{"id":56879,"date":"2025-05-14T21:00:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T01:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=56879"},"modified":"2025-09-27T05:39:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-27T09:39:58","slug":"adams-lady-a-romance-in-ten-glimpses-by-djk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=56879","title":{"rendered":"Adam’s Lady: A Romance in Ten Glimpses (by DJK)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 During his last year at college, Adam falls in love with the sister of a classmate and friend.\u00a0 Can he convince her that she would make him a “good wife”?<\/p>\n

rating: T\/PG13\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0word count: 5049<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s Lady<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

A Romance in Ten Glimpses<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

by DJK<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>ONE<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you hurt?\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s voice contained more politeness than concern.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Her response was curt; her attention focused on brushing the dirt from her skirt.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou said that you had ridden before.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have.\u201d\u00a0 She stopped brushing and managed to look up at him and down her nose simultaneously.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyebrow traveled upward.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I have.\u00a0 It was that dang fool horse.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDang fool?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She blew out an exasperated stream of air that raised the bangs from her forehead.\u00a0 \u201cDang is not swearing; Allen has told our mother that dozens of times since he learned the word from you, and a horse can be a fool.\u00a0 That one certainly is.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would say that claiming a skill you do not have is foolish.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her chin rose.\u00a0 \u201cAre you calling me a liar?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would never be so ungentlemanly or so bold.\u00a0 My pa taught me better manners.\u00a0 He also taught me the proper side from which to mount a horse.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d\u00a0 She gave a small shrug.\u00a0 \u201cThe other times a groom assisted me.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would have gladly assisted you.\u00a0 I would gladly assist you.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled then.\u00a0 \u201cWhy ever did you try mounting yourself?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She chewed the corner of her lip.\u00a0 \u201cYou told Allen you preferred independent girls.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure your hometown is just full of independent Western girls who can spring onto the back of a horse with grace and gallop off to\u2026to\u2026 to do whatever.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNot exactly.\u00a0 Actually, my, umm, hometown isn\u2019t full of girls, independent or otherwise.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d\u00a0 She looked up at him through her demurely lowered lashes and watched his dimples appear.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt matters to you which girls I prefer?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf it did, I would hardly admit it; that would be highly unladylike.\u00a0 My mother taught me better than that.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd she didn\u2019t teach you that eavesdropping was unladylike?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEavesdropping?\u201d\u00a0 She managed to sound affronted.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou had to be eavesdropping to hear which girls I prefer.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She chewed her lip again before she answered.\u00a0 \u201cIt would be unladylike if I eavesdropped on you; I was eavesdropping on Allen which makes it simply sisterly.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSisterly?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExtremely.\u00a0 I suppose your little brothers have never eavesdropped on you?\u201d\u00a0 Her sarcasm was clear.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot without retribution.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRetribution.\u201d\u00a0 She wrinkled her nose as if the word carried a foul odor.\u00a0 Then the corners of her lips turned upward.\u00a0 \u201cBig brothers may use retribution on little brothers, but big brothers like Allen spoil their little sisters.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve noticed.\u201d\u00a0 He allowed a gleam to creep into his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cIn the West, a good friend sometimes steps in and does what is needed.\u00a0 Perhaps, I should\u2026\u201d\u00a0 He took a step that obliterated the distance between them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She tilted her head and gazed into his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not my brother.\u201d\u00a0 He was close enough for the scent of her breath to reach his nostrils.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not.\u201d\u00a0 His hands slipped around her waist.\u00a0 \u201cFor which I am profoundly grateful.\u201d\u00a0 He kissed her slowly.\u00a0 <\/span>I owe that dang fool horse!<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>TWO<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d\u00a0 He turned and saw her, backlit by the light from the window.\u00a0 She walked over to him.\u00a0 \u201cPlease don\u2019t let Albert\u2019s remarks spoil the party.\u201d\u00a0 She wrinkled her nose as the corners of her lips turned downward.\u00a0 \u201cHe thinks anyone whose family hasn\u2019t lived in Boston since, well, since Boston was in the wilderness, is little more than\u2026, well, definitely less than he and his ilk.\u201d\u00a0 Her hand waved dismissively.\u00a0 \u201cHis opinion doesn\u2019t really matter, at least not to me and my ilk.\u201d\u00a0 She smiled then, and though the night was dark, and the light very dim, he knew that her eyes sparkled.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t to me either; I assure you.\u00a0 If his veiled insults bothered me, I would have invited him to join me outside and learn how we deal with rude popinjays back in my wilderness.\u201d\u00a0 He leaned against the low wall that surrounded the garden.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen why did you come out here?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven the most patient man will eventually start swatting at the flies that annoy him.\u00a0 My pa taught me better manners even out in the wilderness.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She bit the corner of her lip.\u00a0 \u201cAh, yes.\u201d\u00a0 She sighed heavily.\u00a0 \u201cI wish your pa had taught you less manners sometimes.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She leaned closer.\u00a0 \u201cAllen punched Albert in the nose at my eighth birthday party; I told him it was the best present I got that year.\u201d\u00a0 She sighed again.\u00a0 \u201cI was very sorry that Papa did not see it in the same light as I.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI imagine Allen felt the same.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s dimples appeared but disappeared as quickly.\u00a0 \u201cAlbert is ignorant; he knows nothing about the wilderness.\u00a0 He\u2019s never seen a mountain peak at sunset or a lake so clear and still that it reflects the sky and the trees perfectly.\u00a0 He\u2019s never smelled the perfume of a pine forest or listened to the songs of a dozen different birds blend into a chorus.\u00a0 He\u2019s never ridden for days without seeing a single structure made by men\u2019s hands.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her hand settled on his arm.\u00a0 \u201cYou miss it, your beautiful wilderness.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026but isn\u2019t\u2026at times, isn\u2019t it lonely in that wilderness.\u201d\u00a0 Her voice had softened until it barely reached his ears.\u00a0 He reached out and encircled her with his arms.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you feel lonely with my arms around you?\u201d\u00a0 She shook her head and placed her arms around his neck.\u00a0 He lowered his lips to hers, and she accepted them, pressing her body to his.\u00a0 When he released her, she looked into his eyes and then turned away taking a step back toward the French doors of the house.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould I live in your arms every hour of every day?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be heaven if you did.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeaven\u2019s not for mortals.\u201d\u00a0 She turned back to face him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m no angel, Adam.\u00a0 Allen can tell you that I never could be.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t want to marry an angel.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled then.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve far too much of the devil in me.\u00a0 My pa would tell you that.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THREE<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed the French doors against the rain and turned toward the girl who had preceded him into the room.\u00a0 \u201cWe just made it!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She shuddered and wrapped her arms around herself.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s chilly in here.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He smiled and reached for her.\u00a0 \u201cI have an idea for warming up.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She danced out of his reach.\u00a0 \u201cPapa could walk in any moment; we\u2019ll have to settle for a fire.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ll ring\u2026\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need.\u201d\u00a0 He strode across the room.\u00a0 \u201cThere should be wood in the box.\u00a0 I\u2019ll start it.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut the \u2026\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be silly; starting a fire is hardly back-breaking labor.\u201d\u00a0 When the flames caught and began to spread, he straightened and turned to see her studying him.\u00a0 \u201cThere, the chill will be gone soon.\u201d\u00a0 He crossed the room, and when he reached her, he found that the chill departing the room had settled in her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She took a step back from him.\u00a0 \u201cIs that the way you really see me?\u00a0 As silly and useless?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes widened.\u00a0 \u201cNo, no, I didn\u2019t mean\u2026I never\u2026\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot useless maybe, but, umm, ornamental, yes, that\u2019s it, purely ornamental.\u201d\u00a0 She took another step back and started to turn away.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He caught her by the waist and drew her back into his arms.\u00a0 Placing his lips next to her ear, he spoke softly.\u00a0 \u201cBeautifully ornamental, I\u2019ll have to admit, but purely ornamental, never.\u201d\u00a0 She did not relax into him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s gotten into that head of yours?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never started a fire.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a great many things I\u2019ve never done, that I don\u2019t know how to do.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He saw the true concern in her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAnything you need to know you\u2019re quite capable of learning.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She chewed the corner of her lip.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t mind ringing for a servant, in fact, well, in fact, I\u2019m glad I can.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have nothing against servants.\u201d\u00a0 He watched her eyes drop and her teeth sink into her lower lip.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t come from a family of paupers; I shan’t be one.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 An edge had entered his voice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She pulled free.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d love you if you were.\u00a0 It\u2019s not that.\u00a0 I like being rich, but I really think\u2026I believe I could be poor and still be happy.\u00a0 I just\u2026\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust what?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026I don\u2019t know if\u2026\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf what?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I could be a\u2026\u201d\u00a0 She turned her back to him and walked to stand before the fire.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it you think you couldn\u2019t be?\u201d\u00a0 He had learned that tone of command from his father.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA good enough wife for you.\u201d\u00a0 Her voice had faded with each word.\u00a0 He had not yet actually spoken directly of making her his wife.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The tone of his voice warmed her more than the fire.\u00a0 \u201cWouldn\u2019t I be the best judge of that?\u201d\u00a0 His arms were around her in seconds.\u00a0 \u201cI know you are the wife I want, so if you think I can be a good enough husband for you, say that you\u2019ll marry me.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do, oh, I do, and I will.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FOUR<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She bit down on her lower lip and then gazed up at him. Dropping her eyes, she let the paper in her hand fall to her lap.\u00a0\u00a0 It was not the reaction he had expected and certainly not the one he had desired.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful, simply beautiful.\u201d\u00a0 Her words sounded sincere, but her lower lip was again caught by her teeth, and her eyes remained fixed on her lap.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot half as beautiful as the one for whom it was written.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 Her voice was low but vehement, and she rose and turned away from him.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He caught her arms, turning her to face him.\u00a0 \u201cWhatever is wrong?\u00a0 I thought to please you\u2026I thought you\u2026I thought you felt the same way I do.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love you, Adam; you know I do.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen what is wrong?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She pulled back, and he allowed her to slip from his grasp.\u00a0 Raising the paper in her hand, she brought her gaze to his.\u00a0 \u201cAre these just pretty words, or do you really, really mean them?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I mean them.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her lips moved reciting what she had memorized with one reading, \u201cAll I need is the air that I breathe and to love you.\u201d <\/span>*<\/span><\/b>\u00a0 The paper dropped from her fingers.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t\u2026I can\u2019t be that.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t be what?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat.\u201d\u00a0 Her finger pointed to the paper at their feet.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t be what that demands of me, Adam, maybe some girl could, maybe no one, I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 I just know I can\u2019t.\u201d She trembled like the aspen leaves in the wind, and the tears slid down her cheeks.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He reached out and wrapped his arms around her.\u00a0 \u201cAll I want you to be is my wife, my little love, now and for eternity.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to be your wife, truly I do, I just\u2026\u201d She buried her head in his chest, and the rest of her words were lost.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His hands rubbed her back.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I shall not have you going back to that nonsense of not being a good enough wife for me.\u00a0 I thought we\u2019d settled that.\u00a0 I love you; I want you; I\u2019ll have no other.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She was still trembling.\u00a0 He lowered himself to the settee and pulled her into his lap. She burrowed into him and sobbed.\u00a0 He let her weep as he patted her back, petted her hair, and hummed softly into her ear.\u00a0 When she stilled, he whispered, \u201cWhat makes you so afraid?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He barely heard her answer.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m a realist.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His brow furrowed.\u00a0 \u201cAs am I.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, no, you\u2019re not, you\u2019re\u2026 you wrote that to the woman you love, and I\u2026 I\u2019m afraid that I, the real me, that I\u2019m not her.\u00a0 That you love someone you think I am, someone you created, someone I can\u2019t be.\u00a0 One day your eyes will open, and\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Her voice broke.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI love you, you, not some dream <\/span>girl<\/span>.\u201d\u00a0 He set her on the settee and retrieved his poem.\u00a0 \u201cIf these words make you think that\u2026\u201d\u00a0 His fingers shredded the paper before he walked to the fireplace and tossed the pieces into the flames.\u00a0 \u201cThere, they\u2019re gone.\u00a0 They will trouble us no more.\u201d He returned to her and drew her up into his arms.\u00a0 \u201cDo you hear me?\u00a0 They will trouble us no more.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 She smiled at him but then bit her lower lip and looked into the flames.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

FIVE<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s called hearts a-bursting.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s voice came softly over her shoulder.\u00a0 She turned and looked up into his eyes.\u00a0 She was startled by the shadows she saw there.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHearts a-bursting\u2026I can see why.\u00a0 Still, it\u2019s rather a mournful name.\u201d She bit her lower lip and tilted her head toward his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe\u2026maybe the hearts are bursting with joy.\u00a0 Yes, bursting with joy.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His arm slipped around her waist, and he smiled down at her.\u00a0 \u201cNot perhaps.\u00a0 Definitely.\u00a0 All hearts here may only burst with joy.\u201d\u00a0 He kissed her.\u00a0 She would have said that she could taste his sorrow on his lips.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her hands settled on his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cTell me.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His lips turned up, but his dimples did not appear.\u00a0 \u201cTell you that I love you?\u00a0 I do; I love you with all my heart.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her own lips formed a pout.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll not be dissuaded.\u00a0 If I\u2019m to be your wife, I need to know what brings the shadows to your eyes.\u00a0 If I\u2019m to share myself with you, you must share yourself with me.\u201d\u00a0 She studied his face.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s only fair, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 It was an admonition, but her admonitions always held a teasing tone.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His arms released her, and he turned to stare down at the flowering bush.\u00a0 \u201cWhen my mama died\u2026my mama Inger\u2026\u201d\u00a0 His voice had faded away, and his hand came to rub the bridge of his nose.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe died on the way west?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 I suppose Allen told you that much.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe said she was killed by Indians.\u00a0 He said that you were very young.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBarely seven.\u00a0 We buried her and then had to move on.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere were very few flowers to gather.\u00a0 Mostly\u2026 mostly they were hearts-a-bursting.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cOh.\u201d\u00a0 Her arms came around him from behind as her head settled against his back.\u00a0 \u201cYou loved her very much.\u201d\u00a0 She knew him well enough that it was a declaration not a question.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe was the first woman I remember loving.\u201d\u00a0 He took her hands and drew her arms more tightly around him.\u00a0 \u201cShe loved me.\u00a0 Pa says my mother loved me.\u00a0 My mind believes that she did, I suppose, but, well, my heart knows that Inger loved me.\u201d\u00a0 She felt him tremble and strained to hear the faint words that followed.\u00a0 \u201cEven when her own son was born\u2026she loved him even before he was born, but she loved me first, and even when Hoss was in her arms Mama never loved me any less.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She stood with her arms around him pressing her warmth into his body.\u00a0 After a few minutes, she spoke softly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll never love you any less.\u00a0 Never less, only more.\u00a0 Every day from now on, I\u2019ll love you only more.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He turned then without losing contact and kissed her yet again.\u00a0 \u201cNever more than I love you.\u201d\u00a0 A sound in the trees drew them apart, and Adam led her to their horses swinging her into the saddle.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, love?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeday we\u2019ll go together and put more hearts-a-bursting on her grave.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SIX<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve written your father?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWeeks ago, but it will still be weeks before we can expect to receive the family\u2019s congratulations and felicitations.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure they will be sending congratulations and not advice to think again?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am sure!\u201d\u00a0 Adam sighed.\u00a0 \u201cPa and the boys want me to be happy, contented, and loved.\u00a0 I told them that you make me happy, that only marrying you can make me contented, and that you love me.\u00a0 You do love me, don\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 His voice had become teasing with his last query, and his dimples slipped onto his face as his arms encircled her waist.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I do.\u201d\u00a0 This time she was the one who sighed.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think they will like me?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0 He said it simply; to him it was indisputable.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I… I\u2019m not…\u201d\u00a0 The rest of her words were lost in a spat of coughing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAlways <\/span>not.\u00a0 Y<\/span><\/i>ou are what I want.\u00a0 It is as simple as that.\u00a0 I shall tolerate no more of your <\/span>I am nots.\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you will not tolerate…. you said tolerate?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTolerate.\u00a0 After all, the marriage vows say love, honor, and <\/span>obey<\/span><\/i>.\u201d\u00a0 His teasing voice emphasized <\/span>obey<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another cough took her eyes from his face and moved his hands from her waist to pat her back. She took a step away from him.\u00a0 When her coughing stopped, she cocked her head and frowned at him.\u00a0 \u201cDo you really expect my obedience?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He tugged his left ear with his right hand.\u00a0 \u201cOnly at times, in certain instances.\u201d\u00a0 He gave her a devilish grin.\u00a0 \u201cI shall be a benevolent master.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if I shall have no master?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I shall be your adoring, henpecked husband who expects you to obey only when my experience, expertise, and concern for your welfare require it.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head and laughed.\u00a0 The laughing ended in another spat of coughing.\u00a0 \u201cMother says that a shrewd woman need not worry about the vow of obedience, that a man who loves you can be, um, handled.\u00a0 I shall know all her secrets before I sign the marriage certificate.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His right eyebrow raised. \u201cIs that so?\u201d\u00a0 She nodded. \u201cWell, actually, I can envision a number of ways that I shall enjoy being handled by my wife.\u201d\u00a0 The look in his eyes had the blood rising into her cheeks.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you be such a naughty boy if your father was not across the continent?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot if I thought you might actually tell him what I said, but Allen assures me you have never been one for carrying tales.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I seldom carried tales.\u00a0 Dear brother Allen was always amiable to blackmail.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that so?\u201d\u00a0 Before she could answer, the coughing returned.\u00a0 Adam turned serious.\u00a0 \u201cHave you seen the doctor?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe is coming in the morning.\u201d\u00a0 She recognized the concern in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s just a cough, Adam, not even that deep a cough.\u00a0 The doctor will give me something for it.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be fine for the party Saturday.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will follow all the doctor\u2019s orders, and if he says, \u201cno party\u201d we shall not be attending.\u201d\u00a0 His voice held an underlying tone of command; he had given orders to toughened cowhands and little brothers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She rolled her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re sounding like my father!\u201d\u00a0 Her tone indicated that her words were not meant as a compliment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood, even you shall not be able to defy all three of us.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThree?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour father, your big brother, and your determined betrothed.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled her back into his arms.\u00a0 \u201cI am determined to care for you and see that you care for yourself.\u00a0 Be assured of that.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine!\u201d\u00a0 Her eyes softened.\u00a0 \u201cBut only if you agree to let me take of you and see that you take care of yourself.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed.\u201d\u00a0 They sealed the agreement with a kiss.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seven<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere you are.\u201d\u00a0 He had found her sitting in the garden.\u00a0 \u201cYour mother insisted I bring you a wrap.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She rolled her eyes but allowed him to place the shawl around her shoulders.\u00a0 He noticed two things as he did so: the damp handkerchief in her hands and the touch of red around her eyes and on her nose.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cMother is, well, my mother is over-protective.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs she?\u201d\u00a0 She heard the challenge in his voice and hesitated before she shrugged.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctor said that everything would be well then?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A fit of coughing allowed her to study his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAllen told you.\u201d\u00a0 Her tone was flat but somehow angry.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you did not intend to?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI asked him not to.\u00a0 I don\u2019t need another person worrying, hovering…\u201d\u00a0 She turned to face away from him.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe do not need a lie between us!\u201d\u00a0 His voice was edged with his own anger.\u00a0 He had been angry at the world since Allen had told him.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt soon will not matter what is or is not between us.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you really think…\u201d\u00a0 He grabbed her arms, but another coughing fit overtook her, and he drew her gently into his arms.\u00a0 \u201cIt makes no change in how I love you.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, but it does.\u00a0 It drenches it in pity.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want your pity!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She tried to pull away, but he refused to release her.\u00a0 Eventually, she lay limp against his chest.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you have, what you shall always have, is my love.\u00a0 This, this illness, we shall fight it together.\u201d\u00a0 His hand cupped her cheek and raised her gaze to his.\u00a0 \u201cI am an accomplished fighter.\u00a0 This is a fight I intend to win.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll I have is yours, little love, that includes my strength.\u201d\u00a0 His eyes insisted that she fight, not him but fate.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour strength.\u201d\u00a0 Her hands rested on his arms and felt the muscles beneath her fingers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy strength, my determination, my…\u201d\u00a0 For the first time it was her lips that stopped his words.\u00a0 There was a fierceness to their kiss that had never been there before.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His breath was hot against her ear when he next spoke.\u00a0 \u201cYou will not give up.\u00a0 Promise me you shall not give up.\u201d\u00a0 His voice held the gentle but granite firm command he had often used with his little brothers.\u00a0 As they had, she gave in to his resolute insistence.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI promise.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSay it all.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI shall not give up.\u00a0 I shall fight.\u00a0 We shall fight.\u00a0 I shall not give up.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen, my little love, we shall win the fight.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Eight<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, my dear?\u00a0 Do you need…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need anything.\u00a0 It\u2019s you who need; you need to attend class.\u00a0 You should be in class now, shouldn\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 Adam waited for her coughing to recede before answering.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need to be with you.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re missing…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing important.\u201d\u00a0 He watched her frown.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, I\u2019ll copy Allen\u2019s notes; I made him go.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAllen takes terrible notes.\u00a0 You\u2019ve said it yourself.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll borrow Bartlett\u2019s.\u00a0 Do not let it concern you.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut it does!\u201d\u00a0 The force of her exclamation resulted in another bout of coughing.\u00a0 Adam shook his head in admonition.\u00a0 She spoke more softly.\u00a0 \u201cIt does.\u00a0 You and Allen both are spending too much time waiting on me hand and foot.\u00a0 There\u2019s no need.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a great need to be with you.\u00a0 Your brother, well, Allen wants to spend time with you too.\u201d\u00a0 Adam did not voice the thought that her brother wanted to spend what little time was left with his baby sister.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re both going to fail.\u201d\u00a0 There was a wail in her voice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but even so, classes can be retaken.\u00a0 There are more important things than degrees.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head, and the resulting coughing left her weak and breathless.\u00a0 \u201cI… I don\u2019t…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He placed his finger against her lips.\u00a0 \u201cDo not waste your strength.\u201d\u00a0 It was an order, and she capitulated.\u00a0 \u201cShall I continue reading?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0 She sighed.\u00a0 \u201cSing to me.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI shall sing you to sleep then.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething cheerful.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He drew her into his arms and sang softly into her ear until she slept.\u00a0 He slipped her back onto the pillows before he wiped the tears from his face.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nine<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She was in his arms, settled against his chest, and he whispered softly in her ear.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve spoken to Reverend Cuttler…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d\u00a0 She managed a fierceness of purpose even though her voice was incapable of any force.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She struggled to rise, but he held her against him.\u00a0 \u201cI have said <\/span>no<\/span><\/i> again and again!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, my love, why?\u00a0 I want you for my wife no matter how short a time…\u201d\u00a0 He shook the thought away.\u00a0 \u201cYou gave me your word that you would marry me.\u00a0 I\u2019ve not released you from that promise.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head and then lost herself in a coughing fit.\u00a0 Afterward, the handkerchief that dropped into her lap was flecked with red.\u00a0 \u201cWould you marry when our vows…\u00a0 I haven\u2019t the strength to consummate a marriage.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think that I only…\u00a0 I love you; I love your soul. I want it joined to mine.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll not bind you to me for eternity.\u00a0 I\u2019m selfish but not that selfish.\u00a0 You\u2019re too young to be a widower.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWidower or not, I\u2019ll have no heart to give another.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn time…\u201d\u00a0 the coughing came again.\u00a0 More red was added to the white linen and lace.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He sighed and surrendered.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll wait then.\u00a0 When you are stronger, when you are well, then I shall demand you do the honorable thing.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I\u2019m stronger.\u201d\u00a0 She tugged his sleeves, and he drew his arms more tightly around her.\u00a0 \u201cSing me to sleep and then go.\u00a0 It\u2019s late.\u00a0 You have shadows under your eyes.\u00a0 You all have shadows.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother insisted I take one of the guestrooms as my own.\u00a0 If you need me…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need to see you rested.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA song then.\u00a0 A ballad or something brighter?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour mama\u2019s lullaby.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ten<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He heard the door shut behind her family.\u00a0 She had asked for time alone with him.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d\u00a0 He leaned closer to catch her words.\u00a0 \u201cCarry me out to the garden, to our bench.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, love, the doctor…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, the doctor said I should be spoiled.\u00a0 Please, Adam, please. You can use the French window.\u00a0 I have.\u201d The ghost of a smile flickered across her face.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He could not stand against her desire.\u00a0 It was a warm and sunny spring day.\u00a0 He wrapped her in the bedsheets and carried her easily, stepping through the French window and walking through the garden to settle on the bench in the back corner.\u00a0\u00a0 He sat down with her in his lap.\u00a0 \u201cThere, you\u2019ve gotten your way.\u00a0 I shall be as henpecked as I feared.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her chuckle was faint, but it was a laugh.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think that in Heaven people walk about and meet those they never knew?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His brow furrowed.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose they might.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to meet your mothers, all three of them.\u00a0 I never met your father and brothers.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI…\u201d\u00a0 He swallowed repeatedly.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou told me once you wrote letters to your Mama Inger.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor a time when I was a boy.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you write a letter of introduction for me.\u00a0 It can be placed in my…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His arms tighten around her.\u00a0 Her coughing shook them both.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you insist, but there really isn\u2019t any need to.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019ve fought; I\u2019ve fought so hard.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, love; you\u2019ve been truly brave.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow you must be.\u00a0 Adam, I need you to release me from my promise.\u00a0 I need you to let me go.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI, I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not giving up, Adam; it\u2019s not.\u00a0 If Hoss were here, he\u2019d tell you…\u201d Her voice faded into another cough.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She felt him shudder. \u201cHe\u2019d tell me what I have told him so many times.\u00a0 Sometimes it is the greatest kindness to let go.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Grief was already there in his voice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 And when I\u2019m gone, you must truly let me go.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI shall always love you.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0 I… I think I would have made you a good wife.\u00a0 Let me be a good memory.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He settled her against him so that he could look into her eyes.\u00a0 He held her and leaned down to whisper in her ear.\u00a0 \u201cGoodbye, my little love.\u00a0 I release you.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He kissed her softly and held her until he knew he was alone.\u00a0 Then he carried her back to her bed and went in search of Allen.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Epilogue<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He knelt and traced her name etched into the marble.\u00a0 Then he looked up at the friend who would never become his brother.\u00a0 \u201cShe would have been so proud of you.\u201d\u00a0 They had come to show her their newly awarded diplomas.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, though I\u2019m sure she worried more about me actually obtaining mine.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A brief smile came and went from Adam\u2019s lips.\u00a0 He sighed and rose.\u00a0 \u201cMy passage is arranged for Saturday.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you might return one day?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne is wise to never say never.\u00a0 When Grandfather…well, it\u2019s too long a journey for even his funeral.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr your father and brothers would have come to be with you for hers.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, at least.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI… I had thought to visit your home in the West sometime.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will always be welcome at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I…\u201d\u00a0 Allen\u2019s voice broke.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the things I grieve is that I shall not gain you as a brother.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I grieve that too.\u00a0 She was so pleased that she could give me the brother I always wanted.\u201d\u00a0 Allen swallowed.\u00a0 \u201cShe would want you to give those brothers of yours a sister.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAllen.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s tone was chiding.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe loved you, Adam.\u00a0 You brought her so much happiness.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLoved her, but do not let that love become a chain.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you do me a favor?\u201d Allen nodded.\u00a0 \u201cOnce a year I shall send a sealed letter.\u00a0 Would you bring it here and place it with a yellow rose upon her grave?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShould it be upon a certain day?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cOn, on…\u201d\u00a0 The date caught in his throat.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe day you were to have been married?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0 Allen looked down at his sister\u2019s grave. \u201cI vow to do it faithfully.\u201d\u00a0 He looked up at Adam and let the corners of his lips rise.\u00a0 \u201cBut you must write me regularly and keep me well apprised of your doings if you expect me not to read hers.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cIs that so?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know me.\u00a0 I\u2019ve always been a very curious cat.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cYou must write me in return.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed.\u00a0 Do you want me to wait for you by the gate?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need.\u201d\u00a0 Adam placed his fingers to his lips and then leaned to touch them to her name. \u201cTell my mamas that I love them and know that I love you always.\u201d\u00a0 His voice was barely a whisper, but a gentle breeze touched his cheek, and he knew he had been heard.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The End<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

*<\/span><\/b>Adam borrowed his declaration from the song \u201cThe Air that I Breathe\u201d by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood.\u00a0\u00a0 This section was based on a prompt that required the inclusion of the quote.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

**<\/span>Glimpses one through five were written in response to specific challenges on another site. You may have read them previously as stand lone vignettes. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 During his last year at college, Adam falls in love with the sister of a classmate and friend.\u00a0 Can he convince her that she would make him a “good wife”?
\nrating: T\/PG13\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0word count: 5049<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":143,"featured_media":14328,"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_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1005,30,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-56879","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-prequels","category-romance","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-30-id","wpcat-3-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":472,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/AC.jpg?fit=274%2C358&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7595,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7595","url_meta":{"origin":56879,"position":0},"title":"She Left (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Adam\u2019s love is leaving him. 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Rated: K+\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0589","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Bridal-Bouquet-03-Wildflowers.jpg?fit=376%2C451&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":20275,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=20275","url_meta":{"origin":56879,"position":2},"title":"From Adam’s Pen (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"March 10, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Three poems in the voice of Adam Cartwright. Publish here in honor of the March Poetry Challenge though they have been individually posted elsewhere previously. rating: k+word count: 302","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":16021,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=16021","url_meta":{"origin":56879,"position":3},"title":"We Done Our Share (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"March 5, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"SUMMARY: \u00a0My entry for the March 2018 poetry challenge -- It's a little discussion among the brothers about loves lost which is spoken in three voices. rating = PG13 \u00a0 \u00a0word count = 282","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/three-brothers.jpg?fit=300%2C284&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7617,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7617","url_meta":{"origin":56879,"position":4},"title":"The Lady in the Shadows (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Young Adam tells his new mother about the lady in the shadows. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a01141","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/inger.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/inger.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/inger.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/inger.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7633,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7633","url_meta":{"origin":56879,"position":5},"title":"Sweeter Than Pie (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A simple vignette about Little Joe, a girl, and a watchful big brother. 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