Summary: Adam reconnects with friend from his youth. But all is not as it seems with her.<\/p>\n
Rating: PG, Word Count: 8794<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A Love Rekindled<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 1<\/p>\n Emma Harper rolled into Virginia City on the stage coach. She had left everything in Sacramento and wanted to start a new life in Virginia City. She had lived in Virginia City until she was sixteen when her father took over his deceased father\u2019s business at the mercantile. It was hard to leave her friends she\u2019d known in Virginia City but she had made new friends in Sacramento and even went through heartaches. She suffered the death of her family. Her father had died just last year, her mother died from complications after she delivered a stillborn baby girl and her brother was killed in a freak accident when he was shot by a gunman\u2019s stray bullet. But the thing she kept close was a secret she hoped wouldn\u2019t get out.<\/p>\n She stepped off the stage and looked around. Virginia City had grown since she had been a young girl. A man about her age had walked by and then stopped when he saw her. He touched the brim of his hat to greet her and she smiled at him. He walked up to her and she got a closer look at him. He looked familiar but she couldn\u2019t place him or even his name.<\/p>\n \u201cWelcome to Virginia City. May I help you with your bags to the hotel? My name is Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam Cartwright! I haven\u2019t seen you since we were sixteen. It\u2019s me, Emma Harper.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHello Emma. I thought you looked familiar. It\u2019s so good to see you. Are you here for a visit or for good? How is your family?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here to stay. My family has all passed on,\u201d she said with a hint of sadness in her voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Emma. Is there anything I can do to help you?\u201d Adam asked kindly putting his hand on her shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s nothing really, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell let me at least help you to the hotel.”<\/p>\n \u201cAll right,\u201d she replied smiling. He grabbed her bags and led her to the hotel.<\/p>\n After Emma put her things away, she told Adam that she needed to find a job before her money dwindled. The business did not sell well, and she’d spent a lot on the trip. She had already spent much on the trip but she had enough to get her through a month or so.<\/p>\n \u201cI know that Jerry needs help at the mercantile what with his wife being sick,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be wonderful. My father owned a mercantile in Sacramento and I worked there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGreat, we\u2019ll get that set up tomorrow. Right now, I\u2019d like to take you to dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t need to do that, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I do. Consider it a welcome home dinner,\u201d Adam said with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right,\u201d Emma replied. After dinner Adam took Emma back to the hotel. He saw her safely to her room then headed home.<\/p>\n At home he told his family about Emma\u2019s return and him helping her find a job and a place to stay.<\/p>\n \u201cI wondered how she was. How is her family?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n Adam explained what Emma had told him. He looked at Hoss when he mentioned her brother Emmett. Hoss and Emmett had been the best of friends growing up.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s too bad. He was always a good kid,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n \u201cYou must have her over some time. It would be good to see her,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cI will and Joe, you are not to flirt with her,\u201d Adam said turning to his youngest brother pointing his finger at him.<\/p>\n \u201cMe? Now why would I do something like that?\u201d Joe asked in a mocked worried tone.<\/p>\n \u201cGee, I wonder.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam went to town the next day to go to the mercantile with Emma.<\/p>\n \u201cHello Adam, how are you?\u201d Jerry Reid asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m doing well. This is Emma Harper and I told her you were looking for someone to hire here. I thought Emma would be a good help to you,\u201d Adam \u201cIt\u2019s nice to meet you, Emma. Have you worked in a mercantile before?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes I have. My father owned one in Sacramento,\u201d Emma replied.<\/p>\n \u201cWonderful. When can you start?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm, any time,\u201d she said, flustered.<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t think she\u2019d get the job so quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cHow about today? Right now? It\u2019s been hard to juggle the store and Amy. She\u2019s been awful sick lately. She\u2019s needed me today,\u201d Jerry explained.<\/p>\n \u201cYes I can start right now,\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n Just then the sound of a bell in the back sounded.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s Amy, come meet her. Adam could you watch the store for a bit please?\u201d Jerry asked.<\/p>\n \u201cSure,\u201d Adam replied smiling.<\/p>\n Emma looked at Adam then followed Jerry to meet his wife.<\/p>\n \u201cAmy, this is Emma Harper. She\u2019ll be working for us now,\u201d Jerry explained.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nice to meet you, Emma. You are a beautiful woman,\u201d Amy said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nice to meet you too, Amy. Please let me know if there\u2019s anything I can help you with,\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, dear.\u201d<\/p>\n Emma looked at Amy; she guessed Amy was about in her mid-forties. She had long dark hair with specks of grey in it and beautiful brown eyes. Emma wondered what Amy had that made her so sick. She didn\u2019t dare ask.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess I\u2019ll go up front and get to work,\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cLet Adam know that he can stay and help if he\u2019d like. I may be a while,\u201d Jerry said.<\/p>\n Emma smiled and nodded. She headed up front and saw Adam talking with a female customer. Jealousy quickly shot through her. She didn\u2019t want anyone to talk to Adam. Then she stopped and wondered where that came from. She and Adam were just friends and that was it. He had said he loved her many years ago but they were children. She had loved him also. Did it still count as adults? She put the thought aside as she grabbed an apron and tied it around her thin waist. Adam rang up the girl and she left.<\/p>\n \u201cJerry says you\u2019re good to stay and help if you\u2019d like,\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right then I\u2019ll stay,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n She saw him looking at her. She found a duster and dusted the shelves.<\/p>\n \u201cWould you like to come to dinner tonight at the Ponderosa?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like that. It would be good to see your family,\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll go after you get off work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds good.\u201d<\/p>\n That night Emma enjoyed her evening with the Cartwrights. She hadn\u2019t laughed so hard in a long time and it felt good. She noticed Hoss and Joe had also grown into handsome men. They had asked her about life in California. She told them about her father\u2019s business and the passing of her family. She in turn asked them about the Ponderosa. She loved hearing about the ranch.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have to take you for a ride around the land some time,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, Emma is Adam\u2019s friend and by all rights he is to show her around,\u201d Hoss said nudging his little brother with his elbow.<\/p>\n Emma smiled. Ben and Adam laughed. Adam later took Emma back to the hotel.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for dinner. I had a lovely time,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cI did too,\u201d Adam said, smiling at her.<\/p>\n Emma all of a sudden felt shy. She hadn\u2019t felt shy around anyone since\u2026well, she wouldn\u2019t think of that.<\/p>\n Chapter 2<\/p>\n Two months had gone by quickly for Emma. She enjoyed her work and loved Jerry and Amy. The previous month she moved into the extra room they had set aside for employees. She had been surprised when Adam had paid for the room. Adam had said it was his pleasure and that she didn\u2019t need to pay for it when she tried to pay him back. She wouldn\u2019t admit that she had fallen for Adam Cartwright. She couldn\u2019t. But in reality, she was falling for him. She didn\u2019t want to get close to him because she felt she wasn\u2019t ready to date.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, go get the doctor! It\u2019s Amy!\u201d Jerry yelled.<\/p>\n Emma ran to get Doctor Martin and they rushed back to the mercantile. Emma turned the CLOSED sign up so they wouldn\u2019t be disturbed. She sat on a stool waiting to hear from the doctor but also giving them space. She found a copy of Pride and Prejudice and began to read it while waiting.<\/p>\n An hour later, Jerry called Emma in the room. Doctor Martin was finishing up and quietly left as Emma walked in. She saw Jerry\u2019s tear stained face and knew the news was grim.<\/p>\n \u201cAmy\u2019s gone,\u201d was all he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?\u201d Emma asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, there\u2019s nothing you can do. I do appreciate all you have done in helping Amy and me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was nothing. You both have become like parents to me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll close the mercantile until the funeral. I want to get everything ready. I need to send a telegram to my children.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can do that if you\u2019d like,\u201d she offered.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, I appreciate that. I\u2019ll get it written and have you deliver it,\u201d Jerry said getting up.<\/p>\n He wrote the message down and the addresses to his three boys. He handed the paper and money to Emma and she left.<\/p>\n Emma finally let the tears fall and she didn\u2019t care who saw her as she walked down the street. The news of Amy\u2019s death would spread soon. She didn\u2019t see who was coming and she ended up bumping into Adam. He caught her before she could fall to the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cOh Adam, I\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t see you there. How are you?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m doing fine. What\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cAmy just passed away. I\u2019m delivering a message to be sent to their sons.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet me come with you. I know how much they meant to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll right.\u201d Adam held his arm out to her and she took it. They arrived at the telegraph office and sent the messages.<\/p>\n \u201cWould you mind if I came with you to the mercantile and give my condolences to Jerry?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t mind at all,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n The funeral was held two days later. Emma met Jerry\u2019s and Amy\u2019s sons Matt, James and Edward and their respective spouses and children. Emma was standing by herself looking at Amy\u2019s freshly dug grave. Her thoughts turned to her family as fresh tears fell down her cheeks.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma?\u201d Emma looked up and saw Jerry walk up to her.<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy son Matt just asked if I could move back east with him and his family so they can take care of me in my old age. I told them I would. I wondered if I could give you the store,\u201d Jerry said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I can\u2019t take it. I have no money to buy it,\u201d Emma said surprised.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to get money from you. You\u2019ve done so much for us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, thank you. I will do you and Amy proud. I thank you for all you\u2019ve done for me. I\u2019ve thought of you as parents and have learned so much. I hope you\u2019ll take care.\u201d<\/p>\n Jerry reached for a hug and squeezed Emma. \u201cYou\u2019re a darling, Emma. You take care and keep me posted on your life.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will.\u201d He released her and joined his family.<\/p>\n She watched him leave the cemetery. She turned to go back to the store. She couldn\u2019t believe she owned it now. She knew that they\u2019d draw up papers before Jerry left. It was such a surprise though. She knew she could do it.<\/p>\n Emma was walking down the street trying to clear her head with now being owner of Jerry\u2019s mercantile.<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you holding up?\u201d a voice asked from behind.<\/p>\n She turned and saw Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m doing all right. I just got some shocking news,\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n Adam walked up to her. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked concerned.<\/p>\n \u201cJerry is giving me the store. He said it was for helping him and Amy out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was nice of him.\u201d He smiled down at her happy about the offer she received.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah it was. I just hope I can run it alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you need any help let me know. I\u2019d be happy to lend a hand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. I\u2019d better get going,\u201d Emma said walking off.<\/p>\n Two weeks had gone by, and Emma was adjusting to owning her new store. She had been the only one to run it and had considered hiring help. Luckily it hadn\u2019t been too busy for her to worry about help. The men who came in were either nice and helped with getting the heavy sacks in the wagons or thought she could do it alone and wouldn\u2019t help her. She got annoyed with those men but it was part of the business so she did it. It was nice to keep busy and not think of California or Adam. She didn\u2019t want to carry feelings for Adam. What if he was like Josh? No, Adam wasn\u2019t like Josh. But he could have changed since she had seen him when they were young. He could be just like Josh. She turned her thoughts to the books to keep records of everything sold.<\/p>\n Closing time had finally come and she started to lock the door but Adam had slipped in.<\/p>\n \u201cHello Adam. I\u2019m closing right now. If you need anything you\u2019re welcome to get it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t come to buy anything. I wanted to see if you\u2019d come to the Ponderosa for supper. I\u2019d have been here earlier but I got busy on the ranch,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cSupper at the Ponderosa would be wonderful. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took a closer look at her. \u201cYou look tired. Are you sure you want to go? We can do it for another night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, you\u2019re here and I would love to see your family,\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right.\u201d Adam took her arm and helped her to the buggy.<\/p>\n They headed for the Ponderosa and she ended up falling asleep on Adam\u2019s arm. He smiled as he looked down at her.<\/p>\n \u201cSupper was wonderful, Hop Sing. Thank you,\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re welcome. You come any time and Hop Sing will cook for you,\u201d said the Chinaman in broken English.<\/p>\n Emma smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are welcome on the ranch any time,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, call me Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll right.\u201d<\/p>\n They all stood and went to the front room to converse more.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s the mercantile going?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s busy but it\u2019s good. I\u2019ve been thinking about hiring some help,\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cI can help if you\u2019d like,\u201d Adam offered.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to take you away from the ranch,\u201d Emma replied.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure they can spare me. Right Pa?\u201d Adam asked turning to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cYes I believe we can spare you,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll come help Emma too,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cYou we need, Joseph. Besides, I doubt anything will get done with you there,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n Joe nodded sadly. As Emma listened her eyes kept closing and her head kept bobbing.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d better get going before I fall asleep,\u201d She said.<\/p>\n \u201cStay here. It\u2019s dark out and it\u2019ll be safer if you stay here,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cI really couldn\u2019t. I don\u2019t want to impose.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t be imposing. We have plenty of room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll right. I\u2019m too tired to argue,\u201d she laughed.<\/p>\n Adam jumped up and showed her to the guest room near the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are extra night clothes in the dresser.\u201d He pointed at the dresser on the left side of the room<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Adam,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re welcome. Sleep well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou too.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled and shut the door behind him leaving her alone. She changed then got into bed and fell asleep.<\/p>\n Adam started working at the mercantile and Emma was grateful he had volunteered his services. She noticed a trend the past few weeks since Adam started working. More women came in but they always wanted Adam to help. She looked over at Adam and saw the girls flirting with him and sighed as she picked up a heavy seed bag. Carl McMurray was outside loading his wagon with two other bags.<\/p>\n \u201cHere Emma, let me get that for you. Adam should be doing that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI know but he\u2019s helping the female customers,\u201d She said chagrined.<\/p>\n \u201cGood luck,\u201d he said smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n He got in his wagon and left.<\/p>\n Emma had received a new shipment and had it behind a counter. She bent down to pull a few items out when she heard women voices.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam is only working here to help Emma,\u201d one said.<\/p>\n Emma recognized the voice. It was Helen Mangum. She was the town gossip.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s nice of him,\u201d the second voice said.<\/p>\n It was Mary Spencer. She seemed like a sweet girl but now Emma would see what Mary was like.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s helping because he feels sorry nobody will work here,\u201d Helen said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d Mary asked.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause of Emma. He feels bad about her running this place alone. Nobody wants to be around Emma. She is a homely girl. For someone who has Emma looked down at her blue calico dress. It was clean with no holes and comfortable to wear. Her thoughts turned to what Helen said. Was it true? Did he work with her because nobody would work for and didn\u2019t like her?<\/p>\n \u201cI heard Adam wants to court her. She\u2019d be a lucky girl if she courted him,\u201d Mary replied.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all for show for Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy would he do that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho knows the mind of a Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell I think you\u2019re wrong. Emma is a sweet, nice girl and does all she can to help. Adam would be lucky to have her and her him. I think Adam is genuine with helping her. He\u2019s not doing it for show. He\u2019s always liked Emma,\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n Emma heard them walk away and slowly stood up. She sighed to herself and tried to ignore the raging thoughts flying around her mind but it was hard because she wondered if what she heard was fact or fiction.<\/p>\n The bell jangled and Emma knew it was another woman coming in so she turned back to her the shipment. She felt someone standing behind her and turned around. She gasped when she saw her former boyfriend.<\/p>\n \u201cHow did you find me?\u201d she whispered with fright in her voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI asked around. You are mine,\u201d the man said a soft tone.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I was your girl but your drinking and beating me ended it.\u201d<\/p>\n She threw a glance at Adam wondering if he could hear the exchange but he was still busy. For once she was grateful for the women distracting Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cI want you back. I quit drinking,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJosh, I don\u2019t care if you stopped. Anything could get you back into a saloon. Now, please go back to California and leave me alone. I never want to see you again,\u201d Emma said angrily.<\/p>\n Adam finished helping the ladies and turned to see Emma talking with a customer. He couldn\u2019t hear the conversation but he knew it wasn\u2019t good when the man reached over the counter to slap and then grabbed hold of Emma\u2019s face holding it close to him. Adam flew at the customer and pulled his fingers off Emma\u2019s face. Adam grabbed Josh by the scruff of the neck and the seat of the pants and shoved him out the door. Emma stood in shock as she watched Adam lose his temper. Her legs buckled and she went down.<\/p>\n Adam came in to check on Emma and didn\u2019t see her.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma?\u201d he called out.<\/p>\n He went to the counter and saw her on the floor with a bewildered look on her face. He went around the counter, knelt down and gathered her in his arms feeling her shake. He saw the red hand print on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, who was that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026nobody,\u201d She stammered.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has to be someone you know for you to react this way.\u201d<\/p>\n Emma gathered her senses and looked at Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was my old beau.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour what?\u201d he asked in surprised.<\/p>\n \u201cJosh was my beau. We were together for a year. He was really nice and a gentleman. Then he changed. He was moody and abusive physically and emotionally. I ended our relationship and I came here. I didn\u2019t tell him where I went. He wants me to come back to him but I told him I can\u2019t. He said he quit drinking but I don\u2019t believe it. He said it many times before,\u201d Emma explained.<\/p>\n Adam processed everything she said. He thought nothing less of her but thought her brave for what she had been through.<\/p>\n Boot sounds came in followed by a voice.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam? Emma?\u201d It was Sheriff Roy Coffee.<\/p>\n Adam stood and helped Emma up.<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you, Roy?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n Roy studied the couple. Adam\u2019s arm was around Emma as she leaned against him with a glazed look in her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard about the commotion here. I saw you two through the window and wondered how you were,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re fine. Just a customer causing Emma problems. I handled it,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right. Let me know if I can help,\u201d the sheriff said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will,\u201d Adam said smiling as Roy left.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you would have told Roy what happened,\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cI will. Eventually,\u201d Adam said smiling at her.<\/p>\n Emma gave him a small smile and straightened up.<\/p>\n \u201cWill you be all right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cEventually.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want you to tell me when he comes near you. I don\u2019t want him to hurt you in any way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do you care what happens to me?\u201d she snapped.<\/p>\n Adam looked at her in surprise. \u201cBecause you\u2019re my friend,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure you\u2019re not doing this to look good in front of the townspeople?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, where are these questions coming from?\u201d he asked gently and put his hands on her shoulders.<\/p>\n He felt Emma slump.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard that you were helping me to make yourself look good and you really didn\u2019t care about me,\u201d she finally said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is a lie. I have always cared about you, Emma. Ever since we were young. I\u2019ve always wanted you to be my girl. I still do. I have an idea of who is gossiping and I don\u2019t want you to listen to them. I want to protect you from Josh. I have a feeling he won\u2019t leave you alone until he gets what he wants. Please, let me help you,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n She looked in Adam\u2019s eyes and saw the sincerity in them.<\/p>\n \u201cYou really want me to be your girl?\u201d Emma asked in surprise.<\/p>\n Adam smiled and nodded. \u201cYes I do.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded and smiled. \u201cAll right then, I\u2019ll be your girl.\u201d<\/p>\n Chapter 3<\/p>\n Business was still booming for Emma as three months sped by. Adam and Emma kept their courtship quiet or as quiet as they could with Helen gossiping about the couple to whomever would listen. The only ones who knew were the Cartwrights. Josh continued to threaten Emma. Adam met Josh formally at work and told him to leave Emma alone. Josh ignored Adam and continued to go after Emma. She was scared because she knew what Josh was capable of. She looked over her shoulder wherever she went and could hardly sleep because of the nightmares that plagued her of being hurt by Josh.<\/p>\n Rumors about Adam and Emma continued to come through the store where Emma could hear them when she was hidden. She heard the gossips were saying that they were seeing each other but again, it was all in show for Adam. Rumors got vicious against Emma and never Adam. Emma hoped to forget those because they hurt. She didn\u2019t say anything so as to not rock the boat and lose her business. She wondered if some of the gossipers knew where she was hiding and said it just for her ears. Adam was lucky he hadn\u2019t heard them and wondered why he hadn\u2019t but then remembered how two faced the women were so of course he wouldn\u2019t hear them. Though they were courting, Emma felt jealous of the attention Adam gave the women. She berated herself by saying that Adam gave her just as much love and attention if not more.<\/p>\n While it was slow at the mercantile, Emma decided to check the mail and leave Adam in charge. There had been no mail for her so she headed back. There was an alley she had to pass near the bank and saloon when someone grabbed her. She was yanked into the dimly lit alley and slammed against the wall. Her eyes adjusted to the dark and she saw Josh in front of her.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I told you to stay away from that Cartwright fella. You are my girl.\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n Emma smelled liquor on his breath and turned her head away.<\/p>\n \u201cYou told me you stopped drinking. You lied.\u201d She said bitterly.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t back talk to me.” he growled slamming her again against the wall again.<\/p>\n \u201cI am no longer your girl. We are over. Get your hands off me.\u201d<\/p>\n Emma started fighting back by hitting and scratching him. He became angry and started hitting her. She continued fighting but it was no use. He was bigger and stronger than she was. She fell to the ground where he proceeded to kick her in the ribs then he ran off.<\/p>\n Emma lay in the dirt not wanting to move because it hurt so much. She felt blood dripping out of her nose and saw blood soaking into the dirt. She slowly got up and grunted because of the pain that shot through her body. She held onto the wall and pulled herself up. She bent over in pain holding her ribs and began to walk. Carl McMurray was the first one to see Emma come out of the alley. He rushed to her and scooped her up. He didn\u2019t ask questions and rushed to Doctor Martin\u2019s office. After taking her to the doctor\u2019s he ran to the mercantile to tell Adam. Adam got the customers out, closed the store and followed Carl. On their way, Adam stopped at the sheriff\u2019s office and the men rushed to Paul\u2019s office.<\/p>\n Adam, Carl and Roy waited for Paul to come out from the back to give them the news about Emma. The waiting was rough for Adam. He paced back and forth with impatience in the waiting room. Paul finally came out a half hour later.<\/p>\n \u201cHow is she?\u201d Adam asked worriedly.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma has some lacerations on her face, a sprained wrist, a concussion and cracked ribs. She needs to take it easy for a while. Take her to the Ponderosa so she won\u2019t be tempted to work. Close the place up until she gets better,\u201d Paul advised.<\/p>\n \u201cI will. Thank you, Paul. Is she conscious?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes she is. Oh, here is something to help her with the pain and to sleep.\u201d Paul said handing Adam a small brown bottle.<\/p>\n Adam, Roy and Carl went in to see Emma.<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d Adam asked rushing to her side.<\/p>\n \u201cI hurt.\u201d Came the whisper.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, can you tell us what happened?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n She looked at the sheriff trying to recall what happened. She remembered and told them her story. Adam\u2019s jaw tightened as he listened.<\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2019s Josh?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n Emma sighed but before she could speak Adam told the sheriff Emma\u2019s story.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll lock him up if you want to press charges.\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n Emma looked at Adam uncertain and Adam looked back at her with a small smile.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s up to you, Em.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n She thought about it and fought the inner battle. Should she press charges or not? What would he do to her if he got out? But he had to be stopped. She had to live her life and not be afraid.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll press charges.\u201d she finally said.<\/p>\n Emma told Roy what Josh looked like and said he was probably in the saloon. Roy nodded and left to find him.<\/p>\n \u201cGet feeling better, Emma.\u201d Carl said.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Carl.\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re welcome.\u201d He smiled and left.<\/p>\n Adam turned to Emma.<\/p>\n \u201cPaul says you are to close the store and take it easy. I\u2019m taking you to the Ponderosa. I won\u2019t hear any argument from you.\u201d he said as she started to open her mouth to argue.<\/p>\n \u201cFine.\u201d she grumbled.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter you rest, you can pack a few things and we\u2019ll go. I know you\u2019re worried about the store but it\u2019ll be fine to be closed for a while. If you want, I can come take care of it or get Hoss to help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am worried about the store. I feel like I\u2019d be failing Jerry if I did close the store.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou aren\u2019t failing him. If he were here he\u2019d tell you to take it easy. I\u2019m sure he\u2019s proud of you for all you\u2019ve done. It\u2019s time you take some time for yourself. I saw you running ragged since you took over the store. I\u2019ve also noticed that you haven\u2019t slept. You\u2019ll make yourself sick. So this would be a good chance to heal and have that time for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Emma had been on the Ponderosa for a few weeks and was grateful for the time off from work. Adam and Hoss had taken turns taking care of the store and Emma. Joe tried to help but he was caught flirting with the pretty ladies coming in the store so Adam kicked him out. Joe was sent to help with the timber. Emma had felt safe at the Ponderosa. She was also getting cabin fever having to take it easy. She was happy when she was allowed to walk around the house. Adam helped her because she\u2019d get tired fast.<\/p>\n One day when she was bringing in plates to set on the table as Hop Sing started supper, she overheard Adam talking to Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, Roy told me today at the mercantile that Josh escaped last night. I can\u2019t let Emma go back to town until Josh is caught. He\u2019s gunning for Emma. We have to keep her here for protection. I know she won\u2019t like it but I won\u2019t let him hurt her again.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll do all we can. Let\u2019s move her to the guest room upstairs so she\u2019ll be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and said, \u201cI\u2019ll let Hoss and Joe know also.\u201d<\/p>\n Emma had been holding her breath and started breathing again. Thoughts of Josh coming and attacking her ran through her head. Her hands started to shake and the plates fell to the ground. With the sound of breaking china, she was jolted back to reality and bent down to pick up the broken pieces. Adam and Ben heard the crash and turned to see Emma and rushed to her.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, are you all right?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I\u2019m fine. I\u2019m just clumsy with the dishes. I\u2019m sorry for breaking the plates.\u201d she apologized.<\/p>\n She picked up a piece and cut her right finger and quickly dropped the broken glass.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get that taken care of.\u201d Ben said taking Emma\u2019s injured hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI need to pick up the mess I made.\u201d Emma argued.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, I\u2019ll pick it up. Let Adam tend to your cut.\u201d Ben said firmly.<\/p>\n Adam helped her up and led her to the settee. He gathered a basin of water, cloth and a bandage.<\/p>\n Adam gently took care of Emma\u2019s finger.<\/p>\n \u201cYou heard, didn\u2019t you? That\u2019s why you dropped the plates.\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I heard.\u201d she admitted, not looking at him.<\/p>\n The door opened and Hoss and Joe walked in laughing at something that was said outside but quickly sobered when they saw Adam taking care of Emma.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened?\u201d Hoss asked concerned.<\/p>\n \u201cI cut myself.\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to talk.\u201d Ben announced coming in the room after he cleaned up the broken plates.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Joe wondered. When his father needed to talk it was usually because something was wrong.<\/p>\n \u201cJosh escaped jail last night. Roy\u2019s got a posse out right now. He didn\u2019t want us to come so we could protect Emma.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n Emma rested her head on the palm of her left hand trying to keep in the tears and not show her fear. Hoss and Joe went around and sat on either sides of Emma on settee. Hoss put a comforting arm around her.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be all right. You don\u2019t need to fret.\u201d he said gently.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope so, Hoss,\u201d she whispered and gave him a small smile.<\/p>\n Adam still had a hold of her hand and gently gave her arm a squeeze to reassure she\u2019d be all right.<\/p>\n Chapter 4 Adam watched Emma looking at the scenery in front of her. A slight breeze picked up, making wisps of her hair dance around her face. He had always loved this woman in front of him. He had tucked those feelings away when she had moved and he went on with life. Those feelings he had kept hidden inside came flooding back to him. Emma felt like Adam was watching her and she turned to look at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d she asked self-consciously tucking the loose hair behind her ear.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just staring at the most beautiful girl I know.\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Emma could feel her face grow hot.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re just saying that.\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n He moved closer. Emma\u2019s heart started to beat fast as he neared her.<\/p>\n \u201cNo I\u2019m not. Emma, I love you.\u201d he whispered as he put a hand on her soft cheek.<\/p>\n \u201cI love you too, Adam.\u201d she whispered back leaning into his strong hand.<\/p>\n He looked at her and soaked her in. Her soft dark hair was pulled half up, the rest curled hanging down her shoulders. Her brown eyes sparkled as a small smile appeared on her face. He fell even more in love with her as he looked at her. He put his other hand on her cheek and leaned in, lightly brushed her lips then pressed harder as he kissed her.<\/p>\n Excitement washed over Emma. She had never felt this way when she was with Josh. They pulled away and Emma was breathless. She smiled shyly up at Adam. Adam got on one knee and pulled out a small diamond ring.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma Harper, I have loved you for as long as I can remember. Will you marry me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes Adam, I will.\u201d she said happily.<\/p>\n Tears filled her eyes as he slid the ring on the appropriate finger. He got up, spun her around, set her down and kissed her again.<\/p>\n As they pulled away again a shot rang out and Adam fell to the ground unconscious.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d She screamed.<\/p>\n She leaned over to check him but was grabbed by the arm and pulled away. Emma screamed and turned to see who was pulling her away. It was Josh. She tried fighting to get out of his grasp. Josh stopped and shook her.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will come with me. Now stop trying to get away.\u201d he said angrily.<\/p>\n He yanked her hard as she tried to go to Adam and she felt her shoulder dislocate. She cried out in pain but he ignored her and pulled her with him.<\/p>\n Emma was taken to an abandoned cabin somewhere off the Ponderosa land. Josh pulled her in the house and slammed the door shut. He pushed her against the wall, his hands clenched on Emma\u2019s wrists.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll marry me.\u201d Josh said.<\/p>\n \u201cI will not. I don\u2019t love you anymore, Josh.\u201d Emma argued.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will marry me. I still love and care for you.\u201d His voice softened slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah you have a fine way of showing it by killing Adam and hurting me.\u201d Emma said sarcastically.<\/p>\n Josh grew angry with Emma\u2019s backtalk and slapped her then leaned into her breathing on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cI will have you for my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n She moved her head to the side after smelling the alcohol on his breath. She wanted to throw up with the smell.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can keep me here forever or kill me but I will not marry you!\u201d she muttered.<\/p>\n Josh pushed her to the floor and walked away. He took out the bottle of whiskey he had hidden in a cupboard and took a drink. Emma cradled her arm as she sat against the wall while trying to ignore the pain in her arm and her heart. The image of Adam being killed played cruelly in her mind. Tears silently slid down her face. She thought life wouldn\u2019t be the same without Adam. What would she do? She\u2019d still have the mercantile but those memories would hurt because wherever she turned she\u2019d think of Adam. She would have to move. But she didn\u2019t want to because of the memories that would haunt her forever. Life wasn\u2019t worth it anymore. Not with seeing Adam being killed before her eyes over and over. That would never leave her.<\/p>\n Ben worried about his first born son and Emma. They should have been home by now. Adam had told his father they\u2019d be home before sun down. He got up from his chair, looked out the window and saw the sun was starting to set. He felt something wasn\u2019t right. He went to the table by the door that held their gun belts and put his gun belt on. \u201cI\u2019ll go with you.\u201d Hoss followed his father out and was met by Joe who had just come from doing chores in in the barn.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are you two going?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to find Adam and Emma.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n The three men mounted up and followed the buggy tracks to find Adam and Emma.<\/p>\n After riding around for about an hour, they finally found Adam unconscious in the grass by the lake. They jumped off their horses and ran to him. Hoss was the first to get to his older brother. He saw dried blood on the back of Adam\u2019s shirt. He ripped open the shirt and saw the bullet hole in his back.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been shot.\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n Joe saw Adam was unarmed.<\/p>\n \u201cWho could have done this? Where\u2019s Emma?\u201d he wondered aloud.<\/p>\n Adam moaned and opened his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d came the whisper.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, where\u2019s Emma? What happened?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n Adam closed his eyes. \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJosh. He could have found them. He shot Adam and kidnapped Emma. Joe, take Adam home and get the doctor.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I want to go and find Emma,\u201d Adam said struggling to get up. Joe tied Cochise to the back of the buggy as Hoss helped Adam in the buggy and Joe carefully got in, careful not to bump Adam and headed for the house. Ben and Hoss jumped on their horses and followed the tracks they saw that would lead to Emma and Josh.<\/p>\n After Joe got home, he sent Hop Sing to fetch Doctor Paul Martin. Hop Sing and Paul sped to the Ponderosa. Paul did surgery on Adam and successfully removed the bullet.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam will be all right. Just keep him down,\u201d Paul advised.<\/p>\n \u201cWith him being unconscious right now he\u2019ll stay down. I know when he wakes he\u2019ll want to go find Emma.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s just hope your father and brother will find her before he wakes. If he does, give him some of this and he\u2019ll stay down.\u201d Paul handed Joe laudanum and headed back to Virginia City.<\/p>\n Joe went up to sit with Adam. He sat on a chair he moved closer to his brother. He rested his elbows on his knees as he clasped his hands together and leaned against them. Joe said a silent prayer for his brother to get better and for Emma\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n Chapter 5<\/p>\n As the sun sank behind the mountains, so did Emma\u2019s heart. She didn\u2019t think she\u2019d be found but she had hoped. She was afraid she\u2019d be held prisoner here forever. She had tried to escape but Josh had grabbed her and beat her while yelling obscenities and threatening her life. She was sitting in a corner holding her arm that still throbbed in pain. She couldn\u2019t sleep because she was afraid of what he\u2019d do to her and also her arm if she slept. He would jerk awake at times during the night to see if she was still there.<\/p>\n Hoss and Ben rode until the sun started to sink and decided to set up camp for the evening.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope Adam is all right.\u201d Hoss said as he laid his head on his saddle and looked at the star-filled sky.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure he is. It\u2019s Emma I\u2019m worried about. I\u2019m sure it was Josh who shot Adam and right in front of Emma. She probably thinks he\u2019s dead and is probably giving up. I hope we\u2019ll find her tomorrow.\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n \u201cI do too. I don\u2019t know what Adam would do if she was dead.\u201d<\/p>\n They fell silent lost in their thoughts trying to not think of that alternative. She was all right. They\u2019d both believed it but prayed all the same that she was alive and all right as they fell asleep.<\/p>\n The father and son set out early the next morning to resume their search. About midday they came upon an abandoned cabin and stopped. They saw a horse not too far from the cabin grazing in the grass and knew someone was there. They slipped off their horses and started to tiptoe to the cabin. They didn\u2019t want to make noises and arouse the occupants. Hoss looked through a window that didn\u2019t have curtains covering the window. He saw whom he figured was Josh sleeping. Emma had described Josh to the rest of the Cartwright men two days before.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s in there.\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll kick down the door and surprise him.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n They both pulled their guns out of their holsters. Ben counted to three and Hoss kicked open the door causing Josh to jump in surprise fumbling for his gun that was in his lap.<\/p>\n \u201cPut it down.\u201d Hoss ordered.<\/p>\n Josh dropped his gun.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll find Emma and you stay with Josh.\u201d Hoss ordered.<\/p>\n Ben nodded at his son and kept his gun on Josh.<\/p>\n Hoss went into the room to the left to look for Emma. He found her in a corner, her head bobbing up and down as she tried to fight to stay awake.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma.\u201d He said slightly shaking her.<\/p>\n Emma\u2019s eyes flew open and in terror because she thought it was Josh. She looked up and saw Hoss. She breathed a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Hoss.\u201d She replied.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy arm hurts. It\u2019s dislocated. My ribs hurt too.\u201d<\/p>\n He knew that her ribs still hadn\u2019t healed all the way. He took her kerchief and put it in her mouth to bite on.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to put your arm back into place. It\u2019s going to hurt.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n Emma braced herself as he jammed her arm back in her socket. She cried out in pain and passed out. He ripped the bottom of her petticoat and tied it around her shoulder to hold her arm still. He carefully picked her up and carried her to the front room where Ben and Josh were waiting.<\/p>\n \u201cIs she all right?\u201d Ben asked seeing her unconscious in Hoss\u2019 arms.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah she\u2019s fine. Her shoulder was dislocated so I had to get it back in. She passed out.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n They started to walk out but Josh pulled out of Ben\u2019s grasp and found his gun on the floor. He pointed it at Ben. Ben was slow to react to Josh.<\/p>\n \u201cYou won\u2019t take me in.\u201d Josh said.<\/p>\n \u201cPut down the gun. We will take you in.\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, you won\u2019t. Give me back my girl. Emma is mine!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, she isn\u2019t. She told us the story.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss watched the exchange while holding Emma. He didn\u2019t dare move. He saw Josh turn his gun from Ben to Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019ll die before anyone can have her.\u201d Josh said.<\/p>\n Hoss turned his body to protect Emma just as Josh pulled the trigger. Hoss felt the bullet graze his arm and wanted to drop Emma because of the throbbing pain in his arm but he held her tight.<\/p>\n Another shot sounded as Josh\u2019s gun sounded and Josh fell down dead. Smoke curled out of Ben\u2019s gun.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get Emma home.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead, I\u2019ll bury him.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n Hoss nodded then woke Emma up so she could get on his horse. She held onto the pommel as Hoss got on behind her and held her tight with his right arm so she wouldn\u2019t fall off.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d Emma whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry about Adam.\u201d She then passed out before Hoss could tell her Adam was fine.<\/p>\n He held onto her as he got Chubb to walk. He was careful not to knock her around as he tried to hurry home.<\/p>\n Paul looked over Hoss and Emma then spoke to Joe, Ben and Hoss. Hoss had his arm in a sling.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, you did a good job of putting Emma\u2019s arm back in. She\u2019s not doing very well though. It seems like she\u2019s lost the will to live. Adam is doing well. Just don\u2019t let him get up and do too much. I\u2019ll check on them later.\u201d Paul said then left.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy has she lost the will to live?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s because of Adam.\u201d Hoss replied after thinking about his father\u2019s question.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Joe asked looking at his brother in confusion.<\/p>\n \u201cShe saw Adam shot and thought he was dead. The last thing she told me before she passed out was that she was sorry about Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get Adam in her room and talking to her. Maybe that\u2019ll help her.\u201d Ben suggested.<\/p>\n Hoss was the first to jump up and sped to his brother\u2019s room.<\/p>\n Adam was asleep when Hoss came in. He didn\u2019t want to wake him but he had to. It was important.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/p>\n Adam eyes slowly opened and looked at his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Have you found Emma? Is she safe?\u201d The words tumbled out of his mouth.<\/p>\n He tried sitting up but grimaced because of the pain.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on, Adam. Yes, we found her. She\u2019s got a shoulder injury but her spirit is low. Paul says she doesn\u2019t have the will to live anymore.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause she thinks you\u2019re dead.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam flung blankets back and tried to get out of bed. He was hit with pain and stopped as he became dizzy.<\/p>\n \u201cSlow down, Older Brother. I\u2019ll help you.\u201d Hoss said carefully helping his brother out of bed.<\/p>\n Hoss held onto Adam with his good arm as Adam leaned against him hoping not to fall over.<\/p>\n Joe and Ben were in Emma\u2019s room sitting on either side of her.<\/p>\n \u201cHow is she?\u201d Adam asked as he and Hoss walked in.<\/p>\n \u201cNo change.\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n He got out of the chair and Hoss helped Adam sit in the now empty chair.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I be alone with her?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n His father and brothers quietly left. Adam turned to Emma and held her hand. He looked at her. She had her arm in a sling, bandages on her face that covered her cuts, her left eye was bruised. Adam saw her chest slowly moving up and down but hated seeing her hurt and unconscious. He did notice his ring was still on her finger. He smiled slightly to himself.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma?\u201d He whispered.<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t move or respond and it scared Adam. He kept hold of her hand as he continued to call her name.<\/p>\n Emma heard Adam\u2019s voice. But it seemed far away, muffled as if she was under water. She looked around her but it was dark. She tried to call out but she couldn\u2019t form her words. If he was here to take her to heaven she wanted to see him. She heard him call her again. She grunted hoping he\u2019d hear her.<\/p>\n Adam heard the grunt and moved closer to Emma.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, come back to me.\u201d He said, tightening his grip on her hand.<\/p>\n Emma moved her head and frowned. She fought to open her eyes. They felt weighed down.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma.\u201d Came the strained plea.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam.\u201d She finally whispered.<\/p>\n Adam heard the whisper and grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease wake up. Please come back to me.\u201d He pleaded as he put his hand on her tousled hair.<\/p>\n Emma\u2019s eyes fluttered open and looked at Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, you\u2019re alive.\u201d Tears sprang to her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYes I am alive.\u201d He said smiling and wiping the tears from her cheeks.<\/p>\n \u201cI saw you shot. I thought you were dead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe got me in the side but no vital organs. I wanted to go with Hoss and Pa to find you but they wouldn\u2019t let me.\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you didn\u2019t. I wouldn\u2019t want you hurt worse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI worried about you when I saw you. Paul said you were giving up. Hoss knew it was because you saw me shot. At least we don\u2019t have to worry about Josh. I heard what happened.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about Josh?\u201d Emma asked.<\/p>\n Her heart tightened thinking he\u2019d come back for her and her breath caught in her throat.<\/p>\n \u201cPa killed him. He shot Hoss trying to kill you and Pa got Josh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss got hurt? Is he all right?\u201d Emma asked as her throat began to loosen.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss is fine. It was just a crease.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss, Joe and Ben walked in a few moments later and saw Emma and Adam talking.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you awake.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n Emma struggled to sit up with one arm and Adam helped her.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were all worried about you.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam told me what the doctor said. Thank you for rescuing me.\u201d Emma replied.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was nothing. We\u2019re just glad you\u2019re awake and safe. We worried about you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll get Hop sing to bring up some broth for you.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n The three Cartwright\u2019s filed out leaving Adam and Emma alone again.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have a wonderful family.\u201d She complemented.<\/p>\n \u201cThat I do and they\u2019ll be your family soon.\u201d Adam said smiling at her.<\/p>\n Emma smiled at the thought then frowned with another thought that came to mind.<\/p>\n \u201cI couldn\u2019t take my ring off when I thought you were dead. Josh tried but I fought him off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that how you got the dislocated shoulder?\u201d<\/p>\n Emma told him her story. Adam was angry at Josh for how he treated her. He made a promise to himself to always keep her safe.<\/p>\n Adam and Emma recovered and prepared for the wedding. Adam and his brothers built a house for the couple on the Ponderosa. They married after the house was completed. Emma couldn\u2019t believe that the love she had for Adam when they were children would come back and she\u2019d marry him. Adam felt the same way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n From the Brandsters.\u00a0 The story was originally written and published on the Bonanza Trail Riders site.\u00a0 Brand is happy to offer this story a new home.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary: Adam reconnects with friend from his youth. But all is not as it seems with her.\u00a0<\/p>\n Rating: PG, Word Count: 8794<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12475,"featured_media":62121,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1005,7,23,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48138","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-a-u","category-drama","category-romance","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-3-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48138","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12475"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=48138"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48138\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/62121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=48138"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=48138"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=48138"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
\ncome from money she doesn\u2019t dress the part,\u201d Helen sniffed.<\/p>\n
\nThe Cartwrights figured Emma would be safe on the Ponderosa so Adam decided to take Emma on a picnic near the lake a couple of days later. He knew she was getting cabin fever and wanted to take her some place special. They drove to the lake in the buggy and set up the blanket after they got out. Emma was still careful getting around since her ribs were still sore and would give her pain at times. She pulled out of the basket fried chicken Hop Sing had made and the lemon meringue pie she had made. They enjoyed each others company while they ate and talked between bites. Afterwards they went for a walk and talked. They stopped by the lake and stood watching birds fly around. The lake was beautiful as the blue sky and tall mountains reflected off the shimmering water. The sounds of the water lapping against the shore was relaxing to Emma. She was grateful to be standing or she would have fallen asleep with the soothing sounds of the lake.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhere are you going, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked coming down the stairs.
\n\u201cI\u2019m going to find your brother and Emma. Adam said they\u2019d be home before sunset and the sun is setting now. I\u2019m worried about them.\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo, you can\u2019t. You\u2019ve been hurt bad. Hoss and I will find Emma.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n