Summary: After a great loss, Adam and Emma learn to move on and soon fine love can grow from unexpected sources.<\/p>\n
Rating: PG, Word Count: 6499<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A Love Grown<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 1<\/p>\n Emma Cartwright ran around the store to get orders for customers. It was a busy Saturday and she was grateful for Martha helping her out. Hoss and Adam couldn\u2019t help because they were helping with the cattle drive. \u201cI\u2019m so grateful to you, Martha. I wouldn\u2019t have made it.\u201d Emma said as she calmed down.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m happy to help. How have you been feeling?\u201d Martha asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been all right. I do have morning sickness.\u201d Emma had found out that she was pregnant about 5 months after Elizabeth passed away.<\/p>\n She was only a month along. She and Adam were both excited when they found out she was carrying another child.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen does he get home from the cattle drive?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNext month some time. At least, I think so. Who knows? I\u2019ll talk to Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat made Adam want to go on the drive? I thought he would have wanted to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI made him go. Ben was going to go but I thought Adam should go instead. He\u2019s younger and can handle it.\u201d \u201cDid Adam fight you on it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe did. So did Ben. They both said Adam needed to be here to take care of me. I told them I\u2019d be fine. So Adam Martha nodded. The bell jingled as a customer came in.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll help the customer.\u201d Martha said and got up.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll work on the books.\u201d<\/p>\n Emma stayed at the mercantile while Adam was gone. He had been gone a month and she hated being alone. She figured she\u2019d be better at the store since she\u2019d be close to the doctor just in case anything happened. She sank into bed that night and relaxed. She sighed in contentment. Although pleased she\u2019d been kept busy, the day had been too long for her. She fell asleep and started dreaming about Adam and his brothers. Adam and Hoss had been hurt in a stampede. They were both thrown off their horses and injured. Emma woke up screaming their names. She was now worried more about Adam and his brothers. She hoped it was a dream and nothing more.<\/p>\n Chapter 2 \u201cStampede!\u201d Joe yelled.<\/p>\n The Cartwright brothers and the cowboys tried to get the cattle rounded up. Thunder rumbled loud and scared the already skittish horses. Adam and Hoss were both thrown off their horses. Adam landed in the soft mud but his left leg was trampled by a steer and he cried out in pain. Hoss fell hard on his left arm and heard a crack. His cries of pain mixed with Adam\u2019s.<\/p>\n Joe heard his brothers and turned to them. He jumped off his horse and ran to his brothers. He tripped in the mud, got up and then slid to Hoss. Joe checked Hoss and wrapped his kerchief around Hoss\u2019 shoulder then went to Adam. Adam was unconscious.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, how\u2019s Adam?\u201d Hoss yelled.<\/p>\n \u201cNot good. His leg is broken and he\u2019s unconscious. We\u2019ve got to make something to take him in and take him to the next town.\u201d Joe called back.<\/p>\n Adam woke up and saw Joe hovering over him.<\/p>\n \u201cHow bad is it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cBad. You\u2019ve got a broken leg.\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s got a broken arm. We\u2019re going to make something to transport you to the next town.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe got up and told some of the men about his brothers and told them to take care of the cattle. They made a travois for Adam, got him in it and went into town. Joe was careful not to jostle Adam too much but he still heard his older brother\u2019s grunts.<\/p>\n They arrived in town and found the doctor. Hoss looked at the sign hanging over the door. \u201cDoctor Hezekiah Carter.\u201d The doctor came from his office when he saw the three men come in. Joe noticed the man was older, about in his 60s, with a full head of white curly hair. He smiled at the three men.<\/p>\n \u201cDoctor, my brothers were injured in a cattle stampede.\u201d Joe said explaining all what happened.<\/p>\n \u201cBring them in back and I\u2019ll look them over.\u201d Dr. Carter said.<\/p>\n Joe pulled Adam in the back and Hoss followed. The doctor looked at Adam first.<\/p>\n \u201cHis leg is broken and luckily it wasn\u2019t shattered. He won\u2019t be able to help with the cattle drive.\u201d He then turned to \u201cHis arm is broken also and will have a nice bruise of a hoof print on his arm. We do have two rooms they can stay \u201cThat\u2019s great. Thanks for the help.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n He looked at his brothers and saw the grimaces. The doctor walked out so the brothers could visit for a while.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry that you\u2019ve both got to stay. I\u2019ll take care of the cattle and be back in a couple of weeks.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n He was disappointed that his older brothers got hurt but he was secretly happy because it meant he was trail boss and in charge. He finally got to do something in place of his older brothers. He hoped that the hands would listen to him as they did Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cThis whole thing rides on you. You\u2019re the boss now.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I\u2019ll do you proud.\u201d Joe said with a smile on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll do well.\u201d Hoss said clapping Joe on the shoulder.<\/p>\n Chapter 3 \u201cHow are you, Ben?\u201d Emma asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m well. I was wondering how you were. I haven\u2019t seen you for a few days.\u201d Ben replied setting his hat on the He looked at his daughter-in-law and saw the tiredness in her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you been sleeping well?\u201d He asked worriedly.<\/p>\n \u201cNot really.\u201d Emma said and told him her dreams.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure they\u2019re all right. I know we both worry about them but it was just a dream.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope it was.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI came to see if you\u2019d like to have dinner at the Ponderosa tonight? You need to keep your strength up and take care of yourself and the baby.\u201d Ben smiled warmly at Emma.<\/p>\n \u201cThat sounds good. I\u2019ll come.\u201d She said smiling.<\/p>\n That night Emma went to the Ponderosa for dinner and enjoyed the evening.<\/p>\n \u201cThe food was delicious, Hop Sing.\u201d Emma complemented.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mrs. Emma.\u201d Hop Sing said smiling wide.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I help you with the dishes?\u201d Emma asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Mrs. Emma, Hop Sing can do dishes. You rest.\u201d Ben smiled and tried not to chuckle with what Hop Sing said.<\/p>\n Emma was in her barn a few days later cleaning the loft. She figured she had better get some work done around the house so it would look presentable for Adam when he returned. She hummed \u201cEarly One Morning\u201d as she cleaned. She missed Adam and hoped he and his brothers were all right. Emma didn\u2019t notice where she was moving and lost her footing on the edge of the loft. She screamed as she fell and spun in midair. She landed facedown with her arm under her stomach. She lay on the floor trying to breathe as she had knocked the wind out of herself and the world spun around her. She tried putting pressure on her right arm but collapsed. It wasn\u2019t broken but she knew it had to be sprained. After much struggle, she got up, got in the wagon and raced to town.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, my dear, it looks like your wrist is sprained. You need to take it easy. I know it\u2019s easier said than done with Adam being gone, but you need to try.\u201d Doctor Martin advised.<\/p>\n \u201cI will. Thank you, Doctor.\u201d Emma said and walked out of the office.<\/p>\n As she walked out she bumped into Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I swear everywhere I turn you\u2019re right there. I feel like you\u2019re following me.\u201d Emma joked.<\/p>\n Ben laughed. \u201cI decided to come into town to get a few things.\u201d<\/p>\n He saw her arm in a sling and asked. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n Emma told him her story.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, you are staying at the Ponderosa until Adam gets back. No arguments. With you having a baby, you need \u201cBen, I\u2019m not that far along and will be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t argue with me. We\u2019ll get your clothes and other necessities and you\u2019ll come with me to the Ponderosa.\u201d Ben said sternly.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right.\u201d Emma sighed and did just as her father-in-law requested.<\/p>\n They rode to her house and she packed her clothes and other essentials. She loaded it into the wagon and went with Chapter 4 \u201cEmma, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d Ben asked lifting her and resting her against his leg.<\/p>\n \u201cCramps. It hurts, Ben.\u201d Emma cried.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing!\u201d Ben hollered.<\/p>\n The Chinaman ran in the front room.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, go get Doc Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing bowed then rushed out of the house. Ben picked Emma up and saw blood on the floor. He took her up to Adam\u2019s old room and made her as comfortable as he could. Emma curled up into a ball of pain and Ben prayed Hop Sing and Doc Martin would get there fast.<\/p>\n Hop Sing finally arrived an hour later with Doctor Martin.<\/p>\n \u201cUp here, Paul.\u201d Ben yelled from upstairs. Paul rushed up the stairs and went into the bedroom and saw Emma in the bed crying and moaning in pain.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma had a miscarriage. She can no longer have children.\u201d Paul said after looking her over.<\/p>\n Ben sat down on the chair in shock. He heard Emma\u2019s soft cries in the bed next to where he was sitting. Both Emma and Ben thought about Adam and what he would think. Emma felt horrible that she could no longer have children. What would Adam think of her now that she couldn\u2019t give him a child?<\/p>\n \u201cDo you know where the boys are?\u201d Paul asked.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t. They should be close to delivering the cattle. If the weather holds out they should be back within a week.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere\u2019s something for Emma to help her sleep. She needs to rest and not do anything strenuous.\u201d Paul said handing Ben a brown bottle of powder.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see she gets it.\u201d Ben took the bottle.<\/p>\n Paul left and Ben gave Emma the powder to help her sleep. Ben sat with her until it took effect. He knew she needed comforting at this time. He wished Adam was here but he would have to do until his oldest son returned.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, what will Adam think about me when he finds out about the baby?\u201d Emma asked looking at him.<\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t think any less of you.\u201d Ben took her hand to reassure her.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope not. I know that husbands want their wives to carry and bear their children. I can\u2019t have anymore. I\u2019ll sure be the gossip of Virginia City. I\u2019ll be a disgrace to Adam and even to the Cartwright family and name.\u201d She said sadly.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, you know Adam will still love you. He always has and always will. The town will not say a word nor will they condemn you for this. Things will be all right.\u201d Ben promised.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s heart broke for Emma as he watched the tears slide down her face.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll all get through this together.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for being here for me, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re welcome. Now, you\u2019d better get some rest.\u201d Ben noticed Emma starting to fall asleep as the powder took effect.<\/p>\n Ben went to the doorway and looked at his daughter-in-law. He knew how much she and Adam wanted this child especially after Elizabeth\u2019s death. He walked downstairs as he started thinking about Adam and what his reaction would be. Would he really stop loving Emma like she feared? He shook his head no and told himself the thought was stupid. Ben knew how much Adam loved Emma. He smiled to himself replaying the discussion they had about the cattle drive. Ben and Adam thought Adam should stay and Ben go to take care of Emma.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not that far along. I can handle things just fine, Adam. You need to go. You\u2019re younger and stronger than Ben. Sorry, Ben.\u201d She said turning to her father in law.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cNo offense taken. Adam, I think our argument is a lost cause. Your wife is as stubborn as you are and I say listen to Adam sighed. \u201cFine, I\u2019ll go. But you take care of yourself. I think you should stay here.\u201d He held his hand up to stop Emma from saying anything. \u201cBefore you argue with me hear me out. I want you to stay here in case anything happens and Pa can take care of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, if I stay in town I\u2019ll be by Doctor Martin.\u201d Emma argued.<\/p>\n \u201cFine, but if there\u2019s a chance that my father says to stay here. You stay here! Stop arguing or I\u2019ll take my hand to you.\u201d Emma smiled knowing full well he\u2019d never take a hand to her.<\/p>\n Ben sat down on his chair looking at the fire dancing and crackling in the fireplace. He rested his chin on his hand as his thoughts turned to his own sweet wives. How he missed them. Death was too prevalent in their family. Although it was something that happened in life, he still hated it. He hated it more seeing his oldest son and wife going through the death of Elizabeth and now this baby. He had wondered how Emma had the strength to go on after holding and watching her daughter die in her arms.<\/p>\n He thought of his sons being gone for so long on the cattle drive. He prayed they would be kept safe and come home in one piece. He knew he couldn\u2019t really make the drive for a long period of time. He was getting older and not as spry as his sons were. He sighed to himself. He didn\u2019t like getting old. Ben was just grateful for the life he was living and having three sons and also a daughter-in-law.<\/p>\n Chapter 5 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Sirs. We didn\u2019t see you. Please don\u2019t be mad at us.\u201d The girl apologized.<\/p>\n Hoss knelt down. \u201cYou\u2019re fine. Accidents can happen.\u201d<\/p>\n He helped pick up the boy and wiped the dust off his torn and dirty brown pants. The boy moved behind the girl. Hoss looked at them both. The boy wore brown pants held up by suspenders and a tan shirt. His shoes were starting to get holes in them. His face was smeared with dirt and his hair was standing all over the place on his head. The girl wore a blue gingham dress with a white pinafore. Her brown hair was in braids. Her stockings were starting to get holes along with her shoes. He wondered where their parents were for them to look as dirty as they did.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are your names?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cMy name is Mary and this is my brother Jimmy. I\u2019m ten and he\u2019s five.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are your parents?\u201d Adam asked. He had also noticed their clothing.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re dead. We live here.\u201d Mary said pointing to the orphanage.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes your brother talk?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Before they could ask any more questions they heard a shrill voice. \u201cThere you two are. Get in here right now! You should have been in here five minutes ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Jimmy hid behind Mary and she held onto his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ma\u2019am, that was our fault. We were talking to them.\u201d Hoss apologized.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s no excuse. These two know the rules and will be punished for it.\u201d She snapped.<\/p>\n Hoss moved to yell at the woman but Adam placed a hand on his brother\u2019s arm to stop him. Hoss looked at his older brother and closed his mouth. Adam wondered though if it was for his brother or for himself to keep from yelling at the stern woman. He wanted to tell her what a horrible woman she was but he knew she would not listen. She grabbed the children and pulled them in sharply. Hoss and Adam both heard the whimpers of the children. \u201cHoss, I want to adopt them.\u201d Adam finally said breaking the silence.<\/p>\n Hoss turned to Adam in surprise. \u201cWhat would Emma think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019d be all right with it. We talked about adopting after Elizabeth died and before we found out she was going to \u201cI say do it. There is something about them that drew me to them. Especially Jimmy. Let\u2019s go and ask about it.\u201d Hoss suggested.<\/p>\n Adam nodded and the two of them headed back to the orphanage.<\/p>\n The brothers walked in the building and looked around. It looked clean and big. There were no noises except for the ticking of a grandfather clock in the corner of the room and the clicking of Adam\u2019s and Hoss\u2019 boots on the hardwood floor. Hoss felt uncomfortable as they walked to the receptionist desk.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I help you?\u201d the receptionist asked.<\/p>\n She was around thirty with dark hair pulled up in a bun with steel blue\/grey eyes. She wore a black dress and didn\u2019t really look friendly.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I was wondering if we could talk to the head of this establishment please?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Excuse me while I get him.\u201d She said and walked away.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I don\u2019t like this place. Not one bit.\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t either.\u201d Adam whispered back.<\/p>\n A few minutes later, the receptionist returned with a white haired man in his sixties. He was stern looking, dressed in a pin stripped suit.<\/p>\n \u201cGentlemen, my name is Martin Smith, how may I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy name is Adam Cartwright and this is my brother Hoss. We met Mary and Jimmy and we wondered if we could \u201cAdopt both siblings? That is unheard of. Usually it\u2019s the boy who is taken for work on a farm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t want to split them up. We have enough money for both and have a home where they would be treated well.\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, they have been here since the boy was a baby. We will let you adopt them today. Nobody seems to want them. The boy doesn\u2019t talk to anyone but his sister. He is nothing but trouble.\u201d Mr. Smith said.<\/p>\n \u201cFine, we\u2019ll take them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll have your hands full with that boy. He\u2019s nothing but trouble. But don\u2019t say I didn\u2019t warn you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cConsider us warned.\u201d Adam said in a tight voice trying not to lose his temper. He was tired of listening to this man speak.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss. Sawyer, please go get Mary and Jimmy.\u201d Mr. Smith said.<\/p>\n She nodded and left. A few minutes later the children came in.<\/p>\n \u201cChildren, these gentlemen here want to adopt you both. You\u2019ll be going together and today.\u201d Mr. Smith announced.<\/p>\n Mary shyly smiled while Jimmy hid behind his sister. Mr. Smith told them how much the adoption would be and Adam paid and signed the papers. Hoss knelt down to the children and Jimmy ran to Hoss but still didn\u2019t say anything. Mary walked to Hoss with a smile still on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like you\u2019ve got yourself a family now.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n They smiled as they took Hoss\u2019 hands and headed for the hotel.<\/p>\n Chapter 6 \u201cHow did you do?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cIt went well. We got them sold and made a fair bit of money.\u201d Joe said showing Adam the money. \u201cI knew you could do it.\u201d He said smiling at his youngest brother.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a surprise for you.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n He swung himself around and opened the adjoining door to Hoss\u2019 room. Joe walked in Hoss\u2019 room and saw him with two children.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Joe. We\u2019ve got a surprise for you. This is Mary and Jimmy. They\u2019re your new niece and nephew.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? When did this happen?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cA few days ago.\u201d Hoss said and explained the story to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s wonderful! Emma will be happy.\u201d Joe said smiling widely.<\/p>\n \u201cMary and Jimmy, this is your Uncle Joe. We sometimes call him Little Joe.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n Joe knelt down and they ran to him and hugged their new uncle.<\/p>\n \u201cMary, you are a very beautiful young woman. Jimmy here looks strong enough to help with the Ponderosa.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n Mary smiled shyly. Jimmy went to the other side of Joe and hugged him. Hoss and Adam looked at him wide-eyed.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, lookie there. It took him a while to warm up to us. You must have a touch with Jimmy.\u201d Hoss laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cI was thinking we could buy a wagon and team to let you rest in, Adam, and Hoss or I could drive it.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat sounds like a good idea.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go talk to the man at the stables right now. Would you two like to come with me?\u201d Joe asked the kids.<\/p>\n \u201cYes please!\u201d Mary said. Jimmy nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cHe doesn\u2019t talk to anyone. Just me.\u201d Mary explained.<\/p>\n Joe nodded. He picked up Jimmy and took Mary\u2019s hand and walked out of the room.<\/p>\n \u201cThey sure took to Joe quick.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s good. At least they\u2019re starting to feel comfortable.\u201d Adam replied. Hoss nodded.<\/p>\n Joe and the children rode Sport and Cochise to the livery stable and spoke with Mr. Josiah Hawkins about buying a wagon and team.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, children. How are you? Who is this with you?\u201d Mr. Hawkins asked.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is our new uncle! His name is Joe Cartwright.\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n \u201cNew uncle? Don\u2019t tell me you two finally got adopted.\u201d He asked kneeling down to her level.<\/p>\n \u201cWe did! Our new pa\u2019s name is Adam Cartwright and our other uncle\u2019s name is Hoss. Hoss is big but he\u2019s very nice. We get to meet our new ma when we go home.\u201d Mary said excitedly.<\/p>\n \u201cWell I sure am happy you two have been adopted. It sounds like you\u2019ll have a good family to live with. Now, how may I help you Mr. Cartwright?\u201d Mr. Hawkins asked standing.<\/p>\n \u201cI wondered about purchasing a wagon. My brother broke his leg during a cattle stampede and we need to get him home in something.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe do have one you can buy.\u201d Mr. Hawkins said steering Joe to the wagon. Joe looked it over and found it sturdy.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take it.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n Mr. Hawkins told Joe the price and Joe handed him the money.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get some blankets and other supplies for the trip home.\u201d Joe suggested.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right.\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n Mr. Hawkins bent back down to the children\u2019s level.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll sure miss you two but I\u2019m very happy you\u2019ll have a good home to go to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll miss you too, Mr. Hawkins. Thank you for all you\u2019ve done for us.\u201d Mary said and hugged the older man.<\/p>\n Jimmy hugged him next. The kids then ran to the wagon and climbed on it. Mr. Hawkins stood and shook Joe\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright, you tell that brother of yours he adopted two wonderful children. They\u2019ve been through a lot and I\u2019m glad to see they\u2019ll be going to a good home where they\u2019ll be treated well. They weren\u2019t treated well at the orphanage. I wanted to adopt them but I\u2019m not married nor do I make enough to support two children. That Mr. Smith wanted to separate the two but it wouldn\u2019t have been good. Especially with Jimmy and his selective mutism. He only talks with Mary. I\u2019m not sure as to why he speaks only to her. Something must have happened for him to have the selective mutism. I do remember him starting to talk when he was about two. He did pretty well. Then he just stopped around the age of four. Who knows what would have happened had they been separated.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy brother doesn\u2019t like to break up a family if he can help it. His wife is expecting their second child and they will be of good help to Emma and the baby. I thank you for all you\u2019ve done.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cSafe travels to you all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. All right kids, I\u2019ll get the horses hooked up and we can go.\u201d Joe said and the siblings helped him. \u201cWe\u2019ve got everything together and ready to head out in the morning. We\u2019ll line the back of the wagon with the blankets and rest of the supplies. We\u2019ll try and make it as comfortable as we can.\u201d Joe said when they walked in Adam\u2019s room.<\/p>\n \u201cSounds good. Hoss paid the hotel bill and the doctor also. I can\u2019t wait to get home and see Emma.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n Joe and Hoss chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure she can\u2019t wait to see you.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n Adam looked over at the children and smiled. \u201cI can\u2019t wait for her to meet Mary and Jimmy. I know she\u2019ll love them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be a great meeting. I\u2019m sure Pa will be just as excited.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, let\u2019s get these two off to bed. We\u2019ve got to get up early and it\u2019ll be a long drive.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n He untied the packages of clothes they bought for the children. They rushed to get into their new nightgowns and jumped into bed. Hoss told them a story and they fell asleep. The brothers then got ready for bed and fell asleep enjoying their last night for a while in a soft, warm bed.<\/p>\n Chapter 7 \u201cWhat about our new ma? What\u2019s she like?\u201d Mary asked.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s beautiful and friendly.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes she like kids?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou bet she does. She\u2019ll love to meet you both.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have any other children?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe did but she died. But Emma is going to have another child.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry she died and glad she\u2019s going to have another baby.\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n She lay next to Adam\u2019s chest and relaxed. He wrapped her arms around her and heard her deep breathing. He had already loved these two children. Adam knew they\u2019d be spoiled rotten by Ben, Joe and Hoss.<\/p>\n Adam, Hoss, Joe, Jimmy and Mary arrived at the Ponderosa a few days later. Ben heard the horses and ran out of the house to greet his sons. He looked behind him and saw Emma standing in the doorway apprehensive about what was going to happen. He then saw a sling around Hoss\u2019 arm as he swung off Chubb.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, what happened?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cStampede.\u201d Was all Hoss said when he saw Emma running to them with worry written on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you and Adam get stepped on by cattle?\u201d She asked gripping his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cYes we did. How did you know?\u201d Hoss asked in surprise.<\/p>\n \u201cI had a nightmare about it. Where\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s in the back of the wagon.\u201d Emma let go of Hoss and ran to the wagon and saw her husband there with a white bandage on his leg.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, are you all right?\u201d She asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Em, I\u2019m fine. I want you to meet two special people.\u201d Adam said putting his arm around Mary.<\/p>\n For the first time Emma noticed the children.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, this is Mary and her brother Jimmy. I adopted them. I figured they\u2019d be good older siblings to the baby.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s mention of the baby brought tears to Emma\u2019s eyes. She hesitated and Adam saw sorrow in her eyes.<\/p>\n He started to react when she cried out, \u201cAdam, I lost the baby.\u201d<\/p>\n The news sunk in and Adam sat in stunned silence, as did Hoss and Joe. Emma cried as she told her family what happened. The feelings Adam had when Elizabeth died came back. Her cries hurt him. He wished he could take her pain away.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure you are disgusted with me now.\u201d She finished.<\/p>\n Adam moved to the end of the wagon and pulled Emma close to him. \u201cEmma, I love you and I am not disgusted with you. We can have another one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Adam, I can\u2019t. The doctor told me I could no longer carry children.\u201d She wept into his shoulder.<\/p>\n He tightened his grip on her as he started to cry. The pain intensified knowing she\u2019d never carry another child. Adam knew that with Elizabeth, their hopes and dreams of her growing into a lovely young woman had died when she did. Now their dreams of their unborn child also died. Adam wondered how Emma could still be so strong through this pain. Emma pulled away and Adam placed his hands on the sides of her face and looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma Cartwright, you are my one true love and no matter what happens in life I will always love you. It has grown more. We now have Mary and Jimmy. They are good children and I know we\u2019ll get to see them grow up.\u201d<\/p>\n Emma nodded, too choked up to say anything.<\/p>\n Adam wiped the tears away then leaned in and kissed her. He then turned his attention to the children.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, this is Mary and this is Jimmy. He doesn\u2019t talk to anyone but Mary.\u201d Adam explained how he and Hoss \u201cI am so happy you did, Adam.\u201d Emma said getting her voice back and smiling wide.<\/p>\n Emma held out her arms to Mary and the young girl hugged her tight. She then went to Jimmy and helped him from the wagon and held him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so happy to have you children here. You will love living with us.\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n Ben helped Adam out of the wagon, handed Adam his crutches and followed the rest of the family into the house.<\/p>\n Chapter 8 Emma and Adam had turned Elizabeth\u2019s room into Mary\u2019s room and the extra room they had was for Jimmy.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have our own rooms? We\u2019ve never had that before.\u201d Mary said excitedly and hugged her parents.<\/p>\n Adam read the kids a bedtime story and saw Jimmy had fallen asleep. After he finished the story, he carefully picked Jimmy up and took him to his room. He then went back in Mary\u2019s room, tucked her in and kissed her good night. Emma followed suite. When they had settled in for the night, Emma and Adam had been woken by Mary\u2019s screams.<\/p>\n They both rushed into her room and woke her up.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Mary?\u201d Emma asked.<\/p>\n \u201cA nightmare. I was back at the orphanage and I was being beaten for not getting an answer correct at school.\u201d Mary cried.<\/p>\n Adam held onto his daughter. \u201cMary, what happened there?\u201d He asked.<\/p>\n Mary pulled back and looked at him. \u201cThey were mean there. They\u2019d beat us if we did anything wrong. After we \u201cI\u2019m glad we got you two out of there. What about the other children?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey got punished. A lot of them did get adopted or sent to work on farms. I hope they are happy.\u201d Mary said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t ever have to worry about being punished like that.\u201d Adam reassured and hugged her.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel very safe here. Jimmy told me he does too.\u201d She said.<\/p>\n Emma reached over and hugged Mary and Adam. \u201cWe love you, Mary.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Emma bought more clothes for the children along with games and toys.<\/p>\n \u201cThese are wonderful. Thank you, Ma and Pa.\u201d Mary said hugging her parents. Jimmy hugged them also still saying nothing.<\/p>\n Pride swelled up in Adam and Emma when they heard Mary call them \u201cma and pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Mary and Jimmy were loved and spoiled by their uncles and grandfather and even Hop Sing. Jimmy still didn\u2019t talk to anyone but Mary. Joe became the favorite uncle to Jimmy while Hoss became Mary\u2019s favorite uncle. Hoss taught Mary to ride a horse and she became a natural at it. She chattered to Hoss about many things as they rode from school to the Ponderosa. Both children had been placed in school and were doing well. Jimmy was smart with the work he did. The teacher didn\u2019t force him to talk which Emma had worried about when they went to take them to school. Adam explained to the teacher what he had heard from Joe. The teacher was understanding. Mary loved learning and loved playing with other girls at recess. She was happy to have loving parents again and didn\u2019t worry about being hurt.<\/p>\n Adam and Emma had gone to visit Ben while Hoss and Joe took Mary and Jimmy outside to play. They had been \u201cUncle Joe, are you all right?\u201d a little voice asked.<\/p>\n Joe looked up and saw Jimmy kneeling next to him with worry on his face. Joe forgot about his ankle.<\/p>\n \u201cJimmy, you just spoke to me! Hoss, Mary, Adam, Emma, Pa come quick!\u201d Joe yelled sitting up.<\/p>\n Joe tried to stand but his ankle protested in pain so he stayed sitting. Adam, Emma and Ben had heard the commotion and ran outside. Hoss grabbed Mary off her horse she\u2019d been riding and joined the family. They were all worried something happened to the children when Joe yelled.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Joe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cJimmy! He spoke!\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re just joshin\u2019 us, Joe.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not. He spoke. I fell and he asked if I was all right.\u201d Joe said looking at Jimmy hoping the boy would talk.<\/p>\n Jimmy looked at everyone around him and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI did talk. Uncle Joe fell and I was scared he was hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone sent up a cheer as Adam picked his son up and hugged him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt looks like Joe may have just hurt his ankle. Doesn\u2019t look like a sprain but he\u2019ll have to take it easy for a while. \u201cI want to play more. Mary, Uncle Hoss will you play with me until Uncle Joe gets better?\u201d Jimmy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWe sure will.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n Hoss, Mary and Jimmy started running around playing Tag.<\/p>\n Ben helped Joe to the porch and into a chair. Adam took Emma by the hand and led her to the porch to watch the family play. He wrapped his arms around her and she leaned against his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are very lucky.\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cHow so?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n Though he knew what she was thinking he still wanted to hear it.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m lucky to have a wonderful husband and two wonderful children which Providence brought to us. I guess there Adam laughed. \u201cYes, I think so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have a loving father-in-law who has helped me with the trials I\u2019ve been going through lately and also two brothers-in-law who love our children and spoil them.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned Emma around to look at him. \u201cI have a wonderful wife who is loving and has been loving to those \u201cI love you, Adam Cartwright.\u201d Emma whispered.<\/p>\n Adam leaned down and kissed her tenderly. As they pulled apart Emma leaned against his chest and felt his chin rest on her head. Her love had grown over the years even through the losses. She was a very lucky woman for what she had in her life.<\/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
\nAfter the rush was over, Martha and Emma collapsed into two chairs they had behind the counter. They looked at each other and laughed.<\/p>\n
\nEmma explained.<\/p>\n
\nrelented.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe rain began to pour down from heaven as the Cartwrights moved their cattle on. Lightning struck, followed by a crashing of thunder. It scared the cattle as they started to scatter in different directions and made pitiful noises.<\/p>\n
\nHoss and looked at his arm.<\/p>\n
\nin until they can get up and around.\u201d Dr. Carter offered.<\/p>\n
\nEmma had worried about her husband and brothers-in-law days after the dream. She kept busy and hardly slept. When she slept she dreamed about her family getting hurt. The bell jangled pulling her out of her worried thoughts. She saw Ben and smiled.<\/p>\n
\ncounter.<\/p>\n
\nsomeone to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBen to the Ponderosa. She didn\u2019t want to stay at the Ponderosa and be underfoot. She felt that she would be in the way. But you can\u2019t argue with Ben Cartwright and win.<\/p>\n
\nA few days went by when Emma started feeling cramps while she was cleaning. She collapsed to the ground and moaned in pain. Ben heard the thud and Emma\u2019s moans from his desk and ran to her.<\/p>\n
\nyour wife. Wives are supposed to win arguments.\u201d Ben said placing his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
\nA few days had gone by and Adam was able to get around with the help of crutches. Hoss helped take care of Adam. They walked by an orphanage when two young children ran around a corner and ran into Hoss. The little boy fell to the ground when he hit Hoss. Adam saw the fear in their eyes.<\/p>\n
\nThe brothers wandered down the street lost in their own thoughts but thinking the same thing: the children. Adam sat down on a bench near a mercantile.<\/p>\n
\nhave a baby. They\u2019d be good siblings to the baby.\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n
\nadopt them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoe joined his brothers a couple of days later.<\/p>\n
\nAdam gave a low whistle.<\/p>\n
\nAfterwards they went to the mercantile to get supplies for the trip home. Joe had bought night clothes and a change of clothes for three days. He figured Adam and Emma would buy more clothes for the children. After shopping they headed back to the hotel.<\/p>\n
\nThe Cartwright party left for the Ponderosa the next day. Joe and Hoss had filled the back of the wagon with blankets and pillows to make it comfortable for Adam. They hitched up the new horses to the wagon and tied Sport and Cochise in the back. Mary sat in back with Adam while Jimmy rode with Joe. Hoss rode near the wagon and would talk to Joe at times. Mary asked about the Ponderosa and Adam told her what it looked like.<\/p>\n
\nmet them and Adam was able to adopt them.<\/p>\n
\nTime had passed by quickly for the Cartwrights. Adam\u2019s leg had healed; so had Hoss\u2019 arm. Both were happy to be able to get back to work and playing with the kids. The town had indeed heard about Emma\u2019s miscarriage. Helen tried to talk to someone about it and spread gossip once again but she was told to \u201chush up\u201d from her own husband. She didn\u2019t say anything after that. Emma decided to sell the store to Martha to spend time with Jimmy and Mary. She figured it was more important to spend time with her children instead of working. When she mentioned it to Adam, he told her that it was up to her what she wanted to do and he was behind her either way.<\/p>\n
\nmet you and Uncle Hoss, we didn\u2019t have supper and had to stay in our rooms all day. Jimmy got tired and he also wet his pants because they wouldn\u2019t let him use the outhouse. They hit him because of it and then he had to clean it up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nrunning and playing when Joe tripped and fell and hurt his ankle. He lay in the dirt holding his ankle.<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s good to hear you speak, Jimmy!\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n
\nwas a blessing for you getting injured in the stampede.\u201d Emma chuckled softly.<\/p>\n
\naround her. I have been blessed to have you in my life. I love you, Emma Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n