{"id":5140,"date":"2010-10-08T16:28:33","date_gmt":"2010-10-08T20:28:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5140"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:40","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:40","slug":"blame-it-on-the-moon-the-meeting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5140","title":{"rendered":"Blame It On The Moon, The Meeting (by Sassybrass)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Adam falls head over heels in love, but it’s Joe who may well have embroiled the Cartwrights in a family feud.\u00a0 Will Adam be able to woo and win his lady before the shooting begins?<\/p>\n

Rated: T \u00a0WC 55,900<\/p>\n

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Blame It On The Moon, The Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The laundry was under attack.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all your fault, India Montague!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and I haven\u2019t heard that before?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut this time it is!\u201d the slightly plump, sweet faced young woman said as she kept folding freshly ironed linens on the table in the large kitchen. Both young women were dressed in plain house dresses, the taller of the two in dark green, the short one, who had hurled the accusation, in mauve. \u201cYou just had to go open your big mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, it was being silent that did it this time,\u201d India fought to keep a straight face. She held up a stray handkerchief, looked at it as though it were a bug, and folded it neatly. She had thought they were done with handkerchiefs an hour ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle is fit to be tied,\u201d the smaller woman carried on, her hands busier than her mouth. \u201cSimply fit. And now we have to go to this godforsaken place and put up with Cousin Reginald.\u201d Her tone managed to drip slime on the name. \u201cAnd get married. I\u2019ve been trying to get married; hasn\u2019t anyone noticed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPatience, I think the fact that your suitors have acquired rigor mortis has something to do with it,\u201d India said dryly. She moved the stack of tea towels aside for the day maid to put away. The girl in servant\u2019s clothes and cap gave her a glance and bobbed a curtsey before taking the folded linens away. The look was full of curiosity and scandalous interest. India ignored it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot help it if I favor men with experience,\u201d Patience Montague said as though put upon by this fate. \u201cA man with years, with knowledge\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMoney,\u201d India giggled.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and you\u2019re such a saint on that?\u201d Patience shot back at her cousin. A year younger, the taller woman had blundered through her fair share of offers, not all of them concerning marriage.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will keep my liberty,\u201d India said firmly. \u201cThe suffragettes have a point. A woman gives up everything when she marries. Nothing is hers after marriage, even if it was before. Why is that? And what man could be trusted to think of a woman as a woman, not just a wife as though she is some sort of third arm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEither way, we\u2019re being packed up like so much cheap luggage and sent off to the wilderness under the care of the ever-vigilant Cousin Reggie,\u201d Patience flapped an antimacassar out before folding it in a neat series of triangles. \u201cLoaded with no doubt gauche men, loaded with silver and no doubt loaded with bugs and dirt and Lord knows what else!\u201d<\/p>\n

India sighed and looked out the window at the rose garden. She was going to miss that. It was lush and just coming into bloom and when she left in a week\u2019s time the best reds would just be opening. She was willing to bet there were no roses in Nevada, newly made a state. \u201cI\u2019m not surprised, in a way, Paish.\u201d She fell somber. \u201cUncle hasn\u2019t been too happy to have us around since Auntie passed on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Patience turned to her cousin and saw her fallen spirits. \u201cNow, now, Indy,\u201d she comforted her cousin, \u201cUncle was thrilled to have us. We\u2019re just\u2026\u201d she shrugged, \u201c\u2026needing husbands. Uncle won\u2019t be around forever. Your parents weren\u2019t, mine weren\u2019t. So we need to put our smiles on and mind our manners and show Uncle that we will be just fine!\u201d<\/p>\n

India folded her arms, still regarding the buds on the climbing rose just outside the window of their Philadelphia home. \u201cI\u2019ll miss it here, Paish,\u201d she sighed. But India knew she had to go; Patience was a dear, and a devil for manners and propriety, but she was also too shy to make the trip alone.<\/p>\n

A week later, the cousins boarded a train for the first leg of their journey to Virginia City to stay with Cousin Reggie in this wild place where he was a rather successful surveyor to the mines and projects of the newly burgeoning state. Cousin Reggie, with his precise little ways of making sure you knew every flaw about yourself, the hopelessness of ever being as good at things as he was, and, most of all, with his perpetually shedding scalp. And somehow, staying with him was going to net them husbands.<\/p>\n

India and Patience might be very different people, but both were bright enough to see a potential flaw with this plan. They still boarded the train with lovely smiles and waved goodbye to Uncle and then clung to each other rather desperately as the engine pulled its line of passenger cars out of the station.<\/p>\n

The train only went partway and not nearly part enough, in their minds. After that, it was the stage coach. Posterior thumping, dusty, grab your meal while you can, and try to sleep in a cheap bed travel by stage coach. Even India tired of this quite quickly, and Patience was, as her name said\u2026Patient. Well, mostly. Each night they knocked the dust out of their modest and well-made travel clothes and hoped the next day would fare better, no matter the long odds on that.<\/p>\n

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\u201cOh, no, don\u2019t look now,\u201d Patience pulled India\u2019s elbow. \u201cTwo mucky cowboys are going to be riding with us. I hope they don\u2019t smell.\u201d<\/span><\/span>India promptly looked, met the men\u2019s eyes across the boardwalk and nodded pleasantly. She saw two hardworking men in very dusty clothes, one suffering a torn shoulder seam on his black shirt. He was holding it up and looking quite vexed. The men nodded back. India half jumped and turned away at her cousin\u2019s sharp pinch.\u201cDon\u2019t encourage them!\u201d Patience hissed as they approached the stage that would take them out of Dodge City. \u201cIndia, how silly! They are ruffians! We could be,\u201d she dropped her voice and stood on her toes to whisper, \u201cmolested.\u201d<\/i> The sweet blonde looked around as though men were rushing them right as she spoke.\u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d India whispered back, keeping an eye on the two trunks being loaded. \u201cFrom the looks of them, they could fall asleep standing up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShhh!\u201d Patience hushed her cousin in no uncertain terms and guided her along as though she were an imbecile. \u201cWe must get on first!\u201d<\/p>\n

India knew this was an obsession with Patience. Be first on the train, to the theater, on the stagecoach, or even to quilting bees. She tolerated this obsession for the trip, but swore she was going to be late for the first possible thing after arriving in this new city in the wilderness. She found herself pushed forward and had to suffer Patience\u2019s second pinch when the tall, older man of the pair offered his hand rather gallantly. \u201cMa\u2019am,\u201d he said in a voice that you could build a city on.<\/p>\n

India nearly swatted her cousin while she accepted that big, calloused, work worn hand and was helped up with an ease that said he had a great deal of muscle under that dusty linen shirt and scuffed leather vest. \u201cThank you,\u201d she replied and moved over as far as possible. Patience looked furious as the older fellow helped her up, too. She minded her manners and thanked him, then had to mind the look on her face as the men slid up and into the opposite seat. It appeared they were the only other passengers.<\/p>\n

India pulled out her book from her carry-bag and set it on her lap. She was looking out the window when she saw the younger of the pair, but still well into adulthood, tilt his head ever so slightly and read the cover. His dark eyebrows leapt nearly up to his hatband. He went to open his mouth but somehow Patience shot him a look that settled him right back in his seat, his hand still holding up the torn sleeve. His open expression turned almost sour. India looked back out the window and bit her tongue.<\/p>\n

A few moments later the stagecoach lurched and they got underway down the bumpy road. No one spoke. Patience took out her tatting and went back to work on her gloves or doily or whatever it was: India had no idea.<\/p>\n

The imposing title, \u201cOrganic Compounds, or, the Use of Oil and Kerosene in Gas Production,\u201d shielded India from any enquiries, from cousin or stranger.<\/p>\n

The cowboys tipped their hats forward and fell asleep quite quickly. India dared to drop her book enough to peek over the top. She felt sorry for the one with the torn sleeve and wondered how that had happened. The older one simply looked completely worn out. She re-established her eyes on the page and hoped no one would grill her on these organic compounds. After all, she\u2019d tossed those pages out long ago and pasted in the latest torrid romance novel by that New York writer, and was hoping to get to the part where the hero came to his senses about the governess and called out the sham marriage to his cousin. Surely that was coming!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cYou know, Pa, I\u2019ve never seen a woman so interested in chemistry,\u201d Adam said as he tossed his valise on the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuiet pair,\u201d Ben admitted as he stretched. They had acquired a room for the night in the small hotel in the name of the town he could not recall, but the bed looked damn good after all he\u2019d been through. Adam was dead tired, too, and that scuffle at the end hadn\u2019t helped things. They looked a fright. \u201cNo wonder they\u2019d have nothing to do with us, all beat up and filthy,\u201d Ben commented as he looked in the mirror.<\/p>\n

Adam was sliding his shirt off to do the least damage both to shirt seam and his aching arm. That had been quite a bit of force to drive him into the post that hard. He looked at the ugly purplish bruise and sighed. \u201cToo bad neither one offered to fix my shirt. I must be losing my charm.\u201d He grinned. Frankly he\u2019d been quite fine with the silence from the two. They had \u201cupper class finishing school\u201d written all over them, which was all well and good, but the looks from the smaller one had half killed his interest. But that book title had kept drawing his eye. And the way the dark haired one read it intrigued him. She was fascinated, her expressions changing while she read as though she were truly caught up in the subject matter.<\/p>\n

Then a raised feminine, pure New England voice came through the wall. \u201cIndia Montague! You, you, you,\u201d a purely outraged sound came from the speaker. \u201cYou are incorrigible!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly sometimes, Paish,\u201d the other traveler laughed. \u201cBut the poor man, have some pity. He might not have another shirt. Why not offer to help?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we do not offer to sew up strange ruffian\u2019s shirts. That\u2019s why!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPatience, what on earth is wrong with wanting to help?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, because the last time you tried to help some strange fellow he sent you a tiger. A tiger! With a diamond necklace and a dark fellow with a turban!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCollar. Diamond collar. And I sent everything back and it all worked out fine.\u201d This time the voice was assured and full of laughter. \u201cYou worry too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s smile started. It had been missing all day, but now it progressed along from a little lift of his lips to full blown dimples and twinkling eyes. Ben looked sideways at his eldest. \u201cI think your charm is still holding,\u201d he said in a low undertone. Clearly the walls were thin. The voices continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a cow hand, a ruffian. And from the looks of it, probably a womanizing scallywag. I won\u2019t have you go near him. Neither of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to look at that ripped seam all day tomorrow, Paish?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a long pause. Ben and Adam both held their breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine. But I\u2019ll do it myself, you have terribly uneven work,\u201d the vexed speaker said. \u201cCome with me. I\u2019ll not knock on the door by myself and ruin my reputation. It\u2019s good Christian charity, I suppose.\u201d Her tone warmed a bit. At least it was less glacial.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Paish,\u201d the droll tone carried right through the wall.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam raced to finish getting Adam out of the torn shirt and into his spare one, this one a faded red and showing signs of wear and tear. They were almost counting the moments until the door down from theirs opened, footsteps sounded, and then a hesitant knock at their own door. Ben answered it with a carefully calm face.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThat wasn\u2019t so bad.\u201d India let her hair down and started to brush it. It looked darker when it was up, the gold highlights less obvious when wound around in a chignon. India did not have a face that benefitted from ringlets, although Patience looked superb in them. In any case, the cousins stayed with simpler hairstyles for travel. They had changed for bed, glad to be out of dusty travel clothes and corsets.<\/span><\/span>Patience was sewing neat stitches along the longer basting set already holding the sleeve onto the body of the shirt. It was good fabric, she had to admit. And well made. And the pair did look a little more respectable with the dust off their faces. But the smell from the shirt made her nose wrinkle. No cologne or anything else hid the smell of a man who\u2019d been in a fight and then sweated in a hot, dusty stage coach all day.\u201cIf it wasn\u2019t so bad why don\u2019t you finish it?\u201d Patience pushed the half-sewn seam to her cousin.\u201cYou sew better than I do. And you just can\u2019t bear to have rips and tears around you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndia Montague, you, you!\u201d Patience started to get riled but burst out laughing. \u201cYou\u2019re right. It was driving me mad. But it stinks to high heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do the other half,\u201d India sighed and put her silver-backed brush down on the bed. She picked up the needle and started to work in stitches that were almost indistinguishable from her cousin\u2019s tidy needlework. \u201cIt\u2019s quite torn, isn\u2019t it,\u201d she said with a frown. A strong tug between her hands revealed the quality of the cloth. \u201cIt\u2019s good twill, so that must have been quite an incident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I said,\u201d Patience pulled her nightgown into better order. \u201cRuffians.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cScallywags,\u201d India giggled. \u201cDidn\u2019t you say they\u2019d molest us? I rather recall snoring. Not the most exciting molesting I\u2019ve had in my life, I\u2019d say,\u201d she said rather archly and then giggled again. \u201cOh, don\u2019t look like that, Paish. You always think you\u2019re about to be molested.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust because I understand the base nature of men does not mean you should laugh at me!\u201d the prettier girl huffed. \u201cBesides, you never know what will happen when they aren\u2019t so tired!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing a well-placed hat pin won\u2019t end rather quickly,\u201d India said without thinking. She looked up and swore she could hear a low, merry chuckle through the wall. Her suspicions rising, she went back to work on the dusty, rather manly smelling shirt that the older fellow, Ben something, had promised he\u2019d come get in the morning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cTidy work,\u201d Adam commented as he examined the stitching on the shoulder seam. His upper arm still hurt to move and the bruise was turning a nasty black with yellow rings. He slid into the shirt with a grin. Smelly? He\u2019d been worse.<\/span><\/span>\u201cCount yourself lucky,\u201d Ben chuckled and kept his voice low. \u201cI was waiting for a sermon from the smaller one about reforming my wicked ways.\u201dNimble fingers did up black buttons with effort. Adam\u2019s knuckles hurt from the pounding he\u2019d given in return. His jaw was only slightly sore. \u201cI heard,\u201d he replied just as quietly. \u201cQuite the pair. Chemistry and tatting.\u201d\u201cBut they did repair your shirt, and don\u2019t you forget it,\u201d Ben grinned and hefted his valise. \u201cBest get some breakfast so we don\u2019t miss the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

The food was quick, half burned, and the coffee black. The ladies sat well apart from Ben and Adam, their eyes on their food while they tried to eat quickly but not hurriedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe shorter one,\u201d Ben leaned forward, \u201cis Patience, the taller one is India, if you were wondering.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was systematically demolishing his scrambled eggs. \u201cA tiger,\u201d he mused and tossed a quick look at the women. \u201cOf the two I\u2019d say India was the wide eyed innocent. Goes to show about books and covers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like we have company today,\u201d Ben looked up at the fellow in a decent brown suit of about thirty years of age who had come into the dining room of the small hotel. He had a ticket in his hand.<\/p>\n

Meals complete, bills paid, the passengers loaded up after double checking the presence of their luggage. Adam kept trying to get a better look at India to see why a man would send her a tiger and its keeper. And why would she read a chemistry textbook as if it held the greatest interest? But she was too busy lowering her head to speak with her cousin in a constant undertone as they waited to board.<\/p>\n

The man in the suit pushed forward to offer his arm to India, then to Patience, and dared to shoot a look of low assessment at the Cartwrights. He didn\u2019t wait but pulled himself up and in, settling beside Patience and leaving the opposite seats for the men he found beneath his standards.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning,\u201d Ben said pleasantly to the other passengers as he pushed over for Adam to slide in. He nodded, and was nodded at in return.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning,\u201d India replied with a raised eyebrow at her cousin.<\/p>\n

After a breath, Patience replied, \u201cGood morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what a good morning it is to be accompanying you lovely young ladies,\u201d the new fellow gushed. He turned to dismiss the still-somewhat-dusty cowboys from his vision, particularly the big one in black with the bruise coming out on his jaw. That one had a gaze that assessed a little too much for a man who clearly was no gentleman.<\/p>\n

India had her book out in a flash. She held it up like a shield, her eyes the sword that pierced the pages and threatened to also pierce anyone who disturbed her. She had a tiny twinge about her lack of manners but it passed as the pompous fellow droned on and on. A glance showed two tipped western hats and two men who looked out to the world. She highly doubted that and had to fight back the urge to prod the older one to see just how asleep he was.<\/p>\n

Patience had long ago acquired the ability to tune out a bore. She could nod, smile, look interested, and even comment intelligently enough that it quelled any suspicion her mind was elsewhere, even if it was. It was a skill that had earned her three proposals from elderly, kind, talkative men with significant estates. Sadly, each had been taken by health problems before the weddings. Patience thought of those dear men and said prayers for their souls as she tatted and nodded appropriately.<\/p>\n

A bit of rain fell just past noon, but other than that there was nothing to comment on. India took to looking out at the passing scenery to save on her book. The fool hero still was no closer to sorting out his mess of a sham marriage, the gardener was appearing to be a blackguard and the heroine was still moping around and letting the gossips get the better of her. It was becoming a chore to keep slogging through the lack of action that seemed to comprise the last few chapters she\u2019d worked through. Better to see if she could spot an interesting landmark. Even an interesting rock would do.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou could try talking to one of them,\u201d Ben muttered over tepid, weak coffee.<\/span><\/span>\u201cPa, why bother? They\u2019ve written us off.\u201d\u201cNo,\u201d Ben said with a twinkle. \u201cI\u2019d say that kick gained the interest of the dark haired one.\u201dAdam groaned and rubbed his face. \u201cYeah. I\u2019d rather forget that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The reference to Adam\u2019s jump as he started awake and landed an accidental kick to the shin of the pretty blonde made Ben chuckle all over again. The rushed apology, the hands, the glare and sharp lecture from the lady had all combined to be quite humorous as a bystander. Apparently India, the cousin, had thought it quite amusing even to the point where she smothered giggles as Adam\u2019s apologies kept falling on deaf ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t been called so many names in one breath in a long time.\u201d Adam was blushing now. Even his ears tinted pink. \u201cIt was an accident, but I sure smacked her a good one. Of all times.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did, but she more than repaid you with that tongue lashing, I\u2019d say,\u201d Ben nodded. \u201cWell, let\u2019s get going. Maybe we\u2019ll see how Miss India handles getting one of your big boots in the knee?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, stow it, Pa.\u201d Adam half-grinned. It wasn\u2019t often he fell into a deep sleep on the stage; no doubt this time it had happened because he knew his father was next to him. But the coaches were a little undersized for his big frame and jolting awake like that hadn\u2019t given him much chance to redirect. He felt ashamed all over again. The girl had winced quite hard. The tongue lashing had been well deserved.<\/p>\n

At the coach, the cousins were already debating seating arrangements. \u201cYou sit across from that crass cowboy.\u201d Patience urged India forward. The day was turning hot already. \u201cThere, see? He\u2019s all ready to help you up. Go!\u201d<\/p>\n

India had no choice but to keep going forward and struggle to keep a straight face as she saw those intelligent and far-too-lovely hazel eyes spot Patience\u2019s nudges in her back. She rolled her eyes and let the grin take over. \u201cThank you, sir,\u201d she winked, took his offered hand without hesitation, and was helped up effortlessly.<\/p>\n

The man was gracious to Patience, who was as cold as a glacier. India was not the least surprised that the large fellow then pushed in front of Harry or Larry or whatever his name was in the brown suit and slid right over to sit in front of her, his long legs pulled up neatly, strong hands resting on his thighs. His older companion was up in a flash, moving with an agility that belied his years. Patience already had her tatting out. \u201cMorning,\u201d the dark haired man across from India nodded to the ladies and then the man who settled in beside Patience.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning,\u201d India tore her eyes off those interestingly expressive hands and looked at her cousin\u2019s tatting instead.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d Patience said primly, shooting a glance at the man who\u2019d kicked her, and then favored the man beside her with a smile. \u201cYou were telling us about your aunt\u2019s house in Georgia,\u201d she said with perfect recall.<\/p>\n

India had her book out in a flash. As she lifted it she caught the eyes of the cowboys across from her and saw their pain. The older man dropped her a wink and tipped his hat forward to return to napping, while the younger looked a little flabbergasted at Patience and not in a good way. His eyes flashed to her, a dark eyebrow lifted in utter hopelessness, and then he, too, tipped his hat forward, folded his arms and leaned into the corner of the jolting coach.<\/p>\n

A while later India looked down, then up, then down again. She looked at her cousin, who was oblivious and counting stitches while the fellow beside her rambled about the South. Or something. India was too distracted by the boots that had slid under her long skirts as the man across from her sank into a deeper sleep. She seriously considered nudging him, but by the look on his face he was dead to the world.<\/p>\n

Well<\/i>, India mused, as long as he\u2019s not truly dead. Although<\/i>, she realized after a moment\u2019s thought, Patience is capital at dealing with corpses, so all would not be lost.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cOur last night in a clapboard, whitewashed, iron bedstead rinky-dink hotel.\u201d Patience sighed with relief as she tossed her hat on the bed. \u201cTomorrow we arrive in this Virginia City, hopefully Cousin Reggie will be there to meet us, and voila, we can get a good night\u2019s sleep at long last.\u201d<\/span><\/span>India half sat, half fell onto the other side of the bed with a groan. The cowboys hadn\u2019t been inclined to chat for the trip; the other passengers had come and gone but all had been talkative, some more than others. India had been forced to re-read her terrible novel from the start and was deeply dissatisfied. She wondered how on earth it had become so popular. The twit hero didn\u2019t resolve anything, the heroine was no better, and had been committed to an asylum in the final chapter. She was wishing she\u2019d kept the original pages of the college text book. Next time she would put an Austen in. Good old, reliable, Jane, India thought fondly.In the next room, Ben kept his voice low as he slid his boots off with a grunt. \u201cYou certainly aren\u2019t taking advantage of a perfect situation. Two eligible ladies confined with you for days and you\u2019ve barely said boo.\u201d\u201cSame could be said for you,\u201d Adam retorted in a whisper. He examined his bruised arm. It was fading into a lovely yellow purple and his arm didn\u2019t twinge as he moved it around. The bruise on his jaw was just a memory of a ham fist that he hadn\u2019t quite ducked. Still, the reckoning was coming, and he wanted to get back to the Ponderosa and get prepared. Neither he nor his father had to speak much of what was coming next.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re a little young for me,\u201d Ben muttered and stretched. He ached more than he liked from the ride. It was better than a Conestoga wagon, but his age was starting to sit on him and laugh at his ambitions.<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled gently and fell back onto the bed. He looked up at the ceiling and let his mind wander. It went to pleasant places, worrisome spots, and back to pleasantries before he decided he had to scrub some dust off his face. The weather was too hot for his liking but not unbearable. Dust was dust and sweat was sweat no matter the weather, and he was tired of being covered in both.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Adam washed in cold water; in the adjoining room India unlaced Patience with mindless ease. A few moments later India turned and was relieved of her corset, which was both blessing and curse. She liked the form it gave her, but travelling in it was chafing along her underarms. Patience put their dresses over the chair to air out while India sorted out their nightgowns and toiletries. Both rooms were a picture of busyness as the respective travelers prepared for a night\u2019s sleep and an early morning.<\/p>\n

The girls said their goodnights to each other in normal tones that came straight through the hastily constructed walls and Adam had to bite his tongue and strangle a bit. Ben looked over at his eldest with a raised eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI almost said good night out loud,\u201d Adam stifled his chuckle.<\/p>\n

Ben snorted. He shook his head and sighed. \u201cSon, I wonder at you sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not Joe,\u201d Adam retorted in a merry undertone. He looked entirely too smug as he closed his eyes and folded his arms behind his head. His clothes were airing on the chair, a mirror to the dresses laid out in the other room.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank God,\u201d Ben whispered fervently. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine getting any peace this trip if you were! Two young ladies and Joe? It would be endless!\u201d He rolled his eyes but a smile lifted his lips. \u201cYou do sleep a lot, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTravel does that,\u201d Adam shrugged and opened his eyes to look at the bare plank ceiling. He knew that right behind his head, separated by thin boards and cheap plaster, lay the head of one of the two ladies. He wondered which one and found that the speculation kept him occupied as the sun set.<\/p>\n

Morning came in a rush of preparations and hurried breakfasts, the last time for the trip. Adam dared a glance over at the ladies and found them deep in harried conversation. He idly wondered what could animate them so at this time of the morning, but his real attention was on the unexpected matter he and his father had failed to dispatch back in Kansas.<\/p>\n

When the time came to board, it was Ben who stepped in front of Adam to offer his hand, first to India Montague, who thanked him very much, and then Patience Montague, who was civil. Then Ben surprised his son by cutting in front and ensuring he sat across from India. He met her eyes with a twinkle and wished he\u2019d had time for a shave.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour studies have absorbed you, Miss. I trust you have managed to see some of the beauty of at least the approach to the Sierra Nevada Range? It is quite breathtaking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shot his father a look as he squished over to make room for the two passengers joining them.<\/p>\n

India closed her book. \u201cI have. It is as you say, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cThere is a lake back there in the mountains\u2014\u201d he pointed in the direction of Lake Tahoe, hidden away from view but crystal clear in his mind\u2014\u201cso blue it takes your breath away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Patience interrupted. \u201cThank you, sir, but we are headed to our cousin\u2019s home in Virginia City, not up in the mountains.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just where do you think Virginia City is?\u201d Adam said with some shock. He leaned forward to glance between the young women. \u201cYou have no idea, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Patience put her hand on her cousin\u2019s to silence her. India snapped a look back but kept her peace. \u201cSir,\u201d Patience said with care, \u201cour affairs are not your concern; pray leave us alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you wish,\u201d Ben replied pleasantly but his eyes met India\u2019s and he offered a small smile without comment.<\/p>\n

Adam was about to speak about manners, but the look he saw pass between his father and the darker haired young woman gave him pause. Then she looked at him and the slight roll of her eyes made him smile and forget his lecture. He was quite prepared to leave his questions for another time, preferably if he should meet India without her rather prim and priggish cousin along.<\/p>\n

It seemed the opinion of the one was not shared by the other.<\/p>\n

Much like myself and Joe, or Hoss, <\/i>Adam thought wryly. Or even me and Pa.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The stage pulled in fifteen minutes late. India was agog at the size and busyness of the place. There was a constant clang and crunch that echoed as a headache inducing undertone, and then there was the noise of a city: people, horses, wagons, shouting. The hubbub caught the girls and pulled them apart from their fellow travelers as they looked around for their cousin, one Reginald Montague. Trying to sort out their trunks and peer around for Reggie, they missed the two men who came to greet the two cowboys. India was too concerned with the vagrants eyeing their trunks, while Patience was bobbing around looking for dependable Reggie.<\/span><\/span>\u201cPa!\u201d Joe fairly bounced. \u201cWe got the cable about the price you got per head! I guess you still got it in you!\u201d\u201cYes, Joe, but there\u2019s another matter, and you\u2019d better listen closely,\u201d Ben said with gravity. Joe froze and his face fell. Ben put a large hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cThe Collins family has a bone to pick with you.\u201d\u201cThe who?\u201d Joe said with concern, thinking hard. \u201cOh, yeah,\u201d a little smile lifted the corner of his lips at the memory. The smile stopped and turned into a gasp when a strong fist grabbed his vest and nearly lifted him straight up.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah, indeed!\u201d Adam snarled. \u201cPa and I were nearly beat into the ground thanks to your \u2018oh, yeah,\u2019 and the girl says you promised marriage. So they\u2019re gonna see to it that you do just that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, but,\u201d Joe grabbed his eldest brother\u2019s forearm and tried to shake that grip. It was unmovable. \u201cBut I NEVER!\u201d he turned to his father. \u201cI didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever what, Joe?\u201d Adam wasn\u2019t about to stop his tirade. \u201cNever promised her marriage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever touched her, not like that! Not much. You know,\u201d Joe gulped. \u201cI know better, Adam. You know I do. And I sure as shootin\u2019 never said I\u2019d marry her! Hey, she isn\u2019t\u2026\u201d Joe started to panic. \u201cBecause I NEVER!!\u201d His eyes went wide and he started to wave his hands as though trying to declare peace.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she isn\u2019t,\u201d Adam snapped and let his youngest brother go. He\u2019d gotten the steam out; now he could listen a bit better. \u201cLet\u2019s get home,\u201d he hitched his pants up a bit. \u201cI need some good cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI never, I swear I never!\u201d he intoned and looked up at his father. \u201cThey\u2019re coming?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey want you to come to them, Joe, and marry the girl within a fortnight, and if you don\u2019t, they\u2019ll be here. Mark my words.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss, who had waited patiently through all this, spoke up rather quickly. \u201cWell, in the meantime I suggest you two go hit up a hot bath and a shave. I don\u2019t want to have to put up with yer smell all the way home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Adam, who was already looking skyward for an additional dose of patience. Both men rubbed their scruffy beards, exchanged a chagrined look and then nodded. \u201cYou go make sure everything is ready,\u201d Ben said to Hoss, who nodded seriously. \u201cThen we\u2019ll meet you in the Silver Dollar. No more than half an hour!\u201d he added with a wag of his finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa,\u201d Joe and Hoss chimed in. For the rare time, Joe didn\u2019t look too happy despite the thought of the Silver Dollar. The Collins family was a mean bunch who dealt fairly, but if you crossed them you were most likely their enemy for life. They took the Bible very seriously; at the least the father did, Joe corrected himself, and while they didn\u2019t meet up with the Cartwrights too often, their business lines paralleled, and that meant they did meet at certain times. Joe shook his head. He knew there was going to be some big trouble over this, and he hadn\u2019t even earned it this time. But he felt he should be part of solving it. He\u2019d plead his case and stick to his guns. In fact, he was more than a bit irked. After all, she\u2019d been the one to want more and he\u2019d held back out of respect for her and her family. Who was she to run around saying these things?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cAnd you girls will share this room!\u201d Cousin Reginald opened the door to a small tidy space. His face was full of delight at the safe arrival of his two city cousins. He was a confirmed bachelor and had trouble keeping a housekeeper or maid for any length of time, to his dismay and confusion. He had vague hopes that his cousins would put all that in order before getting married to some decent fellows and getting on with whatever married women did.<\/span><\/span>Patience looked around, placed a pleasant smile on her face and thanked Reggie for his thoughtfulness. India managed to follow along, but was feeling claustrophobic even before their trunks were brought in.\u201cWell, you girls won\u2019t have to share for long!\u201d Reggie said brightly. \u201cWith all the bachelors here who want wives, I know you\u2019ll both be wed in no time!\u201dIndia felt her back stiffen at the way her future was tossed aside as though predetermined. \u201cI have no intentions of ever marrying,\u201d she said in a low, even, cultured voice that hid her anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, capital! You can stay here and tend my house!\u201d Reggie still emanated delight from every pore.<\/p>\n

India went so rigid that if lightning hit her it would bounce. She could not form a single word, much less a sentence, and she knew that Patience was fighting not to burst out laughing. Reggie took his leave and went downstairs, and still India had not moved.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndy?\u201d Patience started to giggle. \u201cBreathe. If you faint it will be Reggie reviving you!\u201d she teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood God,\u201d India exhaled, then inhaled very carefully. She did feel faint. \u201cThe mere suggestion just about sent me running for the nearest male.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven those crass cowboys on the stage?\u201d Patience lifted an eyebrow and fought another giggle. \u201cTheir rough hands,\u201d she started to pull off a glove finger by finger, \u201cand you\u2019d be mending clothes forever. The dark one, I forget his name, he looked like a real scrapper. Just think! You could spend your time bailing him out of jail!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter than the apparent alternative,\u201d India said in an undertone and she too began to take off her gloves. She thought back to the men on the stagecoach. \u201cFrankly, they did not strike me quite that way, Paish. They were quite well spoken. And although you predicted molestation, none was attempted, not even a look went astray.\u201d India shrugged casually, although the memory of those big black boots sliding under her skirts did make a sudden return.<\/p>\n

The cousins settled in quite quickly and found their Cousin Reggie still as he had always been: fussy, not as witty as he thought, and rather painful but incredibly well-meaning. India had always done her best to stand up for him in the past, even getting in a few fights as small children, and Reggie always bowed a bit to her as a result. But when you come from a family of seven brothers, and their fathers had, and who mostly had capable sons and a few daughters scattered in the mix, the strange boy was bound to be thumped, despite the intentions of the one girl. It had led Reggie out West on his own, with long letters of adventures that even his father barely read. However, sitting in his parlour as he re-told some of them, his image shifted a bit in the girls\u2019 eyes. It seemed Reggie was doing much better for himself out here.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there is a big fair in three days, a rather impromptu affair, you must attend and be introduced. A dance, a box social, even a roping competition with a solid silver cup for first prize, from what I hear!\u201d Reggie leaned back in his chair and puffed his pipe rather confidently. \u201cJust you two wait and see. You\u2019ll do well here!\u201d<\/p>\n

India\u2019s hands shook as she folded them. The enormity of what she faced was sinking in as the moments passed. The expectation of marriage loomed as Reggie spoke with eager glee about the potential men available in and around the city. She wondered at how frugally she could live and if her small annuity from her parents would stretch far enough in this raw, new place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cI swear to high heaven that if you mess this up, Indy\u2026\u201d Patience said firmly as she double-checked her hair in the small mirror. She did not bother to finish the threat.<\/span><\/span>India was oddly quiet as she waited for Patience to finish examining her appearance.Both young ladies were done up quite nicely, all ready for Reggie to squire them out the door and down the sidewalk, then down the steep hill, to the main street where they would join in the fair. All day yesterday he\u2019d been regaling them with names of notable bachelors and their particulars; who was in the saloons too much, who was in debt, who went to church regularly, and who tended their businesses properly, in Reggie\u2019s opinion. He had even gone so far as to prepare two lists, one for each cousin, of names they should not entertain any suit from in any way.Patience had her list memorized while India had scanned the names and begun to ask why the men were on it. If she didn\u2019t agree with the answer, she\u2019d crossed the name out. Reggie had been taken aback, but India did not consider \u201ccaught kissing a saloon girl,\u201d or \u201cattends improper theater\u201d to immediately disqualify a man. Not that she was looking for a husband. She looked at the list and sighed, then tossed it away when out of Reggie\u2019s sight.<\/p>\n

But now he was waiting like a jumpy squirrel at the bottom of the stairs. His relief at their appearance was quite obvious. \u201cOh, thank heavens, you\u2019re both prettied up. India, you did very well, all things considered. I\u2019d not have thought you could turn out so very nicely. Well, let\u2019s get going.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Joe was frankly shocked that he was included in the trip into town for the fair. Yes, Pa and Adam and Hoss had believed him when he\u2019d said it was just kissing, and it truly had been, but with the trouble headed their way in not quite two weeks he didn\u2019t know how Pa was going to handle any social outings other than church. Apparently his father was sending a strong message: Joe was innocent.<\/p>\n

Of course, that meant that Becky was a liar. And that meant the Collinses were going to be showing up in spades.<\/p>\n

Things were in full swing by lunch, with jam judging, pie contests, largest egg award, and so much more. This fair didn\u2019t even have a name\u2014it was just a \u201cwe haven\u2019t had a fair in a while\u201d fair. The Cartwrights managed to get their horses into the last few spots at the best livery stable and Adam had nearly regretted insisting they all ride separately until all the beasts were nicely stabled. But wagons weren\u2019t any good for getaways and Adam was going to get Joe home early if things started getting said that had no call to be said. Who knew what might go on, because gossip ran faster than a scared jackrabbit and the telegraph only made things worse. A single misplaced inquiry could cause the Collins affair to erupt without a Collins in sight.<\/p>\n

A block away Reggie led his cousins along, his head held high. He looked forward to completing many introductions, and if he had his way India was going to change her silly mind about this marriage business. Three days with her had already convinced him that his offer to let her run his house had been ill-thought out. Not that she wasn\u2019t a brilliant housekeeper, in fact she was every bit as capable as Patience, if not more so. But she laughed too much and bickered with Widow Schultz next door about the Chinese and their place and was on entirely the wrong side of that argument in Reggie\u2019s opinion. She read the newspaper front to back, every word, and had a few opinions about the articles. It was too much for Reggie. And Patience: she really was no better. She watched everything all the time and managed to say things that sounded so sweet but if you thought about it perhaps they weren\u2019t. But she was keen on meeting a marriageable man and so had Reggie\u2019s approval.<\/p>\n

Either way, he had to get both of them married and soon, or go mad with petticoats, women\u2019s talk, tatting, bickering, hairstyles, pie making and hatpins left on the foyer table.<\/p>\n

Reginald Montague was a man with a mission once he and his escorted cousins arrived at the goings-on. All afternoon he ensured introductions were made and pleasantries exchanged, although India\u2019s meekness was making him uneasy. He hoped she would improve by the evening and show a little more spark, but not too much, of course. He didn\u2019t want any potential suitors frightened off.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dusk came a little earlier each night. The sky was clear, but the bulk of the mountain took up much of the horizon, and a sliver of a moon peeked around a few wispy clouds. The dark tonight was no matter; lanterns lit the street in excess. Saloons girls in pretty, inappropriate dresses lounged around the doors of their establishments, and the regular folk just got on with having fun in the street. There was dancing and beer drinking, and of all people to win the coveted silver cup, Hoss had promptly filled it with beer and taken a long drink to the delight of the crowd, no matter that the silver gave the beer an off taste.<\/span><\/span>Hoss was lounging on a hitching post, Adam a few strides away while Joe danced with a woman many years older, and plainly the youngest Cartwright was having a grand time. \u201cI\u2019ll keep an eye on him, Adam. You go have some fun.\u201d\u201cI can\u2019t have fun with this on my mind,\u201d Adam shrugged. \u201cI was on the receiving end of their opinion of Joe\u2019s innocence, which I protested in likewise manner at the time.\u201d He lifted his hand up to rub his jaw and recalled the wicked fight with Mike Collins, Becky\u2019s oldest brother, a little too vividly.\u201cYeah, but I got his back for now. You go let loose for a while. Just don\u2019t make me have to use my winnings to bail you out.\u201d Hoss winked and took another drink from the shiny silver cup.<\/p>\n

Adam, who\u2019d not made it out of the bottom rankings thanks to a gust of wind knocking his first roping attempt of the day askew, nodded after a moment\u2019s plain thinking. \u201cI won\u2019t go far,\u201d he promised. \u201cBut I sure wouldn\u2019t mind seeing if Melinda Strauss is free. You got lucky today,\u201d he added with a happy grin.<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged. \u201cAnd you didn\u2019t,\u201d he grinned. \u201cNow git.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Reggie was in his glory as he introduced around two pretty ladies who received the instant approval of everyone they met. He\u2019d had a wonderful afternoon feeling proud to squire his cousins around his adopted home. They behaved splendidly, didn\u2019t bicker (even with each other\u2014a small miracle) and India even started to smile after a while.<\/p>\n

Reggie knew if he could get India to smile like that that a lot more he\u2019d be tossing flowers at her wedding in no time.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, my.\u201d Patience nudged her cousin as last of the lanterns was lit. \u201cYour cowboy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy what?\u201d India turned away from examining a blue ribbon winning pair of crocheted gloves. It wasn\u2019t hard to figure out who Patience meant for he not only towered, he loomed. And he still wore black. \u201cOh well, they do live around here, it is to be expected,\u201d she looked just a moment too long. \u201cAnd he\u2019s not mine any more than he\u2019s yours!\u201d she retorted hastily.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? He kicked me, but tucked those big dusty boots under your hem quite neatly,\u201d Patience grinned and then tried to look severe.<\/p>\n

India\u2019s eyes went wide. \u201cYou saw?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d she stopped the giggle. \u201cNow, now, what is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

A woman of no more than middle age had stopped the big man by standing aggressively in front of him. It appeared she had a bone to pick. The man\u2019s eyes narrowed, but his stance stayed calm. India could not help drifting over. The woman was really giving the cowboy a piece of her mind, and his replies were falling on deaf ears. Another woman of similar age joined the first, and the cowboy put his hands on his gunbelt and tried once again to speak.<\/p>\n

When India heard the nature of the complaint she stepped forward, despite Patience nearly hanging off her arm. \u201cA waistcoat and starched shirt?\u201d she said in disbelief. \u201cBut this is an outdoor fair, nothing formal. Pray tell why you harangue this poor man to half to death over something so unnecessary?\u201d<\/p>\n

The first woman turned to face the question and looked India up and down. There was no fault to find with her dress so she went for deportment. \u201cYoung lady, you are interrupting a matter you know nothing about. Pray leave us.\u201d<\/p>\n

But those hazel eyes begged her to stay in just a glance. Now clean shaven and washed, his lips clearly quirked up with a little hope. India slid in front of the man in black, set her shoulders, and launched into a short, pointed statement about haranguing working men who were minding their own business. She won.<\/p>\n

It was a pyrrhic victory for all. India was whisked away by Reggie. The blonde from the stagecoach held up a warning finger, stalling Adam long enough that he\u2019d have to bull his way through to get to the lady who had defended him. But he\u2019d caught her name, and he knew Reggie. And he knew where Reggie lived. Adam let the Montague family slide into the crowd while he stood still. Then he started to laugh.<\/p>\n

Not a quarter hour after departing from his brothers, Adam fairly waltzed back to find Hoss, who was watching Joe, who was talking with some friends. Hoss glanced at his older brother, then gaped when he took a second glance. \u201cYou find Melinda?\u201d he asked with a raised eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, what?\u201d Adam finally focused on Hoss. He frowned. \u201cNo,\u201d he said and felt the grin start up all over again.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeen drinking?\u201d Hoss asked rather pointedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d Adam folded his hands across his belt buckle. The little laugh that escaped was stifled, then escaped again. It turned into a full-fledged chuckle that brought out those famous dimples and even the laugh lines around his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been drinking, or else you got hit in the head,\u201d Hoss looked Adam up and down. \u201cWhat got you all silly?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam tilted his head back so far that his hat nearly fell off as he looked at the sky. He rescued it but kept his eyes on the moon. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever been quite so thoroughly defended in a long time. Holy crumb,\u201d he sighed dreamily. His shoulder tingled because he was wearing the shirt from the trip to Kansas. He planned to keep this shirt for a good, long while.<\/p>\n

\u201cTime to go,\u201d Ben came up to clap Hoss on the shoulder. He glanced at Adam before taking a long second glance. \u201cAdam?\u201d He waved his hand to catch his eldest\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Pa,\u201d Adam replied automatically but it took a few moments before he budged. When he did, he didn\u2019t have much else to say for the entire trip home.<\/p>\n

And if that had been the end of it all, Joe might have faced a completely different future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cYou cleaned that stall three times already,\u201d Hoss said with a grin and leaned on his pitchfork to take a good look at his older brother looking off into the distance. \u201cOr at least you\u2019ve been standin\u2019 there long enough.\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam came back to the present. He jolted and looked around. \u201cAh, damn. Sorry Hoss.\u201d He put his back into his work for a few minutes until he realized Hoss was still looking at him. \u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d\u201cNothin\u2019. Nothin\u2019 at all,\u201d he chuckled and went back to work with a smirk. \u201cYou got that new look on your face,\u201d he added after a few minutes.\u201cWhat look?\u201d Adam grumbled as he mucked Jupiter\u2019s stall.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, like a stunned bunny in a clover patch,\u201d Hoss said as he scooped and tossed manure into the wheelbarrow. \u201cAll bowled over and content at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped shoveling. He leaned on the shovel and took a good look at his brother. \u201cYou care to repeat that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said,\u201d Hoss started to smile, \u201cYou look like a stunned bunny in a clover patch, older brother. And don\u2019t try smacking me with that shovel, I\u2019m all prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not look like a stunned bunny!\u201d Adam snorted. He stood up straight. \u201cIn any patch.\u201d there was more than a grain of truth in Hoss\u2019s observation but he couldn\u2019t just let this go.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d Joe said as he strolled in and smacked dust out of his pants.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just telling older brother there that he\u2019s been looking like a stunned bunny all week,\u201d Hoss chuckled and pointed at his victim. \u201cIn a clover patch,\u201d he added with emphasis.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty much,\u201d Joe nodded curtly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not in any way resemble a stunned bunny!\u201d Adam said and laughed despite himself. \u201cStunned bunny,\u201d he muttered and went back to work.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you have been a bit,\u201d Joe searched for words. \u201cTwitterpated,\u201d he said with a smirk. \u201cSo who\u2019s the gal?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no gal,\u201d Adam said gruffly. He kept his back to the troublemaking pair to hide that stupid smile that he knew had come back of its own forcible accord. It took a moment to school his expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure there is,\u201d Joe said with a laugh. \u201cJust that usually you\u2019re more on the reluctant side. This time you seem all happy and keen and more like, well, like me when I meet a gal who just knocks me flat!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? Reluctant? Then she\u2019s not the right gal. Ah, you mean Mrs. Dayton, now Mrs. Cartwright, on a different branch of the Cartwright tree,\u201d Adam shrugged and kept his face neutral even though he faced a stall. \u201cThat is done and gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely,\u201d Hoss said quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Laura,\u201d Joe said pointedly. \u201cSo who is the filly that got through all those walls you built up, big brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no filly.\u201d Adam gritted his teeth. His fingers tightened on the handle of the shovel. \u201cAnd no walls.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t get all fired up, Adam. We\u2019re glad for you. Aren\u2019t we, Joe?\u201d Hoss said quickly. He hadn\u2019t liked the way the Laura incident had come up and was madly trying to plaster over it and restore calm, and from the look of Joe, he agreed with the sentiment. \u201cSo tell us who she is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam spun around rather abruptly and checked himself. \u201cNo one,\u201d he replied with a glare that should have warned them off.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe sighed and slouched against the post nearest his brother. \u201cWe know you. C\u2019mon. Spill.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss watched as Adam considered the situation, then the mask crumbled to reveal a hesitant smile, and those dimples showed up and said the smile was real. Adam\u2019s shoulders relaxed and he finally leaned against the wall of Jupiter\u2019s stall. \u201cShe came in on the stage with Pa and me. And she\u2019s a real piece of work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, you mean that in a good way? Or you mean that in a more exciting way?\u201d Hoss asked eagerly.<\/p>\n

Joe nearly jumped with glee and wanted to punch the air and whoop, but he stayed still to listen as Adam finally opened up.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged and smiled a little more. It felt so good to finally tell about the encounter with Miss India Montague, whose name had had learned from her cousin calling her away. Sharing the encounter made it feel more real. His heart raced as he said, \u201cIn a good way.\u201d He stepped forward to speak in a lower voice, \u201cI spent days with her and her cousin on the stage and didn\u2019t say hardly a word. I thought she couldn\u2019t stand me but I wasn\u2019t sure. Then just last night when Mrs. Donohue started in on me about not dressing properly, Miss India Montague stepped in and told her off. This little chit of a gal with no cause to help me stood right in front of me and defended me.\u201d Adam grinned and lifted his hands as though putting them on invisible shoulders. \u201cAnd she let me sleep on the stage without booting me, and she even instigated getting this very shirt sewn up. Mike Collins was the one who tore it, I might add.\u201d He shot a look at Joe that didn\u2019t last long.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you liked her, this India, before?\u201d Hoss hitched his thumbs in his belt buckle. \u201cAnd now you like her a lot more?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked upward, then back to Hoss, then to Joe. He saw their subtle hope and it shamed him. \u201cI can like a gal, can\u2019t I?\u201d he said softly with a voice full of longing. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t mean I have to run out and be made a fool of all over again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe strode the two paces between him and his brother to stop right in front of Adam, squared off and defiant. \u201cOlder brother, I think if you don\u2019t ride into town tomorrow that you will deeply disappoint me and Hoss. Deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDeeply.\u201d Hoss straightened up and glared down his nose. He could see the naked joy that was returning to Adam\u2019s too-sober face. \u201cWant us to go with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! No.\u201d Adam started to laugh and really broke up when Joe hugged him and tried to pick him up. Feet off the barn floor, Adam\u2019s belly laugh broke up his brothers and made the horses nicker and neigh. \u201cPut me down, Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe spun around once first for good measure and was laughing with delight as he set his big brother back on his feet. \u201cYou sure you don\u2019t want me to come? I mean, if this gal likes to defend you, I can give her a hundred things to defend you on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat kind of help really isn\u2019t help, Joe,\u201d Hoss chuckled. \u201cAll right Adam, if you can stop impersonatin\u2019 a stunned bunny, Joe and I will cover for you tomorrow and you get your sorry butt into town, y\u2019hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded thoughtfully. Now that he\u2019d confessed what had been occupying him he felt the euphoria slipping away. Was he ready? As he raised his eyes he saw his brothers looking at him with matching glares that brooked little pity. Get going,<\/i> the looks said. Don\u2019t let Laura win.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Patience was ready to throttle Reggie.<\/span><\/span>He meant well. The callers were all carefully chosen, suitable men of a certain caliber. Unfortunately, Patience had quite a different idea about what kind of caliber she was looking for. She was good looking, capable, and had a decent annuity as well as good family connections. The men coming to visit may have been decent souls, but they certainly weren\u2019t meeting her standards. Shopkeepers, barbers, a bank clerk, three lawyers, and an accountant. All over forty. Like Reggie.India had struggled more valiantly, especially now that she knew how vulnerable she was. At Reggie\u2019s mercy, and that of her family via him, and so far away from any familiar faces was making her much less confident in her ability to remain unmarried and survive on her own. Prices here were very high. Accommodations for ladies were rare and bare, as she thought rather wryly. Nevertheless, that spark still burned in her, that desire to be free, not to be at a man\u2019s mercy if he chose to take everything away.But for all India\u2019s attempts to be civil and carry on polite conversation, she had been the recipient of more than a few lewd remarks and one straightforward grope yesterday afternoon. She\u2019d smacked the man quite hard and now could not bring herself to go downstairs and face the current callers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell them you\u2019re indisposed,\u201d Patience said with a wry smile. \u201cBeing icy and reserved seems to keep those types at bay, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not know,\u201d India shivered. \u201cI\u2019d never thought to be a piece of meat on a butcher\u2019s block.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Indy, you\u2019ve always seen yourself as above all this,\u201d Patience softened her words with a hug. \u201cYou\u2019ll learn. The men back home had breeding and honour. You could run a little wild and still say no and they would laugh. Here, you show a hint of pleasantry to these types and they think they own you.\u201d<\/p>\n

India hugged her cousin back. \u201cI\u2019ll just bust into pieces if this keeps up.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Adam was ready to mount and head off when Ben surprised his son by not going to his desk, but coming out into the yard. He was caught off guard at the sight of his eldest about to ride away. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u201cPa! I, uh,\u201d Adam knew he was grinning and hated feeling like he\u2019d been caught doing something wrong. Joe and Hoss had promised to cover today and were perfectly capable. \u201cI thought I\u2019d head into town.\u201d\u201cLong ride for no reason,\u201d Ben was truly curious. \u201cOr is there?\u201dAdam\u2019s hand fluttered up to his hair as he sought words. \u201cYes?\u201d He started to laugh. \u201cYes, Pa, there is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what might it be?\u201d Ben raised a curious eyebrow and was getting a pretty clear picture from Adam\u2019s rather merry expression, lightness of being and the fact he\u2019d been acting like a moonstruck schoolboy for a week.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Hoss and Joe are looking after things today,\u201d Adam said and turned to his horse. He wanted to just ride off but knew there would be too many questions. \u201cI plan to go see if my suit will be acceptable to a rather improbable lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA lady?\u201d Ben was immediately interested. \u201cYou met a gal while all this mess\u2026 ah, the fair,\u201d he nodded. \u201cThat explains your behavior this past week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Given the warm reception from his brothers, Adam poured out his heart. \u201cOh, Pa, I know it\u2019s sudden, but I\u2019ve been thinking about her all week. She stood up for me to that woman who keeps going on about how I should dress, and she gave me a look that sent a hot shiver right down my spine, I swear! All those days on the stage, thinking she thought I was just some dumb cowpoke and best of all, she still doesn\u2019t know who I am.\u201d Adam leaned well forward, his face animated, his eyes shining. \u201cIndia won\u2019t let anyone get put down; she speaks up! But she isn\u2019t all aggressive like a suffragette or anything. She\u2019s\u2014\u201d he looked up while thinking and still smiling like a fool. \u201cSweet. But salty. Like she has iron underneath.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben fought to keep his eyebrows down and his face a lot straighter than it wanted to be. The images associated with that kind of description were best left alone. \u201cIndia? Miss India Montague? From the stagecoach? The two of you said next to nothing on the trip. Adam, this is a bit quick, don\u2019t you think? \u201d<\/p>\n

The seriousness of his father\u2019s tone brought Adam a bit closer to earth. \u201cWell, a bit,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019d say Miss Montague would stand up for anyone being put down for no good reason,\u201d Ben went on even though he knew he might be hurting his still vulnerable son. \u201cDid you speak to her? Did she encourage you beyond a look?\u201d<\/p>\n

Strong, wide shoulders built from years of hard work sagged a bit. \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t speak outright, but it was quite a look.\u201d And as much as it bothered him, Adam had to admit he wasn\u2019t as certain any longer. And he\u2019d been out at the ranch for a full week, no doubt forgotten as a country boy, just as he\u2019d been described by Mrs. Donohue, who had received an earful from India over it. It was the way she\u2019d stood up for him that had given Adam hope and now it faded like a flame being doused with a waterfall of reality. His own reason started to mock him; it was too fast, he\u2019d read too much into her look, he needed to slow down, she\u2019d been given a tiger\u2026.<\/i><\/p>\n

Ben hated to see the joy fall from his son. He put his hand on Adam\u2019s now sloped shoulder and sighed. \u201cShe sounds like a handful. Two handfuls. And you did say you foresee a wife that is quiet and well spoken.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded slowly and very reluctantly. Those thoughts he\u2019d discussed with his father about what he wanted in a wife, hopeful that Pa could see clear to guiding him to a decent, proper, quiet woman so he could get married soon, now all those words meant nothing. If anything they felt like chains pulling him into an abyss of duty and obligation.<\/p>\n

He balled his hands into fists and knew where his duty lay. \u201cYou\u2019re right, Pa. It\u2019s just a passing fancy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam led his horse back to the barn.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWhat the hey?\u201d Joe poked his head down from the hayloft. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u201cI may have acted rashly,\u201d Adam intoned as he kept walking Sport along.\u201cNo! No,\u201d Joe, who had been trying to accurately calculate how much hay they could haul up today, scrambled down the ladder to catch his older brother\u2019s arm. His urgency made him pull quite hard and bring Adam to a forcible halt. Joe looked at the scowl, the pursed lips and dull eyes that had been dancing like mad at breakfast. \u201cPa?\u201d Joe sighed.Adam nodded. \u201cHe\u2019s right.\u201d His face was empty of hope.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Joe shrugged and took the reins from Adam\u2019s unresisting grasp. \u201cIf you\u2019re going to give up that easily,\u201d he shrugged again and dared to look for a reaction.<\/p>\n

A little spark flared. \u201cI\u2019m not giving up. I\u2019m just making sense.\u201d Adam felt his heart beat harder as he uttered the words in a monotone. His heart thumping in his chest was making a liar of his words.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNope. You\u2019re giving up. Now,\u201d he handed the reins back, \u201cdo you ride into town, or do I? This lady sounds like the kind of gal I\u2019d like \u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had already sidestepped his brother and mounted before Joe could finish. A look of understanding flowed between them before Adam tipped his hat to Joe with a growing smile. He winked at Joe and urged his horse straight out of the barn and down the road.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up from his desk with wide eyes at the sound of rapid hoofbeats. He pondered this change of events for a moment before rolling his eyes at the actions of a certain son, but he smiled. Adam was a man and had been for a while. If he felt this strongly about a woman then best to let him go even if it meant he got his heart broken all over again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Adam knew where Reginald Montague, surveyor, lived. It was a solid two-storey house, at least on the front street, and it sat on a corner lot. But from the back it was one storey and a bit thanks to the steepness of the mountain Virginia City was built on. He rode down the avenue at a leisurely pace, watching for the street the house faced.<\/span><\/span>As an engineer, Adam had had cause to have words with the surveyor once or twice, and the last time had been about a certain property line on the east face of the Truckee strip. The man was good at his work, but sometimes his work was at cross purposes with the future of the Ponderosa. Still, the punch had only laid the man out for a few minutes, so he hoped no hard feelings still existed.Since Adam was riding down the connecting street on his horse, he had the advantage of seeing India climb out of a back window on the second floor, or one and a half, to be technical. She balanced on the window ledge. His heart stopped and he urged his mount forward to catch her, certain she would lose her grip and fall.Adam reined in along the side of the house as India waved at him. Cautiously, he waved back. She held up her finger to her lips to shush him, then rather too expertly swung her legs right over the windowsill to dangle from her fingers for a moment before letting go and dropping the last few feet unharmed. He\u2019d seen that she wore white lacy bloomers. That odd fact was all that kept him in his saddle instead of rushing to her side to see if she had been hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, the cowboy in black,\u201d India said quietly as she tiptoed up to him, rearranging her skirts and hair into some sort of order as she came. She looked bright eyed and victorious. \u201cHave you come to rescue me?\u201d<\/p>\n

His horse danced, but India put her hand flat on its nose and the gelding settled down to enjoy her attentions. Frankly, Adam had never been jealous of his horse until now. \u201cYes,\u201d he said as his smile grew and his heart soared. \u201cI am here to rescue you, fair India.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFull time, \u2019round-the-clock job, you know.\u201d she dropped him a rather knowing wink.<\/p>\n

Adam offered his hand to the impish looking lady whose bloomers he\u2019d just seen and she didn\u2019t seem to care. \u201cUp?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUp,\u201d she agreed quietly and took his hand and mounted with ease even with long skirts. She settled in on his saddle blanket with a quick motion then slid her arms around his chest and if he\u2019d been able to see her face he would have blushed. India looked at him as though he were the rarest treasure served up to her on a silver platter.<\/p>\n

\u201cShall we away to fairer country?\u201d he asked gallantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou talk funny for a cowboy,\u201d India whispered. \u201cBut I like it. As you wish. Away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had no qualms about urging his horse to leave the immediate area with moderate haste. He held India\u2019s forearm as the horse sprang forward, but there truly hadn\u2019t been any need. She tightened her grip on him at just the right time.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t a long ride to go right through town, and once out the other side Adam was at a bit of a loss, but he also felt a huge gain. He had India. He let the horse slow to a walk.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, we were never properly, or even improperly, introduced,\u201d she said as Adam twisted to look over his shoulder. Their eyes met, aqua to hazel, and both started to smile despite themselves. \u201cI\u2019m Miss India Montague, and I\u2019d offer you my hand if you weren\u2019t already holding it, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright,\u201d Adam replied and dared to tighten his fingers on hers just enough to make it clear this wasn\u2019t to do with keeping her steady. His thumb rubbed along hers just a fraction.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no, not Adam Cartwright,\u201d India started to laugh. \u201cThat is just my luck.\u201d She tightened her arms around him. \u201cCousin Reggie thinks you are inappropriate. Oh, no wonder he was furious that night at the fair! And those women, bullying you like that, how rude! I\u2019m so glad you laughed about it, though,\u201d she managed to say in two breaths. \u201cAll sobersides for four days on the stage, well, asleep most of the time, and then you turn out to have this infectious giggle for a man your size and occupation. Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reveled in the feel of her warmth on his back. \u201cAnd a pleasure to meet you, Miss India Montague. You cousin finds me inappropriate?\u201d he asked with a raised eyebrow even though she couldn\u2019t see it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Although he has not been able to explain why. He made up a list of men Paish and I must avoid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas I at the top of the list?\u201d Adam asked with a bit of pride.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Another Cartwright. Joseph,\u201d India laughed again when Adam snorted a bit derisively. \u201cYou know him, I gather?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy younger brother is the cause of much trouble,\u201d Adam didn\u2019t want to think about the trouble coming in a week or so. He wanted to be right here, right now, with her arms around him as he rode along, and he felt the world had improved considerably.<\/p>\n

\u201cReggie also said you\u2019re a stick in the mud,\u201d India said gravely but could not stop from laughing again as his thumb rubbed along the back of her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s true.\u201d Adam couldn\u2019t keep the smile off his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see a handsome devil,\u201d India said with some enthusiasm, \u201cwho is more than willing to claim to be rescuing women so he can ride off with them. Coincidentally, that\u2019s not your belt. It\u2019s my hand. But I\u2019m sure you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam started to laugh again as they rode past one of the bigger mines just outside the city. He lifted her hand up to his lips and dared to place a light kiss on her knuckles. \u201cDo I worry you?\u201d he asked with a hint of concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she replied confidently.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Adam retorted with some dismay, a little wounded at her apparent dismissal of his reputation.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I could get your gun before you could do anything about it while you moon over my left hand,\u201d she said a little too matter-of-factly. \u201cNot that I would, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of a woman thinks like that?\u201d Adam asked with a bit of suspicion.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne who thinks,\u201d India replied drolly. .<\/p>\n

One who thinks<\/i>. Adam let this rattle around in his head for a while as he tucked India\u2019s hand back down around waist level. He knew she wasn\u2019t dumb. He just hadn\u2019t figured her to be smart.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you be forgiven for running off with me?\u201d Adam changed the subject.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d India sighed and hitched a bit more forward on the blanket to get comfortable. This was a big gelding who was broad in the beam. The tops of her thighs came to rest along the backside of Adam\u2019s legs. She paused, checked his face, noted the bemused glance and blushed. \u201cI\u2019ll move back,\u201d she offered.<\/p>\n

His grip was like a gentle vise. \u201cNo need,\u201d he murmured and looked thoroughly contented.<\/p>\n

Adam took India for a quarter hour ride out of the city. She admired the lack of scenery, the wicked slope of the city and the lack of water and greenery.<\/p>\n

So Adam spoke of Lake Tahoe, and saw her eyes dance with delight as he craned his neck around sometimes to look at her, and saw that she looked at him. He spoke of the Ponderosa, his family and his work. India was intrigued enough to silence herself to listen to him and that made his chest swell.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you leave paradise to come here?\u201d India mused as they approached Virginia City from a different angle.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. Saloons, supplies.\u201d Adam started to grin then looked sideways at India, who was also grinning. They each had the grace to blush but didn\u2019t look away from each other for a good long while. \u201cMust your rescuer take you home right away?\u201d he asked quietly and wished he could nuzzle into her neck and take all sorts of liberties and vice versa.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d India said with a similar thought in her head. \u201cNot right away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw your bloomers,\u201d Adam commented after a moment. He felt he had to let India know.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right,\u201d she said firmly. \u201cMuch better than if I\u2019d only been wearing the petticoats.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam strangled and laughed so hard he nearly unseated them both.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Ben looked up from his book. It was full dark and Adam looked awfully happy about something as he hung up his hat. \u201cI was getting worried,\u201d he said with a hint of a question.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think\u2014\u201d Adam divested himself of his accoutrements\u2014\u201cI had a good day.\u201d The look on his face said there was no question it had been a good day, a great day and a fabulous day all rolled into one.<\/p>\n

\u201cFind what you were looking for?\u201d Ben asked gently.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s little grin turned quite wide. He looked down at his hands as he undid his gunbelt. \u201cI did,\u201d he said in a voice full of honey and sunshine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Stretched out in bed, Adam looked up at the slight noise at his door. It was Joe. It had to be. Hoss made more noise outside the door before opening it. Adam closed his borrowed book with his finger at his page and waited for the door to open. Sure enough, there was Joe in his nightshirt.<\/span><\/span>Joe took the lack of a book thrown at his head as an okay to slide into Adam\u2019s room and close the door. Not a floorboard squeaked as he came over to sit on that big bed. \u201cSo?\u201d he nearly bounced with needing to know.Adam leveled a glare at his youngest brother. \u201cDon\u2019t you have anything else to do?\u201d\u201cNope,\u201d Joe said firmly. \u201cNow I want to know everything because you had a grin on your face like I haven\u2019t seen since Hoss got stuck in the tub in \u2018Frisco. How was it? Did you get a kiss? C\u2019mon,\u201d he almost whined but the gleam in his eyes said he knew exactly how he sounded and didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne, a gentleman never kisses and tells,\u201d Adam looked rather superior, \u201ctwo, thanks Joe, for getting me going this morning, three,\u201d Adam held up his hand to still his brother\u2019s protests, \u201cI took India all over Virginia City today, we had dinner and even caught a show at the last minute, which made me so late, and when I took her home I told Mr. Reginald Montague that I\u2019ll be back in two weeks. Even if he does not allow it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA whole fortnight?\u201d Joe gulped. \u201cYou can wait a fortnight?\u201d he narrowed his eyes to see if Adam was serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I have a choice? The Collins family is coming and I\u2019m not letting you get railroaded into some sham marriage, Joe. I can\u2019t court in the middle of a feud.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Joe looked down at his hands. He looked at Adam\u2019s hands, so steady and sure, holding a book like he usually did at this time of night. \u201cDon\u2019t put this off, Adam. I haven\u2019t seen you so happy since\u2014\u201d he shrugged, \u201ca long time. I know we\u2019re not supposed to talk about Laura and all that, but maybe this gal is just the ticket. Don\u2019t go messing it up on account of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I can\u2019t sit by. This is Cartwright vs. Collins until it\u2019s settled, and I\u2019m a Cartwright.\u201d Adam sat up more to lift his pillows up before settling in again.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt this is more than a\u2014\u201d Adam looked upward as he sought for words\u2014\u201ca fancy. But it\u2019s the biggest fancy I\u2019ve had in a long time. And if it\u2019s more than that she\u2019ll wait. And so will I.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rubbed his chin thoughtfully. \u201cYou think Miss India likes you back as much as you like her?\u201d he was serious, and this was bothering him. Adam throwing away a chance at real courting with a gal who made him, and this was rare, a joy to be around?<\/p>\n

\u201cWho knows what lurks in the hearts of women?\u201d Adam shrugged and pulled the quilt back up to his chest. \u201cI never do. The older I get the thicker I get when it comes to gals, I\u2019ll admit it. And the younger they seem.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t about to give up. \u201cThey\u2019re not hard to figure out, you know,\u201d he said with a grin and a wink. \u201cIf I can do it, so can you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Long fingers rubbed along the satin edge of his wool blanket as Adam thought about the happenings that day. Joe watched his brother\u2019s face go through a gamut of expressions as the moments passed. Experience filled in the words; hopeful, gleeful, wry, back to gleeful, then pensive for a moment before settling on captivated. \u201cI don\u2019t want to figure India out,\u201d Adam admitted slowly while looking away from Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t need to figure her out,\u201d he corrected himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe not figure out, as such.\u201d Joe said quickly, not wanting to make Adam too thoughtful. That usually led to trouble. \u201cMaybe just look into her eyes and tell her she\u2019s the prettiest thing you\u2019ve ever seen. Works wonders!\u201d Joe said with a cocky wink.<\/p>\n

Thunder lurked in the dark eyebrow that quirked up. \u201cI think I know what I\u2019m doing. Romeo,\u201d Adam added meaningfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cPoint taken, Adam,\u201d Joe recoiled. A little smile still lifted his lips as hope refused to die. \u201cI\u2019m only saying that I think you did the right thing today, Adam; going into town and spending the day with her and coming home with a spark in your eyes that could set fire to half the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam rolled his eyes while tossing his hand up in frustration. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t be such a silly git at my age.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have been one years ago,\u201d Joe retorted quietly, chuckled, and settled in a bit more. It wasn\u2019t often he got to sit with Adam and just talk man to man. Once upon a time he\u2019d come running in when thunder cracked overhead, and then again when things had started to change and girls had started to look a lot better. His older brother seemed to have the girls pretty much figured out back then.<\/p>\n

Joe fluffed the pillows and fell back into them. \u201cMine\u2019s more comfortable,\u201d he grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen maybe you should get back to it,\u201d Adam grumbled, although he didn\u2019t sound as though he meant for Joe to go, not yet. \u201cBesides, this is broken in for me, not you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d Joe chuckled and squirmed to rearrange an already too flat feather pillow. \u201cWhat color are her eyes?\u201d He lay back to look up at the plastered ceiling hidden away in shadows. The lamp was low, just enough for reading.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlue green,\u201d Adam relaxed. He reflected on the reversal of their roles. A few years ago it was Joe coming in to talk about some girl or other and he had been the one to ask about such details. \u201cShe has a horrible Yankee accent; you\u2019ll hate her immediately,\u201d he added with a half smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh,\u201d Joe folded his arms behind his head. He nodded sagely. \u201cTall? Short?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMedium, for a gal,\u201d Adam closed his eyes for a moment, clearly remembering something judging from the smile that showed off those impressive dimples. He opened his eyes to look up at the ceiling, still lost in memory.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, ample?\u201d Joe\u2019s hand lifted and he laughed at the glare and lowered black eyebrows. The pursed lips followed a moment later. Their eyes met and both burst out laughing only to stifle it. Joe was indeed following the pattern his older brother had set some years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust fine,\u201d Adam shook his head as though put upon and raised his hands in silent supplication. \u201cI\u2019ve no idea how well she dances but she has great legs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sat up like a prairie dog smelling danger. \u201cOh? And I thought a gentleman never tells!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndia was climbing out a window when I arrived,\u201d Adam said smugly.<\/p>\n

That news set Joe into a chuckle. \u201cA real fire cracker, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam rubbed his shoulders further into the pile of soft pillows. \u201cA bit,\u201d he admitted finally.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Joe nodded and sank back into comfort. He noted that Adam had a lot more pillows on his bed and decided to bring that up to Pa soon. \u201cYou were nearly bored to death with Laura; it was like you two had already been married for years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snapped his head to glare at his brother. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t that bad!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was,\u201d Joe said firmly. \u201cYou liked Peggy. C\u2019mon, brother, we can be honest. I\u2019ve told you some pretty deep truths over time.\u201d<\/p>\n

This time it took Adam a while to reply. \u201cI liked the idea of being a father. I\u2019m not getting younger. I know Will is just as good, but still I wanted a chance,\u201d he trailed off and pushed his book over without thinking. \u201cA chance,\u201d he said the words like a prayer.<\/p>\n

Joe picked the book up and frowned. \u201cKerosene? Gas production?\u201d he flipped it open because he was Joe and always looked. \u201cHey, wait a minute!\u201d he sat up and looked at his brother in shock. \u201cThis is one of those damn fool novels! Look at the size of this thing!\u201d He flipped pages. \u201cIt\u2019s huge!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat, my dear brother, is the book India read on the stage. She heartily recommended burning it. I heartily agree based on what I\u2019ve read so far,\u201d Adam\u2019s grin was very devilish. He stretched triumphantly as Joe tried to speak and could not find words other than to stutter in disbelief.<\/p>\n

Finally Joe simply changed the subject. \u201cYou know, if you\u2019re going to be some sort of respectable married gentleman you\u2019re going to have to start wearing a nightshirt again,\u201d he said drily and made it out of the room with only one pillow flying at him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Reggie snuck a look at India as she ate her oatmeal.<\/span><\/span>Adam Cartwright.This was a pickle. Mr. Adam Cartwright was nothing more than trouble. Wealthy trouble, to be sure, but trouble. He frequented saloons, played at games of chance, missed church on a regular basis, had a trail of dead bodies that littered his past, fought duels, was a notoriously handsome rogue and yet had been dumped by Frank Dayton\u2019s widow for a penniless cousin. And everyone knew Frank had been no saint. And then there were the women before that, at least one dead in suspicious circumstances. None of it boded well. All the man had going for him was his claim to the Ponderosa and it wasn\u2019t until he truly explained the Ponderosa to India last night that she\u2019d become quiet and had gone to bed.Patience was losing her patience. \u201cOh India, here we go again. You know people will talk about this. All day with this cowboy. A rich one, perhaps, but still,\u201d she clucked her tongue as she finished her breakfast. \u201cAnd that will impact me. Stop being silly. If you don\u2019t wish to marry, fine and well, but then at least mind your ways and stay out of trouble! And most assuredly you should not accept the suit of some fellow who can\u2019t find a wife even with his money and position in the community! Why, you might wind up dead from what Reggie says!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t seek him out,\u201d India said quietly. Rich. That changed things. She\u2019d thought he meant he and his family had a simple ranch and could see this lake, not that they seemed to own most of it. Would he think her a gold digger? Would he think his wealth gave him extra rights? Was this delightful start to what she\u2019d thought of as a real romance, with her heart racing and missing him like mad, going to turn into merely a prelude to one of those indecent proposals she\u2019d received before from men with not even half Adam\u2019s apparent wealth? Not that she\u2019d told him yet that she opposed marriage. Most men proposed their illicit plans after she\u2019d spoken her mind about how poorly women were viewed under the marriage laws.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if he remembers to come again, this time insist on proper behavior. Sit in the parlor. All the money in the world can\u2019t buy respectability,\u201d Patience said bluntly.<\/p>\n

India shifted thoughtfully. \u201cYou know, Paish, you sound a little jealous,\u201d she said quietly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Joe lay in bed that night and thought. He\u2019d already been doing a lot of thinking, and a lot of it was about how Pa and Adam seemed to be excluding him from their solution to the Collins problem. He was no kid anymore and had a pretty good track record of tackling things and getting good results. True, sometimes things went south, but he recalled when Adam and Hoss were his age and not everything worked right for either of them. But they had tackled things nonetheless.<\/span><\/span>The girl\u2019s motives were fairly easy for Joe to discern. She wanted the notoriety, he figured, and somehow it had gone too far. At least three months had passed since he\u2019d seen her and hell, he didn\u2019t even recall her first name for certain. He\u2019d wooed three girls since then and was looking for number four, although there was nothing serious on his horizon at the moment.He kicked off his bedspread and thought of Adam\u2019s bad luck with women. He didn\u2019t want to go down that road himself. It was rare that anything got \u201csobersides\u201d to lighten up lately, and the tension in the house about NOT speaking that name wasn\u2019t easing quite yet. But in light of the bedtime conversation maybe that d\u00e9tente was about to end.A smirk grew into a chuckle as he thought of that book. Any gal who did that had to have a sense of humor. Joe yawned and stretched out as he thought a bit more about what kind of gal could not only stand up for a Cartwright instead of expecting the Cartwright to stand up for her and do up a prank like that book. All he knew, as his eyes closed and moonlight silvered his hair, was that Adam deserved this chance and he, Joe Cartwright wasn\u2019t going to let any silly Collins girl or Collins feud stand in the way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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India expected a very difficult fortnight. Right off the bat she dressed as sedately as possible, knotted her hair down into a tight bun instead up the usual upswept manner she preferred and went downstairs after Patience. Yesterday had been a whimsy, a last kick at the bucket of life. Now there was a piper to pay for that freedom and she was quite ready. If Adam were the catch he seemed to be, she doubted he\u2019d be back. But in the meantime she could make herself useful around the house.<\/span><\/span>Reggie was ambivalent. Patience was civil. All in all, not a bad start to the day.When Reggie told her to work in the kitchen beside the part-time cook and not receive any callers, she almost hugged him in a burst of gratitude.\u201cWell, Indy,\u201d Reggie turned an interesting shade of red, \u201cAdam and I, well, we don\u2019t get along. But maybe I was a bit hasty in my feelings about all this. He is an educated man, believe it or not. I\u2019ll put my blessing on this provided the rogue shows up. And if there is one thing I cannot fault about Mr. Adam Cartwright, it is his word. He\u2019ll be here, mark my words.\u201d<\/p>\n

This news made the clouds part and birds start to sing and small fairy bells begin to chime. India realized right then and there that those silly romance novels didn\u2019t even put a patch on the real feeling.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWell, I don\u2019t see as its any of your affair!\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u201cIt is my affair! I got slugged quite a few times on your account, so you listen to me!\u201dBen watched his eldest and youngest square off with near identical stances, pointed fingers and accusatory glares. \u201cEnough,\u201d he said wearily.Joe snorted forcefully but didn\u2019t say anything. He stood down first and hated how Adam took his obedience to Pa as his own victory. \u201cYes, Pa,\u201d Joe said with a bite to his voice.<\/p>\n

Adam settled back a bit and realized he was on edge. Five more days until the two weeks was up and the Collinses would react. Pa had sent a telegram saying Joe had made no such offer and as such would not be showing up. How things played out from there was an unknown and he despised unknowns. Then there was the matter of the lady waiting for him in Virginia City. He hoped she was waiting. That was eating at him more than he cared to admit. After all, Laura had been left waiting a couple of times, too, and look what had wound up happening.<\/p>\n

Laura.<\/p>\n

India.<\/p>\n

Night and day.<\/p>\n

That night Joe scratched softly at Adam\u2019s door again. He pressed his ear against the thick pine but heard nothing. He saw the sliver of light and decided to crack it open anyhow.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo getting rid of you, is there?\u201d Adam sighed and closed his book. \u201cCome in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe clicked the door shut and again made no sound as he went to plunk down on the edge of the bed. He saw the weariness in Adam\u2019s eyes and felt more weight settle on his own shoulders. \u201cNo, no getting rid of me.\u201d Joe half smiled. \u201cLook; about today. I want you to go to your gal in the morning. I\u2019ll handle the timber count.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam shook his head. \u201cBut thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

A sound at the door made them both snap their eyes to it and go silent as it slowly opened. Hoss peeked in, slid in and closed the door very quietly. \u201cShove over, Joe,\u201d he murmured and came across the floor with a quiet that made Adam\u2019s eyebrows go up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is this? A convention?\u201d Adam grouched and tried to keep a straight face as he put his book on the night table and sat up, quilt tucked up as best he could with Joe sitting on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Hoss settled on the foot of the big bed. \u201cI was gonna offer to take the timber count, but Joe beat me to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you want me to go into town.\u201d Adam looked rather amused now. \u201cWord is due any time now. I could,\u201d he trailed off. \u201cNah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen are you going to join the decent folk and wear a nightshirt?\u201d Hoss demanded and shook his head. \u201cHonest, you must scare this gal half to death.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d Joe put his hands on his hips and looked stern, \u201cIt\u2019s not like brother here runs around in his skivvies outside the house.\u201d Then he raised an eyebrow and dropped his voice to imitate Ben much too closely for such a young looking man, \u201cSon, you don\u2019t go courting in your skivvies, do you?\u201d Joe leaned in to give Adam the perfect image of Ben\u2019s famous stink-eye glare.<\/p>\n

Adam fairly dissolved in silent laughter, his hand going up smooth back unruly waves. \u201cJoe, you should be strung up and quartered!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you,\u201d Joe wasn\u2019t about to stop. He turned the evil eye on Hoss and if anything made his voice go even lower, \u201cYou better be on your best behavior at that dance. No eating the silverware.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now Hoss was the one to have to stifle whoops of laughter. Joe followed suit a moment later when he couldn\u2019t keep it up any more. \u201cSo there,\u201d he managed to say before a belly laugh started. He tipped over and wrapped his arms around himself and tried to be quiet.<\/p>\n

Adam recovered first. \u201cFine. You made me laugh. But I\u2019m not changing my mind,\u201d Adam still chuckled at his brother\u2019s antics. It had been a long time since they\u2019d shared a late night laugh. He felt like their older brother all over again, not in the now, but ten years ago when Joe was just realizing that shaving was a chore, not a privilege, and Hoss was being confounded by the expectations of ladies of his age. They\u2019ve grown up, he thought. He\u2019d not closed the curtains, as usual when the temperature wasn\u2019t frigid, and moonlight made his younger brothers a bit otherworldly when combined with the small glow of the lamp. It made their smiles bigger but also made it clear they were men, and men who could be proud of themselves. He certainly was proud of them<\/p>\n

They looked at him and he saw their childhoods, their growing up and now their expectations written in their eyes as plain as day. He had equals now even though he was still the elder. \u201cAll right, all right, I\u2019ll go,\u201d he said softly, honored that they had cared enough to come to him like they used to and make him see that listening was a viable option. \u201cBut that timber count better be bang on,\u201d he added quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo a tree,\u201d Joe crossed his heart and looked serious, but his eyes gave him away. \u201cI better get some sleep if I\u2019m heading out early,\u201d he yawned. \u201cNight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too,\u201d Hoss leveled a look at Adam that was full menace. \u201cAnd you get up and get dressed all swell like we know you can, and take some of them black eyed susans growin\u2019 all over the dang place, and \u2013\u201c<\/p>\n

Adam winked. \u201cI think I recall how to put on a show,\u201d his lips pursed thoughtfully. \u201cMight be a bit much, though. She\u2019s used to thinking of me in my work clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss noted the wording. \u201cYou clean up real nice, Adam. Don\u2019t fret.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not fretting!\u201d came the short tempered reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, sure,\u201d Hoss chuckled as he made his way out of the room he hadn\u2019t visited much lately. It had been nice, like old times tonight. \u201cg\u2019night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGit,\u201d Adam waved his hand like he used to when shooing his younger siblings on their way. He looked at his book and decided to just leave it, turned the light out and had a horrible dream about climbing out his window in his skivvies with Miss Montague standing and watching, laughing in fact, beside his father.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Joe, his plan evolving, climbed into his bed, blew a kiss at the waxing moon and fell asleep quicker than he\u2019d thought possible given the circumstances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cOh!\u201d Patience looked up at the stunningly handsome rogue at the door. She\u2019d been expecting Mr. Milbrand of the General Mercantile on C Street, not this handsome dish. She put her hand up to her bosom and straightened up a bit. \u201cGood morning, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/span>She doesn\u2019t recognize me?<\/i> Adam thought with a start. Do I look that different? Or is she just playing games? I have no time for games.<\/i> \u201cCrass cowboy,\u201d Adam barely contained his smirk. \u201cWasn\u2019t that what you called me?\u201d He grinned and loved the looks that went across that pretty face. \u201cCould you tell your sister that Mr. Adam Cartwright is at the door?\u201d\u201cCousin,\u201d Patience said through gritted teeth and felt her cheeks burn. \u201cA moment, sir.\u201d She left Adam standing on the porch after that pointed insult.India was already on her way. The house wasn\u2019t that big and she had recognized the voice. The words, however, caused her grief. Trying to not laugh, she edged past Patience in the foyer. \u201cImagine that, the fellow has feelings and a sharp tongue,\u201d she said in an undertone and was pinched on the arm for her trouble.<\/p>\n

The sight waiting in the foyer stopped India in her tracks.<\/p>\n

Oh my Lord, <\/i>she thought in some shock as she looked up, way up, at the best looking specimen she\u2019d laid eyes on in a long while. She automatically took the huge armful of yellow and white daisies without taking her eyes off his. \u201cYou clean up rather well, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she said, knowing her face was flushed and her gaze was much too direct. At the moment she didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n

Adam made a mental note to thank his brothers. \u201cI do?\u201d He held his arms out and looked down. \u201cIf you think so, Miss Montague,\u201d He winked and felt his own cheeks growing warm in response. \u201cI hope you have a vase,\u201d he hinted at the slowly wilting blossoms in her arms. His eyes noted where his horse had taken a few bites, but it seemed he was the object of attention, not the flowers\u2014and that suited him just fine.<\/p>\n

\u201cEh?\u201d India looked down. She sized the massive bouquet up with a raised eyebrow. \u201cA bucket is more like it,\u201d she said honestly. \u201cWill you come in while I tend these\u2026 what are the yellow ones?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlack Eyed Susans,\u201d Adam replied and followed her into the house.<\/p>\n

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Back at the ranch, Joe was busy taking tallies from the timbermen who had given him the numbers of the trunk sizes in the north slope up from the last cut. In the back of his mind his plan unfolded, was tested, and corrected as needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Adam felt he might have overdone the bouquet. Well, his horse had been trying to eat it on the way, so he\u2019d wanted to make certain there were enough blooms to last the trip to town.<\/span><\/span>\u201cMay I apologize for my words at the door?\u201d Adam approached Patience as India went to literally fetch a bucket. Manners, he\u2019d reminded himself. The girl was simply who she was and he had to rise above revenge. Still, it had felt good to remind her that her own manners had been lacking.\u201cYou may, and I accept,\u201d Patience said without looking at Adam. \u201cYou won\u2019t find your suit welcome for long, Mr. Cartwright. India is firmly against marriage. She says it makes a woman a slave.\u201dThis set Adam back considerably. \u201cI see,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cThank you for letting me know. And what are your views, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMarriage is the natural state for a woman,\u201d Patience said quickly. \u201cI am seeking a husband,\u201d she added with a catch in her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you find one,\u201d Adam said with a curt nod. India had arrived.<\/p>\n

\u201cWalk with me?\u201d he asked after the flowers were in a bucket of water.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should change,\u201d India said quickly, glancing at the lovely waistcoat and suit on Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need,\u201d Adam said seriously. \u201cBut the apron?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d she laughed and had it off in a flash. \u201cThere,\u201d she said with a ready smile Adam. He knew he must have given away something in his careful expression because India gave him a look of concern and said, \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome, let\u2019s walk,\u201d he said and heard the weight in his voice. He lightened it for his next words, \u201cI know a caf\u00e9 run by a German fellow. He has the most amazing pastries and coffee. Shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you wish,\u201d India said with a sidelong look at him that said she knew something was amiss.<\/p>\n

Not four steps off the property India spoke up. \u201cAdam, what is bothering you?\u201d she asked as they kept walking, although a bit slower now.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho says anything is bothering me?\u201d he said lightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou looked happier when you arrived a few moments ago. Quite the change. Did I insult you with the bucket?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Small dimples appeared. \u201cThat was amusing. No.\u201d He decided to not wait for cake and coffee. \u201cIn the house, your cousin said you are dead set against marriage as a state for women.\u201d<\/p>\n

India halted and nearly toppled herself as Adam took another step to stop. \u201cShe what?\u201d she gasped in horror.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not the marrying kind?\u201d Adam said gently and knew a storm was brewing. He\u2019d rather have it out now and go away to focus on other things, anything, than spend his time courting only to be made a fool of all over again. Yet to his surprise he felt no anger, only an ache that needed an answer. Had he been played for a fool again?<\/p>\n

\u201cOf all the\u2026\u201d India took a deep breath and her face went tense. \u201cIt\u2019s true, I have said such things. And I don\u2019t believe that being a mistress is any better, no matter the wealth of the man,\u201d she said firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d Adam said cautiously. He knew enough to know that he had to tread carefully. \u201cI simply wondered why you didn\u2019t mention this opinion when I said I would call again.\u201d<\/p>\n

This took the wind out of India\u2019s righteous sails. \u201cOh,\u201d she blinked. \u201cWell,\u201d she bit her bottom lip, caught herself and stopped. She had to look back at his face to find courage to continue. She had to see the sparkle in his eyes that said he wasn\u2019t thinking of her as a pretty toy. Sure enough, it was there again. That sparkle was worth a lot. \u201cI could be convinced otherwise if a man were to,\u201d she paused and could not find the words. This was too overwhelming. Had those words come out of her mouth to this man? He\u2019d think her quite the forward piece of baggage, no doubt!<\/i> But the smile that lit his face wasn\u2019t mocking, and the dimples and tilt to his head were straight from the day spent in each others’ unchaperoned company without any guile or game-playing. That day they had talked of anything but themselves.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe a decent fellow?\u201d Adam said a little too knowingly. \u201cAre you a suffragette?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not quite,\u201d India knew she was in over her head. \u201cA bit. But only insofar as I think women should not lose all upon marriage. I have a small annuity my parents deeded to me before their death\u2026\u201d Now she knew she\u2019d gone too far too fast. Her heart raced and she felt hot. Her words wouldn\u2019t form now, not under that level, interested, caring gaze. He had money of his own and he was a man so there was no way he\u2019d understand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019ve met the wrong kind of man before,\u201d Adam said with amusement, but underlying his smile was shy relief that even she could see.<\/p>\n

India blushed in return. \u201cPerhaps,\u201d she agreed mildly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about that caf\u00e9?\u201d Adam murmured and offered his arm with hope dancing in his eyes.<\/p>\n

India knew she looked as though she were of three minds about everything right now, so she kept her tongue and slid her gloved hand into the crook of his elbow. \u201cAs you wish, cowboy,\u201d India said with a blush and what felt like a thousand idiotically happy butterflies skipping around her insides.<\/p>\n

A short walk downhill and then down C Street brought them to the caf\u00e9 and a few moments later India was enjoying a hot coffee. Reggie did not approve of coffee and only allowed tea in his house. \u201cThank you,\u201d she said with feeling. She needed this strong, hot beverage to settle down from the anxiety and silly glee racing through her battered nerves. It had been exciting when she\u2019d realized that Adam would no doubt call again, too exciting actually. She wasn\u2019t ready and didn\u2019t know if she could have possibly ever been ready for the sight of Adam dressed as a man of means, no matter what had been said. And now here he was, all dashing and looking far too delicious, a week early, and had already dropped the proverbial gauntlet far too early. India silently thanked her cousin for spilling the beans although she was still vexed about the matter. \u201cIt is a good cup of coffee, as you said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny time,\u201d Adam lifted his cup and winked before taking a sip.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026\u201d India said breathlessly and looked at her unlikely suitor, admiring again that he was dressed like a dandy to her hearty approval, \u201care earlier than you said. I\u2019m glad,\u201d she added hastily. \u201cBut is something amiss?\u201d She wanted to say that she would have waited but held that back for now. So many things were flying much too fast, and it was highly disconcerting. The art of courtship was not her arena.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said was sincere. He smiled again and ran a fingertip down the cup handle. \u201cMy brothers cut me some slack,\u201d he said with a smirk. \u201cAnd they told me to dress up, for once. Given how you defended me so eloquently that night at the fair, I was hesitant in case you prefer your cowboys in rough work clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d India laughed with delight. \u201cSo it took some prodding to get you all done up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt did.\u201d Now the dimples were back in full force, then falling away as he looked at her with a directness that took her breath away and then made it come back even stronger. He\u2019d shifted from happy to serious in a heartbeat.<\/p>\n

A young couple went past the window looking as though nothing else in the world mattered but each other. They strolled slowly because she was large with child, and her wedding ring flashed as the young man lifted her hand up to his lips. Adam\u2019s eyes followed them for a moment, his heart swelling.<\/p>\n

Everything he wanted had just walked past. No settling this time, Adam Cartwright. Buck up and take the bull by the horns.<\/i><\/p>\n

Right across the street and to the right was the very saloon where he’d taken a bull by the horns and never had so much fun while being trampled. He’d lost the girl that time but really, the fun had been more than worth it. Fun: something he’d had a full day of with India just a short while ago and was still having right now, despite the gamut of other emotions running around.<\/p>\n

Right, then, bull by the horns…<\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cIndia, there are things you may have heard, and I\u2019d like to set the record straight,\u201d Adam looked India square in the eye while spoke bluntly. \u201cI was engaged a while back and it didn\u2019t turn out. The whole damn, pardon my language, city still talks about it so I don\u2019t doubt for a second Reggie has brought it up. I want you to know that it was,\u201d Adam fiddled with his cup for a moment before leaning back in his chair to hook his arm over the back, \u201ca mess. The woman simply fell deeply in love with my cousin. I relinquished my claim and haven\u2019t looked back.\u201d I\u2019ve just been chained down, that\u2019s all,<\/i> he added bitterly. How far do these chains go? What do the gossips say? Do they speak to her?<\/i><\/p>\n

The sudden confession set India physically aback. \u201cHow badly did it hurt you?\u201d she asked with concern for him, not her.<\/p>\n

The sting came back a hundredfold and yet melted away as India gazed at him with intense evaluation. Fear passed through him as he realized what a can of worms he\u2019d opened and with either exactly wrong person or perhaps the right person. The look on her face wasn\u2019t full of contempt, and he felt confident enough to look straight back. She wasn\u2019t going to accept anything less than the truth, and he knew it. \u201cPretty bad,\u201d he admitted and kept his face as straight as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you still love her? If she were to come back, would you welcome her?\u201d India said quickly, her hands going to wrap around her mug but she kept her eyes on his.<\/p>\n

Her questions had so many possible meanings that Adam stuck with the obvious; the truth. \u201cI thought I loved her. I loved the idea of a wife and a child; I know that without a doubt. I would not accept her back.\u201d He heard the words come out leaden and full of weariness and wished he could go back and change things, either be a better man or stay uninvolved. But right now he sat here with India and pragmatically accepted that to get here,<\/i> he had to have been there.<\/i><\/p>\n

India dropped her intense gaze to her hands on the mug.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe strudel here is amazing,\u201d Adam said to break the silence. Their eyes were locked. Finally India blinked and breathed again. He would have taken on the Collins boys all over again to find out what was in her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so. In fact, after this conversation I rather hope the filling is loaded with brandy.\u201d India dared laugh and look up into his eyes, although her expression held a bit back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and me both,\u201d Adam chuckled easily. There,<\/i> he thought. That\u2019s in the open and out of the way. And easier than I\u2019d ever dreamed.<\/i> \u201cI\u2026\u201d He reached up to smooth down waves and curls that were already in place and chuckled easily. \u201cThank you for being understanding, India.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe past is the past,\u201d India shrugged. \u201cAs long as it stays there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you?\u201d Adam leaned forward with a twinkle in his eyes, \u201cIs your past in the past? Any enraged suitors due to arrive and try to shoot me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you scoundrel,\u201d she laughed with delight. \u201cThere is little to tell. Many men have called on me, I have rebuffed them. I\u2019ve attended dances and balls, had a glorious debut and so on without ever accepting a steady beau for reasons you found out from Patience so abruptly this morning. And until recently that was acceptable. Now it seems there is a change in the wind, and while Patience claims it to be my fault, I know the reason is that her third engagement ended in death, again, and voila, we are here with Reggie to meet the end of our days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh,\u201d Adam nodded after another sip of coffee. \u201cDoes this play a part in changing your views on marriage?\u201d His eyes still twinkled.<\/p>\n

India sis not withdraw from his speculative look. \u201cNo,\u201d she said honestly. \u201cAs I said, I have a small annuity. Between that and tutoring or other suitable employment I could live quite nicely. Not here of course. Virginia City is much too expensive.\u201d She took a breath when she saw Adam was now resting his chin on his fist and gazing at her with a look of adoration. India melted in return and blushed. \u201cI\u2019m not a gold digger, or silver in the case of this town. I came here because it seemed the right thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you often do things because they are the right thing to do?\u201d Adam asked softly. He liked India\u2019s blush very much; it made him feel good to know he could still make a woman react to his flirting. But the question was quite serious, and she clearly knew it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam,\u201d India said with a sigh. \u201cFar too often for anyone\u2019s liking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam leaned a little more forward and slid his strong, work worn hand across the table to her, palm up. She looked at his hand, then at those eyes that spoke volumes about hope and joy and even desire. They\u2019d just been through a deluge of emotions, questions and answers and come out the other side without drama, cussing, or anyone getting shot.<\/p>\n

Putting their hands together was the right thing to do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Adam was home in time for supper. Ben looked up, then up again.<\/span><\/span>\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d he gaped at the sight of his eldest done up to the nines.\u201cI went to town,\u201d Adam shrugged. \u201cAnd now I\u2019m home. Did Joe get the timber count in?\u201d\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben spun around.<\/p>\n

Joe sat up from where he\u2019d been lounging on the settee, a rather notorious chemistry book in his hands and the most perfectly angelic look on his face. \u201cOn your desk, Pa. Two hours ago. Adam,\u201d Joe tossed the book at him, \u201cit is even too horrible for me. Burn it is right.\u201d<\/p>\n

The paperwork and careful calculations were indeed on the desk, off to the side. Ben looked at it with a frown. The figures looked good. The son providing the calculations was the cause for concern. Rather, the one who didn\u2019t provide the calculations. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCourting,\u201d Joe piped up. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t go on about it, Pa,\u201d he added very seriously.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

The black hat was hung up neatly. \u201cJoe\u2019s right Pa, no need to go on about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outnumbered, Ben sat back down and held his tongue.<\/p>\n

Once the house was quiet and the lamps all doused but the one in his room, Adam was almost anticipating the slight sound at his door. Joe again, he noted; no sign of Hoss. \u201cYou did pretty well today,\u201d he said as his brother grinned proudly and plunked on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou double checked it all, right?\u201d Joe asked with a hint of worry under that grin. \u201cNot that it needed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt didn\u2019t.\u201d Adam smiled easily. \u201cEverything was spot on. I did see where you fixed a couple of things, but right is right at the end. Good work, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, dish.\u201d Joe grinned expectantly. \u201cAnd none of that \u2018a gentleman doesn\u2019t tell\u2019 stuff. I tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019m not you,\u201d Adam said calmly. He felt calm right deep down, no faking it. India would wait. He\u2019d try to not get shot. This matter with the Collins family would settle somehow, and then he could go to her and know she wasn\u2019t thinking he had abandoned her.<\/p>\n

Joe looked hopeful. \u201cYou seem all fine. Things work out? You didn\u2019t get a bucket of cold water on you? She didn\u2019t try to shoot you? You know, the usual?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d swat you if it wouldn\u2019t wake the house up.\u201d Adam grinned. \u201cNo, it was fine, Joe. We went to Peter\u2019s Caf\u00e9, the one with the pastries, and then walked around until lunch, and then we had lunch. We went back to her house, visited in the parlor and were terribly proper, to her cousin\u2019s annoyance, and I came home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it was boring.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam smirked. \u201cIt was definitely not boring. No one was shot if that\u2019s what you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee? I\u2019m just trying to be helpful,\u201d Joe waggled his finger, \u201cand I get this in return. Well, tomorrow you can go finish the count on the east slope and I\u2019ll see to the daily junk around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDeal,\u201d Adam nodded. \u201cNow git,\u201d he pointed at his door.<\/p>\n

Joe chuckled as he stood up. \u201cOne of these days I\u2019m gonna yell \u2018fire\u2019 and hide your robe first. Just you see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh , fer crumb\u2019s sake!\u201d Adam laughed out loud before he could catch himself. He dropped his voice. \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll return the favor when you\u2019re in the tub. In Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Right,\u201d Joe muttered but his eyes sparkled. Adam was becoming the old Adam from a few years back, ready with a jest right back. He knew Adam would follow through on his threat, too. \u201cNight.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Joe slid out of bed early. It was so early that it was actually very late, but that didn\u2019t matter. He dressed and snuck out easily enough, saddled up and walked Cochise along until well out of range of the house. Dawn was barely breaking when he mounted and headed down the road.<\/span><\/div>\n
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<\/p>\n

Ben double checked the mailbag. He\u2019d already been to the telegraph office. Nothing in either place. \u201cWish I\u2019d hear something. They\u2019ll probably ride in with guns blazing,\u201d he muttered. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he said louder to gather up his sons who were milling around.<\/span><\/p>\n

But not Adam. \u201cWhere did Adam go?\u201d he asked Hoss as he looked up and down the street. Joe was too busy yawning to answer.<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged. \u201cTo see his gal?\u201d he said casually. He\u2019d seen Adam slip away and they\u2019d exchanged hand gestures that Adam would be right back but Pa had been too quick with his errand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis gal.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cToo soon for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not.\u201d Hoss looked at a well dressed rider going past. \u201cThings come when they come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sidled up and heard the last part of the conversation. \u201cIt\u2019s true,\u201d he nodded and winked at Hoss. \u201cFate. Love at first sight,\u201d he clasped his hands over his heart and rolled his eyes as though stricken. \u201cA wounded heart healed by the love of a good woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben snorted. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t love at first sight. I was there. It wasn\u2019t love at second, third or fourth sight, either.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he slept most of the time?\u201d Hoss asked mildly, making his point without making a point.<\/p>\n

Ben pulled the brim of his hat down a bit more. \u201cWell, the last thing I need is Adam distracted while we sort out this Collins mess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face fell. \u201cPa, Adam doesn\u2019t have to sort any of it out. It should be me. It\u2019s my good name, my reputation being called out.\u201d He yawned yet again despite his best efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ll help,\u201d Ben said with a glare, \u201cby staying out of it. No sense riling anyone up more than they already are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe surprised Hoss and his father by nodding and looking very far away. His grin flashed and then he was back to being Joe. Right now the last thing he wanted was the telegram in his pocket to make an appearance. The reply was no doubt already in the proper hands by now.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow if we could just round up your brother,\u201d Ben grumbled. \u201cAnyone know the whereabouts of Miss Montague?\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to go,\u201d Adam scuffed his boot to stop the porch swing. Reggie had one because he liked to smoke his pipe outdoors in decent weather and watch who strolled past. Adam had already voiced his appreciation of this small benefit to no end.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you said, only a few minutes,\u201d India nodded but couldn\u2019t stifle the sigh of regret. She sat properly and yet her eyes kept roving over black clad powerful thighs and those exposed, well muscled forearms. The fact he was armed was no longer quite so disturbing but still very eye-catching. A few minutes were better than no minutes in her mind.<\/p>\n

He stood and offered his hand while looking straight into her eyes. Their fingers curled together ever so slowly. \u201cMy lady,\u201d Adam grinned impulsively. He raised India\u2019s hand to his lips, kissed the soft skin and then in a flash he tipped his hat and easily vaulted over the porch railing and strode away. He turned around at the road and basked in her shocked and admiring gaze before taking a moment to tip his hand and bow, hat swooping low then up to cover his heart. He put his hat back on with a firm tap and waved again.<\/p>\n

India waved back and watched Adam\u2019s retreating back head down the hill to the main street and knew she\u2019d just been deliberately struck speechless. A giggle started and she knew he was being very silly for a man in his middle thirties, which only made his tricks all the more precious.<\/p>\n

Down along C Street, Ben turned at Joe\u2019s nudge. \u201cThere you are!\u201d he rolled his eyes. \u201cThis is no time for courting, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTechnically I\u2019m courting India,\u201d Adam retorted with a laugh. \u201cLet\u2019s go get the horses. Any word?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d Ben glowered for good measure as he rolled his eyes, then smirked as Adam kept laughing at his own pun. \u201cAn entire country. You are ambitious,\u201d Ben replied very seriously. He held up his hands after a moment as if to say, who me?<\/p>\n

This time it was Adam who shook his head and rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe whispered as he opened the door. He\u2019d been mistaken. There was no lamp light, just the light of the full moon shining under the door. He tried to back out but what looked like a grumpy mess of bedcovers sat up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? What on earth?\u201d Adam grumbled and rubbed sleep out of his eyes. \u201cIt\u2019s late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know; I thought you were still up. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am now,\u201d Adam slid back into his pillows. \u201cIndia is fine, still speaking to me, and I\u2019ll see her when this Collins affair is over. Satisfied?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed the door behind his back. He steeled his nerve before going over to sit on the edge of his brother\u2019s bed. \u201cYou, uh,\u201d he hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cOut with it,\u201d Adam started to sit up again. The moonlight had turned the room a misty silver and the dark haired brothers into pale fey folk, two legends had come alive.<\/p>\n

Joe felt a bit bad for tackling this right now but he was in deep enough that in a way the answer didn\u2019t matter to the consequences of his plan, only to his conscience. \u201cYou think you might marry this gal?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHell of a question,\u201d Adam grumbled and looked rather mellow for all his protest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just was wondering,\u201d Joe whispered and felt his throat constrict.<\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes, cracked a yawn and sat up straighter. He knew the answer already, had known it since that day in town when she had swung up behind him on his horse. \u201cI\u2019d not be opposed to the idea,\u201d he admitted. \u201cYou object?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relief flooded Joe. \u201cNo, no, not one bit. Now, promise me that you won\u2019t dally around about getting hitched, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam replied carefully. \u201cWhat\u2019s this about, little brother? The Collinses\u2019 threat getting to you? You aren\u2019t going to get stuck in a sham, Joe. We won\u2019t let that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe had a thousand things to say to that, but he kept his own counsel and simply said, \u201cNah, I\u2019m not worried about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam eyed Joe and knew something was up, but it might be as simple as a case of nerves. He decided to let it go. \u201cFeel better?\u201d He yawned again, jaw cracking, and blinked tiredly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs, um, is India pretty?\u201d Joe asked because he didn\u2019t want to go yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam rolled onto his side and looked up at Joe. Somehow the pale moonlight made him look more a statue chiseled from marble than pesky little brother. Those eyes, though, they were still human, and Joe clearly needed to talk. \u201cQuite pretty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI like that you have a gal.\u201d Joe started to grin. \u201cMaybe you\u2019ll get hitched soon and have kids and I\u2019ll be this uncle who comes with candy and wrestles them into the dirt. Yeah,\u201d he nodded. \u201cThat\u2019ll be me. You\u2019ll hate to see me come by.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho says I\u2019m moving?\u201d Adam raised a suspicious eyebrow.<\/p>\n

Joe cursed his careless tongue. \u201cNo one, Adam. I just thought you\u2019d have your own place and I\u2019d be able to come visit. Around here, of course. And Hoss would make sure your whole brood could ride! And Pa, well, Pa would be just tickled, wouldn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s words catapulted Adam into the place he\u2019d been dreaming of before being woken up. Truthfully he\u2019d only been half asleep, his mind dallying along the lines of things he could expect in his life if married. \u201cI\u2019m not even engaged yet, Joe. Don\u2019t count your chickens before they hatch.\u201d<\/p>\n

The wording of that annoyed reply made Joe slap the bed. \u201cYet! Aha!\u201d he said a bit too loudly and hushed himself for the next sentence, \u201cI knew it! You got the ring yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe,\u201d Adam pulled up the dislodged quilt. \u201cStop messing up the covers. It\u2019s like you\u2019re ten all over again. And yeah, I might ask her. It\u2019s too soon to say,\u201d he hedged, just in case Joe let something slip and accidentally put his plans into ruin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw hell,\u201d Joe snickered rather knowingly, \u201ceven I know in about a day if it\u2019s a dalliance or if I want to be with the gal forever. So do you. You just get all intellectual about it. Letting your education get in the way of your heart, I\u2019d say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPoint taken. Now get going, would ya? I need my beauty sleep to face tomorrow. There has to be word soon,\u201d he added with another yawn and a stretch to punctuate it. Covers fell off him again as Joe got off the bed, making Adam pull them back up and straighten the quilt out again with a heavy sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cA whole month of sleeping like a baby wouldn\u2019t help you much, older brother,\u201d Joe said pointedly, emphasizing the \u201colder\u201d with delight. \u201cI\u2019m gone, I\u2019m gone,\u201d he held up his hands in supplication and backed his way to the door. \u201cCan\u2019t help it if I\u2019m the best looking guy in this family, can I!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had the pillow in his hand but restrained himself. The door was already closed. Besides, something was up, and when morning came he was going to set about finding out. His mind swirled with worry and possible delight as he slipped back into dreams of gunfights, blood, the pit of a mine and then a hand pulling him out.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

A ways away in Virginia City, India poked Patience in the shoulder. Reggie\u2019s snores inundated the house, and now was the time for a little talk where neither the help nor the irritating but well-meaning bachelor could overhear.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaish!!\u201d India poked again.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood Lord, Indy, I\u2019m trying to get to sleep,\u201d Patience groaned and rolled a little further away, which wasn\u2019t very far considering the size of the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis can\u2019t wait any longer,\u201d India said. She\u2019d tried to keep this to herself, to overlook the transgression, but now her temper had overflowed. Seeing Adam today had been wonderful and uplifting, but she\u2019d been so close to losing him that it rankled her more and more as the day went. Once her temper had started it wouldn\u2019t go away.<\/p>\n

Patience slapped the mattress. \u201cFine,\u201d she grumbled and sat up. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

India sat up likewise, the moonlight turning her pale skin into ethereal silver, and her hair a dark shade that etched her as an artist would with charcoal. Her eyes looked silver and burned white-hot. \u201cWhy did you tell Adam my views on marriage? That was for me to tell, not you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Patience frowned, then winced as she recalled the moment. \u201cIt didn\u2019t cause harm. He still took you out and came today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt did cause harm, you silly twit! He thought\u2014\u201d she heard her voice escalating and lowered it with a look in the direction of Reggie\u2019s room. The snoring continued. \u201cHe thought I might be wasting his time, and can you blame him? I had to explain it all, and that was no piece of cake, let me tell you. I barely know the man and I\u2019m answering questions that, that\u2026\u201d she stuttered to an indignant stop.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Patience felt a little lurch of guilt. She\u2019d lashed out to hurt Adam and to save him at the same time. India had not been much in her thoughts over this. The hurt showed on India\u2019s face all too clearly. \u201cI apologize, I do,\u201d she said quietly. \u201cIndy,\u201d Paish sucked up her courage, \u201cyou\u2019re lucky. He\u2019s quite a man. He certainly looks upon you with favour. I take it the two of you discussed things?\u201d She let that dangle.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs it turns out, Paish, we discussed my views on the subject and more. But you still could have caused him to go away,\u201d India said angrily. \u201cI\u2019ve never sent any of your beaus packing. That\u2019s not right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her shoulders a little bowed at the mess she\u2019d almost created thanks to her tongue, Patience nodded. \u201cTrue. And I am sorry. I will make it up to you, Indy, I promise. And may I have some hope that the wonderful smile of Mr. Adam Cartwright is making you reconsider your position on the institution of marriage?\u201d she asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

The smile that lifted India\u2019s lips spoke more than her words. \u201cOnly with him, Paish. Only with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Patience had quietly accepted the suit of one of the younger banker managers who had come around after India had been excused from spending time in the parlor. A distinct uptick in the quality of visitors had occurred after Adam Cartwright had been seen squiring India around town, and Patience was determined to strike while iron was hot. She\u2019d seen the future in the first bunch Reggie had brought around and wasn\u2019t about to face that again.<\/span><\/span>Reggie was beside himself with delight at Patience\u2019s good match and was cautiously in favor of India\u2019s unofficial suitor, although he did feel nothing would come of it and didn\u2019t hesitate to say so. It made for a bit of discomfort over meals and evenings where callers were not present to break the tension. Adam Cartwright loomed over Reggie\u2019s words as though he were present at the table.Patience and India were used to Monday being laundry day, but here it was any old day. They worked side by side, as they were accustomed, and Patience wound up deep in thought. Would the man propose to India, or was he just messing around and better at it than the others whom India had sent packing? Patience fretted as the ladies worked together to put away linens. They loved that Reggie sent the household laundry out to be done but it still needed to be refolded to fit the cupboards. And as they folded, they chatted about precious little these days. India was lost in thought with that foolish smile again. Patience wanted to simply scream about how improper it all was. That was easier than admitting she was still outright jealous, even as she rooted for India to finally smarten up and be a real woman and get married.Her mind swirled around the same thought over and over. Adam had brought enough flowers to fill a bucket. Adam had taken India out that first day and been quite the figure when he\u2019d laid down the law that India was not to be punished in any way. Adam in that suit and tie and waistcoat looking for all the world like he\u2019d come straight off the streets of New York. The way Adam looked at India\u2026<\/p>\n

Patience folded napkins with a vengeance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Joe was getting very weary of these rides. He\u2019d been nearly caught by Hoss a day ago but had managed to get out of it through a bit of quick thinking. Today. The answer had to come today. The waiting was killing him.<\/span><\/span>He was in the telegraph office as quick as wink and there it was. The reply! He tore it open and nodded as he read. Everything was according to plan. It wasn\u2019t the best plan, now that he thought more about it, but it was his plan, and it was for the best in the end\u2014no matter how it went\u2014even if he hoped he didn\u2019t have to use his fall back plan. Or his other backup plan. He\u2019d not look good in a monk\u2019s robe, although he was certain it wouldn\u2019t come to that. Now he could put the next part of his plan into action. Time to visit a particular shop.<\/div>\n
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Hoss watched his brother frown over the field of hay. \u201cIt\u2019s half done,\u201d he said to placate that dark glare.<\/span><\/span>\u201cNeeds to be all done and soon. This Collins thing is getting downright vexing. Where are they? We can\u2019t spend all our time waiting for some sort of sign. We\u2019ve got work to do.\u201d Adam folded his arms over his chest and frowned all over again.\u201cAnd you\u2019ve got a gal waiting and you\u2019re chomping at the bit,\u201d Hoss grinned. \u201cDon\u2019t you worry, me \u2018n the crew will get this done and in by the end of the day.\u201d\u201cI don\u2019t know if I\u2019ve got a gal waiting at this rate,\u201d Adam planted his feet a little wider and scowled a little harder. He wasn\u2019t really all that worried about India moving on, but he was missing her like mad.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t ya at least write her a love letter? You used to be a lot better at this,\u201d Hoss pushed Adam without too much force, but it still sent him stumbling.<\/p>\n

Scrambling to regain his balance, Adam pushed back. \u201cAnd who would deliver it? We\u2019re all busy!\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n

Hoss casually put his hand out and this time heaved hard just because Adam seemed to be spoiling for it. Adam landed on his rump and was up in a flash, fists balled and ready to scrap, but Hoss had other plans. \u201cOh, deary me,\u201d he batted his eyelashes as he blocked and ducked, \u201cyou\u2019re all dirty again, older brother. Maybe you should go\u2014\u201d he almost didn\u2019t make it out of range\u2014\u201cchange. And go\u2014\u201d this time he had to grab both of those strong, hairy wrists and still lean back\u2014\u201cinto town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam almost collapsed as the joke hit him. \u201cOh, you too? I\u2019ll get there soon enough. If India won\u2019t wait, then it\u2019s not meant to be.\u201d He hedged the real answer and swore Hoss could read it in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be a dadburned fool, Adam,\u201d Hoss spoke normally now and let Adam\u2019s wrists go. \u201cI ain\u2019t seen you so keen on a gal in quite a while. Just don\u2019t get shot or hanged on the way. Besides, I can\u2019t get any more done with you here than I can without. Yer just standin\u2019 around fussing like some old hen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam almost swung his fist again but the superior look on Hoss\u2019s face turned the flash of anger into laughter. \u201cIf it\u2019s not done\u2026\u201d he shook his finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cGit,\u201d Hoss said affectionately.<\/p>\n

His horse had wandered over and gave him a friendly nudge to request another round of fresh hay. \u201cYou too?\u201d Adam laughed. He went over and grabbed a big handful of newly scythed sweet-smelling hay and wondered if India had ever seen haying in progress. Maybe I can get her out here,<\/i> he wondered. It\u2019s too soon, his rational side replied. <\/i><\/p>\n

Or, <\/i>he reasoned further, I\u2019ve already seen her bloomers, babbled at her for an entire day like some hick fool about everything that interests me without receiving any bored eye rolling or simpering sighs, and we\u2019ve already broached the subject of marriage in a roundabout way\u2026and neither or us panicked and ran. I\u2019ve already done half the courting out of order, so it only makes sense to rush the meeting of the families. <\/i> Adam mounted up without another word and urged his horse forward.<\/p>\n

A memory ran through his head of a pretty lady, frail and lovely and terribly misguided, yet the type of companion he had sought at the time, who had sat in the great room and made a fool of herself as she lied through her teeth about her upbringing to impress where no impressing had been needed. And she\u2019d been murdered and died in his arms when he had taken her home. He let his horse slow while that horrible memory resurfaced, and he faced it all over again. The bullet had been meant for him.<\/p>\n

But India had no enemies here and was quite a different type of girl. India was not a Sue-Ellen. She loved life and didn\u2019t hesitate to laugh, but her laugh was real, not bought, and she had spent that day with him not knowing who he was, other than a decent fellow. Her cowboy in black, India had called him, and that made him smile even though it earned him some grit in his teeth.<\/p>\n

Adam was still lost in thought when he arrived back at the house. He navigated through hitching his horse and going in and finding Ben at his desk. He asked about having India over for dinner and tried to be nonchalant, but he knew he grinned despite his best effort. Suddenly he was reminded of Hoss\u2019s description of a stunned bunny and wondered if that was what his father saw. The cautious look on his father\u2019s face and lift of those iron-grey eyebrows indicated some measure of hesitation, but the words were carefully approving and Adam could have sworn he detected a hint of hidden enthusiasm. The date for the invitation was set, and it was almost as soon as Adam could wish, with an alternate date in case the first was unacceptable.<\/p>\n

There it was. India and her family were coming to the Ponderosa. Now he had to ride into town and hope the invitation was accepted and that he wasn\u2019t shot, stabbed, kidnapped or any of the many things that could happen, judging by the past. None of those thoughts removed the smile from his face.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cPaish! Oh, Paish! I got it! I am\u2014\u201d India had rushed in the door and into the kitchen, her face flushed with excitement\u2014\u201cemployed! Oh my, I feel so elated!\u201d She practically whirled around the kitchen while clasping her hands and laughing with relief.<\/span><\/span>Patience looked up from helping the day maid render down some lard. She stepped away from the hot stove and wiped her forehead. \u201cGood heavens, Indy, I still think you\u2019re being foolish to take this position without checking with Mr. Cartwright. Whatever will he think?\u201d\u201cThat I don\u2019t need his money, for one,\u201d India replied pertly while refusing to argue a dead horse about women being property. She slid her hatpins out as she returned to the foyer to remove her hat and gloves. \u201cAnd who knows if Adam will propose? He hasn\u2019t even truly solidified a courtship. I haven\u2019t even met anyone other than his father,\u201d she checked her hair in the mirror. \u201cIt was so good of Reggie to vouchsafe me for the position at the Land Titles office. I think I will enjoy it.\u201dPatience\u2019s voice floated down the short hallway, \u201cThen hint. Secure something a bit more formal. He seems to like you.\u201d There was a clatter and muffled commentary before her cousin continued. \u201cAn invitation to meet his family should be the next logical, if hurried, step, all things considered in this rushed romance you are tolerating. Try for the invitation.\u201d<\/p>\n

India came back to the kitchen and put her hand to her chest as her heart kept racing a bit much for her comfort. \u201cGoodness, I\u2019m lightheaded after the excitement. The wage is good, I might add. Not as good as that of a man, to my annoyance, but much better than a dress shop, I\u2019m certain. And\u2026\u201d she paused to put her hand on the door frame to steady herself, took a careful breath, then simply laughed in delight. Independent! Without moving to Lord knew where! She could find decent lodgings in a respectable house, clothe herself and save a small amount to boot.<\/i> Her earlier insecurities had vanished and she felt more like her old self again, aside from a little tickle of worry about how Adam would view her new situation and that she\u2019d not be home during the day should he come into town in his somewhat impromptu way.<\/p>\n

India tried to steady herself as she spoke about her new position. The fellow she was to replace was retiring in a month. She was to go in a week before his last day to learn the numbering and filing system. Three weeks to go! Her heart raced even more at the thought that this Collins business Adam was worried about should be done soon and perhaps the courtship would progress. This was a new feeling; usually the concern was communicating she was uninterested, so now she had to reverse things somehow and was at a loss how to manage it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that is that for now,\u201d Patience sighed over the hot fat in the bucket and backed away to leave the sweltering kitchen.<\/p>\n

A thundering knock on the door was as good as a butler announcing his name. India and Patience exchanged glances, one of joy, the other with thinned lips. India bounced up and didn\u2019t bother to hide her eagerness to get to the door. And there was Adam, tall and made taller by his wonderful black hat, and dusty as anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you fall?\u201d India asked with concern as she nearly pulled Adam through the doorway to inspect him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a manner of speaking,\u201d Adam laughed at his private joke as he took his hat off and smoothed down stray waves and curls as best he could. He cut to the chase and saved the pleasantries for later since he only had a short time. \u201cSay, how would you like to come out to the Ponderosa for dinner soon? Come meet my father and brothers? I\u2019ll even put up with Reggie.\u201d<\/p>\n

India stared at Adam while she stuttered in search of the right words.<\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart?\u201d Adam said in that honeyed drawl that could melt her willpower into a puddle. \u201cYou all right?\u201d He gently wrapped his hand around India\u2019s shoulder and looked straight into her eyes with deep concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d India finally breathed carefully just as she started to see spots. \u201cOh, my,\u201d she put her hand to her diaphragm and took the next breath just as carefully. \u201cA moment.\u201d She meant to put her other hand on Adam\u2019s arm and wound up with it square in the middle of his chest. Her eyes flew open at the feel of chest hair, skin and warm, strong male under her palm. This did not help her at all when it came to regulating her breathing.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh damn,\u201d Adam muttered as he caught India well before she met the floor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWell, well,\u201d Mr. Collins read the telegram for the umpteenth time. \u201cI\u2019ll be damned.\u201d<\/span><\/div>\n
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India resurfaced into awareness to find Patience hovering at eye level while she reclined\u2026<\/span><\/span>\u201cOh my,\u201d she gasped and felt woozy.\u201cI\u2019ll cut that blasted corset off if this keeps up,\u201d Adam laughed, but his eyes were still serious and worried.\u201cShe\u2019s not one for fainting,\u201d Patience said firmly. \u201cMr. Cartwright, we do have furniture. Please feel free to use some of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s arms were a much better alternative, to India\u2019s mind. If only Patience would go away there might even be a kiss, India mused as she rallied back to reality. \u201cYes,\u201d she managed to say. \u201cYes, I\u2019d love to go,\u201d she repeated weakly.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d cut that blasted corset off\u2026running those words through her head made the most deliciously illicit scene play through her mind. Plus his collar was so temptingly close, and those small curls along the nape of his neck, that smile\u2026.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you stand?\u201d Adam asked and hoped for a \u201cno.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI should,\u201d India said quietly. She felt Adam tighten the arm holding her torso and then her legs slid down his frame. And I\u2019m supposed to recover with all this?<\/i> She was tempted to laugh out loud at the thoughts rampaging through her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere,\u201d he fought to not grin too broadly. Now that the initial fear was gone he was quite enjoying the fact that India had fainted for him. He had to get her out of this house that reeked of heat and pig fat, and away from her cousin promptly even if it was improper. He just had to. \u201cCan you walk? I\u2019ll help. We\u2019ll go slowly. Some fresh air will do you a world of good,\u201d Adam said rapidly and guided India out the door with ease while he grabbed his hat from the floor where it had rolled after dropping from his fingers. \u201cI\u2019ll bring her back safe and sound,\u201d he said to a rather stunned Patience and closed the door.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Joe faced the mirror. He checked his appearance again. He checked his pocket. Then he checked his billfold. Everything was set. Wednesday. Three more days to go but now he could get a good night\u2019s sleep.<\/span><\/div>\n
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Adam led India on the short walk out of town from the Montague residence, two blocks on the short side to be precise. Boardwalk gave way to packed grit paths, then to something a rabbit would hesitate to call a trail as they meandered further away from the bustling city and up into the dry, windblown brush. He walked very slowly and made conversation about the weather, the noise of the stamping mills, and anything but how his heart had flipped when her face had gone grey and her body started to collapse. He wasn\u2019t going to mention that he had to fight to keep a straight face when he\u2019d realized that it was his chest that had been the final straw.<\/span><\/span>While he led India upward, he managed to hint with a gesture that he\u2019d like her to hold his hand. The feel of her palm sliding down his forearm made his hair stand on end delightfully. Fingers intertwined, they walked in thoughtful silence for a few more moments.\u201cAh, this will do,\u201d Adam murmured and indicated a large patch of dried grass. The city was in view but well down the slope, although the noise carried up here rather clearly. \u201cThere,\u201d he offered his other hand to help India sit. He joined her a moment later, daring to snuggle alongside her as he carefully looked out over the commanding view. \u201cIt grows every month.\u201d There was no faking that faint, he repeated in his head for the umpteenth time.\u201cIt does,\u201d India agreed in a strained voice.<\/p>\n

I will be so careful with her, but how careful can I be?<\/i> Adam mused as he looked at the bustle of the city while listening to India sigh beside him. He looked at her to see she was looking out over the same view. How careful does she need me to be? I hardly know her; I don\u2019t know how old she is or her favorite color, I just know I want to be with her. And she apparently thinks I\u2019m not half bad, judging by that faint. And I\u2019m sitting here thinking instead of doing. Why?<\/i><\/p>\n

Because the only things I want to do are highly improper and will make any lady smack me a good one and storm off,<\/i> Adam thought wryly. He chuckled out loud before he could stop himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019ve hauled me up here,\u201d India said as though speaking to herself, \u201cand you sit there. Which is all well and proper and I do admire that, don\u2019t get me wrong, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she said his name with deliberate emphasis. \u201cQuite proper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how should I take that?\u201d Adam retorted, feeling a very pleasant game was afoot. He didn\u2019t hesitate to purse his lips and give her his best \u201cromantic devil\u201d look.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for you to figure out.\u201d India rolled her eyes and fought back a smile. \u201cAnd don\u2019t give me puppy eyes unless you want them back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam broke into a hearty grin, \u201cHow old are you, India?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA lady never tells,\u201d she shrugged. \u201cOld enough, and younger than you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her and for the life of him could not truly say her age. \u201cYou could be thirty. You could be twenty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt depends on the day, I suppose.\u201d India looked back over the city. The gleam in her eyes was fading as she fell quiet.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter to me,\u201d Adam said hastily. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. That was prying on my part and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right.\u201d India started to smile again.<\/p>\n

Adam wondered just how desperate he\u2019d sounded to her if he sounded desperate to himself. \u201cIndia, I\u2014\u201d He scowled. \u201cI should take you home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we sit here long enough we might see another hotel be built,\u201d India said with an echo of desperation that Adam didn\u2019t miss.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we sit here long enough I won\u2019t be very proper!\u201d Adam said bluntly.<\/p>\n

India\u2019s eyes flew open while her eyebrows went up a mile. \u201cOh,\u201d she said and could not hold back the grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want me to be improper?\u201d he said and failed at sounding stern.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! No,\u201d India shook her head. \u201cA tiny bit,\u201d she added, \u201cand I\u2019ll say that only because you were so honest as to blurt out that remark a moment ago. But I am not a hoyden, I\u2019ll warn you of that right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

His brain filtered out everything after \u201ca tiny bit\u201d for later examination. \u201cA tiny bit?\u201d Adam took India\u2019s hand in his and slowly brought it up to his lips. At the first press of his lips she sat up straighter, her eyes on her hand while he looked at her. She was transfixed by the sight of her hand being kissed. He watched as her eyes fluttered closed as he stroked her palm with his fingertips.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d India whispered short while later.<\/p>\n

\u201cMh?\u201d he managed a reply as he kissed along the inside of her wrist, the edge of her sleeve brushing his cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suspect this is about to become more than a little bit improper,\u201d she said weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is.\u201d Adam refused to give up India\u2019s hand as he lifted his head. \u201cFor a very brief moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

He leaned in to steal a kiss. Then, as he drew back, he dared to joke, \u201cWas I improper enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA bit too much.\u201d India looked away as she blushed. \u201cBut I\u2019d already figured you weren\u2019t the model of propriety.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I did make it on Reggie\u2019s list.\u201d Adam grinned, his dimples showing up in full force even if he didn\u2019t know it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did at that.\u201d India agreed with a delicious laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now I shall take you home,\u201d Adam rose to his feet with an easy movement that spoke of the power at his command. He held out his hand to India and, after she stood beside him, he kissed her one more time, on the back of her hand, and recalled the feel of her cradled against his chest. \u201cBefore I do something that will get me smacked.\u201d<\/p>\n

A stunned bunny <\/i>, Adam thought as they meandered back down the slope. Yes, I feel a bit stunned. Things are going too well.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cNo, not Wednesday,\u201d Joe said firmly. He heard his voice rising in panic and tried to divert that searching look from both his brothers. \u201cIt just won\u2019t work.\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u201cAnd why won\u2019t it work, younger brother?\u201d Adam advanced on Joe in front of the fireplace to stop the younger man\u2019s infernal pacing.\u201cIt just won\u2019t!\u201d Joe said with great finality. \u201cMake it Thursday.\u201d\u201cWhy?\u201d Adam folded his arms over his chest and resorted to a simple glare. \u201cI already cleared it with Pa, and Hop Sing is prepared for Wednesday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you want to meet Adam\u2019s gal, Joe?\u201d Hoss had remained seated through this, but he was clearly quite concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do!\u201d Joe backed up. \u201cBut not Wednesday. I got a real hot plan,\u201d he revised as he went. \u201cOnly for Wednesday though. Some gal,\u201d he shrugged. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to know, it would only cause trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes and relaxed. \u201cCan\u2019t you put off whomsoever you\u2019re hopeful on at Julia\u2019s Palace? It\u2019s not like your money won\u2019t be good another night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, no,\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s not like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged. \u201cI say make Joe sweat. Wednesday it is. The sooner the better to meet Miss Montague.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile I\u2019d love to ride back into town and change our plans\u2026\u201d Adam knew his lips were quirking up at the thought of seeing India again. That little rendezvous had been replaying in his head since the first kiss and hadn\u2019t stopped yet. \u201cWomen don\u2019t cotton to this sort of thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd,\u201d Hoss slapped his thigh, \u201cif older brother here sees Miss India tomorrow you just know he\u2019ll blow an axle again. How long did it take up to pick up all that hay?\u201d he turned to look up at Adam, who had his hand on his forehead and a pained expression.<\/p>\n

Joe felt the heat shift off him and used it to his advantage, \u201cYeah. Kind of miscalculated, I recall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, fine,\u201d Adam grumbled but the smirk told the bigger story. \u201cWednesday it is. As it was before, as it shall be.\u201d He intoned that last part rather dramatically.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis gal good with you and all your book learning and fancy speaking, Adam?\u201d Hoss glared up at Adam. \u201cOr does she just ignore you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He barely ducked the swat to the back of his head.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dinner at the Ponderosa on Wednesday. The Montague residence was in a well-mannered uproar. Reggie was nervous while India floated on air. Patience glowered, then relented, then glowered, then relented, and when her suitor arrived the next day with two dozen roses in shades of red, she gasped and nearly fainted herself. India roused herself out of her smitten reverie to go find a real vase to hold the beautiful blooms while the youngish, nervous man said to Patience, \u201cI heard your cousin received a hundred roses straight from San Francisco from Mr. Cartwright, so I thought I\u2019d do the best I could. I hope it\u2019s enough, Patience. I really do.\u201d<\/span><\/span>India nearly dropped the vase as she came down the short hallway. Ha! How gossip grows and spreads! She almost laughed out loud. The bucketful of Black Eyed Susans was still going strong and had various offshoots in a few glasses around the house, including one on the small table beside her side of the bed.Patience arranged the blooms and admired them with a blush that made her even prettier while her suitor waited. India cleared the parlor and drifted away to think more about her cousin\u2019s upcoming wedding, although no formal engagement had been forthcoming yet. If those roses and the way he looked at Patience were any indicator they\u2019d be married on the schedule Patience had mentioned. Two months. Not a long engagement, to be sure, but not truly rushed either considering the fellow was twenty-eight.And then she\u2019d be alone.<\/p>\n

All India\u2019s joy fell away like water poured on the dirt. She frowned as she went to sit in the kitchen mainly to avoid being in the parlor. So she sat on a stool and looked out the window at the scrubby bush that grew there and wondered at her sudden mood shift.<\/p>\n

Part of it was the loss of Patience, her comrade in arms. Her cousin was truly going to become a wife this time; the fellow was plenty young enough to not have a heart attack and die before the wedding.<\/p>\n

The larger part was Adam Cartwright. She sensed they\u2019d crossed from merry suitors to something more serious; at least she had, with the feel of those incredible kisses. And therein lay the quandary.<\/p>\n

The single kiss still burned on her lips, and she could feel Adam\u2019s warm hands cupping her face. But all of that did not add up to an offer. The invitation to dinner held some hope but from what had been said, Adam could be quite a handsome devil, and she was far from his first romance. Looked at reasonably, that was a positive thing; after all, what unmarried handsome man reached his mid-thirties without a few romances and broken hearts left behind? On the not very positive side was the logical notion that a handsome, unmarried man in Adam\u2019s position most likely wasn\u2019t the marrying kind.<\/p>\n

Her guts told her that he was as smitten as she. Her head said to\u2026she hated to think it: slow down.<\/p>\n

India leaned forward to put her elbows on the table and her chin on her fists and pout at the irony of fate, God\u2019s will, and her own silly heart. She didn\u2019t want to contemplate a future without one witty, sarcastic, sweet and positively delectable man named Adam Cartwright. As she pouted she listened to Patience and her suitor in the parlor and realized she\u2019d better get to know the fellow\u2019s name soon.<\/p>\n

Then it dawned on her that she\u2019d be alone with only Reggie for company in the evenings when Patience married. India stood up so fast she nearly knocked the chair over. She had to secure her own lodgings in this overstuffed town\u2014and quickly!<\/p>\n

She paced until the suitor left, and then she almost charged into the parlour. \u201cWell, how is it with Mr., uh?\u201d India half smiled and felt a little guilty.<\/p>\n

\u201cBaxter. Fred Baxter,\u201d Patience rolled her eyes. \u201cWere you eavesdropping?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I could have gone somewhere where I couldn\u2019t hear I would have,\u201d India shot back. \u201cThe flowers are lovely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Patience turned just enough to look at the magnificent bouquet. \u201cBut he brought them to try to outdo what in actuality is a bucket of wildflowers. I\u2019d laugh but I\u2019m touched by the gesture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should be,\u201d India sighed. \u201cAt least you have an idea where you stand.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sigh was an attention getter. India rarely moped, not like this. \u201cYou\u2019ll know soon, I think,\u201d she said kindly. \u201cI hope he asks you, Indy. Truly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026\u201d India tossed her hands in the air. \u201cI am an idiot! It truly doesn\u2019t matter if Adam asks. Truly! I can look after myself quite well, and, and\u2026\u201d she ran out of steam. \u201cAnd I\u2019d miss him like all get out,\u201d she sighed again. \u201cMr. Baxter seems quite fond of you. He is not as stodgy as I thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is not a compliment, Indy,\u201d Patience laughed and took India\u2019s arm. \u201cCome, let\u2019s make some tea and have some biscuits and we\u2019ll giggle like we used to over the boys at church picnics. I recall I had such an interest in that Wheeler boy, do you recall?\u201d she chatted as she led her cousin back to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Old times, good times, India thought as they busied themselves with filling the kettle and measuring tea. As Patience chatted aimlessly to provide a distraction , India calmed down and knew she wasn\u2019t alone, not for a while. She snuck a look at Patience and silently thanked her. That was the thing with Patience; sometimes it was the sting, sometimes it was the silk, but in the end they usually pulled through for each other even if they resembled two hissing cats.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Wednesday.<\/span><\/span>Joe thought he\u2019d snuck out without a hitch. He\u2019d even double-checked on Hoss and Adam to make sure they were busy as planned; and Pa was off visiting somewhere, Joe wasn\u2019t certain where, but he wasn\u2019t supposed to be home until The Dinner. Of all the rotten luck, <\/i>Joe fumed. I couldn\u2019t muck up the timing any worse if I tried.<\/i>The sun was up enough to have burned the dew off, but he\u2019d been up most of the night in a fit of worry. He wanted to go to Adam and pester him about India but he knew that was just a way to pacify his nerves and would probably set him off anyhow. And he didn\u2019t need to go and talk to Adam to see his brother\u2019s newfound return of joy. The dimples were back in full force, the easy smile, and the inclination to return a joke with one of his own. He and Adam foisted India\u2019s book off on Hoss, who had in turn put it in with the regular books beside Pa\u2019s desk and the bet was on to see when Pa would find it.This has to work<\/i>, he told himself. The old stick in the mud has true love going on there, and if fairy tales have any foundation that means it will all work out in the end and everyone, including me, will live happily ever after. <\/i><\/p>\n

Joe felt better after going over that thought a few times as he went along the road.<\/p>\n

He mounted well out of sight of everything and rode for a few moments while his mind focused on the situation waiting in town. It would all be over by dinner and he\u2019d be dead or worse despite all the fairy tales in the world. Either way Adam would be free; Hoss, too, although that wasn\u2019t nearly as urgent, and Pa could stop being Pa to a kid and be Pa to a man.<\/p>\n

It was Joe\u2019s undoing to see his brothers waiting around the tight bend in the road on the way into town. There was no dissuading them and he wasn\u2019t about to spill the beans and wind up tied to a tree. Adam had a look on his face that said tied to a tree would be a very kind and loving option and Hoss looked like he\u2019d back up Adam just to have a good laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then,\u201d Joe gulped. \u201cTo town.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Fury pounded Adam\u2019s thoughts. He\u2019d known something was up and sure enough he\u2019d not been disappointed. Riding with Joe in the middle, grim faced, the three brothers went to town to meet fate even if two did not have a clue what the ante was.<\/span><\/span>Little did they know that fate played a tight hand.<\/div>\n
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\u201cAnd now what?\u201d Hoss groaned. Joe had led them around town a bit. First he\u2019d picked up a bottle of whiskey, drunk a little and then dumped more down his shirt. Then he\u2019d wandered into Julia\u2019s Palace and selected three girls to nuzzle and kiss for just a few moments. He had three distinctly different shades of lipstick on his neck and collar and a smear along his mouth and the back of his hand.<\/span><\/span>Now they stood on the boardwalk under the midday sun.\u201cWell, you can be of some use and punch me. Not too hard,\u201d Joe said quickly to Hoss. \u201cJust knock me in the dust.\u201dAdam\u2019s fist lashed out before Hoss could blink. A few passersby paused to look at Adam as he stood astride over Joe, hands on his hips and scowling hard. \u201cLook, little brother, you hauled me through a brothel and I have a respectable dinner companion tonight who might hear of such things and not cotton to them one iota. Start explaining some things or I\u2019ll grind your be-hind into something out of a horse\u2019s arse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh oh,\u201d Hoss straightened up with a look of worry. \u201cLook what just rode into town. We got trouble,\u201d he stood up straighter.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right!\u201d Joe held up his hands to placate his brothers. \u201cIt\u2019s all right. I asked them to come. Hey, let me up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice rose in pitch and volume but he didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me up and I\u2019ll explain.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Back on his feet, Joe put his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder, looked straight into angry eyes, and said, \u201cYou promise to stay out of this?\u201d<\/span><\/span>Adam tried to get Joe to drop his eyes, but it didn\u2019t happen. \u201cI see you get hurt and I certainly will not stay out of it,\u201d he said firmly, but for Adam that was agreement enough.\u201cYou too, Hoss.\u201d\u201cI\u2019ll see how far this goes, Joe,\u201d Hoss muttered and kept his hand free to get his gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019see,\u201d Joe sighed and patted Adam\u2019s shoulder, \u201cI\u2019m not dumb. It\u2019s my name on the line and my future and while I want my family to stand behind me, sometimes that\u2019s where you need to be. My back. I\u2019ll handle this,\u201d he stepped further into the dusty street and winked mischievously. \u201cYou\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was dumbstruck as Joe turned on his heel and acquired a severe stagger as he headed to meet the Collins family, who were dismounting with wary eyes. He tilted his hat too far forward, stumbled, then waved an exuberant greeting to Mr. Collins, who was eyeing him like suspicious rubbish.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey all!\u201d Joe slurred loudly. \u201cWhere\u2019s that gal? Ah,\u201d Joe pushed past Mr. Collins rather rudely to grab Becky and planted a kiss on her lips. \u201cWhat\u2019s yer name again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re drunk, Joseph Cartwright!\u201d the girl exclaimed as she struggled a bit in Joe\u2019s overzealous arms. \u201cAnd that\u2019s lipstick!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cS\u2019right, baby. This is the real Joe Cartwright. And I just got in a fight, to boot! You wanna get hitched right now so\u2019s we can,\u201d he looked her up and down in a way that said the cloth was no obstacle to his vision.<\/p>\n

Hoss started to snicker. \u201cI\u2019ll be damned. She\u2019d gonna toss the idea of marryin\u2019 Joe right quick!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw dropped so far he was lucky the flies didn\u2019t take up residence. His teeth clicked when he snapped his mouth shut, pulled his hat down and winced. \u201cI don\u2019t know about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019s that?\u201d Hoss asked and kept grinning at Joe\u2019s lecherous act in the middle of the main street. A rather large crowd was starting to gather and many people were whispering in shock.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe forgot one simple thing,\u201d Adam lifted his head to look at the debacle and looked more upset than any Collins, although if he broke into laughter it would suit as well. \u201cSome women love to save a reprobate. You recall Miss Abigail Jones, for example?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss looked puzzled for a moment. \u201cbut Joe\u2019s doin\u2019 it up real bad. Her pa sounds pretty upset.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust wait.\u201d Adam sighed and folded his arms across his chest while he appreciated the impromptu free theater and hoped he was wrong. Joe was laying it on thick. Too thick.<\/p>\n

The tide turned. Joe could not believe it when strong arms were flung around his neck and promises fell from Becky\u2019s soft lips that she\u2019d help him find his way. If anything the thought of saving Joe Cartwright was getting Becky rather excited.<\/p>\n

The Collins family was settled on this. Joe needed saving. Becky was just the gal and besides, Mr. Collins had Joe\u2019s telegram saying he\u2019d do the right thing. And as it turned out, Joe had a ring.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d nicknamed it Plan B. And as he slid Plan B on Becky\u2019s finger to the applause and catcalls of the crowd Joe felt he\u2019d sunk deeper than a cold boulder in the middle of Lake Tahoe.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Hoss stepped in to become the voice of reason and as he was settling things, mostly by virtue of looming while he spoke, a familiar voice thundered like few voices could.<\/span><\/span>\u201cWhat in tarnation is going on here!!\u201d Ben pushed his way through the crowd, nearly knocking his hat off in the process. He reseated it angrily while striding into the street. \u201cJoe! Adam! Hoss! All of you!\u201d his finger pointed. \u201cExplain this, this, debacle!\u201d\u201cJoe figured to solve the matter with Miss Collins himself,\u201d Adam bit out the words.\u201cAnd we\u2019re here to take him up on it,\u201d Mr. Collins said icily to Ben, then glared down his nose at Adam. \u201cLeastwise the young one knows to man up and follow through,\u201d he said knowingly. \u201cEven if he is a drunk and a frequentor of ladies of the line.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben half strangled. \u201cJoe? Are you drunk? Is that lipstick?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was making up new curse words in his head. He looked skyward for an explanation or at least a lightning bolt, just a simple direct hit, he prayed, but it seemed he was on his own. \u201cYeah, I must be drunk,\u201d he muttered and took Becky\u2019s small hand in his. She was a petite thing, all blonde ringlets, a curvy figure and big blue eyes. It could be worse, Joe mused as he thought of other women that had passed though his life.<\/p>\n

Ben inhaled and let loose. Joe withstood the tirade, his eyes straight forward, and started to get angry. He\u2019d tried. He\u2019d done his best. He\u2019d even accounted for Becky not falling for his ploy, and all he got was trouble.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m marrying Becky Collins,\u201d Joe said without a hint of inebriation. \u201cA man my age should be married. No offence, Adam, Hoss,\u201d he nodded at his irate brothers. \u201cThe Collinses are a good family and Becky will make me a nice wife, won\u2019t you, honey?\u201d he turned to gaze down at the very pretty girl of eighteen. He had to fight to not run as fast as his legs could carry him but he did it. He stood and faced down everyone.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019course I will, Joe,\u201d Becky giggled.<\/p>\n

Mr. Collins nodded proudly. \u201cBoy knows the truth, he does,\u201d he said easily. \u201cMy Becky will be a good wife. She\u2019ll have him off strong likker and fancy women as soon as they\u2019re hitched, mark my words. Lord be praised but I feel a song comin\u2019 on\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPaps, I think we\u2019d best skip that,\u201d said the burliest Collins son, a man about Adam\u2019s age, and the one who\u2019d connected with Adam\u2019s jaw back in Kansas. \u201cWe need to get home and get ready for baby sister\u2019s wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes,\u201d the girl\u2019s eyes shone and she pulled harder on Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cI need my hope chest, and the wedding dress needs to be finished, and we need to get word out to all the family! Where will we have the weddin\u2019, Joe? Here? Oh, please let\u2019s get married here in Virginia City, it\u2019s so exciting!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam found he was under scrutiny from his counterpart in the Collins family. He scrutinized back. \u201cYes?\u201d he said through a forced smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cMark.\u201d The man held out his hand. Adam took it and the handshake went off well. The other five riders came forward and similarly introduced themselves, and it was clear they were all relieved.<\/p>\n

Ben pulled Adam aside just enough to whisper, \u201cI need to invite the Collinses for dinner tonight\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d already figured that,\u201d Adam pinched the bridge of his nose. How had things gone so badly so quickly? \u201cI\u2019ll go tell India that we have to postpone our dinner. I mean, the dinner\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben interrupted right back. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam. I truly am. As much as I think you are moving too fast, you certainly haven\u2019t got a patch on Joe right now. In fact,\u201d he put his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder and sighed, \u201cgo to India now. Arrange to postpone the invitation. And stay with her for a little while before riding back to the Ponderosa. I can handle this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but\u2026\u201d Adam finally really focused on his father\u2019s eyes and saw a concern and capability there that took away his building head of steam. \u201cIndia would understand, Pa, if I came back right away,\u201d he said with a little hint of a smile. \u201cMy place is here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is. But right now there\u2019s not a lot you can do except get in another fight over a matter that needs a different sort of resolution, Let me worry about this until this evening,\u201d Ben started to grin and thumped his eldest on the back. \u201cOr do you think I\u2019m too old to pull Joe\u2019s butt out of the fire?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam put his hands on his hips and looked up the hill to the location of the Montague residence with a shake of his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo,\u201d Ben growled for show but winked where only Adam could see. \u201cBe home for dinner, even if it\u2019s not the one you\u2019d hoped for.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elegant fingers snapped up to the brim of a black hat to reset it at a more rakish angle, hazel eyes twinkled, and in a flash Adam was striding down the street and right through the crowd that parted for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mind my eldest.\u201d Ben turned to smile beneficently at Mr. Collins. \u201cNow, let\u2019s go somewhere more fitting to discuss this wedding, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\nThe knock thundered through the house, causing Patience to foul up a stitch. She shrugged and made it to the door before India. \u201cMr. Cartwright!\u201d she exclaimed without guile as she cut India off. \u201cThis is unexpected.\u201dIndia recovered behind her cousin. \u201cWell, let the poor man in.\u201d She rolled her eyes.Adam came in, hat in hand and apologized for his unexpected arrival and appearance. They led him to the parlor and then Patience, keenly observant, quickly left to see if the water was still hot enough for tea.\u201cThere\u2019s been a hitch, Indy,\u201d Adam took India\u2019s hands in his as he scooted up tight to her on the two-seat settee. \u201cThat Collins matter? Well, Joe put his foot in it and it looks like he\u2019s marrying the girl. The family is heading out to the ranch to discuss matters so, as much as it pains me to say this, we need to postpone our dinner. \u201dIndia blinked as she thought about this. \u201cJoe said he didn\u2019t ask, though! And now he has? And postpone for how long?\u201d\u201cFor a day or two, darlin\u2019, that\u2019s all,\u201d Adam said with sincerity and was impressed with the lack of histrionics. \u201cAs for proposing, it was without a doubt the strangest proposal I could have imagined. Even from Joe.\u201d He poured out the tale and as he went, he started to snicker.India put her hand up when Adam reached the part where Joe\u2019s ruse had failed: \u201cStop. Right there.\u201d She was starting to laugh as well. \u201cYour brother sounds very interesting. But you said he did wind up asking?\u201d\u201cWith a ring,\u201d Adam said with some grudging admiration as he thought about it. He lifted India\u2019s hand up to his lips and loved how her attention snapped to just him and him alone. \u201cI can\u2019t let him throw himself away like this,\u201d he murmured against her fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose not,\u201d India replied dreamily. She idly wondered why women did not kiss men\u2019s hands, because his were fine examples of hands that could be explored in much the way he explored hers.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have\u2014\u201d he pulled India closer and looked down into her face with that intense gaze that gave her a racing pulse and near feverish heat\u2014\u201cany idea how to fix this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could think about it,\u201d she sighed and knew she couldn\u2019t focus on anything beyond wondering if Adam was going to kiss her. He was leaning in closer, his strong arm sliding along the back of the settee to go around her shoulders. \u201cBut I can\u2019t think with you looking at me like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were the kind of gal who thinks,\u201d Adam leaned in even closer. \u201cEven to pulling my own gun on me. And putting the most horrible novels in the most serious of books.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be fair, I had absolutely no idea how horrible that book was going to be when I went to all that effort.\u201d India licked her lips and felt Adam\u2019s warm breath across the slight moisture. It was getting very hard to keep her eyes on his; they were so close. \u201cAnd, and,\u201d she started to giggle as he paused so tantalizingly near, \u201care we going to kiss or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s smile was full of boyish glee with a good veneer of macho pride. The Collins mess still occupied his mind but not nearly so much. \u201cI\u2019d hate to interrupt all those thoughts running around in your head, darlin\u2019.\u201d He inhaled and bent a little lower\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cTea?\u201d Patience said loudly and tried to look anywhere but at the settee as she came in with the tray and set it on the table. She sat in the chair across from the settee and kept her attention on the tea tray.<\/p>\n

\u201cLovely roses,\u201d Adam commented as he sat up properly and straightened his collar. \u201cMr. Baxter?\u201d he asked as he tried to keep a straight face and bite his tongue on the comment about timing and the lack thereof.<\/p>\n

Patience was agog. \u201cYou know Mr. Baxter? And that he is calling on me?\u201d derailed, she her head of steam at the impropriety of one Adam Cartwright and her too free-spirited cousin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam could not hide the smirk despite his best efforts.. \u201cI do hear things, Miss Montague,\u201d he chided her in a moderately friendly manner.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, the flowers are from Mr. Baxter,\u201d she replied evenly. \u201cTea?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d India practically spit nails but hid it with a cynical laugh as she too reflected on timing and fate.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndia, next time you and Mr. Cartwright wish to have a little moment, I trust there will be a more formal understanding between the two of you.\u201d She held up a teacup as though it were a shield and poured the tea rather aggressively as she flashed a loaded look at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cTouch\u00e9,\u201d he grinned widely.<\/p>\n

\u201cCream and sugar?\u201d she asked calmly and flashed India a look but that didn\u2019t stop her cousin from coughing and laughing at the same time. \u201cOh, India, do settle down,\u201d Patience frowned and shook her head. \u201cI\u2019m only acting in your best interests, since you apparently haven\u2019t a clue how to ensure Mr. Cartwright does not get out of line.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlack,\u201d Adam said calmly and looked at India as she erupted in giggles. A dark eyebrow went up but his dimples spoke of merry satisfaction as he drank her in with his eyes. \u201cAnd, Miss Montague, since your cousin has already kept me well in line and to my satisfaction, I beg to differ. India may employ unusual methods, but I assure you they are effective.\u201d<\/p>\n

Patience glanced at Adam with a frown. \u201cApparently not; else you\u2019d be better behaved.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPaish! That is quite enough,\u201d India said sharply as sat bolt upright. But Patience\u2019s words rang true. Adam had not so much as mentioned outright courtship other than this dinner, and not once had he suggested they step out only with each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour cousin is right, Indy, and I stand corrected,\u201d Adam looked at India with bold eyes, then at Patience, who fairly brimmed with outrage and something else. He covered India\u2019s hand with his and spoke carefully. \u201cIndia.\u201d He took in a deep, measured breath and sat up straighter, took her hands in his and paused. His hazel eyes were an open book that spoke of longing, joy, and a liberal dose of caution.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ask if you\u2019re not ready.\u201d India interrupted his long pause with a firm tone and her chin held high. She kept looking into Adam\u2019s eyes as he absorbed the many meanings behind those words. He seemed to settle into himself, as though a weight lifted from his shoulders and he could ease into his thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo true,\u201d Adam licked his lips and tore his eyes away before he did something that would shock Patience into hitting him with the tea tray. \u201cAnd that is precisely when I will ask,\u201d he added with a wink and squeezed her hands just so before releasing them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Adam rode hard to get back to the ranch and caught up with the group moseying along. Joe was the picture of martyrdom, Hoss was shaking his head but his father looked a little too confident. That raised Adam\u2019s spirits somewhat. He reined in beside his father and the two rode along in their own thoughts for a while.<\/span><\/span>\u201cDid India take the postponement well?\u201d Ben asked out of the blue.Adam straightened up in his saddle to try to read his father\u2019s expression before answering. There was no thunder, no hostility and no disappointment. He relaxed a bit and allowed his smile to escape. \u201cJust fine,\u201d Adam nodded. \u201cI told you she would.\u201d\u201cThen why were you scowling when you rode up as though everything had fallen apart?\u201d Ben asked directly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, thinking of Joe\u2019s ability to plan,\u201d Adam replied vaguely. They were out of earshot if they kept their voices low but he still hesitated to admit what had been running through his head. What the heck had Joe been thinking?<\/p>\n

Ben looked over at his son and liked the smile that still shone there. \u201cI will say this, the mere mention of Miss India Montague seems to have improved your mood. Perhaps I was wrong about this being too hasty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is too hasty, Pa. It\u2019s all over the place. India is a proper, educated lady when you get down to it, but this whole thing has just been like a mess of tangled up rope. Can\u2019t find the ends.\u201d Adam started to laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re still smiling as you say it,\u201d Ben nodded and dared to laugh a bit. \u201cThere\u2019s hope for you yet. You know, your brothers have been calling you \u2018Sobersides\u2019 for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adam chuckled and reset his hat a little more forward to shade his eyes, but their glow wasn\u2019t hidden one bit.<\/p>\n

For a moment Ben felt such pride that he blinked. Adam, his eldest and the one he had the rockiest relationship with; so capable, smart, too good looking for his own good, just like his mother, and too full of caring for others while keeping his own heart behind higher and higher walls as the years went past. Ben looked away to the grey slopes of the mountains and said a prayer for his son.<\/p>\n

To divert his thoughts back to the matter at hand, Ben rode back to Mr. Collins and they began to discuss cattle and weather while Adam stayed in front and led the gaggle of riders to the ranch house.<\/p>\n

Hours later, Adam was vexed all over again. The dinner he\u2019d meant to enjoy with India had turned into a strained meeting of two very different families. The Collinses were good people, simply different in many opinions and attitudes from the Cartwrights. They shunned much education, only read the Bible, and believed that heathens should be converted whether they liked it or not, and it seemed they were thinking the Cartwrights were bordering on considerable heathenness. Even Joe had been disturbed to find out that Becky could neither read nor write and expected her daughters to follow in her footsteps. The Collins sons were more literate, but Joe was well ahead of them. Their attitude toward women\u2019s education had no ill intent as far as Adam knew, but it certainly wasn\u2019t his way; they still were fair, as just as could be expected, and they kept their word. But this paled in comparison to what he\u2019d been looking forward to with India tonight. India. She could laugh at the drop of a hat, stay on any topic he\u2019d started and look at him like he was the center of the universe when he put his mind to it. A heady combination.<\/p>\n

And Joe was marrying a girl that was going to drive them all mad in a week, from what tonight had spelled out.<\/p>\n

Ben offered up room in the house for the Collinses to stay for the night and have breakfast before heading out in the morning. Adam quickly offered his room to Becky, and told Joe he\u2019d have to \u201cmove over\u201d. This also provided extra insurance that his younger brother didn\u2019t sneak out and ravish his bride to be. From Joe\u2019s downcast look and earlier reactions there was little chance of that. The male Collinses shared the guest rooms as best as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou better wear a nightshirt tonight, brother,\u201d Joe tried to tease, but his words and smile were forced.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee?\u201d Adam tossed the old striped nightshirt on the bed in between undoing buttons on his starched white shirt. The tie already graced the top of Joe\u2019s dresser. \u201cWouldn\u2019t want to offend your sensibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you should skip it and scare the blazes out of Becky. She might run screaming.\u201d Joe\u2019s lips half smiled at the thought. He was already changed and in bed and he\u2019d done it with a quiet efficiency that spoke of a lad feeling awfully down on his luck.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cNope. I suspect when all was said and done that I might be the one doing some running and screaming. And then India would have my hide as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Joe tucked his knees up to curl his arms around. \u201cI sure messed up. Sorry, Adam, but I just wanted to get this matter settled so you could, you know,\u201d Joe shrugged and heaved a sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam sniped with some worry. He worked on his belt buckle, which had decided to become stubborn. It took a few yanks to get it to cooperate. He\u2019d lost a little weight and was using a new hole, and it wasn\u2019t giving up easily.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d Joe looked away so his brother could change in the lamplight in peace. \u201cI can tell this gal is really something for you. You\u2019ve been smiling and laughing again.\u201d he heaved another sigh. \u201cNo matter what, you promise me you\u2019ll never marry a woman who doesn\u2019t put the dimples in your smile and the bounce in your step. And don\u2019t be too long about making up your mind about getting hitched.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam draped his black striped dress pants over Joe\u2019s desk chair and felt an uneasiness start to burn in his belly again. \u201cJoe? You didn\u2019t go arrange all this lunacy so I could court India, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up to see the unease written all over Adam\u2019s face. He nodded, then shrugged. \u201cAnd I wanted to show I could do this myself. I think I did pretty good, looking back. No one was shot.\u201d He started to grin. \u201cEspecially me. Well, and you too, brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was starting to chuckle in return. \u201cWell, you did manage that.\u201d He turned back the covers. \u201cYou sure don\u2019t have a lot of pillows,\u201d he commented as he slid between the sheets. The nightshirt instantly started to bunch up and he straightened it out with a scowl. \u201cDamn things,\u201d Adam muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, how\u2019d you get so many pillows?\u201d Joe was glad for the change of subject and amused by his brother\u2019s indignant struggle with his nightshirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t rightly say,\u201d Adam shrugged. \u201cI just did. Now, you get out and take care of the lamp. And tomorrow we\u2019ll sort this mess out so you don\u2019t have to marry a gal you really don\u2019t want to.\u201d He looked at Joe, who looked much younger for a moment as he slid out and was wearing an old nightshirt from years ago. \u201cYou showed a lot of guts today, Joe. Having that ring? That was smart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think?\u201d Joe blew out the wick. The room plunged into darkness but he was back in his bed in a flash. \u201cMy knees were knocking,\u201d he admitted very softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d have fought it out and probably been shot,\u201d Adam admitted into the dark. \u201cAnd you\u2019d probably have been shot, and if we lived Hoss would give us that look, you know the one,\u201d he chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Pa would be all upset but still love us,\u201d Joe snickered. \u201cAnd be in there with guns blazing, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Adam replied drolly. He thought of what it had taken for Joe to kneel in the dirt of C Street and propose to a girl he neither loved nor wanted, after making an utter fool of himself, all for the sake of keeping family safe and whole. It put a lump in his throat. \u201cYou make one hell of a good brother, even if you can be misguided at times.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cComing from you, I\u2019ll take that as a compliment of the first order, older brother,\u201d Joe snorted and rolled over. \u201c\u2019night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Joe,\u201d Adam heaved a sigh and lay there with his eyes wide open. What a pickle<\/i>, he mused.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

The Collinses headed off after breakfast to the Cartwrights\u2019 relief. As they waved and Joe did his best to not wipe off the spittle from Beck\u2019s last minute, overly enthusiastic kiss, each entertained thoughts about what the day would hold.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben clapped his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cNow, Adam, back to your slightly less irregular courtship. Go see your gal and get her out here as soon as you can. Tomorrow night, if possible. \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa!\u201d Adam was completely taken aback. \u201cWhat about Joe and his messed up wedding? We\u2019ve got to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I can manage,\u201d Ben said firmly but with a sparkle of devilment in his eyes. \u201cTruly. Adam, listen to me. I find myself in an unusual predicament. I have one son I need to get out of a wedding with the wrong gal and another whom I want to get into one, but with the right lady. I can\u2019t say if India is that lady; only you can. And I fear you\u2019re going to get cold feet if you hang around here fretting over Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo! At the rate you\u2019ve been going we\u2019ll get more done without you than with you.\u201d Ben glared to raise Adam\u2019s ire. It worked. \u201cThere, now go. Things will keep for now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not getting cold feet,\u201d Adam said succinctly and didn\u2019t budge. He squared off and carried on. \u201cI just think that this is too fast. That was all I said.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss perked up immediately. \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d he frowned over Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u201cToo fast? Nah,\u201d Hoss reached around to slap Adam on the arm. \u201cCan\u2019t see you lettin\u2019 things go too fast. On the other hand, it is a durn fine excuse for getting cold feet.\u201d Those blue eyes looked innocent enough but the smile was on the devious side.<\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath and forced his body to relax. Forcing a smile was harder but he managed it even if it looked like he was ready to spit nails. \u201cI am not getting cold feet. And no one is going to push me into anything I don\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOooh, there he goes,\u201d Joe smiled wanly and waved his hand as he went to sit on one of the chairs on the porch. \u201cCold feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked incensed but he did not take the bait. \u201cI happen to quite like Miss Montague. I will see that she and her family have dinner at the Ponderosa and it will be because I want her to, not because you louts baited me into it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Quite like?\u2019\u201d Hoss started a rumbling belly laugh. \u201cOh, that\u2019s what we\u2019re calling it now. Like. All righty. I\u2019m gonna \u2018like\u2019 me some ham tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d \u2018like\u2019 to be hit by lightning,\u201d Joe volunteered and put his feet up on the railing, his eyes meeting Adam\u2019s in direct challenge. \u201c\u2018Quite like\u2019 it, to be honest!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben could not keep a straight face, but he did keep an eye on his eldest, who was building up quite a head of steam from the looks of it. He\u2019d inhaled and looked even bigger than his usual size, all compact strength and steely determination. It looked like every muscle in his body was tensing, and his nostrils were definitely flared.<\/p>\n

Hoss added, \u201cAnd I\u2019d \u2018quite like\u2019 the chores to do themselves some days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked ready to explode. His hand shot up, finger extended and the familiar scowl took over his face, thinning his lips and bringing black brows down like thunderclouds. He started to say something in that tone that could almost cut wood\u2026but something happened.<\/p>\n

Adam started to smile. His tense hand and pointed finger turned into a casual wave, the anger fled his face, taking some years with it, and the stance changed from challenging to ease. \u201cFine, fine. You\u2019ve had your little joke. Just for that, I might stay in town all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

This news made Ben grin. \u201cI think you should. And while you\u2019re there, look into the possibility of renting the new church for the service.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe fell off the chair.<\/p>\n

The thundering knock on the door set India\u2019s heart racing. She walked quickly with her mind working even faster. Home alone, she was not in a position to receive visitors. She opened the door but remained standing resolutely in front of it. \u201cAdam,\u201d she said with a growing smile and a telltale blush she\u2019d have made go away if she could. \u201cI\u2019d invite you in, but Patience is out and the day maid hasn\u2019t come yet; I\u2019m so sorry but I\u2019m not ready to cause even more scandal since you seem to be a respectable member of the community,\u201d she said in one breath. As she delivered her rushed monologue her eyes stayed on Adam\u2019s face but her palm relived pressing against his strong, amazing chest. Her dreams had been too vivid, she decided, and yet not vivid enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen come sit on the swing with me,\u201d Adam said and felt his heart flip. Respectable member of the community? <\/em> Even worse, India had said it as though it were a condition one could be cured of should the need arise.<\/p>\n

As she swept past him to go to the swing he ran this through his head again. Was he respectable now? Truly? He\u2019d carried on with saloon girls, shot men, been shot, nearly been hanged, accused of murder, and he knew that almost every dark haired child without a father was blamed on him, at least by some. Had he gone past all that and wound up being a pillar of the community?<\/em><\/p>\n

The night of the fair came back in a rush. India in front of him, defending his clothes. Why? Because he\u2019d been under fire for not dressing up to the expected standard for his position in the community. Adam felt a different kind of noose go around his throat. Respectability?<\/em>He settled in beside her and deliberately put his arm along the back of the swing, his fingers brushing her arm. \u201cHow does this day find you, Indy?\u201d Adam sighed and let himself gaze into aqua eyes that met his and looked straight through him. Or at least looked straight at him, which put her ahead of so many other women who looked anywhere but his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d she said with deliberate poise, but winked. \u201cAnd you, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d he nodded and fired a wink right back. \u201cThe Collinses are off, to return in a few weeks for the wedding. And now I can have you and your family out to the Ponderosa for dinner tomorrow night, if that is acceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReggie had to go out in the field, as he called it, today. He won\u2019t be back for a week or more. Something about the railroad\u2026and he did say I was to tell you he isn\u2019t going anywhere near Cartwright land.\u201d She put her hand on her forehead as she laughed at the memory of Reggie when he\u2019d asked her to please pass that message onto Adam. \u201cHe is a strange man. I can see why he is unmarried although he has a good position.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam felt his lips quirk up as the humour hit him. \u201cReggie isn\u2019t that much older than me, Indy,\u201d he said dryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? I thought he was,\u201d India shrugged and missed the glee on Adam\u2019s face. \u201cI will come if Paish is available and willing. And I\u2019m certain she is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPatience keeps quite an eye on you,\u201d Adam tightened his arm just enough to move India a few inches closer and smile down at her. \u201cDrives me mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn this case I need her,\u201d India melted into Adam\u2019s warm side. The morning was chilly and his heat was very nice. \u201cI may mock some aspects of society but a woman alone with four men over an hour out of town\u2026 even I\u2019m not willing to behave so brazenly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be brazen if you were to stay at the ranch overnight,\u201d Adam said and felt his blood heat up and rush around in a very nice way. \u201cBut merely for dinner? No one around here would comment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTruly?\u201d India laid her head on his shoulder and almost purred as his arm, hard with muscle, slid right around her even more. \u201cStill,\u201d she sighed uncertainly. Temptation was pulling at her rather strongly but this new sensation was filling her, one that told her to be serious and think about ramifications beyond today because he was worth it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re right,\u201d Adam heaved a sigh, \u201cA chaperone. Although it isn\u2019t easy to kiss in a buggy on a bumpy road.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t know,\u201d India said pertly and flashed a look up at Adam, who had the grace to look boyishly guilty as he realized what he\u2019d said.<\/p>\n

Adam muttered, \u201cIt was before we met.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to account for that, Adam,\u201d India lifted her hand to intertwine her fingers in his as though it were second nature. \u201cI\u2019d be shocked if it were otherwise; you\u2019re too handsome for your own good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never asked to be,\u201d he admitted with a chuckle at the pointed comment and gently toyed with her fingers. \u201cNow, I have the entire day off to squire you around Virginia City again. I do have to go ask at the new church if Joe and Miss Collins can wed there,\u201d he added with a frown as his mind snapped back to the Collins problem. \u201cWhat does your heart desire, fair India?\u201d he drawled gallantly but his smile wasn\u2019t quite as relaxed after the change of topic.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat your brother not marry this girl and that you not get famously hurt or shot in the process of sorting it all out,\u201d India said lightly as she squeezed those long, expressive fingers. \u201cBut I will settle for some of those pastries you introduced me to, and that coffee as well, in a while. No rumoured diamond bracelets or buckets of roses; they would be much too corny.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was struck speechless for a moment by her insouciance before he stuck out his foot and put the swing in motion with a push of his boot heel. \u201cI see. I can certainly take you out for more of those cherry turnovers, and wonderful coffee, and a whole lot more,\u201d he smiled and snuggled her in very close with just his arm around her and their fingers intertwined.<\/p>\n

She could feel his strong heartbeat thumping in his chest as she closed her eyes and wondered if today would be like their first unplanned day together. Would he feel free to amble and talk endlessly about the most interesting things? And listen in turn, really listen? Would they wander arm in arm from bench to storefront window to caf\u00e9 to theater and do it all over again? Or was that day a rarity, something that one Adam Cartwright, much storied near-hero, had let happen by accident? India suspected that the man who laughed, offered sarcastically loaded comments and kept sneaking little touches in was every bit as real as the sober, just, much looked-up-to man she\u2019d heard about. Apparently there was a side that could pull a gun on a gunfighter and win, throw a punch like a mule and drink a fair amount of whiskey, too, and India was certain that side existed, but hoped she\u2019d not see it for a while.<\/p>\n

By mid afternoon, footsore, happy, well-fed on the many cuisines in Virginia City including Chinese cuisine in the home of Hop Ling, Adam had returned India to her residence and had proven beyond a doubt that their first day together was no accident. If anything, he had surpassed it with ease. That was the only way to explain the day had flown much too fast.<\/p>\n

He stole a kiss at the door, one that lingered gently and made her stand on tip-toe so she didn\u2019t miss any of it. \u201cAsk Patience about dinner\u2014\u201d Adam managed to shake his thoughts clear for a moment\u2014\u201cif she\u2019s home.\u201d<\/p>\n

India hurried off and returned a moment later with a quick stride and a smile. \u201cShe said yes, just like that,\u201d she snapped her fingers and laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t go just yet.\u201d He wrapped his arm around her waist to kiss her one more time before letting go. \u201cEarly afternoon, around three.\u201d Adam rubbed his calloused thumb along India\u2019s cheek very gently. \u201cBring a cloak; it gets cold in the mountains late at night. I\u2019ll make sure there are lap blankets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA cloak,\u201d India nodded, lost for a moment. \u201cCan\u2019t think when you do that,\u201d she whispered and put her hand up to his to capture his fingers. They curled around hers as though they belonged together.<\/p>\n

\u201cI go too fast,\u201d he sighed. \u201cForgive me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor making me laugh? Heavens, what a silly thing to ask,\u201d India laughed and stepped back into the doorway, her head reeling from the joy of the day and the few moments of sweet tenderness. \u201cOff you go. And don\u2019t be late. Patience detests anything to fall behind schedule and we\u2019ll hear about it the entire trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam also stepped back, nodded, tipped his hat, then gave up and bowed formally. \u201cAs you command,\u201d he grinned and knew he had to hustle out of there before India grabbed the broom and went after him. He turned around and blew a kiss as he headed down the street with a plan in his head.<\/p>\n

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Joe moped around the ranch house, although he tried to be stoic. This lasted the entire evening. Adam was understanding. He played checkers with Hoss and damped down his own desire to talk a bit about his day with India. She was his, to him, and he wasn\u2019t about to blab everything everywhere. But he did want to share a few tidbits, especially the incident at the tack shop. Adam chose to keep it to himself. Even the slightly hoped-for nighttime visit from Joe didn\u2019t happen.<\/span><\/span>By morning, Joe was prepared to face his fate. He was gazing out at the lake with a lost look in his eyes but a firm stance. It touched Adam so much that he asked Joe to accompany him into town to get India and Patience. \u201cBesides,\u201d Adam shrugged, \u201cI need someone to distract the chaperone.\u201dBen said little when both sons came downstairs dressed in their suits, curly hair neatly tamed into waves, one with dimples showing, the other with hound-dog eyes. \u201cA trip might be just the thing,\u201d Ben said without missing a beat as he wrote in his ledger. \u201cDon\u2019t be late for supper. You know how Hop Sing gets.\u201d<\/div>\n
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India looked at the mantel clock again. \u201cTen more minutes before Adam is due. Stop pacing, Paish. You are driving me mad.\u201d<\/span><\/span>Patience halted abruptly. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be in this state if some sort of agreement had been reached between you and Mr. Cartwright, but, oh no,\u201d she railed on, eyes skyward as though praying for guidance, \u201cyou had to go out with the man for the entire day, again, and not once did you manage to finagle even the confirmation you are in fact courting! Did you at least tell him you will be employed in the near future?\u201d\u201cNo,\u201d India admitted uneasily.That signature thundering knock on the door announced the slightly early arrival of Mr. Cartwright himself. \u201cSomeday he\u2019ll knock the blooming house over,\u201d Patience muttered as India went past to open the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d India exclaimed, but was looking at his unexpected companion with a raised eyebrow. \u201cPlease, come in for a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Montague, may I present my brother, Joseph, whom I have mentioned,\u201d Adam took his hat off as he stepped in, Joe right behind him. \u201cJoe, Miss India Montague.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh great. Mentioned. I can imagine,\u201d Joe grumbled, but with a half-smile to ease the rudeness. He bowed as he took his hat off, \u201cMy pleasure, Miss,\u201d he said, straightening up\u2014and then lit up at the sight of the petite, pretty blonde in a lovely mauve silk dress advancing down the hallway.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Miss Patience Montague,\u201d Adam said and shot a rather heated look at Joe.<\/p>\n

India caught that look and the look on Joe\u2019s face. She delicately cleared her throat, put her hands on her cousin\u2019s arms and said, \u201cPardon us while we gather our things.\u201d She then turned Patience around to push her back down the hallway. \u201cThere\u2019s something you need to know,\u201d she hissed in her cousin\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

A few moments later the pair returned. Joe smiled his best smile. Patience shot him a look at could make ice feel cold.<\/p>\n

Adam smirked at India as Joe wilted from the frosty reception. He\u2019d been ready to straighten Joe out but suspected India was already on the case. He\u2019d kept his mouth shut and put his trust in her and was well pleased that his trust had not been misplaced. Her wink back and sideways glance at Joe as she rolled her eyes caused Adam to chuckle and feel an odd pride fill his chest.<\/p>\n

The trip out to the ranch in the buggy went smoothly, with both Cartwrights acting as the best tour guides two girls from New England could ever want. Patience directed her questions primarily to Adam, which discouraged Joe, but India talked to both men without hesitation. She was quite certain Adam\u2019s little brother would not trod on his brother\u2019s territory. As it turned out, Joe relaxed and was quite chatty with stories about Adam that were clearly meant to put his brother in a glowing light.<\/p>\n

India recognized Ben as Adam guided the buggy into the yard in front of the large log house. Patience was quite taken aback at finding such a near-mansion in the middle of nowhere, but Adam had already described it to India and she saw that he hadn\u2019t been exaggerating. Her eyes on the towering roofline, she accepted Ben\u2019s hand with a quick glance and warm smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome to the Ponderosa,\u201d Ben replied with a hint of wicked glee.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is everything Adam said it is,\u201d India said replied as she was lifted down by Ben\u2019s strong hands.<\/p>\n

Adam had helped Patience down and introductions were managed all way \u2018round as Hoss came rushing out of the house.<\/p>\n

Joe watched Adam offer his arm to India and look down at her as though everyone else had disappeared, and the look was returned in like manner. Hoss came up beside Joe and folded his arms. \u201cWell, you traveled in with the gal, what\u2019s she like?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe slid his hat back on his head and sighed. \u201cThey\u2019re smitten. She\u2019s as bad as him,\u201d Joe gestured in futility, \u201cIt\u2019s all looks and smiles and little sighs. I almost gave up and walked. Her cousin is an iceberg, by the way,\u201d Joe smacked Hoss in the gut and laughed as he headed into the house.<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned and followed. This was starting to look a whole lot more interesting.<\/p>\n

Adam was and was not worried about dinner. He was acutely aware of the stories Joe had told on the way to the ranch and knew there were hordes of others where he wasn\u2019t quite so much a hero as a man trying to make the best of a muddle, or had downright lost his temper and done any number of other unflattering things. And then there was his family. Would they take to India? He knew his father already had reservations, and Joe seemed to have relaxed a bit, but would Hoss handle her sometimes triple edged humour? And how would their reaction affect his surprise? Adam knew he was certain about a great many things but right now some things weren\u2019t so certain. Or perhaps they were. It all depended on so many things he had no control over.<\/p>\n

Adam, who had felt fine on the ride to the ranch, fought his suddenly skittish gut right until India slipped from his arm to settle in the offered seat in the blue velvet chair and say to him, \u201cIt is wonderful here, Adam. You are truly blessed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been hard work, but it was worth it, India,\u201d Adam murmured and knew right then and there that most of his skittishness had died a quick death. He stepped around to sit on the hearth and look up at her, although not by much. \u201cIt\u2019s no upstart mining camp up the side of a mountain, that\u2019s for certain,\u201d he said proudly, and began to talk about a certain valley some ways away with a waterfall she just had to see.<\/p>\n

\u201cPardon my interruption, but may I get you a drink, Miss Montague?\u201d Ben asked cordially. \u201cA brandy? Some wine?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA glass of wine, please, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d India smiled up at Ben for a flash. Her nerves were smoothing out enough that she felt she could handle a glass of wine.<\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat and chuckled. \u201cA brandy for me, Pa, if you could.\u201d He glanced up as Hoss led Patience to a chair on the other side of the hearth.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded with a smirk. As Hoss settled in beside Adam, he waved away any drink, as did Joe when he sat on the chesterfield. \u201cWell,\u201d he grinned at Adam\u2019s brief vexed glare at his brothers. \u201cMay I say how pleased I am you both could come visit us. May I also get you a glass of wine, Miss Montague?\u201d he referred to Patience. She agreed politely.<\/p>\n

Drinks served, Ben deliberately hovered near the not-formally-courting pair. He had a few things he wanted to observe. It didn\u2019t take long for India to reveal she was not about to put on a false show. Ben recalled those types of incidents too well. Some still made him wince.<\/p>\n

India was grateful for the chair and the wine. She felt Ben\u2019s eyes on her, assessing and calculating, but she didn\u2019t resent his gaze. Adam had spoken enough of his family to make it clear that not only did they pull together, but they tended to guard each other as well. Right now India knew she was only marginally less than an intruder, or worse, a usurper. Adam was the man\u2019s eldest, and no doubt he had a vested interest in keeping an eye on her. She felt that this was sensible; she\u2019d do no less in his position.<\/p>\n

The conversation was even and pleasant, with Hoss providing some entertaining stories before the meal was served. India started to feel a bit of flush from the wine and wisely let the glass sit for a while. She felt Ben\u2019s eyes on her again as Adam spoke about the adventure Hoss had when midgets came to the ranch. Despite his observation, the story put her in stitches and Patience as well.<\/p>\n

When dinner was served, Adam stood and smiled with a pleasantly distant look while offering her his hand. India put her hand in his; then he swooped it up to his lips for a quick kiss and looked entirely too merry for his own good. India accompanied him to the table and wondered what on earth had put him in such a good mood, although she was grateful for it.<\/p>\n

The meal was delicious, the cook delighted to hear such from pretty ladies, as he said in his broken English with a huge smile, and then all too soon it was over.<\/p>\n

\u201cWalk with me?\u201d Adam asked after the dessert plates were cleared away. He pulled her chair out so India could stand gracefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d India nodded knowing her beau had a trick up his sleeve. Adam was too bouncy, too eager. His brothers and father noticed it too, from the suspicious looks on their faces. She took his offered hand and walked with him to the door. It wasn\u2019t easy to hold her tongue, but Adam\u2019s wink silenced her as they strolled along, arm-in-arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have some of the best horseflesh here on the Ponderosa,\u201d Adam said as he ambled along, his hand holding hers, to the barn and corrals. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit dark to see, but there,\u201d he pointed, \u201care some of the best cutting horses you\u2019ll find outside of Mexico. And in here,\u201d he led India only a few steps into the barn, \u201care two of the top stallions in the territory. And here,\u201d he reached up to a shelf, retrieved something, and started to smile, \u201cI have a small gift for you. I trust you won\u2019t find it as corny as a diamond bracelet.\u201d<\/p>\n

India blinked in confusion, her eyes not yet adjusted well enough to the dim light in the barn to see what he\u2019d pulled off the shelf. \u201cCorny?\u201d her mind raced a bit until her words flashed back at her. \u201cFunny, that seems a bit small for a bucket of roses\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He opened the rectangular velvet box and took out a sparkling silver bracelet set with stones she could not make out until he drew much closer. \u201cJade,\u201d Adam said in a voice that had dropped into an even deeper baritone than usual. \u201cI did not want to offend you with diamonds. But this is Chinese jade,\u201d he said meaningfully and looked at her with hope. \u201cPerhaps it is too extravagant, but I hope you will accept it as it is meant. A gift.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are quite the,\u201d she said and looked upward, \u201cthinker.\u201d Adam has given me an expensive bracelet,<\/i> she thought in a panic. An expensive bracelet, but at least it wasn\u2019t the rumored diamond-studded one that was the center of a few stories circulating around town. Is this a prelude to another one of those \u201cindecent\u201d proposals?<\/i> India held her breath and feared the worst while deeply hoping for the best to happen at long last.<\/p>\n

Still holding the lovely piece of unique jewelry, Adam looked into India\u2019s eyes for a long moment, clearly thinking and weighing his words. He found them, and spoke. \u201cI recall a lovely lady looking me straight in the eye and telling me to wait until I was ready before asking to pay her court. Wise words, India,\u201d he let out his breath, his face lighting up with just a hint of shyness under his confidence, \u201cWell, I\u2019m ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReady? Courting? You are?\u201d India gulped. \u201cOh, my,\u201d she started to chuckle. \u201cOh, Adam, really? Of course, you\u2019re a man who knows his own mind, and I\u2019m prattling like some sort of idiot. Yes! I accept!\u201d Her breath was coming fast and shallow and there was no restraining her gleeful squeal as she flung her arms around his neck. She pressed her face into the starched white shirt to breathe in his cologne and the essential scent that was, quite simply, Adam Cartwright. When he maneuvered for a kiss, she wasn\u2019t about to refuse.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndia,\u201d he tried to say, but was cut off by another kiss. \u201cIndy,\u201d he tried again. Adam had to resort to standing up straight. \u201cOne more thing,\u201d he winked. \u201cCome on.\u201d<\/p>\n

A few more steps into the big barn, and then down a hall between stalls, was the main tack room. India felt her heart lurch uneasily as Adam led her deeper in to the warm, musty barn, a sudden fear that his definition of courtship was the equivalent of the men back in Philadelphia who would offer her a gift and then expect favors since she was not \u201cmarriage minded.\u201d Each step steeled her will to say to Adam as she\u2019d said to all the others. No. Not that. Unmarried does not mean courtesan.<\/i><\/p>\n

Moonlight and starlight were strong enough to light the tack room without a lantern. India hesitated in the doorway as Adam picked up a bucket full of what appeared to be evenly sized branches. He brought it to her with a twinkle in his eyes that enchanted her all over again. India was about to laugh about his unending ability to rip up parts of the landscape and offer them up to her, but the smell tickled her nose before the words went to her tongue. It was indeed a bucket full of roses. \u201cOh, Adam,\u201d she whispered in awe as she stroked her fingertip up a velvet bloom.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas I too corny?\u201d Adam broke their thoughtful silence as he put the bucket down.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes,\u201d India nodded, caught his fingers in hers and started to laugh although part of her was ready to weep at his thoughtfulness. \u201cTerribly corny. And I am forced to admit, also terribly effective.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere.\u201d Adam held up the slim silver bracelet. \u201cMay I put it on you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d India fought back tears. \u201cYou are quite a man, and not corny at all.\u201d She trustingly offered her wrist and watched, fascinated, as Adam\u2019s graceful fingers placed the bracelet on her flesh and then did up the clasp with ease. He placed a kiss to the inside of her wrist, then pulled her into his arms to wrap around her and kiss her silly.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Ben was about to have a little stroll when the front door opened and in came Adam, who was definitely flushed, and India, whose eyes were a little red but was clearly happy as anything. The bucket of roses dangling from Adam\u2019s hand was noticed next. The comments flew, but it was Patience who noticed the bracelet.<\/p>\n

\u201cA gift,\u201d Adam replied to the nearly hostile question. He paused until all eyes were focused on India and him. He winked at his brothers, nodded at his father, squared his shoulders and, bursting with pride, announced. \u201cI have asked to court Miss Montague, and she has graciously accepted.\u201d He stood a little taller and looked down at India, who looked up. \u201cIt is official.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe snickered. \u201cWe already had that pegged, brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s official now, Joe.\u201d Hoss glared across the table as he stood up. \u201cNow let me congratulate the two of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

India\u2019s head reeled on the way home. Courtship. That often led to marriage. A no longer nebulous concept. But with Adam, that was a whole different story! The seating arrangements in the buggy had changed; for the ride home India was beside Adam, while Hoss, who came in place of Joe, chatted to Patience about all sorts of things and she, in her usual way, managed to nod at the right time and reply appropriately.<\/p>\n

Courtship. A beautiful bracelet that was worth more than one of diamonds for the meanings it carried. A bucket of roses that also must have cost a pretty penny. And now a buffalo hide over their laps, the stars in the sky and a definite chill on her cheeks countered by Adam\u2019s heat pressed against her side. Her cowboy, and as of the exchange in the barn, sweetest, funniest man she\u2019d ever run across.<\/p>\n

They said little with words, but the looks that passed between them could have scorched timber.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cAdam, I\u2019d like to speak with you,\u201d Ben said as his sons came in. He closed his book and looked up. Hoss took his leave while Adam came to sit in the chair beside his father. Ben looked for anger or resentment in Adam but saw nothing more than a slight frown. \u201cYou know what I\u2019m going to say?\u201d he mused out loud.<\/span><\/span>\u201cThat I\u2019m rushing. That I\u2019m foolish. That the bracelet was foolish. And the roses. That India does not suit the picture I had in mind for a wife,\u201d Adam said with a shrug. He looked into the fire for a long moment before looking back to his father. \u201cBut you don\u2019t look disappointed. So what were you going to say, Pa?\u201d\u201cI was going to say that India meets with my approval.\u201dA long, intense silence followed. Adam was agog at first, then slightly speechless, winding up in a fair bit of shock. The wind out of his sails, he simply tilted his head and looked into the fire again. As the flames mesmerized him, part of his mind slid off to revel in thoughts of a wife, a specific woman as his wife, and a fireplace of his own to come home to. With children coming to him, asking him to read their favorite stories just one more time before bed. A smile started to lift his lips, only to be overtaken by a jaw-cracking yawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said,\u201d Ben repeated himself carefully, \u201cthat your gal meets my approval. I think you may have found what you\u2019ve been searching for. At least I hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n

The words shook Adam out of his reverie. \u201cI hope so, too. I\u2019d hate to think you despise my wife, so at least that\u2019s a weight off my mind.\u201d Another jaw-cracking yawn overtook him and he stretched out in exhaustion and blessed relief. He rose after a moment. \u201c\u2019night, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had all sorts of things run through his head at the phrasing, but kept it to himself. \u201cGood night, Adam. See you in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Joe waited a respectable amount of time to see if their father was going to go to bed but there was no second tread of footsteps up the stairs. Realizing he was being silly because he wasn\u2019t fourteen any longer, he slid out of bed and made his way to Adam\u2019s door. \u201cHey?\u201d he called softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI expected you,\u201d Adam chuckled and opened the door. \u201cRight on schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBloody hell,\u201d Joe gaped. \u201cA nightshirt!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, as you said, I\u2019m on the road to respectability,\u201d Adam said cheekily. \u201cAnd I guess I\u2019d better get used to this again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe folded his arms over his chest and pursed his lips. \u201cWell, having met Miss Montague and seeing how you two look at each other, I think you can ditch the nightshirt,\u201d he said wryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam glowered. \u201cThat is my girl you\u2019re talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged and grinned. \u201cAt least yours seems to like who you are, while mine, well, she likes the idea of Joe Cartwright. I just don\u2019t think she likes or even knows me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded as he folded his striped pants and hung them in his wardrobe. They were ones he\u2019d not worn in a while, but with his weight loss they fit fine again. \u201cTruer words have not been spoken,\u201d he nodded and glanced at his younger brother. \u201cI asked India to put her mind to getting you out of this mess. A woman\u2019s perspective might help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMight,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cAs long as you don\u2019t get shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomehow I don\u2019t think she\u2019ll want me dead, not for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure your gal will come around to our way of thinking and just whump you with a log every so often,\u201d Joe chuckled. \u201cBut seriously, Adam, maybe, uh, we could make this a double wedding?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you,\u201d Adam replied curtly. \u201cI have no intention of seeing you up at that altar. Period. Unless you\u2019re one of my two best men,\u201d he added with a boyish grin that flashed lovely white teeth.<\/p>\n

Joe was thunderstruck. He clapped his hands over his mouth and fairly jumped up and down with glee. \u201cHot damn!\u201d he managed to say in a loud whisper as he pulled his older brother into a massive hug. \u201cYou really think you\u2019re going to the altar this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d Adam said without thinking, realized what he\u2019d said and started to laugh as Joe pointed at him and snickered at the irony.<\/p>\n

The knock was cursory. Ben opened the door to see Joe slapping his thigh as he laughed and Adam, in a nightshirt of all things, with one hand on the wall to steady himself as he laughed like his ribs would crack. \u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d Ben asked briskly.<\/p>\n

Hoss appeared, also ready for bed and looking dead tired. \u201cYeah, what\u2019s so dadburned funny at this time of night?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

Joe pointed to Adam as Adam pointed at Joe. Joe tried to speak but no words seemed adequate, so he shrugged and, still giggling, said \u201cI\u2019m going to bed. Adam, get some sleep, you need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rolled his eyes, let Joe past, then closed the door and went off to his own room wondering at the sanity of his offspring.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cOh, my lord,\u201d Patience gasped once the men had left. \u201cLet me see! \u201c She grabbed India\u2019s wrist to turn it this way and that near the lamp. \u201cThis is lovely. A little bit much, but lovely!!\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u201cIt is,\u201d India was serious but here eyes sparkled. She missed Adam already. \u201cI\u2019d best get the roses\u2014\u201d\u201cLeave them in the bucket, we\u2019ll sort it out tomorrow,\u201d Patience said as she released India\u2019s wrist. \u201cIf you\u2019re half as tired as I am, and you should be, then we need our beauty sleep.\u201dA short while later, their dresses airing as best possible in the tiny room, hair brushed and braided and both women tucked under the covers, Patience muttered, \u201cI can\u2019t believe you wore it to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Adam buckled on his chaps. The chuck wagon had provided an adequate breakfast that filled his belly more than well enough to saddle up for the morning\u2019s work. Cold coffee helped put the camp fire out, and now it was time to move more cattle down to the lowland pastures. For five days he\u2019d not found time to head into town, not once. That wasn\u2019t terribly unusual for this time of year, so he muttered to himself about timing in general. Adam tried to content his rambling thoughts with the facts: one, this was an official, solid courtship with a woman who could behave, and while she\u2019d break rules, he knew in his gut that once India had said yes to his suit she\u2019d not make a fool of him; and two, he\u2019d been up front about the work coming up, his part in it, and that he\u2019d try to get into town as soon as he could.<\/span><\/span>All his logic wasn\u2019t helping. He wanted to see India, touch her, make her say something in that wonderful accent, even better if she was being witty about it. He tucked his gloves into his belt as Ben approached. They were of a mind where and how to move the herd but with a shortage of hands they all felt a bit stretched. Joe was downing another coffee before mounting up and Hoss was already tightening his mount\u2019s cinch. It was time to move the herd.A while later, Joe looked over the top of the Sierra Nevadas and wondered at his odds if he slipped away and made a break for it. His eyes slid over to Hoss, haranguing the cattle to get moving, Adam, sitting in the saddle with his eyes looking dreamy as he joined in getting the herd on its way, and then to his father. Joe knew he could not create the shame of being a run away and leave his family to deal with it. He\u2019d gladly run to China, but not at that cost.<\/div>\n
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Four more days later, Patience was sitting on the porch with Mr. Fred Baxter on a fine September afternoon. She flashed the engagement ring again and smiled at him shyly. Now she understood why India had not taken that bracelet off. As she recalled the strange look on India\u2019s face when she fingered the silver bangle, Fred leaned down to steal a kiss.<\/span><\/span>\u201cBaxter,\u201d a deep baritone said briskly.\u201cMr. Cartwright!\u201d Fred sat up straight. Adam Cartwright. Standing right there. One of the biggest customers at the bank.\u201cMr. Baxter proposed last night!\u201d Patience said eagerly and held out her hand.<\/p>\n

Fred almost died from embarrassment. His fianc\u00e9e, however, seemed completely at ease with the large man who wasn\u2019t wearing his usual scowl. Fred realized that perhaps Mr. Cartwright scowled more while at the bank than he did outside the institution. The man was looking positively pleasant, if not happy.<\/p>\n

Adam had taken Patience\u2019s hand to examine the ring. He felt that it was woman\u2019s work to gush over a ring, but had no trouble finding pleasantries to say that made the normally reserved, if not peevish, lady blush and smile.<\/p>\n

India arrived a little hastily. \u201cAdam!\u201d she exclaimed and did not, by virtue of great effort, fling her arms around him. It was very clear that she would have if the porch had been empty.<\/p>\n

\u201cI made it, India,\u201d Adam took his hat off as he closed the gap. His fingers gently stroked the brim. \u201cI\u2019d like to walk with you, if you have time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d India felt her hands shake as she untied her apron. He\u2019s here. He made it! <\/i> \u201cLet me put this away,\u201d she grinned and felt her cheeks flush. Dashing into the kitchen to put the apron on its hook, she took a moment to splash some water on her face and wash her hands. She took a deep breath and started to chuckle at her silliness. \u201cI\u2019m not some schoolgirl with a crush,\u201d she muttered before laughing again while drying her hands. A hat? Gloves? No, she decided. I truly met Adam on a day where all that was irrelevant, and I think today it is just as unwarranted.<\/p>\n

The black hat was replaced on Adam\u2019s head with an easy move as India came out of the front door. He held out his arm, she took it, and with a nod to the interrupted couple he led India down the dusty front walk.<\/p>\n

They were down the hill a bit and heading for the main street when Adam broke the silence. He had a favour to ask and needed to phrase it well. \u201cIndy, I missed you,\u201d he began. Her smile and joyful laugh made him smile in return. \u201cYou miss me, too?\u201d he brazenly hunted for a compliment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d wax eloquent, but let\u2019s just say that I missed you,\u201d India said gaily. The day was looking up.<\/p>\n

\u201cPatience is engaged. She must be pleased,\u201d he said and paused at a corner until horse traffic had slowed enough to cross.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, she certainly is,\u201d India nodded and was glad for Adam\u2019s strong arm as he half lifted her up past a rickety stair. Right up to the boardwalk. \u201cMy goodness, you\u2019re strong!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a lot lighter than most of the critters I\u2019ve been spending my days with lately,\u201d he grumbled and slowed their pace. It wasn\u2019t too crowded or loud here. \u201cI\u2019ve a favor to ask and I\u2019d like you to think about it before you say no.\u201d<\/p>\n

India started. She looked up to try to read his face and there was no apparent ill intent, just hopeful hazel eyes, an open expression and those lips that drew her eye a shade too long. Adam had clearly had a bath and a shave before he\u2019d come to see her. \u201cI might not say no, I might say yes,\u201d she shrugged. \u201cPray tell, worried one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am worried. But do I look worried?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I know you must be. Unless Joe\u2019s marriage is off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not, and that\u2019s the favor I want to ask,\u201d Adam slowed their pace even more.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not selling her to gypsies,\u201d India said firmly but her eyes sparkled. \u201cYou do that yourself and leave me out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf that was an option I think Joe would do it himself,\u201d Adam smirked. \u201cDid you come up with anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOther than to be honest and make the girl confess her own lie, but now that your brother asked in front of a crowd I know that won\u2019t work,\u201d India said frankly. \u201cWhat is the favour, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

He took a moment to clear his throat. \u201cI\u2019m afraid that the bride has no female relatives that are able to attend her. Mr. Collins sent a wire asking for us to provide a lady to assist this Becky on the wedding day. I know I\u2019m asking a lot, but could I impose on you, India?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, stop it with the big puppy dog eyes,\u201d India rolled her eyes. \u201cI\u2019m not the one to ask. Patience, however, is. I will weasel my way around and get my dear cousin to take on the case of Joe\u2019s wife-to-be. In fact, all I have to say is that I will be in charge of helping and you\u2019ll see how fast Paish takes over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour cousin is quite\u2026\u201d Adam stopped. His eyes flashed..<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, she is,\u201d India said curtly but tempered it by bursting out laughing and daring to press into his lean body just a little as they strolled. He snuggled back. \u201cAnd even if she won\u2019t, I certainly will,\u201d India said a bit more thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Adam wanted to wrap around this lady who took on cases and causes about as fast as he did. He settled for the best wink he could. \u201cAnd here we are. Pastry and coffee. May I treat you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be delighted,\u201d India sighed with mock dramatics. They entered, and as Adam settled her into a chair at a small table in the busy caf\u00e9, she realized he\u2019d just placed her in the perfect place to influence the bride-to-be if she could come up with a plan to get his brother\u2019s marriage called off. Life was not only good, but it had just turned very interesting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The afternoon was barely turning to evening when Adam strolled through the door of the ranch house whistling a jaunty tune. Ben looked up from his paperwork. \u201cAdam? You\u2019re early.\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u201cI am?\u201d He hung up his hat and dropped his hands to work on the gunbelt. \u201cIt\u2019s supper time, isn\u2019t it?\u201d\u201cI thought you would stay in town a bit longer,\u201d Ben said carefully. He leaned back in his chair to regard Adam as he strolled to the front of the desk.\u201cI make Miss Montague\u2019s fianc\u00e9e nervous,\u201d Adam grinned as he settled in to a chair to chat with his father. His mood was good; the day had gone well even if he\u2019d only had time for pastry, coffee and a stolen kiss on the porch before leaving. The look on Ben\u2019s face made him sit up straight and get a chill. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! You mean India\u2019s cousin!\u201d Ben let his breath out and rubbed his temples. \u201cAdam, don\u2019t do that to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Realizing the implications of his remark made Adam start to smile. He relaxed and settled into the chair, long legs stretched out and hands folded across his now taut belly. Nine days of trail food had removed the last of the weight he\u2019d put on the past year. \u201cAh. Yes. Patience has accepted a proposal from Mr. Baxter at the bank. India has accepted taking on Becky when the Collinses arrive and I have arranged a floor of rooms for the family at the Royal, since the International House is too full. The church is booked, and the shindig after will be held at Harlan\u2019s barn with the Halfway Cafe providing the food. All paid for and done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a relief,\u201d Ben let out the breath he\u2019d been holding. \u201cAnd India?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs well,\u201d Adam smiled a relaxed smile and squirmed just a bit. \u201cShe sends her regards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo histrionics over your absence?\u201d Ben raised an eyebrow. He fought down a chuckle but it lit his face. \u201cNo tears? No wild demands?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNone,\u201d Adam crossed his legs and bit his bottom lip. \u201cNo Cartwright cousin showing up, either, although I\u2019m grateful to Will now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben fell serious in a heartbeat. \u201cAdam,\u201d he said and wanted to offer comfort but held it back. He wanted a better clue before saying anything more.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf India is playing me false, Pa, I will either send for a mail order bride or never court again,\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was raw but he looked calm until you saw his eyes. \u201cI\u2019ve fallen too deep, too fast. I want to pull back. I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

The admission set Ben aback and yet pleased him to no end. Adam was talking, truly talking, letting some of the old pain out. \u201cLove doesn\u2019t let you dictate it, it dictates you,\u201d Ben murmured. \u201cSo I\u2019ve found.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I\u2019m being played?\u201d Adam rubbed his jaw and looked very bitter for a moment. Saying the words brought on heartache even greater than finding out Laura did not want him. \u201cIndia has made it clear she lives on a small annuity and will barely get by without Reggie\u2019s help. What if she\u2019s using me to get into a better situation?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben could not stop the smile although he could restrain his urge to thump Adam on the back. \u201cYou told me she did not think you were wealthy that day you spent together, where you came home late and looking rather pleasantly lost, I might add.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue. But,\u201d Adam forced his nervous hands to stop rubbing his jeans. \u201cMaybe I shouldn\u2019t start ruining it already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you shouldn\u2019t ruin it at all,\u201d Ben said mildly<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cOh for heaven\u2019s sake, Indy.\u201d Patience put her hand on India\u2019s arm. \u201cWhat a horrible thing to ask! You simply can\u2019t take over the girl as though you were her mother or aunt; what will be said? No, no,\u201d she sighed and shook her head. \u201cI will help. That will alleviate any concerns that you are acting improperly. If you were Adam\u2019s wife it would be different, but you\u2019re not.\u201d<\/span><\/span>Not yet, India heard the words in her head and wondered where they came from even though it was obvious. The dreams were quite vivid now.\u201cAnd have you told Mr. Cartwright yet that you start your employment two days after this wedding?\u201dGuilt hit like a bucket of cold water. \u201cNo,\u201d India said with a sigh.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Joe paced. Hoss looked back at the checkerboard. \u201cThey come into town tomorrow!\u201d he exclaimed for the umpteenth time.<\/span><\/span>\u201cSit down, Joe. Pa\u2019s been grinning that grin he gets when he\u2019s got a plan. He just don\u2019t want to tell us for some reason. It\u2019ll all sort out, you\u2019ll see. Oh, and look, you lost again,\u201d he took the last of Joe\u2019s checkers with his final jump.\u201cYeah, well, I\u2019ve got things on my mind. Big, important things.\u201d~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Adam led India up the steep slope of the tiny back yard of her cousin\u2019s house. There was a patch of dry grass he\u2019d spotted, and to walk India out of town at this time of night would risk too much in too many ways. This would do.<\/p>\n

The dinner at her cousin\u2019s house, the first meeting since he\u2019d asked her to help Becky, had been quite pleasant. Reggie had not been terribly annoying. Patience was perfectly pleasant. The meal, a good roast chicken with all the trimmings, had been very welcome.<\/p>\n

India sank down to sit on the grass. The moon was waxing again, providing a perfect silver light to sit outside on the pleasantly warm, breezy night. She watched Adam fold down to sit beside her, graceful and strong. He stole a kiss, then looked terribly impish. \u201cIf I may?\u201d he murmured and turned to lower his head down to her lap and stretch out to look up at the night sky.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust don\u2019t fall asleep,\u201d India teased her beau. \u201cI swear you slept nearly the entire trip on the stage,\u201d she reminisced and fought to not play with the waves she knew could turn into curls, also thanks to their trip and seeing Adam without his impeccable grooming.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways do,\u201d he said mildly. \u201cJust a nap when I\u2019m alone. With my father there I really passed out a few times. I still feel bad about kicking your cousin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe lived,\u201d India said calmly, recalled his boots slipping forward to rest under her skirts and tried to figure out how to ask Adam if she could touch his hair. She\u2019d never been in a position like this. Excuse me, may I touch your hair? <\/i> No, she thought wryly, too standoffish. Let me\u2026 May I\u2026 I\u2019d like to\u2026<\/i><\/p>\n

Nothing worked. She was utterly tongue-tied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Indy?\u201d Adam asked as he watched the struggle run across her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to touch your hair and can\u2019t figure out how to ask,\u201d she admitted and tried to not laugh. \u201cAnd now you look entirely too pleased over it. I see those dimples. Oh, yes, and now that smile. You do have nice teeth. Oh, don\u2019t you dare laugh at me for saying what I\u2019m thinking,\u201d she shook her head and started to chuckle. \u201cFine. Laugh. I deserve it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took India\u2019s hand to place it on his neatly trimmed sideburns. \u201cStart here. Then like this,\u201d he demonstrated, his fingers guiding hers, \u201cand then this,\u201d he started to chuckle devilishly as she fought to not laugh too loudly at his boldness.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about this?\u201d India\u2019s fingers spread and slid through thick, black waves that felt like cool silk.<\/p>\n

Adam nearly levitated. \u201cYes. That.\u201d His voice dropped as his eyes fluttered shut.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat, too,\u201d he groaned and bit his bottom lip. His eyes snapped open when India paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be no rescuing your hair after this,\u201d India purred and met his eyes look for look.<\/p>\n

Adam lifted his hips up and reached into his back pants pocket. He held up a short comb in front of India\u2019s eyes and waved it meaningfully. \u201cDo your worst. Please,\u201d he stretched his arms out wide to squirm just a bit as he reveled in the destruction of his neatly combed waves into messy curls. His back arched and his lips parted but it was his gentle, deep laughter that made India smile confidently and completely ruin Adam\u2019s normally tidy appearance.<\/p>\n

It would be nice to say that moonlight bathed them, but it only lightly sketched them. It was a lovely sketch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Adam went back to his room at the Royal Hotel after seeing India. He nodded to the desk clerk as he went past, his mind stuck halfway between India\u2019s fingers in his hair and the arrival of the Collins family tomorrow, and the wedding the day after.<\/span><\/span>He hoped like mad that the wedding would fall apart and all this work would be wasted. Oh, the Cartwrights would still put on a great shindig, but he hoped it was to celebrate Joe NOT being married, as unfair as that was to one Becky Collins.Adam removed his cufflinks and hoped like mad that India or Pa or someone had something up their sleeve, because as far as he could see, there was no way out of this. Even if Joe were to run or call it off, they\u2019d be sued silly and while it would be worth it, the harm to Joe\u2019s reputation would linger. Either way, he mused, he could do nothing until tomorrow with the Collins family at hand to listen to reason, although that was a slim to none chance. He still placed a strange hope on India to pull a rabbit out of a hat.~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

A few blocks away India and Patience were gesturing wildly and talking rapidly in the kitchen. Reggie looked over his paper and counted the days until he might get his house back. Patience would depart in three months, approximately two and half months too long, and while India had apparently caught the interest of Adam Cartwright, no proposal had arrived yet and the man was notorious for poking around like an old nag in a swamp. Of course, he was just as notorious for acting on the drop of a hat on some things.<\/p>\n

The feminine discussion rose in volume. Reggie rolled his eyes up to the ceiling and prayed for an elopement or a lightning bolt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Ben had Joe and Hoss with him. To be more accurate, Ben and Hoss had Joe with them. Or perhaps Joe had his father and brother with him. No matter how one viewed it, Adam was missing.<\/span><\/span>\u201cCharles,\u201d Ben went up to the front desk, \u201cIs Adam in?\u201d\u201cSure is, rolled in last night,\u201d the clerk said with some surprise. \u201cI ain\u2019t seen him come down yet.\u201dHoss sighed. \u201cWhat\u2019s his room number? I\u2019ll go get him.\u201d The clerk said the number without hesitation and Hoss headed off with a look of determination.<\/p>\n

\u201cMgh,\u201d was the reply to Hoss\u2019s knock on the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, get your behind out of bed! It\u2019s nearly noon!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNoon!\u201d Adam\u2019s voice hollered and there was a thump and footsteps. A moment later Adam called back, \u201cAw, for crumb\u2019s sake, Hoss, it\u2019s only eight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMay as well be noon,\u201d Hoss laughed. \u201cGet your rear in gear.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was the sound of moving around and rummaging. \u201cBe down in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re not, I\u2019m coming back up,\u201d Hoss said firmly and nodded. Satisfied at the sounds of rapid movement on the other side of the door, he went back down the stairs.<\/p>\n

Joe looked like a bowstring. He gulped as Hoss came closer. \u201cAdam\u2019s okay, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure he is, Joe. He said he\u2019ll be down in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe knew he wasn\u2019t going to feel better until he laid eyes on Adam. He had a bad feeling about today.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t long before Adam ran down the stairs, hat in hat, gunbelt securely fastened around his hips and back in his usual black, even to the leather vest. His eyes twinkled although his mouth was serious. \u201cLet\u2019s go. I need some breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben wasn\u2019t worried about Adam obtaining breakfast. He knew his eldest could demolish a meal as fast as Hoss. Once done and the bill paid, the four set out down the street shoulder to shoulder, looking ready for anything.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Patience herded India out the door. \u201cWe should be there to greet the poor girl.\u201d She clucked her tongue.<\/span><\/span>India was still wondering how to convince this Becky that she needed to pull out of this wedding. After all, she had many, many arguments on hand against marriage, but they were simply against marriage, not marriage to Joe Cartwright, reluctant groom. Oh, and she did have a few biting things to say about honesty, honor and not lying to get a man to marry you, but Patience was probably the woman to deliver that side of the lecture. Her tone could take paint off a wall when she was affronted.\u201cThere,\u201d Patience hurried India down the street. \u201cI see the Cartwrights standing in the middle of the intersection. With no regard for the travelling needs of the common man, I might add.\u201d\u201cYes, Patience,\u201d India said in a monotone.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, there\u2019s your cowboy and he\u2019s all in black again. He does wear it well.\u201d<\/p>\n

The admiration in the tone sent India\u2019s eyebrows up a mile.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the dust must show terribly,\u201d Patience carried on as they made a racket with their heels along the boardwalk. \u201cThe others are dressed more sensibly. Joseph is quite the angelic cupid, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

India\u2019s eyebrow went up another notch. \u201cPatience, you are engaged!\u201d she managed to stutter.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat has that got to do with it?\u201d Patience snapped. \u201cI am merely observing what so many in town already discuss openly. Your intended is viewed as quite the figure, but so is the entire family. Surely you look.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot when I\u2019ve got Adam to look at,\u201d India hissed. \u201cSo stop going on about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow is not the time to fight. Again,\u201d Patience grimaced. \u201cLook! That must be the Collins party. Quite a few of them, I\u2019d say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re here for a wedding, and they don\u2019t live more than two days ride. Why shouldn\u2019t\u2014\u201d she counted\u2014\u201cabout forty come for the celebration?\u201d<\/p>\n

The ladies made it to the Royal and ducked into the lobby to wait the arrival of Joe\u2019s bride.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Adam\u2019s teeth were already on edge. The chit had managed to insult him, then insult Hoss, who had laughed, and then insult Adam to his face all over again. She seemed to think he was supposed to have read her mind about what she wanted for this farce of a wedding. He\u2019d picked what he thought best out of what was available, and frankly he\u2019d paid good money for the florist to come and decorate the church tomorrow. But the flowers weren\u2019t sufficient, apparently.<\/span><\/span>Ben pulled his eldest aside. \u201cIf you spank her I\u2019ll not interfere.\u201d\u201cTempting,\u201d Adam grit his teeth. \u201cGood lord, have we thought of nothing yet? Will we all be stuck with this?\u201d\u201cYes. Unless my plan works.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh thank God,\u201d Adam visibly sagged. \u201cTell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. It won\u2019t work if you know. Just be yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot it,\u201d Adam winked and clapped his hand to his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cNow I think I won\u2019t go take a long walk off a short pier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll things considered, I\u2019m the one who should be feeling that way, not you. Although even Clementine is looking pretty good right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeesh, Pa, you are in a bad spot,\u201d Adam winked again and turned around to face the next complaint over his wedding preparations. He trailed after Joe up the steps to the Royal Hotel, followed the wedding party in and was met with a surprise. India and Patience, both in elegant daytime fashions, eyebrows raised indicating they saw something that needed work, were meeting Miss Becky Collins.<\/p>\n

In a nutshell, Miss Collins lost.<\/p>\n

Joe barely caught the ice and fire that flew between the ladies. He blithely added, \u201cAnd my brother Adam and Miss India are stepping out. She and her cousin are going to help you, Becky!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam watched with growing shock as India came forward to examine Becky. She was every inch a society lady, poised and groomed to perfection. She took Becky by the arm and said something Adam couldn\u2019t catch but Joe didn\u2019t seem to mind.<\/p>\n

Then Patience came forward, all pale, icily fashionable and oozing restrained disdain. Becky wilted.<\/p>\n

India shot Adam a wink as she went by to usher Becky upstairs.<\/p>\n

Joe bounced up to Adam as the women rounded the corner of the landing to the upstairs. \u201cWhoo-ee! I think Becky is in good hands,\u201d he announced with great relief.<\/p>\n

Adam wisely kept his mouth shut about the fact that Pa even had a plan. \u201cSure, Joe,\u201d he nodded and had to tear his eyes away. That was a side of India he\u2019d not seen even on the stagecoach. She could be quite the grand dame, he mused. It made him feel a little worried, though. If he\u2019d run across India all done up like that and acting like that, he\u2019d have never approached her. She was too\u2026 he could not think of the word.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019d have thought your girl would turn out to be such a hoity-toit,\u201d Joe said with admiration.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Who\u2019d have thought,\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes went back to the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, c\u2019mon.\u201d Joe grabbed his brother by the arm. \u201cLet\u2019s take my future brother-in-laws out for some drinks. Then we\u2019ve got that box social tonight and you gotta get India to go all done up like that. I mean,\u201d Joe shook his head in awe, \u201cshe is just what we all thought you\u2019d eventually get hitched to, some uppity gal. But she\u2019s really not,\u201d Joe added because he felt the thunderous look long before he saw it. \u201cWe can raise our kids together!\u201d he added to lighten the mood.<\/p>\n

\u201cI keep telling you, Joe.\u201d Adam lowered his head to whisper. \u201cThis isn\u2019t going to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is,\u201d Joe whispered back. \u201cI won\u2019t disgrace my family.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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India was warm towards Becky. She lightened Patience\u2019s disparaging remarks, and tried to seek the good in the girl. The cousins had Joe\u2019s bride- to-be turn around again and hold up the home made white wedding gown to check for last-minute work. Patience felt it was thoroughly inadequate; India felt it was charming.<\/span><\/span>\u201cSo.\u201d Becky tried to stand up straighter as the Montagues did. \u201cI hear you hooked the big catch: Adam \u201ccursed\u201d Cartwright himself!\u201d she tried to make conversation.\u201cMy dear, my cousin was not fishing, and her intended is not a carp. I do not wish to have a fish in my family tree. Please.\u201d Patience shook her head. \u201cNor it is polite to refer a gentleman\u2019s past in such a manner. It shows your lack of breeding.\u201dIndia\u2019s palm nearly itched to swat her cousin, although, in her heart, she echoed the sentiment about referring to the past. She turned to Becky and hated to see how the girl was starting to tear up. \u201cDon\u2019t mind her,\u201d India sighed. \u201cIt must be that time of the month.\u201d She shot a look at her cousin that could wound an elephant.<\/p>\n

Becky gaped. \u201cLadies can say that?\u201d she gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not,\u201d India shrugged and checked Becky\u2019s blonde ponytail for split ends. As she\u2019d suspected. Not just split, but frayed. \u201cWe\u2019ll wash your hair and trim it, then oil it and wash it again. It will be brushed dry so it lies\u2014\u201d she tugged out a frizzy curl\u2014\u201csmoothly. And then we will tame these curls into proper ringlets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy hair?\u201d Becky put up a protective hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour cheeks could use powder; you go in the sun too much,\u201d Patience lost her head of pettiness and came forward to peer closer at Becky. \u201cFreckles. Hmm. No time to juice them out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must lotion her hands,\u201d India sighed. Her mind was trying to find the right place to stick in the lever of clever argument against this marriage and push with all her might, but nothing had presented itself yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, how rough,\u201d Patience clucked her tongue. \u201cI think we have what we need in the carpetbags.\u201d<\/p>\n

Becky\u2019s eyes went rather wide as India opened one of the bags and took out a deadly looking pair of scissors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The box social was in full swing well before nightfall. People were coming up to Joe in droves, and as word spread that Adam was stepping out with one of the new ladies in town, he found he too had a rush of well-wishers. Some ladies had tears in their eyes as they patted his hand and hoped he found every happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

If only the lady were here, of course.<\/p>\n

Adam was getting nervous. No one had seen hide nor hair or the women since they\u2019d gone up to Becky\u2019s room. Food had been sent up, then extra towels and a hot bath, according to the day clerk. Then more buckets of water.<\/p>\n

Ben drifted up to Adam. \u201cYou look fit to be tied.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am. I\u2019ve just arranged an entire wedding, started a courtship I am quite looking forward to, and Joe has hung himself out to dry to save the family honor, amongst other things, and neither my girl nor Joe\u2019s appear to be able to be bothered to show\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUp,\u201d Ben finished with his jaw dropping about as far as Adam\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Hoss nearly choked on his pork and beans.<\/p>\n

A lot of eyes turned and stared.<\/p>\n

Joe stopped chewing before he realized he really, really needed to get his mouth empty and get over to his fianc\u00e9e. He was too late.<\/p>\n

Becky had become Rebecca, an elegant, lovely, much more poised and polished (literally, if Joe were to know the truth) lady. The rush of admirers pushed Joe out of the way.<\/p>\n

Adam recovered. He ran his hand over his hair, messing up the carefully combed waves so thick curls fell across his forehead. \u201c\u2019I\u2019ll be damned. But I thought\u2026I thought India was going to try to meddle?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben straightened his tie and had to wriggle around to make his jacket feel better. \u201cI think she did,\u201d he said with a smirk. \u201cIn spades.\u201d<\/p>\n

India was mobbed until Adam pushed his way through the crowd of hopeful admirers to be by her side. The way she welcomed him with a big smile him caused some of the fellows to complain, to which Adam merely lifted India\u2019s hand up to his lips and said, loudly, \u201cAlready claimed, gentlemen. Already claimed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Patience was already known to be engaged to Mr. Baxter, who also came forward with a look of awe on his face as he led her straight to the dancing.<\/p>\n

Becky was busy laughing at the compliments the fellows bestowed so lavishly. Joe fought his way through to claim Becky with a smile at her and scowl at the men. Once it was made clear this sweet dish was in fact Joe\u2019s bride from that much-storied proposal in the middle of the street, the admirers backed away.<\/p>\n

Becky looked up at Joe with a pretty blush staining her lightly powdered cheeks. \u201cJoe, you look very handsome tonight,\u201d she said with care. It was clear she was trying to mimic the upper crust accents on her recent tutors.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you are a vision,\u201d Joe lifted her hand up to his lips. It was soft. He snuck a quick look and saw that her nails, once bitten and scratched down from hard work, appeared manicured although still very short. Expensive perfume floated up to tickle his nose. \u201cA lovely vision,\u201d a quirky smile started to lift his lips. He guessed that the dress was borrowed from one of the Montagues because it was terribly elegant and the ladies were similar in size.<\/p>\n

As night slowly took over from day Becky held Joe\u2019s attention very well. She minded her manners, thought before she spoke and did her very best to not giggle. Her eyes kept flicking to India or Patience for approval, which they gave with nods and smiles.<\/p>\n

Finally Adam could take no more. \u201cYou were supposed to put a stop to this,\u201d he tried to scowl but his lips quirked into a half smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo far I\u2019ve not had a moment to inundate the poor girl with my thoughts on marriage,\u201d India said with a frown. \u201cAlthough my current status makes a mockery of everything I could say. I have mentioned as much as I could\u2014and I will tell you this, Adam, that girl doesn\u2019t give a whit about what I say about marriage as long as she wakes up to Joe in the morning, as she put it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The matter-of-fact words hit Adam right in the gut. He looked down at India\u2019s still perfectly coiffed hair and knew that those words summed it up for him, too. Eyecatching sparkling silver around her wrist pulled his eye as her fan snapped up and open to wave away the scent of cheap perfume coming from the men who had just walked past. \u201cYou\u2019re wearing my bracelet,\u201d he murmured. Then his eyes flashed up to notice the earrings that appeared to be large diamonds. \u201cBut the earrings?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWere my mother\u2019s,\u201d India replied as she tried to keep an eye on Becky. \u201cShe would have adored you,\u201d she flashed a smile up at Adam. \u201cShe always told me to find a man with romance in his soul, a brain in his head and humor in his heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour father was a romantic?\u201d Adam dared to venture the question. India had not talked much about her family, although he knew her two brothers had died a few years ago in separate incidents, and her parents had perished in a boating accident.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, in his way. And a silly gambler, as he aged. But do not fret, that did not pass on to me,\u201d India laughed. \u201cMama hid some jewelry and it passed to me. I\u2019d never sell it. These earrings alone have so many memories,\u201d she smiled and looked very distant.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were rich?\u201d Adam finally found the right moment to ask about that, although he\u2019d not have picked a dance as the place to begin financial negotiations.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce upon a time,\u201d India sighed and snapped her fan shut. \u201cWhen Mama and Papa passed, oh, two and a half years ago, I went to live with Uncle and Auntie, who already had taken in Patience. The family name,\u201d India shrugged fatalistically. \u201cOne of those situations, you see. However, I do not desire your money, Adam,\u201d she said forthrightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is family wealth, primarily.\u201d Adam started to smile. \u201cAnd a dance is a devil of a place to discuss finances and delicate family matters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps we will dance at the bank to balance it out,\u201d India replied idly. \u201cBut I am not a gold digger. You could lose it all tomorrow and it would make no difference to me. I want you to know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI\u2026know that,\u201d he chuckled. His dimples showed as he tried to not smile. \u201cSo you didn\u2019t intend to turn Becky into the belle of the ball?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d She put the fan up enough to hide her wicked grin. \u201cBut this is an interesting turn of events. Do you think Joe is more interested in Becky now? That\u2019s odd.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not odd at all,\u201d Adam shivered and managed to slide his arm along the warehouse wall behind India and lean forward over her shoulder. \u201cShe\u2019s all pretty and elegant now. He\u2019s like a silly, fried moth at a bonfire. Look at him.\u201d<\/p>\n

India was acutely aware of Adam\u2019s insinuated presence. She flushed even though he in no way was touching her. \u201cPerhaps they should marry and have a bunch of incredibly adorable children. It could be worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head very firmly. \u201cJoe should marry a woman he wants to marry.\u201d<\/p>\n

India dared to touch the tip of her fan to the cleft in Adam\u2019s chin. \u201cAnd a woman should marry whom she chooses, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam agreed and looked rather deeply at India but he couldn\u2019t bring himself to ask. She met his intense look with one of her own. It would have been quite the moment if they hadn\u2019t started to smirk at each other, and when India melted into a delightful giggle the moment fell apart. \u201cShall we dance, Miss Montague?\u201d he asked with a proper bow.<\/p>\n

Out in the thick of the dancers, Joe found he was cut in on at almost every turn. He had to keep fetching his bride back and fending off men offering to get her drinks and pastries or cake. He was getting downright indignant. Worst of all, Becky wasn\u2019t making a point of brushing any of the men off!<\/p>\n

Joe was fed up with his bride-to-be enjoying all this attention while he had to compete as if he were just any old guy at a dance. She wore his ring. He took a moment of her busy time to point it out.<\/p>\n

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Hoss stood nonchalantly along the wall with a few acquaintances from neighboring ranches and farms. He\u2019d tried to chat with some of Becky\u2019s relatives, but they had been a bit terse, and one was downright hostile, accusing Hoss of being an uncaring Christian. That remark still stuck in his craw. He had a nice big mug of beer and was content to chat about the crops and cattle that occupied their minds. His mind was also occupied with the shenanigans of his two brothers. He approved highly of Adam\u2019s shenanigans and was not in the least surprised at the pace of the courtship. He and all the men could see that Adam was smitten and the gal was certainly not the worst choice that had come along. In general, the men had the opinion Adam was long past his prime and needed to put the Widow Dayton Fiasco behind him, and soon.<\/span><\/span>Joe was clearly having more difficulty. Hoss could see the two had just exchanged \u201cwords\u201d. Becky, all done up like a city gal to the ire and reluctant admiration of her relatives, had just pointed her finger and was shaking it at Joe with a look Hoss recognized. This wasn\u2019t good. Hoss kept watching as Joe tossed his hands in the air with his face showing his exasperation. Becky wasn\u2019t having any of it. She turned her back in a flounce of immaculate blonde ringlets.India had already abandoned Adam on the dance floor to make her way to Becky. Adam was in hot pursuit despite India\u2019s plea to wait. Hoss saw this and put his beer down. He wondered if he would make it worse if he went, too, but the sight of Mark Collins headed toward the young couple sent Hoss off in a hurry.\u201cWell, fine!\u201d India heard Becky say with a burn in her voice that set off alarms.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine!\u201d Joe put his hands on his hips. \u201cJust fine!\u201d He was breathing like he\u2019d run a mile at top speed to have this argument and looked like he could cause a ruckus and not care.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, yes, fine,\u201d India said with a brittle smile and took Becky\u2019s arm in hers to lead the angry young woman away. \u201cOh heavens, whatever happened, my dear?\u201d she said smoothly. She did not want a family feud to start up thanks to these two twits and land Adam in the middle of it all.<\/p>\n

That was the unfortunate moment Adam arrived and started in on Joe. Joe wasn\u2019t having any of it and turned on Adam, who took Joe\u2019s fury head on and returned it with more of his own. The brothers looked near ready to come to blows.<\/p>\n

Becky struggled away from India to fling herself in between the two Cartwrights. \u201cNo! You leave Joe alone!\u201d She nearly vibrated with righteous self sacrifice as she faced down a very angry Adam Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf, for\u2026\u201d India bit her cheek to stop her tongue, but that didn\u2019t stop her mind. So close. She could have hauled Becky off and turned her mind to dumping Joe but now Adam had turned the girl\u2019s heart back to Joe. \u201cAdam?\u201d she said with a hint of irritation.<\/p>\n

His blood boiling at Joe, Adam made the mistake of addressing India with his anger still showing: \u201cWhatever you have to say can wait,\u201d he bit out. As soon as the words were out he\u2019d have moved heaven and earth to take them back. India\u2019s eyes flew open, narrowed and her back went even straighter. \u201cFor a moment. Wait for a moment,\u201d he tried again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you meant. You said it very succinctly,\u201d India folded her hands together to avoid clutching her fan like a shield. It dangled from its silk ribbon like an ivory knife against her moss green dress. Her face went pale. \u201cGood evening,\u201d she swept her skirts aside and was through the crowd as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait! India!\u201d Adam abandoned Joe in a heartbeat to push through after her.<\/p>\n

Hoss blocked his way. \u201cBrother, take a deep breath,\u201d he said with a glare.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to settle down.\u201d Hoss would not budge.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014\u201d Adam tried to get around his brother again and this time Hoss took his arm in a firm grip.<\/p>\n

Hoss had seen the look on India\u2019s face when she fled. \u201cLet yer gal settle down, and you settle down, then go apologize. She ain\u2019t gonna want you to see her all teared up, I\u2019d say. \u201c<\/p>\n

Adam froze at this revelation. India had not been crying when she turned around to flee. She\u2019d hidden her tears instead of using them? \u201cThis is such a mess,\u201d he muttered. \u201cJoe, Becky, and now look what I\u2019ve done.\u201d<\/p>\n

A light hand on his shoulder made Adam jump. Joe stood there looking disappointed. \u201cBe mad at me all you want, Adam. But why yell at India?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t mad at her,\u201d Adam looked up into the stars for answers and found none that didn\u2019t point to his temper. He looked around for India but she seemed to have managed to escape the open area between the warehouse and church where the social and dance were being held. \u201cHoss, I\u2019ve got to find her and apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019d say you\u2019re not full of foolishness now, so off you go,\u201d Hoss said with a nod.<\/p>\n

Adam took a few steps before he paused. \u201cIf you see India, tell her\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will,\u201d Joe winked solemnly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The night air helped calm India as she strode back to Reggie\u2019s. It was uphill, which slowed her, but she didn\u2019t stop. She unlocked the side door to the kitchen, entered and locked it behind her. Only then did she dare to stop and think beyond simply being hurt and furious. Other men had spoken sharply to her in the past but none had sent her running like this.<\/p>\n

India could catalogue the reasons for her anger but it was the deep, aching rip in her guts that had caught her unaware. She\u2019d had worse said to her in the past and she\u2019d stood her ground, why run this time? Wringing her hands, India started to pace in front of the stove. Adam had been angry, yes, but as she calmed down it became clear the anger was not at her. And he had tried to moderate his words. That didn\u2019t make it easier to not reel from the effect of those lowered brows, narrowed eyes and the way he could point his finger like it could go right through a person. So,<\/em> she lectured herself, what did you expect? All sunshine and roses every day? You know men aren\u2019t perfect. Even Adam. You know this.<\/em><\/p>\n

But can I live with it? India fretted as she came to a halt in front of the side door.<\/p>\n

Adam could hurt her more than she\u2019d ever expected.<\/p>\n

Another thought followed to mellow the hurt. You fled like a child. You didn\u2019t give him a chance. Clearly, you need<\/strong> to be stronger than this. You are<\/strong> stronger than this. Oh, I can\u2019t think.<\/em><\/p>\n

Her breath slowed enough that her mind shifted to consider making a cup of tea. There was enough star and moonlight to see to put the kettle on and sit at the table in the quiet house. What to do? Break the courtship? End something that had seemed so wonderful over one nasty outburst in case this is how he is? Pretend it never happened? No, not that. Or, hardest of all, apologize for possibly overreacting?<\/em><\/p>\n

These problems were new to India other than as a vicarious situation some friend or cousin had faced. She trembled at the thought of losing Adam, but her worry at her own reaction also scared the blazes out of her.<\/p>\n

Pounding on the front door startled her. As Adam called her name India hung her head and felt tears well up again. She decided to be a coward and wait until he went away. She didn\u2019t know what to think other than she did not want a fight right now, and she still felt so utterly vulnerable that it scared her into cowardice. Not enough time!<\/em> She wailed to herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndia! Please!\u201d Adam called again. \u201cPlease? I saw you come up the hill. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n

But I don\u2019t know what to think yet! <\/em> India wanted to yell and bang her head on the wall. She abruptly stood up and went down the hallway to the front door but didn\u2019t open it. \u201cAdam, I don\u2019t want to talk right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you listen?\u201d he said through the door, his voice low and hopeful.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can listen,\u201d India leaned her head on the oak panel and knew she was giving in already.<\/p>\n

Adam reached out to trace a line down the outside of the door even though India could not see it. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry. I was mad at Joe, at everything. Not you.\u201d<\/p>\n

India said nothing thanks to all the heartache boiling up again as she recalled those horrible words in that more horrible tone and how silly she felt for running away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Adam sighed. \u201cI, uh,\u201d he put his hand flat on the door and wished with all his might, \u201cYou came and tried to help when you didn\u2019t need to, and, well, maybe I asked too much. Indy, maybe I am just some crass cowboy with a temper. I\u2019m a hard man to stand, I guess,\u201d he waited for a long moment. \u201cThe past has certainly proven that. I understand. I\u2019d like you to keep the bracelet, though,\u201d He leaned on the door as he said good-bye to his dreams.<\/p>\n

India flung the door open, which nearly toppled Adam into the house. \u201cYou are an idiot,\u201d she said bluntly even as she wiped tears with a wet, lacy handkerchief. \u201cHow dare you speak to me like that? In front of all those people? And then come here so fast and, and\u2014\u201d she burst into sobs and tried to hide them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go,\u201d Adam backed up even though he did not want to.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd try to weasel out of\u2014of\u2014of\u2014and the bracelet, and, oooh!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could go,\u201d Adam stopped backing up. India wasn\u2019t listening.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am so furious with you, Adam Cartwright! If I were a man I\u2019d pound you a good one!\u201d She kept her back turned as she blew her nose. \u201cThis is too wet,\u201d she said over her handkerchief.<\/p>\n

Adam hauled out his handkerchief, flipped it open and handed it over her shoulder without a word.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d India said with a frown and blew her nose again, an unladylike, sincere result of truly crying. She took a moment to try to appear poised as she turned to face him. She looked down at his hands for a moment and could not look up to see if there was still anger in his face. It would be her undoing if there was. \u201cI have the kettle on,\u201d she said in a hoarse voice because she truly didn\u2019t know what else to say and his hands had looked nervous, somehow. She could not define why she thought that, there was no particular move, it was just a feeling. Combined with the thought of losing him, truly losing him, not just contemplating it, had scared her silly. India sought madly for something intelligent and profound to say to ease the moment, but didn\u2019t know what to say.<\/p>\n

Adam did. \u201cI am deeply sorry, Indy. I will haul you back there and apologize in front of everyone if you wish. Please.\u201d He put his hand out to grasp her arm very gently and dare to stroke his fingers along her sleeve ever so slightly. \u201cThen, I take it you don\u2019t want to end it between us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam, I\u2019ve overreacted enough for one evening\u201d she replied very honestly. \u201cBut if this is how you speak, then I need consider that. To be honest, right now I truly want a cup of tea and more time to think. You came here so soon that I\u2019m still a mess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took his hat off and stood up straighter. \u201cThat\u2019s not how I normally speak. And I do care what you think,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cBut maybe when I\u2019m in a head of steam I don\u2019t care what anyone thinks,\u201d he admitted ruefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still need a cup of tea,\u201d India said quietly. \u201cTwo cups is as easy as one, if you like, Adam?\u201d she dared say his name hopefully.<\/p>\n

He took her hands in his. \u201cI\u2019ll serve,\u201d he said with a wry smile. \u201cLeast I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then, let\u2019s see if you can make tea.\u201d India found the notion of Adam serving up to be quite novel and welcome. She led him to the kitchen where, with a few questions as to where things were, he made up and served a perfectly acceptable pot of tea with biscuits from the jar in the pantry. He opened a jar of jam and they sat down in the kitchen and started to talk.<\/p>\n

Ben waited. He checked his pocket watch. He paced. He and Hoss exchanged shrugs. Joe danced with Becky but found his heart was not in it, although he still wouldn\u2019t let her dance with other men. He kept looking over the large crowd for the height of his eldest brother, but still there was no sign of a black hat or that stubborn chin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another hour passed. Ben took his leave from the lady he\u2019d danced with and headed over to India\u2019s cousin to ask, quite simply, where the Montague residence was located. His question sent Patience into a tizzy of worry and she insisted on leading the way. Ben kept the fuss to a minimum as he followed the young woman and her fianc\u00e9e out to the road and up the street.<\/p>\n

If Fred Baxter was nervous around Adam, he was worse off around \u201cthe patriarch,\u201d as he thought of Ben. And to be faced with being present at a possibly very compromising scene was terrifying the blazes out of him. He managed to escort Patience to her home with only a slight tremble in his hands. Then he stood his ground well behind Ben as Patience unlocked the side door to toss it open and rush in.<\/p>\n

Adam and India looked up from a game of chess. That sat on opposite sides of the big oak table in the kitchen, the light of one lamp showing half-full teacups, empty plates, and an evenly matched game.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, thank the Lord you are safe! Do you have any idea what people will say?\u201d Patience managed to accelerate from thankfulness to indignation in two sentences. \u201cGood grief!\u201d<\/p>\n

India shrugged. \u201cI had no idea chess was so scandalous. Adam, you\u2019ve led me astray,\u201d she said with a wink.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll have to make an honest woman of you,\u201d he said warmly and gazed straight into her eyes as though no one had barged in. \u201cBy the way, why do you have two bishops on black?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do?\u201d she looked down and then rolled her eyes. \u201cOh bother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have my work cut out to make an honest woman of you, it seems,\u201d Adam said as he put the proper bishop back onto the white square it had been bumped from. India examined the board, found it to her satisfaction and nodded her acceptance of the move.<\/p>\n

Hands on his hips, Ben sighed as though put upon. He had to hide his relief that the two had clearly made up and, if anything, looked even more besotted with each other. \u201cIt would help appearances if you could re-appear at the dance. At least one of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded while sipping his lukewarm cup of tea. \u201cNoted. India?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNoted,\u201d she sighed and stood up.<\/p>\n

Quite agog, Ben watched as his son cleared the table while India put the chessmen and board away before Adam silently helped her put her shawl on before taking a moment to don his own jacket and hat. Ben was about to say something about the pleasant domesticity of the scene but was halted by the look Adam gave India as he followed her out the door, his big hand resting snugly and possessively in the curve of her lower back as he ushered her along until he could offer his arm.<\/p>\n

It took at least a block for Ben\u2019s eyebrows to come back down to a more reasonable position.<\/p>\n

Joe almost danced a jig when he saw Adam reappear with India at his side. He turned to Becky. \u201cMy brother is no demon, no matter what you think, and if nothing else I want to see him married. You got that? No screaming at him, no telling your family he\u2019s got the devil in him, nothing! You got that, too?\u201d<\/p>\n

Becky nodded slowly. \u201cBut we won\u2019t live near him, right? We\u2019ll have our own place?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cI like the ranch house. That\u2019s where we\u2019re going to start off, and any house will be right close. You got that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe,\u201d Becky sighed. Somehow the sweet, worshipful lad that had romanced her those few months ago seemed to have disappeared, and this bossy britches was in his place, sounding like her brothers and father. She sighed again and looked at that angelic face and tried to get over her dislike of the new Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben watched his sons for the rest of the evening. Joe turned Becky over to her family with a grim set to his jaw, then a while later Hoss and Joe came up to him to say they were turning in. Adam wandered over shortly afterward to advise that he and Fred were walking India and Patience home, then he was turning in. Finally convinced there were no more situations that demanded his presence, Ben went to the Royal and up to his room.<\/p>\n

As he readied for bed, Ben reflected on his plan. He\u2019d not counted on Adam and India having a quarrel, but it seemed they had come through stronger if he was any judge. Joe\u2019s new sternness was also something to consider because it was chafing Becky; anyone could see that. He wondered how to factor that into his plan.<\/p>\n

He slid into bed and found it much easier to sleep than he\u2019d imagined, given the circumstances.<\/p>\n

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\u201cUp! Up!\u201d Patience prodded India. The sun was barely rising. \u201cWe need to get that poor girl ready. Oh, that dress. Her stitching is quite nice, but it is a terribly frothy confection. All\u2026\u201d she sought words as she stretched.<\/span><\/span>\u201cGirlishly romantic,\u201d India sat up with a groan. \u201cIt\u2019s not that bad, Paish, it\u2019s just not what you or I would wear. I\u2019ve seen similar on the covers of fashion periodicals. She didn\u2019t do a bad job, considering.\u201d\u201cWell, it\u2019s neither here nor there; let\u2019s get ready.\u201dWashed, dressed, laced and properly outfitted, India and Patience made their way to the Royal, carpetbags in hand again. They roused the bride and woke half the floor at the same time as they chased the bride down the hall. India discovered that Adam was perfectly of a mind to walk into a public area without his shirt on, and it was hard to look away while hauling Becky back to her room.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe objects to another bath,\u201d India said to Adam\u2019s chest as she went past.<\/p>\n

He folded his muscled arms over his chest, which only made it harder to tear her eyes away. \u201cI thought I heard Becky say she doesn\u2019t want to go through all this to get married?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be silly,\u201d Patience had Becky\u2019s arm in a vice grip, as did India on the other arm. \u201cOf course you want to be your best to marry that handsome, sweet young man, don\u2019t you?\u201d she fairly hissed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd be told what to do,\u201d India said through gritted teeth. \u201cCome along, Becky, Joe will expect you to look just like you did last night. He expects that,\u201d she pressed onward, \u201call the time.\u201d A quick look back at Adam made her smile. \u201cNow let\u2019s see how small we can get your waist today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thought his gal took entirely too much glee in her role. He felt the possibilities of the day open up before him as he stepped back into his room.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cYou can\u2019t mean you want to be bossed around. Stay still or you\u2019ll be burned,\u201d India said firmly as she put another ringlet in the girl\u2019s lovely blonde hair.<\/span><\/span>\u201cI don\u2019t want to marry him now. He\u2019s mean, and bossy, and doesn\u2019t want me to dance with other men, and,\u201d Becky sniffled, \u201che\u2019s not who I thought.\u201dIndia and Patience exchanged looks. Patience was in on the hope of diverting the marriage, and so far so good.\u201cAs long as you wear that ring you are his to command.\u201d Patience fluffed out the white dress again. \u201cOne of us could take the ring back to the overbearing sot back and presto! You will be free.\u201d<\/p>\n

India\u2019s jaw nearly dropped at her own words coming out of Patience\u2019s mouth with such conviction.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d the girl lifted her hand up to gaze at the nicely sized diamond. \u201cI want to marry Joe.\u201d There was uncertainty in her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery girl wants to get married,\u201d Patience said soothingly. \u201cWe don\u2019t all get wonderful men like Mr. Baxter, but at least Joe has a comely face and well made body even if he is terribly bossy and will make you perfectly miserable. All the girls admire him from what I hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the girls,\u201d Becky slumped.<\/p>\n

\u201cUp! Sit up straight!\u201d India snapped. \u201cGood grief.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what to do,\u201d Becky whispered. She looked in the mirror and recalled the excitement of all those men who looked at her with adoration, followed by Joe\u2019s anger and domineering attitude. \u201cMiss India, you fought with your beau, and he\u2019s a notorious rogue, but you took him back. I can do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

India bit her tongue and exchanged a helpless look with Patience. She picked up a hot curling rod in the tongs and shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because India is, shall we say\u2014\u201d Patience looked out the window\u2014\u201ccapable. And Mr. Cartwright is, shall we say, not of an ordinary disposition.\u201d She turned to look at India and winked. \u201cIt was a passing trifle between two older people,\u201d she ignored India\u2019s glare. \u201cThis bossiness of your groom\u2019s is not. He may be the terribly jealous type. That\u2019s never a good thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I could help him overcome it. I heard he already is keeping better company and drinking only beer, not hard likker. If I can do that just by being engaged to him, I can change him even more if I\u2019m married to him,\u201d Becky\u2019s face lit up. \u201cThere we go! How silly of me!\u201d<\/p>\n

India was careful to roll her eyes where Becky would not see. So close,<\/i> she growled to herself. We may as well be trying to pick up buttered peas with a knife.<\/i><\/p>\n

Meanwhile Adam was spending time with his little brother, reminiscing about when Joe actually was little. Hoss was flopped on the chair in Joe\u2019s room, Adam sitting on the edge of the bed and Joe was pacing. He laughed, but not with hope. He was tense and getting moreso as time went. Finally Joe stopped pacing to sit beside Adam and drop his head in his hands. \u201cI\u2019ll do it. I will. It\u2019ll all work out. The Collinses aren\u2019t so bad, and we\u2019ve got common business interests,\u201d he said with a nod. \u201cBecky\u2019s pretty enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam heaved a sigh. \u201cI commend you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tipped backward to lay on the bed and look up at the ceiling. \u201cI get a wedding night, that\u2019s got to be a good thing, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam started to snicker. Hoss simply laughed outright.<\/p>\n

\u201cHa ha,\u201d Joe said with no end of irritation. \u201cHalf an hour. Well, half an hour is half an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cThere,\u201d India pinned the white net veil to the upswept blonde curls. \u201cA lovely bride.\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u201cLovely,\u201d Patience nodded.Both Montagues had pounced every opportunity and exploited each one with brilliant commentary or observation but each time they almost had the girl swayed, she swayed right back. She was in love with the idea of marrying THE Joe Cartwright and redeeming him into the kind of husband she imagined he could be.There was nothing to be done.<\/p>\n

India sighed. She looked up at the knock on the door. Ben\u2019s voice announced, \u201cJoe has left for the church.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Pa-in-law,\u201d Becky called cheerfully. She cringed under the delicately raised brows of the Montagues. \u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she said more carefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome, Miss Collins,\u201d Ben replied, and then his footsteps left the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe shall depart in a quarter of an hour?\u201d India asked Patience as she reworked the veil to sit a little better. In a way this was better than playing dolls, she reflected back at the stubborn limbs and hair on her childhood companions. If only things were set for happily ever after like those stories she used to make up for her toys, but it didn\u2019t look as if that were going to happen, no matter it was sliced.<\/p>\n

Becky picked up the bouquet of five red roses, tastefully arranged, and sighed. A few moments passed. She sighed again. \u201cI heard Adam gave you a bucket of roses. All Joe got me was this, and he didn\u2019t even get it; he had Adam do all the work. I don\u2019t want to wait. I want to go fix this up right now. I\u2019ve got things to say to him and I mean to get them said before I burst at the seams. Let\u2019s get going.\u201d<\/p>\n

Becky was out the door in a flash. India and Patience had no choice but to follow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The church, a lovely new gothic interpretation in red brick, stood with open doors. Joe hesitated in the middle of the street. He paused and looked up to the steeple, then a whole lot higher.<\/span><\/span>Becky\u2019s family was coming up close behind the Cartwrights, and guests were already filing in.Adam looked at the guests and mentally checked them off the list of invitations he had had printed up and sent around. He took a moment to reflect on the fact he now knew how to plan a wedding and that it truly wasn\u2019t near as hard as the women made it out to be. Provided, of course, that one didn\u2019t get all picky. It crossed his mind to wonder if India were the picky type about flower selections or stationery colors.The Collins men paused and waited behind the stalled Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

Finally a youthful voice from the Collins group called out, \u201cChicken!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe spun around. His fists were up and he was ready to take on the speaker but judging from the scuffle a few of the Collins just had. \u201cI ain\u2019t yellow!\u201d Joe spat, still furious, \u201cI was praying. No harm in a man praying, is there?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d Becky\u2019s father said calmly. \u201cJust as long as you still get yer butt in the church after.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Joe was still angry at the callout. \u201cYou bet I will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019re a better man than your brother,\u201d said another voice. \u201cAin\u2019t got it done yet, have ya, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeth,\u201d Adam said evenly. \u201cSo good to see you here. Sure you\u2019re sober enough to enter a house of worship?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDry as dust,\u201d the man replied as he hooked his thumbs in his belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, Seth. No need to go insulting near family,\u201d Mark Collins said firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cStill say he\u2019s a chicken. Ain\u2019t moved yet.\u201d The same voice piped up and was silenced again. Mark looked over his shoulder. \u201cAnd that\u2019s Luke, if you recall. Always a smart ass. Ignore him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe vibrated with anger. \u201cI\u2019ll kick his ass later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam dropped his voice. \u201cWe\u2019re here for a wedding, not a fight.\u201d He flashed a smile and knew right then and there that there was going to be one hell of a fight. It was written on too many faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen get walking, Cartwright,\u201d an older man said with a smirk.<\/p>\n

Joe turned on his heel to the church. \u201cI\u2019ll show them,\u201d he muttered. \u201cC\u2019mon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam went to follow Joe, as did Hoss and Ben, but the next words stopped them cold.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Adam, how long afore this new gal up and dumps you for some backwater cousin?\u201d<\/p>\n

The speaker was within two steps and that was all Adam needed to lay the man out with one punch. He paused to undo his suit jacket while the Collinses debated who was coming after him next. Joe went to dive in but Hoss held him back.<\/p>\n

Mark Collins stepped forward. \u201cNo call for that. Zeke was just calling it how it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is not,\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes flashed. He shook out his fists and dared the man with his eyes. \u201cYou didn\u2019t take me in Kansas, you won\u2019t take me now. No one insults my woman. No one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth spoke up again, \u201cOr ya gonna have her shot like the other\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam dove for the man, but Mark was already there, fists swinging. The first blow connected but only at half strength. Adam staggered but was back at Mark in a flash, blocking blows and throwing them as fast as the eye could follow. This man was his match, and had been in Kansas, but right now Adam was fighting about more than the family honor.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe struggled against Hoss to no avail. \u201cWe gotta\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet them duke it out, Joe,\u201d Ben said firmly. He seemed too calm, but he did flex his big hands as though he\u2019d like to be in the fray himself. Becky\u2019s father held back a few hotheads on his own side as the evenly matched brawlers knocked each other down and scrabbled in the dust to rise again.<\/p>\n

Becky rushed forward, India and Patience running into her when she stopped. \u201cOh my God!\u201d she cried out and went to dash forward again. She stopped when Adam landed a perfect punch on Mark\u2019s jaw, sent him sprawling and was on him to pin him to the ground. \u201cMark! That\u2019s my brother!!\u201d Becky spun around in a panic.<\/p>\n

India turned to look just as Becky reached into the holster of the man beside her, cocking the revolver as she raised the gun and aimed at Adam\u2019s back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Adam lost his grip on Mark for a vital moment which the man didn\u2019t hesitate to use. He flipped Adam over and pinned him and only then could he see Adam’s pale face and wild eyes. A quick glance down showed blood in the dirt.<\/span><\/span>\u201cYou\u2019re shot!\u201d Mark let Adam go and tried to stem the bleeding. \u201cSomeone get a doctor!\u201dBen was by Adam in a flash. \u201cAdam! Adam! What happened?\u201dAdam struggled to sit up. \u201cGet off,\u201d he growled. \u201cI\u2019m just creased in the leg. Ruined my suit,\u201d he muttered. \u201cAh hell,\u201d he put strong hands on the split worsted wool pant leg and pulled so he could take a good look. It was indeed a crease, but was bleeding like his body was determined to turn the street red. He pulled out a clean handkerchief from his suit pocket and pressed it tightly against the flesh wound. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on over there?\u201d He looked up.<\/p>\n

The scuffle in the crowd was resolved when Ben waded in and pulled India and Becky apart. He received a few kicks from Becky and gladly handed her over to her father. Meanwhile, India\u2019s rather pointed language confirmed the identity of the shooter. The shooter\u2019s incensed father confirmed that she would have had Adam dead to rights if not tackled.<\/p>\n

Joe burst through the crowd, pulling an off-balance Adam behind him to confront his now weeping, dirty and disheveled bride. \u201cYou shot my brother? You tried to kill my brother?\u201d Joe let go of Adam and gripped her arms painfully tight as he frothed with anger. \u201cTwo men fist-fighting and you pull a gun?\u201d he spat on the ground. \u201cForget it. Just forget it. You take her home and teach her some manners, Mr. Collins. You teach her to let men fight and stay the hell out of it. She stays here and it\u2019ll be Hoss or Adam\u2026You just go home, Becky!\u201d Joe backed up and his disgust showed in his face. \u201cI\u2019d forgive you a lot, but not this. Not this! It\u2019s off!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re goin\u2019, but no charges, all right?\u201d Mr. Collins sounded worried. \u201cShe don\u2019t need to go to jail for trying to protect her brother, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she doesn\u2019t,\u201d Ben said in a voice that settled the matter. He still had India in his grasp. \u201cAnd no charges against Miss Montague for defending her intended?\u201d he passed India to Adam, who fairly curled around her protectively as she buried her face in his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cNone,\u201d Mr. Collins said firmly. \u201cAll right, show\u2019s over,\u201d he said to his kin. \u201cLet\u2019s go home. Becky needs ta learn some womenfolk ways. She\u2019s run wild long enough. Roll out.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Adam kept holding India tightly, cradling her into his body. India gripped his suit lapels for a moment before she buried her face in Adam\u2019s no-longer-very-white shirt to sob just once. \u201cAdam,\u201d she tried to speak but her voice choked up. Then she wrapped her arms tightly around what turned out to be a very big, solid, breathing man, something she was incredibly grateful for at the moment.,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019d have had me in the low back,\u201d Adam murmured, \u201cif I\u2019d lived\u2014\u201d he ran his fingers through her hair, her lovely coiffure well and truly ruined\u2014\u201cI\u2019d probably not have walked again\u2014\u201d he tilted her chin up\u2014\u201cno matter how much I wanted it.\u201d<\/p>\n

India put her hand up to Adam\u2019s lips, \u201cBut it didn\u2019t happen,\u201d she shuddered. The sight of that dark iron barrel pointed at Adam\u2019s back would haunt her for a good long time, she knew that. \u201cFine time to brawl in the street,\u201d she added with a catch in her breath. \u201cOh, no. I will not cry. I will not. You lived. There is no reason to cry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The feel of his thumb rubbing the first tear away and the unguarded expression of adoration put India right over the edge. She stood on tiptoe to meet the kiss halfway. If they\u2019d been wrapped around each other before, it was doubly so now. As the gathered crowd began to cheer and catcalls rose in volume, Adam broke reluctantly broke the kiss.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy leg hurts like hell,\u201d he complained with a quirky smile. \u201cPush the next gunman faster, if you please?\u201d he started to snicker, then laugh, and it didn\u2019t take much to hear the building hysteria. \u201cPoor Joe! He\u2019s so mad. Worse than a wet hen. He mostly did this so I wouldn\u2019t get shot, you know,\u201d Adam pulled India in tighter, so tight she had to gasp when he let go. \u201cAnd I still did,\u201d his lips quirked. \u201cCan you live with a man who gets shot on a fairly regular basis?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as you live. Adam, you\u2019re in shock,\u201d India said in an undertone and breathed very carefully. Now was not the time to faint. \u201cAnd you probably need stitches. Adam, you\u2019re squishing me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d Ben came up. \u201cLet\u2019s get you to the doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight here,\u201d Doc Martin pushed through the crowd. \u201cHad to go back and get my bag, that\u2019s all.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cYou are one lucky dog, you know that?\u201d he said to Adam. \u201cLet\u2019s get you fixed up. Some whiskey for the wound and for your gut.\u201d He looked at India as though seeing her for the first time. \u201cPardon us, young lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d India stood back and composed herself as best she could, her hair streaming down her back, her second best going to church dress, a lovely burgundy silk, all covered in dust and horse muck, and a welt coming out on her cheek where Becky had connected with force. Tears only added to the picture of dishabille and destruction.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my intended,\u201d Adam said firmly and took India\u2019s hand, \u201cC\u2019mon, Indy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Patience finally dared to come up and gingerly take India\u2019s arm. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of India, Mr. Cartwright; India, do you need the doctor?\u201d India shook her head. \u201cWell,\u201d Patience said, \u201cmy cousin does not need to see the doctor at work.\u201d She sighed rather shakily. \u201cIt\u2019s all been a bit much, don\u2019t you think? Oh, bother,\u201d she waved her hand in front of India\u2019s face to interrupt the besotted gaze between India and Adam. \u201cCome on,\u201d she tugged India away from her intended and back down the block to the hotel.<\/p>\n

Hoss finally pushed Adam along. \u201cLet\u2019s git you fixed up. You ain\u2019t dancing tonight, I\u2019d bet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was still watching India as she and her cousin retraced the route they\u2019d taken not a quarter of an hour before. The words, those achingly hard-to-hear words about his past that had been spewed on the street still echoed in his head. Sometimes the past simply refused to stay in the past.<\/p>\n

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\u201cOh my goodness, you certainly let Mr. Cartwright take liberties out in the middle of the street for all to see. You are courting, not married. Even then I\u2019d be aghast if Mr. Baxter tried such a thing!\u201d Patience nearly squealed with excitement as she unlaced India\u2019s filthy dress.<\/span><\/span>\u201cAs would I,\u201d India said drolly.\u201cI shall ignore that remark. This goes straight to the cleaners,\u201d she frowned and delicately put the soiled dress by the door in a heap of rustling silk.Not ten minutes before, Joe had dashed up to them in the lobby and arranged for them to have his room, and had then run like mad up the stairs to \u2018sort things out\u2019. He had arranged for a hot bath and fresh towels, too, something India was sincerely looking forward to.<\/p>\n

\u201cGiven the situation I think a few kisses from a man who was thrilled to be alive can be found acceptable,\u201d India countered as she looked in the mirror and gingerly touched the swelling on her cheekbone. It hurt with a dull, thudding pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis younger brother certainly is thoughtful,\u201d Patience sighed. \u201cI do see why poor Becky fell for him. He had our things brought here and laid out. Even some soap! \u201d she added at the quick turn of India\u2019s head. \u201cAnd his robe,\u201d she held up the garment for examination, but looked puzzled. \u201cThis is much too large.\u201d<\/p>\n

India looked over her shoulder again. She, too, frowned at the size of the blue robe. \u201cDefinitely too big,\u201d she agreed. She lifted the soft sleeve. \u201cHow odd.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d best prepare for your bath, I hear the tub coming up the stairs,\u201d Patience said urgently. \u201cI\u2019ll direct them.\u201d<\/p>\n

India, her corset already loose, quickly slipped behind the paneled screen in the corner of the room. She tossed the robe over the screen and shed her underthings as Patience directed the porters to place the tub, and then she heard water sloshed into tin several times. \u201cMore buckets; at least three more,\u201d Patience ordered as she closed the door.<\/p>\n

India lost track of everything after sliding into the warm, soft robe. She knew that cologne. It hit her so hard she half fell back against the well and bit her bottom lip. Each breath was deeper and longer than the last as she inhaled the smell of Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndia?\u201d Patience called. \u201cAre you stuck?\u201d<\/p>\n

India slid down the wall, her eyes huge as she lifted the cuff to her lips. This was Adam\u2019s robe.<\/i> He\u2019d worn it, and now it was on her and…her eyes, huge with the implications of all this, fell to her neat pile of underthings on the chair behind the screen. She looked down at the robe and pulled the lapels up to her face to inhale the cologne, the slight hint of his shaving cream, the smells that were simply HIM.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndia?\u201d Patience peered around the screen. She knelt down in a flurry of silk and petticoats. \u201cYou look flushed! Oh, do you need salts? India? India? Say something.\u201d<\/p>\n

India started to smile and, to her horror, a girlish giggle welled up. \u201cThis isn\u2019t Joe\u2019s robe.\u201d She swallowed hard to not giggle with utter delight. It didn\u2019t work. \u201cIt\u2019s Adam\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam? Why would Joe have\u2014oh my goodness!\u201d Patience went almost straight up when she too realized the implications. \u201cYou mustn\u2019t wear it!\u201d she hissed, \u201cI\u2019ll fetch a towel; take it off!\u201d<\/p>\n

India almost floated upright, her nose buried in the sleeve. She slowly inhaled again and started to calm down and think of him, those curls that felt like cool satin, the warmth of his embrace, and his lips on hers while his hands went around her back\u2026\u201cOh my,\u201d she breathed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn-di-ah,\u201d Patience tapped her foot, \u201cyou aren\u2019t wearing anything under that! How,\u201d she tossed her hands in the air, \u201cbold!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt feels wonderful.\u201d India ran her hand down the sleeve, then down her thigh. \u201cI know, I am being scandalous, but Paish, it\u2019s like wearing,\u201d India swallowed the word \u2018him\u2019.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cPa, do you really think, OW\u2014this is the time\u2014OW\u2014\u201d Adam squeezed his eyes closed\u2014\u201cto be pestering me about this?\u201d<\/span><\/span>Down in the bar of the Royal, Doc Martin had Adam up on the bar itself, a bunch of bloodied towels lying alongside his patient\u2019s bare leg. The pant leg lay on the floor, cut off for the sake of expediency and Adam\u2019s modesty. The stitches were going well, but Ben just couldn\u2019t wait. He stood over Adam, who lay flat on his back. \u201cBut why didn\u2019t you propose, right then? You say you love her, you certainly look like you love her and she certainly looks like she loves you. The church and the minister are already waiting! For God\u2019s sake, the girl practically threw herself on a gun for you! I\u2019d say it\u2019s perfect timing.\u201d\u201cNot quite, Pa,\u201d Adam winced again. \u201cI\u2019m not about to propose\u2014ouch\u2014can you get a bigger needle?\u201d His hands clenched again and he made quite a face as Paul Martin closed off the last stitch. Ointment came next, then a big batch of gauze. \u201cI\u2019m not about to propose while I\u2019m half in shock and India has dung smeared on her dress. As much as I wanted to, I might add.\u201dBen stopped his next words. Adam was not him. Time had taken a serious, shy, determined young man and tempered him into the finest steel. Lonely steel. \u201cBut are you thinking of India in that way?\u201d he asked gently.<\/p>\n

Adam heaved a sigh but did not answer. As the bandaging went on, Ben paused his questions, but Adam had one of his own. \u201cSo what was your great plan, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou had a plan, Pa?\u201d Joe perked up immediately and put his beer down. \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked a bit chagrined. \u201cI did, but it didn\u2019t work quite as I planned,\u201d he admitted. Rubbing the back of his neck, he sighed and confessed, \u201cI fired up the Collinses a bit, thinking they would go for Joe, and that the fight would end the wedding. I had no idea it would be Adam who would be baited, and never thought any of you would be shot over it. It\u2019s a wedding. None of us had our guns. I\u2019m sorry, son,\u201d he put his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cSheesh, Pa.\u201d It was Adam\u2019s turn to look put off. \u201cNearly got me killed. Are you done yet, Paul? I\u2019ve got a gal to squire to Joe\u2019s not-wedding shin-dig.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t be doing any fancy footwork, Adam. But you can walk if you\u2019re careful. I know enough to not suggest you lie down, although it would be advisable! And the wound is clean, so I doubt you\u2019ll have trouble that way. You know what to do by now,\u201d he sighed. \u201cHow is your intended?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam lost the angry cast to his lips. He started to smile and Ben saw how the tiredness fled those long-weary eyes. \u201cTook a punch to the face and a few kicks from the sounds of it. But if India were hurt, Patience would have spoken up by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul looked at Ben and started to smile. \u201cAnd where is she?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUpstairs, having a bath. She took Becky down right where the horses are usually tied.\u201d Adam\u2019s lips twitched up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you keep an eye on her; let me know if you need me.\u201d Paul cleared his throat and lowered his eyebrows. \u201cGet what rest you can, Adam, and no ripping open my stitches,\u201d He grinned and snapped his bag shut. \u201cI\u2019m done here.\u201d<\/p>\n

After seeing the doctor on his way, Ben returned to see Hoss walking alongside Adam to the stairs. \u201cI\u2019m going to lie down, Pa, while India is occupied,\u201d Adam said gently. \u201cI want some time to think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe followed Adam up the stairs to see him to his room. Joe sighed, \u201cAw crumb, Adam, do you have anything to wear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo; I\u2019ll just slide into my robe and maybe one of you two can get me a pair of ready-made pants and a clean shirt,\u201d Adam sighed as he sat on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n

Joe stiffened. \u201cRobe? Uh,\u201d he made a point of looking around, \u201cdid you even bring that old thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was wearing it this morning before Becky went running down the hall,\u201d Adam said tiredly. \u201cI left it on the bed.\u201d He looked around. \u201cMaybe the maid put it behind the door?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026\u201d Joe shook his head and knew he looked innocent. \u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just too tired,\u201d Adam rubbed his face and thought about India. Then he heard her muffled voice through the wall. \u201cJoe? That\u2019s your room, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was,\u201d Joe fought very hard to keep a straight face, \u201cI loaned it to the gals to get India all cleaned up. I figured that if they need it tonight that I\u2019ll just bunk in here with you or get another room. There should be lots now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked up at Joe with gratitude. \u201cThank you,\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, afore things get all maudlin,\u201d Hoss spoke up at last, his voice very hushed, \u201cI gotta say that I am mighty impressed with Miss India. You got yourself a hell of a gal there, Adam. Now, Joe, let\u2019s get older brother\u2019s boots off, tuck him in so\u2019s he can listen in on his gal and pretend he ain\u2019t, and fetch him those clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe winked at Hoss and each took a boot. His protests about not meaning to listen to the light singing from the room next door only earned him a series of skeptical looks before his brothers departed on their mission. The door shut with a final click to leave Adam alone and not having to offer any more false protests. He took off his jacket and dusty shirt, leaving them on chair, and wondered where in blazes his robe had gotten to. He tossed the tie onto the pillow beside him and then lay back to listen for a while.<\/p>\n

A wall away, India, her skin still damp, slid into a soft blue robe ever so slowly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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India was sleeping. She\u2019d not meant to fall asleep, only to lie down for a little while. An hour ago, Patience had crept in with a fresh dress from the house. She saw India peacefully and deeply asleep on the coverlet and left the dress on the back of the chair, shut the curtains and let her cousin to dream.<\/span><\/span>India woke up to a gentle knock on the door some time later.\u201cA moment,\u201d she called and slid off the bed to walk over to the door, still wearing nothing but the robe. Her dreams had not left her head yet and she wasn\u2019t willing to let them go, either. Sleepy, India said through the closed door, \u201cYes?\u201d\u201cIt\u2019s Adam,\u201d the deep voice said hopefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d she had a guilty moment and pulled the robe closer as the dreams rushed back with a texture that filled her. \u201cWhat time is it?\u201d she said in a husky voice, to her dismay.<\/p>\n

Time for me to not be on this side of the door,<\/i> he thought merrily. \u201cAbout two. The dance sounds like it\u2019s in full swing. Will you accompany me?\u201d he put his hand on the doorframe to lean into it and take the weight off his moderately aching leg. He\u2019d learned his lesson about leaning on the door itself and rather hoped India would fling it open again and be there all resplendent in some wonderful gown, her hair pinned up with pearls and the sun glowing behind her.<\/p>\n

The door did open, just a crack. Adam let his head fell forward on his hand on the doorframe. This was so much better than he could have ever imagined. Sunlight framed the bit he could see of India, her loose, tangled hair hanging straight down and she looked so delicate and vulnerable in that oversized\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cMy robe?\u201d Adam smirked impishly. \u201cAnd how did you get that, my dear Indy?\u201d<\/p>\n

India hung her head and pulled the lapels right up to her chin even though the door was barely open. Standing there in just a robe, his robe, no matter how well it covered her, was a daunting task when Adam stood there in a black suit, fresh white shirt, tie and his hat at just that angle. That and the definite look she was receiving was a heady, guilty combination. \u201cYour brother left it on the bed,\u201d she whispered even though she\u2019d meant to speak firmly. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but there is nothing else,\u201d India sighed. \u201cI am at a bit of a disadvantage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re not,\u201d Adam grinned and rubbed his hand along the back of his neck as a sweat broke out. His hand itched to be along her hair. \u201cYou\u2019re really not,\u201d he repeated and cleared his throat. \u201cShall I send for your cousin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I can manage. How is your leg?\u201d India finally gathered her wits as she clung to the robe with one hand and the doorknob with the other.<\/p>\n

\u201cHurts.\u201d Adam shrugged. \u201cI can limp around. Can\u2019t dance,\u201d he chuckled. \u201cHow are you, Indy?\u201d his voice softened.<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch better.\u201d she smiled, then winced. \u201cThe bruise will fade. Perhaps I should stay in the room; you wouldn\u2019t want people to comment,\u201d she sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love for people to comment on your bruise,\u201d Adam put his free hand on his hip to keep his fingers from straying to her face to rub the darkness on her cheekbone. Once he touched her face, he\u2019d want to touch her hair, and then he\u2019d open the door and, well, not yet. \u201cIt makes me proud,\u201d he tried to keep a straight face but it turned into a smile full of wistful delight.<\/p>\n

India felt the blush from his warmly spoken words creep up over the blush that had already reddened her cheeks. \u201cThank you,\u201d she dropped a little curtsy. \u201cI\u2026\u201d she pushed her hair back and noticed the dress on the chair. \u201cOh! Patience was here! She left me a dress. I will dress and meet you downstairs, Adam,\u201d India laughed with delight.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019ll wait at the door,\u201d Adam licked his lips. \u201cAnd escort you down myself,\u201d he dropped a very clear wink and pulled the door closed.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThere they are!\u201d<\/span><\/span>It seemed that half the city had shown up to celebrate Joe\u2019s not-wedding party, and the dance had spilled into the city itself instead of the barn on the outskirts.Well-wishers made their way forward to congratulate Adam on his engagement. He gently corrected the word to courting but it seemed to keep returning back to engagement as they went through the merry-makers. India finally pulled Adam down to whisper in his ear, \u201cDo you have any idea why everyone seems to think we are engaged?\u201d She looked up at him with worry.Adam paused to let the feel of her breath linger. \u201cThe kisses of an anxious man bleeding in the middle of the road, I\u2019d guess,\u201d he sighed. \u201cAnd the fact I\u2019m thirty six, you\u2019re pretty, and I\u2019d given you a bucket of roses even before I gave you a bucket of roses,\u201d he added sarcastically.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh,\u201d India broke into a laugh. \u201cYes, that will do it, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will,\u201d Adam agreed rather amiably, considering the blackness of his thoughts on the matter of people discussing his personal life.<\/p>\n

They meandered slowly to accommodate Adam\u2019s leg. As they went, more people came up to offer congratulations and each time Adam denied it, he grew more irritated and wished he were elsewhere, anywhere, with India tucked firmly beside him. His leg ached, his head felt muddled but he was determined to stick this out to show Cartwright solidarity.<\/p>\n

Ben came up with a broad smile to welcome the arrival of his missing son. He very pointedly included India in the welcome and offered to get her anything she liked since Adam was to sit down, in his opinion.<\/p>\n

\u201cHurts less to have the leg straight, Pa,\u201d Adam said easily and slid his hand around to India\u2019s back. \u201cSo, where\u2019s Joe?<\/p>\n

\u201cDancing, I\u2019d imagine. He was just here. Ah, over there with a group of friends. He seems to be willing to avoid much feminine company at the moment,\u201d Ben chuckled.<\/p>\n

A sunny afternoon turned slowly to a pleasant late summer evening, complete with a spectacular sunset. Lanterns were lit on the streetlamps to add to the moonlight and starlight. Beer flowed freely, and roast beef, potatoes and a variety of vegetables were free for the taking courtesy of the Cartwrights, and, as Adam admitted to India, the catering was the hardest part of the whole affair to arrange, in his opinion.<\/p>\n

India laughed and examined the warm bread slathered with fresh butter that Adam had put in her hand. \u201cA fine job,\u201d she bit into the bread and melted as much as the butter had. \u201cDelicious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat credit would go to the baker,\u201d Adam bit into his own generous slice and never thought that sharing bread could be quite so seductive until now.<\/p>\n

Unable to join in the dancing, their bellies full from browsing the plentiful tables of good food and pastries (trust Adam on that, India mused), Adam dared to suggest they retreat to the little patch of grass behind Reggie\u2019s house. After a brief discussion about the walk and Adam\u2019s leg and Adam\u2019s stubborn nature, India gave in on the condition they go very slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could lie on the settee if your leg bothers you enough,\u201d India added a bit dubiously as Adam offered his arm with a smile that hinted at a new seriousness in his thoughts. She tried to convince herself that the pain in his leg was making Adam seem a bit distant since their appearance at the dance. She failed.<\/p>\n

As they walked along, people once again congratulated them on their engagement. Adam corrected each one, and although the words were now a burden to hear, India knew he could say nothing else. At last they were through the crowd and up the hill, then on that patch of grass. India took Adam\u2019s warm hand to lower herself down to sit as properly as possible. Adam had grown more serious as they had walked and his face had started to look tense and closed. Repeated enquiries about his leg had only resulted in repeated assurances that he was as good as he could be.<\/p>\n

Her heart thudded in her chest but she felt no faintness. She was determined to stick this out despite, or perhaps because of, the fact something was clearly bothering him.<\/p>\n

Now Adam\u2019s eyes were tense and lined as he levered his body down to sit beside her without touching her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice moon,\u201d he said casually but wasn\u2019t looking at the sky.<\/p>\n

The man beside her was a distant, tired, withdrawn version of the Adam she knew. In fact, this was the Adam she had seen get on the stagecoach that day in Kansas; a handsome man with sharp, guarded eyes and a weariness that spoke of years of toil and many disappointments. He was not a man that made it easy to offer an outstretched hand nor a tender thought. India deliberately offered both as she slid her hand on top of his.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndia,\u201d Adam sighed heavily. His eyes showed the depth of his thoughts, his entire face showed that the thoughts were not pleasant, while his body braced as though about to take a hit.<\/p>\n

Long moments passed. India looked up at the silvery moon, around at the whitewashed siding on Reggie\u2019s house, anywhere but at Adam\u2019s face. She fought down her fear that this was the end of it all, that Adam had found her wanting and was severing ties. India knew that wasn\u2019t the case and that even if he were contemplating it that it was a mistake they\u2019d both regret. While it might be too soon to say they had more between them than a rush of infatuation, it was absolutely too soon to end things. Speak, you fool!<\/i> She raged at herself for being tongue-tied. All this education and reading and you can\u2019t find something intelligent to say?<\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are quite the wonderfully complicated piece of work; not boring at all,\u201d India said matter-of-factly even as her heartbeat fluttered in her throat and threatened to choke her. She\u2019d been through enough, what with seeing the gun point and hearing the shot, that she knew she was not at her rational best.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am a wonderfully complicated piece of work?\u201d Adam repeated with an air of hope.<\/p>\n

India felt a tremor shake her for a moment. Was she too bold? Oh, bother, why stop now? <\/i> \u201cYou are,\u201d she whispered and squeezed Adam\u2019s long, strong fingers. He turned his hand over to intertwine his fingers with hers, and that gave her a sliver of hope that she wasn\u2019t being a fool. \u201cAnd I do so despise being bored,\u201d she said pointedly. That hint took more courage than she thought she could muster, but she\u2019d managed to almost say what was on her mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndia, I\u2019m more than complicated; I\u2019m downright ornery. You know I\u2019ve got a past that would send a lady running, and some more of it was said today. That\u2019s why I threw the first punch, despite all my determination to be above that sort of thing.\u201d His eyes drifted upward to look at the moon.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbove it?\u201d India snorted and stopped the unladylike chuckle that bubbled up. \u201cI met you with your sleeve torn and looking like you\u2019d had quite the scrap. Above it? I think not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taken completely aback, Adam lost his steeled appearance as he reeled at the truth. \u201cI see,\u201d he managed to say carefully. He took his eyes off the moon and looked at India, who was already looking straight at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been thinking,\u201d he breathed and moved closer, bringing himself to press right alongside India, \u201cabout the future.\u201d The look on his face spoke of confidence that hinted at armor tempered by too many hurts, yet hope still shone through.<\/p>\n

India blanched. So he wasn\u2019t about to end things, oh, did I read this incorrectly. I\u2019m not ready\u2026<\/i> \u201cI see.\u201d She met Adam\u2019s gaze, her heart starting to hammer in a warning way.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want one,\u201d he said and leaned closer until he nearly made them both cross-eyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d India managed to say. A herd of elephants could have stampeded past and her remark would have been about the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019ve got a past,\u201d Adam said solemnly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d India said again, ran her response through, and realized she sounded like a besotted twit. Which I am, but there is no call to sound like one,<\/i> she decided. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t see. Of course you have a past.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA miserable past,\u201d Adam added, his eyes starting to twinkle.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019ve heard about your past enough to last me a while,\u201d India grumbled while looking straight into hazel eyes framed by eyelashes that were shamefully delicious on a man. \u201cYou\u2019ve been left, been manipulated, been accused of more affairs than Don Juan and, by the by, that you over-pay the saloon girls, all of whom I think should pay you because of your ways and handsome looks. In my opinion.\u201d She fought to keep a straight face as his jaw dropped.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndia!\u201d Adam strangled and looked away to cough and clear his throat. \u201cYou\u2019ve heard quite a bit, it seems.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. More than enough. And you told me most of it,\u201d she reminded him cautiously so he\u2019d not think she heard it all through gossip, excepting the last remark.<\/p>\n

Her pointed tone raised Adam\u2019s eyebrows and sent tingles up his spine. \u201cMore than enough\u2014\u201d he nudged her\u2014\u201cto think you might be happy with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than enough to think I might be happy with you.\u201d India started to grin and nudged Adam right back. He didn\u2019t move much.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than enough to, uh,\u201d his tongue tied for a perilous moment. His fingers toyed with hers while he started to smile. \u201cAh shoot. I wanted to do this on bended knee and with a fancy ring.\u201d<\/p>\n

Long moments passed while they gazed at each other.<\/p>\n

Finally, India broke the silence. \u201cDo what, exactly? I\u2019m only asking because you\u2019re looking at me rather expectantly, but you haven\u2019t precisely asked anything that requires an answer.\u201d She looked away to clear her throat after delivering her second large hint of the night and decided that if she had to hint this much, then Adam wasn\u2019t who he seemed to be. She doubted that, but it still wasn\u2019t easy to keep a straight face.<\/p>\n

Adam rubbed his jaw. \u201cI didn\u2019t, did I?\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n

India shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you laughing at me?\u201d he said as he put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI fear that I am.\u201d India turned to put her hand on Adam\u2019s tummy. It took a moment and more courage to meet his eyes and see that he was smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen let me put it this way, Indy,\u201d Adam said with a laugh and a tilt to his head, \u201cwhen I show up on bended knee with a fancy ring, will I get a yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee? That is a direct question! I knew you could do it!\u201d India said brightly to hide the fact she was reeling inside and yet still wanted to get up and jump around and dance wildly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that is not an answer,\u201d Adam retorted. His expression shuttered although he still smiled.<\/p>\n

India sat bolt upright although her hand stayed on Adam\u2019s tummy. She shifted so they faced each other while she thought of reasons why she couldn\u2019t say yes yet. Under her hand, improperly placed, she knew, she felt muscle tense. But it was his face that was breaking her heart. The smile slipped away, his jaw set, and his eyes began to lose any hint of sparkle.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I\u2019ll say yes! I love you,\u201d she burst out. \u201cDearly. Madly! I\u2019ll say yes, I know I will because you\u2019re you, but it\u2019s all so fast! Adam–\u201d India said passionately as she wiggled forward, loving how his face was lighting up again, but with more caution there than she liked. \u201cAdam, it\u2019s just so fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

She dropped her eyes at the feel of his hand sliding up her back. Her heart pounded as he drew her closer until their lips were nearly touching, but he stopped there, his breath warm as it brushed past her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re mine if you say yes to this,\u201d he murmured. \u201cMine to cherish, mine to protect, mine to love. Mine to adore and hold up and say \u2018this is my wife\u2019. Not mine to harm, or subjugate. I\u2019d not want it that way between us.\u201d<\/p>\n

India knew those words should make her weep, but instead she smiled until her cheeks hurt. \u201cYes? Is this where I say yes? Because I don\u2019t want any confusion. Yes. It\u2019s yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was getting to the asking part,\u201d Adam relaxed, the armor behind his eyes slipping away. \u201cBut I can skip it if you want,\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d India gasped. \u201cI mean, keep going.\u201d She tried to look serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough I no longer have any confusion about the matter at all,\u201d Adam rubbed his nose against India\u2019s as he started to laugh. \u201cWill you marry me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI already answered that,\u201d India retorted as she leaned against Adam a little more.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to hear it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYES!\u201d she looked skyward. \u201cOh, Lord in heaven, you have visited upon me a man who is perfect in one breath and a deaf fool in the next. Why, Lord, what did I do?\u201d<\/p>\n

India broke out in peals of laughter as Adam tickled her before effortlessly turning her to lie across his hips, protecting his stitched thigh. \u201cGet used to it,\u201d he said drolly and proceeded to remove pins from her hair and unwind it to tangle it around his fingers in slow, languid strokes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could get used to it,\u201d India admitted after a while, her face flushed. Their eyes met with clear intent. Adam wrapped his arms around India to lift her\u2014<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s voice rang out from the street. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll kill him,\u201d Adam muttered as he leaned in to claim what he viewed as his well-earned kiss.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe called again from the street, clearly trying to be discrete. \u201cPa, uh, said you need to come. \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Adam replied, almost right against India\u2019s lips. She felt the force of the word and shivered with delight.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he needs to make bail and you\u2019ve got signing authority, so, uh,\u201d Joe started to laugh nervously. \u2018It was real funny, right up until\u2026well, it\u2019s hard to explain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam started to snicker. \u201cI\u2019ll be right there,\u201d he said over his shoulder before turning back to India and claiming his kiss.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWhat do you mean, India is at her place of employment?\u201d Adam seethed.<\/span><\/span>Patience felt every bit of jealousy over India\u2019s engagement to Adam fade under that thunderous gaze. \u201cShe didn\u2019t tell you?\u201d\u201cShe didn\u2019t tell me,\u201d Adam reset his hat on his head, angled a little forward. \u201cWhere is her \u2018place of employment\u2019?\u201d\u201cThe land titles office,\u201d Patience said meekly and couldn\u2019t close the door fast enough after Adam spun on his heel and strode down the hill.<\/p>\n

India felt a chill run down her spine as the shuffle of paper and conversations behind her faded into silence. She turned very slowly and wondered if this was a holdup, and why on earth someone would bother to hold up the land titles office.<\/p>\n

Adam stood there, legs apart, hands clasped in front of his yellow coat, and his hat just forward enough to give him a look that bordered on a man who could, without drawing his gun, hold up the entire office. The look he gave her in particular made the blood drain from her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright!\u201d the supervisor rushed out of his office with an outstretched hand. \u201cPleasure to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook the man\u2019s hand then returned to his rather rigid stance. \u201cHenry,\u201d he intoned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can we do for you today?\u201d Henry continued with some worry. He followed Adam\u2019s gaze and India found herself under double scrutiny. She clutched the file box up a little higher but stood her ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cFire my fianc\u00e9e,\u201d Adam bit out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201dIndia cried out. \u201cBut we\u2019re not married yet, and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndy, I can\u2019t keep to office hours. I come to town as I can, when I can. Either you quit, or you don\u2019t see me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut,\u201d India dropped her eyes. Her heart started to race and she felt her nerves fray. She knew she should have told Adam, but there had been no time, and then he had gone back to the ranch early the next morning with barely time for a quick goodbye kiss when he dropped by on the way out of town. That was five days ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuit, or you don\u2019t see me,\u201d Adam repeated.<\/p>\n

Under the restrained anger was a tone India recognized all too well. She\u2019d heard it most of her life until her parents passed. Her mother, angry but keeping her voice calm, drawing herself up as tall as she could and telling her father to not come home if he went gambling, but that tone was there just on the edge of hearing\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cI quit,\u201d India put the filing box down like a hotcake. \u201cMy apologies for inconveniencing anyone.\u201d She curtseyed briefly and went to fetch her things.<\/p>\n

A moment later she came through the gate that allowed employees access to and from the front of the office. Adam was still standing there, rigid and wary.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust like that?\u201d he said incredulously.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust like that.\u201d India slid her hand into the crook of his arm. \u201cNow you have to marry me. I\u2019ve little income now that I\u2019ve ruined myself for respectable employment in Virginia City.\u201d She looked up, her heart soaring at the smile that lit his eyes.<\/p>\n

Adam dropped India a wink and licked his lips. \u201cYour wish is my command, fair India.\u201d He opened the heavy door and, with his hand cupping her elbow, led her into the sun.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0Adam falls head over heels in love, but it’s Joe who may well have embroiled the Cartwrights in a family feud.\u00a0 Will Adam be able to woo and win his lady before the shooting begins?<\/p>\n

Rated: T \u00a0WC 55,900<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":138,"featured_media":18699,"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":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5140","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-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\/2018\/10\/moon-3.png?fit=427%2C321&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5140","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\/138"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5140"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5140\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18699"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5140"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5140"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5140"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}