Rating: K<\/p>\n
Word Count=3699<\/p>\n
Summary:\u00a0<\/span>Marie is entering the final weeks of her pregnancy with the newest Cartwright. Will the baby’s birth go according to plan?<\/span><\/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 <\/p>\n Practice Makes Perfect<\/strong><\/p>\n Ben surveyed the tired faces in the room. They may not want to practice again but everyone had to understand their role as time was going to be critical. There\u2019d be no room for mistakes if everything was to run smoothly.\u00a0<\/span> *********** ********** <\/p>\n
A loud sigh from Marie interrupted Ben\u2019s train of thought.<\/span>
\u201cWe\u2019ve done this three times today, Mon Cher. Surely everyone knows what to do.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYeah, Pa,\u201d said Adam, \u201cI ride for the doctor, Hop Sing boils the water, Hoss gets the bandages, and you help Marie upstairs. I could saddle Beauty in my sleep before we started doing all of this.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAin\u2019t we got enough bandages now?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cMy fingers hurt from tearin\u2019 sheets.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHop Sing burn fingers last time.\u201d The cook held his blistered hand up for all to see. \u201cBoil enough water to work in laundry.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYour roles may seem small individually but taken all together they\u2019ll ensure that this operation goes off without a hitch.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThis isn\u2019t a military drill, Mon Cher\u2014I\u2019m having a baby.\u201d<\/span>
Ben took a deep breath and tried to calm his rising temper. Time was going to be of the essence when the baby decided to come; there wouldn\u2019t be room for mistakes.<\/span>
\u201cOh all right,\u201d said an exasperated Marie, \u201clet\u2019s do this one more time. Perhaps I will be permitted a nap afterwards?\u201d<\/span>
A smile lit up Ben\u2019s face and he pulled his watch from his pocket.\u00a0<\/span>
Adam sighed in annoyance, Hop Sing muttered under his breath, Hoss cracked his knuckles, and Marie tried to slide forward a bit in the chair so getting up would be easier.<\/span>
Ben raised his free hand. \u201cOn my mark.\u201d Everyone prepared to leap into action. The second hand of the watch ticked on the 12 and Ben said, \u201cNOW!\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Adam, Hoss, and Hop Sing scattered in different directions\u2014the elder Cartwright son for the door, the younger for the stairs to grab the practice sheet, and the cook for the kitchen. Ben, meanwhile, was hauling Marie to her feet.<\/span>
Adam ran for the barn to saddle up Beauty. Instead of actually riding for the doctor, he\u2019d get his horse as far as the hitching rail and return inside to await the end of the drill.<\/span>
Hoss flew down the stairs with what remained of his practice sheet streaming over his shoulder as a banner.\u00a0<\/span>
Once Hoss was on the first floor, Ben guided Marie up the stairs at the fastest pace she could waddle, his hand pressed firmly on her back as a guide even though she gripped the railing tightly.<\/span>
\u201cCan you go a little faster, Darling?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhy don\u2019t you see how fast you can climb without seeing your feet while carrying a ten pound turkey under your shirt?\u201d<\/span>
Hoss snickered as he tore another strip from the sheet.<\/span>
\u201cSorry, Darling. I just want to beat our last time.\u201d<\/span>
Hop Sing pumped water into a pot and placed it on the stove. Adding wood from the dwindling pile, he hoped that maybe, for once, the water would reach its boiling point a few seconds faster.<\/span>
Out in the barn, Beauty sidestepped as Adam reached under his belly for the cinch. \u201cCome on! Stand still!\u201d The horse snorted and pushed the boy against the wall. After a hard shove, Adam got the horse to move and then managed to grasp the cinch. After getting Beauty out of the barn and tied to the hitching rail, Adam ran for the door so he could ring the bell on the coffee table, letting Pa know that he\u2019d finished his assigned task.<\/span>
Upstairs, Ben heard the bell and looked at his watch\u2014Adam\u2019s time had improved 15 seconds.<\/span>
Downstairs, Hoss was gathering up the strips of cloth and then winding them into fairly neat wads. He dumped them into a bowl and ran up the stairs.<\/span>
\u201cYour task isn\u2019t completed until you\u2019ve rung the bell.\u201d<\/span>
Hoss thundered back down the stairs, rang the bell as ordered, and raced back up, shouting, \u201cAh\u2019m done!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThere\u2019s no need to shout,\u201d yelled Ben as his youngest reached the second floor.<\/span>
Hop Sing danced impatiently in front of the stove, willing the water to reach a boil faster. He\u2019d cheated earlier by adding water from the previous run to make the water hot. His employer had not approved although Adam thought it clever.\u00a0<\/span>
Bootsteps echoed from the big room as Hoss came running into the kitchen. \u201cPa wants ta know when the water\u2019ll be ready.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWater ready when boil.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBut when?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhen decide to boil.\u201d<\/span>
Hoss left the kitchen, yelling, \u201cIt ain\u2019t done yet.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDon\u2019t shout, Son,\u201d Ben yelled from the second floor.<\/span>
Marie lay on the bed, her hands flat against either side of her belly. She took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. A foot massage would be welcome if her husband could be distracted. As she counted the knots in the ceiling, she wondered if Ben had been this demanding before the births of his other two sons and, if so, those wives had put up with it. From what she\u2019d heard of Inger, she couldn\u2019t imagine the strong Swede letting Ben mother-hen her, especially in the middle of a wagon train journey. Maybe Elizabeth and her father, the sea captain, ordered Ben around during her pregnancy. Perhaps now he felt he finally had the chance to be the one in charge since he was the ruler of the Ponderosa Empire. No matter, she\u2019d use this opportunity to get in a much-needed nap while they waited on the water to boil.<\/span>
A light touch on her cheek startled her. \u201cAre you all right, Darling?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHmmmm?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDarling? Is it time?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat? Oh, I was just resting. Besides, I don\u2019t think the baby will arrive for several more weeks.\u201d<\/span>
The bell was ringing downstairs. \u201cWater boil! Hop Sing cook chicken soup.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cNow that the drill is finished, may I take a nap, Mon Capitaine?\u201d<\/span>
Ben gently kissed her forehead and said, \u201cOf course. Just let us know if the baby decides to come.\u201d<\/span>
She smiled as he stood to leave the room and then blew him a kiss when he stopped in the doorway for a last look before going downstairs. Hearing his boots on the stairs, she rolled her eyes, sighed, and settled into the pillows.<\/span>
<\/p>\n
Adam rubbed Beauty down after a long ride out to check the calving in the east pasture. Pa was away on a business trip, leaving Adam and the Ponderosa foreman, Bill Palmer, in charge. Bill was working with the hands but the elder Cartwright son believed his father would have checked up on the stock and the men.<\/span>
Beauty snorted and stamped a hoof, impatient for the brushing to end. \u201cI\u2019m almost done, boy,\u201d Adam told the horse with a pat to its neck.<\/span>
The afternoon quiet was pierced by Hoss\u2019s yell. \u201cAaaaadaaaaam!\u201d<\/span>
Setting down the currycomb, Adam ran for the house. He hadn\u2019t anticipated 60 pounds of younger brother running towards him; the two collided, landing in the dusty yard in a tangle of arms and legs.\u00a0<\/span>
Adam groaned as he sat up and shook his head to clear the ringing in his ears. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Did you cut yourself again?\u201d<\/span>
Hoss rubbed his bruised elbow and said, \u201cIt\u2019s Mama. The baby\u2019s comin\u2019.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAre you sure? Did she say that?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cShe told me ta come git ya.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBut did she say the baby was coming?\u201d<\/span>
Hoss thought something must be wrong with Adam\u2019s hearing. \u201cShe was holdin\u2019 her stomach when she told me ta come git ya.\u201d<\/span>
Adam pulled Hoss up and said, \u201cWe\u2019d best go check on her.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat about Pa\u2019s plans? Ah ain\u2019t got the bandages ready.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cLet\u2019s check on Marie first.\u201d<\/span>
The boys ran for the house and flew up the stairs as if the hounds of Hades were pursuing them. Reaching the second floor, they heard low moaning coming from their parents\u2019 room. Peering around the doorframe, they saw their mother sitting on the bed, holding her belly, and making faces as she groaned.<\/span>
\u201cAre you okay?\u201d Adam asked nervously.<\/span>
\u201cGo . . . get . . . the . . . doctor. It\u2019s . . . time.\u201d<\/span>
Hoss ran out of the room and down the stairs. Adam could hear his younger brother hollering for boiling water. It was then that Adam remembered that Hop Sing was still out with the hands; the cook had been there all day, keeping the coffee hot and the stew on the fire.\u00a0<\/span>
Adam patted Marie\u2019s shoulder and said, \u201cDon\u2019t worry. It\u2019ll be okay.\u201d He hoped he was giving her a smile. It felt as if he was smiling. Hopefully it was a smile that would give her some confidence in his ability to take charge of the situation. Her only response was a nod and another groan.<\/span>
The boy stopped on the stairs at the sight of his younger brother running around the big room in a panic. He quickly descended and grabbed Hoss by the arm, pulling the boy off balance; Hoss hit the ground with a resounding thud.\u00a0<\/span>
Adam shook his younger brother by the shoulders to get his attention. \u201cHoss! Listen to me!\u201d Still seeing panic in the boy\u2019s eyes, Adam gave his sibling a light slap on the cheek.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cHey! I\u2019m tellin\u2019!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThe baby\u2019s coming and we gotta help Marie. You go boil some water and I\u2019ll go get the doctor.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat about the bandages?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cGet the water on and we\u2019ll worry about the bandages later.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBefore the baby comes?\u201d<\/span>
A loud groan from upstairs reminded the boys that they needed to put the plan into action.<\/span>
\u201cWe won\u2019t need the boiling water after the baby comes. Now move.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat are you gonna do?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019ve gotta ride for the doctor. Now go get the water boiling.\u201d<\/span>
Hoss started for the kitchen, wondering how long it would take for the water to get ready. A sudden thought struck him. \u201cDon\u2019t ferget to ring the bell after ya git Beauty ready.\u201d<\/span>
Adam stopped in his tracks and shot his brother a look of disbelief. \u201cI\u2019m riding for town as soon as I can. There won\u2019t be time to ring the bell.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHow are we gonna know that ya got him saddled?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cListen for hoofbeats,\u201d Adam shouted over his shoulder as he closed the front door.<\/span>
Hoss rummaged through the pots and pans, looking for one big enough to hold lots of boiling water. He finally chose one and primed the pump to fill it. As he worked the pump handle, he listened for Adam.<\/span>
Out in the barn, Beauty wasn\u2019t pleased with the prospect of being saddled again. The horse sidestepped as Adam adjusted the saddle blanket. \u201cStay still!\u201d the boy ordered. Beauty shook his head and snorted as the saddle was placed on his back; Adam grumbled under his breath as he tightened the cinch.\u00a0<\/span>
Adam was about to mount up and ride for town when he thought of his panicked younger brother. He tied his horse to the rail and ran through the kitchen door to let him know that his part of the plan was being put into action. A shouted warning came too late as he skidded across the kitchen floor on a puddle of water. Adam flailed his arms in hopes of regaining his balance but his momentum propelled him headfirst into the wall; he dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes.<\/span>
Hoss stood, mouth agape, staring at his bleeding older brother. \u201cAdam?\u201d he asked quietly. There was no answer. Panic again welled in Hoss\u2019s chest and he took off for his mother\u2019s bedroom.\u00a0<\/span>
Marie moaned as her labor pains grew stronger. She hoped that Adam would be bringing the doctor soon.<\/span>
\u201cMama?\u201d a quiet voice asked.<\/span>
She saw a very pale, large-eyed little boy in the doorway. \u201cWhat\u2019s . . . wrong?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cAre you dyin\u2019?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI . . . hope . . . not,\u201d she got out between clenched teeth.<\/span>
Hoss remained standing the doorway. She wondered if he was supposed to be doing something.<\/span>
\u201cAdam ain\u2019t goin\u2019 fer the doctor.\u201d<\/span>
Another wave of pain washed over her as she felt the need to push. \u201cWhy . . . not?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHe\u2019s hurt.\u201d<\/span>
Before she could ask how he\u2019d been hurt, a strong contraction drew her attention back to the coming baby. She panted through it and fell against the pillows, exhausted. Marie stretched a hand towards Hoss and said, \u201cHelp . . . me.\u201d<\/span>
<\/p>\n
Dr. Martin steered his buggy up the Ponderosa road, whistling a cheery tune. He was on his way back to Virginia City after setting a man\u2019s leg at a neighboring ranch when he thought a cup of Hop Sing\u2019s coffee sure would hit the spot. As he rounded the barn, he saw Adam\u2019s horse tied at the rail, stamping impatiently.<\/span>
The doctor exited his buggy and noted that Beauty wasn\u2019t lathered as if he\u2019d been ridden. He knew the newest Cartwright would be arriving in the world soon and thought that the horse was saddled and ready just in case. With a shrug of his shoulders, he crossed the distance to the front door and knocked. There was no answer.\u00a0<\/span>
He removed his hat and wiped the band while he wondered if he should let himself in. A sudden piercing cry made up his mind. The doctor tossed his hat on the ground, flung the door open, and raced up the stairs.<\/span>
Marie was reclining against the pillows, her blond hair hanging limply around her shoulders. Hoss sat next to her, looking a combination of sick and proud. A loud cry shattered the brief moment of silence.<\/span>
\u201cAin\u2019t he puny?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span>
Dr. Martin reached for the baby, hoping Marie was doing better than she looked. She smiled warmly and pulled back the crocheted blanket so the doctor could examine her newborn son. Hoss beamed with pride as the doctor said, \u201cHe\u2019s a fine boy.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAh helped,\u201d Hoss finally said.<\/span>
\u201cAnd you did a good job,\u201d Paul answered. He noticed the blood staining the boy\u2019s hands and realized Marie would probably like to have some time alone with her baby. \u201cLet\u2019s go downstairs so your mother can rest.\u201d<\/span>
As the two descended the stairs, Paul asked, \u201cWhere\u2019s your brother?\u201d Hoss gasped and ran for the kitchen.<\/span>
The doctor, following behind, saw Adam sprawled on the wet floor, a gash in his forehead, and an impressive bruise forming that was going to give the boy quite a shiner. He knelt down and checked the boy\u2019s eyes\u2014they looked normal. Paul retrieved a cloth from Hop Sing\u2019s work table and dampened it on the floor before gently wiping the dried blood off of Adam\u2019s face.<\/span>
\u201cThe water!\u201d Hoss yelled. He\u2019d completely forgotten about the boiling water. Papa had said that the water had to be ready before the baby was born. His face scrunched up as he wondered how the baby managed to get born without it.<\/span>
\u201cLet\u2019s leave the water alone,\u201d Paul suggested to the younger Cartwright.<\/span>
\u201cYessir.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Paul began cleaning Hoss\u2019s hands with the damp cloth. \u201cYour mother and new brother are doing well. You did a good job.\u201d The boy beamed with pleasure at the doctor\u2019s praise.<\/span>
A groan from the floor got their attention. \u201cLet\u2019s get your brother comfortable on the settee.\u201d Paul supported Adam under the shoulders to keep the boy\u2019s head steady while Hoss took the other end. After getting him situated, Paul snapped his fingers and said, \u201cThe bandages are in my buggy.\u201d<\/span>
Hoss dashed upstairs and quickly returned with the bowl of bandages. During the crisis, he\u2019d forgotten that they were sitting on the bureau in his room. Good thing they hadn\u2019t needed them for the baby.<\/span>
The doctor was winding a strip of sheet around Adam\u2019s head when Ben burst in through the front door. \u201cWhere. . . when . . . how\u2019s Marie?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cShe\u2019s doing just fine,\u201d answered Paul as he tucked the end of the strip into the bandage.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cWhat happened to Adam?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHe slipped,\u201d answered Hoss.<\/span>
Before Ben could ask for the rest of the story, a loud cry echoed through the house. He looked at the ceiling, down at his eldest, and then swiftly took the stairs two at a time.\u00a0<\/span>
A content Marie was cooing over her son when Ben entered their room. She looked up, beaming, and pulled the blanket back to show her husband their bundle of joy.\u00a0<\/span>
Ben plopped down on the edge of the bed, relieved that his wife and child were in good health. \u201cGood thing Paul was able to make it,\u201d he said.<\/span>
A tiny look of confusion crossed Marie\u2019s face and she replied, \u201cHe didn\u2019t deliver our son.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThen it must\u2019ve been Adam.\u201d Ben looked towards the hallway, remembering that his eldest was out cold on the settee. He chuckled as he asked, \u201cDid he pass out during the birth?\u201d<\/span>
Marie shook her head. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t Adam, either.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou mean . . . you were all alone? Where were those boys? When did Paul get here?\u201d<\/span>
Before her husband could ask any more questions or raise his voice, Marie said, \u201cHoss helped me.\u201d<\/span>
Ben laughed and said, \u201cYou\u2019re pulling my leg. Did Hop Sing help?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cNon, Mon Cher. I told you, it was Hoss.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBut he\u2019s only a little boy.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHe was the only help I had. Adam hurt himself in the kitchen before he could go for the doctor.\u201d She gently rocked the baby in her arms and cooed at him.<\/span>
\u201cHow did Paul know to come if no one told him?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHe happened to be riding by and stopped for a cup of coffee.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSo, Hoss helped until Paul arrived?\u201d<\/span>
Marie took a deep breath and reminded herself to remain patient. \u201cNon. Our son arrived before the doctor.\u201d<\/span>
Ben shook his head in disbelief. \u201cHow did Hoss know what to do?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI told him that it was the same as delivering a calf. It was easy after that.\u201d<\/span>
Ben\u2019s mouth gaped open in astonishment. His wife was not a cow! Delivering a baby wasn\u2019t anything like delivering a calf. Was it?<\/span>
Marie gently handed the baby over to her husband and smiled as he cooed and spoke in a high-pitched voice. \u201cAre you pleased with your son, Mon Capitaine?\u201d<\/span>
Startled, Ben looked up to see a smile playing on his wife\u2019s lips. \u201cPleased as punch, Darling.\u201d He leaned forward and gently kissed her.<\/span>
Footsteps got their attention and they looked to the door to see Adam being supported by Paul. Ben thought Adam appeared a bit cross-eyed as he swayed a bit in the doctor\u2019s grasp.<\/span>
\u201cCongratulations,\u201d Adam said.<\/span>
\u201cThank you, mon fils,\u201d answered Marie.<\/span>
\u201cCome on, Son. . . let\u2019s get you to bed,\u201d said Paul as he steered his patient down the hall.<\/span>
Hoss remained in the doorway, looking at his parents and baby brother. He scrunched up his face in thought and then asked, \u201cWhatcha gonna name him?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cJoseph,\u201d answered Ben.<\/span>
\u201cFrancois,\u201d replied Marie at the same time.<\/span>
The two adults looked at each other in surprise.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m gonna call him Shortshanks \u2018cause his legs are smaller than a calf\u2019s,\u201d said Hoss. The boy then wandered down to Adam\u2019s room to see if he could help the doctor.<\/span>
\u201cWe should name our son Joseph, for my father,\u201d said Ben.<\/span>
\u201cWe should name our son, Francois, for mon p\u00e9re,\u201d answered Marie. She added a tiny pout in hopes of winning her case.<\/span>
\u201cWhy not use both names?\u201d asked Paul as he made one last check on Marie before leaving.<\/span>
Hearing the front door close, Ben was about to plead his case for their son\u2019s name when the baby began to squall. Marie reached for her son.<\/span>
\u201cThe doctor\u2019s suggestion has some merit,\u201d said Ben.<\/span>
\u201cOui. Francois Joseph.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cJoseph Francis Cartwright has a certain . . . ring to it.\u201d<\/span>
Down the hall, Hoss was telling his older brother all about delivering the baby. The answering snores didn\u2019t diminish the boy\u2019s enthusiasm one bit. Hoss\u2019s chest puffed out a bit as he said, \u201cIt\u2019s a good thing Pa made us practice so much \u2018cause Ah knew exactly what ta do.\u201d<\/span>
The End<\/span>
November 2009<\/span><\/p>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>28 Mar 2013 10:07 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Practice Makes Perfect\u00a0Just stumbled upon this little story, Patina. \u00a0What a picture you paint of the goings on in the household! \u00a0I’m not surprised Hoss was able to do what needed to be done, but I was wondering what Ben thought all those “bandages” were for. \u00a0LOL!*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>03 Jan 2010 05:32 am\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Practice Makes Perfect\u00a0A wonderful story and a great moment for little Hoss! Great job, Patina!Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, Teddy!\u00a0 I’m pleased to know you enjoyed how Hoss got his mid-wife skills. :)*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>10 Dec 2009 01:52 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Practice Makes PerfectThings never go the way you plan them!\u00a0 Good job!Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, jojay.\u00a0 Murphy’s Law strikes again (lol).*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>03 Dec 2009 02:13 am\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Practice Makes Perfect\u00a0hello patina,I couldn’t stop laughing when I red your story! I pictured it and it was hilarious. Loved it that you made Hoss the hero in this eventhough everything went wrong. Poor Adam! some brains……Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, gaby!\u00a0 I’m so pleased to know you could “see” this story playing out.\u00a0 Thank goodness for Hoss!*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>30 Nov 2009 03:36 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Practice Makes Perfect\u00a0patina\u00a0 I love you writings especially this one. Hoss learned early on didn’t he.\u00a0 Well written and a joy to readAuthor’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you so much, avid!\u00a0 I’m so honored to know you enjoy my stories. :)*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>29 Nov 2009 05:30 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Practice Makes Perfect\u00a0Loved it Patina.\u00a0 Hoss had to learn eary.\u00a0 Thanks for the SAS.Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, Terina!\u00a0 No wonder Hoss is so good at delivering babies by The Last Hunt (lol).\u00a0 With Ben’s plan falling apart, it only seemed “natural” to include some SAS.\u00a0 I’m so pleased to know you enjoyed this story.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n