{"id":60823,"date":"2015-11-26T09:02:01","date_gmt":"2015-11-26T14:02:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=60823"},"modified":"2025-11-26T09:13:21","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T14:13:21","slug":"a-rose-also-has-thorns-by-acspeej","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=60823","title":{"rendered":"A Rose Also Has Thorns (by ACSPeej)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 New neighbors involve the Cartwrights in a prickly situation.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a0 27,800 words<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

The Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories.\u00a0 Should an author included in this project reach out to us and indicate they do not wish their work to be archived in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library, we will remove their stories.\u00a0 We would also be happy to change contact information for any authors who wish to continue to have their stories archived in the Library.<\/p>\n

Though the Library already contains stories from this author, this story was forwarded by Corina to be included as part of this project.<\/p>\n

\n

A ROSE ALSO HAS THORNS<\/strong><\/p>\n

CHAPTER ONE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe wiped the sweat from his forehead and from his eyes and blinked again. Yep. That was barbed wire that he was looking at. There hadn\u2019t been barbed wire here, several years ago, when the Cartwrights had brought a large herd of cattle through this area before. In fact, there weren\u2019t even any people who lived here back then. Well, there was the town of El Crucero not too far away where supplies could be bought to re-stock the chuckwagon, but the town was small. It wasn\u2019t even marked on any map. Tired and saddlesore, Joe dismounted and turned to his friend, Pete.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo back to the herd and tell Adam that I need some wire cutters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pete looked at the barbed wire. \u201cHow\u2019d that get here? This is practically the middle of nowhere!\u201d Standing up in his stirrups, Pete scanned the horizon. \u201cI don\u2019t see any cattle or horses or anything.\u201d Turning his horse around, Pete headed back to the herd of two hundred steers to inform Adam of the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grabbed his canteen from his saddle and took a long drink of water. He was hot and thirsty. Cochise pawed the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou thirsty, too, Cooch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise\u2019s head bobbed, and he pawed the ground again. Joe removed his hat, turned it upside down and poured water into it. Cochise drank the water noisily, causing Joe to laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish we had taken the other route \u2013 the one we usually take,\u201d Joe said aloud. \u201cBut Pete rode ahead and found the watering hole dry as a bone. On the other side of this fence is a place that always has water, no matter how dry other places get.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise nuzzled Joe\u2019s shoulder in answer and dripped water all over Joe\u2019s shirt. Joe laughed and then sat down on a rock in the shade to wait for Pete to return.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWO<\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t too long before Pete arrived with two pairs of wire cutters. He handed one pair to Joe who walked up to the fence. He made one snip and then turned to Pete who had just dismounted. It was then that the first shots rang out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe screeched in surprise and pain, dropping the wire cutters, his hands going immediately to his backside. Both he and Pete dove for cover and looked around the rocky hillside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay?\u201d Pete shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust birdshot,\u201d Joe shouted back. \u201cBut it sure does hurt!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A voice rang out from behind the rocks. A female voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is private property! Now get on your horses and go back to where you came from!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shouted in the direction of the voice. \u201cThis is free range. You can\u2019t put barbed wire in free range!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe own this land. And if you try to destroy our fences, then my brothers will be forced to shoot you as trespassers!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

More shots rang out from several different directions. Joe and Pete returned gunfire in the general direction of where the first shots were coming from.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPete,\u201d Joe shouted. \u201cCan you get to your horse if I give you cover?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYup. I think so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo get Adam! And hurry!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pete sprinted for his horse, fairly leaped into the saddle, and rode hell-bent-for-leather while Joe shot in every possible direction. Although the firing from the rocks stopped, Joe knew he was pinned down. All he could do was to wait for Adam. Putting his right hand to his backside, he checked to see how badly he was injured and found his hand showed little specks of blood all over it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmph,\u201d he muttered. \u201cAt least it\u2019s nothing serious. But it sure does sting!\u201d He lay flat on the ground on his belly and waited for Adam and Pete.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THREE<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s arrival set off another round of shooting. He hurriedly took cover in a copse of trees, tied Sport to a branch, and then zig-zagged his way to his little brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou hurt bad?\u201d he asked as he ducked behind a rock as a bullet whizzed over his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cBut sitting down is going to be a problem for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordinarily, knowing Joe wasn\u2019t severely injured, Adam would\u2019ve laughed. But he was thinking about this situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOther than the birdshot, have any bullets come close to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe thought for a minute. \u201cUh-uh. Either those folks are bad shots or they were just trying to keep Pete and me from taking down that fence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI was an open target when I rode up, but the bullets only came close enough to keep me dodging \u2013 not close enough to kill me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe changed position to look in his eldest brother\u2019s face. \u201cHow come you didn\u2019t bring more help?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPete\u2019s with the herd. Don\u2019t know if this is a distraction to steal our cattle or not. If it is, then Pete can handle it until we get there to help him. We\u2019ll hear gunfire if there\u2019s trouble. Can you ride?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo I have a choice?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThen I can ride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers waited to see what would happen next.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER FOUR<\/span><\/p>\n

What happened next was that the shooting stopped completely. And there was no sound of gunfire in the direction of the herd. All was temporarily quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey! You down there!\u201d A female voice. \u201cIf you take down that fence, I\u2019ll shoot you for trespassing! You\u2019ll be on private property and we can shoot you legally!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shouted back. \u201cThis has always been free range! All we want to do is to move our thirsty herd to that watering hole ahead of us! Then we\u2019ll be on our way!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen go around to the east of here!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat place is bone dry,\u201d Adam countered. \u201cCan we talk this out? I\u2019ll pay a reasonable price to get to water.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Silence. Then, \u201cWe\u2019ll meet you at the fence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Minutes passed. Adam and Joe watched as several figures began to emerge from the rocky hillside. Adam helped Joe to his feet and walked toward the fence. They both knew that they were taking a chance \u2013 this could be a trick \u2013 but it was a chance that had to be taken. Joe winced with pain as he walked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cAt least you\u2019re shot where you\u2019re well-padded.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks a lot, big brother. Just what I needed to hear,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two groups met at the fence line \u2013 five men on one side and Adam and Joe on the other. Seven men, all armed and uneasy, looked at each other. Nobody spoke. And then a woman made her appearance, her shotgun pointed at Adam. That shotgun had to be the origin of the birdshot because the other men were carrying rifles.<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman broke the silence. \u201cOn this side of the fence is Mallory property, bought and paid for. Take your herd around to the east.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam tried to be polite. \u201cOur herd has been without water for two days. If we went around to the east of here, it\u2019d take about three days. We\u2019d probably lose half the herd getting there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman, wearing boots, jeans and a man\u2019s shirt with a rope tied around the waist, shrugged as she looked at the dark-haired figure standing in front of her. On any other occasion, she would\u2019ve found the man to be quite handsome with his hazel eyes and broad shoulders, but this was not one of those occasions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour herd isn\u2019t my problem,\u201d she said. \u201cThe fence stays.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you that we\u2019d pay a reasonable price if you\u2019ll just let us through,\u201d Adam countered. On any other occasion, he would\u2019ve taken time to scrutinize the woman thoroughly, making note of her tousled blond hair pulled back behind her neck. Those impossibly-amber eyes bored into his. This was not one of those occasions to scrutinize a pretty woman who happened to be holding a shotgun pointed chest-high.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother\u2019s been shot,\u201d Adam said. \u201cHe needs medical attention.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t look hurt to me,\u201d the woman said. \u201cAt least, not in the front. I expect his backside hurts him some.\u201d A small smile played about her lips. \u201cI always hit what I aim at.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She paused. \u201cThe closest town is El Crucero, and there\u2019s no doctor there. Bring your brother up to our place and we\u2019ll get him all fixed up.\u201d A sly smile. \u201cAfter all, you wouldn\u2019t want him to get an infection, now would you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed. He didn\u2019t like this woman but somehow believed her. The point about \u201cinfection\u201d was true. If Adam had to decide between his brother and a herd of cattle, there was no denying what choice he would make.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you got a doctor at your place?\u201d Adam asked as he looked off into the distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another sly smile. \u201cWe\u2019ve got the closest thing to one. Look at my brothers \u2013 wouldn\u2019t you say that they\u2019re a healthy bunch?<\/span><\/p>\n

Indeed, the five men looked quite healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe spoke up. \u201cI\u2019d rather take my chances and let Cookie fix me up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCookie\u2019s in town, getting supplies. He won\u2019t be back at the herd for hours. You need to be tended to now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed. When Adam had \u201cthat look\u201d on his face, there would be no winning any argument with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis discussion about your fence and my cattle isn\u2019t over,\u201d Adam growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is over. I won\u2019t back down,\u201d the woman said. \u201cBut, for the time being, we\u2019ll tend to your brother. Then you can ride on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And so it was that Adam and Joe followed the Mallory family to their home. There had been not one introduction among the two groups. The only conversation had been between Adam, his gun holstered, and the woman who had finally lowered her shotgun.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER FIVE<\/span><\/p>\n

The Mallory \u201chome\u201d was comprised of more than just a house where six people lived. In fact, there were six different houses which sprawled over a considerably-large area. There were several barns, an untold number of horses and cattle, dogs, women and children. In addition, there were huge fields planted in what appeared to be corn, potatoes, and perhaps vegetables. The place appeared to be quite self-sufficient.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClimb down off your horses,\u201d one man said to both Adam and Joe. \u201cMatt, take all the horses and make sure they get plenty of water and maybe some sweet feed.\u201d This was the first time that the Cartwright brothers heard a name mentioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Mallorys had all dismounted, and the woman began walking toward the biggest of the houses. She turned and spoke to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, I bet you\u2019re glad to get out of that saddle!\u201d Her smile was impish.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe, who had been forced by pain to stand up in his stirrups all the way to the Mallory place, was glad to get his feet on the ground. But he was angry now \u2013 at the whole ridiculous situation. For all he knew, he and Adam would get killed here \u2013 just \u201cdisappear\u201d from the face of the earth. Pete would eventually find the Mallory family, Joe supposed, but two Cartwright brothers would end up \u201cmissing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t call me \u2018boy\u2019,\u201d Joe practically shouted. \u201cI\u2019ll have you know that my name is Joe\u2026..\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman cut off the rest of what Joe was going to say. \u201cI don\u2019t want to know your names. I doubt you\u2019ll ever come this way again. You\u2019d better not! Anyway, you have wounds to tend to. Brother Louis, will you get my medical bag? I think it\u2019s still in your house after Sally had her baby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour medical bag?\u201d Joe gaped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had picked up a piece of hay and was gnawing on it. \u201cYou\u2019re the doctor?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman smiled. \u201cWell, I\u2019m the closest thing to one around these parts. I\u2019ll take good care of your brother, I promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned to run toward Cochise, but he didn\u2019t get far. He heard the woman\u2019s voice over the pounding of his heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrother Randall. Brother Will. My patient seems to be unwilling to come into the house by himself. Will you please help him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was picked up bodily and carried toward the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d he screeched as he struggled. \u201cAdam! She\u2019s gonna kill me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman turned around briefly. \u201cOh, and Brother Gus? Would you mind relieving ‘Adam’ of his artillery – including the one that’s probably hidden behind his back under his shirt. We wouldn’t want him to hurt himself, now would we?\u201d Her smile was devilish.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed as he handed over his gunbelt. Gus found the gun right where the woman said it would be \u2013 tucked under his shirt in the small of his back. The woman was not only pretty but smart as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m ‘Gus’,\u201d the man said as he took Adam’s guns. \u201cYour brother called you ‘Adam’. He said his name is ‘Joe’. Now we’ve all gotten acquainted.\u201d Gus was an amiable guy and smiled easily and confidently. He had the look of an honest man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho’s she?\u201d Adam asked wryly as the woman disappeared into the house with Joe shrieking for help the whole way. \u201cAn Army General?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus chuckled. \u201cOh, that’s ‘Rose’. She’s the oldest of the Mallory family. When our parents died, she raised us and kept us fed and clothed. She tended us when we were sick and even helped our kids come into this world. All this and maintaining her own life at the same time.\u201d There was foreshadowing in that last sentence, but Adam wouldn’t be aware of it for quite a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c’Rose’!\u201d Adam exclaimed. \u201cRoses are soft and delicate. She’s nothing but thorns!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus laughed. \u201cShe is. But she’s had to be. C’mon and sit down. I see Randall’s wife coming over with a pitcher of lemonade. It should taste good after trailing that herd in bone-dry conditions. That’s how we knew you were coming \u2013 we saw all the dust from miles away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

So, while sprawled, trouserless, on a table with Randall and Will holding him down, Joe’s backside was relieved of all the birdshot while Rose hummed and happily wielded the forceps in her hand. Adam truly felt sorry for his brother, but he couldn’t help but grin just a little at the words coming from Joe’s mouth. Pa would definitely not approve of such language!<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER SIX<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus and Adam made small talk about the weather, cattle, horses and farming, all the while trying to ignore Joe’s intermittent hollering. Adam decided that he actually liked Gus \u2013 after all, Gus hadn’t chosen his sister. Gus’s love for Rose was apparent when he talked about her skill with livestock and farming and her ability to keep track of every penny that was earned or spent.<\/span><\/p>\n

All of a sudden, the door banged open and Joe limped out, his face absolutely florid.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet’s get out of here,\u201d he mumbled to Adam. \u201cI never want to see that woman again!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Matt had done as Rose had asked \u2013 both Sport and Cochise had been watered and fed a treat of sweet feed. They were tied up at the rail below the steps. Adam and Joe’s gunbelts hung from each saddlehorn. Matt handed Adam the \u201cextra\u201d gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood up and actually shook Gus’s hand. \u201cI can’t say that it’s been a pleasure being here, but I’ve enjoyed talking with you. I’ll be seeing you again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose emerged onto the porch, drying her hands on a towel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t come back here,\u201d she warned. \u201cI’ve seen enough of you and your brother to last me a lifetime.\u201d She paused. \u201cAs a matter of fact, I think I’ve seen more than enough of your brother. It’s probably a good thing that I was looking at his best features. His face would stop a clock!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe swiveled around gingerly and stared into Rose’s serene face. He started to say something, but Adam grabbed him by the arm and fairly pulled him down the front steps. \u201cJust get on your horse, little brother,\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrother Luke?\u201d Rose asked, turning to the man whom Adam had heard by that name. \u201cDon’t you think it’s rather rude to leave without saying even a ‘thank you’ for all my hard work?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe exploded. \u201cYou’re the one who shot me to begin with! And then you poured whiskey all over my open wounds!!! And you expect to be thanked?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose turned to Gus and shook her head. \u201cWhat an absolute waste of good whiskey.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe muttered something unintelligible as he sat gingerly in his saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked sweetly at him. \u201cWould you like a pillow to sort of\u2026.cushion\u2026.that leather?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had to smother a grin. He didn’t like Rose but her cutting remarks were humorous.<\/span><\/p>\n

Judging by the look on Joe’s face and, discretion being the better part of valor, Adam deliberately made Sport bump into Cochise, taking Joe by surprise and causing him to try to regain his balance instead of opening his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet’s go to town, Joe,\u201d he said. Then he looked directly into Rose’s amber eyes. \u201cI’m sure we can get some help from the sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose snorted. \u201cI seriously doubt it.\u201d And she turned and walked into the house as Adam and Joe rode away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomebody sure gave that witch the wrong name,\u201d Joe said between gritted teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI never saw a rose with no thorns,\u201d Adam mused. \u201cBut I don’t know if I’ve ever seen so many thorns with no rose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCactus.\u201d Joe grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomebody should have named her ‘cactus’. You reckon she’s got a husband?\u201d Joe winced as he jolted in the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shrugged and then grinned. \u201cIf she does, I bet he wears a suit of armor to bed every night!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers rode to check on the herd first. The steers milled around restlessly \u2013 they could smell water and were dangerously close to stampeding.. Pete rode up and tried hard not to laugh at Joe’s escapade as a patient. And the name \u201cRose\u201d made him chuckle \u2013 how ironic that such a pretty woman could be so ornery. But he was angry that precious time would be lost in having to go to town for the sheriff. He would stay with the herd and keep it in check until Cookie came back with fresh supplies and when Adam came back with a resolution to this problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER SEVEN<\/span><\/p>\n

Upon arriving in El Crucero, Adam and Joe \u2013 his backside still stinging \u2013 tied their horses in front of the sheriff’s office. Unfortunately, there was a note on the door that stated that the sheriff had gone fishing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam swore. \u201cWell, all we can do is to ask around and see if anybody knows where we can find him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see our chuckwagon down the street. Let’s check and make sure that Cookie isn’t having any trouble,\u201d Joe opined. \u201cBut let’s walk, okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. Ordinarily he would’ve laughed out loud, but the situation that they were in had taken away most of his sense of humor.<\/span><\/p>\n

The town of El Crucero was very small, and the brothers hadn’t walked far when they were approached by a well-dressed gentleman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Adam said. \u201cWe’re looking for the sheriff but he’s apparently not in his office. Can you tell us where we might find him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man smiled. \u201cOh, Sheriff Blanton goes fishin’ ever’ day and comes back jest in time fer supper. I’m the Mayor of El Crucero \u2013 my name’s Delmas Fletcher. Call me Delmas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m Adam, and this is my brother, Joe,\u201d Adam said as he shook Delmas’s hand. Joe smiled and nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou two are new in town,\u201d Delmas said happily. \u201cAin’t nobody here ’bouts that don’t know about the sheriff and his fishin’ trips. You in some kinda trouble?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam liked this portly, friendly man. \u201cYeah. We’ve got a herd that needs water bad. Got ’em standing around in the heat and can’t get to the watering hole. Some fool female has a barbed-wire fence put up on free range and won’t let us through. She shot at us and peppered Joe with bird shot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that sure is against the law. The shooting, I mean.\u201d Delmas wiped his sweaty brow with his handkerchief. \u201cBut the Mallory family owns that land, and I guess they can put up a fence if they wanna. Rose must be gettin’ ready to get her crops in. The fence is torn down durin’ plantin’ and harvestin’ time. You know who she is, don’t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Who is she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Delmas shook his head and stuttered. \u201cUm\u2026.er\u2026.well\u2026.she’s the head of the Mallory clan, that’s all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It was obvious that Delmas was hiding something, and it was equally evident that he wasn’t going to tell what he knew.<\/span><\/p>\n

At that moment, people started rushing toward a loud crash-banging in the saloon across the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

Delmas sighed. \u201cJunior’s at it again. Why cain’t the sheriff ever be here when this happens? I guess I’d better go take a look. Come on with me. If the saloon ain’t all broken up, we can at least have a beer until Blanton gets back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Without waiting for an answer, Delmas headed toward the saloon. Adam and Joe followed and made their way to the front of the crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

A very large man, Hoss’s size, was carrying Cookie, at arm’s length, out the door. Cookie was swinging his fists and kicking his feet but was making no contact with the man at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep. That’s ‘Junior’, all right,\u201d Delmas said sadly, shaking his head. \u201cEver’ time he comes to town, he manages to git in trouble. He ain’t never been drunk, but sometimes folks jest manage to say the wrong thing to ‘im. Ain’t nobody can fight ‘im. I done told Rose not to let ‘im come to town without his brothers, but I reckon he snuck away today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes. \u201cDon’t tell me. His last name is ‘Mallory’.\u201d He bore a striking resemblance to Rose \u2013 he was just several sizes larger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior, a smile on his large face, was busily hanging the back of Cookie’s vest on the signpost next to the saloon. With Cookie wearing the vest and still swinging his fists.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d Joe shouted. \u201cThat’s our cook!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took two long steps and faced Junior. \u201cTake him down, mister.\u201d Adam’s voice was low.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCain’t do that. He’s tryin’ to hit me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said to take him down,\u201d Adam repeated, his voice another octave lower.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope. Don’t wanna fight the little guy. I might hurt him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cThen you’ll have to fight me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Junior replied happily. He loved a good fight \u2013 but he very seldom had the chance to get involved in one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sent a crashing blow to Junior’s jaw. Junior’s head didn’t even move. Then Adam gave a one-two punch to Junior’s stomach. Junior remained unfazed. Adam was mad. He knew he was in over his head with this huge man, realized that he could never win this fight, and he felt a flush of embarrassment redden his face. Cookie was screaming and Joe was egging him on. So Adam gave it one final try. He clasped his hands together tightly and swung with all his might, delivering a blow to Junior’s temple. The big man went down to his knees, smiled, and then fell unconscious.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER EIGHT<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI coulda took ‘im by myself!\u201d Cookie was hollering from the signpost. Joe was helping him down while Adam tried to rub away the pain in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure you could’ve,\u201d Joe said soothingly but sarcastically.<\/span><\/p>\n

Delmas looked at Junior and then at Adam. \u201cIf the sheriff was here, he’d lock Junior up for a while. What we need is a deputy.\u201d He looked at Adam and smiled. \u201cHow long’re you gonna be in town?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUntil tonight when the sheriff comes back, I suppose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Out of his pocket, Delmas pulled a badge. There was never any explanation as to why it was there. But it got pinned onto Adam’s shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Junior snored, Adam removed the badge and tried to return it to the mayor. But Joe grabbed his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d he whispered. \u201cThis is perfect! The sheriff isn’t here to help us with the problem with Rose and the fence. But you’re now ‘the law’! You can get her to let the herd through! Use Junior as a bargaining chip!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam’s lips turned upward into a conspiratorial smile as he pinned the badge back on. He first looked at Cookie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get all the supplies into the wagon?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep. And then I stopped in the saloon for a beer. Just a quick one. All I did was look at this guy and tell him he was as big as Hoss and\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam interrupted him. \u201cGo on back to the herd. I’ll meet you there later. Joe, go with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Adam!\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI wanna see\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But Adam had now turned to Delmas. \u201cDelmas, you said that the sheriff would lock Junior up for a while. This badge says that I can do just that, but it won’t solve my problem. How about if I take Junior back home and trade him for passage to the watering hole?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The mayor smiled. \u201cThat’d be a sly trick. But it might work. I don’t want a bunch of dead or dying cattle this close to town. They smell so bad.\u201d He paused. \u201cI’ll go with you. I gotta see this. Poor Rose. She’ll be fit to be tied. And she’s such a nice lady, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Adam growled, \u201creal nice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior now had regained consciousness and was sitting up, looking innocent and slightly confused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid I hurt you, mister?\u201d he asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome.\u201d Adam rubbed his sore hands. \u201cC’mon, get up. You’re coming with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior saw Adam’s badge. \u201cAre you takin’ me to jail? Rose’ll never forgive me.\u201d He looked glum.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a matter of fact, I’m taking you back home,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior grabbed Adam’s hand and pumped it in a tight grip. Adam winced.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior grinned. \u201cGee, thanks! Sheriff Blanton would’ve thrown me in jail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And so it was that Cookie and Joe headed back toward the herd while Adam, Delmas, Junior and several of the men in town headed toward the Mallory ranch. Just for show, Adam tied Junior’s hands together with a bit of rope. He couldn’t wait to see the look on Rose’s face!<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER NINE<\/span><\/p>\n

At the barbed-wire gate to the Mallory compound, Adam was surprised to see that he was met by the five brothers and Rose \u2013 all with rifles in their hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you not to come back here!\u201d Rose exclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Rose,\u201d Delmas said soothingly. \u201cJunior got in another fight at the saloon and we’re just bringing him back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked at Junior and shook her head. \u201cI guess I should be grateful. It saved me a trip into town and bail money. Junior, get over here right now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can’t,\u201d Junior said morosely. \u201cThe deputy has my hands tied up and told me if I moved that he’d shoot me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked perplexed. \u201cWhat deputy? El Crucero doesn’t have a deputy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam spoke. \u201cIt does now. I’m wearing a badge to prove it. Now, let’s talk about your brother, a thirsty herd of cattle, and how this situation can be rectified, Rosie-gal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c’Rosie-gal’!\u201d Rose shouted indignantly. Angrily, she hauled off and slapped Adam’s face while her brothers looked on in astonishment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grabbed her arm and held it. \u201cMister Mayor, what do you suppose is an appropriate punishment for assaulting a peace officer?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d said Delmas, thinking hard. \u201cMaybe a few days’ jail time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, well,\u201d Adam said with his own sly smile. \u201cUntie Junior, please. He’s free to go but leave his horse here. And hand me the rope from his wrists.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hazel eyes and amber eyes locked in a steady glare.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior opened the gate and rushed in. Delmas put the piece of rope over Adam’s shoulder. Adam never broke his gaze into Rose’s eyes. He simply snatched away her rifle, quickly bound her wrists, and threw her unceremoniously over his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPut me down, you heathen!\u201d she kept screaming. She kicked and wriggled but she was no match for Adam’s strength and determination.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam plunked her onto Junior’s horse and grabbed the reins. \u201cNow,\u201d he said, \u201cit’s time to talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning to the six brothers, Adam spoke. \u201cThis is the problem, as I see it. I have two hundred head of steers who will die of thirst if they don’t get to some water before dark. You have the water. In the name of the law, I order you to let us go through the Pass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior, who loved animals, couldn’t stand the thought of any creature dying of thirst. \u201cBut we’ve got crops almost ready to be harvested. They’ll all be trampled to smithereens.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou let me take care of that. Not one potato, not one ear of corn, not one vegetable from your garden will be touched. I swear it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut what about Rose?\u201d Randall asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe broke the law by assaulting me,\u201d Adam answered evenly. \u201cAnd she did shoot my brother. And she is going to jail. But I expect that the sheriff will be lenient with her. I don’t know why, but she seems to be well-liked. I’ll instruct Mayor Fletcher to have someone wait at the jail until Sheriff Blanton returns so she won’t be alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Delmas nodded his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Mallory brothers huddled up and talked among themselves. Finally, Gus spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. You’ve got a deal. But if your herd gets out of hand and ruins our crops, we’ll shoot you dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cFair enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Gus!\u201d Rose wailed. \u201cWhat about me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus sighed. \u201cHe’s the law, Rose. I’m sorry. You know that Sheriff Blanton won’t keep you long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe’ll take Rose back to town fer ya,\u201d Delmas offered. Nods from the men who had ridden out with him. \u201cYou git back to your herd.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. Another sly smile. \u201cNo. I’ll take Rose into town and make sure she gets locked up. I’d appreciate your riding out to the herd and telling Joe to keep the steers circling slowly towards the pass. But don’t let any animals through until I get there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Delmas and friends rode off in the direction of the herd. Adam climbed onto his saddle, still holding the reins of the horse Rose was on, and headed toward town. He could almost see smoke coming out of Rose’s ears. He smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TEN<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose was, indeed, far beyond furious. Adam couldn’t stop chuckling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sound like a hyena,\u201d Rose growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry.\u201d Adam truly did try to stop smiling. But, after a few seconds, he found himself laughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, tell me what’s so funny! I need a good laugh!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRose, you’re a very intelligent woman. I would imagine that any other man would’ve gone to the east like you dictated. But I have an obligation to get this herd home, and I will, in spite of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSpite. That’s a perfect word. You’re just being spiteful and hateful and\u2026..\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All of a sudden, she jumped from her horse and ran down the hill. She stumbled and fell and rolled. It had been too difficult, with her hands tied, to keep her balance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was off his horse in a flash. He reached Rose’s side at the edge of a small creek.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow why would you do such a stupid thing?\u201d Adam was beyond frustration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m very particular about the company I keep,\u201d Rose said with a glare. \u201cAnd I don’t like your company.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose had smudges of dirt all over her face. As she sat and pouted, Adam pulled out his handkerchief and wet it in the creek’s water. Gently, he began wiping away the dirt from Rose’s otherwise flawless complexion. The two were close enough to get really good looks at each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

She’s really quite beautiful. Soft skin, nice cheekbones, full lips, white teeth, a slightly-cleft chin, and those amber eyes\u2026\u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

He’s really quite handsome. Rugged, strong jaw line, a Cupid’s-bow mouth, white teeth, and those hazel eyes\u2026\u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose was aware that she felt an inkling of physical attraction for Adam. \u201cWhew, I bet I look a mess!\u201d Her bound hands went to her hair which definitely needed some smoothing down. She actually wanted to look pretty right now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam felt the same physical attraction for Rose. He reached for her hair and tucked a few errant strands into place. Then he took her hands in his.<\/span><\/p>\n

She jumped. \u201cWhat’re you doing!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRelax. I’m just going to untie your hands!\u201d Adam’s voice was impatient.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? So I can try to run away and then you can shoot me in the back?\u201d Rose’s voice was surly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cI’m not planning on doing you any bodily harm, Rose. I’m just going to take you to jail and hope that the sheriff will keep you there long enough to get my cattle through the Pass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose allowed her hands to be untied. She looked at Adam curiously. She couldn’t figure him out, a fact that bothered her considerably. She snatched the damp handkerchief away from Adam and continued wiping her own face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam leaned over the creek and splashed water on his own face. Then he sat back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRose, why did you choose to put your home in such bad country? There’re nothing but rocks all around here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI liked the look of the soil,\u201d was her reply. \u201cIf you weren’t so busy playing lawman, you’d see what I mean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam cleared a small area, scooped up some of the soil, and found that it was, indeed, good soil. He put his tongue to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust like butter!\u201d he remarked, quite surprised. \u201cClear the land of the rocks, till the soil, drop some seeds and just watch how things grow.\u201d He paused. \u201cBut you had to know that cattlemen use the Pass to get to water when the other watering hole is dry. You had to know there’d be trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked almost relaxed. Almost. \u201cNobody ever argued the point with me or my brothers. We stay well-armed and vigilant. You’re the first man to stand up to us. I kinda admired you for it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was silence for a minute. Then Rose continued. \u201cI\u2026.we\u2026.were looking for a place that was quiet and peaceful and off the beaten path. The town is small, and that was another plus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hazel eyes and amber eyes locked once again. Adam felt a tightening in his belly \u2013 the good kind of tightening. Rose felt herself get lost in Adam’s eyes and felt the same tightening in her belly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRose,\u201d Adam said softly. \u201cLet us through the Pass. I don’t want to take you to jail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The word \u201cjail\u201d brought Rose back to reality. \u201cI won’t back down! I’d rather go to jail!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The spell had been broken. Adam stood, leaned over and scooped Rose into his strong arms. She kicked and protested \u2013 all to no avail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam smiled at her. \u201cWhen will you learn that there’s a time to fight and a time not to, girl?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He carried her up the hill and sat her on Junior’s horse. But he didn’t tie her hands or grab her reins. And she didn’t try to get away.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time they reached town \u2013 and the jail \u2013 the sheriff had still not returned. One of the men with Delmas had ridden back and was waiting for Adam to arrive. Adam escorted Rose to a cell and felt guilty. He felt guilty when he made sure that there was a bucket of fresh water in case Rose was thirsty. He felt guilty when he locked the cell door behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked at him as he finished locking the cell door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust so that you’re aware, I’d like to tell you something,\u201d Rose said sweetly but there was fire in her eyes. \u201cI don’t know when I’ve felt such absolute revulsion for any other human being in my whole life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam’s feelings of guilt disappeared. \u201cLady,\u201d he said, \u201cI can assure you that the feeling is quite mutual.\u201d He turned and walked into the outer office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marcus, the man who would keep an eye on Rose until the sheriff’s return, whispered to Adam. \u201cYou really locked her up!\u201d His eyes were wide. \u201cThe sheriff sure will be surprised!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust make sure she doesn’t talk you into letting her out,\u201d Adam advised. \u201cI need just enough lead time to get my herd to water. After that, it won’t matter if the sheriff releases her.\u201d Adam wondered why the sheriff would be \u201csurprised,\u201d but figured that it was because someone actually had the audacity to bring her in. But she had said that she chosen her land because it was away from everything. Maybe she or one of her brothers was wanted by the law for something. Adam shook his head. Questions and not one single answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven’t seen the last of me!\u201d Rose hollered as Adam opened the door to leave the office. Her words would turn out to be prophetic.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER ELEVEN<\/span><\/p>\n

Back at the Ponderosa, Adam and Joe recounted their experiences with the Mallory family from beginning to end. The herd of cattle had drunk their fill at the Mallory place and had not so much as gotten near any of the crops, just as Adam had promised. Adam had no trouble with any of the brothers who, though armed with rifles, never fired a shot \u2013 they just stood guard and watched.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben puffed on his pipe as he listened, a smile playing about his lips. Hoss just laughed outright at Joe’s being shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben said, \u201cwas it really necessary to throw the lady in jail?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Adam. You cain’t jest go ’round throwin’ a gal behind bars!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe interjected. \u201cShe shot me in the ass! And she slapped Adam while he was wearing a badge!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at his youngest son. \u201cDon’t be vulgar, Joseph.\u201d But Ben’s face showed that laughter was just hiding below the surface. \u201cAnd I don’t think this is the first time that Adam’s been slapped.\u201d Poking his pipe back into his mouth didn’t manage to disguise Ben’s chuckle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d said Adam as he leaned against the mantel of the fireplace, a toothpick clenched in his teeth, his arms crossed over his chest. \u201cRose is not a normal kind of\u2026.um\u2026.’lady’. I’d rather be staked out in an ant bed than to deal with her again. Joe said it correctly when he described her as being like a cactus. She’s pretty to look at but too full of thorns to want to be around. Besides, Joe and I had the herd to take care of, and we did the best we could under the circumstances.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cYou did what you thought was right. What’s done is done. I have my sons home again, safe and sound. Well,\u201d he looked at Joe, \u201cnone the worse for wear, anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rubbed his behind. It had healed but was still slightly sore if he sat down too hard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa gotta think about what that gal’s life was like,\u201d Hoss said thoughtfully. He was always quick to stand up for the underdog. \u201cHer folks was dead and she had six brothers to raise. Now they got their own wives and kids and she has to take care of all of ’em. I’d be kinda prickly, too, if I was in her shoes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c’Kinda’ prickly?\u201d Adam coughed. \u201cThat’s the biggest understatement I’ve ever heard!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That night, Adam dreamed of amber eyes and of kissing full lips. He dreamed of blond hair fanned out on a pillow, of a body yielding beneath him and of murmurs of tender passion.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWELVE<\/span><\/p>\n

Virginia City was bustling with activity \u2013 the annual charity drive would be taking place in a few days. Booths were being built to display various and sundry items running the gamut from pies to leather goods. New people were pouring into town every day, crowding the sidewalks, the streets, and the hotels. Even the mountain men came down, pitched their tents just outside of town, and strummed their guitars and banjos, their feet tapping to the rhythm of the music. Patrice’s place, \u201cThe Black Garter,\u201d the most expensive \u201cGentlemen’s Club\u201d in town, was doing a booming business \u2013 thanks mostly to the appearance of those mountain men. It seemed that Virginia City never slept during this annual event.<\/span><\/p>\n

All four Cartwrights had arrived in town in the early morning with each man going his own way. They promised that they would meet for lunch at \u201cMaggie’s Cafe\u201d later in the day after the rush of lunch hour. Joe went to look at a new shipment of rifles that had just arrived. Adam went to check out some new mustangs. Hoss went to look at saddles. Ben went to the bank and then to the leather-goods store where he had seen a pair of boots that had grabbed his attention several days ago. He seriously doubted that they’d still be in the store and wished he had bought them when he had first seen them.<\/span><\/p>\n

His bank dealings being finished \u2013 there had been a long line of folks at every teller’s window \u2013 Ben made his way along the boardwalk toward the leather-goods store. He never got there.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he passed by the Bucket O’ Blood saloon, he could hear shouts of \u201cYou can take ‘im, Hoss!\u201d and \u201cPut some muscle into it, Hoss!\u201d Ben wondered what in the world his middle son was up to, so he pushed his way through the swinging doors and saw a crowd of people around a table. He looked around and didn’t see any broken chairs or bottles, so Hoss wasn’t fighting. But the cheers for \u201cHoss! Hoss!\u201d continued to rise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben made his way to the center of the crowd and saw that Hoss was involved in an arm-wrestling match with a stranger who was just about Hoss’s size. Hoss’s huge hand was firmly clasped with the stranger’s huge hand, and both men’s arm muscles were bulging with effort. Ben watched for a while as Hoss gained some ground and then lost some ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood near his son and tried to speak above the noisy din of the crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, are you winning or losing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hi, Pa!\u201d Hoss was smiling broadly as he looked up into his father’s face. \u201cIt ain’t often that I run into a feller as good as me at arm rasslin’, and I mighta just met my match!\u201d Then Hoss, remembering his manners, looked at the stranger and said, \u201cThis here’s my Pa, Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGlad to meet you,\u201d the stranger said, smiling. It was obvious that he was enjoying himself as much as Hoss was. His smile was just as broad as Hoss’s.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded and smiled back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, Hoss?\u201d he began. \u201cHow long have you been at this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t rightly know, Pa. Fer a while, I reckon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThirty minutes!\u201d shouted Sam from behind the bar.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben scratched his head. \u201cThis is the best two-out-of-three, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t think so. Once is gonna be enough to cripple me for days.\u201d Hoss’s face turned red as his arm began to lean slightly toward the table and he had to exert more pressure to regain his position.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, we’re supposed to meet your brothers in about half an hour. Will you be there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The stranger answered, \u201cWin, lose or draw, we’ll quit in thirty minutes. Deal, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, Junior. You got yerself a deal.\u201d Then he added, \u201cWe’re gonna eat at ‘Maggie’s Cafe. Like Pa says, my brothers’ll be there. I’d like fer ya to meet ’em. You kin bring your family along, too. The food’s real good and maybe most o’ the crowd’ll be outta there by then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior smiled. \u201cYou got yourself a deal, Hoss! ‘Maggie’s Cafe’ in thirty minutes or so. Save three chairs for us. If you lose this match, you buy. If I lose, then I buy. If it’s a draw, we’ll split the tab.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked up at Ben. \u201cOkay with you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn’t until Ben got outside the saloon that a bell went off in his head. \u201dJunior\u201d The name was familiar, but Ben’s mind was on that new pair of boots and he didn’t give the name a second thought. Perhaps he should have\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTEEN<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had bought his new boots \u2013 the ones he had hoped for \u2013 and decided that this was a very good day. He entered Maggie’s Cafe and spotted Hoss and his friend already waiting for him at a table large enough to seat seven people. But Hoss had a strange look on his face, one that always indicated that something was amiss. Taking a deep breath and hoping he was wrong, Ben clenched the bag of new boots firmly, stood straight and tall, and finally plastered a smile on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you two are here early,\u201d he said cheerfully. \u201cI gotta know. Which one of you came out the winner?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss half-smiled. \u201cIt was a draw, Pa. I ain’t seen too many folks as strong as Junior. Junior Mallory.\u201d Hoss’s blue eyes watched his father’s face carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben dropped the bag in his hand. It hit the floor noisily. He made himself smile. After all, Junior hadn’t been the major problem for Adam and Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior’s smile was broad. \u201cHow nice to see you again, Mister Cartwright. Your son sure is giving me a run for my money. Why, my arm’s so tired and sore, I may not be able to use it for a week!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben’s mind was reeling. Now he understood the strange look on Hoss’s face. Junior seemed quite at ease \u2013 and he spoke as though he were well-educated. The two men shook hands and sat down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you’re the ‘Junior Mallory’ that I’ve heard about,\u201d Ben said as he reached for the cup of coffee already on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d Junior looked confused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJunior,\u201d Ben began, wanting to get to the heart of the matter quickly, \u201cAdam and Joe are my other two sons. They met you in El Crucero not that long ago. They were driving a herd here and needed water.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior’s eyes popped wide. Ben could see Hoss begin to tense up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, sure I remember Adam and Joe!\u201d Junior smiled and looked at Ben conspiratorially. \u201cAdam was the man who put my sister in jail! She was madder than a wet hen when she got out.\u201d And then Junior laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tension was broken. Both Hoss and Ben visibly relaxed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYer not mad, Junior?\u201d an astonished Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would I be? I love my sister more than anything. But she’s stubborn. Besides, I got less than what I deserved. I hope I didn’t hurt the cook too much by hanging him up on that signpost. But he said that I was as big as a horse and I got my feelings hurt. I’m very sensitive about my size.\u201d He turned to Hoss. \u201cYou understand, don’t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss laughed. \u201cI reckon I do, fer a fact.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had relaxed. \u201cI spoke to Cookie and found out what he said to you. He had said that you were as big as Hoss, not that you were as big as a horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean I scared that man half to death over my mistaking what he said? Aw, I’m awful sorry, Mister Cartwright.\u201d Then, \u201cAdam and I never would’ve had that fight if I hadn’t misunderstood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss interrupted. \u201cFrom what Adam said, you never fought him. He hit you but you didn’t even react. He finally managed to knock ya out by hittin’ you with two hands square in the temple. You went unconscious then. I reckon you don\u2019t even remember that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope. Don’t remember that part. Adam was smart. A strong blow to the temple will definitely turn out somebody’s lights!\u201d Junior continued to laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

Out of the corner of his eye, Ben saw Joe walking in and heading towards the table. Joe stopped, unsure as to what to do \u2013 he recognized Junior immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior stood up, a broad grin on his face. \u201cJoe! Come on and sit down! We’re having the best time!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at the smile on Hoss’s face, and he saw his father nod \u2013 a nod that meant all was well. So Joe walked up to the table and shook Junior’s outstretched hand. Joe was, for once, at a loss for words, so he sat down and tried to smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I hope you aren’t mad at me for what Rose did to you.\u201d Junior searched Joe’s eyes for an honest answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

This situation made Joe chuckle. He couldn’t wait for Adam to get here to see what would happen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw. Rose really just hurt my pride.\u201d Of course, Joe was lying about that \u2013 his ass had hurt like hell for at least a week. \u201cJunior, the only person you scared was Cookie. He still thinks he could’ve beaten you if you hadn’t hung him up by his vest.\u201d Joe grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and I have to be careful around smaller guys. They get hurt so easy.\u201d Junior took a big sip of coffee. \u201cWhen do I get to see Adam again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight now, Junior. He’s headed this way.\u201d Hoss had long since stopped being tense. He smiled as Adam approached the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Adam!\u201d Junior rose to his feet again. \u201cHow’s your hand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked quite confused and then the dawn of recognition hit him. \u201cJunior? Junior Mallory?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s me all right. It’s good to see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked into the mostly-forgotten honest face and saw no enmity there. He extended his hand and winced only slightly at Junior’s firm grip. Then, \u201cYou’re not mad that I threw your sister in jail?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior grinned. \u201cNot at all. She’s never been in jail before, but she always says when one person does another person wrong, then punishment should be accepted. After all, she shot Joe in the\u2026.um\u2026.behind. And everything worked out okay after that. You got your herd to water, none of our crops were damaged, and Rose wasn’t in jail for too long \u2013 she came home just as the herd was watered and on the move again. All’s well that ends well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss’s stomach growled loudly. He looked at the two empty chairs. \u201cReckon when we can order?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior answered. \u201cMy brother, Gus, should be along any minute now. He had to go to \u201ctent city\u201d where the mountain men are. He had to fetch Rose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRose?\u201d Adam repeated. \u201cRose is here in Virginia City?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, she’s here. This is gonna be some fun \u2013 the three of us and the four of you at the same table.\u201d There was no guile in Junior’s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it’s gonna be ‘some fun’,\u201d Adam echoed. He sipped his coffee and wished that it would magically turn into whiskey.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER FOURTEEN<\/span><\/p>\n

The door to Maggie’s Cafe opened, the bell over the door heralding the arrival of more patrons. Adam, who was sitting with his back to the door, looked over his shoulder and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Rose wasn’t among them. There were a husband and wife with two small children, all of whom were wearing clean but patched and re-patched clothing. Adam overheard the woman say to the man, \u201cI don’t know if we have enough money to eat here.\u201d The husband’s answer was, \u201cThen we won’t eat. The children are hungry \u2013 they come first.\u201d Adam couldn’t hear the rest of the conversation but felt a tug at his heartstrings. He remembered, when he was young, that his own father had gone without food so that Adam could eat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without fanfare, Adam caught the eye of Katie, one of the waitresses. He whispered something to her that only Junior could hear and then slipped something into Katie’s hand. Katie smiled and nodded and then went to the kitchen for a few moments. She emerged, looking jubilant, and loudly announced that today was a special day. The one-hundredth customer would receive a prize. She looked around the room, which wasn’t full at this hour, and let her eyes fall finally on the family with the two children.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations!\u201d Katie crowed. \u201cYou’re the winners! Would you like to know what you’ve won?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The startled man nodded his head slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold out your hand, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He did.<\/span><\/p>\n

And into his hand went fifty dollars in cash. His eyes bugged out, his wife gave a little shriek, and the children clapped their hands in delight. \u201cDaddy won a prize, daddy won a prize!\u201d they sang with happy little voices.<\/span><\/p>\n

The room was filled with applause. The patrons, though few, were in a festive mood, and any good fortune for anybody was reason to be still happier.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, sir,\u201d Katie said, \u201cI’d like to take your order. It’s part of the prize, so you get to eat for free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Stunned, the husband ordered a large meal for his family. The wife wiped away a tear of happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior leaned over and whispered into Adam’s ear, \u201cI thought that you were a good man when I met you. And you just proved that I was right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam started to say something to Junior but realized that Junior was now looking over his shoulder in the direction of the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh-oh,\u201d said Joe. \u201cAdam, don’t look. Maybe I’m wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But he wasn’t wrong. Gus and Rose had just come into the cafe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam didn’t look. He heard Gus say, \u201cLook, Rose. There’s a familiar face!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam heard Rose’s voice. \u201cWell, there’s our friend, Joe. Are you able to ride comfortably now? I wouldn’t want my best patient to be suffering any long-term effects from my surgical skills.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss was grinning. Ben looked surprised. Joe just stared. Junior chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

As gentlemen, when a lady approaches the table, manners dictate that the men stand up. Adam stood up and turned around slowly. His eyes met Rose’s. She had been smiling that devilish smile but it slid off her face quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first words out of her mouth as she looked at Adam were, \u201cOh, crappp! It’s you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER FIFTEEN<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, be nice,\u201d Ben warned under his breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus had a stern look on his face. \u201cRose, watch your mouth. You aren’t in ‘tent city’ now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose snorted in reply. \u201cJunior told Gus that we were having lunch with a friend he had made. I surely wouldn’t be here if I had known that the ‘friend’ was the man who threw me in jail and forced my brothers to open the fence after I had said an emphatic ‘no’.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRose, you have it wrong. The friend I was talking about is this man \u2013 Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Hoss, it’s nice to meet you.\u201d Rose turned to look at Hoss and gave him a bit of a smile. \u201cJunior said neither one of you won the arm-wrestling match. But you do need to be more particular about who you eat a meal with.\u201d She looked at Adam and then at Joe and then back at Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, ma’am? Adam and Joe are my brothers. This here is my Pa, Ben Cartwright.\u201d Hoss fidgeted slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Good Lord. I’ve died and gone to Hell! They’re a family!\u201d Rose muttered unhappily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRose! Behave yourself!\u201d Gus grabbed her arm and gave it a slight yank. Rose responded with her best pouty face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’ll have to excuse my sister. She’s having a bad day,\u201d Gus said by way of apology.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked innocent. \u201cHas she ever had a good day?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben’s voice was low. \u201cAdam, mind your manners and your mouth!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus extended his hand first to Ben. \u201cIt’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. I hear that the Ponderosa is the biggest and finest spread in Nevada Territory.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled and shook Gus’s hand. \u201cIt takes a lot of work to keep it running smoothly. I’m glad that I have my sons to help me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose snorted and mumbled something that sounded vaguely like \u201cAdam and Joe are a help?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus turned to shake Adam’s hand. \u201cI have good memories of our sitting on the front porch and drinking lemonade.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose muttered quietly, \u201cIt should have been laced with arsenic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Then Gus shook hands with Joe and turned to shake hands with Hoss. \u201cIt’s about time Junior met a man who could give him a run for his money. It’s a shame that you don’t live in El Crucero \u2013 or at least close by.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose sighed. \u201cCan we please eat now? All these pleasantries are going to make me lose my appetite.\u201d Then \u201cOw!\u201d as Gus yanked on her arm again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRose, these are gentlemen. They won’t be seated until you are seated. So sit!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose sighed loudly and sat down. She chatted politely with Ben about the Ponderosa and answered his questions about her land, its excellent soil, and about the crops her family raised. Ben noticed that Rose was ignoring Adam altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n

But Adam had a question that would require Rose to speak to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI noticed at your place that you called all the men ‘brother’ \u2013 ‘Brother Gus’, ‘Brother Will’, ‘Brother Matthew’\u2026. I was wondering why. Do you belong to a religious sect?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose turned her amber eyes toward him. \u201cNo, we don’t belong to a religious sect. When our parents died, Louis and Randall were very small and started calling me ‘Ma’. I didn’t want them to forget that I was their sister, so I started calling them ‘brother’. I guess I still do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam didn’t miss the loving looks she gave her brothers when she spoke. And she was actually civil!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou raised all six brothers by yourself? That must’ve been difficult. I had to raise only three sons by myself and they were all that I could handle,\u201d Ben said gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Rose said with a sly smile, \u201cGod said, in the Good Book, to go forth and multiply. My parents must’ve taken it very seriously.\u201d And then Rose made her eyebrows wiggle up and down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben laughed out loud. His laughter was contagious and spread around the table quickly. And Rose surprised Adam by actually smiling at him! He felt his heart beat a little faster. Felt his belly tighten. Maybe Rose wasn’t such a bad person after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

But she was back to her old self almost immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMister Ben \u2013 you don’t mind if I call you that because I will anyway \u2013 Hoss and Joe seem like decent men. But, perhaps, did you drop Adam on his head at some point when he was young? Or is he ‘slow’ and doesn’t understand that a man just can’t throw a lady over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and haul her off to jail just because she wants to protect her land, her crops, and her family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m not ‘slow’ and you got what you deserved,\u201d Adam retorted testily. As he started to say something else, the entire conversation was interrupted. Adam would see quite a surprising side to this thorny rose.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER SIXTEEN<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s ‘Alexandra’!\u201d the little girl squealed \u2013 the same little girl who belonged to the family who \u201cwon\u201d a free meal and fifty dollars.<\/span><\/p>\n

The child leaped from her seat, avoided her mother’s grasp, and made a bee-line for the table of seven. She approached Rose with a big smile. Adam noticed that Rose flinched slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just know it’s you,\u201d she said happily. \u201cI think you’re the most beautiful lady in the world. Well, my mommy comes first, then you. Daddy said today was our lucky day, and he was right! He won a lot of money and we got our breakfast for free!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what makes you so sure of who I am?\u201d Rose turned sideways in her chair and propped her elbows on her knees, bringing herself to eye-level with the child.<\/span><\/p>\n

The little girl reached into her patch-pocket and pulled out a handbill which showed a sketch of a woman playing a violin. The handbill was not an unfamiliar sight around Virginia City. It was advertising the arrival of a \u201cworld-renown violinist\u201d who would be putting on a show during the charity drive. And the sketch did rather resemble Rose\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe saw you play your violin last year in\u2026.um\u2026.Utah. We couldn’t get into the building there ’cause Daddy said it was too ‘spensive, but we stood outside and looked through the windows. I wanna play the violin and get famous just like you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie’s Cafe went silent. Everybody was listening to the little girl and watching Rose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBusted!\u201d Gus whispered with glee.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose shot him a quick dirty look and then returned her attention to the bright-eyed youngster.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know my name, but I don’t know your name. Will you tell me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDaddy calls me ‘his princess’, but my real name is Laura Purvis. My brother’s name is Frederick. He wants to marry you when he gets bigger.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frederick’s face turned crimson. Laura’s father was on his feet, intending to bring his daughter back to her chair. Rose looked at him and smiled, putting up her hand as a signal for him to sit back down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell Frederick that I’d be proud to marry him. But he has to get a little older first. And I’m very happy to meet you, Laura. That’s a beautiful name.\u201d Rose picked Laura up and sat the child in her lap. The little girl’s dress was shabby but clean. Rose’s heart ached for the family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you’d like to play the violin, too?\u201d Rose asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes!\u201d came the breathless answer. \u201cWhen Daddy gets rich, he promised to buy me a violin of my very own!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should know that the violin is a very difficult instrument to play. You’ll have to spend hours and hours practicing. At first, the tips of your fingers will be very red and sore and you might lose interest. But then you get callouses on your fingers, and they stop hurting. Are you willing to put that much effort into playing the violin?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura nodded emphatically. \u201cDo you have callouses?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was watching Rose intently. Her face had softened, and she had a gentleness about her that was real. She wasn’t putting on a fake show for the people in the cafe. She looked almost angelic. She took Adam’s breath away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose laughed, a genuine laugh that had a lilt to it. \u201cDo I have callouses? Just look at my fingertips, Laura. They’re hard as rocks!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura inspected Rose’s fingers, touching them gently. \u201cMy daddy has callouses like that all over his hands. He says it’s from plowing the field and doing ‘manual labor’. What’s ‘manual labor’?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose played with a tendril of Laura’s hair. \u201cIt’s the hardest work a man can do with his hands. His callouses are his ‘badges of honor’. The work he does is honest, really hard work. He’s a man to be deeply respected.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura listened intently and gazed into Rose’s eyes. \u201cYou have funny eyes.\u201d Only a child would be so blunt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, Rose laughed. \u201cI certainly do! I think God had a sense of humor when he handed out eye-color!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura laughed along with Rose. Adam was mesmerized. Rose, with her face and body relaxed, was really quite beautiful. His heart skipped a beat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you sign your name on this picture? Momma says it’s called an..um..er\u2026.auto-something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s called an autograph, and I would be delighted to sign it for you and your family. Brother Gus, have you got something to write with?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus handed over a pencil.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, I need to know your mommy and daddy’s names, so I can write something personal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMommy’s name is ‘Donna’ and daddy’s name is ‘Edgar’.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose spent a moment writing something. Before she handed the handbill to Laura, she spoke to Junior.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t you have some things in your pocket for this family? They couldn’t watch my last performance, and I want to make sure that they don’t miss the next one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior reached into his pocket and withdrew some pieces of paper. He reached across the table and handed them to his sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLaura, I’ll be playing my violin at the Opera House on Saturday. Here are four tickets \u2013 the best seats in the house, on the very front row. I hope that you and your family will be my guests. I’m going to write on them so that none of you will have any problem getting into the building and in getting these special seats.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura looked sad. \u201cBut we don’t live in Virginia City. And we have to go back home before Saturday because there’s no place to stay in town. All the hotels and boarding houses are full. Daddy found that out this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose smiled gently. \u201cOh, I forgot to tell you! How careless of me! When you are my most special guests, you get your room and meals at the International House for free. When you check into the hotel, all your mommy and daddy have to do is to sign the guest register and put ‘special guests of Alexandra Mallory’. You can’t check into the hotel until late this afternoon though. Is that okay? Go ask your parents for their permission.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Because it was so quiet in the cafe, the Purvises had heard every word. Donna was holding a handkerchief to her eyes, and Edgar’s lower lip trembled slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs it okay, daddy? Can we stay? Please?\u201d Laura’s voice carried throughout the cafe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, princess. We can stay. Now, come on back to the table. You’ve bothered Miss Alexandra enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Purvis, Laura has been no bother. Her enthusiasm is contagious and I’m very glad to have met her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura climbed happily down from Rose’s lap and took the autographed handbill and ‘special tickets’ with her as she skipped over to her own table. She handed the tickets to her father and the paper to her mother, who read it aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

To Donna, Edgar, Frederick and Laura. You are a very exceptional family. It has been an honor to meet you. I’ll see you at the concert on Saturday. With much gratitude, Alexandra Mallory.<\/span><\/p>\n

With handbill and tickets tucked safely away in his pocket, Edgar approached Rose and whispered to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’d like to pay you for the tickets, Miss Mallory.\u201d He pulled out his ‘prize’ money of fifty dollars.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMister Purvis, you owe me nothing. Would you deprive me of the pleasure of seeing Laura’s bright smile and her appreciation of the violin?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, ma’am,\u201d Edgar answered slowly. \u201cGod bless you for your kindness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose shook his hand. \u201cI fully expect to see you on Saturday. If I don’t, I’ll hunt you down and drag you to the Opera House myself!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Edgar grinned. \u201cI bet you’d do just that, ma’am!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He and Rose shared a laugh and then he and his family were gone. Rose’s face fairly glowed with happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, Rose?\u201d Gus broke the silence. \u201cYou just gave our suite away. Where’re we gonna stay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt the Ponderosa with us,\u201d Ben stated quickly. \u201cWe have plenty of room, and Hop Sing will be delighted to have a famous lady in the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho’s Hop Sing?\u201d Rose looked suspicious.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur cook. He’s Chinese and has been part of this family for a very long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood Lord! There are more of you?\u201d Rose rolled her eyes. \u201cThank you for your kind invitation, but I’m sure we can find a place to stay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re outvoted, Rose,\u201d Junior said, his eyes twinkling. \u201cWe would be most happy to stay with you at the Ponderosa, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked glum. \u201cGus didn’t vote.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid too,\u201d Gus answered as he finished his coffee. \u201cThe Ponderosa wins \u2013 with our thanks. We’ll be gone in three days, so maybe we won’t put you out too much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cWe would be honored to have you as our guests.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose’s lips were tight. \u201cI am not staying in the same house as that man!\u201d She pointed at Adam. \u201cI’d rather sleep in a barn!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’ll be glad to know that we have a large barn and plenty of hay. You’ll be quite comfortable there,\u201d was Adam’s retort.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose stuck her tongue out at Adam. \u201cI was right. Your father did drop you on your head when you were little!\u201d Then, turning to Gus and Junior, she added, \u201cYou’d better get our things out of the International House before the Purvises get there. Get off your butts and get moving!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her voice was so assertive, so commanding, that both Joe and Hoss jumped up to help Gus and Junior. Neither of them wanted to run afoul of those thorns if it could be avoided. Ben looked at Adam and tried very hard not to laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

The meal ended on that note. And, true to their words, Hoss and Junior split the bill.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time Hoss, Junior, Gus and Joe had sneaked everything out of the Mallory suite at the International House by way of the back stairs, the Purvis family was checking in. Rose had already alerted the desk clerks of her plan and had sworn them to secrecy. She would pay the bill before she left Virginia City. Her only other instructions were to treat the Purvis family like royalty \u2013 she sincerely wanted this to be a memorable occasion for all the Purvises.<\/span><\/p>\n

Into a nondescript buckboard went the luggage. Gus, with Hoss sitting beside him and with Rose sitting low in the bed of the wagon, clucked at the horses and headed to the main street to meet up with the Cartwrights. Already on the street were crowds of people, waving and shouting their welcomes to ‘Alexandra’.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rode beside the wagon as it slowly headed out of town. Ben and Adam rode behind and watched the crowd with great interest. Poor Junior had gotten side-tracked by the editor of the newspaper and would catch up in a few minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn’t take long for news to spread, does it?\u201d Ben observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cApparently not. But we don’t get celebrities here very often.\u201d Adam was quiet for a moment. \u201cPa, do you think it’s a good idea to let the Mallorys stay at the Ponderosa? Gus and Junior seem to be okay, but we’re going to have to put up with Rose and her bad attitude. And she really might sleep in the barn!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at his eldest son. \u201cYou aren’t helping matters with Rose. She baits you and you take the bait without hesitation. Try to be nice for a change and see if that makes a difference. I have a feeling that there’s much more to that lady than meets the eye. Give her a chance, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rode back to inform his father that Gus would be stopping at \u201ctent city.\u201d Rose had her horse there and wanted to get him. She had promised the men that she would take part in their music-making if they would keep an eye on her horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had nothing against these mountain men. In fact, they knew more about this part of the country than any of the Cartwrights might ever know. But he was now seeing Rose through different eyes and didn’t think that a lady of her status should be in \u201cungentlemanly company.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben’s face grew serious when Adam mentioned this. \u201cYou’re talking about the same lady that you threw in jail, son! If you had known who she was then, would you have done the same thing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026.I\u2026.\u201d Adam stammered. The question was valid. Would he have treated Rose any differently if he had known she was famous? He honestly didn’t know. Right now, all he could think of was her face as she spoke to Laura \u2013 there was a deep warmth and sweetness and gentleness that caused her to almost glow. He doubted very seriously that anybody could put on such an act. Was she as thorny as he and Joe had thought?<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked ahead at the buckboard. He saw only Gus and Hoss on the seat. But something peculiar was going on in the wagon bed behind all the luggage so he left Joe with Ben and rode alongside the buckboard. The \u201csomething peculiar\u201d was Rose changing clothes. Adam caught sight of Rose, in buckskin pants, but with only a camisole on. While Rose was pulling a shirt over her head, she was leaning at just the right angle to give Adam a view of the tops of her breasts. Adam couldn’t stop looking and wished he had gotten there when she was putting those pants on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose’s head popped through the neck of the shirt and she saw Adam staring at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, get your eyes full,\u201d she growled. \u201cI’m sure, with your personality, that you’re seeing something you’ve never seen before! You pervert!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grinned. \u201cOh, yeah, I’ve seen it all before. Many times. But you’ve got the best of the breasts!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose gaped. \u201cYou’re sick. Do you know that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely!\u201d Adam said, tipping his hat and riding up closer to Hoss and Gus. They had heard the exchange between Rose and Adam and were having a good laugh. Adam scowled and rode a little way ahead of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER NINETEEN<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTent City\u201d was alive with mountain men, and the guitar-playing and banjo-plucking had already begun when the Mallorys and the Cartwrights arrived. Rose, now dressed in buckskin pants and shirt and calf-high sheepskin-trimmed moccasins leaped from the buckboard. A leather strap held her hair at the back of her neck \u2013 it had been there at lunch. She must have changed into the skirt and blouse before lunch at the Hotel. The case that held her violin was tucked securely under her arm. She looked at Adam, started to walk toward him, turned around, then turned around again and approached him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt goes against my nature to have something nice to say to you,\u201d she began, \u201cbut I feel that I want to. Just once.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at her curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and Gus told me what you did for the Purvis family. I’m referring to the ‘prize’ that they ‘won’ in the cafe. I am quite surprised and delighted by your actions. Maybe you and I will never get along, but it’s obvious that you do care for folks less fortunate than yourself.\u201d She touched Adam’s chest. \u201cI think you have a heart after all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She spun around and hurried away, greeting several of the mountain men in passing. She stood by the men playing guitars and banjos and harmonicas, removed her violin from its case, listened to the music for several minutes, and then joined in. Her foot tapped lightly in rhythm to the beat of the instruments, a happy smile \u2013 another genuine smile \u2013 lit her face. She seemed to fit right in \u2013 to be accepted by the men who had spent their lives alone in the mountains.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwrights stood together with Gus and Junior and listened and watched.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey have no idea who she is,\u201d Gus said softly. \u201cThey just know that she can play her fiddle right along with them. And she enjoys doing it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior added, \u201cShe’s played for the crowned heads of Europe. She was \u2013 and still is \u2013 famous among the rich folks there and back in the Eastern part of our country. She’s retired now and wants to spend time with her family, but she still makes it her business to play for different charities. She never accepts money for her performances. She donates it to whatever cause she’s performed for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was seeing Rose in a brand new light. A good light. Maybe her \u201cthorns\u201d weren’t as sharp as he’d thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we were young, she was gone a lot. She performed for money. That’s how we were able to be fed and clothed and educated. Things weren’t easy for us when she was gone \u2013 but somehow we all muddled through those times and, I think, are better for it.\u201d Gus’s love for his sister was obvious and very touching.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Ben and saw the \u201cI told you there was more to her\u201d look. Adam nodded back and then turned to Junior.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut why does she keep her true identity a secret? Why hide away in El Crucero?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior smiled. \u201cShe wants to be liked for herself, not for what she does. The folks in El Crucero know all about her, know that she is trying to be a private person, and they all keep their mouths shut. Sheriff Blanton and Mayor Fletcher see to that. Rose will always be grateful to the people who are celebrity-conscious, but she doesn’t miss being hounded by newspaper folks who never let her rest. She has an agent in San Francisco who understands her. They keep in touch. When he learns about events that he thinks she’d be interested in, he lets her know. That’s why we came to Virginia City. The big Charity Drive draws folks from just about everywhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss scratched his head and looked at Junior again. \u201cBut the whole town knows she’s here by now. And I reckon there’ll be a lot of newspaper folks trying to see her. What’s she gonna do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe’ll be gracious to their faces and a witch behind their backs if they misquote her. That happens a lot. Staying at the Ponderosa where she can be mostly secluded is a double-edged sword because she’ll be out of the public eye for the most part. But don’t be surprised if you open the paper one day and find that she’s secretly married to one of you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But she’s so\u2026.so\u2026.contrary,\u201d Joe said, searching for the right word.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe’s stubborn. She has a temper. And she has an issue with trust. She’s been hurt badly by being too trusting. But she’s a really good person and very protective of those she loves. And that’s all I’ll tell you. If she wants you to know something, she’ll tell you herself.\u201d Gus was through talking about his sister. He was afraid he’d said too much already. He didn’t want to admit it, but even he was a little afraid of her wrath.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY<\/span><\/p>\n

The sun was low on the horizon before Rose finally packed up her violin, hugged a few of the grizzled mountain men, and headed toward the buckboard. Time had passed quickly for Gus, Junior and the Cartwrights \u2013 the rhythm of the \u201cmountain music\u201d had all of them tapping their feet and truly enjoying themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose’s faced was flushed but happy as she handed the violin case to Gus and then turned and walked quickly to get her horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had been scrutinizing her for quite a while and he liked what he saw. He watched her hips as she had her back to him \u2013 they swayed provocatively as she walked away toward the string of horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

But all eyes were on Rose as she picked out her horse \u2013 a large and beautiful Appaloosa gelding. She stroked his nose for a few seconds, checked the cinch on the saddle, and climbed aboard. If nobody had known better, she would easily have been mistaken for the wife of one of the mountain men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe’re ready,\u201d she said, the smile still on her face as she halted the horse in front of Junior who was already in the buckboard, his horse tied to the back rail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus put his hand on the horse’s neck, stroking the animal gently. \u201cDid you have fun, Rose? You fit right in with everybody else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had a wonderful time,\u201d Rose answered. \u201cToo bad the rest of the day has to be ruined\u2026.\u201d She looked pointedly at Adam and then rode up to where Hoss was waiting. Junior followed behind her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d she said. \u201cWe can’t find the Ponderosa without you. I don’t think I can trust Adam to hit the floor with his hat, much less find his way home. Lead on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. He turned to his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, she’s making it really difficult to be nice to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTry, son. Just try. It’ll be just three days and then they’ll be leaving.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus grinned. \u201cAdam, she likes you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at Gus in stunned silence. Rose and Hoss were walking far ahead, and Rose was out of earshot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe what?\u201d Adam looked very confused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe likes you,\u201d Gus repeated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was as surprised as Adam. \u201cHow can you tell?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause she acts that way around somebody she really likes. She tends to be quite contrary because she doesn’t want to like you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cContrary? You call the way she acts ‘contrary’? She’s a downright witch! What she needs is a strap across her ass to set her straight!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben’s voice was angry and very deep. \u201cI told you before \u2013 watch your manners and your mouth or you’ll be sleeping in the line shack in Rojo Canyon! I mean what I say!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed and climbed aboard Sport. \u201cWe’d better catch up to Hoss and Rose before they get to the Ponderosa. If Rose meets Hop Sing before we do, we may not have a cook any more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben’s face relaxed, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly. He recognized that Rose and Adam just didn’t get along. It certainly would be an interesting three days.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam muttered to Joe, \u201cIf this is the way she shows that she likes me, I sure would hate to know what she’d say if she didn’t like me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe just grinned. \u201cBrother Adam, you know you love a challenge. And now you’ve got one!\u201d Joe sped away before he could have his ear yanked \u2013 one of Adam’s favorite things to do to his little brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE<\/span><\/p>\n

When the group finally merged on the road to the Ponderosa, one member was missing. It was, of course, Rose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere’s my sister,\u201d Gus asked as he looked around.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe she decided to go back to El Crucero,\u201d Adam said, sounding hopeful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior waved his arm in every direction. \u201cMaybe there, maybe way over there, or behind those trees. Who knows?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? Hoss? Where did she go?\u201d Ben wasn’t pleased that Rose was wandering around, maybe hurt or lost, and he was holding his sons accountable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe said she wanted to let ‘Diablo’ run fer a while. Said he’d been tied up fer too long and needed to stretch his legs. Chubb couldn’t keep up, but Cochise could.\u201d Hoss looked at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa\u2026.\u201d Joe had hoped he wouldn’t have to admit this but he was now forced to. \u201cShe galloped through those low trees and jumped over logs, doubled back and jumped the creek, went straight down ‘Dead Man’s Slope’ and disappeared.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDead Man’s Slope?\u201d Gus looked concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sighed and decided to tell the truth, harsh as it was. \u201cIt’s a very steep and rocky place that goes straight downhill from a mesa into a small valley. One man tried to gallop down it \u2013 this was a long time ago \u2013 and both he and his horse fell and rolled most of the way down. It was a fool thing to do. The man died and the horse had a broken leg and had to be put down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior and Gus looked horrified. They turned to Hoss and Joe and asked why in the world did they let Rose go there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss blushed. \u201cMe and Joe was too far behind to stop ‘er. Pa, I swear that gal rides better’n any Injun we’ve ever seen!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was not pleased. His sons knew it and knew that they were responsible for their guests \u2013 all of them. As Ben was about to send his sons out looking for Rose, there was a whoop and holler of glee in the distance. There was Rose, bent close to Diablo’s neck, riding hard towards them. The horse’s long legs pounded the sod and kicked up clumps of it as he galloped. When woman and horse got closer, Rose had a huge smile plastered on her face. She finally slowed Diablo to a walk and stopped in front of the buckboard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mild-mannered Junior exploded before Ben had a chance to open his mouth. \u201cJust exactly what do you think you’re doing!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHaving a good ride,\u201d Rose answered with an innocent expression on her face. \u201cJoe and Hoss lagged so far behind, and Diablo and I wanted a good run, so we just ran.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben pointed his finger \u2013 a very dangerous sign that he was very angry. \u201cYoung lady, you could have been hurt or lost or\u2026.worse. Do not ride like that again without one of us with you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMister Ben, you are not my father and therefore can’t set rules for me. I’ll do as I please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben, at a loss for words, gaped in anger and started to speak.Adam looked at him and whispered, \u201cRemember, Pa. Try to be nice. It’s only for three days. Isn’t that what you told me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stared at his eldest son and clenched his teeth. \u201cI’m riding ahead to tell Hop Sing that we’ll be having guests and to set extra plates at the table. I’m taking the shortcut. The rest of you will take the long way home.\u201d With that, he galloped away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked perky and devilish. \u201cWhat’s he so angry about? At his age, he should learn to control his temper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam slapped the heel of his hand against his forehead in frustration. Joe chewed on the inside of his cheek. Gus and Junior said nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss motioned for Rose to ride next to him, then came Junior with the buckboard. Adam and Joe brought up the rear of the procession.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, why didn’t you stay with Rose? I know that Chubb would have a hard time keeping up, but Cochise wouldn’t.Joe sighed. \u201cI’d rather something happen to Rose than to Cochise. Adam, you didn’t see how Rose was riding \u2013 or where she was riding. Under trees, through trees, over rocks, between rocks, in the grass, in the mud, over the creek, down that Slope. She scared the Hell out of me! I don’t think you would’ve taken a chance with Sport just to save Rose’s idiot neck.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet’s just get home, Joe. Maybe Pa’ll have cooled down when we get there. But it sure is gonna be a long three days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing had put on his best clothes and was waiting outside the house with Ben when the group arrived.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome, Missee Rose,\u201d the Chinese cook said with a smile and a bow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked at him strangely but said nothing. Hoss broke the silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, somethin’ smells mighty good! And I’m powerful hungry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben introduced Gus and Junior to Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVelly grad to meet you. Hop Sing show you rooms now. Wash up before meal. Mistah Hoss get unhappy when belly empty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus and Junior smiled. \u201cGive us a moment to put the horses away. We’ll wash up in a hurry, we promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe fast. Meal get cold if you take long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose dismounted. \u201cI don’t eat bird’s-nest soup or hundred-year old eggs or monkey meat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing looked confused and then sad. His shoulders slumped as he walked slowly back to the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere was no need to talk to Hop Sing in that manner,\u201d Ben said slowly, anger in his eyes as he looked at Rose. \u201cHe was so excited to cook a special meal for you. I don’t allow anyone to make snide remarks to a man who is part of our family just because he’s Oriental.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose glared. \u201cYou don’t allow much around here, do you? I can’t ride without a chaperone and I can’t voice my opinion. Are there any other taboos that I should know about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was seething, and so was Adam. Hoss, the peacemaker, went to have some gentle words for Hop Sing. Joe helped Gus and Junior put the horses in the stalls and to unload the buckboard. Adam steered his father into the house and they both drank a large shot of whiskey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour Pa sure is mad. And rightly so. Rose crossed the line in what she said. And she said it to hurt a man she doesn’t even know.\u201d Gus looked absolutely stricken as he unsaddled the horses in the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we shouldn’t stay here,\u201d Junior added. \u201cRose seems to be getting way too far out of control. I know she has a problem with Adam, but she should work it out with him and not draw everyone else into her sarcastic web.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe spoke. \u201cYou’re here now. Pa can handle himself and so can Adam. Let’s see how tonight goes. Grab your luggage and hope for the best.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE<\/span><\/p>\n

Having been shown to their rooms, Gus and Junior washed up quickly. Rose had taken her sweet time and arrived at the table after the men were seated. They rose as she approached. Adam pulled out her chair for her and saw that she was seated. Hop Sing brought in a large covered platter, but his face was set like stone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Putting the platter on the table, he removed the lid and glared at Rose. \u201cSee? Not monkey meat. Loast pork. Velly good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He disappeared and returned with a huge bowl of parslied boiled potatoes, green beans, buttered sweet corn off the cob, and fresh biscuits with butter and syrup. He poured a vintage wine into the glasses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo bird’s-nest soup. No hundred-year old eggs.\u201d Quickly he returned to the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss broke the silence as he stabbed at a slab of pork and spooned gravy over it. \u201cPass the potatoes, please. Hop Sing has outdone himself tonight. He did it for our famous but ungrateful guest.\u201d It was the first snide remark he had made pointedly at Rose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked sulky. Junior ignored her and spoke. \u201cThis is a meal fit for kings! Gus, hurry up and don’t hog all the beans and the corn!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese are the biggest biscuits I’ve ever seen!\u201d Gus said, wide-eyed. \u201cI could probably throw a saddle on one of ’em, but I’d rather eat one!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The tension had been somewhat broken. Maybe the supper wouldn’t be a fiasco after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trying to start a conversation, Ben looked at Rose as she silently helped herself to the food. \u201cHow did you come upon the stage name of ‘Alexandra’?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It was the perfect topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s not a ‘stage name’, Mister Ben. My father’s name was ‘Alexander’ and my mother’s name was ‘Rose Ann’. They decided to name me ‘Alexander’ if I was a boy-child and to name me ‘Alexandra Rose’ if I was a girl-child. My name is really ‘Alexandra Rose Mallory’. But, lately, in order to be more private, I just go by ‘Rose’. Nobody in these parts recognizes me by that name. And,\u201d she smiled, \u201cI’m not easy to recognize any more because I’m older now. No matter how much I don’t like it, time continues to march by.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss had the next question. \u201cWhat’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose buttered a big, fat biscuit. \u201cHoss, there isn’t any difference. The name of the instrument doesn’t matter. It’s the songs that are played with it. Like today at ‘tent city’. Those were songs that required a good old country rhythm, so they required ‘fiddle music’. Classical music, like Bach and Beethoven and Gounod, need a different kind of sound which requires more high-toned ‘violin music’. I hope I’ve explained it correctly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes’m,\u201d Hoss said, his face relaxing. As a matter of fact, everyone was relaxing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you pick the violin?\u201d Joe asked, stabbing another piece of roast pork.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose’s face softened. \u201cMy father taught me when I was little. I loved the different sounds that it made. As I got older, my skills improved, and when I reached the ripe age of eighteen, I was accepted into a music conservatory back East. My father was a wonderful man \u2013 you would’ve liked him. We used to play duets together while my mother crocheted or did her sewing. You would’ve liked her too. They were made for each other, Momma and Papa. He knew just how to handle her when she spoke too sharply\u2026.\u201d Rose stopped. \u201cWell, that’s enough about them. But I like to think that they’re both looking down on me and are proud of my accomplishments.\u201d Rose’s eyes had a faraway and sad look.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam, who happened to be seated right next to Rose, kept watching her. There was something about her that tugged at his heart strings but he couldn’t put his finger on exactly what it was. Yes, there was a distinct \u201cphysical\u201d attraction but there was something more that he felt. Something deeper.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus looked at his sister with pride. \u201cShe’s been all over Europe, playing for the crowned heads. That’s quite a coup for a gal so young.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose actually blushed. \u201cI was so scared of those fancy folks! But they turned out to be just regular people who happened to be Queens or Kings or Princes or Princesses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat’s your favorite type of music,\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMusic is music. I like every kind. I actually don’t read sheet music very well. All those little notes on lines just confuse me. I play mostly by ear. If I hear enough of a song, I can play it. Papa always said that I had ‘the gift’. I didn’t know then what he meant, but I found out while I was at the Conservatory.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Things were going exceedingly well \u2013 far better than anyone could have hoped for. But Rose was Rose. And it was Adam who inadvertently opened up a can of worms.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’ve met your brothers \u2013 all of them \u2013 and seen their wives and children. Why is it that you’re not married with a family of your own?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose’s gentle expression turned harsh. Adam had hit a major emotional nerve without realizing it. \u201cI’ll have you know that I was married! For a total of a month. Then I found out that he couldn’t keep his pants on around other women!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe your attitude scared him away?\u201d Adam said it before he thought about how it would sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou cretin! Only you would blame me for something my husband did!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only was what Rose had said completely vulgar, her instant and complete anger took everybody by surprise. There was a moment of dead, stunned silence. Then Adam’s chair screeched across the floor as he pushed away from the table, stood up, and grabbed Rose’s arm firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet go of my arm, you bastard!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re coming with me. And I mean right now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam half-dragged Rose out of her chair and headed for the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Lordy,\u201d Hoss moaned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior started to stand up but Ben said quietly and firmly, \u201cPlease sit down, Junior. Adam won’t hurt her, but it’s time that he had a ‘discussion’ with her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus nodded solemnly. \u201cHe’s right, Junior. We can’t handle her, but I think he can. Let’s just eat and enjoy good food and new friends.\u201d He looked around the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing entered the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hear big noise! Where Mistah Adam and Missee Rose? Plates still full. She no like Hop Sing’s cooking?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cShe likes your cooking just fine, Hop Sing. She and Adam are outside for a few minutes and will finish their meals when they come back in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing returned to the kitchen, muttering under his breath in Chinese.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at Gus and Junior and opened up a conversation about growing crops. Adam, on the other hand, would not be addressing the same subject. He was a man on a mission.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose struggled and tried pulling away from Adam’s grip, but it was useless. She stumbled and started to fall. He yanked her back onto her feet and pulled her away from the house. For once, Rose felt real fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally Adam turned to look into her eyes. His eyes were almost black with anger and the muscles in his jaw worked overtime before he spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’ve had enough of you and your mouth. And so has my family. Pa told me to try to be nice to you, and I’ve tried and tried. But enough is enough! You’ve called me a cretin. You’ve called me a bastard. You’ve sniped at Joe. You’ve sassed Pa. You even caused Hoss to call you ‘ungrateful’, and Hoss is the easiest-going man in our family. You’ve hurt Hop Sing’s feelings. There’s no end to the vulgar language that you use which is completely unbefitting a lady. I’ve kept my mouth shut, but no more! This kind of behavior is coming to a screeching halt right now! As long as you’re a guest in our home, you will conduct yourself like a true lady. You will be respectful, your bad language damn well better cease, and you will stop your sarcasm and sniping. If you don’t, so help me God, I will drag you by your hair out to the woodshed and give you the spanking that you so richly deserve!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don’t you do it now if you feel that’s what I need?\u201d Rose’s voice was quiet and controlled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I’m so mad that I might accidentally beat you to death!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Amber eyes met very dark hazel eyes and locked. Silence. Adam had expected that Rose would apologize, but she didn’t.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam felt exhausted. He took Rose’s arm and led her back to the house, opened the door for her, escorted her to the table, pulled out her chair for her and then sat in his own chair. Neither said a word and no questions were asked of them. Ben, Hoss and Joe had kept the conversation going, the subject now being about whether or not the Mallory family should plant hay for the next season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Rose ate what was on their plates even though the food was cold. Both coffee cups were miraculously empty \u2013 thanks to Ben \u2013 and Adam reached for the coffee pot on the table. He poured some of the hot liquid into Rose’s cup and then some into his own cup. He took a deep breath and joined in the conversation about the possibilities of hay-growing. Rose spoke not a word, but the hot coffee put color back into her wan face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing appeared, his face inscrutable, and began clearing away the dishes. He jumped when Rose addressed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, the meal was delicious. Thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Chinaman looked through his slanted eyes into Rose’s face and saw honesty there. \u201cHop Sing velly glad you like.\u201d He scurried away to the kitchen, confused but pleased.<\/span><\/p>\n

The group now adjourned to the living room for an after-dinner drink. Adam poured a shot of whiskey for himself. Then he joined the others in a glass of brandy.<\/span><\/p>\n

All of a sudden, Gus remembered something important. \u201cRose, aren’t you supposed to play somewhere tonight at nine? It’s after eight now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose jumped. Her mind had been on Adam \u2013 his anger, his eyes, what he had said, the heat of his breath against her face. \u201cWhat did you ask me, Gus?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus repeated his question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, my Lord!\u201d Rose answered. \u201cYes, I remember now! Mister Ben, I have to go back into town. I’m supposed to be at Patrice’s place for a few hours. Can you tell me how to get there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had an odd look on his face. As a matter of fact, so did Adam, Hoss and Joe. But Ben spoke first.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPatrice’s place? Do you know what that is?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose shook her head. \u201cNo, but she’s donating a small fortune for me to be there. I can’t just not show up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grinned. \u201cIt’s called ‘The Black Garter’. It\u2019s\u2026.er\u2026.um\u2026.a \u2018gentleman\u2019s club\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose’s eyes popped out of her head. \u201cYou mean I’ll be performing at a whorehouse?\u201d Rose immediately clapped a hand over her mouth and looked at Adam. He just grinned at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep. It’s supposed to be the finest, most expensive, most upscale ‘house’ in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked at Gus and Junior. They seemed stunned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m gonna kill my agent,\u201d Rose said through clenched teeth. \u201cHe should’ve found this out before he told me anything. Now I’m committed to go. I’ll have to hurry \u2013 maybe change clothes there. I don’t have time to bathe. My hair is a fright\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus chuckled. \u201cI don’t think anybody will be looking at your hair, Rose. I don’t think anybody will be looking at you at all. Junior and I will be with you in case there’s any trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben spoke. \u201cHoss, hitch up the buggy. You go with them to make sure they get there and back without getting lost. Rose, go put on a dress, but nothing too showy. You don’t want to be mistaken for one of the ‘girls’ there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Rose hurried to her room, she passed a grinning, dimpling Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re enjoying this, aren’t you?\u201d she snapped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, absolutely!\u201d came the answer with a low chuckle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re hateful! Downright hateful!\u201d Rose hissed as she disappeared into her room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam laughed out loud. And he and Ben and Joe laughed out loud later after three men and a lady piled into the buggy and sped away to the finest whorehouse in Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX<\/span><\/p>\n

The hour was late when Adam heard the buggy pull up outside and when the front door opened. In flounced an irritated Rose who was muttering under her breath. Adam hadn’t been able to sleep and had picked up his guitar, had come downstairs, and had lit a fire in the fireplace, and was busily strumming a tune of his own making. The fire warmed the chill of the downstairs as well as lending a cheery and welcoming ambiance. He told himself that he wasn’t waiting up for Rose, but he knew also that he was lying to himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Earlier, he had been trying to sleep but couldn’t. He kept seeing Rose’s face with those amber eyes and full lips and cleft chin. He remembered the way the tops of her breasts looked. He recalled the way her hips moved in those buckskin pants and the fullness of her butt. He finally got up, splashed cold water on his face, and pulled on his jeans. No shirt. He walked quietly downstairs with his guitar. The lack of shirt was not for Rose’s benefit because he hadn’t actually planned to be awake when Rose returned. Or had he?<\/span><\/p>\n

Now she was here. He stopped strumming his guitar and looked at her flushed face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeathens,\u201d she snapped. \u201cThey’re heathens!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKeep your voice down, Rose. Pa and Joe are asleep.\u201d Adam had stopped strumming his guitar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, nobody in this house will be asleep after Gus and Junior come in. They’re both as drunk as billy goats!\u201d Rose hissed. \u201cSome bodyguards they turned out to be! I’m glad that Hoss was with us or we never would’ve made it back here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid anybody hurt you?\u201d Adam was worried about Rose’s safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNobody did anything to me. I played the violin in a dark corner while the women all wandered around half-naked. I saw at least ten newspapermen whose faces were familiar, but they didn’t see me, thank God. How in the world would I explain my presence in a whorehouse? I can be thankful that this is one performance that will never be in print!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose plopped down on the sofa. \u201cCrappp! I\u2019ve spent part of the the evening with half-naked women, and now I get to end the evening with a half-naked man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam, uncharacteristically, felt shy. \u201cI\u2019ll go get a shirt,\u201d he whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, never mind. I’ve already seen you like you are.\u201d If Rose were to admit the truth to herself, she would know that she liked what she saw. She had a wonderful visceral reaction to the nearness of Adam’s half-clothed body.<\/span><\/p>\n

Through the door came two very drunk men with a sober Hoss between them. Both Adam and Rose sprang to their feet as the men’s voices began to get louder. Hoss looked downright horrified as he tried to get Gus and Junior to be quiet and walk straight. His arms strained with the effort of trying to hold them upright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I couldn’t stop ’em from drinkin’ so much champagne! There was buckets of it ever’where!\u201d True to his nature, Hoss felt responsible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose put her hand on Hoss’s chest. \u201cHoss, none of this is your fault. My brothers are grown men and should’ve acted responsibly. You’re not their babysitter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo’m, I reckon I ain’t. But\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grabbed Gus under the arm while Rose did the best that she could by trying to hold Junior upright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, we can’t take them upstairs to their rooms,\u201d Rose whispered, clapping her hand over Junior’s mouth. He was beginning to sing happily, loudly, and off-key. \u201cThese idiots will wake up your father. He’ll be fit to be tied.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we could put ’em in the barn?\u201d Hoss asked hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cThen we’d have to explain to Pa why they were in the barn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I know what to do!\u201d Rose growled. \u201cAdam did it to Junior once before.\u201d With that, she clasped her hands together and made a mighty swing directly at Junior’s temple. He slithered to the floor and was quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Rose rubbed her hands and flexed them to make sure that nothing was broken.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you don’t have to be strong to knock a drunk man out cold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss both gaped at Rose and then looked at each other. Adam nodded at Hoss. One blow from Hoss’s hand to Gus’s temple did the trick. He, too, was unconscious.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss threw Junior over his shoulder and headed for the stairs. Adam grabbed Gus’s arms and Rose grabbed his feet \u2013 and this is how Rose’s brothers were carried upstairs and put in their beds, their clothes still on. Nobody woke up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf it’s okay with you, ma’am, I’m goin’ to bed too,\u201d Hoss said to Rose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hoss. You’re a sweetheart.\u201d Rose stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss blushed and scurried away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need a drink,\u201d Rose said wearily. \u201cI’m going downstairs to help myself to some of that brandy. Care to join me?\u201d She hoped that Adam would be agreeable to the idea, and he was.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two of them slipped quietly back downstairs where Adam poured snifters of brandy. \u201cHere’s to a very productive evening and good teamwork.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose giggled. \u201cI’ll drink to that. But right now, I think I’d drink to anything!\u201d Her amber eyes danced with glee.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Rose sat down on the sofa and looked at the fire in companionable silence. Then Rose spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were playing something on the guitar when I came in. What song was it? I’ve never heard it before.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cIt’s just a song I’ve been playing around with. I made it up but I’m having trouble with it. It’s in my head but it’s not coming out right on the guitar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you play it for me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While Adam picked up his guitar, Rose tucked her legs underneath her, the glass of brandy in her hand. She listened intently as Adam played a quite beautiful combination of chords.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to go from here\u2026.\u201d he said with a frown as he played several chords \u201c\u2026.to there.\u201d He played several more chords. He tried several different progressions but was unhappy with the sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked at her violin case on the floor where she had put it when she came in. \u201cWould you mind\u2026.?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’d be happy for some input,\u201d Adam interrupted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose tuned her violin to Adam’s guitar. \u201cNow, start again from the beginning. She watched his fingers as they pressed against the guitar strings.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAgain,\u201d she said when the music had stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n

This time, when Adam played, Rose played her violin with him, matching him almost perfectly note-for-note.<\/span><\/p>\n

The music was a distraction \u2013 a good one \u2013 that opened communication easily between the man and the woman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m sorry I hit a raw nerve at supper,\u201d Adam said as he tried yet another few notes that didn’t work well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m overly-sensitive about my marriage,\u201d Rose responded as her fingers pressed the violin strings. \u201cAnd I was vulgar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The struggle with the music continued with note changes and chord changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI made a mistake in my choice of men,\u201d Rose said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you love him?\u201d Adam sipped his brandy then returned to the guitar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I did. Now I know it was just a case of infatuation. I knew that he was a womanizer when I married him. I thought I would be woman enough to keep him home. Apparently, I’m not woman enough, probably for any man.\u201d Rose’s voice was sad. She continued to search for the right notes on her violin. Until she realized that Adam had stopped playing. She looked at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRose, you’re all woman, through and through. The failure of your marriage lies with your husband, not with you. Are you sarcastic, hot-tempered, devilish? Yes. But you’re also kind and gentle and thoughtful and beautiful. I think you hide behind snide remarks as a defense-mechanism so that you won’t ever give your heart \u2013 or let any man into your heart \u2013 to keep from being hurt. Stop hiding, Rose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving her chin from its resting place on the violin, Rose looked at Adam and didn’t move. For a moment, he didn’t move either. Then, ever so slowly, he brought his face closer and closer to hers until she could feel his breath on her cheeks. And then his lips touched hers, strong yet gentle, a long and closed-mouth kiss that spoke volumes. Her eyes had been open and she had seen his eyes close, his long lashes dark against his skin. She felt her own eyes close, felt the warmth and the pressure of his lips against hers, and she felt her lips respond \u2013 morphing from a thin, unyielding line into a welcoming pliability.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam didn’t want to stop that kiss. But he didn’t want to frighten Rose with too much too soon. He ended the kiss, touched her lips with the tip of his finger and said, \u201cYou are all woman, Rose. Never doubt it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose’s heart soared! And with that soaring came music of her own. She moved so quickly that she almost knocked Adam to the floor. She immediately put her chin back on the violin and played the elusive \u201cbridge\u201d that Adam had been looking for.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s it! That’s exactly what I couldn’t find on my own!\u201d Adam didn’t seem the least bit upset that the romantic moment had changed on a dime.<\/span><\/p>\n

He grabbed up his guitar and played the song straight through without Rose’s accompaniment. The song wasn’t finished, the ending hadn’t been invented yet, but a major hurdle had been surmounted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clapping her hands like a delighted child, Rose asked, \u201cWhat name are you giving your song?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam’s brow furrowed. \u201cI don’t know yet. I had to get over that stumbling block first. But I have an idea of what I might name it. When it’s finished, I’ll tell you. Deal?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDeal,\u201d Rose answered cheerfully. She returned her violin to its case and finished the last sip of brandy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it’s been a long day and an even longer night. I’m just plain tired. Would you mind terribly if I went on to bed and got some sleep? Tomorrow is the ‘big event’ for me, and it’ll be a busy day all over Virginia City. Unless my agent told me another lie, this charity drive is a really big thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was disappointed. He wanted to hold Rose, to kiss her, to get closer to her. The two of them had made such giant strides tonight. But he smiled instead. \u201cI think it’s time for my head to hit the pillow too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He put his guitar down carefully and, without warning, found Rose’s arms around him in a gentle hug. Her lips brushed his stubbly cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam. Tonight has been so\u2026.so\u2026.special.\u201d And then she disappeared into her room, closing the door quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam ascended the stairs and climbed into bed. The more he tried not to think about Rose, the more he actually did think about her. He remembered how Rose’s lips hadn’t reacted to his kiss at first and then had become soft and pliant. He had noticed the beginnings of heat in that kiss and wished he had taken things just a wee bit farther. He knew that her skin would be soft. His heart cried out for Rose \u2013 not just physically but mentally and emotionally. He tossed and turned an finally fell asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright was in love.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, alone in her room, Rose took off her dress and looked at her naked body in the mirror. She wasn’t as young as she used to be, but she was still in excellent shape. She sighed and climbed into bed. She kept remembering how Adam had looked in the warm glow of the firelight. His hair was tousled. The stubble on his face was dark \u2013 and he had the longest eyelashes she had ever seen on a man. His broad chest was covered with a thick mat of dark, curly hair that tapered somewhat as it approached the waist of his jeans. How firm and strong Adam’s body had been! How his muscles had rippled as he carried most of Gus’s weight up the stairs. Adam’s kiss had been erotic and gentle all at the same time and she had just gotten ready to react wholeheartedly to the kiss when he pulled away.<\/span><\/p>\n

One thing was clear to her as she thought about Adam. This was not anything like the infatuation she had felt for her husband. This was deeper, stronger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose had fallen in love.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rose early but knew that Hop Sing would be busy in the kitchen. As Adam walked downstairs, looking forward to a hot cup of coffee, he heard strange sounds coming from the kitchen. Melodic but foreign. He quickened his pace and found Rose in the kitchen with Hop Sing \u2013 that was remarkable in itself because Hop Sing never allowed anyone in the kitchen with him when he was cooking. And the sounds that Adam had heard were coming from the violin in Rose’s hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked over the top of her violin and gave Adam a wink. Adam was stunned into silence and he gratefully reached for the coffee cup that Hop Sing extended to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMistah Adam!\u201d Hop Sing began excitedly. \u201cMissee Rose play music special for Hop Sing!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I hear,\u201d Adam answered. He had never heard Chinese music played on a violin before. \u201cAnd just how did that come about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose stopped playing and had a hint of devilment in her eyes. \u201cI asked Hop Sing what his favorite song was. I told him that I’d play it if he would hum it for me. Turns out that it’s a lullaby that he remembers his mother singing to him when he was little.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing scowled at Adam. \u201cYou go away. You keep Missee Rose from violin. Hop Sing want music. No talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam dimpled at Rose and exited the kitchen. The music began again promptly. And, when Ben, Hoss and Joe came down the stairs, Adam explained to them what was going on \u2013 an explanation which elicited knowing smiles from his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like Rose has made peace with Hop Sing,\u201d Ben said with a smile as a beaming Hop Sing emerged from the kitchen long enough to put hot coffee on the table. He scurried back into the kitchen as quickly as he had come out of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

There now came the heavy tread of feet on the stairwell as Junior and Gus made their way downstairs. It appeared that the brothers were trying to hold each other upright as they navigated the steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat’s that racket?\u201d Gus asked as he sat down at the table and held both hands against his banging head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMake it stop!\u201d Junior added. He looked equally miserable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you two not feeling well?\u201d Ben knew the look of a hang-over when he saw it and deliberately spoke louder than normal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus and Junior shuddered at the sound of Ben’s voice. Hoss poured two cups of coffee and set them noisily in front of the pasty-faced brothers. Joe stirred his coffee loudly. The Mallory brothers, big and brawny, trembled as they tried to hold their cups steady enough to get the hot liquid to their mouths.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is that awful sound?\u201d Gus asked again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam, leaning against the wall, looked innocent. \u201cWhat sound? I don’t hear anything. Do you, Pa? Hoss? Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grinned. \u201cI hear the birds outside the window. It’s a beautiful day and they’re singing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShoot ’em!\u201d Junior pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus continued to hold his aching head.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201cawful sounds\u201d stopped. Rose appeared. She had heard the conversation and sneakily hid her violin behind her as she entered the dining room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning!\u201d she said loudly as she passed by her brothers. \u201cJust look at that beautiful sun!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing that their sister couldn’t abide drunkenness, both brothers sat straighter and looked out the window dutifully, hoping that they would appear sleepy rather than hung-over.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, my eyes!\u201d Gus shouted as he turned away from the window.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior moaned pitifully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMister Ben?\u201d Rose began. \u201cDoes it appear to you that my brothers might be ill? Maybe we should send for the doctor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat they need is a good breakfast. Eggs and bacon and sausage and pancakes with lots of butter and syrup and\u2026.\u201d Ben began.<\/span><\/p>\n

Holding his hand over his mouth, Gus bolted for the front door. Blood drained from Junior’s face and he took on a slightly green appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Rose put her violin back in its case. Then she went to the front door and pulled Gus back into the house, leading him back to the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Gus,\u201d Rose said with a sly look. \u201cThere’s a big bruise on the side of your head! What happened to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss could stand no more. He went into the living room and picked up a book, pretending to read it. Joe just giggled. Ben and Adam smothered their own laughter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJunior? What in the world happened to Brother Gus?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t remember,\u201d Gus finally said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose, her arms akimbo, said loudly, \u201cYou don’t remember because you were both drunk when we got home last night! You know that I don’t tolerate drinking to excess! And you did it while we were guests in this house!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRose,\u201d Gus pleaded, \u201cI don’t mind being scolded, but could you lower your voice? My head feels like it’s gonna split wide open.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Rose. What he said.\u201d This from Junior. \u201cAnd we’re real sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, goodie!\u201d Rose clapped her hands with glee. \u201cHere comes that big breakfast!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Mallory brothers bolted for the front door when they saw the platters of food that Hop Sing put on the table. They were outside for a very long time.<\/span><\/p>\n

The day of the Virginia City Charity Drive had begun.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY<\/span><\/p>\n

After breakfast, Ben and Adam walked outside to the barn to hitch up the buggy. Rose would be taking her dress and other things to the Opera House to change into before the night’s performance \u2013 hence the need for the buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at the luggage. \u201cA man could carry his things in a bedroll for a week. A woman can’t carry anything for one short evening.\u201d Father and son laughed and then chuckled at Gus and Junior and how they finally had drunk one of Hop Sing’s \u201cmiracle cures\u201d made expressly for hang-overs. The \u201ccure\u201d actually did work after a short time, and the Mallorys were now in the process of changing clothes to go into town.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I don’t want to get into your business. You explained your ‘discussion’ with Rose to your brothers and to me last night, but I have something to say.\u201d Ben looked serious.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m listening,\u201d Adam said as he opened a stall door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think what you said to Rose was appropriate. I’m proud of the way you handled the matter.\u201d Ben paused. \u201cI also recognize that you have deep feelings for this lady \u2013 it’s not overtly obvious. But it’s something I just know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love her, Pa.\u201d There, he had admitted it to himself and to his father. It was then that Adam repeated what Rose had said about herself and her husband \u2013 and not feeling that she was a real woman.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cI think she loves you. But don’t rush into anything too soon, son. Don’t push her too fast. I’d hate to see either of you get hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam grinned. \u201cAre you going to have the ‘birds-and-the-bees talk’ with me at my age?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, son. I just want for you to remember something important. People fall in love with each other for who they are. They accept the good with the bad. Rose can be ‘difficult’ and so can you. Don’t make this relationship into a power struggle about who can control whom. Don’t try to take away all of Rose’s ‘thorns’ and turn her into a ‘shrinking Violet’. And don’t let yourself become a doormat for her to wipe her feet on. Both of you would be miserable if that happened.\u201d Ben paused. \u201cI’m saying this badly\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked into his father’s eyes. \u201cI think you said it just fine, Pa. Thanks for keeping me ‘centered’.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The buggy got hitched up, horses got saddled, and the Cartwright-Mallory procession went into town.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE<\/span><\/p>\n

Throngs of people crowded the streets. The booths had been set up the night before with everything any person could dream of buying, and Rose loaded her brothers down with gifts for her family. The money raised from the sales would be doled out to several different charities \u2013 it was a good cause, and Rose spent her money freely, as did her brothers and the Cartwrights.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing that the next day would be a madhouse with people checking out of hotels and boarding houses, Rose asked Adam to accompany her to the International House to pay the bill for the Purvis family. Adam’s heart was once again touched by Rose’s generosity and thoughtfulness. She paid the bill quickly and discreetly and tried to sneak out again. But she had been followed by a gaggle of newspaper reporters \u2013 who fortunately had no idea what she had just done \u2013 and now she was trapped. With a sigh, she sat down and answered basically the same questions she had been asked a thousand times over. All of this was old-hat to her, but she knew that the local news articles would be printing information that the folks in town might not know. Adam watched her carefully, impressed by her poise and her patience.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was one question that Adam heard and felt his body get tense.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were married once \u2013 but only for a short time. Can you tell us why you got divorced?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose bit her lip. \u201cMy marriage and my divorce are intensely personal and private subjects. And they will remain that way. How rude of you to ask!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let me ask another question. Is there a special man in your life right now? Do you have plans to marry again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose sneaked a peak at Adam. He winked. Rose’s answer was sphinx-like. \u201cThere may be a special man in my life, but that falls under the ‘personal and private’ category.\u201d Then \u201cNow, if you will excuse me, I’d like to leave and look at all the different booths. I saw several items that caught my eye. If I don’t get out there, those things’ll be gone. Thank you, gentlemen, for your time and your interest. Perhaps I’ll see you at the Opera House tonight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There were nods and a smattering of applause as Rose left the Hotel. Adam was waiting, inconspicuously outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gently, he took Rose’s elbow and steered her through the crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m proud of you. You handled yourself well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hazel eyes and amber eyes met and locked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there a ‘special man’ in your life?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose chewed on her lip and heard herself answer, \u201cI hope so.\u201d Pause. \u201cYou’re so damn nosy, Adam. Why don’t you go look for a gun or something!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Remembering what his father had said, Adam ignored the edginess to Rose’s voice. He rather liked a few thorns. But he wouldn’t be a doormat either. \u201cNope. I’m sticking to you like glue. Somebody needs to be around in case your mouth gets you in trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose gaped at him and then strode off into the crowd. Adam was by her side the whole time.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO<\/span><\/p>\n

The day passed quickly and it soon was time for the Cartwrights plus Gus and Junior to go back to the Ponderosa to eat a quick supper, bathe, change clothes and return to Virginia City for Rose’s performance. The gifts that Rose had purchased were loaded into the buggy along with the things that the others had bought.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam walked Rose to the Opera House. \u201cYou haven’t eaten since lunch. You need to eat something before you go on stage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose smiled. \u201cI’ll have something in my dressing room \u2013 it’s written in my contract that there be a light sandwich and some fresh fruit. I’ll be fine Adam. Really.\u201d She was touched that Adam was worried about her. \u201cNow do go back home. I’ll see you tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam paused. \u201cHow ’bout a kiss for luck?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He didn’t wait for an answer. Tilting Rose’s chin up with his fingers, Adam kissed her. And this time, Rose felt the tip of Adam’s tongue against her lips. She surprised herself by opening her mouth to allow her own tongue to briefly touch his. The kiss gave her goosebumps, and she was disappointed when Adam drew quickly away. He dimpled at her, kissed her on the tip of her nose and then turned and strode away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose went to the dressing room that had been used by many performers \u2013 the last one being the famous Mark Twain. There were four dozen roses in vases all over the room \u2013 one dozen from each Cartwright. Rose was moved to tears. She felt loved by some very special men. And, as promised, there was food for her to eat, so she sat among the flowers and nibbled on a large sandwich.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a small wood stove with wood already in it, and there were buckets of water and a tub for her to bathe in. She lit the stove, poured a bucket of water into the pot on top of the stove, and ate the fresh fruit while she waited for the water to boil. Next came her bath with lavender soap. She soaked in the tub with her eyes on the clock on the wall \u2013 the curtain would rise at seven o’clock and she was never late for a performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

When she was squeaky-clean, she toweled dry and then sat down in front of the large mirror to put on her stage make-up. As she touched her lips lightly with lip color, she thought about Adam and his kiss. Her hand trembled as she remembered the thrill that had gone through her at the feel of his tongue in her mouth. Looking into the mirror, she mouthed the words \u201cI love you, Adam Cartwright.\u201d The words \u2013 and the feeling behind them \u2013 just felt right. She smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

She started to gather her hair into a low bun on the back of her neck and then decided against it. She would leave it down and began brushing it ’til it gleamed. She looked at the clock. It was time to put on her dress, and she was ready when there was a knock on the door. \u201cMiss Mallory, you have two minutes.\u201d She checked herself in the mirror, was satisfied with what she saw. Picking up her violin, she plucked the strings to make sure the instrument was in tune. She then walked to the center of the stage confidently and waited for the curtain to rise.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and gentlemen, the Virginia City Opera House is proud to present Miss Alexandra Mallory!\u201d the Mayor announced and then disappeared.<\/span><\/p>\n

The curtain rose slowly to reveal Rose in a green dress with amber thread running through it. The bodice was tight and cut low. Only one piece of material wound around the neck to keep the dress up. Through the glare of the stage lamps, Rose could see that the House was packed full \u2013 and the Purvis family was seated right where they should be which, as promised, was on the very front row in the center. Rose moved forward and touched little Laura on top of the head with the bow-string. Laura smiled her biggest smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then Rose looked, not for her body-guard brothers, but for Adam. At first, she didn’t see him \u2013 she had expected that he’d be in the balcony. None of the Cartwrights were seated there \u2013 not even Hop Sing. Rose’s heart dropped. With a heavy heart, she scanned the audience. Damn these lights! I can’t see anybody!<\/span><\/p>\n

But then she saw the man she was searching for – he was standing next to Gus below the stage and to the side of it. His smile made her heart soar! She returned his smile and, as she continued looking around quickly, she saw Junior and Hoss at the other side of the stage. Joe, Ben and Hop Sing were sitting several seats away from the Purvis family. A sea of faces stared up at her, waiting expectantly. Then there was applause, so loud that Rose laughed out loud.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a wonderful welcome! How gracious you are!\u201d She paused. \u201cI\u2026.uh\u2026.I just want to thank you for inviting me here and allowing me to perform for you. What a treat!\u201d Another pause with a shake of her blond hair. \u201cAre you ready? Shall we go for it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cheers and applause ensued as Rose tucked the violin under her chin. She sneaked another peak at Adam \u2013 how handsome he looked, freshly-shaven and in that crisp white shirt and dark jacket and pants! I love him!<\/span><\/p>\n

The first song was a rousing, foot-tapping, hand-clapping song with Rose dancing and skipping all across the stage, from left to right and then right to left. She twirled and spun, the soft skirt whirling around her legs like a cloud \u2013 and often showing her bare calves. She had a genuine smile on her face, even when she tossed her head to get her hair away from the violin strings.<\/span><\/p>\n

She was so professional that the audience, enchanted, never knew where one song began and ended. The segue was that smooth. Rose played all kinds of music from classical music to lullabies to music of the mountain men to music from the East to campfire songs borne of the West that were sung on trail drives. When the slower music was played, Rose stood and swayed. For other songs, she stooped low and dipped and teased \u2013 always moving her body to the rhythm of each song. A newspaper writer would later describe her in print as being \u201cpoetry in motion, moving with fluid grace and confidence.\u201d He was right on target.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was only one time when Rose stood too close to the edge of the stage. A large mountain man grabbed her skirt and wouldn’t let go. Rose didn’t stop smiling but this was the kind of trouble that she caused herself. And then Adam was there, gripping the mountain man’s thick wrist and saying something in a low voice. Rose’s skirt was immediately released, Adam winked up at Rose, and the performance continued for over two hours. Rose had the audience in the palm of her hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, after her last slow song, Rose held up her bow-string, then lowered it, and curtsied. The curtain closed, but the roar from the audience, their sustained applause, and their demands for \u201cOne more!\u201d brought Rose out for a second time.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose stood quietly until the the audience calmed down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am often asked if I have a favorite piece of music. The answer to that is ‘yes, I do.’ I was raised in a valley outside of Virginia. It was, and still is, a beautiful area. The music itself has many names, but I think you will recognize it immediately. I hope you enjoy it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tucking the violin under her chin, Rose began to play individual notes just loud enough for the audience to hear. The notes were, as Rose had predicted, immediately identifiable as \u201cShenandoah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the sweet notes and then even sweeter chords were played, Rose’s face took on a look of serenity and joy. She actually glowed. It would be hard for anyone to believe that such sounds could emanate from one single instrument, but it was true. Rose’s whole body swayed gently, dipped slightly as she changed octaves both up and down, but she never lost the melody of the plaintive and haunting music.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam, like so many others, was transfixed. Rose couldn’t have looked more angelic if she had been wearing wings. Adam knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he was in love with Rose. Yes, he wanted her physically \u2013 her swaying body, the sight of her bare calves \u2013 made him feel hot all over. But, more than physically, there was a huge emotional reaction that his heart couldn’t deny.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t hurt her,\u201d Gus whispered. \u201cIf you do, I’ll kill you with my bare hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf anybody gets hurt, it will be me,\u201d Adam whispered back. \u201cShe may not feel the same way that I do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe does, Adam. I promise you that.\u201d Gus’s voice was serious as he repeated again, \u201cDon’t hurt her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose had now finished playing. She made a deep, long curtsy, and the curtain closed to thunderous applause that lasted and lasted. Rose came out, spread her arms wide, and shouted \u201cThank you for being so wonderful! The money that you paid for tickets is being donated to charity \u2013 so many needy people will be helped by your kindness. I’m proud to be a part of all of this!\u201d More thunderous applause, but Rose didn’t emerge. The performance had come to an end.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior approached Adam when most of the audience had made their exit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don’t you go to Rose’s dressing room? I know she’ll be happy to see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Is it so obvious that I’m in love with Rose? Are my feelings that transparent? Even Pa knew!<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam headed behind the stage to the corridor leading to the dressing rooms. He had been back here before when Charles Dickens had read excerpts from one of his books, so getting lost wasn’t a problem. Holding his breath, Adam knocked on the door with \u201cMiss Mallory\u201d written on it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome in, Gus,\u201d came Rose’s answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s not Gus. It’s Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose opened the door and was immediately enfolded in Adam’s strong arms. Rose felt her feet leave the floor as Adam lifted her up and swung her around and around, his lips against hers. His kiss was returned with a joy that Adam could feel all the way to his toes.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAhem!\u201d Junior cleared his throat loudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, for God’s sake! You sure do know how to ruin a moment!\u201d But Rose was smiling over Adam’s shoulder at her brother. Well, actually, Gus was there too, along with Ben, Hoss, Joe and Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

To Adam, she sniped, though gently, \u201cYou’re acting like a caveman. Put me down!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t know as I want to,\u201d Adam retorted. But he did put her down. He was rather embarrassed at being caught in such a display of affection.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was now a crowd of men in the small dressing room \u2013 four Cartwrights, Hop Sing, and two Mallorys.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben spoke. \u201cI see you got my flowers \u2013 at least I’m assuming that one of those vases came from me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMister Ben,\u201d Rose grinned, \u201cthank you for the roses. They’re beautiful. And thank you Hoss, Joe and Adam for the roses that each of you sent. I am truly grateful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at his sons in surprise. \u201cIt would seem that I’m not the only Cartwright who had the same idea.\u201d He chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose giggled. \u201cA woman can never receive too many flowers. I’m a sentimental slob.\u201d Then, \u201cDid you remember to bring the buggy back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cWe knowed that all the luggage that come in had t’ be took out after the show.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t have to tell you what a wonderful, moving, touching performance that was,\u201d Ben said, still smiling. \u201cFolks’ll be talking about you and your violin for a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose was stuffing things into a large valise. She turned, joy on her face. \u201cI don’t know when I’ve felt so\u2026.so\u2026.loved by so many people. It was a magical night. I hated for it to end.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus tapped his foot. \u201cWe’ll step out while you get changed. Then we’ll load up the buggy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked at herself in the mirror and saw Adam’s appreciative glance sweep over her. \u201cI’ll just wear this back to the Ponderosa. Be careful with the roses \u2013 I want to keep them! Throw everything else in the buggy and let’s go home.\u201d The word \u201chome\u201d was a slip of the tongue that didn’t escape Ben’s notice. Or Adam’s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, Rose?\u201d Junior grinned. \u201cWe had kinda planned to go to the Bucket O’ Blood for a while. Gus and I talked about it earlier.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked at her brothers with suspicion. \u201cDon’t you dare get drunk! I’ll not be embarrassed by you two again!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had a strange look on his face. \u201cWe’ll keep an eye on them, won’t we?\u201d He looked pointedly at Hoss and Joe. Hop Sing giggled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa! Hop Sing’s made\u2026.\u201d The look in Ben’s eyes and the jolt to the ribs by Joe made Hoss stop in mid-sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cI guess it’s up to me to drive the buggy home.\u201d He was no fool and understood exactly what was going on. He was being given precious time to be alone with Rose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose stamped her foot. \u201cI can drive the buggy myself! Don’t do me any favors! Go ahead and belly up to the bar if you want to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took Rose’s arm. \u201cThis has been a wonderful night. Try to make it through one whole evening by being nice!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With that, Adam whisked Rose out of the dressing room, out of the Opera House via the back door to avoid the throngs of people still in the street, and ended up lifting her bodily onto the buggy seat. Luggage was put in the back while Rose pouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee you later, Pa!\u201d Adam said with a laugh. He snapped the reins on the horse’s rump and the buggy lurched forward causing Rose to slide sideways in trying to keep her balance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a caveman!\u201d she said sulkily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma’am. You said the same thing earlier and got no argument from me.\u201d Adam chuckled for a long time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose pouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX<\/span><\/p>\n

High on a knoll that overlooked Virginia City, Adam stopped the buggy. \u201cGet out,\u201d was all he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI most certainly will not! And don’t speak to me in that tone of voice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam got out and scooped Rose in his arms and then stood her on her feet. \u201cLook over there,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m looking and I don’t see anything.\u201d Rose stuck out her bottom lip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust wait,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose tapped her foot impatiently and then jumped at the sound of an explosion. Her eyes widened and she forgot to pout. \u201cFireworks. Look, Adam! Look at the colors! Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam said quietly as he put his arm around Rose’s shoulders. \u201cYou.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose shivered slightly, but not from the cool night air. Wordlessly, Adam removed his jacket and draped it around Rose. She said nothing but edged closer to Adam until her hip bumped his. The two stood together in silence and watched the fireworks display until it was over.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis really has been a magical night, hasn’t it?\u201d Rose looked into Adam’s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam said nothing. Instead, he cradled Rose’s face in his big hands and kissed her, gently at first. Tasting the sweetness of her lips. Reveling in their softness. He was more than pleasantly surprised when he felt Rose’s tongue against his lips, against his teeth, and his tongue met hers in soft swirls. Their tongues did little dances against each other, played hide-and-seek with each other. Rose’s arms went around Adam’s neck and his arms went around her back. This was a kiss that never broke, not even when Adam’s jacket fell off Rose’s shoulders \u2013 he just moved his arms and let it drop to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose felt light-headed, giddy. She had never felt such passion before nor had she ever felt such a passionate response from her husband in what seemed a lifetime ago. One of Adam’s hands moved to her hair, pulling it gently until her head bent back. He broke the kiss and turned his lips to her neck, to her ears, and then back to her lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

But then she stiffened. \u201cAdam, we can’t\u2026. I have to go back home tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t go,\u201d he whispered into her neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have to!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t go, Rose. I don’t want you to ever leave me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked into Adam’s eyes, saw the fire and heat there. Felt her own fire and her own heat. \u201cI need time, Adam. Time to know what I truly feel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben’s wise words came back to haunt Adam: \u201dDon’t push her too fast, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love you, Rose,\u201d Adam said simply. \u201cBut I won’t push you. I think you already know how you feel but I think you’re afraid. Trust me. Please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two stepped away from each other slowly but Rose held Adam’s hands. \u201cI think\u2026.I think you’re right, Adam. Trusting doesn’t come easy for me, you know that. Can we talk about it tomorrow, in the daylight, when the magic of this night is over?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded. He lifted Rose back into the buggy and drove home. They were both silent as their bodies cooled down and their minds began to clear.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN<\/span><\/p>\n

Back home now at the Ponderosa, Adam put the buggy in the barn, unhitched the horse and put it in its stall. Rose noticed that the horses were in their stalls, including the ones belonging to Junior and Gus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I sure am glad that everyone is home at a decent hour,\u201d Rose remarked. \u201cMaybe Gus and Junior are sober and asleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Adam said with a chuckle. He bent his head to give Rose a quick kiss. \u201cLet’s go inside. These bags are getting heavier by the minute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose opened the front door for Adam who was carrying her luggage. She was met with a smattering of applause by her brothers and by Ben, Hoss and Joe. She was so surprised that she stopped suddenly, causing Adam to bump into her and almost knock her down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was holding a newspaper, copies of which would be put out in town tomorrow. The headline, typed in big bold letters, read \u201cAlexandra Mallory’s Stellar Performance.\u201d There was a long story underneath it, but Rose didn’t read it. She was distracted by Hop Sing’s appearance \u2013 with an enormous sheet cake, carefully and lovingly decorated with small roses, a violin, and actual musical notes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing! I’m speechless! I can’t find the right words\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing spent all evenin’ bakin’ this cake for you,\u201d Hoss said proudly. He tried to take a swipe at the icing and got his hand slapped by Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut there are even musical notes on top. See? There’s an ‘A’ and a ‘D’ and a ‘G’ and a ‘C’. And they’re perfect! How did you do that?\u201d Rose was impressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing smiled broadly. \u201cBorrow music book from Mistah Adam. Copy notes carefully on cake. You like?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose answer was to fling her arms around the grinning cook, hugging him hard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Missee Rose. You squeeze Hop Sing. Make him pop!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked around the room slyly. \u201cYou never went to the saloon at all, did you? And you set me up with Adam to delay my arrival so that the cake would be done.\u201d Then, \u201cIt was a fantastic idea! We watched the fireworks from the top of a hill. The magic of this night just goes on and on. All I can say is ‘Thank you.’\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grinned. \u201cWe’d better eat that cake before Hoss gets his hands on it or there won’t be any left for the rest of us!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of cake is it?\u201d Rose could see only the white frosting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDevil’s food,\u201d Adam answered, his hazel eyes dancing.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose was ravenous and stuffed her mouth full of the delicious cake. When she was through eating, she realized that Gus was looking at her curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRose?\u201d Pause. \u201cWhat happened to your face?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid I not get all the cake off?\u201d Rose swiped again at her mouth with her napkin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior looked at her. As a matter of fact, everybody looked at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour face\u2026.it’s all red. Like sunburn.\u201d Junior stared.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a matter of fact, Rose had noticed that her mouth, cheeks and neck felt hot on the way back to the Ponderosa. She just assumed that she was flushed from the excitement of the evening \u2013 the performance and the applause and then the cake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat’s it look like to you, Gus?\u201d Junior barely hid his grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus tried to look menacing. \u201cLooks like beard-burn to me. Adam, have you been trifling with my sister’s affections?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam, his long legs stretched out while he sat in his chair, had a sly grin. \u201cAbsolutely!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose’s mouth dropped open and the rest of her face turned bright red. She was surrounded by laughter and didn’t know what to do. She stamped her foot. \u201cYou’re barbarians! All of you!\u201d Turning on her heels, she flounced off to her bedroom. As she removed her make-up, which had probably saved her skin from being \u201cburned\u201d any worse, she looked at the redness. Touched it. Smiled and remembered why it was there. I love you, Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Hop Sing cleared away the dishes and took what was left of the cake into the kitchen. Gus and Junior went up to bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam caught his father’s attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nudged Joe. \u201cI think it’s time for us to be somewheres else.\u201d So upstairs they went.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Ben smoked his pipe, Adam had a serious talk with the wisest man he knew. When \u201cthe talk\u201d was over, Adam smiled and went to bed. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow, and there were no dreams this night.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE<\/span><\/p>\n

Breakfast was served a little later than usual this morning \u2013 at Rose’s request. She and her brothers were going to be packing up the buckboard to head to El Crucero. As the Cartwrights sat down at the table, Hop Sing explained the reason why breakfast wasn’t being served yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMissee Rose packing clothes. She and brothers go away. She look velly sad. Not talk much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam’s heart dropped. Rose would be leaving after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus and Junior clomped down the stairs and sat at the table. Gus was eager to get home to his wife, and Junior looked forward to going home period. Rose quickly sat down \u2013 not waiting for the men to rise to their feet or for someone to pull her chair out. She was very subdued. Hop Sing had been right in his assessment of her \u2013 she did look sad. Even Ben’s reading of the paper from last night didn’t put much of a smile on Rose’s face. She pushed her food around her plate but ate very little.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was much small-talk while everybody ate, but Rose said nothing. Nor did she look at Adam. She just couldn’t.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have an idea,\u201d Ben began. \u201cWhy don’t you stay here on the Ponderosa a little longer. I know that El Crucero isn’t a thousand miles away, but it’s a long trip \u2013 especially after the late hours we kept last night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe couldn’t do that. We are just grateful to you for letting us stay these few days. Besides, I have a wife and kids to get home to.\u201d Gus was being honest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe’d really like to stay. You said that there were a few mustangs over the ridge that we might be interested in. I sure would like to take a look at ’em.\u201d Junior was being honest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to go back,\u201d Rose snapped. \u201cWe can find mustangs somewhere else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked at her. \u201cNo’m. With all due respect, there ain’t no mustangs like we got ’round here. If you stayed and looked at ’em, you’d understand what I’m sayin’. Bred to the horses ‘at Joe says you already got, you’d end up with some foals that got the best of ever’thin’.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose chewed on her bottom lip. Hoss had a valid point. Junior looked at his sister. Gus looked at her, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe spoke. \u201cHoss is right. Those horses you have are clearly from good blood lines. Mixed with the stamina of good mustangs, you should have a bumper crop of critters better than you can imagine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have to go back,\u201d Gus said. \u201cBut that doesn’t mean that Junior and Rose can’t stay here a little while longer. Good mustangs are an asset to any ranch. How long do you think it would take to catch a few?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sipped his coffee and sneaked a glance at his eldest son. \u201cOh, maybe a few days to find just the right ones, then bring them here, dip them, have the vet check them over. Is a week too long?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose slammed down her fork. \u201cYou can’t go back to the ranch without me! Who’d run the place, do the books, take care of the bills?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRose, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but we’ve all grown up. We can run the ranch very well without you. You saw to it that we were well-educated and it’s time that you let us share in the responsibilities of the farm. Sure, you let us do the planting and the plowing and moving rocks and cutting down trees, but we can all add and subtract, keep the books, pay the bills, and keep things running smoothly without you. None of us chose mindless idiots for wives and they certainly do their share of the work. Let us grow up, Rose. We’re only talking about one week. You and Junior can find the mustangs and drive them home. Shoot, Diablo has the savvy of ten people!.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you’re saying is that you don’t need me any more,\u201d Rose said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gus reached for her hand across the table. \u201cRose, we always will need you because we love you. But you have to let us grow up! You’ve watched over us long enough. Loosen up a little bit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose gave a little smile. Gus was right and she knew it. \u201cOkay. If Junior stays, then I don’t see why I can’t stay a little longer. Virginia City has grown on me. But we’ll stay for one week only. Horses or not, we’ll head back to El Crucero after that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam breathed a sigh of relief. Ben had opened up the door with his invitation but Hoss and Joe, without realizing it – or did they? – had cinched the deal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now Rose realized that she was starving. She ate her breakfast like a woman possessed. She didn’t have to make her mind up about what to do with Adam. She had been given the gift of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER FORTY<\/span><\/p>\n

The next few days found Rose and Junior, with the Cartwrights as their guides, trailing three different herds of mustangs. Much to Adam’s surprise, Rose was an excellent judge of horseflesh \u2013 she knew a good horse when she saw one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI like that one and that one,\u201d Rose said quietly to Junior. \u201cLook at the deep chests, the arches of the necks, and the long legs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior looked at the mustangs that Rose had pointed out. He agreed. Out of each of the the three herds, two mustangs were chosen, making a total of six animals that would go to El Crucero. And none of the herds had to be chased down \u2013 Diablo and Rose were the reason for that. Rose simply slid to one side of Diablo’s body, Indian-style, and allowed Diablo to wander into the herd as though he were a mustang himself. Diablo carefully cut out the chosen horses and gently pushed them toward the waiting men who threw ropes over their necks without fanfare. The horses were then taken to the Ponderosa to wait for the vet to check them out. Fortunately, the vet wouldn’t be back in Virginia City for a couple of days. Fate had stepped in to keep Rose and Junior as houseguests for a little longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam spent some time with Rose. They still stole kisses when nobody was looking, but the kisses weren’t passionate ones. Adam was trying to take things slowly for Rose’s sake. He didn’t want to scare her or to come on too strong. But he wanted for her to know that she was \u201cspecial.\u201d This extra time gave Rose a chance to scrutinize Adam \u2013 not as a lover but as a man she felt that she really loved. But was marriage in the picture? Rose hesitated. Was what she felt the \u201cmarrying kind\u201d of love or was it just a strong, visceral, physical attraction? And is that what Adam was feeling too?<\/span><\/p>\n

She thoroughly enjoyed going into Virginia City with Adam. Often, she was surrounded by people wanting autographs. Adam stood to one side, allowing Rose to glow in the presence of deep admiration and respect. Then he would take her elbow or put his hand gently in the small of her back and guide her down the street. People would whisper among themselves that it looked like the eldest Cartwright son had fallen in love. Even the newspaper would print innuendos about the pair. Ben would smile as he read these articles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt says here that you two are planning on getting married. Is there something I should know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose would snort. \u201cMy name has been linked to everybody from the Prince of Wales to a blacksmith in Texas. I’m growing used to things that one finds in a newspaper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But she would sneak a peek at Adam. His eyes would dance but he said nothing to dispute or acknowledge anything.<\/span><\/p>\n

And the days began to dwindle before the vet would arrive. Rose had been dragging her feet about making any decisions about Adam. But one day would change everything, and Rose would have to make a decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE<\/span><\/p>\n

The vet arrived at the Ponderosa just after breakfast. The new mustangs would be dipped to rid them of any ticks or skin diseases and then, with Hoss and Junior’s help, would be examined all over to make sure the animals were healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben barely looked up from his coffee as he spoke to Adam and Rose. \u201cJoe’ll be back from town in a little while. Hoss and Junior can handle things here with the vet. Why don’t you two go for a ride. It’s a beautiful day \u2013 it shouldn’t be wasted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose’s face lit up. She was always ready for a good ride \u2013 it relaxed her. She looked at Adam. She couldn’t read what was written on his face, but he seemed agreeable. Rose went into her room and donned jeans and one of Junior’s shirts. She tied her hair back, emerged from her room and went to the barn. Adam had saddled both Sport and Diablo. He was ready.<\/span><\/p>\n

They walked for a long time, just looking around at the scenery. But Diablo was ready to run. Adam remembered what had been said about Rose’s riding ability on such a fast horse, but Adam also knew that Sport was equal to the task.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam halted. \u201cSee that big hill over there, beyond the tree line? I’ll race youthere!\u201d And he nudged Sport into a dead gallop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose whooped with delight. Diablo jumped into a dead run and was soon neck-in-neck with Sport. Diablo would surge ahead and then Sport would take the lead. Adam’s laughter mingled with Rose’s. They were like two happy kids rather than full-grown adults. But finally the hill was reached, and Rose declared that she was the winner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his dark head. \u201cNope. I won by half a length.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cToo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose stuck out her tongue at Adam and then ran down the hill laughing. Adam gave chase.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose ran like a deer and peeked out at her pursuer from behind trees and rocks. \u201cI did win. Admit it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI beat you fair and square,\u201d Adam laughed as he gave chase.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose ran to the creek and stood in the middle of it. Adam ran in right behind her, his long legs giving him an edge because she was standing still. He got splashed with water as Rose, continuing to laugh and taunt him, threw handfuls of water at him. He edged closer and threw water right back at her. Then she evaded his hands and ran back up the hill again. With a flying leap, Adam tackled her with both of them falling to the ground and trying to catch their breath and laugh at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked at her wet boots. \u201cYou wouldn’t have caught me if my boots weren’t so damn full of water.\u201d She promptly removed them \u2013 and her socks \u2013 and wiggled her toes in the grass.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam thought about that. \u201cWell, my boots are just as wet as yours are and I caught you anyway.\u201d He removed his own boots and socks. The sunlight on his toes felt good and so did the grass.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAhhh, what a beautiful day,\u201d Rose said with a smile as she flopped back into a bunch of wild flowers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAmen,\u201d came Adam’s reply as he grabbed up some flowers and played with their stems. \u201cAnd the day is just beginning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The morning sun made Rose feel a little sleepy. She closed her eyes \u2013 only for a second.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO<\/span><\/p>\n

Something made Rose wake up. She looked around groggily and saw that Adam was staring at her. She rubbed her eyes. \u201cI feel asleep, didn’t I?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded, a strange look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn’t you wake me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou looked so peaceful. You must’ve been having a good dream because you were smiling a little.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou watched me while I was sleeping!\u201d Rose was embarrassed. \u201cThere ought to be a law against that!\u201d She jumped to her feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood up also, his hands gently on her arms. \u201cI love you, Rose.\u201d A simple statement that said volumes.<\/span><\/p>\n

And then Adam kissed Rose gently. As the kiss ended, Rose touched her lips with her fingers and then touched Adam’s lips. Slowly, she slid her arms around his neck and brought her lips to his, gently at first and then with the passion she had bottled up inside her since that night on the hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose’s passion took Adam by surprise but not in a bad way. He welcomed the feel of Rose’s tongue in his mouth, searching, exploring, teasing. At first, he didn’t give her his tongue. Not because he didn’t feel the instant reaction but because he wanted for her to do what she wanted. But he soon gave in to the delicious feelings that her tongue had aroused. Once again their tongues danced together in erotic interplay, twisting and turning slowly together. Rose nipped at his tongue gently and, when he retracted it, she nibbled at his lips until his tongue returned. The sinuous dance continued with both man and woman feeling the heat build inside them. Still, the ardent kisses continued.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose slid one hand down to Adam’s chest, playing with the curly hair there, tugging and pulling without causing pain. She nestled her head in the crook of his neck, smelled his after-shave, and then kissed the area where she felt his pulse above his collar bone. She heard him exhale softly, a sound that thrilled her and made her belly tighten.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pushing away from him, she let her amber eyes meet his hazel eyes. She got lost in his gaze, felt giddy, felt the want of him. It took all of Adam’s strength not to grab her, to pull her back to him. He managed to stand perfectly still.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose’s hands went to the buttons on her shirt. Her fingers trembled as she undid each button.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is me,\u201d she said softly. \u201cIs this enough for you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam, fighting desperately to control himself, reached out and placed his fingers over the area of Rose’s heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is enough for me. The rest is icing on a beautiful cake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam swept Rose into his arms then and kissed her, gently at first and then with growing passion. Rose’s response was positive and instantaneous. Tongues played together, clothing whispered to the ground. Bodies sank into the lush grass among the flowers. There were soft murmurs, whispers, the exploring of bodies, and then two bodies became one with great tenderness. They looked into each other’s eyes, both of them seeing as well as feeling the heat and the passion. Later, fully-sated, Adam held Rose close to him and kissed the top of her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Silence. And then a quiet whisper from Rose. \u201cI love you, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He didn’t answer. He didn’t have too. He had already told her the words she needed to hear. Rose nestled her head back on Adam’s broad, hairy chest and listened to the steady sound of his heartbeat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a special place for me. Would you like to know why?\u201d Adam asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my land. Pa let us pick out our own places when we were old enough. I plan to put a house on the hilltop and a barn downhill from that. I often come here to listen to the wind as it sighs through the trees. Flowers are always blooming here in the Spring and Summer \u2013 some even bloom in the Fall. That creek that we ran through forms a pond not far from here and the fishing is good there. This place never floods and the grass is lush enough to satisfy cattle and horses. What do you think of it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s way beyond beautiful,\u201d Rose answered without looking around. Adam had painted a picture with his words so there was no need to use her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose nestled closer and let her mind wander to a house, a garden, sharing a life with Adam, having his children\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

She sat up quickly, her eyes wide. \u201cOh my God! Adam! What if I turn up pregnant after this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam smiled slyly. \u201cThen we’ll get married sooner than later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright! Is that supposed to be funny?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam was serious in both face and voice. \u201cI can’t think of anything more joyful than our having a child together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose glared at him. \u201cYou haven’t even asked me to marry you, you jackass!\u201d Rose reached angrily for her clothes, but Adam pulled her back to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bending down on one knee, Adam looked up into Rose’s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlexandra Rose Mallory, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose looked at him suspiciously. \u201cAre you making fun of me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Again there was the serious voice with the serious face. \u201cI wish I had a diamond ring in my pocket to put on your finger, but I don’t. All I have is this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam slowly opened the palm of his hand and in it was a round, green, tightly-woven object. Rose remembered that earlier she had seen Adam playing with the stems of flowers. He had been weaving stem after stem, and Rose hadn’t been paying attention. If the truth be told, Adam wasn’t deliberately weaving a ring, he had just been braiding things together. Apparently this ring was a Freudian slip. And a timely one at that.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose’s face softened as Adam slipped the flower-ring on her finger. It was green and shiny and fit perfectly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at it. \u201cThe stems are already dying and will soon fall apart and disintegrate. But it’ll have to do for now. And you haven’t given me your answer yet.\u201d Were those tears welling up in his eyes?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou already know my answer,\u201d Rose said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I need to hear you say it,\u201d was Adam’s soft reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love you, Adam. I love this ring, no matter how temporary it may last. And my answer is ‘Yes. A thousand times yes’.\u201d Were those tears welling up in her eyes?<\/span><\/p>\n

There were no passionate kisses, no wild love-making that ensued. There was a simple, strong embrace with gentle kisses, accompanied by the chirping of birds in the trees, and then the putting on of clothing that had drifted to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

Man and woman, happy beyond words, held hands as they headed to where Sport and Diablo had stood all this time. Adam and Rose shared yet another kiss, climbed onto their saddles, and headed back to the Ponderosa to share the good news. Which, by the way, came as no surprise to anyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

That evening, Adam and Rose sat by the fireplace and played duets \u2013 one of which was \u201cShenandoah.\u201d There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the music stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben’s observation was, as usual, very wise. \u201cTwo stringed instruments, different in timbre and shape, can be played together in perfect tune and harmony. So it is with a man and a woman of different personalities \u2013 with deep and abiding love, they can live together in perfect tune and harmony, one with another. It is only natural that there will be a few ‘dischords’, but you have to remember that a place where the sun always shines, there’s a desert below. Sometimes it takes a little rain to make love blossom to its fullest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That night, Adam played one more song – the song he had been working on so many days ago. The song with no name. It was a very moving melody and it now had a name: \u201cA Song For Rose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

THE END<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 New neighbors involve the Cartwrights in a prickly situation.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a0 27,800 words<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":41001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[2,23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-60823","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":151,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":49277,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49277","url_meta":{"origin":60823,"position":0},"title":"The Cartwright Family (by LindaBl)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 22, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0A cute new song about the Cartwrights Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 Words:\u00a0 270","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49897,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49897","url_meta":{"origin":60823,"position":1},"title":"Hoss’ Meditation (by Katie)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"July 25, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 I think we underestimated Hoss Cartwright Rating: G\u00a0 (690 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Hoss Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Hoss Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1006"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49892,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49892","url_meta":{"origin":60823,"position":2},"title":"The Savage (WHN) (by Katie)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"August 6, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 An alternate ending to the episode, The Savage Rating:\u00a0 Teen\u00a0 (775\u00a0 Words)","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":50559,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=50559","url_meta":{"origin":60823,"position":3},"title":"Night Guard (by Sadie Spinner)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"March 21, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0A young Adam is determined to take part in guarding his father's new herd of cattle. 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