{"id":5801,"date":"2005-01-19T00:04:41","date_gmt":"2005-01-19T05:04:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5801"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:10","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:10","slug":"the-hotel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5801","title":{"rendered":"The Hotel (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>A new hotel intrigues Hoss but doesn\u2019t interest Joe initially.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (6,085 words)<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0The Hotel<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe new hotel\u2019s real fancy, ain\u2019t it, Pa?\u201d Hoss Cartwright commented as he and his father paused across the street from the new structure.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure looks like it, son,\u201d Ben agreed, as they watched the men continue to unload expensive mahogany furniture from the back of a huge covered wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard tell that they\u2019re gittin\u2019 a fancy French chef,\u201d Hoss went on. Ben smothered a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d he commented in as neutral a tone as he could manage.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss nodded. \u201cI reckon we ought ta come try it out when it opens. What d\u2019ya say, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose we could,\u201d Ben agreed. He clapped Hoss on the back. \u201cLet\u2019s go, son. We\u2019ve got to meet your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

*******************************<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019ve seen the work going on,\u201d Joe replied, disinterestedly when Hoss mentioned the new hotel to his younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething the matter, son?\u201d Ben asked. It wasn\u2019t like Joe to be standoffish when Hoss was enthusing about something.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir,\u201d Joe responded, clearly startled by the question. He blinked and looked at Ben, trying to gauge if his father was annoyed. He hadn\u2019t sounded it, but perhaps the comment was just a warning. But Ben\u2019s face showed only concern and Joe relaxed again. \u201cI guess I\u2019m just tired, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have every right to be tired,\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cAfter all, you\u2019ve just returned from Sacramento and travelling by stage isn\u2019t the most restful of journeys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can say that again!\u201d Joe complained and stretched his aching back. Somehow, he always seemed to end up squashed in a corner, or sitting on the floor when he travelled by stage. This time, he had been sitting next to a hugely overweight woman who seemed to be determined to make him relinquish his tiny portion of the seat to her. Joe had obstinately stuck it out. His back was killing him. He made an effort to smile at Hoss. \u201cTell me about the hotel, big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

All the way home, Joe was content to let Hoss ramble on, just throwing in the odd word here and there. After supper, he went straight to bed and when Ben stuck his head around Joe\u2019s door a little later, his youngest son was sound asleep. It appeared that Joe had been tired.<\/p>\n

*******************************<\/p>\n

\u201cHey look!\u201d Hoss exclaimed excitedly, waving a piece of paper at Joe, as he rode into the yard. \u201cLook what we got!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe asked, pulling Cochise to a standstill and dismounting wearily. He was filthy, caked in mud after hauling a calf out of a mud hole, and wanted nothing more than a hot bath, hot meal and his bed, in that order.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe got an invite ta the openin\u2019 o\u2019 that new hotel in town,\u201d Hoss replied, oblivious to the condition Joe was in. \u201cLook!\u201d He thrust the fancy card into Joe\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

Focusing on the ornate invitation with a small effort, Joe read that he, Ben and Hoss had all been invited to the grand opening of The Hotel. For a moment, Joe thought that the hotel\u2019s name had been missed out, but then he realised that that was its name. He nodded thoughtfully. The card was engraved in gold and had an elegant line drawing of the new building at the bottom. The invitation was dated for the following week.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s nice,\u201d he commented, handing the card back before he left permanent muddy marks on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice?\u201d Hoss echoed. \u201cThat all ya can say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want me to say?\u201d Joe replied. He made an effort, since Hoss looked so wounded. Joe didn\u2019t know why his brother was so excited about the hotel opening. \u201cWhy are you so interested?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d Hoss admitted after a moment. \u201cI jist am.\u201d He shrugged. \u201cIts jist been real interestin\u2019 watchin\u2019 it growin\u2019 from the ground up, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Joe clapped his big brother on the shoulder. \u201cYou don\u2019t need no other reason than that, I guess,\u201d he agreed.<\/p>\n

Nodding, Hoss looked at Joe again and this time noticed that his brother was filthy. \u201cJoe, what cha bin doin\u2019?\u201d he chided. \u201cYer covered in mud.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Joe shook his head. \u201cGee, I didn\u2019t notice,\u201d he retorted. \u201cNice of ya to tell me, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still bickering playfully, the brothers went into the house.<\/p>\n

**************************************<\/p>\n

The very next day, Joe was sent into town to pick up some supplies that had been delayed arriving. When he reached the store, the wagon was just being unloaded and so he had to cool his heels for a while waiting. He didn\u2019t fancy going into the saloon \u2013 it was too early for a beer \u2013 so he stood aimlessly on the boardwalk, glancing up and down the street. He didn\u2019t spot any particular friends and he was in no mood to window shop.<\/p>\n

Slightly further up the boardwalk, but still outside the store, Joe saw another young man loitering. They exchanged smiles and after a few minutes, the young man drifted down to stand closer to Joe. \u201cYou waiting for supplies, too?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe acknowledged. \u201cWe\u2019re nearly out of coffee, which is a tragedy in our house.\u201d He smiled. \u201cI\u2019m Joe Cartwright, by the way.\u201d He thrust out his hand.<\/p>\n

Grasping it, the other man shook firmly. \u201cMichael Peterson. How d\u2019you do?\u201d He frowned slightly. \u201cCartwright. Why do I know that name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cHave you been in town long?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, a few months, I suppose,\u201d Michael answered. \u201cI\u2019ve been pretty busy with the building of the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHotel?\u201d Joe perked up. \u201cThe new hotel? My family has been invited to the opening.\u201d He studied the young man in front of him with new interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh!\u201d The young man snapped his fingers. \u201cCartwright! I knew I knew the name. But I didn\u2019t think it was Joe I associated with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re probably thinking of Ben, my father,\u201d Joe responded. He was beginning to like Michael.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it!\u201d Michael grinned. He glanced over his shoulder. \u201cLooks like the supplies will be a few minutes yet. Would you like a look around the hotel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, I\u2019d love it,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cMy brother Hoss is going to be sorry he didn\u2019t come into town now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d Michael asked, sounding confused, so as the two young men walked down the street to the hotel, Joe began to fill Michael in on his family.<\/p>\n

*********************************<\/p>\n

The Hotel was magnificent, Joe realised as he was shown around. The floors were thickly carpeted, the drapes were velvet, the chairs upholstered in many rich colours. There were a few single rooms, but the majority of the hotel was made up of suites, one or two bedrooms and a living room. Each room had an ornate fireplace in it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is something special,\u201d Joe commented, after he had been shown all over it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Michael replied, looking pleased. He gestured to Joe. \u201cCome and meet my wife, Lindsay. Our home is on the first floor.\u201d He led the way through the lobby to the stairs and through a door marked \u2018private\u2019.<\/p>\n

Although resembling the hotel suites, this set of rooms had a more homely appearance. They were less fancy and much cosier. Joe instantly felt at home. He glanced around appreciatively as a door opened and a lovely young woman came out. Her hair was lying loose on her shoulders and her hand went to it instinctively as she saw the stranger.<\/p>\n

\u201cLindsay, this is Joe Cartwright,\u201d Michael said, stepping forward to grasp his wife\u2019s hand. \u201cHe and his family have the big ranch outside out town, the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you do?\u201d Lindsay put her hand out to shake Joe\u2019s obviously deciding that it was too late to be embarrassed at being caught with her hair down like a hoyden.<\/p>\n

\u201cPleased to meet you, ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe responded, smiling. Lindsay was a very pretty young woman and he appreciated seeing her rich dark brown hair shining on her shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t call me ma\u2019am!\u201d she objected. \u201cThat makes me sound ancient. Call me Lindsay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLindsay,\u201d Joe agreed. He smiled conspiratorially. \u201cWhen someone calls me \u2018Mr Cartwright\u2019, I always look round for my Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lindsay laughed. She glanced at her husband. \u201cMichael, did you bring that flour?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh heavens, I\u2019d forgotten all about it again,\u201d he replied. \u201cThe wagon was just being unloaded when I arrived and since Joe was waiting, too, I asked if he would like to see the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s lovely,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to the opening party.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo are we \u2013 kind of!\u201d Michael agreed. \u201cWell, I\u2019d better go and get that flour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want pie, then you\u2019d better,\u201d Lindsay smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019d better go, too,\u201d Joe interjected. \u201cPa told me not to be long \u2013 he\u2019s got a list of chores for me as long as my arm!\u201d He tipped his hat. \u201cPleased to meet you, Lindsay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, Joe.\u201d Lindsay watched the two men leave before she went back into the kitchen. She was pleased that Michael had at last met someone of their own age who he could be friends with.<\/p>\n

**********************************<\/p>\n

Over lunch, Joe told Hoss and Ben about his visit to The Hotel. Hoss, as he had guessed, was jealous.<\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit, Joe, I wish I\u2019d a bin the one ta go inta town this mornin\u2019,\u201d he grumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the grand opening is next week. You\u2019ll get the chance to look around then,\u201d Joe mumbled, his mouth full.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t the same though,\u201d Hoss groused. \u201cPa, how come Joe gits all the luck like that?\u201d he appealed to his father. \u201cIt ain\u2019t like he were all that interested in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben replied. He glanced at Joe, who was cheerfully shovelling food into his mouth as though he hadn\u2019t eaten for weeks. \u201cSo you and Mr Peterson hit it off, then, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure did, Pa,\u201d Joe replied. Ben frowned at him for talking with his mouth full once more. Joe hastily swallowed. \u201cHis wife, Lindsay, is a real nice lady, too. Very pretty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do they live?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey got a set of rooms on the first floor,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cSame sort of lay out as the suites, but not as fancy. More homey.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m looking forward to seeing the inside,\u201d Ben commented, as he applied himself to the last of the food on his plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cStill don\u2019 seem fair that ya got ta see the inside afore me,\u201d Hoss grumped, but the twinkle in his eye told Joe that his brother wasn\u2019t really upset.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome people are just born lucky,\u201d Joe replied modestly. He ignored Hoss\u2019 contemptuous snort.<\/p>\n

**********************************<\/p>\n

Whenever Joe was in town over the next week, he made a point of stopping in to see Michael and Lindsay. A solid friendship had been born out of their chance meeting. Joe soon felt like a part of their family, as he was introduced to all the workers at the hotel. Some of them, Joe knew already, for many of the maids and porters had lived in town for a while. The French chef had worked in many of the big hotels back east and had a very good reputation. He was also incredibly temperamental, Joe learned, but would usually end up laughing at his own tantrums. Being of a fiery nature himself, Joe could understand the man.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, but only sometimes, Joe felt envious of the closeness of Michael and Lindsay. Joe had had several romantic entanglements, but fate had always conspired against him actually marrying. Currently, Joe was doing as he often did and playing the field. Michael had asked Joe if there was anyone special that he wanted to bring to the opening of the hotel, but Joe had declined.<\/p>\n

He knew all about the party that there was going to be. He had seen the menu, tasted the chef\u2019s special canap\u00e9s and admired the decorations for the dining and ball rooms. Joe was really looking forward to the night.<\/p>\n

******************************<\/p>\n

The day of the opening party dawned hot and sunny. They were going through a spell of hot dry weather and Ben was planning on starting cutting the hay the next morning. He had to make the most of the weather, even though starting something as strenuous as haying the night after a late party wasn\u2019t ideal. But they had a crew ready to start and the weather was perfect. Ben couldn\u2019t afford to delay. A hay crop ruined by rain would be a disaster.<\/p>\n

No problems cropped up that day to delay the Cartwrights and they were all dressed and ready to go by 5pm. Ben had the buggy out, so that their clothes wouldn\u2019t get too dusty going into town. Joe was in high spirits, looking forward to introducing his family to Michael and Lindsay.<\/p>\n

As they arrived, Joe was gratified to see that the town had turned out in force for the opening. He had been slightly worried that there might not be a good response to the invitations, but he was glad to be proved wrong. Entering the hotel, they found everyone milling about, exclaiming over the fancy decoration and beauty of the interior.<\/p>\n

With superior knowledge of the layout, Joe was able to guide Ben and Hoss around the hotel, finally bringing them to the dining room. So far, he hadn\u2019t spotted Michael or Lindsay, but there were a lot of people there and they were bound to be busy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis the menu?\u201d Hoss asked, having duly admired everything. He picked up the printed list and scrutinised it, frowning as his eyes travelled down the list. Finally, he held it out to Joe, scowling. \u201cI cain\u2019t read a dad-blamed word!\u201d he complained.<\/p>\n

Taking it from Hoss, Joe quickly scanned it. \u201cIts written in French,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrench!\u201d Hoss\u2019 scowl deepened. \u201cI cain\u2019t read French! How\u2019m I meant ta know what\u2019s what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Joe put the menu down. \u201cIts food, Hoss,\u201d he chided. \u201cWhat more do you need to know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben reproved, as Hoss made a mock swing for his brother.<\/p>\n

Joe was saved from further recriminations by the arrival of Michael and Lindsay. Lindsay had on a rich purple dress, with her hair piled high. Michael had on a pale grey suit, very fashionably cut. He grinned broadly when he saw Joe. \u201cAt last!\u201d he cried. \u201cSo this is where you\u2019re hiding. You missed the tour, you know!\u201d He laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already had it!\u201d Joe retorted, grinning broadly. \u201cMichael, Lindsay, I\u2019d like you to meet my family. This is my father Ben Cartwright and my brother Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPleased to meet you.\u201d Michael shook hands with them both. \u201cI\u2019ve heard a lot about you both.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLikewise,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI must say, Mr Peterson, your hotel is magnificent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Michael beamed. \u201cLook, I\u2019ll meet with you all for a brandy at the end of the night, if that\u2019s all right? I\u2019ve got to get everyone seated now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood enough,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cNeed a hand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Lindsay scolded. \u201cYou\u2019re a guest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, the Cartwrights took their seats as the other guests started to filter into the room.<\/p>\n

**********************************<\/p>\n

The meal was superb and Joe was right \u2013 it didn\u2019t matter to Hoss in the end what any of the dishes were called, as he thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them. After the brandy had been passed around the gentlemen and the ladies had withdrawn to tidy up, they moved through to the ballroom, where the dancing was soon underway.<\/p>\n

Midway through the dance, Joe finally managed to catch Lindsay and took her onto the floor. \u201cYou look tired,\u201d he said, with concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d Lindsay agreed. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long day, Joe.\u201d She smiled at him. \u201cI\u2019m going upstairs shortly. I promised Michael I\u2019d be in bed by midnight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you turn into a pumpkin then?\u201d Joe teased.<\/p>\n

Rolling her eyes, Lindsay replied, \u201cI\u2019m going to in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing to what?\u201d Joe asked, confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cTurn into a pumpkin.\u201d Lindsay smiled as Joe looked even more confused and thought what a good looking man he was. She leaned forward to whisper in his ear. \u201cWe wanted to tell you tonight, Joe. I\u2019m sure Michael won\u2019t mind.\u201d She smiled again. \u201cI\u2019m expecting a baby,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s wonderful!\u201d Joe cried. \u201cI\u2019m so pleased for you both.\u201d He was already shielding her from bumps as they danced, but he began to be even more careful.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare treat me like I\u2019m made of glass!\u201d she chided. \u201cI won\u2019t break, Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe agreed, but he couldn\u2019t help himself. Lindsay began to laugh at him and by the end of the dance, they were both helpless with laughter. Lindsay bade him good night and left the room.<\/p>\n

It was getting late, Joe noticed. The crowd was beginning to thin out a lot. Almost as though Lindsay\u2019s departure was a signal, people began to leave in droves. Finally, it was just the Cartwrights and the musicians packing away their gear.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome through to the bar,\u201d Michael called, having shut the door behind the last guests. No one was yet booked into the hotel; that would come tomorrow.<\/p>\n

When everyone had a drink, Michael sat down in one of the big leather chairs and sighed. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar. \u201cI\u2019m beat!\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not surprised,\u201d Joe remarked. \u201cBut the night was a great success.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure was good,\u201d Hoss agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Michael replied. \u201cBut the hard work is still to come \u2013 making the hotel pay!\u201d<\/p>\n

Raising his glass, Ben toasted, \u201cTo your success in the future!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe future,\u201d the others echoed and drank.<\/p>\n

****************************<\/p>\n

Over the next month or so, Joe was in and out of the hotel as often as he could manage. Haying was over and they had managed to get the crop in without any break in the weather. With the dry weather, the pastures were taking a beating and Joe and Hoss seemed to be spending a large proportion of their summer moving cattle from one pasture to another before the grass became too thin.<\/p>\n

One particularly hot day, all the Cartwrights were in town. Joe was going to collect the mail, Ben was going to talk to the bank manager about an investment and Hoss was collecting the supplies. It was more of an excuse for a break than anything that really required all three of them. Ben could have easily collected the mail and supplies while he was in town, but he wanted his sons to have a day off.<\/p>\n

His chore complete, Joe headed down to the hotel, finding Michael in the lobby, manning the reception desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust the man!\u201d Michael exclaimed. \u201cI wanted to have a word with you, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have I done?\u201d Joe joked. \u201cWhere\u2019s Lindsay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUpstairs,\u201d Michael replied. He saw Joe\u2019s concerned look and smiled. \u201cShe\u2019s all right. It\u2019s just the heat getting to her.\u201d Joe nodded his understanding. It was incredibly hot. \u201cJoe, I wanted to ask you if the Ponderosa would be willing to supply the beef I need for the restaurant?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see why not,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cPa\u2019s in town if you want to talk to him about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I\u2019d talk to you,\u201d Michael averred. \u201cYou\u2019re my friend and I know you negotiate the deal for your cattle drive. You told me so yourself. Surely you can negotiate this deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure I could,\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs soon as the desk manager gets back, we can go through to the office and discuss it,\u201d Michael smiled. \u201cAh! There he is!\u201d He stepped from behind the desk with relief and led the way through to his quiet office under the stairs.<\/p>\n

Once there, he stripped off his suit jacket and hung it up. \u201cThe downside of the trade is having to dress your best all the time,\u201d he explained to Joe. \u201cWant a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, thanks.\u201d Joe took a seat in the familiar room. It was quite stuffy, but better than being out in the heat of the blazing sun. Before long, they were sipping cold beers.<\/p>\n

They got right down to business and they were soon deep in figures. But it didn\u2019t take long for the friends to agree on a price for the beef that Michael wanted and they signed the contract right there and then.<\/p>\n

As he sat back in his seat, something tickled Joe\u2019s nose. He paused and glanced round, not sure what the elusive scent was. Then he felt it again and a prickle of alarm ran up his spine. \u201cMichael, I can smell smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Michael was on his feet at once. He threw open the office door and the smell of smoke grew stronger. Joe followed on his heels as they hurried through the deserted lobby and into the dining room.<\/p>\n

It became apparent once they were there what the trouble was. A glass had been left in front of an open window. The sun had been streaming through and the heat through the glass had caused the tablecloth to catch fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cRing the fire bell!\u201d Michael shouted. \u201cWe need to get everyone out!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe knew that he had seen the fire bell somewhere, but he couldn\u2019t remember where. \u201cI\u2019ll get the kitchen staff out,\u201d he proposed. \u201cYou get the bell!\u201d<\/p>\n

With a quick nod, Michael hurried off and Joe raced through the dining room to get to the kitchen. The smoke was building up quickly and the fire was blazing merrily. Joe coughed as the smoke tickled the back of his throat. \u201cFire!\u201d he cried, bursting into the kitchen. \u201cFire!\u201d<\/p>\n

The kitchen staff reacted immediately and Joe felt it was safe to leave them. He scrambled back through the smoke, coughing even harder and met Michael in the lobby. \u201cKitchen staff are out,\u201d he coughed. \u201cWhat next?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll check the rooms on the top floor,\u201d Michael panted. \u201cYou get the first floor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot it!\u201d Joe agreed and they ran up the stairs together.<\/p>\n

With it being the middle of the afternoon, most of the guests weren\u2019t in the hotel. Joe thumped on door after door, shouting out for anyone inside to answer. One couple answered the door and Joe urged them towards the stairs. Finally, he had knocked on the last door and found no one else. Turning to move to the stairs himself, Joe\u2019s eye fell on the door marked \u2018private\u2019.<\/p>\n

Lindsay! At once, Joe ran to their private quarters and pounded on the door. The frame felt warm and Joe was suddenly consumed with worry. He didn\u2019t waste any more time waiting for Lindsay to respond \u2013 he put his shoulder to the wood and broke in.<\/p>\n

The rooms were full of smoke. Joe was surprised, since he hadn\u2019t thought the fire was spreading so fast. But the open window and the gentle breeze had fanned the flames. The rich furnishings had provided it with lots of fuel and it was now climbing up the outside of the building. Michael and Lindsay\u2019s apartment was right above the dining room and filled with smoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cLindsay!\u201d Joe coughed violently as he inadvertently inhaled some smoke. \u201cLindsay!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no response. Joe opened the nearest door, choking once more as he was met with a billow of smoke. Instinctively ducking beneath it, Joe entered the room, but he soon found it was empty.<\/p>\n

Wiping his tearing eyes, Joe carried on his search. The little kitchen was empty and so was the living room. By now, there were flames as well as smoke. Joe knew his time was running out. He burst into the bedroom and saw Lindsay lying on the bed, apparently asleep.<\/p>\n

There was no time to see if she was alive or dead. Joe ran across the room and slid his arms under Lindsay\u2019s shoulders. As he pulled her upright, he heard a loud whooshing noise and, turning his head, saw that flames were now engulfing the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn!\u201d Joe glanced around and his eye fell on the window. He ran over and threw the window open.<\/p>\n

The street was filled with spectators watching the fire with that mixture of horror and glee that people often displayed towards someone else\u2019s tragedy. \u201cGet a ladder!\u201d Joe shouted, but his voice was lost in the clamour of the fire department arriving at a smart trot.<\/p>\n

There was no way Joe could get out of the window with Lindsay. There was no balcony to escape onto and he could hardly drop an unconscious, pregnant woman down one storey. There was no other choice. Joe snatched up a discarded blanket and advanced on the flames.<\/p>\n

He was coughing and wheezing badly by the time he got them smothered, but the way out was open, for the time being at least. Joe didn\u2019t notice that his hands were burned and that several sparks had burned their way through the thin fabric of his shirt. Crossing to the bed, he picked Lindsay up and hurried out of the door.<\/p>\n

The smoke eddying through the rooms was getting thicker and the flames were creeping towards him again. Joe gritted his teeth and ran through them, escaping unscathed. He tightened his grip on Lindsay and crossed to the stairs, going down as slowly and carefully as he dared.<\/p>\n

The flames were eating across the lobby carpet as Joe fumbled with the door handle. He managed to get the door open at the moment the flames caught him. Joe stumbled out into the street as his pants burst into flames.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe barely heard his name as his strength gave out and he collapsed to the ground, spilling Lindsay onto the dusty road. He was coughing hopelessly, barely able to get any oxygen. He scarcely felt the hands rolling him over and over before gathering him into a loving embrace. \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Squinting, Joe looking up through watering eyes and recognised the man holding him. \u201cPa?\u201d he gasped and then coughed and coughed until he lapsed into unconsciousness.<\/p>\n

*************************************<\/p>\n

Kneeling in the street, cradling his unconscious son in his arms, Ben looked around for help. The hotel was burning, but the firemen seemed to be getting things under control at last. A chain of men were passing buckets to and fro and the flames were dying back. Ben couldn\u2019t help but wish that they had got things under control a bit sooner. Then, perhaps, Joe wouldn\u2019t be in this state.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul?\u201d he called, as he spotted Paul Martin, the doctor, kneeling by Lindsay\u2019s side. The young woman was coughing, but appeared to be awake now.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe right there, Ben,\u201d Paul replied, still kneeling by Lindsay. Ben belatedly realised that the distraught young man on Lindsay\u2019s other side was her husband. Michael was streaked with soot and dirt, looking completely different from the well-dressed young hotelier than Ben knew.<\/p>\n

After a moment, Ben saw Paul nod and say something to Michael, who lifted Lindsay into his arms and started walking down the street towards the doctor\u2019s office. Paul rose and came over to kneel beside Joe and Ben. \u201cHow\u2019s he doing?\u201d Paul asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was coughing so much,\u201d Ben replied, worriedly and just with that, Joe began to cough again, rousing enough to realise only that he couldn\u2019t breathe.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him over to my office,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cHe\u2019s breathed in a lot of smoke. I want a closer look at those burns, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take him, Pa,\u201d Hoss offered and Joe was smoothly transferred from Ben to Hoss. It was only when he rose that Ben discovered that his legs had gone to sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Joe panted, as Hoss carried him smoothly down the street. \u201cHoss, I \u2013I can\u2019t\u2026breathe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen hush up an\u2019 stop tryin\u2019 ta talk,\u201d Hoss advised him kindly, hiding his own fear at those words. \u201cJist concentrate on breathin\u2019. We\u2019ll be at the doc\u2019s office soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tried to speak again, but was overtaken by another bout of coughing. He sagged limply in Hoss\u2019 arms when the fit passed and Hoss quickened his pace. Fear shortened his own breath.<\/p>\n

********************************<\/p>\n

\u201cLindsay!\u201d Joe panicked awake, remembering only the fire and his desperate fight to get Lindsay to safety. He sat bolt upright, and his uncomprehending gaze took in the doctor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

At once, a hand rested gently on his shoulder and Joe turned his head to see his father smiling at him. \u201cIts all right, Joe, just lie back here and rest,\u201d Ben soothed.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026 but\u2026 Lindsay,\u201d Joe protested hoarsely, suddenly aware of how rough his voice sounded and felt. He coughed, a deep unpleasant sound and looked distressed at the black specs that appeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Ben repeated. \u201cDon\u2019t worry. You\u2019ve been coughing up some soot for a while now. And Lindsay is just fine.\u201d Ben smiled and gently made Joe lie back. \u201cShe breathed in too much smoke, just like you, but she\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Joe sighed and relaxed, only then becoming aware that he was propped up on many pillows, so that he was sitting semi-upright. And then the pain hit him and he groaned as his hands and legs began to throb and burn. \u201cOh\u2026 Pa\u2026\u201d He couldn\u2019t articulate his misery.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, son,\u201d Ben murmured. \u201cThe doctor will be back in a minute. You got a bit burned, Joe, but they aren\u2019t severe. Sore, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d Joe agreed, although sore seemed like an overwhelming understatement from his point of view. \u201cWhere are the burns?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour hands and your legs,\u201d Ben explained. Joe finally mastered the pain enough to open his eyes and peer down at the large white objects that resided where his hands used to be. When he had lifted both up, to convince himself that his hands were under all those bandages, he then looked when Ben raised the blankets to show Joe his legs, also bandaged from mid-calf to just below his toes.<\/p>\n

The office door opened and Dr Martin came in and smiled at Joe. \u201cOh good, you\u2019re awake at last. How are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSore,\u201d Joe admitted. He lay quietly as Paul began to listen to his chest.<\/p>\n

The door opened again and Hoss came in. Joe didn\u2019t know where his brother had been, but he was glad to see him. He vaguely remembered Hoss carrying him, but couldn\u2019t quite put it all together. He smiled at Hoss, who grinned back while looking mightily relieved.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, your nap seems to have helped,\u201d Paul declared, straightening up and removing the ear pieces of the stethoscope. \u201cYour lungs are clearing nicely. I\u2019ll give you something for the pain and then I think you can go home.\u201d He grinned at the reaction he got from his patient. \u201cJoe, does that mean you aren\u2019t enjoying your stay here?\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo offence, doc, but I\u2019d rather go home,\u201d Joe croaked. \u201cHow\u2019s Lindsay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure your Pa told you she was fine,\u201d Paul responded, grinning at Ben. \u201cAnd she is. Thanks to you! They\u2019ve gone back to the hotel to start repair work. It wasn\u2019t too badly damaged, all things considered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Joe sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI brung the wagon ta the door, Pa,\u201d Hoss reported.<\/p>\n

\u201cWagon? Can\u2019t I\u2026?\u201d Joe broke off coughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Ben and Paul chorused emphatically.<\/p>\n

*************************************<\/p>\n

For a few days, Joe was quite unwell. He continued to sleep sitting up, which meant that his sleep was disturbed, as when he got too deeply asleep, he was inclined to fall over. His hands and legs hurt quite a bit initially, but gradually settled as they started healing. Within a few days, he was out of bed and within a couple of weeks, he was going about almost as though nothing had happened.<\/p>\n

Almost. The skin on his hands was tender and he had to be careful that he didn\u2019t burst the skin. His boots chafed the skin on his legs and he couldn\u2019t walk about much outside. But slowly, he healed until after about six weeks, he felt as good as new.<\/p>\n

During that time, Ben had kept him apprised of the situation at the hotel. Michael had got repairs underway at once. Michael had placed buckets of sand in each corridor for use against fire and he had decided that he and Lindsay should have a house of their own. One was under construction a short distance away from the hotel.<\/p>\n

When at last Joe was cleared to ride, he went straight into town. His memories of the fire were luckily hazy. Smoke inhalation tended to do that, Joe had learned. However, he didn\u2019t count it as a bad thing, given what he had been told he probably did.<\/p>\n

Dismounting in front of the hotel, Joe looked at it. It appeared mostly unchanged, but then, he glanced down at himself for a second, so did he, outwardly at least. Joe knew there would be changes inside. He slowly climbed the steps.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr Peterson is in his office, Mr Cartwright,\u201d beamed the desk clerk. \u201cJust go right through.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe replied. He made his way to Michael\u2019s office and knocked on the closed door.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in.\u201d The voice from inside sounded pre-occupied and for a moment, Joe contemplated not going in. But it was too late, he had knocked and so he opened the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Michael jumped to his feet, a broad grin on his face, and rounded the desk, grabbing Joe\u2019s hand gently and pumping it up and down. \u201cIt\u2019s so good to see you! I wish I\u2019d been able to get out to the ranch to see you before this! I\u2019m so sorry I didn\u2019t make it! How are you? Sit down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slightly overwhelmed with this rush of words, Joe did just as he was told and sat down. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Michael,\u201d he responded. \u201cHow\u2019s Lindsay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d replied a voice from behind him and Joe instinctively got to his feet as he turned around.<\/p>\n

Lindsay looked lovely. Her figure was just beginning to show the coming child, and she looked radiant.<\/p>\n

\u201cLindsay.\u201d Joe suddenly found that he didn\u2019t know what to say to her.<\/p>\n

However, Lindsay had no such compunctions. She moved forward until she could take Joe in her arms and hugged him closely. \u201cI don\u2019t know how to thank you for saving my life,\u201d she whispered, her voice laden with tears.<\/p>\n

Tentatively hugging her back, Joe found his own eyes damp. \u201cThere\u2019s no need,\u201d he replied, hoarsely. \u201cI just did what anyone would have done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you did more than could be asked of anyone,\u201d Michael objected. He had moved round to stand close to his friend and his wife. He put a hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI don\u2019t know how to thank you,\u201d he confessed. \u201cWhat you did\u2026 It was so much. You saved Lindsay and our child. It\u2019s\u2026 I\u2026\u201d Michael didn\u2019t know how to continue.<\/p>\n

But it was more than enough for Joe, who was horribly embarrassed. \u201cAs long as you\u2019re all right,\u201d he concluded. \u201cThat\u2019s all that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three stood there for some time, not talking, just being grateful that thanks to the bravery of one man, they were there, all alive and in one piece. It put a seal on their friendship, making it even stronger than it had been before.<\/p>\n

**************************************<\/p>\n

Several months later, a messenger appeared at the Ponderosa in the early evening. \u201cJoe, it\u2019s a boy!\u201d Michael shouted when Joe opened the door. \u201cA boy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s great news!\u201d Joe exclaimed. He had known Lindsay\u2019s time was close, but hadn\u2019t known how close. \u201cCongratulations, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

Drunk on joy, Michael laughed. \u201cWe\u2019ve named him after you,\u201d he rushed on. \u201cJoseph Michael.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe gasped. \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally.\u201d Michael sobered. \u201cIf it hadn\u2019t been for you, he wouldn\u2019t be here now and neither would Lindsay,\u201d he reminded his friend. \u201cIt seems the least we could do to thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe started to mutter something to the contrary, Ben stepped into the breach. \u201cCongratulations,\u201d he said, warmly. \u201cI just hope that your Joseph isn\u2019t quite as much of a handful as mine.\u201d He laughed as Joe stopped muttering and started spluttering indignantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it,\u201d Michael grinned. \u201cWhen he\u2019s awful, we\u2019ll just hand him over to his godfather for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s his godfather?\u201d Hoss asked, shaking Michael\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

The other man grinned broadly. \u201cWhy, Joe, of course!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 A new hotel intrigues Hoss but doesn\u2019t interest Joe initially.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (6,085 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[15,16],"class_list":["post-5801","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-ben","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1070,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":5801,"position":0},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7623,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7623","url_meta":{"origin":5801,"position":1},"title":"Seeing An Angel (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A girl from Marie\u2019s past has something for Little Joe. 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