{"id":46872,"date":"2003-12-26T14:48:35","date_gmt":"2003-12-26T19:48:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46872"},"modified":"2026-07-31T09:07:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T13:07:37","slug":"to-face-the-past-part-ii-by-lau","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46872","title":{"rendered":"To Face the Past – Part II (by Lau)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Story Summary:\u00a0 This time it\u00b4s Molly\u00b4s turn to face her past.
\n<\/span>Rating:\u00a0 PG
\nWords:\u00a0 20,330<\/p>\n

To Face the Past Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Part I<\/a>
\nPart II<\/a>
\nPart III<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

The Brandsters have included this story by this author in our project: Preserving 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

\n

To Face the Past – Part II<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0~~ ONE\u00a0 ~~\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright silently gave silent thanks that winter was getting to its end.\u00a0 It had been one of the coldest and cruelest winters he could remember. A terrible snowstorm harassed Virginia City and its surroundings for almost two weeks causing lots of troubles.\u00a0 In a matter of hours a thick white carpet covered every inch of roads and land and the ranchers were forced to remain locked in their own houses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben came out of the house carrying a cup of coffee in his right hand. In a few weeks spring would arrive and the weather was getting warmer as days passed. Ben scanned the yard smiling as he contemplated the trees and the flowers beginning to bloom. It\u2019s so nice to see colors around here he thought as he remembered the surroundings of the house covered with white.\u00a0 Ben sipped his coffee and walked to the table placed at the porch.\u00a0 He sat and took a deep breath enjoying the silence, broken only from time to time by the singing of the birds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His thoughts turned towards his boys.\u00a0 Since the snowstorm passed, they were busy repairing the damages caused by the bad weather.\u00a0 At first they took care of the barn, the stable and the corral.\u00a0 The three of them working together after being locked in at home for so long, was too much for them, and problems were quick to arise. Joe and Adam had been on edge spoiling for a fight most of the time, and the tension increased from the strain around the house.\u00a0 Joe struggled to accept Adam\u2019s return as he had when Adam returned from college.\u00a0 Once again, he discovered a different man than the one who had left them years ago.\u00a0 Ben sighed.\u00a0 Maybe he was also frustrated because he was not able to help Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam.\u00a0 During the last months, his eldest son was buried in his thoughts most of the time and nearly talked to none of them.\u00a0 Except when Joseph pushed him into an argument.\u00a0 Ben shook his head.\u00a0 He could bet that Adam was analyzing what he had said that night at the barn and it was hard for him to admit that sharing his feelings with his family was the best for him.\u00a0 Slowly, after many years of loneliness, Adam was learning to trust his feelings with the family again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was aware that Adam\u2019s behavior was increasing Joe\u2019s anger and frustration.\u00a0 Fortunately I have Hoss to help me handle those two.\u00a0 Ben thought about his huge son and frowned as he realized that Hoss\u00b4s gentle sweet nature had been slowly covered by a shadow of weariness. Poor Hoss, I guess he\u2019s getting tired of being the peacemaker between that pair.\u00a0 Ben realized while he sipped his coffee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It had been a hard winter for all of them and Ben and Molly needed their peace as well. So when the weather got better, he sent the three boys to attend to different matters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was repairing the north fence. Ben had decided to send him to spend a few days on his own.\u00a0 It could help Adam to camp while he mended the fence.\u00a0 A few days alone will give him the chance to get in good terms with himself. He is going to be fine, I know.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss was repairing the south fence.\u00a0 Even Hoss had been affected by the tense atmosphere of the house and needed to be away from his brothers. Nothing better for him than being surrounded by Nature and our beautiful land.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe. Ben sighed and smiled as he thought about his youngest. Joe needed to get out of the house and away from the ranch more than anyone. For him, being confined to the ranch for so long was almost asphyxiating. He was losing the ability to control his temper. Joe was in Sacramento attending a lumber contract.\u00a0 After Adam\u2019s departure, Joe took his brother\u2019s place attending meetings and dealing contracts.\u00a0 He became a smart businessman and Ben was proud of his little boy. He is a man already, he remind himself. Well he will always be my little boy. Ben smiled. That contract was a good excuse to send him to spend a week in Sacramento, where Joe could certainly enjoy himself. He will have some fun in Sacramento.\u00a0 Ben thought and finished his coffee.\u00a0\u00a0 A few more days here and I don\u2019t know if anyone could bear it.\u00a0 Ben shook his head and took a deep breath as he realized that springtime was arriving on time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Matt ran out of the house and smiled as he saw his grandpa at the porch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Hey grandpa\u201d the boy said sweetly amusingly. \u201c Are we going to Virginia City?\u201d he demanded. \u201c Remember you promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben left the cup on the table and lifted his grandson.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Of course I remember,\u201d he said gently. \u201c You know, I sent your father to work away so I can spend these days with you.\u00a0 How many days do we have left ahead of us?\u201d he asked with a smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Daddy will be here in two days,\u201d Matt answered with intelligently. Ben smiled as Matt\u2019s face reminded him about the little boy that was by his side while he was crossing the country following his dream.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes baby, your daddy will be here on Saturday,\u201d Ben said and kissed his cheek.\u00a0 \u201c He must be missing you a lot. Are you missing him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yeah.\u00a0 But I\u2019m having a very good time with you and Molly\u201d he told him with a huge smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Let\u2019s go to Virginia City.\u00a0 Roy told me that he has a surprise waiting for you\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Really?\u201d Matt asked with wide opened eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Really\u201d Ben answered and laughed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben left Matt on the ground and hand-by-hand they walked into the house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~~ TWO ~~<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking advantages of Ben and Matt\u2019s trip to Virginia City, Molly rode Handsome, her horse, towards the lake. It was a wonderful day for a ride.\u00a0 The sun shone up in the clean sky. The Ponderosa\u2019s pines waved rhythmically as if they were dancing with the fresh breeze that spread the delicate scent of the trees and wild flowers.\u00a0 Handsome\u00b4s gallop and the awaking of Nature were the only sounds that broke the silence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mentally Molly thanked Ben for taking Matt to Virginia City with him, so she could face her deepest feelings.\u00a0 She knew Ben realized that she needed to do so. Molly smiled as she thought about Matt.\u00a0 Matthew Cartwright would be four years old in less than three months.\u00a0 He was becoming a quick smart boy who needed to be watched; otherwise he could disappear with great ease. Molly smiled while she wondered how Ben would manage to attend his business and kept an eye on his grandson at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly arrived at the lake.\u00a0 She took a deep breath and dismounted Handsome. She tied her horse to a branch and moved near the shore.\u00a0 She sat on the edge of a rock and scanned the place, feeling that she was visiting a grave; her grave, because in a certain way her past life had died there.\u00a0 She could feel the tears gathering in her eyes and she didn\u2019t try to contain them.\u00a0 Every year, on the anniversary of her arrival at the Ponderosa, the same thing happened. Molly narrowed her eyes and looked at the woods where Hoss had found her four years ago, and during all that time not even a single memory came to her. However she showed the Cartwrights that she had overcome what happened to her, but deep in her soul she was sad regarding her lack of memories and the realization that she didn\u2019t even know who she really was.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As years had passed Molly forced herself to believe that there was nothing good to remember. So her mind pushed her to accept the opportunity that destiny was giving her to build a new life.\u00a0 Molly dropped her face into her hands and allowed herself to cry. Always the same, year after year.\u00a0 She stopped crying, as she had no more tears.\u00a0 She took a deep breath and wiped her face with both hands.\u00a0 Molly straightened and scanned the beautiful view letting a sad smile appear on her lips.\u00a0 All she could see reminded her about the Cartwrights, and how much she loved them.\u00a0 Ben with his wise words, his soft caring voice and those velvet tender eyes easily pushed away all her fears and distress.\u00a0 Then, there was Hoss, the one that saved her life.\u00a0 The giant man with huge gentle heart, comforting blue eyes and sweet smile.\u00a0 And Little Joe.\u00a0 He was the one that cheered her up, making her laugh with his witty comments and suggestions.\u00a0 Joe was so full of life that she couldn\u2019t avoid getting caught up by his charm and passionate way of living.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly knew they considered her part of their family.\u00a0 The three of them had given her the support and the strength she needed to go on with her life. As Ben treated her as the daughter he never had and Joe and Hoss kept an eye on her as if she was their little princess.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thinking about them Molly felt that bitterness turned into blessedness.\u00a0 But her smile disappeared as she thought about the other member of the family.\u00a0 Adam Cartwright was something quite different and Molly couldn\u2019t think about him the same way.\u00a0 She had her own share of suffering regarding Adam. Once more, she remembered that morning when he had kissed her. Molly kept the memory in her heart as a treasure, but her illusions fell apart day by day as long as Adam treated her as if nothing had ever happened between them.\u00a0 Molly sighed as she remembered what she felt surrounded by his strong arms; the trembling, when their lips met and how her heart melted when he looked into her eyes.\u00a0 For a brief moment she had felt his love, his passion and she allowed herself to dream.\u00a0 She had waited hopefully for his approach; a word, a glance or something to let her know that he cared, but instead, Adam was far more distant than ever and it was very painful for her to realize that she had misunderstood him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201c Stop it\u201d Molly ordered herself feeling the tears gathering in her eyes again, while she forced herself to remember Adam telling her that he would never love her.\u00a0 \u201c Of course he used charming words to say it,\u201d Molly said sadly, but the message was the same. Molly bit her lower lip as a chill crossed her heart.\u00a0 She knew perfectly well that she had to stop thinking about Adam Cartwright, and that loving him would only cause her more suffering.\u00a0 I can\u2019t go on thinking about Adam as if he is the only man around here, she thought as she wiped the tears that finally fell.\u00a0 Turn the page Molly\u2026\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly took a deep breath, feeling the lump in his throat grow. She had to think about something. Maybe I have to turn my attention to other men she wondered. She raised her eyes and watched the lake dreamily. She remembered that Joe had told her that the owners of the hotel organized a Ball to honor an illustrated painter that was staying in Virginia City. \u201c Maybe\u2026\u201d she wondered, but she knew that it would be hard to take Adam out of her heart and soul, and Molly wasn\u2019t sure that she really wanted that to happen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly rose and walked towards Handsome.\u00a0 She mounted her horse and started on her way back to the ranch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~~ THREE~~<\/span><\/p>\n

It was getting dark when Adam finally reached home.\u00a0 As he saw the house a smile appeared on his lips.\u00a0 How wonderful is to know that my family is waiting for me behind that door, he thought feeling himself alive.\u00a0 He was pretty tired and his entire body was aching after three nights sleeping on the ground. He could barely sleep because of the cold and the uncomfortable bedroll. I guess I\u2019m unused to this; I didn\u2019t sleep on the ground for years. But those nights with the stars as the only company gave Adam the opportunity to think and face his feelings. He forced himself to think about the strange meeting at the barn.\u00a0 It was difficult for him to understand how he could lose his usual self-control.\u00a0 It was also hard to believe, even to himself that he had so much hidden inside.\u00a0 He had never though about it before that but as soon as the words came out of his mouth, he recognized his feelings and also realized that his beaten angry soul took advantage of his weakness and was speaking out loud, out of control. Most of what he had said that night was true and after sharing it with his family, he was feeling much better.\u00a0 In fact, he was feeling good.\u00a0 Adam was fully aware that his family was being extremely patient with him; even Joe struggled to control his temper.\u00a0 Adam knew perfectly well that above his typical disagreements with his little brother. This time Joe was angry only because he couldn\u2019t find the way to help him.\u00a0 Adam knew it and he reminded himself that he had to talk with Joe; he owed him that.\u00a0\u00a0 He also thought about Molly, her presence in the house still disturbed him very much, but in a different way.\u00a0 That morning, when he kissed her, he had felt the attraction and he couldn\u2019t resist it. He had kissed her and lost himself in their kisses. But that was love?, he wondered. He was not sure yet and he was not ready to jeopardize himself. Everything is fine this way. Step by step, Adam. Don\u2019t spoil it off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He dismounted Sport and tied him to the front post.\u00a0 He glanced at the door eagerly and smiled.\u00a0 His thoughts were full of Matt\u2019s face at that moment and he couldn\u2019t wait to have his son in his arms.\u00a0 He had missed him so much that he wondered how his Pa handled his feelings when he left his little boys in order to built his dream of The Ponderosa. A case of need I guess. Never mind, I want to see my son now.\u00a0 Adam strode across the porch and opened the door abruptly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe were playing one of their usual checkers matches, when Adam came in.\u00a0 They both turned at him as soon as they heard the door opening.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Hey Adam you finally arrived, man,\u201d said Joe with teasing tone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben approached his eldest son from his desk.\u00a0 He slapped Adam\u2019s shoulder and noticed the dust that came from his shirt.\u00a0 Adam greeted him and glanced around the main room eagerly.\u00a0 Ben smiled knowing what he was looking for and told him that Matt was in the kitchen helping Hop Sing and Molly with the dinner. Adam\u2019s smile grew and after thanked his father, he strode towards the kitchen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A couple of minutes later he came back to the main room carrying Matt in his arms.\u00a0 The boy dropped his head against Adam\u2019s shoulder and with one hand caressed his father\u2019s dark hair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Did you behave yourself?\u201d was asking Adam while he moved towards the blue chair. Matt smiled and nodded with proudly expression while his little hand caressed Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201c Are you sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Sure daddy. Ask Grandpa\u201d Matt suggested with wide-open eyes.\u00a0 He turned at Ben with anxious gaze. \u201c Tell him Grandpa. Yesterday you said that I was a good boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You are a wonderful boy\u201d replied Ben and winked to Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Matt nodded satisfied and looked at his father with angelic expression.\u00a0 Adam laughed openly and hugged him full of love.\u00a0 Something scraped Matt\u2019s cheek and the boy frowned puzzled. He studied his father\u2019s features and noticed the dark shadow that covered most of his face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Daddy, what happen to your face?\u201d he asked puzzled. \u201c Why is so scratchy and dark?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Well, that\u2019s because I couldn\u2019t shave myself for almost five days.\u201d Adam explained tenderly. He rubbed his face and grinned. He lowered his eyes and looked at Matt arching one eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201c Do you like it this way?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c No. It\u2019s ugly,\u201d Matt answered and twisted his mouth. \u201cI never saw you like this before.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam laughed as he agreed with his son.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Son, why don\u2019t you wash yourself\u201d Ben suggested softly. \u201c Dinner will be ready soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded and looked at Matt smiling.\u00a0 \u201c Do you want to come with me so you can tell me what you have done with Grandpa and Molly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Sure daddy\u201d Matt answered while he clung on his father\u2019s neck.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and his youngest sons watched them climbed the stairs with tender eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c How nice is to see him smiling again\u201d thought Ben aloud.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss turned their attention to Ben and smiled.\u00a0 They both knew how concerned he was about Adam and how deeply their older brother\u2019s words had touched him.<\/span><\/p>\n

An hour later, Adam and Matt appeared at the top of the staircase.\u00a0 Hand in hand, father and son came down, still talking about Matt\u2019s activities during the past days.\u00a0 Adam was wearing a black shirt and a pair of black clean trousers.\u00a0 Although he hadn\u2019t shaved himself he looked neat.<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as they reached the main room, Adam glanced around and noticed that the table was ready for dinner.\u00a0 I\u2019m starving. I certainly missed my bed and Hop Sings\u00b4s dishes. He smiled and watched Matt ran towards his uncles who were playing checkers.\u00a0 He frowned as he noticed that Joe and Hoss were wearing their best suits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Where are you going?\u201d he asked while he sat on his blue chair and crossed his legs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c We are going to a ball,\u201d Hoss answered with wide-open smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised one eyebrow and scanned Hoss\u00b4s face puzzled. \u201c You look real happy Hoss, what\u2019s up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c He is going with Molly, that\u2019s why he is happy, isn\u2019t it Uncle Hoss?\u201d Matt said as he glanced at Hoss with intelligent eyes. Hoss nodded and ruffled his nephew\u2019s hair.\u00a0 Adam frowned wondering if he was missing something.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c She asked Hoss,\u201d commented Joe amusingly. \u201c Today she bought an incredible dress, Hoss. You are going to be the envy of the Ball.\u201d Hoss laughed and nodded again proudly. Joe turned at Adam. \u201c Do you want to come with us brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c No way,\u201d Adam answered sharply. \u201c Tonight I want to stay home with Matt and sleep without interruption.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Hey Hoss, our older brother is getting old,\u201d said Joe teasingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Wait till I have some sleep, little brother,\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing that shouting called the Cartwrights to dinner interrupting the conversation.\u00a0 Adam was the first one that stood up and walked towards the table carrying Matt in his arms. Ben and the boys followed him a few steps behind.\u00a0 Adam seated Matt on his chair and began to fill his son\u2019s plate with food. Suddenly the boy jumped from his chair. \u201c Look Molly, daddy is here\u201d he shouted and ran to her. \u201c Wow Molly you are pretty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The four men turned at her.\u00a0 Joe whistled marveled and elbowed Hoss.\u00a0 They exchanged glances.\u00a0 Ben smiled, pleased and nodded.\u00a0 Adam stared at her speechlessly as Molly took his breath away.\u00a0 My God, he thought as he could feel a trembling inside.\u00a0 Molly was wearing a terrific green velvet dress that made her look incredibly sensual.\u00a0 And Molly in that dress made Adam\u2019s blood boil and his heart became a volcano ready to erupt.\u00a0 His eyes briefly met Molly\u2019s, but he turned them away noticing a sudden quickening on his pulse.\u00a0 What the hell is happening to me, Adam wondered as his heart began to beat faster. Once more, he remembered what he felt when he had kissed her, and at that moment he wanted to kiss her again. Calm down Cartwright, he ordered himself and turned his attention back to Matt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Hi Adam, I didn\u2019t know you have already arrived,\u201d Molly said while she passed next to him and gently touched his shoulder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Hi Molly, \u201d answered Adam with a warm smile. \u201c You look very good in that dress.\u00a0 Hoss told me that you are going to a Ball with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly smiled at him and nodded while she sat next to Hoss.\u00a0 Molly glanced around the table and noticed that all of them were staring at her. \u201c What is it?\u201d she asked charmingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You are incredibly beautiful, dear,\u201d Ben said tenderly and fatherly as he passed a platter meal to Joe. \u201c Hoss you are going to have a tough time keeping suitors in on line.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Unless Molly wants it the other way,\u201d Joe commented in a teasing way, a crooked smile appeared in his face.\u00a0 He finished filling his plate and passed the platter to Hoss. \u201c Why don\u2019t you just tell us Molly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Well, Joe now that you mention it,\u201d she began saying and paused only to glance around the table.\u00a0 Matt and Adam were looking at her puzzled, while Hoss and Joe smiled amusingly. \u201c I want you to introduce me to your friends,\u201d she said with mischievous look. \u00a8 I don\u2019t want to be single all my life. I want to have my own family.\u201d Molly paused as a dreamy expression covered her face. \u201c Husband and children. I think its time to think about it, don\u2019t you think so?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Excuse me, what is she talking about, he thought while he sipped his wine. Stay aside Adam, but what the hell is happening here, he wondered without raising his eyes from his food. I was away for four days and she is thinking about a husband. One, two, three. Calm down Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I think I have wasted enough time waiting,\u201d Molly was saying. She paused and sipped her wine. \u201c I\u2019m tired of waiting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam felt his annoyance turned into jealousy. Four, five, six. Calm down Cartwright, she is inviting you to step in. Step aside. Seven, eight, nine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s snort caught the attention of everyone at the table. Joe and Hoss looked at him wondering what he had in mind. Molly frowned and stared at him confused. \u201c What is it Adam?\u201d she asked childishly and looked at him innocently. Well done, Adam. You are in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I cannot believe that you are looking for a husband,\u201d he said with sarcasm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201c May I ask you why not, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d she asked dry and ironically. She took her wineglass and sipped her wine hiding her feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You simply cannot go out and seek a husband,\u201d Adam replied and she noticed a touch of irony in his voice. \u201c Don\u2019t waste you time. You\u2019ll know when the real man appears just in front of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly\u2019s eyes were fixed on Adam\u2019s face \u201c Maybe, but I have wasted enough time waiting that man. You are the last one I met,\u201d she answered defiantly. Adam was feeling uncomfortable with her comment, and was about to say something, but she didn\u2019t allow him to do it. \u201c Anyway Adam, if I remain locked here all my life, I will never find someone\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam studied her face for a couple of seconds, and then fixed his eyes on his plate.\u00a0 \u201c Don\u2019t say I didn\u2019t warn you.\u00a0 It\u2019s your life Molly,\u201d he finally said. I don\u2019t want to have this kind of conversation right now.\u00a0 She is going to the Ball with Hoss, no harm about it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Oh come on Adam, you are my friend. Help me with this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Help you with what?\u201d he asked without hiding his annoyance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c To get a husband of course,\u201d she answered and glanced around.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I cannot help you with that,\u201d he said unpleasantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here they go again. Ben took his wineglass and sipped his wine while he analyzed the situation.\u00a0 Molly and Adam were having their own conversation as if they were alone in the horse and their words were full of hidden messages.\u00a0 Ben looked at her from the corner of his eyes.\u00a0 Molly was an open book to him and he could read in each line of her sweet face how deeply in love she was with his eldest son.\u00a0 It was neither difficult to him to realize that she struggled to stop thinking about Adam.\u00a0 However she seemed to be confident with what she was doing, Ben was no so sure of it. Poor Molly, why didn\u2019t she fell in love with another man? Adam was far from being in any condition to face any kind of relationship yet. In fact it had been a long time since he could open himself up to his family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had his attention back to his supper.\u00a0 He was tired and wanted to share the rest of the evening with his son.\u00a0 He glanced at Matt and frowned as he noticed that his son was getting upset.\u00a0 He leaned towards him and tenderly asked him what was happening to him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I wanna go to bed,\u201d he said and Adam noticed that his voice had an edge of anger.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Come here,\u201d said Adam gently. He took Matt by his arms and seated him on his lap.\u00a0 Matt shifted against his father\u2019s body and placed his thumb in his mouth. \u201c Do you want to stay in my bed till you fall asleep?\u201d Matt\u2019s face lit up with a smile. Then nodded and stared at his father happily. Adam smiled and caressed Matt\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201c And tomorrow, we may go to have lunch by the lake.\u00a0 Just you and me. Would you like that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yeah\u201d shouted Matt and clung to Adam\u2019s neck. \u201c I want you to sing me a song.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rose with Matt in his arms.\u00a0 He smiled and he felt Matt\u2019s hand caressing his face. Gently he kissed his son\u2019s forehead. \u201c Say goodnight to everybody.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Matt turned to address them waving his little hand saying goodnight.\u00a0 His face showed clearly how happy he was.\u00a0 Adam walked towards the staircase and was about to climb, when Ben told him that he would wait for him so they could talk about the damages at the north fence.\u00a0 Adam nodded while Matt abruptly turned angry eyes to his grandpa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c No Grandpa,\u201d he shouted full of indignation. \u201c You said that you had sent daddy away so you can be with me.\u00a0 Now I want to be with him.\u201d Matt said angry and annoyed.\u00a0 His little hand caressed Adam\u2019s face.\u201c That\u2019s not fair.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stared at him with astonishment. He could not reckon letting his own sons shout at him that way, far less being younger than four years old. What a temper, he thought. Matt was clearly upset. One of his little hands gripped Adam\u2019s shirt tightly and the other was around his father\u2019s neck. He scowled and rolled his eyes around angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What did I tell you about that scowl, Matt\u201d said Adam clearly angry. \u201c I don\u2019t want to hear again that you address neither grandpa, nor your uncles or Molly that way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Sorry daddy, but I want to be with you. I miss you,\u201d said Matt with a childish, pleading voice and hid his face against Adam\u2019s neck. Adam thought that he would begin to cry, but instead Matt raised his head back and looked at his grandpa, giving him his best smile. \u201c Sorry Grandpa, I love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Matt, you are a blackmailer,\u201d Adam said with disbelief. \u201c Where do you learn that behavior?\u201d Matt did not answer the question. He leaned Adam\u2019s shoulder and closed his eyes. \u201c Good night everybody,\u201d he said as they went upstairs. \u201c Have a nice time at the Ball.\u201d\u00a0 Adam briefly stopped at the top of the stair and turned to give his father an amused look. \u201c See you tomorrow Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head with seriousness and slowly let a smile appeared on his lips as his heart nearly melted by his grandson words.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss laughed out loud teasing their father.\u00a0 Little by little the laughter decreased and all of them commented about how jealous Matt was regarding Adam\u2019s attention.\u00a0 Hoss snorted with amusement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Definitely his Adam\u2019s boy.\u00a0 Like his father he knows perfectly well where to touch when he is in trouble,\u201d Ben said and snorted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I love to watch them talking or staring at each other,\u201d commented Molly with tenderness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yeah, I know what you mean Sis,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cThere is so much love in Adam\u2019s eyes when he looks at Matt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201c Adam\u2019s eyes can say a lot if you know how to look\u201d Ben added as he glanced at Hoss with emotion. Joe and Hoss nodded, knowing what their father meant. \u201cHe can be so sensitive.\u201d And this time all of them realized that he was thinking out loud, happy to have his real Adam back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly was in her own world.\u00a0 She was not paying attention on what the Cartwrights were saying. Although she was thinking about Adam, her thoughts were addressing her own feelings regarding Adam.\u00a0 After the scene she had witnessed, she realized that she would never be able to find a man that inspired her the way he did.\u00a0\u00a0 Beyond the loving, tender man she had discovered many months ago, she now saw another Adam.\u00a0 He could also be a caring devoted father; capable of anything only to see Matt\u2019s face lit up with a smile. I want him. Nobody could replace him. Stop it Molly.\u00a0 She couldn\u2019t handle her feelings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Let\u2019s go or we\u2019ll be late,\u201d Joe said while he left his napkin next to his plate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I\u2019ll go for my shawl,\u201d she said trying to sound confident. \u201c I\u2019ll meet you outside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

~~ FOUR ~~<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam came into his room thankful that the day was finished. Slowly he got undressed until he was completely naked and lay down in his bed. He turned the lamp down, having no interest in reading that night. He shifted his head against the pillow and closed his eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He fell into a vivid dream.\u00a0 He saw himself walking through a narrow street in Paris, hand in hand with Molly.\u00a0 One of the bridges that crossed the Sienna River appeared in front of him.\u00a0 He ran with her upon the middle of the bridge. Kiss me my love; she said eagerly, it brings luck. He took her in his arms with desperation and kissed her madly, struggling to keep in his soul all the sensation that the contact of their lips produced.\u00a0 We are alive Adam, remember that my love.\u00a0 We are free as the wind, only you and me. We don\u2019t need anybody else. Adam felt his body vibrate and his soul delight with the willing kiss.\u00a0 Slowly he stepped back and delicately moved the hair that hid her face with his fingers.\u00a0 He gazed into her eyes, her smile.\u00a0 Molly\u2018s smiling face was staring at him. \u201c Sorry friend, I have wasted enough time with you. I need to find a husband now. Bye Adam,\u201d she said and ran away from him. A group of men surrounded her at the end of the bridge.\u00a0 They grinned at him while they led Molly off of the bridge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam awoke startled and soaked with sweat.\u00a0 He felt a knot in his throat and a disturbance deep in his soul.\u00a0 He left the bed and walked around his room, the sensation of the dream remained within him and slowly the knot of his throat spread to his stomach.\u00a0 He took several deep breaths seeking to calm himself down.\u00a0 He had crossed those bridges a lot of times with Karen, his wife when they were in Paris. And he could not understand how Molly could so easily alter his own memories. Adam frowned while he rubbed his jaw wondering about her. Molly\u2019s image was fixed in his mind and he didn\u2019t fight against it this time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Don\u2019t fool yourself Adam, you know perfectly well that you are jealous.\u00a0 Molly didn\u2019t choose you this time. In fact she told you that she was tired of waiting. Adam shook his head and went back to bed. But couldn\u2019t sleep. He stared at the window as he wondered how strong her determination to find a husband was.\u00a0 I\u2019m not ready for that yet.\u00a0 Adam frowned. He was confused as a revolution took place inside.\u00a0 He shook his head with exasperation. He closed his eyes and tried to go back to sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam awoke a couple of minutes after dawn.\u00a0 He was feeling better after sleeping in his warm comfortable bed. He had the feeling that he had dreamed about Molly, but he could not remember the dream. He shifted against his pillow and closed his eyes trying to go back to sleep but couldn\u2019t. Adam sat up and after moving his neck on both sides, he left the bed. He stretched his arms and yawned.\u00a0 Nothing compared to my own bed, he thought, hope Pa does not send me to camp for a while He moved to his dresser and looked at his image in the mirror. What do we have here, he wondered and grimaced. You look awful Adam.\u00a0 He took the trousers that were over the chair next to the window and pulled them on. Afterwards he moved to his cupboard and looked for clean clothes.\u00a0 With the boots still in his hands he left the room eagerly anticipating a bath and shave.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After the long night\u2019s rest, the hot bath and the shave, Adam was feeling like a new man.\u00a0\u00a0 He went back to his room grateful for not meeting a member of the family yet. He had always enjoyed this time of the morning as the house was in complete silence allowing him to enjoy the paper, drinking a cup of coffee in peace.\u00a0 He watched his image in the mirror and smiled pleased with what he saw.\u00a0 In a certain way, Adam felt that he was beginning a new stage in his life, as he remembered the whole dream and how real it had seemed. He sighed. \u2018 You are getting old and sentimental, Adam\u2019 he spoke to the image in front of him. He left the room thinking about the cup of coffee that he wanted to have.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The main room was deserted, but Hop Sing had the table ready for breakfast. Adam smelled the fresh coffee and walked towards the kitchen. He came back to the dining room a couple of minutes later, carrying the coffeepot and filled his cup, whistling.\u00a0 Then he picked up the paper that Hop Sing had already placed beside Ben\u2019s cup and buried himself in the news.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had most of the paper read when he heard footsteps coming from the upper floor. He turned and saw his Pa coming downstairs followed closely by Hoss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Good morning son,\u201d said Ben and slapped Adam\u2019s shoulder as he passed next to him. \u201c Did you sleep well?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes, Pa thanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You looked like hell yesterday, brother\u201d commented Hoss with a kind smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c That\u2019s exactly how I was feeling as well as exhausted,\u201d Adam said. He snorted while he passed the coffeepot to his father. \u201c Don\u2019t mention it to Joe, but I barely slept in that bedroll,\u201d he said with a grin. \u201c Man, I haven\u2019t slept on the ground for years, I forgot how uncomfortable it could be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I heard you big brother,\u201d said Joe with amusement. He strode across the main room and slapped Adam\u2019s back while he giggled. \u201c Hoss, I told you big brother here is getting old.\u201d Adam shook his head but let a smile appeared in his face. \u201cDon\u2019t forget about our bet, Adam,\u201d said Joe with mischievousness as he struggled to contain the laughers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Oh, you are right Joe. I forget about that myself. Adam was the last one,\u201d Hoss said joining his brother against Adam. \u201c You\u2019ll have extra work this week big brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss laughed out loud.\u00a0 Adam twisted his mouth and arrogantly raise done eyebrow while he filled his plate with eggs and bacon. He glanced at Hoss and Joe and grinned. \u201c You are having a good time, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Both of them nodded and their laughter became noisier than before.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stared at them happily as he tried to remember the last time that the three of them shared a moment of laughter. Adam\u2019s bright eyes met Ben\u2019s gaze and he winked to his father showing him that he was fine.\u00a0 Ben smiled back letting him know that he knew.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Good morning family,\u201d said Molly from the bottom of the staircase.\u00a0 She yawned while she crossed the main room towards them.\u00a0 After greeting all she sat in her place next to Ben.\u00a0 He looked at Molly with a smile and poured a cup of coffee for her.\u00a0 She nodded gratefully while she placed the napkin over her lap.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c How was that Ball?\u201d Ben asked anxiously.\u00a0 Molly shook her head and leaning an elbow upon the table she dropped her face in the palm of her hand. \u201c What is that supposed to mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c It happened that Tom Sander wanted to monopolize Molly,\u201d Joe began saying dedicating a grimace to Molly. \u201c But as soon as we entered into the main room, she was surrounded by men and Tom tried to defend her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I didn\u2019t need Tom to defend me,\u201d protested Molly while she straightened and looked at Joe. \u201c Nobody was bothering me. They were being very kind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c But what happened?\u201d Ben wanted to know not understanding what Molly and Joe were saying.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I\u2019m going to explain it to you Pa, \u201c Hoss replied with smiling face. \u201c Tom ruined the Ball. As soon as Molly came into the room, Tom approached her as well as Marc Wells followed by John Carson and many others surrounded Molly.\u00a0 Marc asked Molly the first dance but before she could answer, Tom threw a right cross to Marc\u2019s jaw and he landed against a group of ladies that were talking in one corner.\u00a0 Their escorts got mad and they jumped on Tom. That was the beginning and the place became a true mess in a matter of minutes. \u201c\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly shook her head while she told Ben how ashamed she felt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Of course, most of them ended up in jail,\u201d added Joe with amusement and turned his eyes to Molly. \u201c You also gave a lot of work to poor Roy Coffee, my dear Molly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly shook her head full of shame as she felt her cheeks turned pink.\u00a0 It was so embarrassing to watch them punch each other because of her. But it was far worse to realize that everybody there knew that she was the reason of the fight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c It seems that we cannot let you go out,\u201d commented Adam with irony. She raised her eyes and looked at him with disgust.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cMind your own business, will you\u201d Molly replied sharply, while she noticed that his lips formed a teasing smile. \u201c You ought to have come to the Ball and faced your matters there, my dear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Excuse me,\u201d said Adam arching one eyebrow with surprised. \u201c I didn\u2019t have any business at that Ball.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Indeed you have,\u201d was Molly\u2019s quick replied. \u201c Let me tell you that one of these days you\u2019ll have to appear yourself in Virginia City and face all your women,\u201d Molly finally said as she grinned at him. Adam\u2019s face became dark and he looked at her with disgust. \u201c Don\u2019t look at me that way. I\u2019m fed up of those snakes, because if I did not have enough with Marc and Tom, I also have to put up with Mary Ann Wilson, Peggy Steward and I think that the other was called Sarah something.\u201d Molly paused irked. \u201c All of them asking about you, my dear Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam did not reply. He simply fixed his eyes on Molly\u2019s.\u00a0 Joe stared at them amused, knowing that his brother and Molly were about to start one of their usual battles. All they needed was a soft push, so he winked to Hoss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What did they want?\u201d Joe asked with naive expression and glanced at Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam straightened in his chair and was on guard as soon as he heard his brother\u2019s question.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c They want your brother of course Joe. All of them wanted to be Mrs. Adam Cartwright,\u201d commented Molly with annoyance. She sipped her coffee and looked at Adam over her cup.\u00a0 He had his dark distrustful gaze on her.\u00a0 Easy Adam, she is having a good time with you.\u00a0 \u201c Well, maybe you\u2019d like to know that I told those ladies that they could come and have dinner with us one of these days,\u201d she said and raised the corner of her lips. \u201c One at a time, of course.\u201d\u00a0 Molly paused and calmly turned her attention to Ben, who was having a good time with the conversation. Molly winked at him\u00a0 \u201cIs there any problem Ben. \u201c\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c No darling. It\u2019s a wonderful idea,\u201d said Ben and laughed out loud.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head without being able to believe it. He glanced around the table only to notice that all of them were having a good time teasing him.\u00a0 Here turned his look to Molly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Done. I\u2019ll make all the arrangements for next Friday\u201d she commented and rose. \u201c Will that work for you, dear?\u201d she asked addressing Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201c You know Molly, I was in my best mood this morning,\u201d Adam said dryly. \u201c But you have the art to change it.\u201d He paused while he cleaned his mouth with his napkin.\u00a0 \u201c And please stop calling me dear, will you\u201d said Adam with exasperation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes, I guess you are right. I don\u2019t think those snakes like to hear me refer to you that way,\u201d she said from the middle of the hallway. \u201cThey are not very friendly with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Stop you two,\u201d Ben said laughing. \u201c Molly, give him a break.\u201d\u00a0 Ben turned to Adam and noticed that his son was uncomfortable. \u201c By the way, Adam there was a package with books for you. They arrived a week ago, but you didn\u2019t pick them up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c How could I forget about it\u201d Adam said shaking his head.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You have a lot on your mind,\u201d commented Molly sarcastically coming back from the kitchen. \u201c May Ann, Peggy, Sarah and who knows how many others.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe broke out laughing.\u00a0 What the hell? Don\u2019t let her win Adam. Adam raised his eyes as his annoyance turned into anger. \u201c You know, I think that you are jealous,\u201d said Adam tired of her comments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Moi? No way\u201d she replied with challenge. \u201c I\u2019m far better than those snakes. A pity you did not notice that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was about to rise and reply, but Ben stopped him raising his hand. \u201cIt\u2019s enough, \u201c Ben said seriously, as the conversation became a bit harsh. He turned to Molly first. \u201c Molly leave Adam in peace for a while.\u201d She raised both hands in surrender and nodded. Ben turned to Adam. \u201c Why don\u2019 you go and wake Matt up,\u201d he suggested to his son. Adam took a deep breath and rose without saying another word. Ben shook his head and glanced at Joe and Hoss who were laughing loudly. \u201c Stop laughing and go to do your chores.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

~~ FIVE~~<\/span><\/p>\n

After two weeks of uninterrupted work repairing the damages caused by the hard winter, Ben Cartwright gave his hands the weekend off.\u00a0 Ben was aware that they deserved it, but he also wanted them fresh as well as rested to face the lumber contract Joe had signed in Sacramento.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike the other hands of the Ponderosa, Jeremy Wheeler did not want to remain in town. He had other plans. He had seen the three Cartwrights brother sharing a couple of beers in the Silver Dollar and he also knew that their father was attempting a meeting with his lawyer. That left Molly alone in the house and taking advantage of that Jeremy decided to go back to the ranch.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was a tall slender man, with crystalline gray eyes and blond hair.\u00a0 A childish smile seemed to play in his lips most of the time, which made him look even younger than his age. Only a year ago, Jeremy was on his way to Los Angeles, when his horse tumbled and lost one shoe. Therefore he had no alternative but to stop in Virginia City.\u00a0 He was dismounting his horse beside the Livery Stable when something grasped his attention. He narrowed his eyes to watch a lady who was talking with a young man. He fixed his eyes on her beautiful face as he had the feeling that he had seen her before, but he could not reckon where. He shrugged thinking that he might be confused. He had been traveling around the territory for years and met lot of beautiful ladies he could barely remember. Perhaps, she reminded me one of them, the thought.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After leaving his horse at the Livery Stable, Jeremy headed towards the canteen seeking a cold beer to refresh himself. As he entered the canteen, he saw the same young man he had seen with the lady talking to the bartender. Jeremy could not resist the intrigue and he managed to start a conversation with the young fellow.\u00a0 He easily learned that his name was Joseph Cartwright, the youngest son of the famous rancher, Ben Cartwright. Jeremy had heard a lot about the powerful Cartwrights and their huge Ponderosa. At that moment, Jeremy had a hunch and decided that his trip to Los Angeles could wait. Among beers, Jeremy mentioned that he was looking for a job and asked Joe Cartwright if there was something he could do at his ranch. It was his lucky day. The Cartwrights were hiring hands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeremy was very comfortable working at the Ponderosa. The pay was excellent and their boss a good man, but he did not want to stay because of that. He was there because of Molly.\u00a0 The longer he watched her, the more he thought he knew her from before. But, from where was the question that was eating him. Memories came back to him one morning and the realization shook him strongly.\u00a0 The first thing that crossed his mind was to pack his things and rush out of the Ponderosa as fast as he could. But after a second thought, he decided that there was something else that he could do.\u00a0 After months working under Ben Cartwright\u2019s orders, Jeremy was aware that his boss loved Molly as his own daughter, so if he conquered her and made her his wife, one-day part of the wealthy Ponderosa would be his. He would never allow her to remember, at least not before their wedding, because if she did, everything would be lost.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During the following months, Jeremy developed the art to pass unnoticed and moved around the house as a shadow. He followed her without being seen, studying each movement of her face and body, and learning each step of her unchanged routine. He was proud to know that nobody knew her better than him. Before his eyes she was vulnerable as he could destroy the harmony of her world whenever he wanted to do it. As Molly would be the key to a wealthy future, he played the gentle good man role to her and she bought it. Each time he could, Jeremy showed her how caring and attentive he was and Molly seemed to like him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His determination to marry her became an obsession and Jeremy found himself thinking about his plan night and day. Jeremy was ready to step into the second stage of his plan when the prodigal son came back home. Molly changed the moment Adam Cartwright walked into the big house. He watched her that afternoon, as he always did, and noticed the minimal change in her eyes. From that day onwards she never had time to talk to him as she had in the past.\u00a0 She was always too busy taking care of Adam Cartwright\u2019s son.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As months passed he heard a lot of rumors about Molly and the older Cartwright brother, but Jeremy did not believe them. A wonderful lady like she was could never be in love with such an arrogant man, he thought and hated Adam Cartwright for altering his plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeremy entered the yard and grinned when he saw her playing with Matthew Cartwright. He moved his horse near the stable where he dismounted. With the reins still in his hands, Jeremy moved closer to her and tied the horse to the corral. He turned at her while he took from his saddlebags a bouquet of flowers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I thought that all of you were staying in Virginia City till tomorrow evening,\u201d she said with kind soft voice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I was tired of that noisy city. I decided to come back here,\u201d Jeremy answered gently while he gave her the bouquet of flowers. \u201c This is for you Miss Molly. A little present for the unpleasant moment you had yesterday at the party,\u201d he said and the smile did not leave his face. Molly nodded as she took the flowers and stared at them delighted. \u201c It seemed that neither Tom nor Marc know how to treat a beautiful woman like you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You are very kind, Jeremy. Thanks for the flowers and the compliment,\u201d she replied with a huge smile while she took Matt by his hand. \u201c Do you want to have a cup of coffee with me?\u201d Jeremy nodded struggling to control his excitement. \u201c Let\u2019s go inside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile Molly went to the kitchen for the coffee and a vase for the flowers, Jeremy sat on the settee. He grinned as the realized that it had been easier than he had expected. He had waited for this moment for so long that he barely believed that he was inside the big house waiting for her. Jeremy nodded and glanced around the room wondering how it would be to be the owner of such a wonderful house. He never had a house of his own in his whole life. Soon, it will be soon, he thought and grinned.\u00a0 His look met Matt\u2019s suspicious eyes. Jeremy hated the boy as much as he hated his father.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Matt was seated on the blue chair studying the man.\u00a0 He did not like that other men came into the house to visit Molly.\u00a0 The boy was afraid that one of those men that showed so much interest in her would take Molly away from him.\u00a0 He decided that he would talk about it with his father as he always did when he needed to fix up something.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly came from the kitchen carrying a tray with two cups, the coffeepot and a glass of milk for Matt.\u00a0 She looked at Matt puzzled as she noticed a distrustful look on his little face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What\u2019s up Matt?\u201d she asked softly. Matt shook his head while he rose from the chair. He walked silently towards the staircase. \u201c Honey, don\u2019t you want your glass of milk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c No thanks, I\u2019ll go to play with my soldiers,\u201d he mumbled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c OK,\u201d she replied while she watched Matt climb the stairs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly placed the tray on the table and quickly filled two cups with coffee, while she asked Jeremy about his past life. So she is interested after all, Jeremy observed and the thought brought a smile to his lips. He took the cup she was offering and sipped the coffee. He glanced around with thoughtful expression making up his mind about his next words. He had to build up a good tale, but he was not nervous about it, he was real good on that. Jeremy leaned back feeling important, and crossed his legs. He told Molly about his early days in Denver as the little brother of five sons. He kept on talking for more than half an hour about his childhood, the ranch he had worked with his wife and how terrible it had been to lose her. Molly followed the story in silence, touched by the sad tone of his voice. She had never listened to him this way. And she was discovering a sensitive, attentive man, hardly beaten by a tough life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam came into the house and was surprised to find one of the hands having coffee with her. He did not like it and did not try to hide his annoyance. He left his hat in the hook and placed his gunbelt over the sideboard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Jeremy said rising abruptly. They shook hands firmly. \u201c I came to visit Molly. I want to show her that not all men are like Tom Sander and Marc Wells,\u201d he explained with a smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You don\u2019t have to explain anything to me,\u201d Adam commented dryly and gave a glance to Molly. \u201c Is there some coffee for me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201c Miss Molly, I\u2019ll be on my way,\u201d he said gently. He was feeling angry as Adam interrupted the wonderful moment he was having with Molly. \u201c It\u2019s late and I don\u2019t want to bother you anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly followed him to the main entrance. She opened the door and he started out the door but he stopped in the middle of the threshold and turned to her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Miss Molly, I was wondering if you\u2019ll accept a ride with me one of this days,\u201d he asked shyly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Well, I\u2019m actually very busy this days,\u201d she replied without knowing how to deny the invitation without being rude. \u201c But, as soon as I have a spare moment, I\u2019ll let you know, Jeremy. Thanks for the invitation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeremy nodded and glanced at Adam over his shoulder. \u201c Good evening, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he said and walked out of the house without waiting for Adam\u2019s reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly closed the door as soon as Jeremy left the house. She let herself fall back upon the door with relief. Although she had enjoyed his company, Molly did not want to have any kind of relationship with Jeremy. She straightened up and raised her eyes. Adam was staring at her with amusement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c If you have something to say, then say it,\u201d she said sharply.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I was wondering, why never crossed my mind to take you to a ride, not to mention bring you flowers,\u201d Adam commented with suggestive tone. \u201c Will you let me know when you are free for a ride?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Oh, so you are in your best mood this evening,\u201d she teased him while she walked back to the settee. He arched one eyebrow showing her that he was expecting an answer. \u201c Ok. I think I have sometime for you tomorrow,\u201d she answered as she sat on the settee facing him. Adam raised one corner of his lips while he nodded. \u201c Done. Here is your coffee?\u201d\u00a0 she said delivering the cup to him. \u201c Matt is upstairs. I\u2019m sure he is sleeping.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded and sipped his coffee. Molly placed the cups she and Jeremy had used over the tray and carried everything back to the kitchen. Adam could not take his eyes off her. He was tired and troubled. That afternoon when he was having some beers with his brothers at Silver Dollar, he had heard lots of men talking about her. He did not like it, nor did he like finding Jeremy Wheeler alone with her. He was beginning to realize how important she was for him and how jealous he was.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeremy entered the bunkhouse feeling the anger growing inside. He slammed a chair over and threw his hat against the wall. He was sure that Adam Cartwright had come back home knowing that she was alone in the house. Jeremy lay down in his cot and folded his arms behind his head. I have to think about something to stop that Cartwright, he thought. He was getting very angry. He could fell the rage surging as he imagined the different ways to stop that Cartwright.\u00a0 He grinned. He decided to wait, just a bit, he had always been a patient man.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~~SIX~~<\/span><\/p>\n

After dinner the family gathered around the fireplace. Although they were almost in spring, the temperature was still low. Ben and Molly were talking about the supplies she had to purchase the following day. Hoss and Joe were ready to start one of their usual checkers matches, while Adam was trying to read over his son\u2019s head, as the boy denied leaving his lap.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMolly, who was that man?\u201d Matt\u2019s voice grasped the attention of everyone, as he had been oddly silent most of the evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c He is Jeremy Wheeler,\u201d she answered looking at him. \u201c He\u2019s one of the hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c But, is he your friend?\u201d Matt followed asking not satisfied yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I don\u2019t think I can call him that,\u201d Molly commented with a thoughtful expression. She frowned puzzled. \u201c Why are you asking?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I don\u2019t like him,\u201d he simply said struggling his small shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Why\u2019s that?\u201d asked Adam with surprise as he closed the book.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Because he looks at Molly as if he wanted to eat her,\u201d Matt replied quickly. Five pair of eyes were fixed on his little face.\u201c Yeah, he looks at Molly the same way Uncle Hoss looks his food,\u201d he added with smart tone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although it was a funny comment only Matt smiled. Hoss twisted his mouth as he frowned. Molly felt her cheeks turn to pink and lowered her eyes not able to look at them. She could fell Adam\u2019s gaze fixed on her face. Ben and Joe hid their amusement behind their cups of coffee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Will you please excuse me,\u201d Molly said abruptly and strode into the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe winked to Hoss and they returned to their game, while Adam reopened his book. Matt followed Molly with confusion in his eyes. He looked up at his father and asked him what was happening to her. Adam shrugged but did not raise his eyes from the book. Ben twisted his mouth while he rubbed his jaw, knowing that Matt would address him. And he did.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGrandpa, is Molly going away with one of those men,\u201d he asked with concerned. Ben frowned and folded his arms against his chest, while Joe and Hoss looked at their nephew with intrigue. Matt glanced around. \u201c I do not want her to go away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Why are you saying that baby?\u201d Joe asked puzzled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I don\u2019t know,\u201d he said with smart tone as he hugged himself with thoughtfully expression. \u201c I don\u2019t like the way those men greeted her in Virginia City.\u201d He paused and glanced at his father. \u201c Daddy, you have to talk to her,\u201d he said with pleading voice. \u201c You cannot let her leave us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam became alert. The message was clear and Adam twisted his mouth knowing what his son meant; \u00b4 you cannot let her leave you and me. \u00b4 He arched one eyebrow suddenly uncomfortable. He did not need to move his eyes from Matt to know that his father and brother\u2019s inquiring eyes were on him. This whole situation was exactly what he did not want to happen, until he made up his mind about it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Baby, Molly is not going anywhere,\u201d Adam finally said with soft but strained voice, knowing that these words were also for him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Matt leaned back against his father\u2019s body. He bit his upper lip with concentration. Adam knew that the conversation was not finished yet. Ben leaned his elbow over the armrest resting his chin on his fist and exchanged amused glances with Joe and Hoss. The three of them realized that Adam was in trouble and they were waiting to see how he would manage to get rid of his son. Suddenly Matt\u2019s face lit up as a smile broke into his lips.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Daddy, I got an idea,\u201d Matt said eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I\u2019m not sure that I want to hear it,\u201d Adam mumbled while he sipped his coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Look, if you marry her, she will never leave us. She will be with me forever.\u201d Matt\u2019s voice was so excited that his words filled the main room. Adam choked with his coffee as soon as he heard Matt\u2019s suggestion. He began to cough and for a few seconds he could not speak.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Are you all right big brother?\u201d asked Joe with teasing tone, while Hoss snorted laughter. \u201c That was a great idea, Matt,\u201d said Joe mischievously.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam scowled and glanced around with disbelief, but his eyes turned back to Matt as soon as he saw their faces full of amusement. He pressed the bridge of his nose with two fingers thinking what he could say. He chose the truth, at least part of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Look Matt, I cannot marry Molly because you want to keep her by your side,\u201d Adam said firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c But, daddy don\u2019t you love her,\u201d the boy asked puzzled. \u201c I do.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bad answer Adam, pay attention, he shouted to himself. He looked at Matt and managed to smile. \u201c Let\u2019s talk about it tomorrow,\u201d he suggested softly while he caressed Matt\u2019s face, begging that Matt did not notice that he was avoiding the question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c But promise me that you\u2019ll think about it,\u201d Matt insisted with pleading voice. \u201cPlease, daddy, please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c End of the conversation, Matthew, I said tomorrow. \u201d Adam\u2019s voice was full of exasperation. Matt twisted his mouth and rolled his eyes around.\u00a0 He had learned that when his father got like this it was useless to insist. \u201c It\u2019s your bedtime.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c It\u2019s always bedtime when we are at the best part of a conversation,\u201d Matt complained smartly as he left his father\u2019s legs. Adam\u2019s scowl face told him that his father was getting sulky. Suddenly upset Matt ran towards the kitchen. \u201c Matthew, come here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Matt came back a couple of minutes later hand in hand with Molly. When they reached the staircase, Molly knelt facing Matt and took his face in her hands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Don\u2019t worry baby, I\u2019m not going anywhere, all right?\u201d Matt nodded and hugged her saying good night to Molly. \u201c That was a wonderful hug.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Do you want another one?\u201d Matt asked proudly and gave her a nice smile. Molly nodded and Matt hugged her while Molly lifted him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The whole family stared at them with tenderness. Adam could feel a smile spreading, coming all the way from the bottom of his heart. He did not want to show it, but it finally broke across his lips. His heart was beating fast as his resistance lessened before the lovely and touching scene. It was an overwhelming sensation and he wanted to embrace them, but he didn\u2019t do it. Instead he took a deep breath and pushed away his emotions. Adam wanted to disappear the upper floor. He needed to organize his feelings as all of a sudden he felt that he was losing control. He needed to find a way to stop his heart from beating so fast, stop the inside trembling that seized him. But above all, stop thinking about all those men that wanted to marry her. Adam moved closer to Molly and took Matt from her arms. They exchanged glances briefly but Molly turned away quickly and walked towards the settee where she sat. Matt waved his little hand to his family while Adam began to climb the staircase.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sipped his coffee while he studied her face over his cup. Her eyes were fixed on Adam\u2019s back. It was evident to him that Molly had heard Matt\u2019s suggestion as well as Adam\u2019s reply.\u00a0 Hoss sat next to her once he finished the checker match with his brother. Joe had won once more and rubbing his hands together, asked Hoss to play another match. Hoss shook his head and addressed Molly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Sis, why do you think that Matt said that you are leaving us,\u201d Hoss wanted to know. \u201c Is there something you are not telling us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c No, Hoss\u201d she replied weakly while she glanced at the three of them. Her face was covered by a shadow. \u201c If such a thing ever happens, you three will be the first to know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What is it Molly?\u201d Joe asked as he sat on the table facing her. \u201c You look sad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I\u2019m not sad. I mean, sad is not the word Joe,\u201d she replied. Her voice was full of annoyance and embarrassment. She raised her eyes and glanced at the top of the stairs reassuring herself that Adam was not yet there. \u201cI love Matt so much, I love to be with him all the time, and I\u2019m sure that his comment made Adam feel uncomfortable.\u201d Molly paused while she shook her head. \u201c I don\u2019t want him to be uncomfortable because of me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201c He is not uncomfortable because of you,\u201d Hoss said with his typical sweet tender voice. \u201cAdam is uncomfortable because of Matt\u2019s words.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Maybe but, do you think that he would try to take Matt away from me in order to avoid\u2026 you know\u2026 what Matt said,\u201d she finally said full of embarrassment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Come on Sis,\u201d Hoss said while he moved closer to her and he passed one of his huge arms across her slim shoulders. \u201c Adam loves to have you here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly raised her eyes and glanced from Hoss to Ben and then to Joe. The three of them were smiling at her, showing her that what Hoss had said was true. Slowly, Molly let a shy smile appear in her lips.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I love you three,\u201d she said with emotion placing one hand on Ben\u2019s arms, the other one on Joe\u2019s leg and leaned against Hoss. She took a deep breath and rose while she told them that she was going to bed. \u201c Good night. See you tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam came into his room still thinking about Matt\u2019s suggestion. Slowly he got undressed until he was completely naked. He turned down the lamp and lay down in his bed wondering if Molly had heard them. Adam was confused. At first he denied his feelings pretending that what his son said was the stupidest thing in the word and after a couple of minutes, he wanted to hold Molly in his arms and not let her go. Adam shook his head with exasperation. He hated being like this. He folded his arms behind his head without any desire of sleep. He was restless and unless he got in good terms with his feelings he would have to face a sleepless night. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes trying to relax himself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ok Adam, this is the situation, his inner voice started saying as soon as he closed his eyes. You\u2019ve been under strict control for so long that you don\u2019t even recognize your own feelings. For years you\u2019ve lied to yourself pretending that everything would be just fine if you shut your heart, not letting love hurt you again. Well man you were dead wrong and with you hermetism you are increasing the pain. As a matter of fact, what you are feeling is love; and you know it. As well as you know that what Matt said it\u2019s exactly what you had been thinking the whole afternoon. Adam shifted and twisted his mouth as his inner voice faced him with his feelings. Yes Cartwright, you love her as much as you are able to love. Don\u2019t you realize that she blew your smart brains out of your head; don\u2019t you feel that she\u2019s under your skin and there is no way to take her out of there. Since the moment you kissed her you\u2019ve been wondering when you\u2019ll be able to do it again. Adam grinned and bit his lower lip just wondering what else he could do.\u00a0 Face it man, you want to have her in your arms and kiss her until you cannot breathe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c And much more too,\u201d he said out loud and a smile broke into his lips.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was not painful to face himself, but it was odd to realize suddenly that he could feel so much love. Come on man, the inner voice shouted angrily. Accept it as it is. You want her by your side, day after day, for your whole lifetime. You love her with capital letters. What Matt said is true. You cannot let her leave us. Matt loves her as much as if she was his real mother. He opened his eyes. In the dark of his room all he could see was her face and his ears were full of her gently sweet voice and her infected laughers. And you are spoiling it off with your too much thinking. What are you waiting for or is that you are too comfortable behind that cold curtain of loneliness and sorrow. Whatever the answer is, unless you do something you are going to lose her. She will marry another one. Today you heard how most men in Virginia City talked about her. Adam frowned and instantly sat up suddenly alert. Oh you get the picture, don\u2019t you? the inner voice said ironically and Adam snorted with exasperation, not feeling easy anymore. You are hurting her with your never-ending doubts and uncertainty. And she will get tired of it. Are you going to let her go because you are too scared to face happiness once again? Are you getting that low? Adam was burning inside as a mix of anger and jealousy seized him. If you love her you\u2019ll have to risk. For God\u2019s sake cross the line. It\u2019s going to be very painful to watch her marry another man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c No way, she will marry no man but me,\u201d he said angrily. Suddenly he smiled feeling better. \u201c It sounds good. I hope it\u2019s not too late.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes, the smile still in his lips. He slept the rest of the night in peace.<\/span><\/p>\n

~~ SEVEN~~<\/span><\/p>\n

When Adam came down to breakfast he found his father at the table with Hoss, Joe and Molly. He strode across the main room eagerly to start a new day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Good morning, everybody,\u201d he greeted them smilingly, full of enthusiasm gathering the attention of all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss exchanged glances wondering what was in his mind that he seemed to be in his best mood. Ben scanned Adam\u2019s face and noticed that his son\u2019s eyes wandered around the table and briefly stopped in Molly\u2019s face, turning them away quickly. Well, well, well, he thought while he sipped his coffee, what do we have here.\u00a0 Ben guessed what could be making Adam feel so good that morning and decided to give him a little push.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Adam, I\u2019m sending your brothers to check the cattle that is grassing near the north fence,\u201d Ben said firmly and watched Adam nodding while he sipped his coffee. \u201c I\u2019m planning to go myself to the south part of the ranch and see if there are enough trees there to meet the lumber contract.\u201d Ben paused and took a bite of his toast. \u201c Do you mind if I take Matt with me?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c No,\u201d answered Adam with a smile, wondering what all this talk was leading up to. He looked at his father with amusement. \u201c Why don\u2019t you just tell me what you have in mind for me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Well son, I was about to ask you to stay here and find the best way to deliver those trees,\u201d Ben said with determination. Adam raised one corner of his lips as he analyzed his father\u2019s words. Then nodded. Ben noticed at once that Adam\u2019s face suddenly brightened.\u00a0 So I guessed right, he thought with emotion. His eyes met with Adam\u2019s gaze, who was looking at him with complicity as a mischievous smile dance in his lips. Well, he knows me too, Ben thought with amusement. He glanced around the table and stopped as his eyes caught the frown on Joe\u2019s face, obviously not pleased with the distribution of chores. I will explain it to him later, Ben told himself. Before his temperamental son said something, Ben addressed Molly. \u201c Molly, I added these things that I need you to buy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly nodded and silently took the piece of paper that Ben was giving her and placed it next to her cup. She had the same countenance as the night before, and Ben wondered if Adam knew how she was feelings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Are you all right Molly?\u201d Adam asked a couple of minutes later. He needed to start a conversation with her, whatever the subject was. \u201c You haven\u2019t said a word since I sat at the table.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly did not raise her eyes from her breakfast. She cleaned her mouth with her napkin and left it next to her cup of coffee. \u201c I didn\u2019t sleep well, that\u2019s all,\u201d she said and rose before he asked further questions. \u201c I want an early start, so please excuse me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched her as she walked into the kitchen and bit his lower lip buried in his thoughts. His mind was made up. He would wait for Molly to come back from Virginia City. He would have lunch alone with her, where he would have plenty of time to talk to her about his feelings. Adam let his gaze wander around the table and noticed that his father and brothers were staring at him. He cleaned his throat and rose telling his father that he would waken Matt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I guess all of us want an early start,\u201d he let the comment drop as if he was suggesting something.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben snorted and shook his head, glad to see that Adam finally decided to show his feelings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly rode into the dusty streets of Virginia City and stopped the wagon in front of Mr. Samuel\u2019s General Store. After greeting many acquaintances she walked in. She found Mr. Samuel behind the counter working on some papers. Molly greeted him and gave him the list of supplies she would purchase that morning. As he gathered all the goods, Molly moved around the store not paying attention on what she was seeing. Her thoughts were full of Adam. She was seized by bewilderment. She could not understand him. Just the previous evening he had flirted with her and Molly sensed a bond between them. But after that he did not address her once. That made her realize once more that she had misunderstood him. The confirmation came when she heard his reaction at Matt\u2019s suggestion. And then this same morning he was addressing her with intensity and she felt that bond again.\u00a0 Is he playing with me, she wondered as the bewilderment turned into distress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her thoughts were broken by a conversation that two ladies were having.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c He is so handsome and gorgeous,\u201d one of the ladies was saying. \u201c You know Peggy, I\u2019m sure that he will come to visit me one of this days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Why are you so sure, Mary Ann, \u201c Peggy said. \u201c I heard lots of rumors about him and Molly. One of the hands of the Ponderosa told my brother that there\u2019s something between them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Oh, come on Peggy, she is the housekeeper of the ranch,\u201d she said arrogantly and snorted. \u201c You certainly do not think that Adam is taking her seriously, do you? Let me explain you something. Adam Cartwright is a handsome man, he cannot be alone. I think that he is having some fun with her and that\u2019s all.\u201d She paused as she saw Mrs. Samuel approaching them. Mary Ann addressed her and quickly asked the lady for the cloth she had ordered. When Mrs. Samuel moved away from them, Mary Ann addressed Peggy again. \u201c Look Peggy, she is not a lady like us. None of us would be willing to drive a wagon, much less be in charge of buying the supplies for the ranch.\u201d Mary Ann\u2019s voice was full of haughtiness. She snorted sarcastically. \u201c She is like another Hop Sing for the Cartwrights. And she certainly is not the wife for Adam. \u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You know this morning I heard that many of the Ponderosa hands have their eyes on her,\u201d Peggy mentioned with amusement. Mary Ann nodded and laughed out loud.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Better for me,\u201d Mary Ann commented. \u201c She matches with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mrs. Samuel gave Mary Ann her order. \u201c Thank you very much, Mrs. Samuel,\u201d Mary Ann said. \u201c My father is coming to pay this later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c All right Mary Ann,\u201d Mrs. Samuel replied. \u201c Have a nice day, ladies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They left the store laughing loudly as if one of them had made a funny comment. Molly reminded hidden behind some dresses that were hanging on the back corner of the store, wondering if they had seen her. She wanted to vanish in the air as a midst of emotions seized her. She could not move and her stomach had turned up side down many times. Mary Ann\u2019s sharp arrogant words were like knives against her soul. She was reluctant to admit that Mary Ann hit the target this time. Her words made her realize why Adam reacted the way he did the evening before and why he was so charming that morning. He is playing with me, she thought sadly. Tears began to roll across her cheek as she felt how much she loved him and how painful that love was. Suddenly she was feeling small, lesser and unimportant. Molly wiped the tears from her face and swallowed struggling to contain the tears as well as the pressure that pressed her chest and did not let her breathe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Half an hour later, Molly came out of the store in order to check that Johnny, Mr. Samuel\u2019s assistant, placed everything she had bought on the wagon. But Molly was not paying attention on what the boy was doing. She wanted to ride back to the ranch.\u00a0 Her heart was bleeding and she needed to be alone and cry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Thank you Johnny,\u201d she said when the boy finished his chore and she gave him a tip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You\u2019re welcome Miss Molly,\u201d he replied with a huge smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly cried all the way to the Ponderosa, but her distress brought another thing to think about and Molly found herself wondering what would happen if Adam married someone else. Would he take Matt away from her? She could stand his distance and his playing games, but she could never stand to lose Matt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly rode into the yard and was not surprise to see Jeremy saddling his horse. She stopped the wagon next to the entrance of the porch where Jeremy was standing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Hi, Miss Molly,\u201d he greeted her with huge smile. \u201c You bought a lot today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c How are you Jeremy,\u201d she greeted him trying to sound nice over her distress. Molly knew that he would try to start a conversation as he always did when he met her. \u201c Sorry Jeremy, but I\u2019m not good company today,\u201d she said softly as she could barely speak because of the anguish. \u201c I\u2019m not feeling well at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to explain anything to me, Miss Molly,\u201d Jeremy said with tender voice. \u201c Don\u2019t worry I\u2019ll take care of this for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201c Thanks Jeremy, you are always so kind,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeremy watched her walked towards the big house. He was sure that she was sad, but she had been kind and sweet with him and that\u2019s enough to make him realize that she still liked him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly came into the house struggling to control the tears.\u00a0 She found Adam standing next to his father\u2019s desk. A cup of coffee in his right hand and his eyes fixed on the papers he was studying. She fixed her eyes on him and the tears rolled down without control. Adam leaned back and frowned when he saw Molly looking at him angrily. Her face was covered with tears. He left the cup on the desk and walked to her worried.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What happened?\u201d he asked taking Molly by her shoulders. Molly traced his face before she answered. There was a strange look in Adam\u2019s eyes but she could not understand what it was. She shook her head struggling to contain the tears, but it was too late for that. Although Molly did not want him to be there comforting her, she let Adam surrounded her with his strong arms, knowing that she desperately needed him and nobody but him. \u201c Tell me what is it, Molly,\u201d Adam insisted while he led her to the settee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I don\u2019t want to talk to you,\u201d she said shaking her head. Adam made her sit without taking her arm from her shoulder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You don\u2019t have to talk if you don\u2019t want to do it,\u201d Adam said in a low soft voice.\u201c But I\u2019m staying here with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pressed her tightly against his body, while he rubbed her arm with his hand. At first her body was tense, rigid, but little by little she began to relax. He felt her head leaned against his chest. With slow movements Adam surrounded her with both arms, while he gently kissed the top of her forehead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Why don\u2019t you tell me,\u201d he whispered. Molly hid her face against his chest and began to cry. \u201c Why are you crying, Molly? You are scaring me.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What do you think about me, Adam?\u201d Her voice came as a whispered muffled against his body. She sounded both weak and confused to Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is my place in this house?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam frowned as he tried to understand the questions. He took a few seconds to wonder what or why she was asking such a thing.\u00a0 Abruptly she moved away from him. The tears were still rolling across her face. Adam was puzzled and traced her face looking for something that helped him guess what was happening to her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Why are you asking those kind of questions,\u201d he asked again with concerned, while he wiped gently the tears from her face. He took her by her arms again. \u201cLook at me Molly,\u201d he asked softly, but she did not raise her eyes. He pulled her against him. \u201c Molly you are family, you know that you are one of us,\u201d he whispered right into her ear while he caressed her back, felling her body tense again among his arms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Are you pleased by the way I take care of Matt,\u201d her voice was weak and full of anguish, and Adam felt her tears wetting his neck. \u201c You told me once that you let me take care of Matt because you did not have another choice. But, if you marry again, you will take him away from me, won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What?\u201d shouted Adam and slowly moved her apart from him in order to see her face. Adam was surprised, confused, and completely lost in what she was saying. \u201c What are you talking about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly lowered her eyes and nervously her fingers began to play with her skirt. Adam gently took her chin and raised her face till his eyes met hers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Molly, you know that I didn\u2019t mean to say that,\u201d he said ashamed of his own words. \u201c You also know that I love to see you with Matt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly got lost in his intense deep hazel eyes, as she had months ago. She wanted to remain there forever; she needed the man that was staring at her. A tender smile sprung to his lips as he, once again, wiped the tears from her face. Molly did not move her eyes from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You know that there are lots of rumors about us in Virginia City,\u201d she said softly, charmed by his eyes. Adam nodded as he gently moved some tresses away from her face, placing them behind her ear.\u00a0 \u201c Many people think that you are having a good time with me. That you are playing with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly paused to breath as her own feelings took her breath away. Adam frowned.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Do you really think that\u2019s true?\u201d he asked shaken by what she said. Molly shrugged and moved her eyes away from him. \u201c Look at me, Molly\u201d he asked. She did. Adam studied her face for a few seconds. His heart was galloping fast and his stomach trembled. The moment to talk had come. He could feel it. \u201cHow can I convince you that they are wrong,\u201d he asked softly. Molly shrugged her shoulders again. Her eyes were fixed on his and Adam sensed her fear and distrust. He wanted to take her in his arms and kissed her. He was about to do it when a knocked in the door broke the magic moment between them. He twisted his mouth and walked towards the main door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeremy Wheeler was standing in the middle of the porch carrying two huge boxes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Sorry Mr. Cartwright, but Miss Molly asked me to bring this into the house for her,\u201d Jeremy said dryly struggling to keep himself under control. Adam nodded without paying attention to him and told Jeremy to leave the boxes on the coffee table. \u201c Miss Molly, I left all the supplies with Hop Sing, \u201c he said kindly when he saw her in the settee. She smiled and nodded. Jeremy frowned and moved near her after leaving the boxes on the coffee table. \u201c Are you all right Miss Molly? You look sad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I\u2019m fine Jeremy,\u201d she replied. \u201c Thanks for asking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam twisted his mouth irked by the way Wheeler was staring at her. He did not like the way men looked at her and he was determined to stop that.\u00a0 He walked near Molly and fixed his dark eyes on Jeremy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Anything else Jeremy?\u201d he said firmly showing Jeremy that he must leave. Jeremy shook his head and moved toward the main entrance. \u201c Jeremy will you please get the buggy ready,\u201d Adam asked while Jeremy was reaching the entrance door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Sure Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Jeremy replied sharply and walked out of the house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While they were alone again, Adam sat by her side. Molly was studying him, trying to guess what he had in mind. He smiled, and his eyes were bright as stars in the middle of the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Do you want to have lunch with me?\u201d Adam asked while he took Molly\u2019s hands. \u201c There\u2019s a wonderful place I want you to see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You are always an enigma to me Adam,\u201d she said softly. \u201c And it hurts. I\u2019m not sure that I want to believe you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam passed an arm around her shoulders. \u201c Give me the chance to show you that I\u2019m not playing with you,\u201d he said tenderly. \u201c I want to settle everything between us, clear everything. And I don\u2019t want any interruptions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly did not smile, but nodded.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeremy watched Adam drive the buggy out of the yard. Molly was silently seated by his side. Jeremy frowned as he remembered that she had told him that she was not feeling well. Did she lie to me, he wondered, of course not, but that Cartwright had the art to convince her of anything. Jeremy felt the rage go out. He had to do something to stop Adam Cartwright. Perhaps the solution is to kill him, he thought and grinned. He sought out his horse after deciding that he would follow them.<\/span><\/p>\n

~~EIGHT~~<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam drove the buggy across a narrow path bordered by pines. Molly glanced around puzzled and without taking her eyes from the surroundings, she asked him where they were going. Adam smiled and looked at her from the corner of his eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Only three people know about this place,\u201d Adam said with deep soft voice. \u201c I found it one afternoon after I came back from college.\u201d His voice became dreamy and far away. Molly studied his handsome face with amusement noticing that he was lost in his memories. \u201c It\u2019s my favorite place on the ranch. Each time I needed to be alone and make up my mind about something, I found my refuge here.\u201d Adam paused wandering around his memories. Suddenly he raised his hand pointing the view that appeared in front of them.\u00a0 \u201c Look.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It was the most beautiful sight of the lake Molly had ever seen. Adam stopped the buggy at the edge of a ravine, where they remained in silence for a couple of minutes staring at the wonderful landscape. The ravine leaded to an open field, which was partly forest and ended at the shore of Tahoe. Molly raised her eyes and contemplated the majestic Tahoe escorted by the luxuriant green trees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam came down from the buggy and turned to her. \u201c\u00a0 There\u2019s a way to get down there with the horses, but it\u2019s further,\u201d commented Adam while he helped her down. \u201c There is a path here where we can go down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c It\u2019s so beautiful Adam,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He nodded with a smile, while he passed an arm across her back. \u201c You know, years ago I was about to get married,\u201d Adam started saying, and once more she saw him lost himself in his memories. \u201c I wanted to have my place, where I would live with my family.\u201d He paused and snorted. \u201c I want my own Ponderosa, I want to built up my own dream. So I started to built my house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Here?\u201d asked Molly almost in a murmur. Adam smiled as he shook his head.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Nope.\u00a0 I loved her but not enough to sacrifice this place,\u201d he replied and Molly noticed the edge of satisfaction hidden behind his feelings. \u201cI made the right choice, she did not love me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly surrounded his waist with both arms wondering how she could not love him. She looked up at him.\u00a0 He was lost somewhere as if thousands of dreams and memories of his early youth came to him. Adam sighed and the smile that slowly sprung in his lips lit his handsome face. He lowered his eyes to her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Well Mr. Cartwright, what are we doing here?\u201d she asked with mischief. Impulsively, Adam embraced her and kissed her strongly. \u201c I\u2019m not sure if that\u2019s the answer I was expecting,\u201d\u00a0 Molly said and pressed her lips together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam laughed out loud and for the first time since she met him, Molly saw an Adam Cartwright full of happiness. She smiled as she realized that Adam was able to make the sun shine only for her when he let that wonderful fresh laughter spring. The distress and confusion she felt only minutes ago completely vanished.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201c Come on,\u201d he said like an anxious kid while he took the basket with the lunch from the buggy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In spite of the wild vegetation there was a footpath, which helped them find the way down. Molly was walking behind him wondering if Adam had made the footpath through the years.\u00a0 When they reached the field, Adam left the basket under a huge tree and moved to the shore. Molly followed him with her eyes. She watched him move around, fill his lungs with the fresh air and let his deepest dreams rise to the surface. If Molly needed something to help her to erase her doubts regarding his feelings, at that moment she felt herself surrounded by answers. Mostly words were not necessary with Adam, especially if it was about his feelings and he always surprised her. And there he was, standing in the middle of the field, so full of dreams and life. The deepest she knew him, the deepest she loved him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam turned his gaze at Molly and his eyes smiled shouting with each blink how much he loved her. Molly walked to him and Adam took her in his arms, pulling her tight against his body. He lowered his face to her and kissed her freely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201c I want you to tell me your dreams,\u201d Molly said and a huge smile broke into her lips. \u201c Do you want to share them with me Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded happily. Without taking his arm from her shoulder, he made her turn to face the ravine. He raised one hand and pointing the place he had chosen began to talk. He described the design of the frontage of the house and the main room, where they would have a comfortable living room, a great dinning room and a study where he could work and keep all his books. Finally, he mentioned the upper floor with at least five bedrooms. The words came out from his mouth as if he had opened the doors of his dreams like he never did before. Adam spoke uncontrollably but he was so precise, that Molly could see the house as if it was already built.\u00a0 He paused and sighed. He faced her and gently caressed her beautiful face. He slid an arm around her waist and held her in silence. Her body trembled before his eyes, as she let her hands rest in his arms. Adam studied her face in a way he had not done before. He ran a finger lightly over her cheek. Her skin was soft and smooth; her brown hair was like silk in his fingers. Adam seized upon her freshness and sip-by-sip he drank her beauty.\u00a0 Molly did not move. It was so nice to feel his fingers against her skin, his mouth so close to her, his body pressed against her. She wanted him to keep on touching her and never stop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Adam\u2026\u201d His name came out of her mouth begging. \u201c You are driving me crazy,\u201d she whispered as her heart beat faster entering into a rhythmic gallop. He gently kissed her cheek and she raised her eyes seeking his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Shhhhhhh,\u201d he said. He lowered his hand to her neck and softly caressed it with the tip of his fingers. He wanted to travel every inch of her; he did not want to stop. He was feeling again, he was remembering how to feel again, remembering how good it could be. She trembled against his body as her breath became swift.\u00a0 She was seized by a sensation that she could not resist and there was only one thing she was sure of, she wanted him badly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You rescued me Molly, you brought me back to life.\u201d His voice was deep, full of all the feelings he always hid so well. \u201c I want to share everything with you. My life, my days and nights, but above all I want you to be part of my dreams.\u201d His voice came all the way from the bottom of his heart. He kissed her passionately. He briefly set his lips apart from her. \u201c I want you to walk by my side the rest of my life. What do you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I say yes,\u201d Molly answered and impulsively she clung to his neck laughing happily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam lifted her and carried her towards the edge of the ravine without moving his lips from her. He gently laid her in the ground under the shadow of a huge ombu. Her smiling radiant face was inviting and Adam slowly leaned on her pressing his lips against hers. Their lips melted in a strong long kiss, letting the feelings flew. They drowned in their love and attraction, freeing their fantasies and desire. Passion wrapped them, making them forget everything but themselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeremy watched them from the top of the ravine. With each kiss Adam gave her, Jeremy\u2019s anger increased. He raised the rifle he was carrying in his arm and pointed towards them.\u00a0 He clearly saw Adam\u2019s forehead. He grinned. It will be pretty easy to kill you right now Cartwright, but I won\u2019t do it. I want you to suffer, I want to see you bleeding, begging. Jeremy lowered his gun and moved towards his horse. He did not want to go on watching. It was too frustrated and he could not stand feeling himself frustrated. He was aware that he was not able to control his temper when he got that way. He could not take any risk. Not before he killed Adam Cartwright.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~~NINE~~<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright was beginning to worry. It was getting dark and he did not have the least idea where Molly and Adam were. Suddenly it did not seem to be a good idea to let them alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben walked in front of the fireplace, sipping his coffee wondering where they could be. Joe and Hoss watched him with bemusement, without understanding why he was so worried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Calm down Pa\u201d said Hoss pretending seriousness. \u201c I\u2019m sure that they are having a great time together. On the other hand, it was your idea to leave them alone in the house. And this is result of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I don\u2019t understand why they left the house,\u201d grumbled Ben. He shook his head.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Maybe they did not want any unexpected interruption,\u201d muttered Joe with mischief, while he winked at Hoss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben frowned while he fixed his eyes on his youngest son. He was about to say something when Matt appeared at the top of the staircase. Cautiously placing his hand on the railing Matt came downstairs. As soon as he reached the main room, he ran to his grandpa.\u00a0 Ben lifted him and sat the boy on his lap.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Where are Daddy and Molly?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c That\u2019s exactly what I want to know,\u201d Ben mumbled and grimaced. He caressed Matt\u2019s face gently and frowned. \u201c You should be sleeping by now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I don\u2019t want to sleep,\u201d was his quick reply. Matt glanced around and his eyes stopped on his Uncle Hoss, who was rubbing his stomach twisting his face.\u201d Uncle Hoss, can we go to look for some cookies?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A smile brightened Hoss face as he nodded eagerly.\u00a0 Joe snorted a laugher reminding his brother that he had dinner only half an hour ago. Hoss shrugged and extended his hand to his nephew. Together they walked towards the kitchen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben rose and after taking the coffeepot, he refilled his cup. Laughter coming from the porch grasped their attention.\u00a0 He left his cup over the coffee table and strode towards the entrance door.\u00a0 As soon as he opened the door, he found Adam and Molly kissing madly in the middle of the porch. Joe was a few steps behind his father and both of them stared at Adam and Molly numb and full of astonishment. Suddenly the magnitude of the kiss made them turn their gaze away. Ben cleared his throat bringing them back to Earth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Oh, you are there,\u201d said Adam confidently. He turned at them without taking his arm from Molly\u2019s waist. He raised his eyebrow with arrogance as his face clearly asked them what were they doing standing there. \u201c Watching?\u201d he added dryly and sarcastically.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben twisted his mouth and looked at Joe over his shoulder, then turned his look back to his elder son. Adam sighed and winked to Molly. She smiled with complicity. He took her by her hand and walked into the house avoiding Ben\u2019s and Joe\u2019s astonished eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Matt appeared running from the kitchen. His mouth was full with chocolate cookies, while Hoss walked a few steps behind, carrying a plate with more cookies. As soon as Adam saw Matt, he placed one knee on the floor and opened his arms expecting his son.\u00a0 Matt threw himself against his father and automatically Adam lifted him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Where have you been?\u201d he asked innocently. \u201c We were worried.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Worried? why?\u201d\u00a0 said Adam pretending surprise while he moved towards the settee. \u201cYou ought to be sleeping.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Matt twisted his mouth and over his father\u2019s shoulder he looked at Molly who was looking at him tenderly. \u201c Molly, will you tell me a story?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Sure honey,\u201d she replied with sweetness and emotion. She took Matt from Adam\u2019s arms. Molly and Adam exchanged a brief glance full of unspoken messages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I\u2019ll be with you in a minute,\u201d muttered Adam softly. Molly nodded while she walked towards the staircase.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and his youngest sons watched the scene and once Molly disappeared in the upper floor, their gazes turned to Adam. His eyes had an odd brightness; an easy smile was dancing on his lips. Joe winked at Hoss and both moved close to their older brother. Unconsciously Adam sighed and that was the invitation Joe and Hoss were waiting for to jump all over him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have you two been doing?\u201d Joe asked Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam folded his arms while he raised an eyebrow. He glanced arrogantly at Joe, whose green flashing eyes were eagerly looking at him. Then he glanced at Hoss and noticed his face full of amusement.\u00a0 Hoss nodded and snorted. Adam shook his head and sighed arrogantly. His eyes met his father\u2019s gaze and he noticed that he was wondering the same.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Man, use your imagination,\u201d he said sarcastically. He moved towards the table where the brandy was. \u201c I don\u2019t think that I should have to explain you two these things,\u201d he added arrogantly while he poured a glass of brandy. He was about to tease his father, but decided to leave it there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss twisted their faces with disgust. They turned their eyes to Ben, and Joe jerked his head towards his brother, asking for his father\u2019s intervention. Ben shrugged and rubbed his jaw thinking on the best way to get something from his hermetic son. Adam sipped his brandy knowing exactly what was happening behind his back. He was having a good time with them. He saw his father approaching hesitantly and Adam pressed his lips together struggling to contain the smile that was fighting to break into his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Son, is there anything you want to tell us?\u201d Ben asked while he filled a glass with brandy. Adam hid his amusement behind his glass and turned to her father. He frowned pretending to search in his mind for something important he should tell. He twisted his mouth and slowly shook his head. He moved to the blue chair and sat there. Arrogantly, he leaned back while he crossed his legs, showing all of them his best poker face. Adam was playing with his brandy, pretending not to notice that Joe and Hoss had their eyes fixed on him.\u00a0 He could bet that his brothers would not give up that easy, so he was not surprised when he saw them surrounding him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At that moment, Matt appeared at the top of the stair calling his father. Adam rose and smiled openly. He left his glass over the coffee table and walked towards staircase.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Daddy, are you going to marry Molly?\u201d he asked eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam frowned while he placed his hands on his hips. \u201c I cannot believe she told you.\u201d Adam knew it was a mistake as the words came out of his mouth. Well, I certainly cannot deny it, he thought.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Molly did not say anything to me,\u201d Matt answered with astonishment and his eyes began to grow. \u201c You told me yesterday that we will talk about it today,\u201d he explained and suddenly his face turned from surprised to happiness, as he understood what his father was trying to keep as a secret.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Well done, big Daddy,\u201d Molly said with a huge smile. \u201c Fortunately, you suggested to wait to tell them,\u201d she added with teasing tone, but her eyes were full of emotion. Molly lifted Matt and the boy surrounded her neck with his arms. \u201c Come on baby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c So, you are going to be my mom,\u201d he asked her still shaken by the news.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Let\u2019s go to bed,\u201d Molly answered tenderly. \u201c It\u2019s too late for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam tried to follow them, but two hands took him by his shoulders stopping him. He twisted his mouth and turned to face his two anxious brothers and his thrilled father.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Well, you just heard it,\u201d he simply said as a shy smile broke onto his lips while he rubbed the back of his neck.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss passed an arm around his older brother shoulders and was the first one to congratulate him. Joe shook Adam \u00b4s hand firmly while he slapped his brother\u2019s arm.\u00a0 Ben stared at him smiling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Well Pa, you will have the wedding you always wanted at the Ponderosa,\u201d he said proudly and a huge smile sprung in his lips.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes filled with tears as he was deeply touched to see his first born so full of happiness.\u00a0 Adam walked to him and Ben embraced him slapping gently his back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I\u2019m so happy for you Adam,\u201d Ben said placing both hands on Adam\u2019s shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly came downstairs and smiled when he heard Joe and Hoss teasing Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Give him a break,\u201d she said amusingly and laughed. She moved closer to them and passed an arm around Adam\u2019s waist. He smiled at her lovingly and passed an arm around her shoulders pulling her closer to him. \u201c By the way, you three are not going to congratulate me. I think I did a pretty good job, catching Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Even Adam laughed out loud and let his brothers take Molly away from him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c We have a lot to do if we are having a wedding at the ranch,\u201d Ben said while he hand out the glass to his sons and Molly. He raised his glass to them. \u201cCheers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

~~TEN~~<\/span><\/p>\n

As Adam did years ago, he asked his father for the supplies of wood he needed to build his house. But this time, Ben insisted that Joe and Hoss helped his brother on it.\u00a0 The slightest idea of Adam working alone brought bad memories to Ben\u2019s mind. It seemed that Adam felt the same way, because he did he didn\u2019t resist the offer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was giving a final glance to the drawings he had done, when Molly brought him a cup of coffee. He was going to start working on their home that morning and he was a bit nervous as well as anxious. Molly passed an arm around his waist leaning her head over his shoulder.\u00a0 With a thoughtful expression, he passed an arm around her shoulders and silently they contemplated the drawings. Joe and Hoss came into the house and joined them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c The wagon is ready, Adam,\u201d Hoss told his brother when he reached him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c And Sport is also saddled,\u201d added Joe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As they did not receive any reply they fixed their eyes on Adam\u2019s drawings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c It\u2019s beautiful Adam,\u201d Hoss said with a smile. \u201c You really know how to draw.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Well, Hoss I\u2019m an engineer and also have a degree in Architecture,\u201d replied Adam proudly. \u201c The funny thing would be if I did not know how to do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and pressed his lips together full of admiration. \u201c Promise me you\u2019ll do this for me when I decided to get married.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Of course, Hoss,\u201d said Adam full of satisfaction. He slapped his brother\u2019s back and smiled openly. \u201c It\u2019ll be my pleasure to do it brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Come on, I want to start with this,\u201d Joe interrupted them eagerly. \u201c The sooner we start, the sooner your home will be finished.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded and quickly gathered the drawings. Molly walked with them outside and said good-bye to them from the porch. She glanced around suddenly seized by the feeling that someone was watching her, but the yard was deserted as all the hands were attending different chores around the ranch. Nevertheless she had the feeling that somebody was watching her. She shrugged and walked back into the house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before starting with her own chores, Molly went to Ben\u2019s desk to fetch the cup of coffee that Adam had used. A rolled paper gasped her attention. She took it and recognized Adam\u2019s drawing and numbers. Molly shook her head, wondering if Adam would need it. She made up her mind while she walked towards the staircase.<\/span><\/p>\n

Only five minutes later Molly came back to the main room dressed with suitable clothes for riding. She took the drawing from the desk and strode out of the house. Molly hesitated a few seconds as she realized that there was not a single hand to help her saddle Handsome. Not even Hop Sing was in the house. She saw Sport tied to the front post and Molly looked at him knowing that it was the best choice she had, however Adam would never approve of it. She shrugged and walked towards the horse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly mounted Sport skillfully and caressed his neck in a friendly way. It was not a secret that Sport was a spirited temperamental horse, hard to ride and handle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You are a lot like your master, aren\u2019t you boy?\u201d she said with a smile as she caressed his neck.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sport entered a gallop as soon as Molly touched him with her heels and Molly realized at once that everything she had heard about Adam\u2019s horse was true. Sport was really hard to handle, but he was fast as a ray and nimble like a cat. In the distance, Molly saw the wagon and Cochise that easily trotted by its side.\u00a0 She smiled and made Sport ran faster.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was the first one to hear the wild gallop of the horse. He glanced around and frowned once he noticed that it was his brother\u2019s horse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Adam, somebody is riding Sport,\u201d he said puzzled. Hoss stopped the wagon abruptly, while suddenly alert Adam turned to see over his shoulder the horse that was running towards them. \u201c He is running madly.\u201d Joe commented.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face became pale as he realized that was Molly who was riding his horse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What the hell is she doing?\u201d he yelled angrily and jumped out of the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly stopped Sport a few yards away from them, and the horse shook his head bothered by the interruption. With tight elegant trot, Molly made him move near the boys.\u00a0 She gave them her best smile and glanced at Adam proudly. Molly took the rolled paper from an inner pocket of her vest and gave it to Adam who was already standing next to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You forgot this drawing on the desk,\u201d she mentioned as if nothing odd was happening.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What the hell are you doing on this horse,\u201d he asked sharply while he took the paper she was giving him. Molly frowned with annoyance by the way he was addressing her. She straightened with determination and firmly gripped the reins. Sport tossed restless. \u201c Easy boy,\u201d said Adam slapping Sport\u2019s neck. \u201c Get down, Molly,\u201d he ordered her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Don\u2019t talk to me that way,\u201d she said without hiding her annoyance. \u201c Sport was the only horse saddled and there\u2019s nobody there to help me saddle Handsome.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c But, Molly this horse is too dangerous for you, you know that,\u201d he said full of exasperation at her lack of sense. Adam looked at Joe over his shoulder and asked him to carry Molly back to the ranch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Wait a minute Adam, and stop being bossy,\u201d Molly interrupted him abruptly. \u201c Joe is not going to carry me to the ranch, I can do it by myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe crossed his arms over the hook of his saddle as he smiled with amusement. He loved to witness an argument between Adam and Molly.\u00a0 He glanced at Hoss and noticed that his brother was enjoying it too. Adam stretched his arms to get Molly off the horse, but she refused to do it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c OK, Molly, let\u2019s do it this way,\u201d Adam finally said tired of fighting with her. \u201c I\u2019ll ride you home and then ride all the way back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly smiled with satisfaction and nodded, while Adam shook his head with resignation. He mounted Sport knowing that she had achieved her purpose. He shifted behind her and gently took the reins from her hands. Molly leaned back against him and smiled triumphantly at Hoss and Joe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Well done, Molly\u201d Joe said with teasing tone. \u201c You certainly showed us who\u2019s the boss of the couple.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly raised her loving eyes to Adam. He was looking at her with tenderness, but frowned pretending seriousness. \u201c You are cute,\u201d she said, while she stretched her neck and kissed his cheek. Adam smiled at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Cute?\u201d said Joe loudly and outburst a laugher. \u201c There are lots of adjectives that describes brother Adam, but cute\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c He is cute for me,\u201d Molly said gently caressing Adam\u2019s arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Ok, that\u2019s enough,\u201d Adam said moving Sport away from the wagon. \u201c I\u2019ll see you two later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c OK cute brother,\u201d Joe answered winking at Hoss. \u201cBut don\u2019t make us wait too long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Adam and Molly entered the yard, Molly once again sensed that someone was watching at her. She mentioned it to Adam, but he did not take her seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c It must be me,\u201d he answered placing his chin over her shoulder. His nose played with her silk hair and gently began to kiss her neck. \u201c I\u2019m the one that cannot take my eyes off you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I like that,\u201d she said feeling his lips against her neck. \u201c But you have a house to build, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam twisted his mouth and get off Sport. He helped her dismounted. \u201c One last kiss and I\u2019ll leave to build our house,\u201d he said with pleading voice. He kissed her long and strong. Then he set apart and smiled. \u201c We are coming back for lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly nodded and watched him mount and moved away. She sighed and glanced around the yard before entering the house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~~ELEVEN~~\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly had the table ready for lunch. The Cartwrights should be there at any minute. She was waiting them anxiously. She was restless, overwhelmed by an odd disturbing feeling. Ben and Matt were the first to appear and break the silence of the house. Ben was sending Matt to wash his hands when Molly reached them. He frowned as he noticed how tense she was.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Is there any problem Molly?\u201d he asked concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I don\u2019t know Ben,\u201d she answered hugging herself. \u201c I have a hunch, that\u2019s all.\u201d Ben snorted a laugher while he shook his head. He passed an arm over her shoulder leading her to the settee. \u201c I think you are nervous because of the wedding and the house,\u201d Ben said gently. \u201c Did the boys arrive?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c No, and I was wondering why they did not arrive yet,\u201d she said with annoyance. She rose when she heard laughter coming from the porch. \u201c Here they are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss came into the house laughing. Molly frowned and walked next to them. \u201c Molly if you are going to keep Adam away from working, you are never going to have your house ready,\u201d he said with a teasing tone. \u201c Where are you big brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Adam left me here and rode to meet you. He did not even came into the house,\u201d Molly commented frightened. The smiles vanished from Hoss and Joe\u2019s faces. They exchanged worried glances wondering what could have happen to Adam. Ben walked next to them and asked Molly if Adam had mentioned that he would stop somewhere else. Molly shook her head negatively. \u201c We have to find him, Ben,\u201d she said with desperation placing both hands on his arms as her eyes filled with tears.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Don\u2019t worry dear,\u201d said Ben softly controlling his own concern. \u201c You stay here just in case Adam appears. We\u2019ll find him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned to Hoss and Joe and saw that they were ready to go. He nodded and took his hat and gunbelt from Hoss\u2019s hands. The three of them strode out of the house. While they were mounting their horses, Ben asked them what they thought about Adam\u2019s disappearance. Joe was the first to speak. He told his father that Adam was too anxious to start working on his house to turn his mind to something else.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yeah Pa, I think that Molly is right,\u201d Hoss added full of concerned. \u201c Something might have happened to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly was getting crazy waiting. She needed to do something to help. She made up her mind and strode into the kitchen where Hop Sing was speaking out loud to Matt in some Chinese words she could not understand. She was sure that he was struggling to keep Matt\u2019s mind away from what was happening. Molly interrupted Hop Sing monologue asking him to take care of Matt, while she was looking for Adam. Hop Sing tried to stop her, but Molly\u2019s determination was strong. Helplessly he watched her mount Handsome and go out of the yard almost in a gallop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly rode Handsome madly without knowing in which direction she was going. The Ponderosa was huge and Adam could be anywhere.\u00a0 Please Lord, send me a sign where to start, she prayed almost in tears. The slightest idea that something dangerous happened to Adam made her heart stopped beating. She could not stand losing him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly had wandered around the ranch for almost twenty minutes without seeing anything odd in the surroundings. She did not even see Ben or the boys, but suddenly in the distance, Molly saw Sport grazing near some trees.\u00a0\u00a0 Molly stopped Handsome and glanced around. There was not a sign of Adam. She urged her horse to move fast towards Sport. Once she got there she got off Handsome and ran to Adam\u2019s horse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Easy Sport, it\u2019s me,\u201d she said while she took him by his reins. Sport tossed violently but calmed down once he felt Molly\u2019s hand caressing his ears. \u201cGood boy. Let me see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly studied the horse looking for something. Tears rolled down her face when she saw the blood on one side of the saddle. Before her inexpert eyes, the horse did not seem to have run lately, so she arrived at the conclusion that maybe Adam was near. She took the rifle from Adam\u2019s saddle and walked towards the woods.<\/span><\/p>\n

Molly did not know how long she had been walking through the woods, when she suddenly saw Jeremy Wheeler sharpening a big knife. Molly caught her breath and hid herself behind a huge tree. He was madly waving the knives. Jeremy moved out of her sight, so she moved behind another tree. Then she saw Adam, lying on the ground tied to a tree. He seemed to be at the edge of unconsciousness. His shirt had been removed and his naked torso was mostly covered with blood. Molly covered her mouth with one hand as her eyes filled with tears.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeremy was waving the knife near Adam\u2019s face. \u201c You don\u2019t look so confident now, Adam,\u201d Jeremy was saying with a mix of irony and anger while he made a small cut on Adam\u2019s injured arm. Adam screamed loudly while he twisted his face struggling to control the pain. \u201c I\u2019m going to cut your head away from your body. It will be a nice picture of yours.\u201d Jeremy laughed out loud. Madness completely covered his face.\u00a0 \u201c The arrogant Adam Cartwright without his smart high head.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed again and slowly slid the sharp knife across Adam\u2019s neck and grinned when he saw the blood spring from the thin cut. \u201c We are going to wait Adam, I want you to meet Death face to face. I want you to feel how she is, how she takes your life little by little.\u201d Adam mumbled something twisting his face in pain. \u201c Not even the Lord will save you from this.\u201d Jeremy laughed out loud again and moved away from Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Those words echoed in Molly\u2019s head. Suddenly she was surrounded by darkness. She was blind in pain and Jeremy Wheeler was all she could see. Molly came out of the woods and walked towards Jeremy who was playing with his knife. She took him by surprise, but she did not notice it, nor did she hear him ordering her to stop. She pointed the rifle at him, ready to fire.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You killed him,\u201d she shouted with lack of emotions. \u201c You killed Rafael.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Molly don\u2019t\u201d shouted Adam desperately struggling to free himself.\u00a0 He screamed because of the pain and closed his eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But Molly did not hear him, she was not even aware that he was there covered by his own blood. She shot and kept on shooting without being able to stop as once and again repeated that he had killed Rafael.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A few minutes later, Ben followed by both of his sons came running from the woods. They had found Sport and Handsome a minute before they heard the shootings. Ben had his heart in his throat, but his face turned to a mask of horror when he saw Adam covered by blood tied to a tree and Molly shooting the dead body of Jeremy Wheeler, even though there were no more bullets in the rifle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without wasting time, Joe and Hoss passed next to their father towards Adam. Both of them untied him and helped him to sit up. As far as they could tell, Adam had been shot in one arm and his torso was full of bleeding injuries. Adam was dizzy, struggling to keep himself conscious. Joe and Hoss moved him towards a tree where he could rest and gave him some water. They both raised their eyes in bewilderment to their father.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was walking cautiously near Molly, but she did not seem to notice any of them. Not even Adam.\u00a0 Her eyes were fixed on Wheeler\u2019s dead body as a mad expression covered her sweet face. Ben gently removed the gun from her shaking hands and she simply let it go. Slowly she turned her face to Ben, but he was not sure that she was seeing him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c He killed Rafael and the others,\u201d she mumbled as the tears rolled down her face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Abruptly she began to shake and fell into her knees covering her face with both hands.\u00a0 An instant later she was crying sorrowfully and saying things none of the Cartwrights could understand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Adam, where are you?\u201d she shouted with desperation. \u201c Adam\u2026\u201d And her voice showed the increasing anguish with each second that passed. Over his own bewilderment and pain, Adam managed to drag himself towards her. \u201cWhere are you?.\u201d She was at the edge of hysteria now. Adam surrounded her with his arm and pulled her to him. Desperately she clung to his neck. \u201c Please hold me. I\u2019m scared.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Shhhhh,\u201d he said rubbing her back. \u201c I\u2019m here my love. I\u2019m here.\u201d Adam closed his eyes struggling to keep the increasing pain under control.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben knelt next to him and placed one hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder offering him his support. He raised his gaze and asked Joe to ride to Virginia City and looked for Paul Martin and Roy Coffee. Joe nodded and ran towards the woods where he had left Cochise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u00a0 Come on honey,\u201d said Adam gently. \u201c Look at me Molly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Constance, my name is Constance Leod, not Molly\u201d she said unexpectedly and pressed herself against Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The END<\/span>
\nPart 2<\/span>
\nJanuary – 2002<\/span><\/center> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Story Summary:\u00a0 This time it\u00b4s Molly\u00b4s turn to face her past.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG
\nWords:\u00a0 20,330
\nPart of the To Face the Past Series, links to stories included within.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"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_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1005,23,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46872","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-drama","category-romance","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-3-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46872","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12436"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=46872"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46872\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=46872"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=46872"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=46872"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}