{"id":47192,"date":"2003-12-31T15:21:39","date_gmt":"2003-12-31T20:21:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47192"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:08:38","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:08:38","slug":"the-replacement-by-kimberley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47192","title":{"rendered":"The Replacement (by Kimberley)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Adam comes home for a visit and finds some things have changed in his absence.
\nRating:\u00a0 Teens
\nWords:\u00a0 7,240<\/span><\/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

The Replacement<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span>Once the stage rolled to a stop outside the Virginia City station, Adam got out and stretched his legs. Looking around, he couldn\u2019t resist a small smile. Things were pretty much the way he remembered them, give or take a new coat of paint here and there. Taking his bag from the driver, he made his way slowly down the street toward the livery stable, taking in the sights, sounds and smells he\u2019d been missing for so long. As he reached the sheriff\u2019s office, he paused briefly before going inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe with ya in a minute,\u201d Roy murmured absently, not bothering to look up from the letter he was writing. When he did, his eyes grew round with surprise. \u201cAdam? Adam Cartwright?\u201d he exclaimed, getting to his feet to greet the man in black. \u201cBy golly! When did you get into town?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust this moment,\u201d Adam smiled, shaking the older man\u2019s hand. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you, Roy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour Pa was in here just yesterday,\u201d Roy informed him. \u201cHe said you was comin\u2019 but not for another month or so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI managed to get a little more time off than I\u2019d expected, so I thought I\u2019d come home early and surprise Pa,\u201d Adam smiled. Home. No matter how long he\u2019d been gone, he still considered the Ponderosa home and it felt good to say it, knowing that it was only a short ride away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell he\u2019ll be surprised all right, I can guarantee that,\u201d Roy chuckled. \u201cWant me to give you a ride out there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Roy, but I was going to rent a horse at the livery and ride out myself. It\u2019s been a while since I\u2019ve had the chance to really ride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNice day for it, too,\u201d Roy beamed, shaking his hand again. \u201cYou give your best to your family, ya hear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Adam promised. \u201cSee you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam went through a similar reunion with old Charlie at the livery stable before he was finally on his way out to the ranch he\u2019d called home for most of his life. The property was even more beautiful than he remembered and he took the opportunity to fill his lungs with the clean, pine-scented air as he rode.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he rode into the yard, he stopped the horse and sat there for a moment staring at the house. How he\u2019d missed it these past years. As uncustomary tears sprang to his eyes, he realized how much he\u2019d truly missed those who waited inside. Dismounting, he grabbed his bag and strode toward the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was only slightly disappointed to enter and find the dining room and living room empty. Taking off his hat and hanging it on the familiar peg near the door, he made his way toward the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing?\u201d he called. \u201cAnybody here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When he found the kitchen also deserted, he turned and headed for the stairs. He\u2019d unpack his things and be waiting when they got home. Contemplating how good it felt to be back in the house, he climbed the stairs toward his old room.<\/span><\/p>\n

He had just finished unpacking when he heard the front door open and the sound of voices. Unable to hide a smile of pleasure at the familiar tones, he made his way to the top of the stairs. Joe, Hoss and another man were talking and laughing as they took off their gun belts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, look what the cat dragged in,\u201d he drawled, beginning the descent toward his brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Hoss exclaimed in obvious surprise as he saw his brother coming toward them. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll be!\u201d he grinned, hurrying across the floor to grab his brother\u2019s hand in a hearty welcome. \u201cWhy in tarnation didn\u2019t you tell us you was comin\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted it to be a surprise,\u201d Adam replied with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you, brother,\u201d Joe grinned, taking his turn to shake Adam\u2019s hand while at the same time clapping him on the back. \u201cPa is out in the barn. Boy, is he going to be surprised.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was the idea,\u201d Adam grinned, looking at his brothers. \u201cI\u2019d say you\u2019ve grown, Joe, but you really haven\u2019t,\u201d he teased. Turning to Hoss, he added, \u201cThankfully, you haven\u2019t either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking toward the door where the other man still stood, his hands on his hips and a smile on his face, Adam offered a polite smile. \u201cYou must be Candy,\u201d he assumed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard to believe you two never met,\u201d Hoss apologized for the lack of introduction. \u201cAdam, this here\u2019s Candy Canaday. Candy, our long lost brother, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood to finally meet you,\u201d Candy grinned, coming forward to shake the other man\u2019s hand. \u201cI feel like I know you already.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe feeling\u2019s mutual,\u201d Adam smiled, returning the handshake. \u201cPa told me all about you in his letters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll like him, anyway,\u201d Joe teased with a grin. \u201cHe\u2019s really not a bad sort, once you get to know him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The teasing was interrupted by the sound of Ben coming through the door. Taking off his hat, he glanced briefly at the group of young men standing to his to his right and proceeded to take off his gun belt. Stopping halfway through the process, he turned to the others again, his eyes full of surprise and disbelief. \u201cAdam?\u201d he exclaimed quietly, as though afraid his mind was playing a cruel trick and the sound of his voice might scatter the image of his son into thin air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s me, Pa,\u201d Adam smiled, moving toward his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the two men met, Ben grabbed him in a warm embrace. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you, son,\u201d he exclaimed, unable to wipe the wide grin from his face. Releasing his oldest son from the hug, but keeping a hand on both shoulders, he pressed for details. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you write you were coming? We would have met you at the stage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted it to be a surprise,\u201d Adam grinned. \u201cBy the look on your face, I\u2019d say I was successful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt sure is a surprise,\u201d Ben beamed, pulling Adam to him in yet another tight hug. \u201cThe best surprise of all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

********<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing had been equally happy to see that the oldest of the Cartwright sons had returned home. In Adam\u2019s honour, he cooked a huge dinner that included all his favorites. As they sat down to eat, conversation centred on the latest news from the Ponderosa as well as Adam\u2019s adventures at sea.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t tell you how good it is to have all my sons at the table,\u201d Ben smiled, looking around at his family. \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure I\u2019d ever see it again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy offered a slightly embarrassed smile. \u201cWell, while the four of you get reacquainted, I\u2019d better get out and check on things in the bunkhouse. Excuse me.\u201d Getting up from the table, he headed for the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe seems like a good man,\u201d Adam commented as soon as Candy was out of earshot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe is,\u201d Ben nodded with a smile. \u201cIn the year he\u2019s been here, he\u2019s become more than just a foreman; he\u2019s practically part of the family. We\u2019re lucky to have him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess you needed some extra help to keep this one in line while I was gone,\u201d Adam teased, nudging Joe\u2019s arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa does a good job of that all by himself,\u201d Hoss chuckled. \u201cBut it\u2019s still a full time job at times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, like you\u2019re no trouble at all,\u201d Joe grinned, enjoying the banter. \u201cWhat about your brilliant idea with the gold detector, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re both a handful sometimes,\u201d Ben interjected, his eyebrow raised in mock severity. \u201cSurely you haven\u2019t forgotten that whole mayoral race in Virginia City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeems I recall you getting into a few scrapes yourself, Pa,\u201d Hoss teased. \u201cLike when that Postly feller held you and Candy prisoner in that mine shaft.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeems there are a few stories I\u2019ve yet to catch up on,\u201d Adam smiled, folding his arms on the table in front of him. \u201cOk, who\u2019s first?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy was about to enter the house when the sound of laughter reached his ears. Hesitating briefly, he smiled as he caught brief snippets of the conversation inside. Not wanting to intrude on the family reunion, he quietly made his way back to the bunkhouse.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********
\nCandy was just finishing breakfast as Joe came down the next morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I didn\u2019t hear you come in last night,\u201d Joe grinned in way of a greeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t,\u201d Candy smiled. \u201cI spent the night in the bunkhouse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat for?\u201d Joe asked, frowning as he poured a cup of coffee. \u201cAnything wrong out there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d Candy shook his head as he got up from his chair. \u201cJust felt like it,\u201d he grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss came down at that moment and all exchanged greetings. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me you\u2019re finished already,\u201d Hoss exclaimed, eyeing Candy\u2019s empty plate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMista Candy up early,\u201d Hop Sing volunteered as he brought food to the table. \u201cFinish while breakfast still hot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Hop Sing,\u201d Joe apologized. \u201cWe were all up pretty late talking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing know,\u201d the Chinese man grinned. \u201cGood to have Mista Adam here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve got work to do,\u201d Candy announced with a smile as he excused himself from the table. \u201cI\u2019ll see you all later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget we\u2019ve got to go into town this morning,\u201d Joe reminded him as he loaded his plate with ham and eggs. \u201cThat new wheel should be ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Candy nodded. \u201cJust let me know when you\u2019re ready.\u201d With that, he left the house in the direction of the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI could go into town for that wheel if you want,\u201d Adam offered as he took the platter of eggs from Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right,\u201d Joe assured him. \u201cCandy and I were planning on doing it anyway. It\u2019s a two person job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Adam smiled slightly. Turning to Hoss, he added, \u201cAnd just what do you have planned for the day?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fixin\u2019 the fence up near Johnson\u2019s Meadow,\u201d Hoss informed him, tearing a slice of bread in half. \u201cAnd unlike our little brother here, I won\u2019t turn down help if you\u2019re offerin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m offering,\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cIt\u2019ll feel good to do ranch work again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think you can still handle ranch work,\u201d Joe teased, winking at Hoss. \u201cWhat do you think, Hoss? Is our older brother here still up to the challenge?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll show you who\u2019s up to what,\u201d Adam teased back. \u201cI\u2019ll bet I can still work you under the table.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019ll get plenty of opportunity to prove it,\u201d Hoss chuckled. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot to be done around here just now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe finished his breakfast and got up from the table. \u201cCandy and I should be back by lunch,\u201d he informed them as he pulled on his jacket. Patting the pockets, he frowned slightly. \u201cHoss, where\u2019s that notebook I gave you yesterday?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI gave it to Candy to check over the figures,\u201d Hoss replied, not looking up from his plate. \u201cI reckon it\u2019s prob\u2019ly in his room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe answered, heading for the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched Joe hurry up the stairs and turned to Hoss thoughtfully. \u201cCandy sleeps here in the house?\u201d he asked casually.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Hoss nodded matter-of-factly. \u201cLike Pa said, he\u2019s like one of the family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Adam mused, taking a sip of his coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a moment, Joe made his way once again down the stairs. \u201cGot it,\u201d he announced, waving the small notebook in his hand. \u201cI\u2019ll see you two later. And don\u2019t work our big brother here too hard, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe ducked the napkin Adam tossed at him and left the house with a familiar chortle.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben, Adam and Hoss were halfway through the noon meal when Candy and Joe came in. Ben was about to ask about the delay when he noticed the bruise on his youngest son\u2019s jaw. \u201cAll right, what happened?\u201d he asked firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t Joe\u2019s fault, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Candy replied. \u201cBob Matthews was in town causing trouble with his wife. Joe tried to intervene on her behalf and Bob hit him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Ben murmured, his eyebrows arched in skeptic acceptance of the explanation. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose it ended there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe offered a slightly sheepish look as he and Candy took their seats at the table. \u201cWell, not exactly,\u201d he admitted quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat exactly did happen next?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we, uh\u2026\u201d he glanced at Candy briefly. \u201cKinda got into a fight, Pa.\u201d In an attempt to defend his actions, he added, \u201cHe was pushing her around, trying to force her back to the ranch. What did you want me to do, just walk away?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Ben stated. \u201cBut something like that is a job for the sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, the sheriff does come into the story,\u201d Candy grinned. \u201cGo ahead, Joe, tell him the rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks a lot,\u201d Joe murmured under his breath, shooting Candy a smirk. \u201cWell, Pa, when Sheriff Coffee broke up the fight, he \u2026.put us both in jail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he did, did he?\u201d Ben asked sternly. \u201cJoseph, I sent you to town to pick up that wheel, period. Can\u2019t you manage to stay away from Bob Matthews even one day?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve been fighting a lot, lately,\u201d Hoss explained to Adam. \u201cBob Matthews married the gal Joe was sweet on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t sweet on her,\u201d Joe argued tersely. \u201cI just didn\u2019t think Matthews was the man for her. Obviously I was right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you mean he was trying to force her back to the ranch?\u201d Adam frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe finally got the sense to leave him,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cShe\u2019s been staying in town until she gets up enough money to move back east with her aunt. He doesn\u2019t want her to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s got a point, though,\u201d Hoss interjected. \u201cBob never did treat her too well. He\u2019s drunk most of the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is exactly why I asked you to stay away from him,\u201d Ben added. \u201cHe thinks you\u2019re the one who talked Amy into leaving him. Who knows what he might do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was staying away from him, Pa,\u201d Joe defended himself. \u201cHe was trying to drag her into the wagon in the middle of the street. I had to do something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s telling the truth, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Candy concurred. \u201cSheriff Coffee wasn\u2019t anywhere in sight and if Joe hadn\u2019t stopped him, he would have had her halfway back to that ranch before anyone caught up to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I suppose you were only doing what you had to do,\u201d Ben acquiesced. \u201cBut in the future, stay away from Bob Matthews whenever you can, do you understand me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Joe mumbled contritely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you explain things to Roy?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told him how it all started,\u201d Candy answered. \u201cOnce he heard the story, he let Joe go but he\u2019s going to keep Bob until he sobers up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Candy,\u201d Ben acknowledged. \u201cI guess that\u2019s the end of that, then. You boys better eat up before your lunch gets cold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As they resumed their meal, Adam looked across the table at the newest addition to the family. Pondering his thoughts on the situation, he decided wisely to keep them to himself for the time being.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss were riding out to finish their job on the fence when Adam broached the subject uppermost on his mind. \u201cCandy and Joe seem pretty close,\u201d he offered casually.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess we all got pretty close to Candy,\u201d Hoss shrugged. \u201cHe\u2019s an easy sort to get along with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know, he\u2019s like part of the family,\u201d Adam muttered under his breath, his tone laced with irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d Hoss asked, frowning slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said it must come in handy,\u201d Adam replied, \u201chaving him around, I mean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a good worker,\u201d Hoss agreed as they reached their destination. Dismounting, he squinted up at where his brother still sat on his horse. \u201cIt\u2019s almost like havin\u2019 another brother around,\u201d he grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though Adam returned the smile, he couldn\u2019t fight the feeling of resentment Hoss had unknowingly caused with the words. \u201cI\u2019ll bet,\u201d he mused, getting down from Sport to begin work on the fence. \u201cAnd Pa treats him like another son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess he does at that,\u201d Hoss nodded as he tied the horses to a fence post. \u201cCandy has as much respect for Pa as any one of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t comment directly, but his mind wrestled with the words as he worked. Though he\u2019d accepted Candy as a presence on the ranch as soon as he\u2019d read his father\u2019s letter saying that he\u2019d hired a new foreman, he hadn\u2019t been expecting to find the new man so involved with the interactions of the family. His feelings were ones that had taken him by surprise and he wasn\u2019t sure he wanted to admit them, even to himself. Trying to put the thoughts out of his mind, he gave the task at hand his full concentration.<\/span><\/p>\n

********<\/span><\/p>\n

At dinner, conversation was pleasant with everyone talking about how their day had gone. Adam was in an especially good mood, having rediscovered his love for ranch work. When they were finished, Joe looked at Hoss across the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow \u2018bout a game of checkers,\u201d he offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not me, little brother,\u201d Hoss chuckled. \u201cI\u2019ve bin cheated by you \u2018nuff times over the years to know better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe made a slight face at his older brother before turning to Candy. \u201cHow \u2018bout you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not,\u201d Candy grinned, wiping his mouth with his napkin. \u201cI\u2019ve got time to whip you in a game before I go check on the barn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn the other hand, I wouldn\u2019t mind a game of chess, Adam,\u201d Hoss smiled. \u201cThat is, if\u2019n you still remember how to play.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSet up the board, my man,\u201d Adam replied, pushing his chair back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stayed in his spot for a moment, watching the scene unfold in the sitting room. Joe and Candy bantered back and forth while they set up the checker board on the table near the fire, and Hoss and Adam did the same as they arranged their pieces on the board by the bottom of the stairs. It was nice having them all together, he thought to himself with a small smile. Once both matches were underway, he picked up a book and joined them in the next room, settling himself into his favourite red leather chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

********
\nAs the days went by, it was almost as though he\u2019d never left. Adam fell back into the routine of ranch life easily, perhaps proving that one could never really leave something that was such a big part of himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

One morning at breakfast, the men were discussing their various duties for the day. \u201cCandy and I\u2019ll patch that section of roof in the barn first,\u201d Joe announced, taking a sip of his coffee. \u201cThen we\u2019ll go check on the herd. This time of year, there\u2019s a lot of cougars coming down from the mountain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam contemplated the situation for a moment. \u201cTell you what,\u201d he suggested, getting everyone\u2019s attention. \u201cWhy don\u2019t I help you with the roof and the herd and Candy can go with Hoss into town?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked blankly at Adam, then at Candy. \u201cWhy?\u201d he shrugged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t feel like going into town today,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t mind, would you, Candy?\u201d he asked, one eyebrow raised slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t mind,\u201d Candy shrugged with a grin. \u201cLast time I checked, there wasn\u2019t a saloon on the barn roof. I\u2019ll go into town with Hoss, not a problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cThen I guess it\u2019s settled.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe offered a small smile but said nothing as he resumed his meal.<\/span><\/p>\n

The job of repairing the roof went well. It wasn\u2019t a major task and they were finished in less time than Adam had expected it to take. \u201cThat was quick,\u201d he surmised, wiping his brow with the sleeve of his shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cIf we go check on that herd now, we\u2019ll never be back in time for lunch. I\u2019ll ask Hop Sing to pack us something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr we could just wait until after lunch,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would we do that?\u201d Joe frowned slightly. \u201cHoss and Candy are probably eating in town anyway, and Pa won\u2019t be back from Carson City until closer to dinner time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cBut that doesn\u2019t mean we can\u2019t have lunch here, does it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess not,\u201d Joe admitted with a small smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it\u2019ll give us some time to talk,\u201d Adam continued as he took a ladle of water from the barrel. \u201cI\u2019ve been home almost a week and we haven\u2019t said more than a few words to one another.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you want to talk about?\u201d Joe asked, not looking up as he packed up the tools they\u2019d been using.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t brothers just talk without having a pre-approved topic of conversation?\u201d Adam asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up in slight surprise at the tone. \u201cThey should be able to,\u201d he agreed, getting to his feet, his gaze locking with that of his brother\u2019s. \u201cBut that\u2019s never really been the case with us, has it? Did you expect things to change?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but then again, I didn\u2019t expect to come home and find I\u2019d been replaced, either,\u201d Adam replied tersely. He hadn\u2019t intended to speak the words, but found himself unable to halt them in the face of his brother\u2019s challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d Joe asked, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam ran a hand through his hair in frustration, taking a moment to choose his words carefully. \u201cLook, Joe,\u201d he finally began. \u201cI didn\u2019t intend to start anything with you. I just\u2026 well, I guess I did expect things to be different. Not necessarily better than they were, but different than they are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe considered the words before allowing a wry smile. \u201cWell, I guess we don\u2019t always get everything we expect, do we?\u201d he asked in a flat tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s about the hundredth time this week that I\u2019ve got the impression you\u2019re trying not to say something. If you\u2019ve got a problem with me, why don\u2019t you just come out with it?\u201d Adam grated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked as though he was going to do just that, but then shook his head slightly. \u201cWhat\u2019s the use,\u201d he murmured.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d Adam taunted. \u201cCan\u2019t talk to me, your own brother? Maybe we need Candy here to mediate, is that it?\u201d His voice rose as his frustration mounted. \u201cMaybe deep down you wish he was your brother!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say that,\u201d Joe retorted, his eyes flashing green with anger. \u201cBut you\u2019re the one who chose to leave, Adam,\u201d he accused angrily. \u201cCandy\u2019s a part of this family because he chooses to be. He wants to be here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd regardless of that fact, I\u2019m still your brother, not him,\u201d Adam pointed out, his anger matching that of his brother. \u201cWhether you like it or not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe answered flatly, though his eyes still burned with barely controlled rage. \u201cI\u2019m well aware of that.\u201d Without another word, he turned and strode angrily toward the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angry with himself for losing his temper, Adam slammed his hand hard on the top rail of the corral. \u201cDamn,\u201d he hissed. Taking a deep breath, he struggled to think of a way to mend the rift he\u2019d created between them. After allowing his temper to cool, he put away the tools and headed for the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing was removing one of the two place settings from the table when he entered. \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMista Joe upstairs,\u201d Hop Sing informed him with a small frown. \u201cUpset with Mista Adam. Say he no want lunch here. Ask Hop Sing to pack lunch instead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know the feeling,\u201d Adam sighed. \u201cI\u2019m rather upset with Mista Adam myself.\u201d Deciding on a course of action, he added, \u201cCould you make that two lunches, Hop Sing? I\u2019m going with Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing began clearing the remaining place setting. \u201cEverybody go,\u201d he mumbled to himself. \u201cNobody stay. Everybody upset.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI promise, everyone will be here for dinner, OK?\u201d Adam tried to soothe the cook\u2019s ruffled feathers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since Hop Sing\u2019s answer was in Chinese, Adam had no way of telling what it was. Knowing that Hop Sing probably wanted to keep it that way, he didn\u2019t bother trying to figure it out, but rather headed for the stairs and Joe\u2019s room. He didn\u2019t make it far, however, as Joe passed him on the landing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we need to talk,\u201d Adam stated calmly as Joe brushed by him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got work to do,\u201d Joe replied without turning around.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Adam agreed, raising a hand as though in surrender. \u201cBut I\u2019m still going with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can do it myself,\u201d Joe retorted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard Pa,\u201d Adam reminded him. \u201cHe wants two of us up there in case the cougar situation is worse than we think.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSuit yourself,\u201d Joe answered nonchalantly as he took the pack Hop Sing had readied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do that,\u201d Adam sighed to himself though his brother was already out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

They rode in relative silence, Joe only answering direct questions and with the shortest answers possible. Adam knew his little brother well enough to know that he was still angry and that only time would aid him in getting over it. With a wry smile, he reflected on how some things never seemed to change. No, Joe\u2019s temper came as nothing new to him, but this reticent attitude, the refusal to lash out with whatever was on his mind was something new\u2026 and something that worried him more than he wanted to admit.<\/span><\/p>\n

They\u2019d been in high country only a short time when they caught sight of their first cat. \u201cCircle around from that way,\u201d Joe suggested, his stoic demeanour having been replaced with a knowledgeable confidence. \u201cI\u2019ll go up from here and we should be able to get him before he disappears into those rocks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Adam nodded, already heading in the direction Joe had indicated. Once he\u2019d circled around and climbed the rocky ledge, he caught sight of a flash of tan fur. Raising his rifle, he quickly looked around to gauge Joe\u2019s position and seeing that his brother was well outside the line of fire, he took the shot. The cat went down in an instant and Adam turned to Joe with a guardedly triumphant smile. Even more rewarding than knowing he\u2019d killed the predator was seeing his brother return the smile. As he turned back toward the dead cat, he heard the sound of a wild growl. Before his mind was able to pinpoint the location, the second feline pounced, knocking him to the ground as they rolled together, a tangled mass of black and beige.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Joe shouted, watching in horror as the cat seemed to come out of nowhere. Aiming carefully, he fired at the ball of fur as it poised atop his brother, teeth bared. Even as he saw the cat\u2019s lithe body go limp, he heard a low rumble. Looking up, he saw an assortment of rocks skidding down the incline toward them, likely loosened by the shockwave of sound his shot had initiated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook out!\u201d he shouted, grabbing Adam\u2019s collar and trying to pull him out of the way. As the first of the smaller rocks hit, he found himself praying that something would stop the larger boulders before they were crushed into oblivion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though it seemed like an eternity, the rockslide lasted less than a minute. Once it was over, Joe tried to move, only to find his legs pinned by a large rock. Blinking against the dust in the air, he called for his brother, only to be answered by an eerie silence. After struggling in vain to free himself, he managed to twist enough to see Adam laying unconscious only a few feet away. Stretching one arm, he was able to reach his brother and he closed his eyes in silent relief that he was still alive. \u201cAdam,\u201d he prodded, trying to elicit a response. \u201cAdam, can you hear me?\u201d A low moan was his only answer, but it was one that filled him with hope. \u201cWe\u2019re going to get out of here,\u201d he murmured, laying back against the rocky ground as he tried to figure out a way to keep his promise. After struggling a few more minutes against the rock that pinned him, he gave up and called out to his brother once again. This time, there was no sound at all and panic filled Joe\u2019s mind. Reaching back, he felt for a pulse and was relieved to feel that it was still fairly strong. Reluctantly, he resigned himself to the fact that they\u2019d have to wait for someone to free them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam,\u201d Joe offered, unsure whether or not his brother could hear the words. \u201cAbout earlier. I didn\u2019t mean it\u2026\u201d His voice trailed off as tears began to well in his eyes. \u201cI\u2019ve never regretted having you for a brother, not for a second.\u201d He stopped for a moment to consider his feelings. \u201cWhen you said you were leaving, a part of me didn\u2019t think you\u2019d really go. I couldn\u2019t understand why you\u2019d want to leave here.\u201d He allowed a small smile as the first tear made its way down his cheek. \u201cI remember when Ma died. You said you\u2019d always be there for me.\u201d After a moment, he added, \u201cAnd you were; I was just too stubborn to admit it at times.\u201d He allowed his mind to wander into the past. \u201cMaybe if I\u2019d made your job a little easier, you might have stayed, I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t leave you, Joe,\u201d came a voice laced with pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Joe exclaimed, turning to see his brother\u2019s face. The eyes were closed tightly and the mouth was pulled into a painful grimace, but it was one of the nicest sights he\u2019d seen in a long time. \u201cYou gave me quite a scare,\u201d he smiled in relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still here,\u201d Adam assured him as he tried unsuccessfully to move. \u201cAnd it looks like I will be for a while. My arm\u2019s caught.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRockslide,\u201d Joe informed him. \u201cI must have triggered it when I shot at that cat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d Adam asked, trying to swallow the painful gasp that rose in his throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t move either,\u201d Joe replied, \u201cBut I don\u2019t think anything\u2019s broken. We\u2019re going to have to wait for help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThink anyone will find us here?\u201d Adam asked, more to keep his mind off the pain than because he expected an answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you kidding me?\u201d Joe joked quietly. \u201cBetween Hoss and Candy, I can\u2019t think of two better trackers. They know where we were headed. They\u2019ll find us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was silence for a moment before Adam spoke again. \u201cYou weren\u2019t the reason I left, Joe,\u201d he stated quietly. \u201cIn fact, it was you and Hoss and Pa that kept me here all these years. Leaving the Ponderosa was one of the hardest things I\u2019ve ever done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe considered the words for a moment. \u201cI always thought you were happy here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was,\u201d Adam acknowledged. \u201cBut I\u2019ve always felt there was a part of me that was meant to travel.\u201d His voice grew increasingly strained, his breathing laboured, yet still he continued, feeling a strong need to explain. \u201cAfter a while, I just couldn\u2019t fight it any longer. I had to see new things, meet new people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess maybe I\u2019ll never really understand it,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cThis is the only home I\u2019ve ever known.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His words were met with silence and he craned his neck to look in his brother\u2019s direction. To his dismay, he noted that Adam was once again unconscious. The rock that had his arm pinned was also pressing on his chest and Joe feared that it might be restricting his lung capacity. \u201cHold on, brother,\u201d he murmured quietly. \u201cJust hold on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Candy had been home for nearly an hour when Ben arrived. \u201cAdam and Little Joe not back yet?\u201d he asked, noticing that their horses were missing from their stalls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cMaybe there\u2019s more cougars up there than we reckoned.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, maybe,\u201d Ben agreed, frowning. \u201cLet\u2019s just hope there\u2019s not too many. We can\u2019t afford to lose many more cattle to those cats.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf there are cougars up there, they\u2019ll get \u2018em,\u201d Candy smiled in reassurance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing joined them then, his expression one of concern. \u201cMista Joe and Mista Adam gone a long time,\u201d he pointed out. \u201cTook lunch on horse. Mista Joe upset with Mista Adam. Mista Adam upset with Mista Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you mean Mister Adam was upset with Little Joe?\u201d Hoss corrected with an amused grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Hop Sing shook his head adamantly. \u201cMista Adam say he upset with Mista Adam. Not very happy boys when they leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that so,\u201d Ben mused, his frown deepening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, you know them two, Pa,\u201d Hoss tried to reassure his father. \u201cThey wouldn\u2019t be Adam and Little Joe if\u2019n they wasn\u2019t arguin\u2019 \u2018bout one thing or \u2018nother. It don\u2019t mean nothin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not,\u201d Ben agreed thoughtfully. \u201cBut if they left before lunch, they should be back by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWant me to take a ride out there?\u201d Candy offered. \u201cI know the spot where Joe was planning to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019d all better take a ride out there,\u201d Ben affirmed with a tone of authority.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without further discussion, they saddled their horses and headed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

When they reached the area Candy had led them to, there was no sign of the missing men. \u201cWe\u2019d better split up,\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cKeep your eyes open for anything. If you find them, fire two shots.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight, Pa,\u201d Hoss nodded, heading out in one direction while Candy went off in the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben surveyed the landscape for a moment, squinting to scan the rocky terrain. \u201cIf you\u2019re out here, we\u2019ll find you,\u201d he promised in a low voice before prodding Buck forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026or the time we got into all that trouble up at Widow\u2019s Glen?\u201d Joe said tiredly. He\u2019d been talking for what seemed like hours, hoping that some of what he was saying was getting through. \u201cPa was madder than a wet hen at that one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean \u2018we\u2019?\u201d Adam replied groggily. \u201cI was just there to keep you two out of trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes in a silent prayer of relief. \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure you could still hear me,\u201d he admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan hear fine,\u201d Adam countered haltingly. \u201cJust can\u2019t talk much. Can\u2019t breathe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat rock just might come in handy the next time you want to lecture me about something,\u201d Joe teased, trying to keep his brother\u2019s spirits up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t stop me,\u201d Adam managed. \u201cWould just take longer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe allowed a small chuckle. \u201cYeah, you\u2019re probably right,\u201d he allowed. His head turned slightly as he thought he heard a noise. As the sound got closer, he was able to identify it as hoofbeats. \u201cOver here!\u201d he called, mustering all the strength he could. \u201cWe\u2019re over here!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In a matter of minutes, Candy reached them. \u201cHey,\u201d he grinned down at Joe, surveying the situation. \u201cWhat\u2019s the big idea laying down on the job?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHelp Adam,\u201d Joe instructed. \u201cHe\u2019s hurt bad and that rock is crushing his chest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy made his way instantly to where Adam lay. \u201cAnything broken?\u201d he asked, frowning slightly as he saw the size of the rock that was causing the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCouple of ribs,\u201d Adam struggled to reply. \u201cDon\u2019t know about the arm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy,\u201d Candy soothed. \u201cWe\u2019ll have you out of there in no time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019d scrambled back to Joe\u2019s position and had taken his gun out of its holster when Joe stopped him with a hand on his arm. \u201cDon\u2019t shoot,\u201d he cautioned. \u201cThat\u2019s what caused the first slide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked back at where Adam lay. If that large rock shifted even a few more inches, it could crush the life from him before anyone could do anything. \u201cI have to get your Pa and Hoss,\u201d Candy explained. \u201cI can\u2019t move it by myself. I\u2019ll go a safe enough distance away and signal for them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Joe nodded. With a small smile, he added, \u201cHurry back, will ya?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet, buddy,\u201d Candy grinned, squeezing Joe\u2019s shoulder briefly before hurrying down the way he\u2019d come.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe heard the two shots and a moment later Candy was back, a canteen in his hands. Without stopping at Joe\u2019s position, he made his way to where Adam waited for rescue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTry to drink some of this,\u201d he coaxed, gently lifting Adam\u2019s head just enough to reach the canteen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam drank a little and reclined once again. \u201cThanks,\u201d he murmured.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy didn\u2019t answer, but went to Joe and offered him the canteen. Joe was able to drink unassisted and Candy took the opportunity to remove his hat and wipe his brow. Looking around at the rocks that would need to be moved, he shook his head slightly. \u201cWhen you Cartwrights do something, you never go half way, do ya?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Ben arrived in a matter of moments and began the painstaking task of freeing the trapped men. Though Joe insisted that they help Adam first, Ben explained that they had to get Joe out of the way in order to do so. Reluctantly, Joe agreed and prepared to pull his legs out the minute Hoss and Candy were able to pry the boulder up enough. Once free, he allowed his father to inspect his injuries while the other two hurried to help his oldest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing broken,\u201d Ben surmised after a quick inspection. \u201cBut that ankle is going to be sore for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Joe assured him, finally able to move to where his brother lay. \u201cBe careful,\u201d he instructed as Candy and Hoss worked to inch the rock away. \u201cHe got jumped by a cat just before the slide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as they\u2019d managed to lift it far enough, Hoss nodded at Ben and Joe. \u201cGet him outta there,\u201d he instructed. \u201cWe can\u2019t hold it too long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben and Joe pulled Adam\u2019s body out of the danger zone and began to check him over while Candy and Hoss slowly lowered the boulder into a resting position.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked as they came to join them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Ben nodded. \u201cA few broken ribs and I think his shoulder is dislocated, but I can\u2019t see any signs of that cat attack.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took as large a breath as the painful ribs would allow. \u201cHe didn\u2019t get a chance to get his teeth into me,\u201d he managed with a small smile. \u201cThanks to my little brother, here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still going to need a doctor,\u201d Ben pointed out grimly. \u201cWe\u2019ll get him on a horse and head back to the house. Candy, ride into town and get the doctor, will you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Candy nodded, turning away to head for his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy?\u201d Adam called quietly, causing the other man to turn back with an expectant expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Adam continued with a small smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy returned the smile along with a slight nod before resuming his task.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once he was gone, Adam allowed Ben and Hoss to help him to his feet. \u201cNext time,\u201d he grimaced to Hoss as they slowly made their way toward the horses. \u201cI\u2019ll go into town and you can go hunting the cougars.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou got yerself a deal there, brother,\u201d Hoss chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the doctor had finished with Adam and left the room, Joe came in, limping heavily on one leg. \u201cHow you feeling?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBetter,\u201d Adam replied, shifting his position slightly and frowning at the pain the movement caused. \u201cAbout a lot of things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Joe frowned slightly, lowering himself into a chair beside the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was a fool, Joe,\u201d Adam admitted quietly. \u201cI came home and saw Candy here and thought\u2026\u201d He paused for a moment. \u201cWell, I guess I thought he\u2019d taken my place. That you didn\u2019t need me here, or really want me for that matter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s crazy,\u201d Joe assured him. \u201cYou\u2019re my brother Adam.\u201d With a teasing smile, he added, \u201cWhether I like it or not, remember?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grimaced and Joe wasn\u2019t sure if it was the pain in his ribs or the reminder of the conversation they\u2019d had in the yard. \u201cYeah,\u201d he breathed. \u201cI remember. I\u2019m sorry about that, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s expression took on a more solemn nature. \u201cMe too,\u201d he offered. \u201cI was so angry with you when you left. I thought I was over it, but when you came back I guess it did too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAngry?\u201d Adam replied with a thin smile. \u201cI would have thought you\u2019d be glad to be rid of me. You always thought I lectured too much, from what I recall.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny how your perspective changes,\u201d Joe mused. \u201cYou were just trying to keep me in line. After you left, I saw that so much more clearly than I ever did while you were here. You know what they say, you never know how much you\u2019ll miss something until it\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case,\u201d Adam grinned, a teasing twinkle in his eye. \u201cBefore I leave, I\u2019ll write down a whole mess of lectures that you can refer to whenever the need arises.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good,\u201d Joe smiled warmly. \u201cI\u2019d better go and let you get some rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

The weeks passed quickly and before any of them knew it, it was time for Adam\u2019s departure. As the stage rode up to the station, each of them realized they couldn\u2019t put it off any longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll miss you, son,\u201d Ben whispered, his throat choked with emotion as he hugged his eldest child.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too, Pa,\u201d Adam replied, returning the hug. \u201cI\u2019ll write every week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning to Hoss, he grinned. \u201cGuess you\u2019re back to being the big brother for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can handle it,\u201d Hoss smiled, grabbing Adam in a bear hug. \u201cAfter all, I had myself the best teacher.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once Hoss had released him, he turned to Joe. \u201cI think these belong to you,\u201d he stated with a sly wink. Joe took the envelope and removed the pages inside. As he read the first few lines of his brother\u2019s neat handwriting, his face broke into a broad smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d he grinned, shaking Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019m sure they\u2019ll come in handy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure they will, too,\u201d Adam replied, mustering his sternest expression. \u201cCome here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

To Joe\u2019s surprise, Adam pulled him into a fierce hug, one he returned with a strange sense of pride.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having said goodbye to his family, Adam turned to Candy with a smile. \u201cI never thought I\u2019d have another brother,\u201d he stated. Glancing sideways at Hoss and Joe, he raised one eyebrow. \u201cOr want one for that matter,\u201d he teased. \u201cBut after getting to know you, I realize you\u2019re as close as any of us are likely to come. I\u2019m glad you\u2019re here. Keep an eye on them, will you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can count on it,\u201d Candy grinned, shaking Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cTake care.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took one last look around the town before boarding the stage for his long journey. As he looked out the small window at the four men, he realized how absurd his earlier thoughts had been. He\u2019d never be replaced in their hearts, just as they could never be replaced in his.<\/span><\/p>\n

The End.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Adam comes home for a visit and finds some things have changed in his absence.
\nRating:\u00a0 Teens
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