and all. How about that cake!\u201d Adam dropped the subject knowing that his son had fought tooth and nail when his mother had tried to teach him to use the water closet.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I hate to cut the party short, but by the looks of Ella, she needs to be home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand son. Be careful on your way out. She could give at any time. Make sure that midwife stays near.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe comes by once a day Pa, told me she would start coming by twice starting tomorrow until the birth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood, make sure you get word to us when it happens son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam carried Eric\u2019s new gifts to the wagon. He set Eric in between them, then helped his wife onto the wagon. Within minutes both his son and wife were fast asleep, and it was only seven o\u2019clock.<\/p>\n \u201cMorning son, time to wake up. You promised to help me with the barn chores this morning remember.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI \u2018member, I can\u2019t wait to use my new wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere, I laid out your new britches, now it is important that you tell me when you need to go so we can use the water closet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPapa, I don\u2019t wanna use the water closet, these britches are itchy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t remember asking you if you wanted to or not Eric.\u201d Adam gave his son his best stern look, though he was rather amused. That was the same thing Little Joe had said all those years ago.<\/p>\n \u201cYes Papa,\u201d Eric looked at the floor in a huff, he was not happy at all.<\/p>\n \u201cEric, I was using the outhouse by age two, Hoss was two, and Joe was two. You are already a whole year late. You are old enough now for more responsibilities, and using the water closet is one of those responsibilities. Now let\u2019s go play with that wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, can I stack the wood in it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure can. You go on out, I\u2019m gonna check on mama.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes papa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cElla Bell, how are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh Adam, I\u2019m gonna burst open soon. What is this baby waiting for, he is big enough already I imagine. Eric didn\u2019t give me nearly this much trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, and just how do you know it\u2019s a he?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if we have a girl the size of Hoss, we are going to have our hands full.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour right, you know, we never even discussed girl\u2019s names, what if it is a girl?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Papa, you should call her Bella after momma\u2019s middle name.\u201d Eric said walking shyly into the room. It was lonely outside waiting for his father.<\/p>\n \u201cMomma\u2019s middle name is Lynn, Eric, daddy just calls her Ella Bell for fun. Her full name is Elizabeth Lynn Mitchell.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I think Bella is a sweet name.\u201d Elizabeth said, running a hand through her sons soft curls.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, two against one, Bella it could be. How about Bella Elizabeth Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be perfect, but I still think it\u2019s a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen what\u2019ll we call him papa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe will be Joseph Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAfter you and uncle Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep, just like you were named after Pa and Hoss. Do you want a brother or a sister Eric, I don\u2019t think I ever asked.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeither, I want to go load wood into my wagon. C\u2019mon Papa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll come on, you little rascal,\u201d Adam playful lunged towards his son.<\/p>\n Eric shrieked and ran out of the room hoping his father would chase him. He headed quickly towards the wagon.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you need anything you holler, we won\u2019t be far.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo catch your son and let me rest in piece Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes ma\u2019am!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam chased Eric into the barn, whooping and hollering. He picked him up and flung him around, smiling at the way Eric shook with laughter.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa, put me down, there is work to do!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow your starting to sound more like your Pa, and less like your uncle. Where should we start little one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith the wood, lets put em\u2019 in!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReady, I\u2019ll hand them to you, you stack them. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten,\u201d Adam said counting the blocks as he handed them to his son. \u201cNow, how many did we have?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTen papa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight, what if I add four more. What\u2019s ten plus four?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see, hand em\u2019 to me papa. \u201cEleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen,\u201d Eric said now counting for himself.<\/p>\n \u201cVery good Eric!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm Papa, I um, had a um, accident.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sort of wet my pants a little.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I see. Well that happens sometimes, we will just have to pay better attention next time. Lets go get you changed, then we will catch it next time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour not mad are ya papa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, accidents happen. We may have been having too much fun, just pay closer attention, and we will catch the next one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam helped Eric change out of his wet clothing. He had not gone a little, he had gone a lot. His boots were even soaked through.<\/p>\n \u201cThere now, all set. Now, lets catch it next time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes papa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan we go take a ride in my wagon Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019m too big for a ride I\u2019m afraid, but I will be happy to give you one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTHANKS!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright kiddo, it\u2019s about time we go check on your mother, we must have rode over all of the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was a lot of fun, can we do it again after lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot today buddy, I got work to do. You\u2019ll have to keep your momma company.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t I work with you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll see, let\u2019s check on your mom.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright.\u201d Eric looked down dejectedly, he was sure having fun. Why did grown ups always quit playing just when things were getting more fun?<\/p>\n \u201cHow you doin\u2019 sweety?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine Adam, I\u2019m trying to talk my feet into making lunch, but I can\u2019t seem to win the battle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s okay, I\u2019ll make lunch. You rest up.\u201d Adam headed towards the kitchen, but stopped in his tracks when he heard his son call.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes Eric?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm papa, you won\u2019t be mad will you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEric, don\u2019t tell me it happened again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t mean it papa, it was an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get you changed, you have to be more careful Eric.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Eric went upstairs to change, Ella sat more uncomfortably than before. She sure wished this baby would decide to come out, and now!<\/p>\n \u201cHere is your sandwich Ella Bell, I am going to take Eric with me to work. I don\u2019t think you\u2019re in any shape to follow after him today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you Adam, I think you\u2019re right. How\u2019s the potty training coming?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t ask. Two accidents and counting, we have yet to make it to the water closet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh honey, he sure can be stubborn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re telling me!\u201d Adam replied, his son following at his heels.<\/p>\n \u201cC\u2019mon Eric, we have things to do baby. Bring your wagon along.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou two are back awful soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI had another accident momma. Papa is not happy at all he said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019d imagine. That\u2019s three accidents today.\u201d Elizabeth tried to hide a smile, this is payback she thought for the times she had tried to get him to use the water closet.<\/p>\n \u201cGo upstairs and change. I\u2019ll be up in a minute.\u201d Adam said, his voice clipped.<\/p>\n \u201cYes Papa.\u201d Eric ran towards the stairs, he knew he was pushing the line.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do with him Ella. I asked him several times if he needed to go, and each time he said no. Then he just let go, water was everywhere. All he had to say for himself was sorry. We\u2019ll, if it happens again, he will be sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be too hard on him honey, it\u2019s only the first day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why I haven\u2019t tanned his britches yet, but I sure am getting close to losing patience with him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEric, why didn\u2019t you go when I asked you if you needed to?\u201d Adam asked, setting the third pair of wet clothes off to the side.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t need to go then.\u201d He had a look of innocence about him as he smiled a crooked grin at his father.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was only a few minutes later that you wet your pants young man!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Pa, but then I just had to go. I couldn\u2019t help it. I tried to stop it, but I just went anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that was the last time. If you do it again, you are going to get a spanking, understood.\u201d Eric sighed, his father was angry.<\/p>\n \u201cYes papa, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou will be if it happens again, now I mean it. I am going downstairs to rest, then we are going to Grand Papa\u2019s house. The midwife is here to stay with your mom. Now we can\u2019t stay long in case the baby comes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I love visiting Grand Pappy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet changed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes papa!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam walked downstairs and looked in on his wife. She was laying on the couch, her enormous tummy hiding her features. Adam sat down on the chair next to her.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Needleman is here, she will be staying with you while Eric and I head out to Pa\u2019s. I need to talk to him about\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBENJAMIN ERIC CARTWRIGHT DID YOU WET IN THIS CHAIR!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stood up quickly feeling the cold wetness on the seat of his pants. He grimaced at the thought of urine staining his pants. He turned a hard stare to Ella who was laughing quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cHe must have done it earlier when he came in to visit me. I\u2019m sorry Adam. You should see the look on your face. It is only fluid from your own son. Settle down now. You already spoke with him about it, it will not be fair to lecture him now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour only saying that because you\u2019re not the one covered in urine!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re hardly covered in urine dear. Don\u2019t you think your over-reacting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYES I DO! Now let me alone you wicked woman. I need to go change my pants.\u201d<\/p>\n Ella laughed as her husband headed to the bedroom to change.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, surprised to see you here tonight, is it Ella and the baby?\u201d Ben asked rushing out to meet his oldest son.<\/p>\n \u201cNo pa, not yet. Actually, I need to speak with you about Eric. Eric, go in and find uncle Joe. I think he would be up for a game of checkers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes papa. Hi Grand pappy!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHello Eric!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Ben watched as Eric bounded into his house, and listened to his gleeful shout as he was met playfully by his two uncles.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, it\u2019s this potty training business. He had three accidents today, and I can not get him to use the water closet. What did you do with me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing Adam, one day when you were two, you just decided to go. You said you weren\u2019t a baby anymore, and you wanted real britches.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell that\u2019s great! What about Hoss and Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss was a little more tough, but he had you to help him. He looked up to you, and for a while he went when you went. You would stand side by side. He had a few accidents, but only at night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI remember Joe, Marie trained him in one day. She just followed him around and took him to the outhouse. But Eric is old enough to know when he needs to go, he just won\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you tried talking to him about it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all I\u2019ve tried. I don\u2019t want to spank him for it, I am afraid that will only make matters worse, but I don\u2019t know what else to try.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you tried going with him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve asked repeatedly, he always says he doesn\u2019t need to go. I sure can\u2019t force him to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s true. Well, I don\u2019t know what to tell you son. Maybe just giving him more time will do the trick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe, but I made the mistake of telling him I would spank him next time he has an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cADAM, HEY ADAM WE NEED YOU IN HERE PLEASE!\u201d Adam headed towards Little Joe\u2019s voice wondering what the problem could be. They had only been there a few minutes.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it Joe?\u201d Adam knew instantly. He could smell it from a mile away.<\/p>\n \u201cI had another accident Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grabbed a hold of Eric and led him quickly from the house. He had not thought to grab a change of clothes.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, we gotta go. I\u2019ll talk to you about this later. Eric and I need to go home and have a talk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay son, see you soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric and Adam rode quietly towards the house. Adam was angry now, and dreading the mess that was waiting for him. He couldn\u2019t figure out why Eric was behaving this way. He tried to suppress his feelings, and slowly counted to ten as they pulled up to their home.<\/p>\n \u201cI will get the bath ready, you go take care of your clothes,\u201d Adam said through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n Eric made his way to the house feeling his father\u2019s piercing eyes on his back the whole way there. He was certain that this spanking was going to come quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the tub and wash yourself off. When I come back in here, you better be clean.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, what happened? Eric looked as white as a sheet,\u201d Ella said with a hint of worry.<\/p>\n \u201cHe had another accident. This time it wasn\u2019t urine. Now you can\u2019t tell me that he did not have time to let someone know he had to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I can\u2019t say as he couldn\u2019t have let you know. What are you gonna do dear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have to do what I said I would do, and deliver that spanking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh dear!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you worry honey. Are you feeling okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think so. No sign of little Hoss coming today.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed quietly and turned towards the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cBe easy on him honey. You know how he hates to upset you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll see about that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHi papa, I\u2019m all clean now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood, then get yourself out of that tub,\u201d Adam said handing his son a towel.<\/p>\n \u201cYes papa.\u201d Eric wrapped the towel around himself and looked longingly towards the floor hoping to disappear. He didn\u2019t want to use the water closet, he liked his mama to change him. Why did he have to wear britches just cause the new baby was coming.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me you had to go?\u201d Adam asked for the fourth time.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know papa, it was an accident!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was not an accident. You know when you need to have a bowel movement, you had plenty of time to let someone know!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut papa, I didn\u2019t mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean you didn\u2019t mean it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to use the water closet papa. I want mama to change me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTHAT IS TOO BAD ERIC!\u201d Adam was getting angry again. He took a deep breath and counted slowly to ten. \u201cIt is time you use the water closet, going back to being changed is not an option young man, and you better learn that here and now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIT\u2019S NOT FAIR!\u201d Eric yelled at his father, and tried to run past him.<\/p>\n \u201cDo not raise your voice to me son! As a matter of fact, I think you have more than earned this spanking tonight. After this, you will go straight to bed understand!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took Eric\u2019s hand and led him to the bedroom. Eric had to run to keep up with his father\u2019s long strides. Adam went to retrieve the chair from the corner where punishment of this kind took place. Eric went to retrieve his night clothes, but was stopped suddenly by his father. The towel fell, and Eric was lain over his father\u2019s lap. Adam gave two sharp smacks to the boy\u2019s bare bottom. Then led him to the dresser to retrieve the night clothes. He helped the now sobbing Eric dress for bed, and lay him down in bed.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you choose to have another accident like this again Eric, next time I will use the paddle.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric\u2019s eyes went wide. His father had never used the paddle before. He watched silently as his father left the room closing the door behind him. This was something else his father had never done.<\/p>\n Adam awoke to the sounds of muffled crying. He thought it was Ella, and stood quickly, heading down stairs. Before descending, he realized it was coming from Eric\u2019s room. He walked quietly over and opened the door.<\/p>\n \u201cEric?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was an a–a–a–cccciiiiiddeennntttt Papa!\u201d<\/p>\n Eric was sobbing into his pillow now.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you wet the bed Eric?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cP P PLEASE DON\u2019T USE THE PADDLE PAPA!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShshsh, it\u2019s alright honey. I\u2019m not gonna use the paddle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, but you said, said you would, if, if, I had another accident papa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re okay. It\u2019s harder at night than in the day to control your happenings. It\u2019s okay. Papa\u2019s not mad. Let\u2019s get you changed baby.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t spank me papa, I didn\u2019t mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEric, I am not going to spank you. Settle down now, you\u2019ll wake your mother.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric leaned limply against his father. He let himself be changed, and helped with changing the linens.<\/p>\n \u201cHow long ago did this happen Eric?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t know Papa, just woke up, and I was cold.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, well you and I are going to make a trip to the facilities before you lay back down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam picked Eric up and headed towards the water closet. They stood together, and relieved themselves, then Adam led Eric to wash his hands. Eric smiled up at his father. Adam relieved that he had finally used the facilities, even only once, picked up his son, and threw him into the air.<\/p>\n \u201cSee, I knew you could do it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did it papa, I did it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure did. Wait till mama hears the news.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan we tell her now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no, now is bed time. It is still hours before sun up. Let\u2019s lay down and I\u2019ll read you a story.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYEAH!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam woke up, still lying in his son\u2019s bed, someone was shaking him softly.<\/p>\n \u201cElla!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s time Adam, the midwife is here, and it is time. Take Eric out to your father\u2019s house quickly. I don\u2019t want him here for this.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam picked Eric up in a flash, and ran out to saddle a horse. He put Eric into the saddle with him and sped off towards the ranch house. Eric and Adam both whooped and hollered as they approached the house. A ride that normally took an hour took only half that. Adam explained to his father and saddled a fresh horse. He made it back to his home in a flash.<\/p>\n \u201cOut of here you, this is woman\u2019s business!\u201d The midwife said sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cMa\u2019am, I helped to deliver both of my brothers, and my first son, no way am I leaving now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave it your way then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cElla sweety, you\u2019re doing great.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was dabbing her head with the cold towel, he saw how much pain she was in.<\/p>\n \u201cHere comes the head, now I need you to push!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam watched as the head emerged.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right, it is Hoss, not much hair at all!\u201d<\/p>\n Ella\u2019s laugh was stifled by a scream when the shoulders emerged. Adam gripped her hand tightly and waited for the new arrival.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a girl!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam heard the baby cry, and was astonished when he thought he heard the word girl.<\/p>\n \u201cA GIRL! DID YOU HEAR THAT, A GIRL!\u201d Adam could hardly believe his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cOur Bella Elizabeth Cartwright,\u201d Ella said, but then bucked again with pain. \u201cSomething\u2019s wrong Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it? What\u2019s happening.\u201d He watched in awe as the midwife pulled gently on yet another baby, bringing it out into the open.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a boy, full head of hair on him!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTWINS! WE HAD TWINS ELLA! Adam\u2019s mouth hung open in shock, they had never even thought of twins. They blamed Ella\u2019s size on the thought of the baby being like Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph Adam Cartwright! I can\u2019t believe it Ella. Two of them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Adam, they are beautiful. This boy looks just like you, look at that black hair.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Ella like you, that sweet innocent face.\u201d Adam smiled at his only baby daughter.<\/p>\n After the babies and there mother seemed settled, Adam left the midwife in charge and once again headed off towards the ranch.<\/p>\n \u201cPa! Joe! Hoss! Eric\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u201d Adam said out of breath.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome to the house and see for yourselves. Eric, you\u2019re a new big brother!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSon, is it a boy or a girl?\u201d Asked Ben again impatiently.<\/p>\n \u201cBet he\u2019s as big as a house huh brother!\u201d Hoss said smiling and slapping his brother on the back.<\/p>\n \u201cCome see for yourselves, are the horses ready?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re ready. If it\u2019s such a surprise, let\u2019s get going!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam fetched his first horse, and rode with Eric ahead to the house. His father and brothers followed.<\/p>\n \u201cCome in Eric, see your new brother and sister!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBrother and sister, what does that mean papa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt means twins Eric. Your mother and I had twins. Go see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam met his father and brother\u2019s outside. Ben had never seen Adam so happy, he seemed to dance about the yard waiting for them to come in.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is this new grandchild of mine son, quit dancing around and lead the way.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shuffled his family towards the bedroom. He could hear a baby crying now, he wondered which one it was. He ran in ahead of his family and blocked the view of the second child.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like to introduce young Joseph Adam Cartwright!\u201d Adam said seeing his father swell with pride over his new grandson.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I would like you to meet my new sister Bella Elizabeth Cartwright,\u201d Eric popped out from behind his father waiving his hand towards his sister.<\/p>\n Adam scooped Eric into his arms and laughed with him at the look on his families faces.<\/p>\n \u201cTwins, you had twins!\u201d Ben bellowed with excitement, scaring both babies into tears.<\/p>\n Everyone laughed as they took turns peeking at each child, and comparing features. As the sun began to set, his father and brothers started their goodbyes. Adam watched them ride away, and turned his attention to his oldest son.<\/p>\n \u201cWell Eric, what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPapa, I need to use the water closet!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLets hurry then!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lifted Eric and ran him to the restroom. He waited for him to finish, then pulled him in the wagon around the yard a few times. Eric was giddy from all the excitement, and didn\u2019t protest when his bath was drawn. Adam sang silly songs while they finished in the tub, then putting Eric to bed, he went back to check on the rest of his now large family. He looked in and saw the three peaceful sleeping faces, and said a thankful prayer to the lord for the wealth he had bestowed upon him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Return to\u00a0Preserving their Legacy Home Page<\/a><\/p>\n
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\nGood Things to Come<\/a><\/p>\n
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