Summary:\u00a0Jess, George, and Sally left the people they loved, including the Cartwrights. After six long years, Jess has returned to Virginia City, running from the man who forced them out of their homes in the first place: her own father. What will happen when she meets Adam again? Will the memories of their past come rushing back, or will they be forced to face a future without each other?<\/p>\n
Rating: K+
\nWord Count: 22,507<\/p>\n
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\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben opened the house\u2019s front door to find his eldest son sitting on the porch.<\/p>\n
Adam quickly wiped his face when he heard the door open. \u201cSorry, Pa, I didn\u2019t hear you.\u201d Ben sat down beside him. After a long time, Adam took a deep breath and lied through his teeth, \u201cI am fine, Pa. There is nothing I can do about it, any of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
After a long time, Ben stood and spoke, \u201cWhen you are ready, Marie was looking for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam nodded but headed to the barn. Talking to Arrow always helped him to think. Adam had raised him from a colt. He had a dark brown coat and two white socks on his back legs. His distinguishing marking was, true to his name: an arrow shape on his chest. \u201cHey, boy.\u201d He stepped into the stall and began to brush Arrow. Halfway through the job, he said, \u201cI just can\u2019t understand. I love her. We make each other so happy. Why can\u2019t Finn see that?” Once he had gathered himself, he headed towards the house. Once inside, he was bombarded by two children, plastering on a smile that almost looked real to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cUp?\u201d the tiniest of the two yelled, holding up his arms. He was five, but he was petite and skinny for his age. Adam swung the boy up on his shoulders.<\/p>\n
Hoss, who was 13, was almost as tall as Adam and weighed twice as much. \u201cYou okay, big brother?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam smiled at him, \u201cI\u2019m always okay, little brother.\u201d He ruffed his hair as he passed. “Where\u2019s Marie?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s in the kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n
He nodded and headed in that direction. \u201cWatch your head,\u201d he called to little Joe as he walked past the threshold. Adam sat him down, and he ran to Marie. Marie stood in the kitchen, cleaning up from supper.\u00a0 Adam placed Joe on the floor. He ran to his mother, hugging her as high as possible, then ran out the door as Hoss called for him. Marie turned back to Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou wanted to see me.\u201d He said a little roughly but not unkindly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Adam,\u201d she turned to face him, wiping her hands on her apron. \u201cI need you to go into town for me tomorrow. You need to say goodbye to her properly. For both of your sakes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t see them, Marie. It will hurt too much.\u201d<\/p>\n
She placed her hands on her hips. \u201cNow, Adam, I am not your mother, but I love you. If you don\u2019t say goodbye, you will never have peace, and neither will she. Go to town tomorrow. I can’t force you if you don\u2019t want to talk to her afterward.\u201d<\/p>\n
He nodded. \u201cYes, ma\u2019am.\u201d He walked over and kissed her cheek. Before leaving the kitchen, he called to her, \u201cFor the record, you are one of my ma\u2019s too.\u201d He walked to the bedroom he shared with Hoss. Taking off his boots, he lay in bed, and as always, his thoughts drifted to her as sleep courted him.<\/p>\n
She giggled as he stole a kiss from her. They lay lazily on the picnic blanket on a hill overlooking the lake. \u201cCan we get married right here? It would be perfect.\u201d She asked. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cSweetheart, we could get married on the moon if it would make you happy.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh, Adam, man will never reach the moon.\u201d She pushed him away playfully. \u201cBesides, all I need to be happy is you, this view, and my family.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n He smiled at her sweetly, \u201cThen it\u2019s settled. We will get married right here next fall.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cNext fall? Don\u2019t you think you need to ask my father first?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Adam looked thoughtful momentarily, \u201cYes, but it\u2019s not like our relationship is a secret; neither were my intentions. Besides, Marie, Pa, Hoss, and Joe love you, and your brother and sister adore me. I do not think our marriage will be a hard sell, do you?\u201d He kissed her again. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cNo, I hope not, but you know how my father can be.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIf he says no, we will elope on one condition.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh, and what would that be?\u201d She teased.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWe stay in the main house of the Ponderosa at least for a while.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She laughed, \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n He looked down. \u201cI can\u2019t leave them, Jess. Hoss and Joe are too young to take on my responsibilities around the ranch, and Pa can\u2019t do it alone. They need me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She held his cheek, guiding his face up. \u201cAnd you want to be there.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She didn\u2019t pose it as a question, but he felt the need to defend himself. \u201cIt\u2019s my home. I spent years working alongside Pa to make it what it is. Even though I know it\u2019s not much, not yet. It\u2019s a part of me. I don\u2019t think I could leave it even if I wanted to. I\u2019m as much a part of it as the pines are.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cDarling, you don\u2019t have to explain yourself to me. I knew from the moment I met you that you were rooted in this land, in your family. That’s one of the many things I love about you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n He smiled at her, finally looking at her. It was vast, open, and honest. She would have flown to the moon herself to keep that smile turned to her. \u201cWhat did I ever do to deserve you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI think I could ask you the same question. You shouldn\u2019t have looked twice at me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She smiled back and stood, \u201cCome on, if you want to marry me, we better get back. You will never get my father\u2019s blessing if you miss the roundup. <\/em><\/p>\n Adam woke with a start. He shook his head, only to see Hoss\u2019s head peak at him. \u201cHoss, why are you awake so early?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were talking in your sleep.” “It’s okay.” Nothing was said for a moment, and then Hoss spoke. “I miss her too.”<\/p>\n Adam froze; he had known that he had called to her in his sleep for a while, but they had never talked about it. “Miss who?”<\/p>\n “Jessy. She made you happy, Adam. I miss seeing you happy.”<\/p>\n A million responses flew through his head, but all he said was, “I miss her too, buddy.”<\/p>\n “Are you going try to get her back?”<\/p>\n Adam didn’t say anything as he walked out their bedroom door. \u00a0As Adam and Ben finished mucking stalls that morning, Adam asked, ” If I asked Jess to marry me again, would you support it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked at him confused, then with clarity, “You mean without her father’s permission?”<\/p>\n Adam nodded, “Yes, sir, that’s what I mean.”<\/p>\n “Son, are you sure that’s a good idea? Her father may come after you with a shotgun.”<\/p>\n Adam lifted his chin slightly, “I know the risks; I’m asking if I will face them alone. I know you have Marie, Joe, and Hoss to consider.”<\/p>\n “Son, if you can get her to agree, this family has faced many more dangerous things than Finn Howards.”<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s smile lit up the whole barn. He sat down his pitchfork and wrapped his arms around Ben’s shoulders. “Thank you, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n “Getting her to say yes will be harder than you think.”<\/p>\n Adam shook his head; “I know, but if I don’t try, I will regret it. I love her, Pa. I know she loves me.”<\/p>\n “She may, son, but you must consider her family.”<\/p>\n Adam nodded and continued working with a newfound energy. Once all the morning chores were done. Adam saddled Arrow and headed toward town.<\/p>\n Once Adam settled Arrow in the stable, he set out to find her. She was where she always was when her whole family came to town, fishing her father out of the saloon. He found her half dragging and half carrying a small man out the door. Adam took the man\u2019s other arm and helped her sit him in a chair.<\/p>\n She dusted herself off. “Thank you for the help.” She said without looking up.<\/p>\n Her voice still calmed the deepest part of his soul. “It’s the least I can do, sweetheart.” He tipped his hat when she finally looked at him.<\/p>\n “Oh, Adam, I didn’t realize it was you.” She shifted her feet uncomfortably. “You are the last person I expected to help him.”<\/p>\n “And why is that? You needed my help.”<\/p>\n “I wasn’t sure you wanted to help me anymore.” She looked back at Finn. The man was only forty, but he looked sixty. The whiskey and hard times had taken a toll. He was sleeping soundly. “He may be my father, but that doesn’t mean he is a good man. At least not since Mother died. He has been trying to drown himself in a bottle ever since. After everything he said to you and Ben, I can’t blame you for hating us.”<\/p>\n Adam looked at her, puzzled, “Hate you, George, and Sally? No, Jess, never.”<\/p>\n \u201cGeorge! Sally!” Without another word, she took off, running toward the hotel. Adam ran after her, reaching the hotel before she did to find George and Sally playing in the sand out front. The two children were eight and four, with blonde hair and brown eyes and, like Joe, tended to find trouble.<\/p>\n “JJ!” George screamed and ran toward her.<\/p>\n Sally looked up. Her face lit up when she saw Adam. “Uncle Adam!” She yelled and sprinted into his arms.<\/p>\n He gladly picked her up and swung her around. Being the younger of the two, she was still small enough that he could do this easily. “And how are you this morning, BlueBell?”<\/p>\n “Are you coming to take us home?”<\/p>\n Jess looked horrified, “Sally!”<\/p>\n “I want to go home.\u201d Sally turned to her sister.<\/p>\n “Sally!” She turned her attention back to Adam, who was trying, somewhat successfully, to hide a smile while holding Sally in his arms, “Adam, I’m sorry. What was it that you needed?”<\/p>\n “I wanted to talk to you. Come take a walk with me?”<\/p>\n She nodded, “Let me put them down.\u201d She could tell Sally was fighting sleep in Adam’s arms.<\/p>\n He nodded at her. Once, she had both laid on the cot in the little room. George, I need you to stay here with your sister.\u201d<\/p>\n George nodded, “Only if Uncle Adam sings to us!\u201d<\/p>\n “Of course, little man.” Adam smiled at him. He began George’s favorite song. Once he had finished, both the children were asleep. He turned back to Jess to find her leaning against the door frame with her eyes closed.<\/p>\n She opened her eyes once he stopped. ” I’m going to miss the sound of your voice.” He noticed the tears in her eyes then.<\/p>\n Without thinking, he pulled her into him, her whole body shaking, “You don’t have to, you know? Marry me, and I\u2019ll sing to you every day.”<\/p>\n “I wish I could say yes.” She responded, still crying.<\/p>\n He guided her gently out of the room, “Then say yes, Jess. We could build an amazing life together. The kind other people only ever dream of. Marry me!” “Your father said no because he is a drunk fool. Everyone knows that. As for George and Sally, they can come live with us. You know how my folks feel about them! Please, Jess, say yes. You take care of everyone else. Let me take care of you.\u201d<\/p>\n She took his face in her hands. Slowly losing the resolve she had started with. “Why do you have to make this so hard?\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled, \u201cBecause I am a stubborn Cartwright who doesn’t know how to take no for an answer.” He wiped more tears from her eyes.<\/p>\n “I can’t leave Daddy. We are all he has. But at least take this as a consolation prize. I was going to send this to you once we left, but I’ll give it to you now.” She pulled a beaten-up envelope from a pocket inside her dress. “Before you open that, you need to know I sent this before Mother died and all hell broke loose.”<\/p>\n “What is it?” He gently took the envelope from her. He opened the envelope but didn’t get past the college seal before he yelled, “Jess, this isn’t a consolation prize. This is a way to make yourself feel better! How did you even get the papers to apply? I know I didn’t give them to you.”<\/p>\n “Adam, you have talked about going for so long. I at least wanted you to know it was an option.”<\/p>\n “What do you mean an option? You know I have responsibilities on the ranch.”<\/p>\n She looked at him sadly. “I know you have responsibilities. Don’t let your responsibilities run your life. Your father has enough hands to cover the work.” She put her hand on top of his. “Please, Adam, don’t let your dreams die under your responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n The grimace on his lips and the pain in his eyes betrayed more than his face ever would. “You should look in the mirror when you say that.”<\/p>\n “My only dream was you, our kids, and to see George and Sally happy, my family. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”<\/p>\n “And what makes you think you were not a part of my dream?\u201d<\/p>\n “I know, but sometimes the world doesn’t care about our dreams. You can still have part of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam finally locked eyes with her. Her gray, stormy eyes refused to look away. “What about your own dreams? Are you going to find your dreams with someone else?” He practically spat at her.<\/p>\n “No, If it were up to me, I would never leave.”<\/p>\n “It is up to you. Why won\u2019t you marry me?<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d She looked like she had been kicked in the stomach. \u201cDance with me.”<\/p>\n “What?”<\/p>\n “Dance with me one last time?” He held out his hand to her after pocketing the letter.<\/p>\n “In the street?” She looked around them. Everyone politely gave them enough space to seem private but close enough to hear every word.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, we may never get another chance. I don’t want my last memory of you to be fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled sadly, “I’m sorry I’m causing you all this pain. It’s the last thing I want to do. I would never ask you to wait for me. Just don\u2019t forget me.”<\/p>\n ” I could never forget you. You will always own the deed to my heart.\u201d He smiled and pulled her into his arms.<\/p>\n After several minutes, she pulled away from him. \u201cAdam, Sally asked if you were coming to take us home. This is all she has ever known.\u201d She was crying again. Adam quickly wiped away her tears while holding back his own.<\/p>\n \u201cJessica!\u201d The rough sound of her name made her jump. She buried her head in Adam\u2019s chest. \u201cIt\u2019s time to go!\u201d<\/p>\n She kissed Adam\u2019s cheek and whispered, \u201cGo get your dream.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJessica!\u201d A hand yanked her away from Adam. \u201cTime to go! Now!<\/p>\n Adam tried one last time, grabbing her arm gently. \u201cSweetheart.\u201d<\/p>\n She touched his face. \u201cTrust me. It\u2019s better this way.\u201d<\/p>\n Finn roughly pulled her away and pushed her in front of him. \u201cLet\u2019s go, girl!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stood in the street dumbfounded, watching them go. Even when they disagreed, they could always talk to each other; it is what made them such a good pair. He needed a drink. He walked into the salon, \u201cWhiskey.\u201d He called as soon as he was inside.<\/p>\n The barkeep passed him a half bottle of whiskey and a glass. \u201cIt\u2019s on the house.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I wanted you to know that everyone is going to miss them. All of them except Finn, that is. We were all rooting for you and Jessica. She is one heck of a girl. Always keeping you on your toes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, me too.\u201d He hadn\u2019t been sitting long when he heard a blood-chilling scream. Fear overtook every logical bone in his body. He blindly made his way outside. Once outside, he saw the problem.<\/p>\n Sally had dropped her favorite doll out of the open window. And now she was trying to follow it. The problem was that the stagecoach was gaining speed. Jess pulled her back inside, kicking and screaming. Adam picked up the doll only to hear Sally\u2019s voice. \u201cTake care of her for me, Uncle Adam. I\u2019ll be back for her.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t notice the tears until one landed on the doll. \u201cI\u2019ll do my best, BlueBell.\u201d<\/p>\n Three days later, Adam returned to the Ponderosa clear-eyed and clear-headed. Adam took Sally\u2019s doll and set it on the mantle once he returned to the house. No one dared move it. As for Adam himself, he didn\u2019t speak much to anyone for the next several months, but no one had ever seen him work harder around the ranch.<\/p>\n Adam asked late one night. It broke the tension that had been building. \u201cWhy did you give those papers to Jess?\u201d He looked between Ben and Marie.<\/p>\n \u201cShe asked me for them,\u201d Ben said as if the answer was obvious. \u201cAdam, you are so intelligent. Why not share that with the world?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause you need me! How can I leave?\u201d He screamed, standing up from his chair.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, we will always need you, but you need to live your dreams too.\u201d Marie stood and began to walk toward him. He held up a hand to stop her.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I can always hire and train hands if you want to do this.\u201d Ben stood as well.<\/p>\n Adam set his shoulders. \u201cI think this is something I need to do. Everywhere I look, I see her. Some time away may help me to move on.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cThen you need to pack.\u201d<\/p>\n The stagecoach that carried Adam Cartwright out of the town was done so without fanfare. The family wrote back and forth at least weekly. Adam\u2019s absence was most burdensome on Ben. He hadn\u2019t realized how much he depended on his eldest son until he was no longer there. Adam finished school in record time, receiving a degree in architecture. Once he finished his last exam, he was eager to get home to his family. \u201cAdam, glad to have you back, son.\u201d Ben greeted him when he stepped off the stage, pulling him into a hug.<\/p>\n Adam smiled; \u201cIt\u2019s good to be back, Pa. I\u2019ve missed you. Where is everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt home, they wanted to give you a proper homecoming.\u201d Adam and Ben got into the wagon and headed out of town towards the Ponderosa. As they rode, Ben said, \u201cOnce you are settled, son, I want to talk about a job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll let you get settled first.\u201d As they reached the house, the other three family members stood on the porch, waiting. A massive banner read, \u2018Welcome Home, Adam.\u2019 He smiled the first genuine smile anyone had seen since Christmas. He missed this the most when he was away: his family.<\/p>\n Marie had prepared pot roast, Adam\u2019s favorite. Once they had finished eating, Adam spoke, \u201cOkay, Pa, I\u2019m settled. Now, what job is it that you have me doing?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben reached out and held Marie\u2019s hand. \u201cWe want you to design and build a new house for us all. It\u2019s time to build a bigger house. One that we can grow our family in. Besides, you and Hoss shouldn\u2019t have to share a room.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked at Hoss, feigning hurt. Hoss started, \u201cIt\u2019s not that I mind sharing with you, Adam. It\u2019s just\u2026 well\u2026 I\u2019ve gotten plenty used to having my own room.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled, breaking the act. He could tell this had been rehearsed. He wasn\u2019t going to argue. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Hoss. I understand.\u201d He turned to Ben. \u201cI can start on the plans tomorrow, Pa. How many bedrooms are you thinking?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t miss the look that passed between Marie and Ben. \u201cAt least five. The four of us and one guest room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe will need timber.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve already started cutting and running trees through the sawmill.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded; \u201cI will start on the plans first thing in the morning. You need to bring me up to speed on the ranch after that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTomorrow. Now go get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded again but grabbed a bedroll and an extra blanket instead of heading toward his and Hoss’s room. \u201cI think I will sleep outside tonight. I\u2019ve missed the Nevada stars.\u201d Adam smiled at Hoss as he headed outside. He walked toward the barn. Arrow greeted him at his stall. \u201cArrow, I\u2019ve missed you. Have they been taking good care of you, boy?\u201d He patted Arrow’s nose. That night, as he lay underneath the breathtaking sky, his mind drifted.<\/p>\n \u201cUncle Adam will never find me here.\u201d He heard Sally giggle from behind a tree. He poked his head around the tree. <\/em><\/p>\n He grabbed her, causing her to giggle again. \u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d Adam whispers. Adam grabbed the girl\u2019s hand as she took off toward the woods. They soon found little Joe hiding in a tree. <\/em><\/p>\n Joe grinned at his brother. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t have found me if it wasn\u2019t for Sally.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Adam smiled down at the young girl. \u201cMaybe not, but she is my secret weapon.\u201d Adam winked at her, causing her to giggle.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cCome on!\u201d he motioned with his hands, \u201cLet\u2019s go find George and Hoss.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAnd JJ!\u201d Sally yelled excitedly.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAnd JJ.\u201d Adam agreed. <\/em><\/p>\n Hoss was found next. He was \u2018hidden\u2019 in the stables, caring for the horses. \u201cI thought we were playing hide and seek. That means you should be hiding.\u201d Joe said as they walked into the stable, hearing Hoss speaking to the horses. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh, I got tired of waiting. I thought I\u2019d come to check the horses.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s check the bunkhouse for George,\u201d Joe suggested. <\/em><\/p>\n As they all left the stable, Hoss stayed where he was. Adam turned around, \u201cYou coming, Hoss?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cNo, I reckon not. You already found me. I will stay here with them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cDon\u2019t forget to come in for lunch.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Little Joe was shushing Sally by the time Adam reached the bunkhouse. Adam put a finger to his lips. George was hiding under the bunk on the very back wall. Adam lifted him from the floor. \u201cDang it, you found me.\u201d He poked out his bottom lip. <\/em><\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cYou will have to get better at hiding if you want to beat me.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI will beat you one day. You will see.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOf course, you will. Now I have to get you back. Then I\u2019ll find JJ.\u201d\u00a0 Adam crouched down so George could jump on his back. He pulled Sally into his arms, \u201cI\u2019ll race you. He looked at Joe with a challenge in his eyes. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re on.\u201d They both took off toward the house. Joe beat Adam by a hair, which may or may not have been Adam\u2019s intention. <\/em><\/p>\n Marie was standing at the door, cheering Joe on. She ushered the three young children inside. \u201cMarie, have you seen JJ?\u201d Adam asked as he sat Sally down. <\/em><\/p>\n Marie smiled. \u201cShe is out back, finishing lunch.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Adam shook his head, \u201cOf course she is.\u201d JJ stood at the back of the house, keeping the fire stocked. \u201cDo you ever stop working? I thought you were playing hide and seek with us. He pulled her away from the fire and into his arms.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMarie needed help. Besides, we have been here for three weeks. It doesn’t feel right taking advantage of your hospitality.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cWe all want you here. Sally and George are perfect playmates for Joe and Hoss. And you are a light in this house. Besides, Marie loves having another young lady around. I want you here. You three can stay as long as you want.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She smiled at him. \u201cThank you, but we have our own ranch to tend. As soon as Daddy returns from San Fransisco and mother states feeling better.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAt least let me take you for a ride tomorrow, JJ. No work, just you and me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She pulled herself out of his arms. He looked down at her, confused. \u201cDon\u2019t call me that, Adam, please. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cWhat, JJ? Why? That\u2019s your name, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he teased.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIt makes me look for Sally and George but not you. Please.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOkay, then what would you prefer?\u201d He smirked at her, surprised something this small would bother her. But if he was honest with himself, he liked the idea of having a particular name for her.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, you pick, just not JJ.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhat about Jess.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She relaxed into him a little, moving back into his embrace. \u201cI like that. Who knows, maybe it will catch on. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWell, how do you feel about Sweetheart? I like how it sounds.\u201d\u00a0 His eyes lit with mischief.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh, you do, do you? A name like that would cause a girl to expect something.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAnd so if she does?\u201d He pulled her a little closer.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n She hit his chest lightly. \u201cWell, I think she would need a nickname for you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAnd what would that name be?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Her eyes lit with a bit of mischief of her own. \u201cI like Darling.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n He smiled and leaned down and kissed her full on the lips. \u201cI like the sound of that too.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The following day, he took Arrow for a ride and began working on the blueprints for the house. It took him two days. On the third morning, Adam had a rough outline of the house in front of Ben over their fourth cup of coffee. Ben smiled widely at his son. \u201cThis looks great, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa; I\u2019d like to make my room a little bigger than Hoss or Joe\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy, son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026\u201d He had never voiced this to anyone other than Jess. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll likely get married before Hoss or Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course you will, son, but why would that mean you need a bigger room?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019d like to bring her to live here. You said we could all get a piece of the Ponderosa once we married, but I want to live here. If that\u2019s okay with you?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked at him dumbfounded for a moment. \u201cSure, son, but are you sure you want to live with Marie, Joe, Hoss, and me once you are married? You don\u2019t want space of your own?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I helped you make the Ponderosa what it is. I was beside you, working, clearing, and building before Hoss was no bigger than a beanpole. This is my home. I helped create it. When I get married, I don\u2019t want to create a new one but build on the one I have.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, \u201cI don\u2019t see why you can\u2019t make your room the way you want.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled, \u201cThanks, Pa. So, are you going to tell anyone you and Marie are trying for another baby?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked a little sheepish. \u201cNo, and we aren\u2019t trying, at least not yet. What gave us away? You\u2019ve been home three days and found out. Your brothers never left, and they still don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed; \u201cI think I am a little more observant than my brothers. When the two of you do start trying, do me one favor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTry for a girl this time. There are plenty of men in this house.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed, \u201cI\u2019ll see what I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes shifted to the mantle where that small doll still lay. Ben noticed, \u201cWe haven\u2019t heard from them since they left. Marie has written to them several times.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe too, Pa. But it\u2019s like they dropped off the face of the earth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe could try to find them if you want. When you talked about marriage before you went to school, it was always to her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa. If they wanted to be here, they would be. Yes, I loved her, but we both have moved on.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded slowly, \u201cWell, let\u2019s start building.\u201d\u00a0 It took a year to finish the house outside and three months on the inside for Marie. Adam’s room was on the left side of the top floor, and Ben and Marie\u2019s were on the right. Joe and Hoss\u2019s rooms were directly in the middle, with guest rooms between Ben and Joe and one between Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n Adam opened Hoss’s new bedroom door, grinning from ear to ear. \u201cYou like it?\u201d Adam asked. Hoss nodded, \u201cMuch better than sharing a room with me?\u201d Adam teased.<\/p>\n Hoss looked at him quickly. \u201cAdam, I didn\u2019t mind sharing a room with you. You could have moved back in with me. You didn\u2019t have to start sleeping in the bunkhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Hoss. I needed to move into the bunkhouse for a while. To prove myself to the new hands.\u201d Adam didn\u2019t tell Hoss that his dreams of Jess were much worse in the old house than in the bunkhouse. \u201cYou getting your own room was just a bonus.\u201d Adam unsurprisingly dreamt of her on the first night in their new home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam walked into the house, stepping over dolls and toys. As he pushed the door open, he heard two children yelling.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cUncle Joe said he would play me next!\u201d It was a girl’s voice.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cNo, you played him yesterday. I want to play.\u201d This one was male but sounded very young. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI have an idea,\u201d It was Joe\u2019s voice. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you play each other?\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Uncle Joe,\u201d the little girl said. As he walked towards the voices, he saw the girl. She was maybe seven or eight. She had dark hair that matched his, but everything else about her looked just like Jess.\u201c And whoever wins will play Uncle Hoss.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThat sounds great to me.\u201d Joe patted the young girl\u2019s head. Adam only caught a glimpse of the boy with dirty blonde hair. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThat was very good, Joe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Joe turned to him, chuckling, \u201cIt worked for you when Hoss and I were little.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI thought my children would be smarter than that.\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you too laughing at?\u201d Adam looked up to see Jess walking through the door, her blonde hair pulled up high and a swollen belly.<\/em><\/p>\n He smiled, moving toward her, \u201cOh, nothing, Sweetheart, just the intelligence of our older children.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She turned to Joe, \u201cThey love you, Joe. They want to spend time with you.\u201d She grabbed Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cMaybe you could teach them how to play chess.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cNot tonight, Sweetheart. I\u2019ve been branding new calves all day. If I teach them tonight, I won\u2019t get any sleep.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She laughed, \u201cThey both have your enthusiasm. Supper is almost ready.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam woke with a smile on his face. He had that dream at least once a month for years, always different variations, but there were always children, and there was her. The dream had different variations; sometimes, the children were toddlers and other times, they were teenagers. They would ride together in the land he loved so much; sometimes, their children had their own kids. He didn\u2019t understand why he had never stopped dreaming of her. He had called on numerous girls since her, but he could never settle with any of them. They could never match the girl in his dreams. Walking down the stairs the following day, Hoss, Joe, and Ben were already seated at the table.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, Hoss, don\u2019t you have chores to do? Ben looked at them both knowingly.<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Pa,” Hoss replied and shoved Joe out the door.<\/p>\n Adam stopped midway down the stairs. This couldn\u2019t be good. \u201cWhat is it, Pa? You only send the others out like that when one of us is in major trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSit down, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell me, Pa. You\u2019ve never beat around the bush with me before. Don\u2019t start now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI heard that the Howards are on the stagecoach coming in tomorrow.<\/p>\n Adam was glad he had been sitting because he may have fallen over. However, his face and body language showed no signs of this revelation. \u201cOkay,\u201d was the only word he could manage.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019re okay with that?\u201d Ben handed him a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t I be Pa. A lot has changed in the six years since we have seen them. We lost Marie for one. For another, the Ponderosa is profitable now. We have all grown and changed.\u201d He took a long sip, \u201cI even drink my coffee differently now.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben didn\u2019t believe his son, but if anyone could handle the storm that he was sure was blowing in. It had to be Adam. And he was right. They had all changed considerably. She probably had to. He looked to the mantle where that doll had sat for six years. Then again, some things never change.<\/p>\n Early the following day, a bruised and battered girl with a cut on her lip that looked fresh got off the stage the next day with a boy and a girl in tow. \u00a0The boy looked roughly 13, maybe 14, while the girl couldn\u2019t have been older than 11. Everyone seemed to give them a lot of space as they exited the coach. It took three weeks, but by the time she was ready to return to her ranch, the people of Virginia City had welcomed her home. While in town, she bought several horses and a small herd of cattle. Once she saw it, she knew that getting to the ranch had been the easy part. She shrugged; it couldn\u2019t be more challenging than the last six years. \u201cYou two go play. I\u2019ll clean up the inside.\u201d<\/p>\n They both nodded, \u201cOkay, JJ.\u201d As Sally climbed out of the wagon, she asked, \u201cCan we go see Uncle Adam soon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSally, he\u2019s not your Uncle Adam anymore.\u201d\u00a0 She looked at her sharply, \u201cDo not call him that. Do you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I don\u2019t see why not. He\u2019s my Uncle Adam, not yours.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess grabbed her by the shoulders. \u201cNo, he is not. He probably has a wife and children. I\u2019m sure he wants nothing to do with us. You are not going to make things awkward for him or his family. That is final.\u201d Her eyes softened a little, \u201cNow go play.\u201d<\/p>\n Sally ran off a little disheartened. Jess knew they both wanted to see the Cartwrights. On the other hand, she didn\u2019t know if she could face Adam. It had been six years since she broke both of their hearts. She knew logically she had been the one to let him go. That was her choice. No matter her reasons, he owed her less than nothing. She was sure he was married by now. She spent the whole day cleaning what she could and putting away the supplies she had bought at the general store.<\/p>\n She tucked in her siblings several weeks later and noticed how much better they both looked. They had only been back in the territory a few weeks and looked better than they did back east. She smiled, knowing she had made the right choice. Once they were asleep, she counted the cash they had left. They had just enough to hire a good foreman. Things will just be tight until they sell the herd. They would all be okay. When she went to bed that night, she dreamed as she expected to of the man who still held her heart.<\/p>\n She heard him before she saw him. His beautiful voice carried throughout the house. When she reached the small room door, she watched Adam sing for two toddlers, a girl, and a boy. <\/em><\/p>\n Once he finished, he kissed them both on the head. The boy was younger and fast asleep. \u201cPapa, your voice is so pretty.\u201d The little girl jumped up from the bed. \u201cSing us another.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cShh, you don\u2019t want to wake your brother. He chuckled quietly. \u201cNot tonight. Go to sleep now. I\u2019ll sing to you tomorrow.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Papa. Two tomorrow?\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cTwo tomorrow. That seemed to settle the child. When he turned around and saw her standing in the doorway, his face broke into an even bigger smile. <\/em><\/p>\n She pulled him away from the room and closed the door. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s late, Sweetheart. Come to bed.\u201d He pulled her to the door of their bedroom.<\/em><\/p>\n She didn\u2019t move. \u201cNo,\u201d He stopped, turning back to her fully, confused. \u201cDance with me first.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n He smirked at her, \u201cIn the middle of the hall?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhy not? We may never get another chance.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She woke up as dream Adam pulled her into his arms. She couldn\u2019t lie. She would have liked to stay asleep a little longer to keep dreaming. She shook herself; he wasn\u2019t hers anymore. He not only didn\u2019t want her, but he had moved on with his life. She had heard in town that he had courted many girls since her. She had no right to still hope that he might come in and sweep her off her feet.<\/p>\n She enrolled George and Sally in school the next day and hired a good Forman and a few ranch hands to keep the ranch running. The following six months were hard on all of them, but it was worth it. She then went to pay her respects properly to her mother. She offered to take George and Sally with her, but they refused. George only remembered the woman in the sickbed. Sally had no memory of her at all. She went to the graveyard early. What surprised her was that there were two graves standing side by side. She pulled her horse up and tied him off. As she got closer, shock stopped her.<\/p>\n The headstone to the right read Georgia Howards. The one to the left read Marie Cartwright. The ware on the headstone and the flowers growing around the two showed that neither grave was fresh. Marie was dead. A million questions pelted her mind. What happened? Why hadn\u2019t someone written to her and told her? She had loved Marie. Didn\u2019t she deserve to know? Maybe she didn\u2019t. After all, she had broken their hearts when she left. She had always assumed that\u2019s why she had never gotten a response from any of her letters. She decided that no matter the cost, she would pay her respects to the Ponderosa. George and Sally would be furious that she was riding over there without them, but this would be better for her to face alone. She split the wildflowers she had brought and laid half on each grave.<\/p>\n She pulled her horse up short in front of an exquisite house. She had heard that the Cartwrights had built a new home. This house far surpassed what she had imagined. An older gentleman in a tan vest and white hair stepped out on the porch at her approach. Once she dismounted, she realized it was a slightly older Ben Cartwright. \u201cMr. Cartwright!\u201d She called.<\/p>\n Ben stopped for a moment. \u201cJessica. That can\u2019t be you, can it? I heard you were back in town, but no one has seen you in six months.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is, Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019m sorry it took me so long to come by. I wasn\u2019t sure any of you wanted to see me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded thoughtfully, \u201cAdam is up on the North range fixing the fence. I can\u2019t speak for him, frankly, because I never know what\u2019s going on in that head of his. But as far as the rest of us are concerned, you are always welcome. Besides, he will not be back until tomorrow at least. Please call me Ben. You have never called me Mr. Cartwright. I don\u2019t see a reason for you to start now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Ben, I came because I found Marie\u2019s grave. I am so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned his eyes down and said sorrowfully, \u201cYes, we lost her some time ago. It was a riding accident.\u201d<\/p>\n She moved closer to him, \u201cBen, I am so sorry. I can\u2019t imagine how you all got through it.\u201d She wiped tears from her eyes.<\/p>\n Ben laughed sadly, \u201cWe seem to get by all right, but thank you. It was a hard few years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have to get back to the ranch, but I wanted to pay my respects to Marie.\u201d She mounted her horse.<\/p>\n Ben held the reins to stop her from leaving. \u201cJess, we are having a party next week. Please come; you are all welcome. I\u2019m sure Joe and Hoss would love to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n She broke eye contact with Ben, \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, I\u2019m sure; Little Joe always talks about George and Sally. He would love to see them outside of school. Please come, Jess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll think about it, Ben, thank you. I am so sorry about Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, \u201cThank you, Jess. I appreciate it.\u201d He let the reins go, and she touched the horse’s belly with her heels.<\/p>\n Ben walked back inside to be met by Hoss, \u201cPa, was that Jess I saw outside?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, son, it was, and with her return, I have a feeling things will get very interesting around here.\u201d<\/p>\n When Jess returned home, she said nothing about going to the Cartwrights. Sally and George would want to go to this party, she knew. Maybe it wouldn\u2019t be a bad idea. They had been back in the territory for over half a year. Maybe seeing Adam happy would help her find some happiness of her own. Without fail, George asked her about the party as soon as he walked in the door the following afternoon. \u201cSo, are we going to the party at the Cartwrights? Joe told me about it today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, we can go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYay, we can finally see Hoss, Ben, and Uncle Adam!\u201d Sally yelled excitedly.<\/p>\n Jess held up her hand. \u201cI have conditions for all of us going. One Marie is gone. You will not mention her to any guest there.\u201d They both looked a little sad. They had heard about Marie, Joe told them. The two siblings, however, had made a pact, not to mention it to their sister. She had enough to deal with, but still, they nodded. \u201cTwo, you will finish your chores before we go.\u201d They nodded again. Jess pointed her expression at Sally, \u201cThree, and most importantly, you will not use the word Uncle while we are at this party. Understood? I have done everything I can to break you of the habit, but you are as stubborn as a mule. We will leave if I hear the word uncle passed either of your lips.\u201d<\/p>\n Sally looked a little indignant, but she said, \u201cYes, ma\u2019am.\u201d The week flew by for the two young children. Jess grew more nervous as the date drew closer.<\/p>\n The night of the party came, and Jess picked out her favorite dress. It was a deep purple, Adam\u2019s favorite. It wasn\u2019t much, but it looked better than most she owned. Standing in front of the mirror, she brushed the dress down for the tenth time. She couldn\u2019t help but hope Adam at least thought she looked stunning. \u201cCome on, JJ. We are going to be late.\u201d Sally called from outside.<\/p>\n Jedidiah, their foreman, had already hooked the horses up to the wagon. \u201cNow, Jed, are you sure you don\u2019t want to go with us?\u201d Jess asked as she took the reins from him.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, ma\u2019am. Parties have never been something I\u2019ve enjoyed. But you three go have fun. You\u2019ve earned it, Ms. Jessica, with how hard you have been working.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled down at him. Snapping them, the horses took off at an easy walk. Once there, she helped George and Sally off the wagon. Little Joe immediately met them, hugging her. \u201cAunt Jessy. It\u2019s so good to see you. We\u2019ve missed you.\u201d<\/p>\n He caught her off guard, but she hugged him back. \u201cI\u2019ve missed you too. You\u2019ve gotten so big.\u201d It was true; he barely reached her waist the last time she saw him. Now, he was almost as tall as she was. \u201cHow is school?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t like it. I would rather work the ranch with Adam and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll be old enough for that soon, little brother. Right now, it’s more important that you finish your education.\u201d\u00a0 Adam had walked up beside him as he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Adam,\u201d he pouted. \u201cWhat good is an education?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam chuckled, \u201cIf it weren\u2019t for my education, we wouldn\u2019t have this house. Now go show BlueBell and George the rest of the Ponderosa. But don\u2019t wander off too far.\u201d<\/p>\n Without a word, the three took off to the barn.\u00a0 Adam turned back to her once they ran off. She looked at him for the first time in six years. He wore black boots, pants, and a red button-up shirt. All the boyhood had been shaped from his features and left a rougher, chiseled look behind. If possible, he looked better now than he did six years ago. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said, pulling her out of her thoughts.<\/p>\n She looked at him quizzically, \u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor Little Joe, we told him before you got here not to call you Aunt, but I guess it slipped his mind in the excitement.\u201d He handed her horses off to a stable hand.<\/p>\n She hadn\u2019t even registered Joe called her aunt. Even though she had made the point to Sally that Adam was not her uncle. \u201cHe has called me that ever since he can remember.<\/p>\n Adam looked slightly uncomfortable, \u201cIt might not bother you, but I\u2019m sure your husband won\u2019t like it, considering our past relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n She shrugged, \u201cWell, since I don\u2019t have one of those, it seems I am the only one that matters. But I understand I had a very similar conversation with Sally and George before we came. I don\u2019t want to make things awkward between you and your wife.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned to face her with a confused look that matched her own. \u201cJess, they will always be my niece and nephew because I love them. As far as my having a wife, I\u2019ve never found anyone I wanted to marry.\u201d He led her towards the front door as the rest of the party guests were mingling outside. \u201cMay I show you inside?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam,\u201d She stopped him with a hand to his chest. \u201cI am so sorry about Marie.\u201d He took that moment to take her in. Her blonde hair was longer than he remembered it. Her frame and face were leaner, too. He was sure she had missed more than one meal to ensure George and Sally had enough. Her eyes were still the same as he saw in his dreams. A stormy grey that had constantly reminded him of the sea.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. It was much harder on Pa and Little Joe, but we managed.\u201d They had reached the front door. He held it open for her.<\/p>\n Her eyes lit up as she walked inside, and he took a strange kind of joy from it. \u201cAdam, the inside is just as beautiful as the outside. Marie picked out the furniture, didn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked. He paused like waking from a dream, then answered her, \u201cOh yes, she did. How can you tell?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI feel her. I can\u2019t explain it. What did you mean when you said your education built this house?\u201d She asked.<\/p>\n A little uncomfortable, he rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, refusing to meet her eyes. \u201cI went to Boston after you left and got a degree in architecture. When I returned, Pa and I built this house using my degree.\u201d<\/p>\n She stopped walking around the room and faced him. She didn\u2019t meet his eyes as she said, \u201cI\u2019m glad something good came out of that horrid time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor the record, I wouldn\u2019t trade anything for my time with you. Not even if I could make all the pain go away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe you still feel that way after all the pain and heartache.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, you were the love of my life. Most people go their whole lives without finding what we had.\u201d<\/p>\n Before another word could be spoken, guests started pouring in from outside. All the guests agreed that the night’s highlight was watching Adam Cartwright and Jessica Howards on the dance floor, and it was the most fun any of them could remember. When Jess was ready to leave, she looked for Sally and George. They were found sound asleep on the floor of Joe\u2019s room, toys scattered everywhere.<\/p>\n Ben laid George in the back of the wagon, took Sally from Jess’s arms, and laid her down. Sally held tightly to the doll that had made a home on the Cartwright mantle. After laying a blanket on them, he turned back to Jess. \u201cThank you for coming. I know Little Joe enjoyed having Geroge and Sally to play with.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for inviting us, Ben. The two of them will be talking about this for weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about you? You seemed like you enjoyed yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n She blushed, \u201cI always have the best time around you, Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben chuckled and helped her into the wagon. \u201cIt\u2019s good to have you back, Jess.\u201d<\/p>\n She blushed again, \u201cThank you, Ben. I\u2019ve missed you all too. More than you will ever know.\u201d She snapped the reins lightly.<\/p>\n Once she was out of sight, Ben walked back into the house. \u201cDid you enjoy yourself tonight?\u201d He called to Adam.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s smug smile answered for itself. \u201cI did, more than I thought I would.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo,\u201d Ben started slowly, \u201cWhat about Jessica?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI mean, she is not married, still very beautiful, and everyone saw the two of you tonight. You looked ready to kill any other man within ten feet of her.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked questioningly, \u201cI did, really? I hadn\u2019t realized. I guess that is one habit I haven\u2019t broken.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to?\u201d Adam looked at him, but Ben continued, \u201cAll I\u2019m saying is it is still apparent you have feelings for her. You don\u2019t dance the way the two of you did with just anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, it was just one party and one dance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that, but you must make your intentions clear to her, the town, and most importantly yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know if I can court her again, Pa. You remember what happened last time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is your decision. But if you don\u2019t want her, you need to give the other men of Virginia City a chance, and they don\u2019t have one if you act as if you are courting her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, where is this coming from? She may not even want me anymore.\u201d Adam was taken aback. He couldn\u2019t remember the last time they had spoken so openly about matters of the heart.<\/p>\n \u201cI saw the way she looked at you tonight. I once loved her like a daughter. I guess protecting her like she is mine is a habit I haven\u2019t been able to break myself.\u201d<\/p>\n An understanding passed between the two men. \u201cI\u2019ll make a decision after Joe\u2019s party.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, \u201cI\u2019m going to bed. I will see you in the morning. Good night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoodnight,\u201d Ben left Adam alone in the main room.<\/p>\n Jess was shocked when Joe rode in from school with Sally and George the next day. Ben rode in thirty minutes later, sick with worry. \u201cBoy, you should have asked before you came to Ms. Howards\u2019 home. Where did your manners go?\u201d Ben looked like he had been riding hard looking for his son.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa. George and I were talking about the new longhorn, and we were at Aunt Jessy\u2019s before I realized it. Sally invited me to supper.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was fuming, \u201cWhere is Ms. Howards? I can\u2019t believe she would let you stay without telling me where you were.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s out in the barn, Pa.\u201d As Joe spoke, Jessica walked out of the barn with a saddled horse.<\/p>\n Once she saw Ben, she ran to him. \u201cI am sorry, Ben. I was just about to ride out and take Little Joe home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Jessica. Little Joe knows he comes straight home after school.\u201d His face softened at her concern.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u201d Little Joe refused to look up at his father.<\/p>\n \u201cSince you are both here, you can stay for supper. We will have more than enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned to Jessica and smiled, \u201cWe would love to, so long as it is not an imposition.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all.\u201d She smiled at him.<\/p>\n After this, a pattern emerged: The children consistently came home from school with each other. \u00a0Naturally, Jess and Adam saw more of each other than they thought they would. After a month of sharing a meal every week, most of the uncomfortableness between them had gone, but neither knew where they stood with the other. They had begun to rekindle a friendship, unsure if there was more underneath. \u201cThank you for having us again. I am so sorry Little Joe has been such an imposition.\u201d Adam had his hat in his hands, playing with the rim. It was the second time Ben had sent Adam after Little Joe this week.<\/p>\n She laughed; he had forgotten how much he missed that sound. \u201cHe\u2019s no imposition. Besides, having another adult to talk to at the table is nice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am glad to be of service.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s always lovely to see you, too. But being able to have an intellectual conversation that isn\u2019t about cattle is so refreshing.\u201d She blushed, and even in the low light, Adam saw. It made him smile a little wider.<\/p>\n Adam chuckled, \u201cLittle Joe’s birthday party is coming up soon. Will you come?\u201d<\/p>\n She thought about it. Yes, we will be there.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled broadly at her. \u201cWe better get going. Pa will have my hide if we aren\u2019t back before dark. Joe, we have to go now!\u201d Adam swung himself up in one swift motion.<\/p>\n She nodded, patting the horse’s brown nose. \u201cThank you for not hating me, Adam.\u201d She didn\u2019t meet his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI told you a long time ago, Jess, I could never hate you.\u201d As Joe sat himself on his horse, they both rode away.<\/p>\n The night of the party came, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. As the night continued, Joe approached Hoss and asked, \u201cHave you seen Aunt Jessy?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head, \u201cNo, why don\u2019t you ask Adam? I think he is on the porch.\u201d<\/p>\n As promised, Joe did find Adam on the front porch. He sat on the bench, softly playing his guitar. What surprised Little Joe was Jess sitting beside him. She sat half asleep, seamlessly unaware of what was happening around her. Adam stopped playing, shushing Joe, \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was looking for Aunt Jessy.\u201d He motioned to her. \u201cI never got to thank her for my new hat.\u201d He placed the new hat on his head. It was green, his favorite color.<\/p>\n Adam kept his voice low but didn\u2019t move from the comfort of his position, \u201cI\u2019m sure she knows you love it, but don\u2019t wake her. She didn\u2019t get any sleep last night. She was up all night with their mare, Sunlight. She finally had her foal early this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded, and he went back inside to the party. Adam resumed playing softly. They sat this way until more of the guests started to come outside. After a while, he gently shook her awake.<\/p>\n She jumped up in alarm. \u201cWhat is it? Is everything okay? Where are Sally and George?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhoa. Sally and George are inside. Everyone is okay.\u201d He put his hands up like he was calming a scared horse. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Darling, I\u2019m fine.\u201d They both froze. She hadn\u2019t used that word since she had been back. \u201cI am so sorry, Adam. I shouldn\u2019t have called you that.\u201d Her eyes were wide with alarm. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d She said again before he had a chance to speak.<\/p>\n She got up to leave, but he stopped her, setting his guitar down against the wall. \u201cCome with me.\u201d He held out a hand to her.<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t take it immediately. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJess,\u201d He smiled at her, the smile that used to make her agree to whatever he said. \u201cWe need to talk away from prying ears.\u201d He offered his hand again. This time, she took it.<\/p>\n They started walking toward the barn. Once inside, they stopped at Arrow’s stall. \u201cAdam, that was a stupid mistake. It will never happen again, I promise.\u201d How could she be so careless? It was amazing that one word could destroy the friendship they had built over the last six months.<\/p>\n He stood without speaking for a long moment, then asked, \u201cWhat do you dream about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you dream now, what are they normally about?\u201d He patted the horse\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n \u201cIt depends. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n When she turned to him, she saw something in his face that she had never seen before hesitation. \u201cWhen I dream, I always dream of one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what is that? What could you possibly want that you don\u2019t have?\u201d She asked, only partly joking, realizing he wasn\u2019t upset with her.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s you.\u201d He looked at her, waiting for her reaction.<\/p>\n \u201cMe? She questioned, \u201cWhy do you dream of me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I\u2019m a stubborn Cartwright who doesn\u2019t know how to let people go.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0 When you said calling me Darling was a stupid mistake, does that mean you don\u2019t want me anymore? You don\u2019t see a way there could be a future that included me?\u201d<\/p>\n She thought she stopped breathing. \u201cAdam, I never stopped loving you. You have a piece of me that I can give to no one else.\u201d<\/p>\n He took a step toward her, but his face looked tormented. \u201cWhen your father wouldn\u2019t give me his blessing last time, you wouldn\u2019t run away with me and wouldn\u2019t tell me why.\u201d She started to speak, but he held up a hand to stop her. \u201cAnd I\u2019m not asking you to explain now. All I need to know is if I were to ask you again, would you tell me no again.\u201d<\/p>\n She took a second to compose herself. \u201cI promise you, Adam Cartwright, if you ever ask me to marry you again. My father would not stand in the way of us.\u201d<\/p>\n His face broke into a smile, then, \u201cThen Jessica Howards, may I have the honor of courting you? Is it possible for us to start over?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know if that\u2019s possible for us. Little Joe calls me Aunt Jessy, and Sally and George never stopped calling you Uncle Adam. She stepped toward him, closing whatever space was left between them. \u201cCan we start again?<\/p>\n \u201cI think I like the sound of that better, Sweetheart.\u201d He smirked at her. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you a secret: I have missed hearing you call me Darling.\u201d \u00a0She felt more then saw him chuckle, \u201cI have done everything in my power for the last year and a half to keep my heart guarded from you. I was a fool to think you didn\u2019t already have the key.\u201d<\/p>\n He bent down and kissed her. When they pulled away, they rested their foreheads together. It took several minutes for the world to come back into focus for the two. \u201cI\u2019m sure our family is missing us.\u201d She spoke but didn\u2019t pull away from him.<\/p>\n He smiled, \u201cOur family? You know, I kind of like the sound of that.\u201d<\/p>\n Her playful smile lit up her face, \u201cSlow down there, boy; we only started courting.\u201d<\/p>\n He pulled away from her entirely and encased her hand in his own, \u201cYes, but this is re-courting, so it moves faster.\u201d<\/p>\n She laughed, causing his heart to fill with joy. They slowly walked back toward the house together. Adam never let go of her hand. He never wanted to let her go again. Once they reached the view of the house, Sally ran up to them, \u201cUncle Adam, have you seen Little Joe\u2019s new colt?\u201d<\/p>\n The colt in question was a black and white paint Ben had given Joe for his birthday. Adam bent down to their level but didn\u2019t let go of Jess\u2019s hand. He smiled at her, \u201cBlueBell, I helped pick it out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n Yes, I really did.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and George ran up to them. Adam saw George hand something to Little Joe. Jess looked at Sally and George, \u201cCome on, you two, it’s getting late. We need to get back to the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t we stay for a little while longer?\u201d George asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, we have to go. You can see Little Joe at school on Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n Once Sally and George climbed into the wagon, Adam looked around at all the guests gathered, pulled Jess close, and kissed her. It wasn\u2019t a long or eventful kiss, but it was in view of the crowd still standing in the yard. Adam knew it would be the talk of the town within a few days. He picked her up and sat her in the driver’s seat. \u201cWe can talk about breeding Sunlight and Arrow when I come to see Sunlight\u2019s foal tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll see you soon, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n He tipped his head and smiled back at her. \u201cUntil then, Ms. Howards. As Adam returned to the house, stopping near Ben, he said, \u201cI think that answers everyone’s question, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled, \u201cYes, I believe it does.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, please help me, Adam.\u201d He heard her screaming from inside the ranch house of the Ponderosa. He looked up and realized the whole house was engulfed in flames. Hoss, Ben, and George sat in front of the house, all covered in ash. Ben\u2019s leg was very clearly broken. He was holding George to his chest. George was sobbing. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhere is Jess, Little Joe, and Sally?\u201d The fear in Adam\u2019s voice was unmistakable.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ben coughed, displacing ash and soot. \u201cInside, Jess is trying to get them out.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam ran toward the door, hearing Jess yell again, \u201cAdam, please, please come help me.\u201d He opened the door, being hit by a wave of heat. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cJess, where are you?\u201d He yelled, fighting through the smoke, looking for her.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d she shoved Sally out of the smoke into his arms. She was unconscious and wrapped in a wet blanket. Little Joe, who was crawling beside her, was soaked but thankfully awake. She put Little Joe on his back, and he held on. Adam had no idea where Jess got the water from, but he knew it had saved their lives. \u201cGet them out of here, Adam.\u201d She yelled in his ear.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not leaving you!\u201d He yelled back. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m right behind you.\u201d She shoved him in the shoulders to get him to move forward. \u201cPlease, Adam, get them out. They need you.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam pushed through the heat and out an opening. As soon as he stepped out of the inferno, the roof collapsed.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n Adam woke up screaming. \u201cAdam, are you okay?\u201d Ben stood at Adam\u2019s open door.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay. It was just a bad dream.\u201d He pulled himself into a sitting position. \u201cIt was just a bad dream.\u201d He repeated.<\/p>\n The worried look did not disappear from Ben\u2019s face. \u201cYou look a little shaken. What was your dream about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I don\u2019t want to talk about it. I\u2019m fine. Go back to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben closed the door to Adam\u2019s room. Adam waited until he heard Ben\u2019s bedroom door close before he moved. He quickly and quietly put on his clothes and boots. He stealthily walked towards his brothers’ bedrooms, checking on each one of them in turn. They were both peacefully dreaming. He walked down the stairs, being sure to step over the creaky eight-step. Once he made it into the main room. He fixed himself a cup of coffee and tried to calm the fear still wrapped around his heart. It had only been a dream. He knew that, so why couldn\u2019t he shake the fear? At least this early morning was good for one thing: he could finish his chores early and be at Jess\u2019s for lunch.<\/p>\n Adam was heading out the door when Hop Sing awoke to start the family\u2019s breakfast. Before Hop Sing could protest, he smiled, saying, \u201cThere is work to be done, Hop Sing. I\u2019ll eat after it\u2019s finished.\u201d<\/p>\n By the time Ben Hoss and Little Joe had finished their breakfast, Adam had finished all his morning chores. As Adam sat in his usual seat, he poured another cup of coffee and pilled his plate with eggs and sausage. He looked to Little Joe and Hoss, \u201cI\u2019m going to the Howards today. Would you like to join me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d Joe yelled excitedly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have to finish your chores first,\u201d Ben interjected.<\/p>\n Joe looked to Ben, \u201cYes, sir, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d love to see the new foal. George told me it\u2019s almost golden.\u201d Hoss put in.<\/p>\n Adam turned to Ben, \u201cJess wanted to discuss breeding Sunlight with some of our stallions. I think Arrow could breed a few more foals.\u201d<\/p>\n Be smiled, \u201cThen I guess we will all see the Howards today, but chores first.\u201d The whole table cheered. It was lunchtime before the four Cartwrights reached Howard\u2019s door. Sally unsurprisingly met them first. \u201cUncle Adam, I\u2019m so glad you came.\u201d She grabbed his hand and began to pull him toward the barn.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you decided what you are going to name it?\u201d<\/p>\n They stopped halfway between the house and the barn when George approached them. \u201cI prefer Sport. Mr. Cartwright, Uncle Adam. Jess and Jed are in the house.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben spoke first, \u201cYou mean Jedediah Marks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir, he\u2019s our foreman. Come on, Hoss, Little Joe. I\u2019ll show you the new foal. We may have to start bottle-feeding him. I want your opinion.\u201d The three boys started to walk toward the barn. When Sally didn\u2019t follow, George said, \u201cSally, the adults need to talk.\u201d He rolled his eyes at her. Sally let go of Adam\u2019s hand and ran towards the barn.<\/p>\n Adam and Ben turned toward the house. Ben smiled, \u201cThat boy has grown up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe really has. Now, come on, let\u2019s go talk to Jess about breeding Sunlight and Arrow.\u201d Adam put a hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u201cThen I\u2019ll have an excuse to come and see them as often as I want.\u201d<\/p>\n Once the two men reached the door, they heard Jess, \u201cAre you sure five men will be enough, Jed? This is a big project.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, ma\u2019am, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam opened the door but didn\u2019t step inside, \u201cMay we come in?\u201d<\/p>\n Her face lit up when she saw him, \u201cAdam, Ben, of course, come in.\u201d She stood from the desk. \u201cI didn\u2019t expect you until supper.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled, \u201cIs it okay that we are early?\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled, \u201cYes, of course, but I haven\u2019t finished my work for today.\u201d<\/p>\n Jedediah stood beside her, \u201cMs. Jessica, you have been working too hard. Besides, this is business.\u201d He winked at Adam. As he turned to leave the room, he shook Ben\u2019s hand, \u201cIt\u2019s nice to see you, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou as well, Jed.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at the two men, \u201cPlease come sit.\u201d They followed her to the table. \u201cWould you like coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled at her as she moved into the kitchen, \u201cPlease.\u201d She came back to the table with three cups and some biscuits. She left and came back with the coffee. Ben watched his son; it did his heart good to see such a peaceful look on Adam\u2019s face. As she came back to the table, Adam continued to watch her. \u201cThank you,\u201d Ben took the cup she handed him. She gave one to Adam and took one from herself.<\/p>\n She sat beside Adam, and Ben didn\u2019t miss how she faced Ben, but her body was turned to Adam. \u201cNow to business.\u201d She smiled at him. \u201cI wanted to breed Sunlight with at least one of your stallions. Adam suggested Arrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe has a great bloodline,\u201d Adam interjected.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not disputing that. And I can afford to pay a traditional stud fee, but I have a proposition for you.\u201d She locked eyes with Ben. Her gray eyes held a cold and calculating look. He had seen that look before in Adam\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what is that?\u201d Ben sat down his cup. This had just become an actual business meeting. He was no longer looking at who he hoped would be his future daughter-in-law. He was looking at a brilliant, very cunning businesswoman.<\/p>\n \u201cA trade. I have two mares that can be bred right now. Sunlight is my better mare. If you allow my mares to breed with Arrow once the foals are born, we will flip for the choice of foals.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd why would I agree to that? I do not see the benefit for me.\u201d<\/p>\n She poured them both another cup of coffee. \u201cI take all the risk.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled. It had been agreed that Ben would make this decision, even though Arrow was Adam\u2019s horse. They didn\u2019t want Jess to believe Arrow was being given to her because of him. \u201cI think I can agree to that.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled, holding out her hand for Ben to shake. Ben took it and shook it. \u201cNow that\u2019s settled, let\u2019s eat.\u201d She stood from the table and opened the outside door. \u201cGeorge, Little Joe, Hoss, Sally, time to eat!\u201d She turned back to Ben and Adam. \u201cGeorge hasn\u2019t left Sunlight\u2019s side since Joe\u2019s party.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe told Hoss the foal isn\u2019t nursing.\u201d Adam turned to her.<\/p>\n \u201cThe foal is fine. George is just worrying.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe really likes animals, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n \u201cHe really does. I think he got it from Daddy. That was the only redeemable thing about him.\u201d She came back with the plates from the cabinet.<\/p>\n \u201cHe wasn\u2019t always a bad person,\u201d Ben added, taking the plates from her.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he wasn\u2019t, but with all due respect, you weren\u2019t there when he was at his worst.\u201d Ben nodded. The four others ran towards the door, but Jess stopped them. \u201cWash first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d Sally called from the door.<\/p>\n As they gathered around the table, they realized they were short two chairs. Adam stood. \u201cI\u2019ll sit outside with Jess.\u201d Jess and Adam picked up their plates and sat in the two rocking chairs. A peaceful silence fell between them.<\/p>\n They sat that way until Joe and Sally ran out of the house. George and Hoss came out shortly after and walked into the barn. Ben came out last. \u201cI\u2019m going to head to the ranch. Hoss and George are coming with me. Hoss wants to show George some tricks in case the foal needs help.\u201d They watched as the two boys walked out of the barn with three saddled horses. \u201cMake sure Little Joe comes home with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cYes, sir.\u201d After the three rode off, Adam and Jess walked into the house.<\/p>\n Jess walked over to the sink and began to wash the dishes. Adam stood beside her and helped her dry. She smiled at him, \u201cYou don\u2019t have to help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, I want to.\u201d He took a plate after he dried it and put it in the cabinet. \u201cSo, are you going to tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell you what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat he did?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, who did?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFinn. Are you going to tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled at him, but it didn\u2019t reach her eyes. She flung water at him playfully. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n He threw the towel on his shoulder toward her, and she ducked. \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I tell you, you will track him down and kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFinn\u2019s not dead?\u201d With the dishes done, Adam pulled her into the sitting room. He pulled them both into a sitting position.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he\u2019s not. I took George and Sally and ran. I only wish I had dared to do it before we left the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJess, you did what you thought was best.\u201d Adam saw how much pain she kept hidden from the world.<\/p>\n \u201cI did, but Adam, we wasted so much time. And the thought that I could have lost you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSweetheart, you could never lose me. My heart always belonged to you.\u201d He pulled her closer.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Adam, you could have moved on and had a great life.\u201d\u00a0 She shook herself, \u201cBut let\u2019s move on to happier things. I want to show you Sunlight\u2019s foal.\u201d \u201cTalk to him. He\u2019s old enough to understand Jess.\u201d<\/p>\n She turned to him, \u201cI know he is, but I still want to protect him as long as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled her to his side, \u201cHe will always need you, but he is growing up. Your job now is to make sure he doesn\u2019t do it too fast.<\/p>\n \u201cDarling, Can I ask you a favor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMother\u2019s birthday is coming up at the end of the month. Can Sally and George spend the day with you?\u201d She leaned into him and closed her eyes.<\/p>\n The rubble of his voice calmed her. \u201cOf course, they can. They can stay all week if they want to. But you know it\u2019s okay for them to see you have a hard day.\u201d<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t open her eyes, \u201cDid you let Hoss or Joe when you mourned Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but I didn\u2019t have time to mourn.\u201d\u00a0 She pulled away from him and looked quizzical. He smirked and answered the question in her eyes. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you when you tell me.<\/p>\n She smiled at him, \u201cThat\u2019s fair.<\/p>\n Adam rode into The Howards ranch almost two weeks later. He let Arrow into the paddock and unhooked the horses from the wagon.\u00a0 He gave them both some water and hay. Jess met him at the door. \u201cAdam, get out of the cold. Thank you again for letting Sally and George stay with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, having more kids in the house keeps Pa young. And they will keep Little Joe and Hoss busy.\u201d He shook out of his coat. \u201cThis cold weather came out of nowhere.\u201d<\/p>\n She placed a cup of coffee in his hand, \u201cCome sit. Did you put Arrow in the paddock? Sally and George are not here. They will be home soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did. I know I wanted to see you first. Be careful with Arrow. He can be a little temperamental.\u201d He took a sip of his coffee and smiled at her.<\/p>\n \u201cArrow has always liked me. I don\u2019t think he will be a problem.\u201d\u00a0 She smiled back at him.<\/p>\n He kissed her cheek as he walked toward the settee, \u201cJust like me.\u201d Jess sat at her desk with a book in her hand.\u00a0 A peaceful quiet settled between them. Adam sat enjoying the quiet and the coffee. Once his coffee ran out, Jess got up, filled it up without saying a word, and sat back down without looking up from her book. He took a sip of his new cup of coffee. \u201cYou like to take care of people, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n She stopped what she was doing, \u201cI suppose, but I was never given much choice. I have always taken care of the people I love.\u201d<\/p>\n He walked toward her, holding her hands in his own. She stood on tiptoe and met her lips with his.<\/p>\n Once they broke apart, a self-satisfied smile played on his lips. \u201cOh, I almost forgot. I got this for you.\u201d He walked over to his coat. He pulled a small box out of the pocket. She looked at him questionably. He laughed, \u201cI saw it in San Francisco and thought of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, you shouldn\u2019t have.\u201d She took the box and unwrapped it. Her eyes lit up as she lifted the lid of the box. Inside was a thin gold and silver chain wound together. The pendant was a small, half-silver, half-gold heart. \u201cAdam, this is stunning, but I can\u2019t take this. It\u2019s too much.\u201d<\/p>\n He removed the necklace from the box and placed it around her neck. \u201cI like to take care of the people I love, too. You have to get used to me taking care of you.\u201d He kissed her temple. They heard Sally and George ride up with Little Joe at that moment. \u201cOf course, Joe came with them.\u201d He groaned.<\/p>\n She pulled away from him, \u201cAnd why not? He wanted some of my famous biscuits. She laughed. \u201cThank you again.\u201d<\/p>\n He opened the door, \u201cSweetheart, I would do anything for you. You only have to let me.\u201d He tipped his hat to her as he walked out the door. Joe ran up to them, \u201cAunt Jessy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have any leftover lunch? Sally wouldn\u2019t let me have her biscuit today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course,\u201d she winked at Adam, still standing in the doorway. She returned from the kitchen with four biscuits wrapped in a cloth.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are spoiling him.\u201d Adam rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd so what if I am?\u201d He laughed at her as they all walked outside.<\/p>\n She followed him out with Sally and George\u2019s things in hand, which had been sitting by the door.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see you two in a few days.\u201d She threw bags into the back of the wagon.<\/p>\n \u201cSee you in a few days,\u201d Sally called as she climbed into the wagon.<\/p>\n George went to Jess and hugged her. \u201cI\u2019ll see you soon, JJ. Please don\u2019t do anything stupid.\u201d He whispered to her.<\/p>\n She hugged him back, \u201cI won\u2019t, George, I promise. I\u2019ll see you soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled her close, \u201cAre you sure you don\u2019t want me to stay with you? It may not be proper, but I think we can get away with it since Jed and the other ranch hands are here.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled at him. The kind of smile that made his heart melt.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you dare. You have work to do on the Ponderosa. I will be fine. I\u2019ll see you in a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Sweetheart, if you\u2019re sure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure. Just take care of my siblings.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled and climbed into the seat of the wagon. \u201cYes, ma\u2019am. Sally, do you want to drive?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan I, Uncle Adam?\u201d He laughed and pulled her into the driver\u2019s seat with him.<\/p>\n The next day, Adam was surprised when Geroge began to help him unload hay. George broke the silence eventually. \u201cYou need to go see her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe doesn\u2019t want me there. She will be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, she won\u2019t. You don\u2019t understand Uncle Adam. So much weight has been on her shoulders for so long. She doesn\u2019t know how to let anyone take some of that weight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBig man, I think Jess is stronger than you give her credit for. She will be okay. And as much as I want to take some of the weight off of her, I can\u2019t if she doesn\u2019t let me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam,\u201d Adam stopped working, startled. \u00a0George had never called Adam by only his first name before. It had always been Mr. Cartwright or Uncle Adam. \u201cShe has protected Sally and me more times over the years than I can count. But you don\u2019t know all she gave up last time we left.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam leaned against his pitchfork, \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n George rubbed the bridge of his nose. \u201cJess swore me to secrecy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen you shouldn\u2019t have brought it up. Now tell me.\u201d Nothing in his tone or body language conveyed the urgency he felt. Maybe now he could finally understand.<\/p>\n George sat on top of the hay. \u201cYou may want to sit.\u201d He motioned to the place beside him.<\/p>\n Adam remained standing, \u201cTell me, George.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSally doesn\u2019t know.\u201d His face was deadly serious. Adam nodded. George nodded, \u201cShe is going to kill me, but I guess you have a right to know.\u201d He stopped, and after a few minutes of checking to ensure they could not be overheard, he finally spoke. \u201cIn one of the few sober moments Finn had before we left, he threatened to kill you and Ben if Jess ran off with you. He told her if she wanted to be a part of the Cartwrights so much, she could rot in the grave with her lover and the patriarch.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam felt like he had been punched in the jaw. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n George nodded, \u201cThere’s more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow can there be more?\u201d<\/p>\n George looked at him sadly, \u201cAdam, you always knew Finn was a mean drunk. Do you think it got any better once we left the place where we would have people who could protect us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but why didn\u2019t she tell me I could have protected her, protected all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe wasn\u2019t willing to play games with your life or Ben\u2019s. What would have happened to the Ponderosa if the two of you had been killed? What would have happened to Hoss and Little Joe, not to mention Marie?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam did sit then, even though it seemed more like his legs gave out. \u201cShe should have told me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe, but she wouldn\u2019t have wanted you to blame anyone other than her. Even though I\u2019ve blamed Finn my whole life.\u201d he chuckled, but it sounded like a dying cat.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you blame him for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe took Sally and me away, too. This was our home. You were my uncle as much as you were her fianc\u00e9.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know about this?\u201d<\/p>\n One night, Sally had a nightmare about you abandoning us. Since we never received any letters from any of you.\u201d That led to a long and tearful conversation. After JJ got Sally to sleep, I asked for the full story, and for whatever reason, JJ gave it to me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGeorge, we wrote you.\u201d<\/p>\n George\u2019s head fell, \u201cI know that now. Finn kept those letters from us as he did with many things.\u201d Adam touched his shoulder, and George continued, \u201cShe gave us a childhood, Sally and I. Because of her, we always knew we were safe and cared for.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for telling me, George.\u201d<\/p>\n George nodded, \u201cJust promise me you will care for her.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cYou have my word.\u201d<\/p>\n George stood, \u201cThat\u2019s all I can ask.\u201d He held out a hand to Adam, who took it. \u201cOh, and Uncle Adam, one more thing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFinn told us that if we ever ran from him, we would regret it.\u201d Adam could hear a little of the fear in his voice.<\/p>\n Adam knew what George wanted to hear, \u201cHe will never touch any of you again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you.\u201d They went back to work. George acted like a colossal weight lifted from his shoulders. Adam knew it had settled on him, and somehow, he felt lighter than he had in years.<\/p>\n That night, Adam sat in his favorite blue chair, wrestling with the knowledge that Jess had left to keep him and his family safe. It tore at his heart to think Jess had taken on so much alone. Ben pulled him out of his thoughts. \u201cWhat are you thinking about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan I marry her, Pa? I will always love her, but can I build a life with her? We both have changed so much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSon, if you love her, then you will figure everything else out. It\u2019s not the other way around. My relationship with Marie should show you that.\u201d Ben smiled as he always did when he talked about any of his wives.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right, Pa. I guess my education just got in the way of my thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben rode towards Marie\u2019s grave the next day as if something had pulled him in that direction.\u00a0 Maybe his conversation with Adam had stirred up some old emotions. Perhaps he wanted to tell her that Adam had finally found his happily ever after.\u00a0 He dismounted and walked toward the graves. He smiled when he saw the fresh flowers lying on both. Jess must have been here today or yesterday. The thought made him smile.<\/p>\n He patted the headstone, \u201cMarie, my love. You would have loved to help plan the wedding.\u201d After a few minutes of standing there, he headed to Jess\u2019s ranch.<\/p>\n Jed greeted him first. He stood by the paddock, patting Sunlight\u2019s nose. \u201cGood afternoon, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAfternoon Jed, have you seen Jess?\u201d He said uneasily, something didn\u2019t feel right.<\/p>\n Jed shook his head. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen Ms. Jessica today. She rode out first thing this morning. She left mine and the boys’ breakfast on the steps. The door was locked up tight. I thought she went to see her mama?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was just there, she wasn\u2019t. We need to find her. I\u2019ll ride back to the Ponderosa and get my hands. Can you round up the ones here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMs. Jessica is going to be mad when we find her if we all stop work just to look for her.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben chuckled, \u201cYou let me worry about that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou start on your end. I will start on mine, and we will meet at the graves if we find anything.\u201d The command in his voice made clear that he wasn\u2019t asking.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir,\u201d Jed nodded.<\/p>\n Ben rode up to his house fast and hard. As luck would have it, George sat on the porch with Joe, playing checkers. \u201cJoe, where is Adam?\u201d Ben asked as he handed the horse to a stable hand. \u201cI need a fresh one. And one for Adam.\u201d He whispered to the hand who nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is breaking broncs with Hoss. What\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled, \u201cOh, nothing, son. I need to see him. Sally in the house?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben walked until he was out of sight of the two boys, then started running. He quickly made it to where Hoss was standing. \u201cHoss, where is Adam?\u201d A little more urgently than he had intended. Hoss pointed. Ben looked up to see Adam sitting atop a stallion, trying to knock Adam off, bucking back and forth. Ben waited. Adam hung on until the young horse calmed into a walk. Adam jumped off with a massive smile on his face. It fell when he saw Ben. \u201cPa, what is it? I thought you were on the south range today.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was quiet for a few minutes, \u201cI think Jess is missing. I have a bad feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean missing?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. It\u2019s just a feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben began to recount the events of the morning. Once he finished, he saw a mask fall over Adam\u2019s face. He hadn\u2019t seen that look since Marie died. \u201cPa,\u201d Adam said, \u201cLast time you had a bad feeling was when Maire died. I\u2019m not taking any chances. Let\u2019s go find her.\u201d Ben approached the bunkhouse to gather the men. Hoss and Adam walked calmly toward the barn. \u201cHoss, will you stay here with Sally, Joe, and George? There is no need to worry them until we know something.\u201d Hoss nodded. Adam placed a hand on Hoss’s shoulder. \u201cThank you, brother.\u201d Adam\u2019s smile was filled with worry.<\/p>\n Jed, Ben, and Adam divided the hands into three teams and spread out in all directions. They found nothing. When night fell, they all started to worry. \u00a0\u201cWe will start searching again at first light tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n Jed nodded, \u201cI\u2019m sorry I doubted you, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, \u201cSee you in the morning, Jed.\u201d Ben kicked his horse and caught up with Adam. \u201cWe will find her son.\u201d<\/p>\n He did not look at Ben but nodded, \u201cI would tear the world apart looking for her.\u201d They were silent for the rest of the ride home.<\/p>\n Hoss jumped up from the chair he was sitting in when they walked through the door, \u201cNothing.\u201d Ben said, looking at his oldest son. \u201cYou know what we have to do, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I know.\u201d Adam turned to Hoss, \u201cWhere are they?\u201d He looked like he had aged five years in one day.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want me to do it?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no, I need to do it.\u201d He turned to the stairs. \u201cHoss, will you come with me?\u201d Hoss nodded. They walked up the stairs very slowly. Adam acted as though every step added ten pounds to his shoulders.<\/p>\n They reached the landing and heard George ending a story. \u201cThe dark knight fell in love with the sun princess, and they lived happily ever after.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss stood in the doorway as George finished his story. \u201cThat was very good, George. Am I the dark knight?\u201d He sat in the middle of the floor, pulling Sally close.<\/p>\n George winked at him, \u201cI\u2019ll never tell.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took a deep breath, \u201cI have some news.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Uncle Adam? You are shaking. Are you cold?\u201d Sally pulled herself closer to him.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, BlueBell, I\u2019m not cold. Jess is missing. We have looked, and we can\u2019t find her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean, Uncle Adam? Missing?\u201d Sally buried her face into his shirt.<\/p>\n It took at least ten minutes before anyone spoke. \u201cWe will find her, BlueBell, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n They all sat quietly for another ten minutes before George whispered, \u201cHave you been looking for her all day?\u201d Adam nodded. George let his head drop. He looked to Hoss, unable to look at Adam. \u201cThis is all my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t your fault, George. There\u2019s nothing you could have done.\u201d Hoss said, who was still standing in the doorway.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, you don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n Then explain it to us.\u201d Sally was now asleep, but she was holding on tightly to Adam.<\/p>\n George stood and spoke to Hoss, not Adam. \u201cAbout a week ago, we got a letter from Finn. He claimed he knew where we were and would take us back, that we were ungrateful and spoiled for leaving him. He said he would be here this week.\u201d<\/p>\n George bravely turned to Adam; Adam\u2019s voice was calm as he spoke. \u201cDid Jess know this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I gave it to her. She read it and threw it in the fire.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled Sally off him and laid her down. He stood, \u201cThat\u2019s why she asked me if you two could stay here. And why you told me to go see her.\u201d<\/p>\n George nodded, \u201cShe didn\u2019t think Finn would come, but if he did, she wanted to be sure we were safe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe could have stayed here too,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n \u201cShe refused to run from him. But she wanted to make sure he couldn\u2019t get to us.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled the boy into a hug. Tears wet Adam’s shirt, \u201cIt\u2019s my fault. I should have told you sooner. I should have made her come with us.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam rubbed his head, \u201cIt\u2019s Finn\u2019s fault, not yours. It is not your job to protect her against Finn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI could have stopped this.\u201d George pulled away from him and walked towards Sally.<\/p>\n \u201cGeorge,\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was soft. \u201cLet me tell a story about your sister. You don\u2019t remember your mama, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome, but I mostly remember her being sick in the hospital in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess and I had just started seeing each other when she got sick for the first time. You may have been four, maybe five. We were only kids ourselves. She didn\u2019t tell me anything was wrong. It took about three weeks for me to find out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow did you find out?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe passed out when we went for a ride. Luckily, we were dismounting, and I caught her before she fell and hurt herself. When she woke up, she finally told me she had been caring for her mama, you, and Sally during the day and trying to help Finn with the ranch at night. She hadn\u2019t had a full night’s sleep in three weeks. She was exhausted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUncle Adam, I appreciate the story but don\u2019t see the point.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy point is that your sister has always felt she had to do everything herself. She has never been good at letting other people help her. This was not your fault, George.\u201d He patted Sally\u2019s head. \u201cNow get some sleep. It\u2019s your job to keep Sally and Little Joe distracted. Do you think you can do that?\u201d<\/p>\n George nodded, \u201cJust promise me you will find her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI promise.\u201d Adam quietly closed the door and was met by Hoss on the other side. \u201cWe have to go tell Little Joe.\u201d He ran a hand through his hair.<\/p>\n Hoss turned to him, \u201cI already did while you were talking with George. He took it as well as Sally did.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam let out a shaky breath, \u201cThank you. I wasn\u2019t sure I had the heart to do that again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, we are going to find her. You have to believe that.\u201d \u201cWe can\u2019t lose hope. We must go into town tomorrow and ensure they don\u2019t leave on the stage. I don\u2019t think any left today. One of us also needs to stay here. He won\u2019t try to escape without Sally and George if we are lucky.<\/p>\n There was a kind of grimace that crossed Adam\u2019s face, \u201cYou and I both know she would die before she let him anywhere near them.\u201d<\/p>\n They started to walk down the stairs. \u201cShe may not have much of a choice. What is keeping them safe is that he, at least for the moment, has no idea where they are. It will not be hard to put together, though.\u201d Hoss led the way down.<\/p>\n \u201cJess gave us 48 hours, at most, to find her. After that, they will disappear, with or without George and Sally. Finn will not risk staying here long, ” Ben said as they reached him. \u201cHoss you go into town, I\u2019ll stay here with Sally, George, and Joe. Adam, you head up the search party. The pair nodded at their Pa. \u201cOh, and Hoss send for the sheriff. Maybe he can offer some help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow, we all need to get some sleep. We won\u2019t help Jess if we can\u2019t think straight.\u201d He sat. Hoss immediately went up the stairs to his room. It had been a taxing day for all of them. Adam did not follow. Instead, he sat by the fire, his mind far away. Ben watched him for a moment before heading up the stairs himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jess ran into him, crying. She struck him with a force that almost knocked him to the ground. \u201cSweetheart, what is the matter? Tell me what\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 She did not speak but continued to cry into his chest. George ran up after her, \u201cYou promised. How could you go back on your word.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam looked at him confused but held on tight to Jess. \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d Jess pulled away far enough that Adam saw the bruises on her face, one on her left cheek and the other above her right eye. There was also a cut on her lip.\u00a0 \u201cJess, what happened?\u201d He pulled her a little farther away so he could inspect her properly and saw more bruises that littered her body. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou didn\u2019t keep your promise,\u201d As she said this, she disappeared like a cloud of smoke. \u201cYou let him take me.\u201d He heard as he screamed her name. <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n He woke with a start in the chair downstairs. There was a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He didn\u2019t remember falling asleep. \u201cI promise I will find you. Just hold on.\u201d He spoke to the night. He wasn\u2019t sure what time it was, but those kinds of nightmares made him scared to close his eyes again. He knew he wouldn\u2019t sleep soundly again until she was safe. He walked up to the desk and pulled out the map they had used to divide the parties. She had to be close. Finn was smart, but he wasn\u2019t that smart.<\/p>\n Adam stared at the map until he heard footsteps on the stairs. \u201cAdam, did you get any sleep last night?\u201d Ben, the ever-early riser, sat slipping on his boots.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, nightmares. I didn\u2019t wake you, did I?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought so. No, you didn\u2019t wake me. Adam, Jess is strong. She is not going to give up without a fight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know she is. How could she not be, with a father like Finn? I can\u2019t lose her again, Pa. I can\u2019t. You said it yourself: Finn will take her and run if we don\u2019t find her today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSon.\u201d Ben took a ring out of his pocket and sat it on the edge of the desk. A gold chain through it. \u201cI want you to have this when we find her.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up and took the ring gingerly, \u201cMa\u2019s ring?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI always thought you would give it to her.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took the chain and placed it around his neck. \u201cThank you, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt has always belonged to your wife. I held on to it for you until you found her.\u201d\u00a0 Ben looked down at the map now covered in Adam\u2019s handwriting. \u201cSo, where do you think they are?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked back down at the map. \u201cThey would have to be in this region since we didn\u2019t see any sign of them yesterday. I think they are here. He pointed to a place on the map that had been circled. \u201cThere is a river nearby, so there is plenty of fresh water and high enough that they would see anyone coming from at least a mile away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo, we start searching there.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up, \u201cNot we, Pa, me. If I\u2019m right, a large search party would never get close. Alone, I may have a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure that\u2019s a good idea? You don\u2019t know how many men he has with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam chuckled, \u201cNo, I\u2019m not sure it\u2019s a good idea, but it\u2019s my only idea.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least take Jed with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stood. \u201cNo, Pa, I\u2019m not waiting for him. I\u2019m leaving. With any luck, I\u2019ll get there before they have a chance to know what is happening.\u201d He slipped on his gun belt.<\/p>\n \u201cBe careful, son. Don\u2019t make me lose both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t dream of it, Pa. I\u2019ll be back soon.\u201d<\/p>\n He dismounted and continued on foot. He couldn\u2019t risk being heard. He was right; someone was here. He saw at least six empty whiskey bottles around the camp. He dropped into a low crawl. The last thing he wanted was to get caught before he knew if Jess was there.<\/p>\n On cue, he heard a voice, \u201cGet up, you lazy old man!\u201d Adam recognized that voice and felt his stomach drop off from under him. It was Jed. \u201cWe have to get going.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam heard a voice in response. \u201cI already told you we are not leaving without the little ones.\u201d It had been years since he listened to that high-pitched cadence, Finn.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may not have a choice. The Cartwrights will shoot you dead now. They have that house locked up tighter than the army would. You should have taken them first. Jessica would have followed like a lamb.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJessica is no use to me now. She is too headstrong. That Cartwright has poisoned her.\u201d Adam set his jaw. It took every ounce of self-control not to jump up from his hiding spot.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you had done like I told you, they wouldn\u2019t have known anything until you were out of the territory.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe spotted me before I had a chance to get to Sally and George. You should grab the children so we can leave.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you stupid as well as ugly? If I touched either one of them, I\u2019d be dead. Besides, the Cartwrights won\u2019t let them out of their sight. Now feed her. And this time, don\u2019t let her get your knife.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe won\u2019t. I gave her a reason to think twice.\u201d<\/p>\n Jed grunted, \u201cYou are just lucky she didn\u2019t get your gun.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam ground his teeth as he waited. Several minutes before, Finn disappeared into one of the caves while Jed mounted and rode off. Adam would make them both pay, but first, he had to find Jess.<\/p>\n A few minutes passed before Adam moved, slowly walking to the cave entrance. Adam sat on an overturned crate, gun pointed to the opening. Fifteen minutes later, Finn came back with an empty plate. He froze when he saw Adam but quickly regained his composure.\u00a0 It had been six years since they had laid eyes on each other. Adam was now bigger and stronger than he had been. He had an icy calm that he had perfected over the years.<\/p>\n Finn, on the other hand, looked worse. His skin was now yellow and puffy. It was no doubt because of his drinking. \u201cFinn, long time no see.\u201d This was the side of Adam Cartwright that terrified people, the one Jess had never seen.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, what are you doing here?\u201d Finn shot him a smile that would have been charming if he had all his teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is she, Finn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho? Say I don\u2019t like to have a gun pointed at me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I don\u2019t like having my fianc\u00e9e stolen, but we can\u2019t always get what we want. Now toss it.\u201d He motioned to the gun at Finn\u2019s belt.<\/p>\n Finn did as he was told. \u201cFianc\u00e9e, huh, I didn\u2019t see a ring. It took me over a year to find them. You had plenty of time to ask her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the one in your boot. Will you answer my question, or am I carrying you to the sheriff?\u201d Adam raised an eyebrow, pointing the gun at his right knee.<\/p>\n Finn chuckled, \u201cOkay, Adam, I get it, but you know you will never find her. Not that I understand why you want her. She is damaged.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe fact that you don\u2019t know how special she is says more about you than her. You were allowed to abuse her and her kind heart. That\u2019s over now.\u201d Adam stood and placed the gun barrel to his chest, \u201cNow. Where. Is. She.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou will never find her.\u201d Adam hit him in the jaw, knocking him down.<\/p>\n He spit blood on the ground. \u201cYou have grown a backbone. You wouldn\u2019t have dared hit me the last time we met.\u201d He stood.<\/p>\n Adam holstered his six-shooter. \u201cA lot can change in six years.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam swung again, but this time, Finn blocked it. \u201cShe has been calling for you. Cried in her sleep last night, something about you not coming back.\u201d Adam aimed for his gut. Finn doubled over. Adam grabbed the crate and hit him on the back.\u00a0 Finn returned Adam\u2019s blow. Adam backed up a step but didn\u2019t fall.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could have your choice of girls. Why pick my no-good daughter.\u201d Finn continued to taunt Adam. Adam timed the hit perfectly, knocking Finn out. It earned him a hit on his jaw, but Finn lay unconscious on the ground in front of him.<\/p>\n Adam tied his hands and feet with the rope tightly. Adam took the rocks from the ground and began to walk into the cave, using the stones to mark the path. He searched for an hour but found nothing besides food on the ground halfway up the path. After another hour passed, he knew he needed to get Finn to the sheriff before he awoke. Then, he would get Hoss and the rest of the Ponderosa ranch hand to help him search the caves. But he couldn\u2019t risk Jed finding out anything had changed. Adam rode faster than would have been considered safe with an unconscious man. Since it was Finn, he rode even quicker.<\/p>\n He threw Finn into a cell without a word, locked it, and tossed the keys to the sheriff.\u00a0 \u201cHe kidnapped his daughter.\u201d Adam’s cold expression told the sheriff all he needed to know.<\/p>\n \u201cAt least he is alive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I see him again, he won\u2019t be. Adam pushed the door open and saw Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you find her?\u201d Hoss asked hopefully.<\/p>\n The disappointment on his face was all the answer Hoss needed.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss were both out of breath once they reached the front porch. Ben stood at the door. \u201cBoys, what is wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam dismounted, \u201cPa, you have to keep Sally and George away from Jed. He\u2019s working with Finn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFinn, you found him?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cHe\u2019s in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam,\u201d Ben stopped him from remounting the exhausted horse. He grabbed him by the shoulders, \u201cWe found her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes were wide.<\/p>\n Ben gave him a half smile, \u201cWell, she found us. She walked through the front door, hugged Sally and George, then collapsed.\u201d<\/p>\n At that moment, Jed rode up, \u201cI heard you found her.\u201d He dismounted, and Adam, before he could stop himself, hit Jed over the head. Jed\u2019s eyes were full of fear and confusion. Ben put a hand on Adam\u2019s arm to stop him.<\/p>\n I sent Finn on his way with several broken bones.\u201d He hit Jed in the stomach. \u201cCan you imagine what I\u2019m going to do to you?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam began to beat on Jed mercilessly until a voice pulled him out of his rage. \u201cUncle Adam!\u201d It was George. He stood in the doorway of the house. \u201cBefore you kill him, let JJ wake up. It’s her decision what you do to him.\u201d Jed spit out blood on the ground.<\/p>\n Adam looked at George as he spoke, \u201cI think you\u2019re right, George.\u201d Adam hit Jed once more, knocking him out. \u201cHoss, throw him in the barn.\u201d Hoss threw the man over his shoulder.<\/p>\n Adam looked back to George. \u201cWhere is she?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUpstairs, I sent one of the hands for Doc Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took the steps two at a time. Adam walked up to the bed, Sally at the foot. \u00a0Jess had a sizable bruise above her left eye. Her lip was split. Adam grabbed Jess\u2019s hand and almost fell to his knees in relief. \u201cThank God.\u201d He kissed her forehead.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for keeping your promise, Uncle Adam.\u201d Sally smiled at him.<\/p>\n Once he straightened, Ben placed a hand on his shoulder. \u201cShe must have been walking for hours. She was barefoot, and her feet were bleeding when she got here. Hop Sing wrapped them. She has been in and out of consciousness. We will have to wait for Doc Martin, but I think she will be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss, who had followed them, lured Sally and George out of the room with promises of sweets, but not before he patted Jess’s hand in reassurance. \u201cYou\u2019ll be okay.\u201d He said in his gentle way. Hoss and Ben left with Sally and Geroge in tow. They left Adam and Jess alone.<\/p>\n \u201cRest, Sweetheart.\u201d Adam smiled at her.<\/p>\n Adam began to rub circles on the back of Jess\u2019s hand with his thumb. He stopped when he heard Doc Martin coming in. He watched silently as the doctor checked her for other injuries and unwrapped her feet. \u201cTell your cook he did well.\u201d Adam nodded again. The doctor put some mixture on her feet and then rewrapped them.<\/p>\n He was snapping his bag closed before Adam spoke, \u201cTell me she is going to be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDarling, I\u2019m going \u2026 to fine. Tell him there is nothing to worry about, Doc.\u201d Her speech was slurred.<\/p>\n \u201cIn my professional opinion, she will be fine. Her feet should heal nicely. There are no broken bones. But you, young lady, need to stay in bed.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess nodded. \u201cYes, Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be sure she stays off her feet, doc.\u201d Adam walked Doc Martin towards the door. \u201cThank you for coming, Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his hand and walked him to the door. Adam stood at the door for a few minutes before George walked out of the kitchen with a plate full of food and a glass. \u201cHop Sing told me to make sure you eat. You haven\u2019t eaten since lunch yesterday. You know she will kill you if she found out.\u201d Adam took the cup and sat at the table. George sat the plate in front of him.<\/p>\n Adam plastered on a smile, \u201cI know.\u201d He noticed Sally and Little Joe hid in the doorway. \u201cBlueBell, Little Joe, will you sit with Jess while I talk to George.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Uncle Adam,\u201d Sally grabbed Little Joe and dragged him up the stairs.<\/p>\n George and Adam sat at the long table for several minutes before George spoke, \u201cDid you kill him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he\u2019s in jail. Do you want him dead?\u201d Adam asked between sips.<\/p>\n George sat thinking for a few minutes, \u201cI don\u2019t want his blood on your hands, but It would lie to say that I would want him to come back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry. He knows if I ever see his face again. He has signed his death warrant.\u201d The smile on Adam\u2019s face made George\u2019s blood run cold. \u201cI\u2019m not the same boy I was six years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you like me,\u201d George replied nervously.<\/p>\n \u201cThat reminds me,\u201d Adam sat his cup down, \u201cI wanted to ask you something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnce Jess wakes up, I will ask her to marry me, but I want your blessings before I do.\u201d<\/p>\n George looked shocked, \u201cYou are asking me for my blessing?\u201d Adam nodded. \u201cDo you even have to ask? I have always known you belonged together, even as a child. How could I ever stand in the way of that.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled, \u201cI\u2019m glad you feel that way.\u201d\u00a0 He shook George\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n George smirked at him, \u201cBesides, if I didn\u2019t say yes, you would have married her anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing left the kitchen and took Adam\u2019s plate and cup. \u201cThank you, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright, Ms. Jessica going be, okay?\u201d The cook had become very fond of the Howards since he had met them. \u201cShe always very nice to me.\u201d<\/p>\n He patted the man\u2019s shoulder, \u201cYes, Hop Sing, she will be fine. Thank you.\u201d Adam started up the stairs but looked back at George. \u201cGet some rest, George. You’re safe now.\u201d George nodded. Once Adam reached Jess\u2019s room, he found Sally fast asleep beside her. Little Joe sat in the chair to her right.\u00a0 Adam took the chair to her left, holding her hand, \u201cYou are going to be okay. You have to be.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled as he rolled over in bed. He was surprised to find the other side empty. He quickly dressed and walked down the stairs. He found Jess in the kitchen working happily with Hop Sing, humming to herself.\u00a0 Her back was turned to him. Adam placed a figure to his lips, singling the older man to be silent. Adam reached around her and pulled her to him. She yelled in surprise but then relaxed. \u201cWhat are you doing up?\u201d he asked into her hair. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you mean? I\u2019m making breakfast.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou left me, Sweetheart.\u201d He spoke into her neck. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 She turned around to face him, laughing. He didn\u2019t break his hold, but there was more space between them now. \u201cYou didn\u2019t make it easy, but we have responsibilities, husband.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He planted a kiss on her nose. He hummed, \u201cCall me that again.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHusband, you have a job to do.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI can not tear myself away from you, wife.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s only been a year. I think saying that is a little premature. Give it time, and you will get sick of me.\u201d she teased.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNever.\u201d He smirked at her.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPancakes?\u201d she asked as she held the plate before him. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He rolled his eyes but took the plate from her. \u201cPancakes?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTrust me, you will like these.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf you say so.\u201d He sat down. She brought in another plate and two cups of coffee. She sat down beside him. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWait,\u201d There is something I need to tell you first.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d He turned to her.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 She took his face and kissed him, \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He returned the kiss, \u201cI love you too,\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They ate peacefully. Until Adam asked, \u201cWhy Pancakes?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 She didn\u2019t look up, \u201cOh, the baby wanted some.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOkay,\u201d Adam froze, \u201cWait, baby?\u201d Adam looked down at her stomach.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 She nodded, \u201cYes, darling.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam woke with a start. He was still in the chair beside Jess\u2019s bed. Adam watched her chest rise and fall. Sally was still lying beside her. Little Joe was watching him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked at him, \u201cYou were talking in your sleep again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did I say?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomething about the best pancakes you ever had.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled, \u201cThat they were. How long was I asleep?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe shrugged, \u201cNot long, maybe an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cGo to bed, Joe. I\u2019m taking Sally to bed.\u201d He stood, taking Sally in his arms and taking her to her room. \u201cSleep well, little BlueBell.\u201d<\/p>\n When he laid her down, he heard her softly, \u201cThank you for keeping your promise.\u201d He smiled down at her, walking out of her door. Adam walked down the stairs and checked all the doors and windows, ensuring they were all locked.<\/p>\n Instead of going to his room, he sat in the chair beside Jess\u2019s bed. She hadn\u2019t moved. He felt her forehead. She wasn\u2019t warm. That was a good sign. He didn\u2019t know how long he sat like that until he fell into an uneasy sleep.\u00a0 He woke up early in the morning, did his chores, and checked on her again. She still slept peacefully.<\/p>\n Jess was alone in the room when she woke, causing her to panic. She screamed. Hop Sing made it to her first, with Adam just a little behind. They had both been in the kitchen. \u201cMs. Jessica, you okay? You safe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing. Where am I?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are on the Ponderosa. Adam reached the door as she spoke, holding a cup of coffee. He sat it down while sitting on the bed and pulled her into himself, \u201cThank God, you\u2019re awake. Hop Sing, go get her some food.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, how did I get here?\u201d She pulled away from him, but he held her tighter. \u201cWhere are Sally and George? Finn didn\u2019t get to them, did he?\u201d Her voice was pure panic, as she remembered the last week.<\/p>\n He smiled into her hair, \u201cNo, Sweetheart, they are safe, and so are you.\u00a0 Finn is gone. I made sure of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFinn grabbed me. I got away from him, but…\u201d She was cut off by Sally and George jumping on the bed. She smiled and pulled them to her. She was kissing them both on the head.<\/p>\n \u201cJJ, you are awake.\u201d Sally hugged her. Adam rose and sat in the chair beside the bed. Jess reached for his hand, and he took it. Ben, Hoss, Little Joe, and Hop Sing filled the room. Hop Sing handed the bowl to Adam, who helped her eat the broth carefully.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you awake.\u201d Ben placed a hand on her shoulders. They all stood there for a long time until Ben spoke again. \u201cOkay, everyone, we have work to do. Sally George, Little Joe, you three have school. And you young lady need your rest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t we stay here with JJ today?\u201d George asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Jess said, \u201cYou are going to school. I am fine. There is no need for the two of you to worry.\u00a0 Everyone began to file out of the room. Adam let go of her hand, but she only held it tighter. He turned back to her. Her eyes were overflowing with tears.<\/p>\n That look pulled him back to her, \u201cWhat is it, Sweetheart?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know if I would ever see you again. I thought I had lost you.\u201d<\/p>\n He saw how close he had come to losing her. He pulled her into his chest, \u201cI\u2019m not letting you get away from me again.\u201d<\/p>\n . \u201cWhat happened? How did I get here?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled her closer, \u201cYou walked. You made it in the front door and passed out. That was four days ago.\u201d Adam stretched out on the bed beside her, forcing her to stay where she was while holding her close. He began to recount the last four days in detail. Once he finished, he asked, \u201cIs what Jed said true? Did you know Finn was coming for you?\u201d<\/p>\n She shook her head, \u201cNo, I think that is the worst part. I trusted him, and he betrayed me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSweetheart, that is not your fault. You will never see him again, I promise. I will keep you safe.<\/p>\n Jess turned his face toward her, \u201cI\u2019m glad they came for me first. If he had gotten to Sally or George. I would have never forgiven myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis self-sacrificing has to stop.\u201d He rubbed her back.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d She asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI know Jess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKnow what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know why you really left last time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, George told you?\u201d She looked down at his chest.<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cYou should have told me back then.\u201d There was no accusation in his voice, just a deep sadness.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat could you have done? At least now you know I left to keep you safe.\u00a0 I would do it again. A million times, if it kept you and our family safe.\u201d She snuggled closer to him, laying her head on his chest and listening to his heartbeat.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are my family. How do you think being without you made me feel?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike you were missing half your heart? I know, trust me, I do.\u201d He felt a tear hit his skin. He didn\u2019t know if it was hers or his.<\/p>\n He nodded, \u201cJust make me a promise?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t spend another day away from me? Marry Me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDarling, of course, all you had to do was ask.\u201d He kissed the top of her head and slipped the ring on her hand from around the chain on his neck. She pulled away from him and looked into his face. \u00a0\u201cI am not going anywhere ever again. Rest, darling.\u00a0 You look as if you haven\u2019t slept in days.\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed, \u201cThat\u2019s because I haven\u2019t.\u201d He fell into his first restful sleep in four days.<\/p>\n A week and a half later, Adam caught Jess as she began to walk gingerly down the stairs, flinching with every other step. He rushed to her, trying to take some of her weight. They were alone in the room. She had thought they had all left for the day\u2019s work and had almost been right.\u00a0 She smiled at him. \u201cAdam, I\u2019m okay. My feet have scabbed over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoc Martin said you should rest.\u201d He helped her to the chair in the main room. \u201cBesides, don\u2019t you have a wedding to plan? That should keep you busy until your feet heal.\u201d He smirked at her but only half teased. He smiled at her, \u201cI know, but just a few more days.\u201d He leaned down and kissed her.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you take care of Jed?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, and so did she, \u201cAre you going to tell me what happened with Finn?\u201d He asked.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want the whole story or just this story?<\/p>\n \u201cThe whole story, always.\u201d<\/p>\n She deflated, \u201cI\u2019ve never told anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam reached out and took both of her hands, \u201cYou can tell me. I want to know.\u201d They sat together.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure you want to know?\u201d She looked at her feet.<\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cPlease, tell me. As ugly as it was, it is a part of you. I want to know every part of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen will you tell me about Marie?\u201d<\/p>\n He reached for her hands, careful to avoid the bruises that had begun to form on her wrists and arms. \u201d Yes, of course, Sweetheart. I will keep no secrets from my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen I will keep nothing from you, husband.\u201d She begins her story by recounting the day they left on the stage.<\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t speak until she was finished. \u201cSo you are telling me he beat you when he got drunk and spent most of what little you earned on more whiskey?<\/p>\n She nodded, \u201cThat\u2019s the short version. I protected Sally and George from most of it.\u00a0 Sometimes, that made it worse for me. He hated me because I wasn\u2019t my mother. He blamed me for her death, as well as other things.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou had nothing to do with your mother\u2019s death.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGrife doesn\u2019t always make sense. He couldn\u2019t get over her death. He had to take his anger out on someone. Better me than Sally and George.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to kill\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She pulled away from him. \u201cNo, you will not.\u201d She cut him off, \u201cWe can\u2019t change the past. But I need you to do something for me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnything.\u201d He would have given her the moon and stars if she had asked for them.<\/p>\n \u201cPromise me that you will love our children if something ever happens to me. You will ensure they know they are the most important thing in the world to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sweetheart, but nothing is going to happen to you. If you died, I would go to heaven and beg God to give you back to me.\u201d<\/p>\n She kissed his cheek. \u201cI love you too. Now you promised me no secrets. What happened to Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat has Joe told you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll I got out of him was that Ben left after Marie died. Ben disappeared.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was so young when it happened. I don\u2019t expect him to remember much else. I had only been home a year when it happened. We had just finished the house. It was a riding accident.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess nodded, \u201cAfter?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAfter something in Pa broke. I think he lost his faith in life. It took him weeks to get out of bed. Once he did, he packed up his things and left on a horse. He came back six months later. To this day, I still don\u2019t know where he went or what he did. He won\u2019t talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe only thing I could do. I ran the Ponderosa and cared for Hoss and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat is too much to take on alone. I\u2019m sorry I wasn\u2019t here to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged, \u201cI wish you had been here too. Hoss helped where he could, but he was so young.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo were you.\u201d She took his face in her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all do what we have to.\u201d He smiled at her as he strapped his gun belt and picked up his hat. \u201cOh, and I forgot to ask, when\u2019s the date?\u201d When she looked confused, he continued, \u201cFor our wedding, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled, \u201cIn four weeks. That gives everyone enough time to get here. I know you wanted a few of your college friends here.\u201d<\/p>\n He placed his hat playfully on her head, \u201cI don\u2019t care what the wedding looks like or who is there. I just want you to be my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sat outside of the cell. The old man who had caused so much pain for him and his family lay on the other side of the bars, facing away from him. He was shivering, even though the room was warm. \u201cWhat do you want, Cartwright?\u201d The man spat through his chattering teeth without looking at him.<\/p>\n Adam couldn\u2019t help it. He smiled, \u201cI wanted to see the look on your face when you knew you lost.\u201d<\/p>\n Finn laughed, \u201cYou think you won? You are a bigger fool than you seem.\u201d He turned to face him.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to ask you something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAsk away. I have nothing but time. I understand that is under your orders.\u201d Finn then turned towards Adam and sat up.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought it might be best. Sober you up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAsk your question, Cartwright, and be on your way.\u201d Finn locked his teeth together.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat made you think you had the right to dictate her life? To make her leave?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe right, I\u2019m her father. As far as why I forced her to leave.\u201d Finn stood. There was clarity in his eyes. \u201cI wasn\u2019t going to give her to a man I couldn\u2019t control.\u201d He paused, then continued. \u201cShe needed to be taught a lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what lesson is that? That she couldn\u2019t care about anyone other than you. That you needed to be her morning, noon, and night. \u00a0Finn wouldn\u2019t look at him. \u00a0\u201cFinn,\u201d He said the name like it was poison. \u201cI came here to warn you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWarn me of what exactly.\u201d He spat back. \u201cThey are my children. Under the law, I can do as I like.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t care about the law. If you are ever seen in the Nevada territory again. I will make sure that is the last time you are seen.\u201d There was an edge to his voice that considered the threat’s seriousness. \u201cAnd believe me, no one would look twice if I got rid of scum like you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam held up his left hand, which now had a gold band around his ring figure. \u201cYou have no claim over her anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou married her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou may not have realized this, you drunk fool, but I actually love her. I have for most of our lives. \u201d Adam jumped up and grabbed Finn through the bars, \u201cThe fact that you believe that shows how sad and small your life is.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 There was rage in his eyes, and his hands shook. Adam flung him to the back of the cell.<\/p>\n Adam walked out the door that separated the cells from the rest of the office without looking back at the man now screaming at him. Adam slipped the ring off his hand and returned it to the sheriff, who placed it on his hand. \u201cThank you, Tim. I appreciate you letting me borrow your ring. It was a big help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnything I can do to help, Adam. I\u2019m sorry I couldn\u2019t arrest him on anything. I\u2019ll make sure he is on the next stage out of town.\u201d Tim put a hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cSo, is it true you and Jess are finally tying the knot?\u201d They walked out of the sheriff\u2019s station towards the saloon.<\/p>\n \u201cA week from tomorrow. You got the invitation, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I did. The misses and I will be there. Let me buy you a drink to celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n At roughly the same time at the Ponderosa, Jess stood across from Ben. \u201cBen, can I speak openly with you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Jess. What is on your mind?\u201d Ben sat down the payroll he had been looking over.<\/p>\n \u201cHow dare you leave Adam to run the Ponderosa and care for Hoss and Joe when Marie died!\u201d She yelled.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou left. How could you do that to him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJess, I needed to get away. Adam was strong enough to handle it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen, you are their father. It wasn\u2019t Adam\u2019s responsibility. It was yours.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam has never said anything to me about this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd he never will. HE LOVES YOU! Besides, he wouldn\u2019t make Hoss and Joe choose between the two of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow you listen here!\u201d Ben\u2019s temper rose.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, you listen, Ben. I know you hurt when you lost Marie. That didn\u2019t give you the right to leave your child to step into your shoes. He wasn\u2019t ready!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe seemed to handle it all right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t give him a choice. I\u2019m not saying you did not have a right to mourn Marie in your way. I am saying that you need to realize how much Adam took on for you. That it was a sacrifice. \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand that. Believe me, I do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think you do. I know you miss her still, but you are not the only one. Don\u2019t abuse how much he loves you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt won\u2019t happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know it won\u2019t because I won\u2019t allow you to hurt him again. Because as much as I love you, Ben, I love him more.\u201d<\/p>\n To Jess’s surprise, Ben smiled at her, but there were tears in his eyes. \u201cI think you will fit into this family very well.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess smiled back, \u201cGo talk to your son, please.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t yet. He is in town. But I will.\u201d The next day, Ben found Adam in the barn. \u201cAdam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up, \u201cYes, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to apologize to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe way I left you when Marie died. I should have stayed.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stood dumbfounded. He couldn\u2019t remember the last time Ben had apologized to anyone. \u201cPa, it\u2019s okay.\u201d He was still in shock.<\/p>\n \u201cI was blind, until recently, to how much my pain hurt you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, it\u2019s okay. I forgave you a long time ago. I managed the ranch, and the boys fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you shouldn\u2019t have had to. That was my responsibility, not yours.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe do what we have to for the ones we love.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSon, I am sorry. Tell me how I can fix this.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam walked towards his father, placing a hand on his shoulder. \u201cWhat\u2019s done is done. I only ask that you don\u2019t put the same weight on Hoss and Little Joe that you did on me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, \u201cI promise, never again. Do you forgive me?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cOf course, I forgive you, Pa. Where did this epiphany come from?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben chuckled, \u201cMy soon-to-be daughter-in-law. She will be a welcome addition to this family, Adam, now, if we could find one for your brother Hoss.<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cShe is the only one I have ever known to call us all out, myself included.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe is a spitfire, that is for sure. I only wish your mother was here to meet her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe too, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n The day before the wedding came faster than anyone expected.\u00a0 Adam kissed Jess on the cheek as he took his customary seat at the table; the only difference was that she sat beside him. In contrast, George and Sally sat beside Hoss and Joe. He told Ben, \u201cI\u2019ll bed in the bunk house tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n I know it\u2019s tradition, but I\u2019ll still miss you.\u201d Jess smiled at him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just for tonight, Sweetheart. Then I promise you will never be able to get rid of me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben spoke, \u201cSince you want to spend your first night as a married couple in your home. George, Sally, Little Joe, Hoss, and I will stay at your ranch, Jess. Then we will send you off for your honeymoon in town. I\u2019ll be sure to find you a new foreman.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are you going again?\u201d Sally asked.<\/p>\n Adam and Jess shared a look, \u201cParis.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen will you be back?\u201d George asked.<\/p>\n \u201cFour months.\u201d Jess grabbed her coffee cup.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe six.\u201d Adam smiled. Jess bumped him under the table, but she smiled, too.<\/p>\n Jess turned to Ben, \u201cThank you. I know it is a lot of responsibility to take on.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed, \u201cYou are all family. This is your honeymoon, so you shouldn\u2019t worry about anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you.\u201d Jess blushed.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, there\u2019s still lots to do before the wedding. Hop Sing, is the cake ready?\u201d He asked as the smaller man appeared from the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cYes! Cake is ready.\u201d The man beamed. \u201cIt will be almost as beautiful as Ms. Jess.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess blushed again as Adam took her hand in his, kissing it. \u201cNot possible.\u201d<\/p>\n The day passed in a buzz of activity. It was late when Adam found Jess tucking Sally into her bed. He knew he needed to go to the bunkhouse but couldn’t pull himself away from her. \u201cI can\u2019t wait to see you do that with our children.\u201d He whispered to her.<\/p>\n She kissed her sister’s forehead and walked toward him. \u201cIn due time, Darling. What are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to tell you good night before I went to the bunkhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood night, I\u2019ll see you tomorrow, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled as he stole a kiss from her lips. \u201cTomorrow, Mrs. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n The next time he saw her, his breath stilled in his chest. He didn\u2019t take another breath until Ben put her hand in his. Her dress was simple, long-sleeved lace with a high neckline. Her hair was in an updo with white flowers in it. He didn\u2019t know he was crying until she reached up to wipe a tear from his cheek.\u00a0 They were lost in each other\u2019s eyes. The pastor spoke. \u201cAdam and Jessica have decided they would say their vows.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess spoke, her eyes never leaving his, \u201cAdam Cartwright, I have loved you for as long as I have known the word. I promise to love, honor, and obey you in sickness and health for as long as we live. You have always been my home. I promise to be there to help you carry the responsibilities you shoulder. My heart is, was, and will always be yours.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam squeezed her hands before he began. \u201cJessica Howards, my sweetheart, I have always loved you. I promise to love, honor, and obey you till we no longer draw breath, and even then, I will keep these vows.\u00a0 You are a part of my soul, and I promise from this day forward, you will never face anything alone again. Your soul and mine are bound together from this day forward.\u201d<\/p>\n Neither looked away from the other, so they didn\u2019t see that most of the guest were wiping at their eyes. \u201cBy the power invested in me by God and the Nevada territory, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n That is precisely what Adam did. He dipped her down, supporting most of her weight. They didn\u2019t break apart until they heard the guest yelling around them. \u201cMy wife,\u201d Adam whispered to her. His eyes were closed. He pressed their foreheads together and stole a quick kiss again.<\/p>\n \u201cMy husband,\u201d She whispered back, one hand closed around his collar and the other in his hair like she was trying to bring him closer. They both could have stayed in this moment forever.<\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI’m sorry, Hoss. I didn’t mean to wake you. Go back to sleep.” Adam slipped on his boots.<\/p>\n
\n“Adam, Darling, please understand I can’t. I can’t leave them.” She cut her eyes back up the stairs. “They shouldn’t have to handle my father’s stupidity. They are too young. They deserve a chance to be kids. A chance you and I were never given. Besides, what would that do to your family after my father said no? Your reputation?”<\/p>\n
\nHe allowed her to lead him out the door and into the barn. He was amazed at how quickly she shed the darkness around her like a coat. The golden colt had three white socks and a white line down his snout. \u201cGeorge wants to name him Sport, but I don\u2019t know if I want him to name him. If I\u2019m going to sell him, George can\u2019t get attached.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam nodded, \u201cI do. It would kill me to lose her a second time. So not finding her isn\u2019t an option.\u201d Hoss pulled Adam into a hug as his composure fell. Adam pulled away after several minutes, regaining control of his emotions.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI have been resting all week. I have finished with the wedding planning. It\u2019s your fault we invited the entire town. If I rest any more, I\u2019m going to go crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt will fade.\u201d<\/p>\n