{"id":46924,"date":"2001-12-21T10:14:52","date_gmt":"2001-12-21T15:14:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46924"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:05:10","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:05:10","slug":"rose-1-a-love-for-rose-by-wild-prairie-rose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46924","title":{"rendered":"Rose #1 – A Love for Rose (by Wild Prairie Rose)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Story summary:\u00a0 Hoss meets a young woman that changes his life.
\n<\/span>Rating:\u00a0 G
\nWords: 4,200<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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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

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A Love for Rose<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/center>Looking out her bedroom window, watching her beloved ride down the path to the main road, Rose was overwhelmed with happiness.\u00a0 In six months she would be Mrs. Eric Cartwright.\u00a0 She could hardly believe that it was really going to happen.\u00a0 She dreamily remembered the look in his face asked her to be his wife.\u00a0 Spinning around her room, she landed in her pink velvet chair.\u00a0 She closed her eyes and recalled the first day they met.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a warm late winter Sunday morning.\u00a0 Rose was seated at the church organ playing the prelude as people were filling into the Virginia City Community Church.\u00a0 Rose had come to Virginia City with her brother, Dervin, when he accepted the invitation to be the new pastor.\u00a0 He needed her to help him get things set up and she needed to start a new life after her fianc\u00e9 ran out on her the week before the wedding.\u00a0 She could not bear the shame any longer, so she decided to come with her brother to Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwright men entered the church and greeted their neighbors and friends.\u00a0 Hoss looked up and saw a raven-haired lady sitting at the organ.\u00a0 She took his breath away when she looked up and smiled at him.\u00a0 Adam leaned in and whispered into Hoss\u2019s ear, \u201cSee what you missed when you were away fixing the fence line?\u00a0 Don\u2019t even think about it, Little Brother, I saw her first.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled and sat down in their family pew near the front of the church.\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s heart sank.\u00a0 He knew that if Adam had his eye on her, there was no chance that someone as pretty as this girl would ever look twice at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Rose sat in her pew during the service, she couldn\u2019t keep her mind off the strong, gentle-looking man who sat with the Cartwrights.\u00a0 She had met Mr. Cartwright and his two sons the day before, when they helped unload the wagon that arrived with some of her and Dervin\u2019s belongings.\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright seemed a very kind man.\u00a0 He reminded her of her father who had passed away three years ago.\u00a0 Sitting next to Mr. Cartwright was Joe, a nice young man but she had already heard about his wild streak.\u00a0 Next to Joe sat Adam.\u00a0 Adam was a very handsome man.\u00a0 She liked talking with him but he reminded her of Henry, her former fianc\u00e9, and she just couldn\u2019t bear being reminded of those recent events in her life.\u00a0 She was told that there was another son, Hoss, and she guessed that the man seated with them was he.\u00a0 She was looking forward to meeting him after church.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the services were over, Rose was at the organ packing up her sheet music, when Mr. Cartwright walked up to her and said, \u201cMiss Pickard, your music playing was inspiring today.\u00a0 We have not had someone playing that old organ for many years.\u00a0 I forgot how much it added to the services.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy thank you, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 It is a very nice organ.\u00a0 I was delighted to learn that the church had one so nice\u201d, Rose said, smiling at Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright noticed the look on both their faces and quickly began introductions.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Pickard, this is my middle son, Hoss.\u00a0 Hoss, this is Miss Rose Pickard, the Reverend Pickard\u2019s sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss was drowning in the depth of Rose\u2019s dark brown eyes, when his father quickly tapped his leg with the edge of his boot and brought Hoss back to the conversation.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s nice to meet you, Miss Pickard.\u00a0 May I carry your bag to your surrey?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hoss, and it\u2019s very nice to meet you as well.\u201d\u00a0 She hoped her quick answer did not give away the fact that she could sense her heart beating faster than normal.\u00a0 When their hands brushed against each other, it was like a bolt of lightning shooting through the both of them.\u00a0 They quickly turned from each other and began to walk toward the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dervin Pickard stood at the door, greeting his congregation as they left.\u00a0 He was receiving warm wishes from all as they walked out.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright and his sons walked up to him.\u00a0 \u201cReverend Pickard, I would like to introduce my middle son, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 The two men shook hands and exchanged greetings.\u00a0 Ben continued, \u201cI\u2019d also like to remind you of the reception we\u2019re hosting tonight at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dervin smiled, \u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Rose and I are looking forward to it.\u00a0 It\u2019s very kind of you to have a reception for us tonight.\u201d\u00a0 He shook hands with both Adam and Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI hope to return the favor when Rose\u2019s piano arrives.\u00a0 She is a wonderful cook and, as you heard, plays very well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The rest of the day on the Ponderosa was filled with activity.\u00a0 Ladies from the church came to the house delivering their home-cooked recipes for the reception.\u00a0 The dining table was almost full even before Hop Sing set out the food that he was preparing.\u00a0 Every chair in the house was on the first floor.\u00a0 When the house was all set, each of the men went to their room to get themselves ready.\u00a0 When Ben came downstairs, he heard a knock at the front door.\u00a0 He opened the door, and a lovely vision of pink silk and the aroma of roses greeted him.\u00a0 \u201cReverend Pickard and Miss Rose!\u00a0 Welcome!\u00a0 Won\u2019t you please come in and have a cup of punch?\u201d\u00a0 Ben took Dervin\u2019s hat and escorted them inside.\u00a0 \u201cThe guests will be here shortly.\u00a0 Miss Rose, you\u2019re truly a vision.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Hoss heard Rose\u2019s name, he walked out of his room and down the stairs.\u00a0 He stopped on the landing when he saw her.\u00a0 He could not believe what he saw standing before him.\u00a0 Rose was the most beautiful dream that he had ever seen.\u00a0 When their eyes met, he just stood there, wondering if that look in her eyes was meant for him.\u00a0 Rose\u2019s heart began to race when she saw Hoss walking down the stairs.\u00a0 He looked so handsome in his black suit, white shirt, and black string tie.\u00a0 When she looked into his eyes, she became breathless.\u00a0 The look in his eye made her feel lightheaded.\u00a0 She sat down on the settee that was right behind her, hoping that he could not notice how nervous she was.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Hoss broke his gaze at Rose, he found himself standing next to Adam on the landing.\u00a0 Once again his heart fell, for he knew that the look in Rose\u2019s eyes must have been meant for his older brother.\u00a0 Rose watched them descend the stairs together and walk toward her.\u00a0 She was almost sure Hoss could hear her heart beating wildly as he came nearer.\u00a0 When they were standing in front of her, Adam reached his hand out to her, saying \u201cRose, you are a vision to behold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam\u201d, giving a sweet smile to him.\u00a0 She looked at Hoss questioningly.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Rose, you do look very pretty this afternoon.\u00a0 Excuse me please.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss had to get away from Rose and Adam.\u00a0 At the very thought of her, Hoss wanted to jump on Chubb and ride as fast and as far as he could.\u00a0 He knew that he couldn\u2019t, so he went to the far corner of the room and joined his father and the Reverend Pickard.\u00a0 Adam looked down at Rose and saw a look of disappointment come across her face.\u00a0 Rose\u2019s wistful look spoke volumes to him and he suddenly understood his brother\u2019s actions.\u00a0 He realized at that point that there was no chance for him and the lovely Rose.\u00a0 Guests were arriving by now, and Adam left Rose in the company of the ladies who had started to gather around her.\u00a0 He went over to Hoss, with his curiosity getting the better of him.\u00a0 \u201cWhy did you leave our conversation so quickly, Hoss?\u00a0 I think Rose would like to visit with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I saw the way she looked at you as we walked down the stairs.\u00a0 She doesn\u2019t want to talk to me\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0 He turned away from Adam and his eyes fell on Rose, talking with the guests.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam placed his hand on Hoss\u2019s shoulder and asked, \u201cAre you sure, Little Brother, that she was looking at me?\u201d\u00a0 He turned to leave Hoss and went over to pour himself a glass of punch.\u00a0 Hoss watched Adam walk away.\u00a0 With every ounce of his being, he hoped what Adam was suggesting was true.<\/span><\/p>\n

The afternoon quickly passed.\u00a0 Adam cornered Little Joe and told him of his plan to help Rose and Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, we should do something to help give Hoss a little push toward Rose.\u00a0 Have you noticed how they keep looking at each other, hoping the other doesn\u2019t see?\u00a0 I have a plan that I think might work so they will see that they care for each other.\u201d\u00a0 They walked away from the crowd to discuss his plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam walked up to Rose and began to talk to her about their shared interests in music, art, and poetry.\u00a0 While they were talking, Joe went over to Hoss and asked, \u201cHoss, have you talked with Miss Rose tonight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYea, Joe, I have.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss looked in Rose\u2019s direction with pain in his eyes, watching her talk with Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe continued, \u201cI know you have feelings for her.\u00a0 Go and talk to her.\u00a0 You may be surprised at what you might learn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss had his doubts, but he followed Joe\u2019s suggestion anyway.\u00a0 Adam looked up and saw Hoss walking toward them.\u00a0 Rose looked at Hoss and instantly smiled.\u00a0 This was something that Hoss could not miss.\u00a0 Her smile was directed at him!\u00a0 He smiled back and his heart leaped within his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam softly cleared his throat, smiling.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, did you know that Miss Rose\u2019s family had stables back in Virginia?\u00a0 She\u2019s experienced in caring for horses.\u201d\u00a0 Turning to Rose, he said, \u2018Hoss is our resident animal expert.\u00a0 We\u2019ve often referred to him as having an extraordinary gift.\u00a0 Actually, we don\u2019t know what we\u2019d do without him!\u00a0 Well, it looks like you two have a lot in common.\u00a0 If you\u2019ll excuse me, I\u2019ll leave the two of you to talk.\u201d\u00a0 Adam gripped Hoss\u2019s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze as he left.\u00a0 Hoss knew it was a message that Adam was encouraging him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Rose talked for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening.\u00a0 Never before had he met a girl that he could talk so freely about animals, his family, and most of all, his lifelong dreams on the Ponderosa.\u00a0 When the evening came to a close, Hoss walked Rose to her surrey where her brother was waiting for her.\u00a0 Hesitating a little, he looked at her and asked, \u201cMiss Rose, could I call on you tomorrow afternoon, say around 2:00?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh please do, Hoss,\u201d Rose almost said too quickly, \u201cI would enjoy that very much.\u201d\u00a0 He helped her up into the surrey next to her brother and with that, they drove away.<\/span><\/p>\n

That night Hoss had difficulty focusing on any of his evening chores.\u00a0 The checker game with Joe didn\u2019t seem to interest him at all.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, it\u2019s your turn\u201d, Joe shouted at him, returning his thoughts to the game at hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, dadburnit, why are you yelling?\u00a0 I know it\u2019s my turn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen play!\u201d Joe said, impatiently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was thinking, Little Brother\u201d, as he moved the checker piece and found himself the victim of a triple jump and the end of the game.\u00a0 With that, Hoss rose from the chair and said his \u201cGood night\u201d to his father and brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s raised his eyebrows and looked at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, it\u2019s still early.\u00a0 Why are you going to bed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m tired, Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got a busy day tomorrow, so I\u2019m gonna turn in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking up from his reading, Ben spoke up.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, leave your brother alone.\u00a0 If he wants to go to bed, then let him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Hoss got into the quiet of his room, his mind began to focus on Rose.\u00a0 He was lost in thought.\u00a0 He could still smell her soft rosewater scent, the warmth of her hands on his arms when he helped her into the surrey, and her soft voice accepting his request to come calling.<\/span><\/p>\n

He got into bed and tried to sleep, but it would not come.\u00a0 Only visions of Rose filled his thoughts.\u00a0 He knew that it would be a long night ahead.\u00a0 Tomorrow afternoon would not come too soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the morning, Hoss came downstairs to breakfast with a joyous heart.\u00a0 Even though he didn\u2019t sleep well last night, he was up and ready to get the day going.\u00a0 When he sat down at the table, he picked up the platter that held the eggs and took about half of what he normally would take.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSon, are you feeling well this morning?\u201d Ben asked with concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa.\u00a0 Why do you ask?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss said happily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell Son, you are not eating your normal breakfast this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just in a hurry to get to work so I can take off early this afternoon.\u00a0 I\u2019m meeting Miss Rose at two and taking her to see the lake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked thoughtfully at Hoss.\u00a0 This was the happiest that Ben had seen his son in quite awhile.\u00a0 He should have known that this would include Rose Pickard.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Hoss came in for lunch, the bath that he had asked Hop Sing to make ready for him was waiting.\u00a0 A clean set of clothes was on his bed.\u00a0 He ate about half of his lunch, to the dismay of Hop Sing and his family.\u00a0 He cleaned up, dressed in his fresh clothes and went to the barn to hitch the surrey.\u00a0 He had just enough time to meet Rose.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the way to town, Hoss stopped at the hothouse and bought a rose.\u00a0 He pulled up in front of Rose\u2019s house and walked to the door.\u00a0 When he knocked, the Reverend Pickard opened the door and invited him into the parlor to wait for Rose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Reverend.\u00a0 I will have your sister home before dark\u201d Hoss said with a smile.\u00a0 That smile broadened when he looked at the staircase and saw Rose walking down the stairs wearing a green and white day dress.\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s expression made Rose laugh when she reached the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI must be the luckiest man alive!\u201d Hoss thought to himself.\u00a0 Why, she took his breath away!\u00a0 This was something he was going to enjoy getting used to.\u00a0 He walked her to the surrey.\u00a0 When he helped her into the surrey, that new feeling like a bolt of lightning went through their bodies.\u00a0 \u201cAnother thing I will have to get used to\u201d, he thought to himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked at Rose.\u00a0 \u201cI want to show you the lake.\u00a0 It\u2019s very pretty with all the flowers in bloom this time of year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss couldn\u2019t remember when the trip out to the lake had been more enjoyable.\u00a0 The two of them talked about Virginia, the trip west, and how much she liked Nevada, which made Hoss smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they came to the lake, it was her turn to become breathless.\u00a0 It was more beautiful than she could have ever imagined.\u00a0 \u201cOh Hoss, it\u2019s too beautiful for words.\u00a0 I have never seen anything this beautiful in my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not sure that she heard what he had said, she looked at him and smiled.\u00a0 In her heart of hearts she knew that she could fall madly and deeply in love with this strong, yet gentle man.\u00a0 They walked around the lake for a while and found a tree to sit under.\u00a0 Hoss took her hand and helped her to sit.\u00a0 He sat down next to her and they watched two fish jumping in the lake.\u00a0 A cool breeze swept over the lake and sent a chill onto Rose.\u00a0 She shivered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Rose\u201d apologized Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s much too cool to be sitting out here.\u00a0 If you want to go, we will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I love it here.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be fine.\u201d\u00a0 She decided she\u2019d rather get a chill than leave his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

He could smell her rosy scent as she leaned in close to him.\u00a0 He placed his arm around her.\u00a0 She snuggled in closer to him and laid her head on his shoulder.\u00a0 They spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the view and talking about everything under the sun, it seemed.\u00a0 With his arm around her and her head resting on his shoulder, they snuggled close.\u00a0 She loved his smell.\u00a0 A clean, wood and leather manly smell that intoxicated her.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they were getting ready to leave, Hoss stood and helped Rose up.\u00a0 They were standing very close.\u00a0 They both looked into each other\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 Hoss leaned down and began to kiss her.\u00a0 It was sweet and tender at first, but when she showed no resistance, the kiss deepened for both of them.\u00a0 Hoss was first to come to his senses.\u00a0 Gently pushing himself from her, his voice sounded a bit deeper.\u00a0 \u201cRose, I am so sorry.\u00a0 Please forgive me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Hoss, there is nothing to forgive\u201d she whispered.\u00a0 \u201cI wanted to kiss you as much or maybe more than you wanted to kiss me.\u00a0 Hoss\u2026I\u2019m falling in love with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked at her with a mixture of shock and relief.\u00a0 He looked into her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cRose, I have loved you from the first moment I saw you in church.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose tenderly touched his face with great love in her eyes.\u00a0 Hoss took her hand, raised it to his lips, and placed a gentle kiss on it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rest of the year found Hoss and Rose spending every moment that they could together.\u00a0 Everyone in town was anticipating an announcement soon.\u00a0 One day Hoss came into the house and, seeing his father seated at the great desk going over some papers, walked over to speak to him.\u00a0 \u201cPa, I need to talk with you about Rose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked up at his son.\u00a0 He had been expecting this talk for some time now.\u00a0 He knew that Hoss had been considering his future with Rose.\u00a0 \u201cDo you love her, Son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss beamed.\u00a0 \u201cYes Sir, more than I could ever love anyone.\u00a0 I can\u2019t, and don\u2019t want to, imagine my life without her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how does Rose feel?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe she feels the same\u201d, Hoss answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was more than satisfied.\u00a0 He leaned over toward the safe and pulled out a box.\u00a0 \u201cSon, I\u2019ve kept this for you, knowing that this day would come.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss opened the small box that contained a simple gold band.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was your mother\u2019s.\u00a0 I know it\u2019s very plain, but it was given with as much love as any grand diamond could have been given.\u00a0 Now Son, go with my blessing and all of the love that was between your mother and me and talk to your young lady.\u201d\u00a0 Speechless, Hoss hugged his father and left the house, headed for his Lady Rose.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he and Chubb arrived at her house, he could hear that Rose was giving a piano lesson.\u00a0 He quietly went to the out building that served as the Reverend Pickard\u2019s study and knocked on the door.\u00a0 The reverend opened the door and exclaimed \u201cHoss!\u00a0 This is a pleasant surprise.\u00a0 Rose is in the house finishing up her lessons.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard them when I rode up.\u00a0 But it\u2019s you that I would like to talk to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dervin could hear the nervousness in the voice of the big man standing before him.\u00a0 He had a feeling that there was going to be a significant change in his little family very soon.\u00a0 \u201cCome on in and have a seat.\u00a0 Would you like some coffee?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you\u201d he answered, hoping that holding the cup in his hand might help to calm his nerves.\u00a0 \u201cReverend, I\u2019ve been courting your sister, and, well, I wanted to come and talk with you to ask for your blessing and permission to ask for her hand in marriage\u201d\u00a0 There!\u00a0 He had said it.\u00a0 Now he could breathe again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dervin rose from behind his desk and tried not to smile.\u00a0 He breathed out a heavy breath, took off his glasses, and sat on the edge of his desk.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, do you love my sister?\u00a0 Now, before you get defensive on me, hear me out.\u00a0 As you know, Rose was engaged to be married to a young man back in Virginia.\u00a0 He claimed that he loved her, but because of some\u2026indiscretions\u2026Rose was left alone with a broken heart.\u00a0 I know that you care for her, but do you love her more than the very air that you breathe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDervin, she IS the air that I breathe!\u00a0 I will do anything and everything in my power to make her happy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Unable to watch Hoss agonize any longer, he said \u201cYes.\u00a0 You have my permission and blessing to ask Rose to marry you.\u00a0 But if you hurt her in any way, My brothers and I\u00a0 will find you and make you wish that you never knew us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked surprised at Dervin.\u00a0 He\u2019d never heard a preacher talk like that and wasn\u2019t quite sure how to take the remark, until a broad smile appeared on Dervin\u2019s face.\u00a0 He stood up to give Hoss a strong handshake.\u00a0 \u201cWelcome to the family, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss left the Reverend\u2019s study feeling like his feet weren\u2019t touching the ground.\u00a0 \u201cNow to talk to Rose\u201d he said to himself.\u00a0 He walked up to the front porch and sat in the rocker.\u00a0 He smiled as he heard her voice giving instruction to her student, Mary Johnson.\u00a0 He began to dream about what he was going to say to Rose, when Mrs. Johnson stepped up onto the porch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon, Hoss\u201d, Mary\u2019s mother smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon, Mrs. Johnson.\u00a0 How are you?\u00a0 I believe Mary has just completed her lesson.\u201d\u00a0 He said this just as Rose opened the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u00a0 This is a wonderful surprise!\u201d\u00a0 The higher pitch in her voice gave evidence to the unexpected visit.\u00a0 She looked at Mary.\u00a0 \u201cRemember to practice your scales this week.\u201d\u00a0 Turning to Mary\u2019s mother, she said, \u201cMary\u2019s lesson went very well today.\u00a0 She\u2019s a bright student, Rachel.\u00a0 Have a wonderful rest of the week, and I look forward to seeing you both on Sunday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Rose walked up to Hoss and looked him in the eyes, a sudden feeling of fear gripped her heart.\u00a0 Something was wrong, and she had to find out what it was.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, is something wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss took a deep breath, looked at her and said, \u201cI need to talk to you.\u00a0 Let\u2019s take a walk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She took his hand and began to think back to the last few days.\u00a0 Had she done something wrong?\u00a0 She must have.\u00a0 She had never seen Hoss act like this.\u00a0 They reached the creek\u00a0 that ran close to her house.\u00a0 They sat down on a nearby fallen tree.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, did I\u2026\u201d\u00a0 He placed a finger on her mouth.\u00a0 \u201cPlease Rose, I have to say this now, or I may not ever say it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere it comes\u2026\u201d she thought, \u201cHe must be trying to end our relationship.”\u00a0 How was she going to breathe, live, without being near him?<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss took Rose\u2019s hands in his and looked deeply into her eyes as he began to talk.\u00a0 \u201cRose, I have truly lived for the past year\u2026\u201d\u00a0 He took a long, deep breath and began again.\u00a0 \u201cWhat I am trying to say is I love you, Rose.\u00a0 You are everything to me, and I don\u2019t want to live another day without you.\u00a0 Will you please do me the honor of being my wife?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Upon hearing those most precious words being said to her, tears began to roll down her cheeks.\u00a0 She leaned over into his arms and kissed him with a desire that she had forgotten she possessed.\u00a0 “Yes, oh yes, My Beloved!\u00a0 I love you more than words could ever tell!”<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss stood up, picked her up, drew her close, and gave her a kiss that was full of the love that was in his heart and left her breathless.\u00a0 Her heart felt like it had been set free from a cage.\u00a0 One day she would tell him all about the feeling that she felt that day.<\/span><\/p>\n

She came out of her daydream when she heard a knock at her door.\u00a0 \u201cSister, are you alright?\u00a0 You\u2019ve been very quiet.\u00a0 Come!\u00a0 Supper is ready.\u00a0 We must write a letter to Mother, telling her about your wonderful news.\u00a0 It will take some time for them to get out here, and you know that Mother will want to be here to help you plan every little detail!\u201d Dervin laughed lightheartedly.<\/span>
\nRose stood up and told Dervin that she would be downstairs in a bit.\u00a0 She wanted to freshen up before Hoss returned with his family.\u00a0 They were going to share the good news with them tonight; the news that would soon change her name to Mrs. Eric Cartwright!<\/span><\/p>\n

THE END<\/span><\/center> <\/p>\n
<\/div>\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Story summary:\u00a0 Hoss meets a young woman that changes his life.
\nRating:\u00a0 G
\nWords: 4,200<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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