{"id":5952,"date":"2007-09-03T16:00:10","date_gmt":"2007-09-03T20:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5952"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:11:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:11:19","slug":"loves-labor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5952","title":{"rendered":"Love’s Labor (by Patina)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/span>11th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 The birth of Joseph Cartwright.<\/p>\n

Rating: T\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Word Count=6306<\/p>\n

Disclaimer: I don’t own the Cartwrights or Bonanza. No copyright infringement is intended. Original plot and characters are property of the author. This story is for entertainment and no money was made from it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reviews from the Old Library are on the last page.<\/p>\n

The Battle of Wills Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Begins<\/a>
\nEducation is More than 3R\u2019s<\/a>
\nThe Shadow of Jean deMarigny<\/a>
\nA Gift Horse<\/a>
\nNew Expectations<\/a>
\nRemembering Childhoods<\/a>
\nA Room Full of Memories<\/a>
\nA New Pattern<\/a>
\nNaming the Newest Cartwright<\/a>
\nPresents from the Heart<\/a>
\nLove\u2019s Labor<\/a>
\nBig Brother Lessons<\/a>
\nNo Regrets<\/a>
\nBaby\u2019s Breath<\/a>
\nEnnui<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Love’s Labor<\/strong><\/p>\n

Marie awoke with a gasp of pain. She placed both hands on her belly and tried to calm down. Trying to take deep breaths, she kept telling herself the pains would pass. But they didn\u2019t. In panic, she reached out and began slapping at her husband\u2019s side of the bed in hopes of getting his attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d There was no answer. \u201cBen!!\u201d The panic in her voice resulted in a higher pitch. \u201cBEN!!!!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm?\u201d was the drowsy reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe baby!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen! I think it\u2019s coming!!\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat bolt upright in the bed, finally coming awake. \u201cIsn\u2019t it too early?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d The pain was getting worse. She wasn\u2019t due to have the baby for another six weeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go get the doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t leave me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took his wife\u2019s hand and tried to calm her down. \u201cI\u2019ll go wake Adam and send him for Dr. Martin. I promise I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d He got out of the bed and turned up the lamp. Then he hastily put on his robe and went to the door. Flinging it open, he quickly crossed the hall to Adam\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

Entering his oldest\u2019s room, he turned up the lamp. Adam was a light sleeper and had awakened at the sound of Marie\u2019s panicked voice. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked. \u201cWhat\u2019s happened?\u201d His eyes widened in fright when a cry came from across the hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe baby\u2019s coming. I need you to ride hard and fast for Dr. Martin. Tell the doctor to hurry. It\u2019s too early for the baby to be coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d<\/p>\n

After a squeeze to his son\u2019s shoulder, Ben quickly left for his own room. Adam got out of the bed and reached for his pants with shaking hands. Mama had been in a lot of pain when Hoss was born. But she didn\u2019t seem as scared as Marie. Getting his pants on, he drew the nightshirt over his head and flung it on the bed. He could hear crying from Pa\u2019s room now. Mama didn\u2019t have a doctor to help her with Hoss. Instead, one of the ladies in the wagon train helped with the birth. He got his arms into his sleeves and began fumbling with the buttons. Noticing that he\u2019d buttoned the shirt wrong, he realized that he\u2019d just have to let it go. He then pulled his boots on over bare feet.<\/p>\n

Going into the hall, he could hear Hoss\u2019 snores and Marie\u2019s whimpers. Good thing Hoss was such a deep sleeper, he thought. Poking his head into his parents\u2019 room, he said, \u201cI\u2019m leaving now. I\u2019ll tell Hop Sing to come help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without looking away from his wife, Ben said, \u201cHurry, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thundered down the stairs as the clock rang out four times. He ran to the kitchen to get to Hop Sing\u2019s room and came to a sudden stop when he saw the cook at the stove.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing hear Missy Marie. Make tea with honey. Keep Missy calm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 for the doctor,\u201d said Adam as he spun on his heel. He ran for the front door and gave it a tug. It wouldn\u2019t open. He pulled again and nothing happened. As panic started to rise, he realized that the bolt was latched. Quickly releasing it, he flung the door open, stepped through, and shut it behind him. He raced for the barn and got the door opened. It was pitch dark inside. Cursing the lack of a lantern, he felt his way over to where Beauty\u2019s tack was hanging. Fortunately, the layout of the barn was burned in his memory, but now he\u2019d be faced with bridling Beauty in the dark.<\/p>\n

Getting the bridle off of the peg, he felt his way over to Beauty\u2019s stall. At a low whistle, his horse came forward with a nicker. Adam reached out and his fingers connected with his horse\u2019s soft nose. He put the bit against the horse\u2019s mouth and lightly pushed. Hearing the metal scrape over teeth, Adam pulled the bridle up his horse\u2019s head and managed to buckle it on.<\/p>\n

Leading Beauty from the barn, Adam decided to ride bareback. There wasn\u2019t enough light to see to saddle the horse. He held the reins, grabbed a handful of mane, placed his other hand on the horse\u2019s rump, and gave a slight jump. His stomach landed on Beauty\u2019s broad back and he quickly swung his leg over as the horse began to dance sideways. Getting situated, he urged the horse into a gallop and headed for the Virginia City Road.<\/p>\n

The moon was just a sliver but there were plenty of stars out. Beauty\u2019s ground-eating stride, plus the light wind, whipped Adam\u2019s hair around his face. He reckoned that the horse sensed his urgency and was going faster than he\u2019d ever experienced. He gripped the reins tightly but still relaxed enough to give Beauty his head.<\/p>\n

He worried as he rode the sleek horse. He couldn\u2019t ever remember seeing Pa so scared. Pa wasn\u2019t there when Mama had Hoss. She had been a strong woman, so he hadn\u2019t worried too much about anything bad happening to her. After several hours, Hoss had been born and Mama was just fine.<\/p>\n

Adam knew his own mother had died after he was born. Surely that couldn\u2019t happen to Pa twice. What if the baby died, though? He urged Beauty to go faster.<\/p>\n

Between bouts of agonizing pain, Marie sipped at the tea Hop Sing had made for her. Ben was wiping the sweat from her face with a damp cloth moistened from the nearby basin. She feared something was terribly wrong. Babies born too early never lived. Her first child had only died because he was stricken with the fever. Surely this baby was meant to live.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I die, Mon Cher, bury me somewhere beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSshh\u2026you\u2019re not going to die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to be buried in the dress I wore on our wedding day. Place my rosary in my hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to let you die.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another cry came from her. Ben remembered Adam\u2019s birth. He wasn\u2019t allowed on the same floor with his wife. As he and the Captain nervously waited, the doctor tended to Elizabeth. After Adam\u2019s birth, she claimed that there hadn\u2019t been much pain. Marie was stronger than Elizabeth had been. Surely her strength would keep both her and the baby alive.<\/p>\n

He again wiped Marie\u2019s face. Inger had been physically stronger than either Elizabeth or Marie. She claimed to have inherited that strength from her mother. According to Inger, her mother was still plowing the fields in Sweden while carrying Gunnar. When her time came, she had been preparing supper after a hard day of plowing. She stopped what she was doing, gave birth, swaddled the baby, and finished preparing supper. Ben didn\u2019t believe much of that story. But Inger had worked hard on the trail while carrying Hoss. He had worried every day about something happening to her or the baby, but Hoss came when he was ready. And Inger was just fine afterwards.<\/p>\n

Marie grabbed for his hand and he tightly held it. With another wave of pain, she squeezed his hand until he could no longer feel it. He gasped at her bone-crushing grip but didn\u2019t want to compare his discomfort to her pain.<\/p>\n

Footsteps caught Ben\u2019s attention. Hoss was standing just inside the doorway, his hair sticking up like wild pieces of straw, his eyes as large as saucers. \u201cMama?\u201d he asked in a quavering voice.<\/p>\n

Marie turned her head slightly and said, \u201cIt\u2019s all right, mon fils. Go back to bed.\u201d Another cry came from her lips.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing had come up the stairs with several towels. After setting his load down, he went to Hoss, turned the boy around, and steered him to his room. Then he helped the boy to dress.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with Mama?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBaby try to come. Missy not leady.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs she gonna die?\u201d Hoss\u2019 lower lip began to quiver.<\/p>\n

\u201cMissy velly stlong. She have long day. You come help Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanna stay with Mama.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou come with Hop Sing. It best if boy not in way.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they went down the stairs, Hoss realized that he hadn\u2019t seen or heard his brother. \u201cWhere\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe go get doctah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMama\u2019s gonna die, ain\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBaby cause pain when come. Mother soon forget.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t gonna forget! I hate Anne Marie!\u201d The boy then burst into tears. He didn\u2019t want Mama to die. He\u2019d seen what happened when Mrs. O\u2019Neal died. She was put in a box, the box was put in the ground, and then it was covered with dirt. He didn\u2019t want that to happen to Mama.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing pulled the scared boy to him and hugged him tight. He\u2019d noticed how happy his boss had been when he came home with his new wife. That happiness had grown tenfold when they\u2019d learned that a baby was coming. He didn\u2019t know if his boss would ever recover if mother and child died.<\/p>\n

After Hoss calmed down a bit, Hop Sing said, \u201cBoy eat bleakfast. Hop Sing have no time for cook. You eat apple and bread for now. Hop Sing cook later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss sniffled and said, \u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing left the kitchen and headed back upstairs.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Adam finally arrived at Dr. Martin\u2019s office as dawn\u2019s rosy fingers were reaching into the sky. Beauty was lathered in sweat and blowing hard. Tying the reins to the hitching rail, Adam slid off of the horse\u2019s broad back and went to the door. Finding it locked, he began pounding on it and yelling for the doctor. He was beginning to feel panic rising when he heard \u201cJust a minute! Hold off on all of that pounding!\u201d<\/p>\n

A key was turned and the door opened to reveal a sleepy Paul Martin dressed in a robe. He squinted at his visitor and realized who it was. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Marie! The baby\u2019s coming! Hurry!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam then turned and ran to Beauty. He struggled onto the sweaty horse\u2019s back and headed for home. Realizing that he couldn\u2019t push the horse after the ride into Virginia City, he kept Beauty to a walk for now. Maybe he\u2019d be able to gallop again soon. At least he\u2019d done what Pa wanted and the doctor was coming out.<\/p>\n

He began thinking about death. What if Marie died and the baby lived? Or the baby died and Marie lived? What if they both died? Adam realized that he didn\u2019t want Marie to die. He wouldn\u2019t have minded back when Pa first brought her home, but now it was different. She didn\u2019t treat him like a little kid or try to boss him around. He\u2019d noticed lately that she encouraged Pa to let him try new things and take on new responsibilities. If it hadn\u2019t been for her, he probably wouldn\u2019t be helping Bill and the other hands with the horse breaking.<\/p>\n

What about the baby, though? He didn\u2019t even know the sibling he was sure was going to be a boy. Would he be sad if the baby died? Could you grieve for someone you didn\u2019t know? He never knew his own mother so her being dead didn\u2019t leave him particularly sad. It was the same for Hoss and Mama. But he had known Inger as Mama and seeing her die had been terrible. He still missed her and thought about her.<\/p>\n

The clip-clop of hooves got Adam\u2019s attention and he looked back to see the doctor\u2019s buggy coming up the road. He stopped Beauty to wait and Dr. Martin pulled up alongside him. \u201cDo you want to ride back with me? You can tie your horse to the buggy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you! I\u2019ll probably get home faster with you than on my own.\u201d Adam slid off of Beauty and led him to the rear of the buggy. He tied the reins to the back and then went around and climbed up beside the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWere your mother\u2019s pains coming at regular intervals?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Pa said it\u2019s too early. Marie was crying when I left. Will she or the baby die?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t know until we get there. Some babies come early and develop normally while some seem to have mental capacity problems. Other babies die when they come early. Some of it seems to depend on how strong the mother is. Yours is strong in body and mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it\u2019s not really coming. Maybe she\u2019s hurting from something she ate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not likely, Son. An expectant mother knows when her time has come. Has this baby been active or passive?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhaddya mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes your mother speak of the baby moving around?\u201d<\/p>\n

With a smile, Adam said, \u201cYeah. I even felt him kick once. He seems to be real strong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure it\u2019s a boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI explained it to Hoss. Pa\u2019s had two boys so this one will be a boy, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNature doesn\u2019t always work the way we want. Maybe the baby will be a girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa and Marie keep insisting that it\u2019s a girl, but I\u2019m sure it\u2019s a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat names have they picked out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnne Marie if it\u2019s a girl and Joseph if it\u2019s a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are both very fine names.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam fell silent and just looked at his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the baby dies, I suppose we\u2019ll have to put the name on the grave marker.\u201d He sniffled at that thought.<\/p>\n

Paul reached out and patted Adam\u2019s leg. \u201cI\u2019ll do everything I can to make sure mother and child are just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Dr. Martin.\u201d Adam lapsed into silence.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Hoss had left the kitchen and now sat in his father\u2019s office area. The screams and moans from upstairs were leaving him terrified. He\u2019d seen calves and foals born. Except for a few moos or whinnies, cows and horses were relatively quiet while having babies. Mama sounded like she was dying. He wondered if Adam had been this scared when waiting for him to be born.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing was busy upstairs and the hands were out with the cattle. Adam hadn\u2019t returned yet. There was no one to offer comfort to the scared boy.<\/p>\n

Hearing another scream, Hoss pulled his knees up to his chin. He hugged his knees and began to rock while he sniffled. He didn\u2019t want Mama to die. Maybe she could tell Anne Marie to stop hurting her. Why wasn\u2019t Papa doing something to make the screaming stop? Couldn\u2019t Hop Sing cook something for Mama to eat so the pain would go away? He hoped Adam would be back soon. He\u2019d know what to do.<\/p>\n

Upstairs, Ben was hoping the doctor would arrive soon. The water helped to cool Marie some, but it didn\u2019t do anything for the pain. The only birth he could compare this to was Adam\u2019s. Elizabeth had had a weak heart and Adam\u2019s birth had been too much for her. Marie seemed so strong. But now he feared for her life. He couldn\u2019t imagine not having her by his side.<\/p>\n

He tried to soothe her with calming words. If only he could take the pain from her and bear it himself. He would give an arm or a leg if it meant that her pain would stop.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHush, Darling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell Anne Marie that I loved her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going to die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise me that you\u2019ll remarry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t promise you that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let Anne Marie grow up without a mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Anne Marie are going to be just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie started to say something but a scream came out instead. The pain in her lower back left her feeling that she would be split in two. There had been pain with her other baby, but nothing like this. That baby hadn\u2019t been early. She screamed again and felt something wet on her thighs.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing saw the blood staining the sheet. He picked up a towel and approached the bed. He gently touched his boss\u2019 shoulder and said, \u201cHop Sing clean Missy before doctah come.\u201d Ben tearfully looked at the cook and nodded. Hop Sing dipped a corner of the towel into the basin and reached under the sheet. He began to wipe away the blood. He hoped he wouldn\u2019t be washing her body later today in preparation for burial. A slight shiver traveled up his spine. His newest charge shouldn\u2019t be influenced by such negative energy. He would say a prayer to chase away such thoughts.<\/p>\n

The sound of hooves in the yard made Ben sigh with relief. Dr. Martin would be able to help Marie.<\/p>\n

Adam jumped out of the buggy and hitched the horse to the rail. He left Beauty tied to the rear of the buggy and ran for the house. Dr. Martin was left getting his bag and towels out and going to the open door. He went in, shut the door, and headed for the stairs.<\/p>\n

Hearing stifled sobs, he looked around and saw feet under Ben\u2019s desk. Going over to the office area, Paul walked around the side of the desk. Adam was sitting on the floor, Hoss pulled close to him. He was rocking his brother back and forth. The little boy was crying but trying hard not to at the same time. His face was red from the effort.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother will be all right,\u201d said Paul, trying to comfort the boys.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s gonna die!\u201d wailed Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do everything I can to help her and the baby.\u201d Knowing how valuable time was right now, Paul left the boys and went up the stairs. Entering his patient\u2019s room, he was surprised to see several bloody towels on the floor. Marie was pale and moaning from the pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to examine her, Ben,\u201d said Paul after seeing Marie\u2019s condition. Ben looked up, brow knitted in worry, fear behind his eyes. Paul removed his jacket, unbuttoned his sleeves, and then rolled them up past his elbows. He stepped forward and placed a hand on Marie\u2019s forehead to check for fever. She was warm, probably more from exertion than anything else. If this went badly, she would develop a fever and most likely die.<\/p>\n

\u201cMarie,\u201d he said gently.<\/p>\n

She opened her eyes a fraction and reached out a hand when she saw the doctor. \u201cHelp my baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul told Ben, \u201cI need to examine her. I\u2019d prefer that you leave. I\u2019ll call you if there\u2019s a need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to leave her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo down to your boys. I\u2019ll see what I can do to help her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Ben rose from the bed and kissed his wife\u2019s forehead and then her hand. \u201cI love you, Darling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJe t\u2019aime, Mon Cher.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben left the room feeling heavy-hearted. Was Paul making him leave so he wouldn\u2019t have to watch her die? If she was dying, he\u2019d rather be by her side offering words of love and comfort than on the first floor. He slowly descended the stairs and headed for the brandy decanter when he reached the first floor. The sound of sniffling caught his ear. He looked around but didn\u2019t see the boys. \u201cAdam? Hoss? Where are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOver here,\u201d came Adam\u2019s reply.<\/p>\n

Ben went over to his office and walked around the desk. Partially underneath were the boys. Adam was hugging Hoss to him and rocking his brother. Ben knelt down and placed his arms around Adam\u2019s shoulders. Then he hugged his boys to him. These two were precious reminders of precious lives. If both Marie and the baby died, he would have nothing left of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMama\u2019s gonna die, ain\u2019t she?\u201d whimpered Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHush, Hoss. Dr. Martin and Hop Sing are doing everything they can for Mama and Anne Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t like this when Mama had Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery birth is different. But your mother and Anne Marie are going to be just fine.\u201d Ben hoped his voice sounded as confident as his words.<\/p>\n

\u201cMama ain\u2019t gonna be okay. I know it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSay some prayers for Mama and the baby. Their fate is in God\u2019s hands.\u201d Ben kissed the top of Hoss\u2019 head and gave Adam\u2019s shoulders another squeeze.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d yelled Paul from the top of the stairs. \u201cCome help us!\u201d<\/p>\n

Another round of sobs shook Hoss\u2019 body and Adam found himself on the verge of tears. Ben quickly got up and ran for the stairs. Adam held Hoss tighter as he rocked him.<\/p>\n

Arriving in his room, Ben saw how red Marie\u2019s face was. \u201cBen, I want you to hold her hand and encourage her. The baby has decided to be a breech. It\u2019s going to be difficult, but Hop Sing is going to help me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat down on the bed next to Marie and took her hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed it. She gave him a weak smile and said, \u201cI\u2019ll die happy with you holding me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going to die! Dr. Martin is going to make sure of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul shot Ben a look. He hated it when people made promises he couldn\u2019t keep. \u201cMarie, when I tell you to push, I want you to do so. Try not to push unless I tell you. All right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOui\u201d she answered weakly.<\/p>\n

The doctor reached under the sheet until his fingers made contact with the baby\u2019s tiny foot. He hoped the baby would survive and become a strong, healthy child. \u201cWhen I count to three, I want you to push. Ready?\u201d She nodded. \u201cOne…two\u2026three push.\u201d Marie held her breath and pushed. Making it through the contraction, she panted for breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cSmear some of that oil on, Hop Sing.\u201d The cook did as he was told. Paul wiggled the tiny, chubby leg and the baby slid forward a fraction of an inch.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to push.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a second.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie gritted her teeth and squeezed her husband\u2019s hand. How ridiculous to expect her to make her body respond to the doctor\u2019s order! \u201cNow you can push.\u201d She let out a scream as she pushed this time.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was good, Marie. Just try to relax.\u201d<\/p>\n

As she laid back a bit she wanted to yell in frustration. But she had no energy. How on earth could she be expected to relax? The baby must surely be dead or dying. Another surge of pain was building.<\/p>\n

Paul was lightly holding both of the baby\u2019s legs. The next push should bring out the hips. Then the hard part would begin. \u201cI want you to push on three again. One…two\u2026three push.\u201d Marie complied and felt her flesh tearing. She screamed in pain as the baby moved. Paul could feel warm, sticky blood on his hands. \u201cPlease, God, don\u2019t let her or the baby die,\u201d he silently prayed. He reached back with one hand for a towel and Ben\u2019s eyes widened at the doctor\u2019s bloody hand. Hop Sing gave the doctor a towel and he pressed it around the baby to blot up the blood. The baby\u2019s legs and hips were now out. Hopefully, the next push would expose the chest and maybe a shoulder.<\/p>\n

Marie was feeling very weak now. There was so much pain! She didn\u2019t know if she would last much longer. Turning her head slightly, she saw her husband\u2019s fear-stricken face. Even terrified, he was her rock. And to think she\u2019d tried to shoo him away from New Orleans and her loneliness. But he\u2019d been a persistent suitor, a man with great courage and fortitude. She\u2019d come to love him by the time Marius fought that foolish duel. She wasn\u2019t ready for the wave of pain that was pulling her into darkness.<\/p>\n

Paul could tell that Marie\u2019s strength was failing. Her body was getting ready to push again. This contraction was going to happen whether she pushed or not. He prepared to guide the baby. By the end of the contraction, he could feel both hands. One hand formed into a tiny fist. This baby was a fighter. That had to be a good sign.<\/p>\n

Marie was moaning now. She wanted the pain to stop. But she didn\u2019t want to die. Feeling eyes on her, she opened her eyes a crack and saw her love\u2019s face. She tried to squeeze his hand, but didn\u2019t know if he could feel it or not. Her lips moved to say something, but she couldn\u2019t make her voice work.<\/p>\n

\u201cHush, Darling. It\u2019ll be all right. I love you with all of my heart. Anne Marie will be in your arms soon and we\u2019ll be so proud of her. I\u2019m proud of you, Darling.\u201d<\/p>\n

She wanted to reach up and caress his face. But a tidal wave of pain took her. As it built, she felt a scream rising in her throat, trying to unleash itself on the world. The sound came out, though, more like an eerie howl than a human scream.<\/p>\n

Downstairs, Hoss screamed. He knew Mama had to be dead now. Only animals made noises like that and only when they were dying. Adam couldn\u2019t help himself and ran up the stairs. This couldn\u2019t be happening! She couldn\u2019t be dead!<\/p>\n

Marie had passed out with that final push. Her skin was pale and clammy. Ben gasped in disbelief as he couldn\u2019t see her chest rising with her breath. He shakily said, \u201cMarie? Darling?\u201d Why was God taking another wife? Had he done something wrong in his youth to justify God\u2019s punishment?<\/p>\n

Paul was cutting the baby\u2019s umbilical cord when Adam reached the doorway. The boy stopped in his tracks at the sight of so much blood. Softly, he asked, \u201cIs the baby\u2026? Is Marie\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Quickly looking up, Paul said, \u201cNo. Come here and take the baby, Adam.\u201d The boy cautiously stepped forward to accept the towel-wrapped bundle. He felt bile rising in his throat and quickly took the baby from the room. Once in the hallway, he gently pulled back the towel to uncover a tiny face. He looked in surprise at the tiny baby, which shook a fist and began to scream at the top of its lungs. Adam\u2019s ears rang from the baby\u2019s noise, but a smile beamed upon his face. Out of curiosity, he opened the towel further and let out a delighted laugh. He held the screaming bundle tightly to his chest and went downstairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d he called as he descended from the landing. \u201cCome see the baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t wanna see it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam carried the baby over to Hoss, who was still on the floor near the desk, and said, \u201cJust take a look.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss couldn\u2019t ignore the screaming infant and took a peek. His heart melted at the sight of his new sibling. \u201cYa think the baby\u2019s hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to wait for Marie or Hop Sing to feed it, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Upstairs, Paul and Hop Sing were desperately trying to stop Marie\u2019s bleeding. Ben was still in shock, believing his wife to be dead. In the back of his mind, he thought he heard a baby crying, but he knew that was just wishful thinking. Surely the baby had died and Paul just didn\u2019t want to break the news yet.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing was startled by the flow of blood. Suddenly, he remembered his herbs downstairs. \u201cHop Sing go get remedy.\u201d The cook shot out of the room and flew down the stairs. He could hear his newest charge screaming in anger, but he didn\u2019t have time to stop. Reaching his herbal pantry, he pulled out a pouch of herbs and a pouch of buzzard down and took off running for the stairs. Reaching his boss\u2019 room, Hop Sing applied the herbs and down to Marie and then Paul swaddled her in towels and a sheet. He pinned the make-shift diaper tightly and hoped Hop Sing\u2019s remedy worked.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 sobs had given way to relieved sniffling. The baby was okay. That must mean Mama was okay, too. Wasn\u2019t she going to come down and get the baby? He peeked around the desk and saw Adam holding the baby\u2019s face up to his own, whispering something to it. He couldn\u2019t catch any of the words, but Adam sure looked pleased and proud.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing mixed some herbs in a cup of water and waved the cup under Marie\u2019s nose. Ben thought this must be some Chinese custom for attending to the dead. Suddenly, Marie gasped and began coughing. He felt tears welling in his eyes\u2014his love still lived.<\/p>\n

Marie slowly blinked her eyes as she looked around. If this was Heaven, everyone had come along. Sunlight was streaming through the window, bathing the room in a cheery glow. Feeling a hand on her forehead, she turned slightly to see her husband\u2019s concerned face. She croaked out, \u201cJe t\u2019aime, Mon Cher.\u201d He sniffled and said, \u201cI love you so much, Darling.\u201d<\/p>\n

The room was strangely quiet. She thought a baby was crying, but she wasn\u2019t sure. \u201cWhere\u2019s the baby?\u201d she asked. No one answered and she began to feel panic rising. \u201cWhere\u2019s my baby?!?\u201d she desperately cried out.<\/p>\n

Paul shot out of the room to the top of the staircase. \u201cGet up here, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam held the baby tightly to him and went up the stairs. Reaching his parents\u2019 room, he went in with a proud smile beaming on his face. The baby\u2019s lusty cries got Marie\u2019s attention. A relieved smile came to her face. He carried the baby over to the bed and cooed to it.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon\u2026let me hold the baby.\u201d Adam was brought out of his bubble by his father\u2019s voice. \u201cGive Anne Marie to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Adam handed over the baby, he said, \u201cThere\u2019s one problem, Pa.\u201d Marie looked fearful at hearing that. The baby must have a disfigurement. Ben looked puzzled. Adam just beamed as he said, \u201cYou can\u2019t call a boy Anne Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie chuckled weakly. Her baby was a boy. A healthy boy.<\/p>\n

Ben proudly took his new son so his love could see his tiny face. \u201cOh, mon petit,\u201d she sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said we\u2019d call a boy Joseph. Are we still gonna call him that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph Cartwright,\u201d said Ben proudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u00a0Francis<\/em>\u00a0Cartwright,\u201d said Adam, reminding his parents of their promise to name a boy after both of his grandfathers.<\/p>\n

\u201cPetit Joseph,\u201d said Marie.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that mean?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joseph,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe,\u201d he said, testing the sound of it.<\/p>\n

Newborn Joseph chose that moment to scream his desire for food.<\/p>\n

Hoss shyly entered his parent\u2019s room and saw Papa holding the baby. Bloody towels were on the floor. Hop Sing saw the boy and announced, \u201cBoys need runch. Come with Hop Sing. You come too, Doctah. Hop Sing make celeblation runch!\u201d The cook then crossed the room and took Hoss by the shoulders and steered him from the room. Adam, still beaming happily, left the room and headed for the stairs.<\/p>\n

Paul asked Ben, \u201cMay I have your son? I want to check him over.\u201d Ben gently handed Joseph to Paul, who thoroughly checked over the newest Cartwright. \u201cHe\u2019s a fine-looking baby.\u201d Blushing a bit, he asked, \u201cDo you think you can feed him or should I send for a wet nurse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to feed my son,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

Before Paul handed Joseph back to his proud father he said, \u201cI want to discuss something with you.\u201d Ben and Marie looked at Paul with their full attention. \u201cSince this birth was so difficult, I recommend that you don\u2019t have any more children.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026but this was not expected,\u201d said Marie. \u201cJoseph arrived early and backwards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that. But if you were to conceive again, it\u2019s possible the next baby could come even earlier or cause\u2026 complications. You two should make time to discuss this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s proud face now appeared worried. He wanted more children, but not at the expense of his wife\u2019s life. If she wanted to live in separate rooms, he\u2019d understand.
\n\u201cI suppose I should go downstairs before Hop Sing comes looking for me,\u201d said Paul. He then gently handed Joseph back to Ben.<\/p>\n

After Paul left the room, Ben held Joseph so he and Marie could marvel at their perfect baby. Marie touched the little palm with a finger and the hand formed a tight fist around it. Joseph cried louder and stronger for a feeding.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you feel up to nursing?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMais oui, Mon Cher. If you could settle him for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben tried to position Joseph in a comfortable position for Marie as she unbuttoned her nightgown to expose her breast. She held the baby close and with her husband\u2019s help Joseph began to suckle greedily. Marie smiled at her beloved husband. Ben smiled back at his love and leaned forward to give her a kiss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you so much, Darling. Try to rest and relax and let Adam, Hop Sing, and me help with Joseph. I\u2019m pretty sure we can put Adam on diaper duty and he\u2019ll be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie gave a small giggle while she conjured up a vision of Adam changing diapers. She looked at her husband and said, \u201cI love you with all of my heart, Mon Cher. If we can never have another child, then so be it. I can\u2019t love you any less than I do now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben kissed her again. He was so relieved that Marie appeared to be all right and that Joseph was a healthy baby. He placed his hand on Joseph\u2019s little head and stroked the soft, downy hair. His hunger finally satisfied, Joseph yawned and stretched out his little arms. Ben took his son and burped the boy. After a burp, and another yawn, Ben handed Joseph back to Marie. They contentedly watched their son fall into a peaceful sleep.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Downstairs, the boys and Paul were finishing up Hop Sing\u2019s celebration lunch. It had consisted of stew, bread, and apple pie. Paul told Hop Sing that he needed to go check on other patients, but he would be back in the morning to check on mother and child.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss went out with the doctor and Adam realized that Beauty was still tethered to the doctor\u2019s buggy. He untied his horse, said good-bye to the doctor, and led Beauty to the barn. Hoss followed his big brother.<\/p>\n

Once inside the barn Hoss asked, \u201cAre there rules for bein\u2019 a big brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d was Adam\u2019s answer as he brushed Beauty.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho teached you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI learned on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYer a good big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled over at his brother and said, \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember when you was whispering to the baby?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was you sayin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothin\u2019,\u201d was Adam\u2019s response. \u201cHelp me feed the horses.\u201d Hoss happily complied with Adam\u2019s request. He was a big brother now. Hopefully, he\u2019d do as good a job as Adam.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Twenty years later, the words Adam had whispered to his newborn brother came back to his mind. Joe was fevered from his oldest brother\u2019s bullet and bites from a wolf. As Adam watched his youngest brother\u2019s face, he remembered what he\u2019d said:<\/p>\n

Welcome to the world, Little Brother! You\u2019re going to have such a grand life! You\u2019ll never have to worry about anything. Pa and Marie will see to it that you have everything your heart could ever want. But if they won\u2019t let you have something, you just come to me. I\u2019ll make sure you get it. You\u2019re going to have the childhood I never got to have. I\u2019ll get to be a kid by watching you enjoy yourself. I\u2019m going to protect you from everything so you\u2019ll never be disappointed. We\u2019re going to have so many adventures when you get a little older. I love you, buddy and I always will.<\/em><\/p>\n

The End
\nSeptember 2007<\/p>\n

Next Story in The Battle of Wills Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Big Brother Lessons<\/a>
\nNo Regrets<\/a>
\nBaby\u2019s Breath<\/a>
\nEnnui<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>JoesAussieFan\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>20 Sep 2011 07:21 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Chapter 1\u00a0I’ve read this story a few times now and thought I would let you know how wonderful this story is.Author’s Response: Thank you so much, JoesAussieFan! I’m thrilled to know you enjoy this story so much! \ud83d\ude42<\/i>*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>LittleJoe234<\/a>\u00a0Signed<\/span>\u00a0\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>08 Aug 2010 12:48 am\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Chapter 1\u00a0You are such a talented writer!!I love reading your stories.Thank you for the story.Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you so much, LittleJoe234!\u00a0 I’m so pleased to know you enjoyed this.*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>jojay\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>14 Dec 2009 09:24 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Chapter 1\u00a0Dramatic from all aspects… well done!!Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, jojay.*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>Lynne Coulson\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>\u00a0\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"half-star\"
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>02 Jun 2009 06:51 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Chapter 1\u00a0This was a lovely story and pretty much how I imagined Joe coming into the world, except for the fact that in my story it’s Adam who cares for Marie, during the labour, as Ben is out working when the pains startI can well imagine Adam saying those things to his little brother, as I see Adam as being a terrific big brother to Joe and probably spoiling him when he was little. After all, who could resist that gorgeous boy?Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, Lynne!\u00a0 I’m so pleased to know you enjoyed this story.*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>DonnaB\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>\u00a0\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>19 Sep 2007 12:36 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Chapter 1Patina, what a lovely story!\u00a0 I always wanted to find out how that youngest boy entered the world! Thank you for sharing your talent and vision with us!Author’s Response: Thank you very much, DonnaB!!!\u00a0 I always figured Joe must have made a rather dramatic entrance into the world.\u00a0 I’m so glad you enjoyed my version of Joe’s birth!\u00a0 Thank you, too, for the encouragement to add more stories to the library.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a011th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 The birth of Joseph Cartwright.<\/p>\n

Rating: T Word Count=6306<\/p>\n

The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"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":[23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5952","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2969,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5993,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5993","url_meta":{"origin":5952,"position":0},"title":"No Regrets (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"February 3, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a013th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Marie writes a letter to her favorite aunt in New Orleans, describing her life on the Ponderosa. Rating: K Word Count=2265 The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5967,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5967","url_meta":{"origin":5952,"position":1},"title":"Naming the Newest Cartwright (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"July 3, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a09th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 The Cartwrights try to decide on a name for the coming baby Rating: K+ Word Count=2542 The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6044,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6044","url_meta":{"origin":5952,"position":2},"title":"The Battle of Wills Begins (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"December 3, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a01st story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Ben brings his new wife, Marie, home to the Ponderosa. Rating: K\u00a0 \u00a0Word Count=4433 The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5730,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5730","url_meta":{"origin":5952,"position":3},"title":"A Gift Horse (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"March 2, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: 4th story in the Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Ben announces at supper that he is going to buy a horse for Marie. Adam becomes unhappy because Ben had promised to buy him a horse before leaving for New Orleans. Will this situation cause another rift between Marie and Adam?\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"ben, young adam","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Young-Adam-and-Ben-Journey-to-Remember.jpg?fit=537%2C355&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Young-Adam-and-Ben-Journey-to-Remember.jpg?fit=537%2C355&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Young-Adam-and-Ben-Journey-to-Remember.jpg?fit=537%2C355&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6025,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6025","url_meta":{"origin":5952,"position":4},"title":"Remembering Childhoods (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"April 28, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a06th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 It's the morning after the events in New Expectations. Ben's thoughts of the coming baby make him remember Adam's childhood and Hoss' early years. Rating: K+\u00a0 \u00a0Word Count=3240 The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Ben Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Ben Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1004"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Fathers-Day.jpg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15204,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15204","url_meta":{"origin":5952,"position":5},"title":"Younger (by PSW)","author":"PSW","date":"September 2, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A quiet, light moment among family. 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