{"id":60860,"date":"2025-11-26T15:21:58","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T20:21:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=60860"},"modified":"2026-03-21T12:29:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T16:29:53","slug":"queen-of-the-dunes-by-carebear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=60860","title":{"rendered":"Queen of the Dunes (by CareBear)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/strong>When Adam and his wife welcome a second child, the household is thrown into chaos. The changes leave their oldest feeling so overlooked that she becomes convinced that no one will miss her if she disappears. Being a Cartwright, she decides to put that theory to the test.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0<\/strong>PG (mild violence)<\/p>\n

Word Count: 15,160<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam’s Little Women Series<\/p>\n

Queen of the Dunes<\/a><\/p>\n

The (Almost) Grand Adventure<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Queen of the Dunes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every woman in Adam\u2019s life was crying. Beth was in her room crying because she was in trouble again<\/em> (he was losing count of the number of times that happened lately). Alta stormed into their room off to release tears she\u2019d held in check while they fought. Usually, Adam was teasing when he started in with \u2018your daughter\u2019 but it got a bit out of hand this time. And Nora? He was pacing the floor of the great room with her as she wailed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, let me try,\u201d Ben offered. \u201cSometimes Grandpa has the magic touch.\u201d He took Nora in his arms, nestling her against his chest, and began to sway. Sure enough, she settled, and Adam threw up his arms in defeat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was a bad time to agree to a visit,\u201d Adam commented as he sank onto the settee. \u201cWe\u2019re just not doing well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s tough when you go from one to two. You\u2019re more confident on how to care for the second, but there\u2019s more\u2026\u201d Ben searched for the right word. \u201cChaos. You must find a new sense of balance for the whole family, and everyone struggles with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Inger made it look so easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled. \u201cYou were six and didn\u2019t see the worries we kept from you. Whether the journey would hinder Inger\u2019s recovery from birth, if we\u2019d have enough supplies to keep her eating right and able to feed Hoss. How we\u2019d keep you both safe. And we were just as sleep deprived as you are now, yet we tried to keep our routine the same. That gave you a sense of security and eased any fears about what a new baby meant for us as a family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reached for the cup of coffee Pa had abandoned in favor of swaying with Nora and downed the contents as he considered Ben\u2019s words. Memories of those final months with Inger flooded his mind. He still rode up front with Pa as he drove the wagon, helped with chores, and was given new, special responsibilities with his brother. He and Inger read every night while Hoss slept. Pa answered his endless questions with patience, sometimes with his eyes closed and voice drowsy. They never failed to tuck him in and Inger was never too busy with Hoss for a cuddle or anything at all that he needed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what\u2019s wrong with Beth,\u201d Adam groaned, putting his head in his hands. \u201cWe\u2019re barely keeping ourselves together, and she\u2019s suffered for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben paused his swaying to pat Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIt happens to the best of us. Marie and I after Joe\u2026\u201d The words trailed off as he shook his head and laughed. \u201cBeth wants your attention, even if it\u2019s negative. I think she\u2019s worried there\u2019s not enough love to go around for big girls. It\u2019s fixable, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deciding there was no time like the present for a heart-to-heart with Beth, Adam headed upstairs to her room. Opening the door, he discovered the house was short one crying female; Beth was nowhere in sight.<\/p>\n

————–<\/p>\n

The decision to leave her room, go down the back stairs, and exit the house was a spontaneous burst of rebellion. Papa was tired of her, and Beth was tired of a lot<\/em> of things. She was tired of being in trouble, of the baby, of she and Papa never doing anything together anymore. The whole family was at home all the time it seemed, because they were worn out. Well, Grandpa wasn\u2019t worn out, not like Papa and Mama. But even he liked to stay close to home, usually to hold Nora.<\/p>\n

And because everyone was so tired, no one had taken Beth to the lending library in forever<\/em>. Or anywhere else. Even stuck at home, the routines had changed. She and Papa hadn\u2019t had breakfast together and looked at the paper in ages. Each time Beth mentioned it, he promised another day, but that day didn\u2019t come. It was the same thing with the park and Woodward\u2019s Gardens and anything else she asked for. No, no, NO, was all she heard.<\/p>\n

So, Beth decided that she, at least, was going to get un-tired. After all, Papa had taught her how to use the cable cars, navigate streets of the neighborhood, which were not safe to go to, how to use a compass, and all sorts of neat things. Surely, he wanted her to use those skills. Granted, she had no compass, but Beth had a good sense of direction and didn\u2019t worry about those finer details, including the fact that she didn\u2019t have any money. Mostly, because she didn\u2019t need any money where she was going and it wasn\u2019t far from home either.<\/p>\n

Bypassing her friends\u2019 homes on the street where she lived, the little girl headed towards the bay to play in the dunes along the way with anyone that might show up. And, if she was lucky, Beth would see the steam shovelers and say hello the workers again. They probably forgot her; it had been so long since her last visit.<\/p>\n

————<\/p>\n

Alta poked her head out of the bedroom as Adam shouted their daughter\u2019s name, ready to ask what Beth had done now. The tenor of his voice gave her pause, shifting what was to be a weary inquiry to a sense of unease. \u201cAdam?\u201d Alta called as she descended the stairs. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t find Beth.\u201d His face was lined with worry. \u201cI think she left the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

A cold knot formed in Alta\u2019s stomach. San Francisco had grown up since its gold rush beginnings, but it was still no place for a small child to wander alone. \u201cMaybe she went to a friend\u2019s,\u201d she offered. \u201cOr is playing in the street. She knows she\u2019s not allowed beyond our street and the block on either side without permission.\u201d<\/p>\n

Considering she had left her room, and the house, without permission, Adam wasn\u2019t feeling confident about Beth\u2019s willingness to obey rules just now. \u201cPa and I will start knocking on doors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Ben split up; each taking one side of the block. Anytime someone answered, they asked about Beth, inquiring whether she was inside, had come by or been seen at all. They stopped any child they saw, hoping one of them spotted her or saw her playing somewhere. Some pointed in a vaguely eastern direction but only was certain it was Beth; the others were not. Only one house corroborated the child\u2019s sighting the missing little girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe called hello and waved,\u201d Mrs. Gibbs told Adam. \u201cShe was just skipping along, not a care in the world. Always such a happy little thing.\u201d The woman smiled, recalling the child\u2019s sweet greeting.<\/p>\n

Adam offered a bland smile in return; usually, Beth was<\/em> a happy child. \u201cAnd you\u2019re sure she was headed east?\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman nodded. \u201cYes, but I didn\u2019t see where she went much past our place. My youngest two started wrestling and I had to separate them before another nose or finger broke.\u201d<\/p>\n

He thanked her for her time and went back to the street. The men weren\u2019t far from the corner and hadn\u2019t tried the houses on the other two blocks Beth was allowed on.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s East of here?\u201d Ben asked. From what he could see, it wasn\u2019t much. Beyond the shops on the cross street, there were no other houses or buildings.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing.\u201d Adam shrugged. Sand was hardly a likely refuge for a little girl. He wasn\u2019t even sure whether Beth had her shoes on or not. He couldn\u2019t recall seeing them on her feet, but Adam wasn\u2019t looking for them either. Nor did he see if they were gone before dashing out of the house.<\/p>\n

After continuing the search on the next block over and gaining no new information on Beth, Adam thought hard about where to go next. Could Beth have gotten on cable car? She certainly knew how. In that moment, Adam regretted teaching her how to use the transport system safely. Could Beth have gone as far as Woodward\u2019s Gardens? He didn\u2019t like to think of her in a place that big, so full of people, all on her own. Not that she was likely to get in without money and Adam was certain she had none on her. Then again, he recalled several children that hung around the entrance of Woodward\u2019s, hoping someone might take pity and pay their fee, and with a decent success rate.<\/p>\n

The cable car, however, was much harder to navigate without funds. A well-dressed child on her own was apt to be noticed, too, especially when she couldn\u2019t pay. That seemed like the perfect place to look for a sighting of Beth, given the lack of further information in the neighborhood. Sharing his thoughts with Ben, the pair headed for the nearest stop.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really think she\u2019d come this far?\u201d Ben asked, noting the distance. \u201cAll on her own?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember how you taught me how to navigate by the stars, the way you did on ships?\u201d Adam asked. The two shared a brief smile, despite the circumstances. \u201cI\u2019ve taught her the same, along with streets and landmarks. Don\u2019t underestimate Beth because of her age. She\u2019s got a decent mental map of a fair part of the city. I used to take her round all sorts of silly ways and have her bring us home to teach her.\u201d The pride he felt was quickly replaced with a sense of dread accompanied by a grimace. \u201cRegretting that a more than a little bit now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben reached out to put a hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder, giving it a brief but firm squeeze. \u201cWe\u2019ll find her.\u201d<\/p>\n

————-<\/p>\n

As Adam worked to curb his rising panic by forcing logic to the fore, his heartbeat increasing with each passing minute without Beth in his sight, an epic battle raged in the sand. Beth was part of a motley crew waging war in the dunes, having the time of her life.<\/p>\n

A lone figure stood triumphantly at the top, grinning down at the hundreds (twelve) of enemies (other children) attempting to take his hill. They slipped, slid, and grappled as the unstable sands shifted beneath them during the climb, shouting all the while. Some offered threats, others rallied a friend or two to join them in a coordinated attack (\u201cgimme a boost!\u201d), while more still called out warnings as compatriots tumbled down the dune. Giggles, cheers, jeers, and shouts filled the air.<\/p>\n

As soon as anyone came too near, the current king, a big boy of eleven named Boyd, shoved them down. Typically, he wasn\u2019t gentle about it either. A persistent newcomer was getting on his nerves, making a surprisingly strong effort to unseat him as King of the Hill, or Dune as it were. This time, Boyd propelled her downward with a kick. Instead of sliding, or even rolling somewhat gently, Beth flew towards the base and collided with two other children on the way. The tangle of flailing, shouting children landed at the bottom in a heap.<\/p>\n

The battle paused momentarily while Beth and the two other children were assisted by fellow would-be-kings. Pulled off one another, scrapes and bruises were forming from where limbs and heads knocked together. Beth wasn\u2019t sure what part of whom bonked her head, but her nose was dripping blood at a steady pace. She had no handkerchief to staunch the flow.<\/p>\n

\u201cPull on your sleeve and put it on your nose,\u201d another girl said. \u201cIt\u2019s just about off anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth looked and saw her friend was correct. The right sleeve of her dress was coming apart at the shoulder seam. She tried to tug it the rest of the way off but couldn\u2019t manage it on her own. The other girl, and a boy, yanked on the material until it came off. The force of it sent Beth rolling backwards and she laughed hysterically, despite the bloody nose. Taking the cloth, she pinched her nose with it, smearing blood across her face as she did so.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Gwen,\u201d the little girl introduced herself. \u201cThis is my brother, Dixon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Beth.\u201d Her voice sounded funny thanks to her pinched nose, making them all laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoyd gets mean \u2018bout being king. It\u2019d sure be nice to throw him<\/em> off the dune. Wanna help us try?\u201d Gwen asked.<\/p>\n

Dixon frowned. \u201cShe\u2019s little Gwennie.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl in question hopped to her feet, thrust her chin in the air defiantly and challenged, \u201cSo what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth pinned him with a withering look that Alta would\u2019ve been proud of. She said nothing and simply pointed at her face with her free hand.<\/p>\n

Dixon sighed. \u201cFine. But no cryin\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n

A look of unholy glee came over Beth\u2019s face. \u201cI got an idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

She was no stranger to the sand dunes, though Adam rarely let her engage in the rough play that took place there. Instead, they explored the area, looking for little treasures they might find and learning about the odd bits of plant life that popped up in some places rather than others. Usually, Beth was satisfied with this, because she loved learning and Papa knew everything it seemed. Today, some of that learning was going to benefit rough play with her new friends, Gwen and Dixon.<\/p>\n

Almost trembling with excitement, the little girl proposed her plan. \u201cThere\u2019s prickly little shrub bushes around here. I know where! We should find some and use them to create a\u2026 a\u2026\u201d Beth\u2019s nose crinkled as she tried to think of the word. After a few seconds, she shrugged and moved on. \u201cWe need to attack on three sides! One throws plants, the other two try to get Boyd off the dune.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dixon frowned. \u201cThere\u2019s only sand here. I ain\u2019t seen any plants. And I\u2019d have to throw \u2018em if there was any, because I got a good arm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are too,\u201d Beth challenged. \u201cI can show you.\u201d She set off with a determined stride towards another set of dunes where she knew the shrubs poked out of the sand in random places.<\/p>\n

Behind her, Dixon and Gwen shrugged and followed Beth. They had nothing to lose and possibly a game to win.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

As Beth and her friends plotted to overthrow the current King of the Dune, Alta, too, put plans into action. She wasn\u2019t the sort of person that sat at home, waiting for someone to decide to provide her with updates while her child was missing. Adam might have told her to stay home, but as far as Alta was concerned, Adam didn\u2019t tell<\/em> her anything. She had her own mind, free will, and intellectual abilities and made her own decisions.<\/p>\n

When he and Ben failed to return after ninety minutes and Beth had not returned, Alta took matters into her own hands. She left Nora in the capable care of their housekeeper and cook, promising to return in time for her next feeding, and left. Adam went looking for information, for a trail. Alta went looking for a search party.<\/p>\n

Within fifteen minutes, Alta managed to assemble five other women. \u201cI\u2019ll start at the lending library. Effie, you go to the ice cream parlor. Julia, the new confectionary that opened. Martha and Minnie, take Union Square. Lisa, the school,\u201d she delegated. \u201cWe\u2019ll start there and work our way back here, looking anywhere a child might be interested in going, playing, or hiding. We\u2019ll meet back here in no more than two hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

—————<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, the cable car driver turned out to be a dead end. Against Adam\u2019s better judgement, he and Ben proceeded to the nearest police station.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not like Virginia City, Pa,\u201d Adam warned. His interactions with the police in San Francisco had left a great deal to be desired. \u201cWe\u2019ll be lucky if they show any interest at all in helping. At times it\u2019s difficult to tell the authorities and the criminals apart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s a child that\u2019s missing! Surely even the most unethical of individuals will be persuaded to look for a little girl,\u201d Ben countered.<\/p>\n

Ten minutes later, the Cartwright patriarch found his faith in humanity sorely tested as an officer heard their story with a look of boredom. \u201cDo ya have any idea how many children there are in this city?\u201d he asked. \u201cComin\u2019 off boats, runaways, orphans, young\u2019uns wandering around at their leisure while their folks work all the day long, some doin\u2019 jobs of their own. And you want me to find one<\/em> of them? If she was so important to ya, how\u2019d ya lose track o\u2019her in the first place?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing red, Adam made to leap over the counter at the officer. Ben grabbed at him, pulling Adam away. \u201cAdam! ADAM!<\/em> That\u2019s enough!\u201d He knew it was the fear, and even guilt, that his son felt making him react that way. Adam fought him, growling angrily, still trying to get at the officer. Yet Ben continued to drag him away from the other man and outside into the street. \u201cYou\u2019re not helping Beth right now!\u201d he thundered.<\/p>\n

Her name broke through Adam\u2019s anger, and he stopped pushing against Pa\u2019s hold. Ben continued to keep a firm grip on him, unwilling to let go too soon and have Adam end up behind bars. \u201cNow is the time to think and think hard. If the authorities aren\u2019t going to help us, we need a search party. We also need places for them to look. Where would she go? You know her better than anyone,\u201d Ben reminded him. \u201cThink son!\u201d<\/p>\n

———<\/p>\n

She stood defiantly, triumphantly even, and simply pointed at the plants. They weren\u2019t plentiful, and rather spread out, but Beth had proven their existence. Now, she delighted in Dixon\u2019s surprise and begrudging acceptance that she knew what she was talking about. Beth watched him reach for one and jump back in surprise at the prickles. Rolling her eyes the way she had seen her mother do hundreds of times, she sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did say they were prickly. But I do know how to pick \u2018em up,\u201d Beth added. \u201cAnd hold \u2018em so they don\u2019t get you. Watch me.\u201d She moved past her new friends and reached for the nearest plant, carefully touching it around the base rather than the leaves. \u201cYou pull it like this,\u201d she demonstrated. \u201cAnd hold it there where it isn\u2019t going to hurt you.\u201d The plant sat easily in her hand, held loosely by the base.<\/p>\n

Dixon copied her movements and this time managed to succeed in keeping himself free from stings. \u201cThis will hurt Boyd then,\u201d he mused.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you hit him with it. If your aim is that good,\u201d Beth added.<\/p>\n

Gwen chimed in before her brother could sputter in outrage. \u201cHis aim is good. Maybe try not to hit \u2018im in the face. If he goes home whinin\u2019, we\u2019ll get in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a diversion.\u201d Beth\u2019s whole face lit up as she recalled the word she meant to use earlier. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t hurt him with it if we can help it.\u201d She glanced down at the dirty footprint on her dress from where Boyd kicked her earlier. \u201cWell, maybe not too<\/em> much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot more than he deserves,\u201d Gwen nodded. In her mind, that was a lot of latitude. Boyd was a bully and if they managed to take him down from the dune, the trio would become the heroes of the neighborhood. \u201cGrab some more, quick! Before the game is over and we hafta wait until tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

————<\/p>\n

On the street outside the police station, Adam was still growling indignantly over the officer\u2019s comments. \u201cHow could he– She\u2019s my daughter! I didn\u2019t lose her on purpose!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t know you or our family,\u201d Ben countered. He still held Adam firmly and half directed, half moved him even further away from the building as the man continued to grumble. \u201cForget about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

If Beth wasn\u2019t missing, Adam might not have allowed himself to be talked into walking away from the situation. Or rather, be physically removed from it, as it were. But she was and his child remained his top priority even if he had a strong urge to bash in that fool\u2019s head. \u201cYou can let go now Pa,\u201d Adam stated, giving his father a firm look.<\/p>\n

Ben gave a stern look of his own. \u201cCan I? You won\u2019t do anything foolish?\u201d Only when he had Adam\u2019s promise did he let go of the younger man.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right that we need a search party and our best bet is to gather employees at the office and people from the neighborhood. Before we start doing that, we\u2019re very close to the lending library and I want to check it to make sure Beth isn\u2019t hiding there with her nose in a book,\u201d Adam decided.<\/p>\n

It would make for a peaceful resolution to an increasingly fraught situation, Ben thought, if they found her there. However, if she\u2019d been there the entire time while they were losing their minds with worry, he might need to restrain Adam once more. Ben well remembered the desire to both hug and murder a child (mainly Joe) in instances like this!<\/p>\n

The pair headed for the lending library, urgency giving their feet wings. Hours had surely passed and if Beth was found in the next few moments, the fears of finding her injured\u2014or not finding her at all\u2014could end. They dodged people and prams, conveyances, shoppers, and signs standing outside shops to get there quicker. Adam swore his heart was about to beat right out of his chest it was racing so fast as he anticipated, hoped, and even prayed to find her.<\/p>\n

Rather than find Beth, however, Adam ran, literally, into Alta. As she was frantically exiting and he quickly tried to enter, the two collided with enough force to knock them both over.<\/p>\n

Ben, ever the gentleman, was there to catch his daughter-in-law and steady her before Alta took an embarrassing fall onto her backside in front of all and sundry.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Adam tried to right himself, flailing his arms, but didn\u2019t quite manage it. He fell over, narrowly missing an entire book display, landing with a thud<\/em> that seemed absurdly loud in the otherwise quiet space. The groan and coinciding growl of, \u201cOw, damn it,\u201d drew gasps from female patrons and grins from small children.<\/p>\n

The words earned a bellowed admonishment of \u201cAdam!\u201d<\/em><\/strong> along with a signature glower from the Cartwright patriarch.<\/p>\n

Despite the stress of the overall situation, Alta let out a brief giggle at the sight of her husband on the floor, having just been publicly scolded. She earned a scowl in the process and bit her lip as she offered a hand to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you<\/em> doing here?\u201d they each asked, in unison.<\/p>\n

—————<\/p>\n

The Cartwrights left the lending library, and anyone scandalized by Adam\u2019s coarse language, behind. Ben\u2019s eyebrows were still drawn sharply in disapproval, but he refrained from lecturing given the seriousness of the circumstances. Much to his consternation, Adam paid him little notice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t truly expect me to sit at home and wait for hours on end when my child is missing, did you?\u201d Alta asked. Her tone was even, but her eyes promised a challenge if his answer happened to be \u2018yes.\u2019<\/p>\n

He shook his head gloomily. \u201cI didn\u2019t expect it to take this long to find her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe law is singularly uninterested in aiding us, which I find unfathomable,\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n

To his surprise, Alta snorted derisively.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrankly, I\u2019d be more likely to suspect them of involvement than expect their help. Your son keeps telling me it would be unwise to bring a class action against the whole lot on a wide variety of issues. This being one of them,\u201d she stated bluntly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, why haven\u2019t you found my baby?\u201d Alta\u2019s tone turned severe as she turned to Adam, her eyes boring into him. \u201cHave you looked all those places you two are always running off to?\u201d<\/p>\n

He frowned in confusion. \u201cRun off to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be obtuse. The question is simple.\u201d<\/p>\n

This must be what she\u2019s like in court<\/em>, Ben mused.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Beth are always doing things together,\u201d she continued. \u201cShe comes back crowing about how much Papa knows and how exciting it was. Beth enjoys your special time together and it sounds as though you return to similar places on your excursions.\u201d Alta and Beth had Mama and daughter time, but, as she explained, those places were already being searched. \u201cWhere<\/em> Adam? Think!\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly, the pieces all fell into place. Had Adam not been so sleep-deprived thanks to his youngest, it might have occurred to him hours ago. He only prayed she was still there and hadn\u2019t got in the way of any of the steam shovels or workers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know where she is!\u201d He promptly took off running, leaving his wife and father without a clue as to his destination.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWHERE ARE YOU GOING?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben watched in dismay as Alta ran and continued to call after him. There was no other option; he sprinted after the pair of them, bellowing their names. He watched, heart pounding wildly, as they dodged in and out of traffic, until Alta finally cornered Adam.<\/p>\n

Did that girl just push him into the side of the building?!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNow you just wait a damn minute!\u201d Alta shoved him again for good measure, eyes blazing with fury. \u201cDon\u2019t you dare run off and leave me behind! You don\u2019t keep that information to yourself Adam Stoddard Cartwright.\u201d She poked his shoulder with her finger this time, once for each of his names, for emphasis. \u201cShe\u2019s my<\/em> baby, and I\u2019m not just waiting for you to waltz back. I\u2019m going with you, wherever it is we\u2019re going. Do you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised his hands in surrender to his irate wife. \u201cThe steam shovelers filling in the Bay. She\u2019s been fascinated by them since they started work,\u201d he hurriedly explained. Adam saw his father catching up to them out of the corner of his eye. \u201cWe\u2019ll tell Pa, and all go together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alta gave a curt nod of agreement. \u201cThat\u2019s more like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

————-<\/p>\n

Blissfully unaware of the amount of time that had passed since she left, not to mention the agony she was causing her family, Beth and her new friends set the stage for the Great Battle for the Dune. Dixon, loaded for bear with their secret weapon, hunched out of Boyd\u2019s sight. Gwen and Beth were waiting for a signal on opposing sides of the dune, ready to scramble up as fast as they could. It was debatable which of them had the most important job: Dixon, with the distraction, or the girls with the takedown. In the end that didn\u2019t matter, so long as they did win. They planned to give it their all.<\/p>\n

Dixon let out the agreed upon war cry and launched the first of the prickly plants. It landed at the other boy\u2019s feet, pulling Boyd\u2019s attention in that direction. The girls began their ascent, scrabbling for foot and hand holds. As Dixon kept tossing, Boyd began cursing. None so far had hit their mark, but they were annoying! He picked one up and yelped, dropping it instantly.<\/p>\n

Colorful words Beth had never heard before and a variety of oaths were let loose by Boyd as she and Gwen steadily climbed towards the top.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gettin\u2019 rattlesnaked here!\u201d Boyd hollered. \u201cSomebody help me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeers were the only response to his cry. Boyd remained so focused on figuring out who was throwing the plants and how to remove them without touching them that he never noticed the girls crest the dune. Suddenly the taunting changed to outright cheers.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, look!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoyd\u2019s gonna get it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKICK \u2018IM!\u201d<\/p>\n

Boyd whirled around to face his attackers, at once shocked and dismayed to find Beth and Gwen. Before he could react, they combined forces and pushed him with all their might. The King careened down the dune, wailing and flailing until he came to an ignominious and painful stop at Dixon\u2019s feet\u2014on top of the last few prickly plants.<\/p>\n

A mighty roar went up at the realization that Boyd had been completely and humiliatingly dethroned. After what seemed like years of ruthless domination of the dune, his reign ended.<\/p>\n

At the top, the reigning Queens joined hands, jumping up and down as they squealed with glee. The celebration was not meant to last.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait! They\u2019s girls<\/em>!\u201d Someone noted, pointing to Beth and Gwen.<\/p>\n

A moment passed as all silently deliberated whether a girl, let alone two<\/em>, should control the dune.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t gonna be ruled by no calico!\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth scowled down at the other children, hands on her hips and demanded, \u201cWhat\u2019s that mean?!\u201d<\/p>\n

The boys merely swarmed the dune while the few other girls in attendance stepped back. They wanted no part of what was about to happen. Within minutes, the throne of the dune was empty once more as a massive brawl took place at the base of it.<\/p>\n

Beth struck out with fists, feet, and even teeth when necessary. She gave as good as she got, feeling no pain as the adrenaline and excitement of the fight raged. If anyone had asked just then, Beth would report that this was the most fun she ever had in her life.<\/p>\n

The melee continued with abandon as fists and feet flew with rage. Beth defended her honor, and status as co-queen, alongside Gwen at first. The two were quickly separated amid the crush of children and the intensity of the fighting. Shoes sailed, nails scratched, epitaphs were shouted, children rolled around pulling on clothes and hair indiscriminately.<\/p>\n

With no adults nearby, and no one willing to be the first to surrender, there was no end sight. Well, no one except Boyd, that is. He elected not to join in the fracas from the start, his pride deeply wounded along with his person. The ex-king scrambled far away from the pokey plants and slunk home.<\/p>\n

Though she was among the youngest there, Beth was undeterred. If anything, that fact made her scrap even harder to prove her place. Not just that she was old enough and big enough but that she\u2014and by extension\u2014Gwen, were worthy of playing the game and winning! She pinched ears, bit fingers that clawed at her, punched, and put her shoes to good use with mighty kicks. Before long, Beth, too, was calling out words she heard the others use simply to affirm her rough-and-tumble status.<\/p>\n

The roar of the fighting was so loud, and every child so focused on it, that none of them noticed a trio of horrified adults racing in their direction.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

Adam led the way towards the Bay where the steam shovelers worked, with Alta and Ben close behind. To access the area meant passing around or over the sand dunes and as the adults approached the area, sounds of an all-out brawl met their ears long before they saw the spectacle.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like some young boys are giving each other quite a beating,\u201d Ben commented with a frown. Wrestling amongst youngsters was one thing, but the sort of fighting they could hear was not the type he approved of. Frankly, the echoes of skin hitting skin amid the shouts and cursing were rather disturbing.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled briefly and caught Alta\u2019s eyes. He inclined his head lightly in Pa\u2019s direction and winked. He\u2019s going to get in the middle of it and send the boys home with a flea in their ear. <\/em><\/p>\n

She nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two don\u2019t need me to get Beth,\u201d the patriarch continued.\u00a0 \u201cI think I better put an end to that ruckus and send those boys home to their parents before someone really gets hurt, if they haven\u2019t already. Besides, you\u2019ll pass back that way if you need me for anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Alta looked at one another and tried not to laugh. It required some biting of lips and the insides of their cheeks to keep from doing so. Pa was rather predictable at times.<\/p>\n

As they rounded the corner past the last stores on that street and made for the dunes, two things immediately became apparent. The first was that Ben would require assistance in stopping the altercation. This wasn\u2019t just three or four young boys going at it. Adam could count eight\u2026 ten, eleven\u2026 perhaps even closer to fifteen children all out brawling with a ferocity that was shocking.<\/p>\n

The second thing was that Beth wasn\u2019t watching the workers at the Bay. She was here, in the middle of the fighting, and holding her own. The girl popped up from the bottom of a pile of children, only to be tugged back towards the ground by her hair. As Alta gasped, Beth socked the boy right in the eye. Despite the situation, Adam felt a surge of pride.<\/p>\n

Ben easily took command of the situation, storming right into the fray. \u201cThat is enough! All of you! Stop this at once!\u201d <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Most children did as he said, largely out of shock at the booming voice and thunderous look that accompanied it. Those that did not were quickly separated and sat on the ground none-too-gently by Ben.<\/p>\n

Suddenly a joyous little voice burst out amid Ben\u2019s growls and orders. \u201cGrandpa!\u201d Beth jumped to her feet, intending to run to him but skidded to a stop after just a few seconds.<\/p>\n

Ben did not greet his beloved granddaughter with a smile. Lips thinned with anger, nostrils flared, he pointed at her with a stern finger. \u201cSit. Down. Now.\u201d He watched as Beth sat so quickly, she nearly fell onto another child in the process.<\/p>\n

Only then did Beth notice her father. Even though Grandpa wasn\u2019t happy, she still smiled brightly and waved at Adam as if nothing at all was wrong. Then Grandpa barked again and her eyes went back to Ben as he sternly lectured the entire group of misfits.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to kill her,\u201d Adam murmured to his wife. \u201cThe minute I get my hands on her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alta shook her head. \u201cOh no you\u2019re not. I\u2019m going to look at her injuries, give her a bath, and make her listen to how much I was worried about her today.\u201d<\/p>\n

He raised his eyebrows in silent challenge. Surely Alta didn\u2019t intend to let it go at that?<\/p>\n

\u201cThen<\/em> you can kill her.\u201d<\/p>\n

That seemed appropriate. After all, Beth was a mess, and that was putting it lightly. At least some of the blood had to be hers, though she didn\u2019t look like she was actively bleeding. Or even in any pain. \u201cMy god she\u2019s outrageous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s your daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s your<\/em> daughter.\u201d Adam sighed heavily and shared a helpless look with Alta. \u201cWhat are we going to do with her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alta shrugged a bit, looking somewhat defeated, though her eyes sparkled. \u201cKeep her, I suppose. No one else will want her, especially with the way she looks right now.\u201d She struggled to hold her composure when Adam had to turn away from her, his shoulders shaking with the laughter he held in.<\/p>\n

\u201cAHEM!\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

They cast sheepish looks in Ben\u2019s direction, listening as he finished his lecture with the announcement that he was personally bringing every child home and speaking to their parents. The agonized groans and pleading of the young fighters were nearly Adam and Alta\u2019s undoing.<\/p>\n

————<\/p>\n

It was quite a sight, watching his father bark orders at a gaggle of children who scurried to obey. I always obeyed that tone, too<\/em>, Adam thought wryly. Despite the complaints and unhappy looks, they began directing Ben towards where they lived. The only child who did not need to be escorted was Beth. He sent her directly to her parents. Adam watched her come skipping towards them and struggled to discern if defiance was putting that spring in her step or if she was truly that unaware they were angry.<\/p>\n

The closer Beth came to them, the worse she looked and the more horrified her parents became. Her hair was coming out of its braids, and one ribbon was gone; her shoes were scuffed, and Adam swore that there was blood on the toe of the one. One stocking was ripped from knee to ankle, her dress was missing a sleeve, and the hem was barely hanging on. The front of it was stained with blood and dirt. Most of Beth was covered in dirt, it seemed. And that was just the cosmetic issues!<\/p>\n

Her person was in a similarly appalling state. Beth\u2019s little hands and face were scratched, and one hell of a shiner was developing on her right eye. Blood was smeared on her face, but it didn\u2019t appear fresh. A bruise was forming on her chin and her knuckles looked sore. Yet, she was all smiles and a part of him felt proud of her. She was one tough little girl! Just a part though; the rest of him was furious.<\/p>\n

Before Adam could say a word and Beth could do more than greet them cheerfully, Alta knelt and had her arms wrapped around the little girl. \u201cOh, my baby,\u201d she whispered, hugging Beth close. She felt almost weak with relief that Beth was alive and safe. None of the horrible scenarios that were popping up in Alta\u2019s head these last hours had come to fruition.<\/p>\n

Beth was a bit alarmed at the intensity of her mother\u2019s greeting. She was being held so tightly that she was practically crushed to Mama\u2019s chest. It was disconcerting, too, that Mama kept calling her \u2018baby.\u2019 There were many sweet names Mama and Papa had for her, but that wasn\u2019t among them and hadn\u2019t been for some time. That was doubly true since Beth was told she was going to be a big sister. Feeling unsettled, the little girl began trying to put some distance between Mama and herself by pushing away. \u201cToo tight Mama,\u201d Beth complained.<\/p>\n

Alta relinquished released Beth just enough to hold her at arm\u2019s length and give her a slight shake. \u201cDo you have any idea how worried we\u2019ve been? All of us have been searching for you for hours. The neighbors too!\u201d Alta scolded. \u201cWhere did this blood on you come from? Are you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

The sudden change from soft murmuring and stifling cuddles to a stern demeanor left Beth a little dazed. She looked at Mama, observing her serious countenance and worried eyes, then shifted her gaze to Papa, noting his eyebrows were slanted in a frown. \u201cYou have?\u201d she asked tentatively.<\/p>\n

She sounded so shocked that Adam felt a surge of guilt. Had Beth really felt so neglected that she didn\u2019t believe they\u2019d notice her absence and come looking for her? He hoped that wasn\u2019t so; that it was merely the disconnect between actions having consequences, common for her age. The fact that Beth was quite bright didn\u2019t mean she always had the reasoning to match it.<\/p>\n

Where Beth\u2019s question prompted remorse in her father, it drew a sharp look from her mother, who swatted her backside.<\/p>\n

\u201cMama!\u201d <\/em>The scandalized tone and look of censure on Beth\u2019s face forced Adam to cover his mouth with his hand and smother any chuckles.<\/p>\n

Face growing red, Beth stomped her foot. She realized at once that was a mistake as Mama made to swat her again. Beth managed to pull away and sought refuge with Papa, but he wasn’t looking all that sympathetic.<\/p>\n

“You can stomp your foot again and we’ll put on a show for the whole neighborhood,” Adam warned. “Or you can answer your mother’s question, and we’ll go home quietly.” He caught Alta’s eye and the two shared a meaningful look. Neither of them wanted to go over the day’s events with Beth in the street. With a gentle push, Adam sent Beth back to Alta.<\/p>\n

Alta’s eyebrow arched as she waited for Beth to answer her.<\/p>\n

Rather than do so, the little girl’s eyes grew wide as saucers. \u201cWhich one?!\u201d she squeaked. She didn\u2019t notice Papa turn around, unable to take the unintentionally comedic show Beth was providing.<\/p>\n

Sighing heavily, Alta willed herself to have patience. \u201cAre you hurt? Where is this blood from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh; that.\u201d Beth rubbed at her face with dirty hands. \u201cSomebody\u2019s head bonked my nose. Maybe Dixon. Oh! I made new friends today.\u201d She beamed at her exasperated mother. \u201cBut no, I don\u2019t think I\u2019m hurt. Not too much. If I am, it was worth it. I was Queen of the Dune, Mama!\u201d<\/p>\n

Unable to help herself, Alta\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cWere you really?\u201d She smiled as Beth nodded, beginning to bounce on her toes as she recalled the excitement. \u201cI\u2019m so proud of you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Beside her, Adam cleared his throat loudly.<\/p>\n

Alta hurried to add, \u201cBut that kind of play is dangerous by yourself. I hope you realize that you\u2019ve made some very poor choices today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s face fell. \u201cWas being Queen of the Dune wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Scooping Beth up in her arms, Alta pressed a kiss to her head. \u201cNo, that wasn\u2019t wrong.\u201d She ignored the look Adam gave her. Alta refused to condemn her daughter\u2019s goal and the bravery it took to achieve it. \u201cBut it was wrong that you were at the dune without anyone knowing where you were. I think you know where you went wrong today, and all the poor choices that followed. Don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

As the trio began walking towards home, Beth put her arms around Mama\u2019s neck and pressed her face against her. She nodded to confirm Mama\u2019s statement. Beth did know; only she had convinced herself no one would notice and so she wouldn\u2019t get caught.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought so,\u201d Alta murmured. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about it more later. First, you\u2019ll have a bath, and Mama will take care of all those battle wounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

That sounded nice, so Beth raised no objections. Her hands were starting to hurt! \u201cCan I go be Queen of the Dunes again tomorrow, Mama?\u201d She was blissfully unaware of the horrified looks her parents exchanged.<\/p>\n

God help us.<\/em><\/p>\n

————<\/p>\n

\u201cOw! Mama! Ow! I don\u2019t want it!\u201d Beth squirmed to get away from her mother. Whatever was being dabbed on her scratches and scrapes stung but Mama held her fast between her knees.<\/p>\n

Alta knew it didn\u2019t sting as much as Beth was putting on. The girl hadn\u2019t said a word about it while in a hot, soapy bath. Only now that she was out of the water did she kick up a fuss. Closing her eyes for a few seconds, Alta took a breath and let it out slowly. \u201cI thought you were the Queen of the Dune?\u201d<\/p>\n

The little girl stopped her escape attempts and frowned. \u201cI am!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the battle you had to earn that title, I\u2019m sure you\u2019re brave enough for this.\u201d Alta held up the bottle of witch hazel. \u201cYour bruises tell me you\u2019ve had bigger hurts today than this gives.\u201d She bit back a smile as Beth gave her words serious consideration.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Mama. I\u2019ll try to be still.\u201d The six-year-old put on her bravest face as Mama continued to doctor her injuries. She still reacted, but the little gasps and whines were sincere as opposed to the dramatic shouting before. Her efforts were promptly praised, and Beth offered a smile in return.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll be able to save your dress,\u201d Alta stated. \u201cAnd I know your stockings are beyond repair. You\u2019ll need new ones, but it\u2019s wrong to destroy your nice things. What should we do about that?\u201d The bottle of witch hazel was set aside but she cast a critical eye over Beth, wanting to be certain every injury, no matter how small, was properly tended. Satisfied, she let Beth wiggle into her nightdress.<\/p>\n

Beth considered the question as she popped her head through the collar. \u201cI got my birthday money from Grandpa,\u201d she recalled. He\u2019d given her two whole bits, along with a few presents. \u201cI could pay for a new dress. But we should use the fabric for somethin\u2019 else. Could I make something for Nora?\u201d<\/p>\n

The suggestions made Alta smile and give Beth a gentle squeeze. \u201cThat\u2019s a good idea. We\u2019ll talk to Papa about the dress and see what he says about your birthday money. Now what did you have in mind for Nora?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe can\u2019t do much yet.\u201d Beth let out a gusty sigh. \u201cBut she likes to grab things, like fingers, and hold \u2018em. Maybe she\u2019d like a\u2026\u201d There was a pause as she tried to sort out what she envisioned. \u201cSome kind of dolly. Just all fabric so it can\u2019t break. Do you think she might like that?\u201d The little girl looked up at her mother hopefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so. If not now, then very soon. We\u2019ll do that for her, together, hm?\u201d Alta felt as though they might be making some progress at last. She leaned down to kiss her daughter\u2019s forehead. \u201cYou don\u2019t dislike her then?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth shook her head, her hair flinging drops of water as she did so, prompting Alta to reach for the towel to dry it further. \u201cI onliest wish she\u2019d share, like a good girl. Then I could be good, too.\u201d The words were whispered, but heartfelt.<\/p>\n

It was on the tip of her tongue to correct Beth\u2019s grammar when the child\u2019s words sank in. That explained quite a bit of the behaviors she and Adam were seeing if Alta\u2019s suspicions were correct. \u201cShare?\u201d she repeated.<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s eyes fell to the floor as her dark head bobbed up and down, this time making its point without dripping hair. \u201cYou and Papa. She doesn\u2019t share and nobody remembers \u2018bout me unless they\u2019re mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

A pained look crossed Alta\u2019s face. Immediately, she gathered the sorrowful little girl into her arms and snuggled Beth on her lap. \u201cIs that why you\u2019ve been acting so naughty lately?\u201d When she nodded again, Alta held her daughter a little tighter. It didn\u2019t sit right with her that Beth felt the only way to have her parents to herself was to purposefully misbehave; that negative attention was better than none. \u201cIs that why you decided to leave the house today?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rather than answer, Beth buried her little face against Alta\u2019s chest. The room fell silent as Alta held her close and carded her fingers through Beth\u2019s dark hair. Still damp and unruly, it was beginning to curl and desperately needed brushing. That could wait; Beth\u2019s tender heart couldn\u2019t. After a few moments, she asked softly, \u201cDo you know how I felt today when Papa said you were gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth raised her head and looked into her mother\u2019s eyes. \u201cMad.\u201d She couldn\u2019t imagine it was anything else!<\/p>\n

Alta shook her head. \u201cFrightened; terribly so. I don\u2019t know if I\u2019ve ever felt more scared in my entire life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dark eyebrows furrowed in confusion on the little face. That didn\u2019t align with everything Beth knew about Mama. \u201cYou\u2019re never scared of anything! You\u2019re the bravest person I know.\u201d While she didn\u2019t entirely understand what a lawyer was, Beth knew Mama made important speeches in a special building in front of people. Mama had to make men listen to her, even if they didn\u2019t want to, and talk to the judge, too. Judges seemed scary when sitting at their benches in the courtroom, but Mama was never afraid of them.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Alta kissed Beth\u2019s forehead, wondering how Adam might feel about their child\u2019s assessment of who was the bravest parent. \u201cNot today. I felt scared that we might not find you or that you were badly hurt. There is nothing and no one in this world that could replace you, Beth, ever. And no matter how old you are, you\u2019ll always be my baby. My very first baby that I love so very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven when I\u2019m old like Papa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, even then.\u201d Alta caressed her cheek. \u201cEven when you\u2019re as old as Grandpa.\u201d There was no holding back the chuckle at Beth\u2019s wide-eyed look at the thought of being so terribly old.<\/p>\n

The sound of a baby\u2019s hungry cry broke the tender moment between mother and oldest daughter. \u201cBeth, listen to me carefully.\u201d Alta\u2019s tone was firm. \u201cI\u2019m not choosing Nora over you. Not now, or ever. She is very tiny and can\u2019t do a thing for herself, unlike you. Mama must feed her now and I know Papa wants to speak to you. He and I will trade places, hm? Later we\u2019ll cuddle more, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding obediently, Beth hugged her mother tightly, wishing she didn\u2019t have to go to the baby. Oh, she didn\u2019t begrudge her sister needing to be fed. Only where Mama had been gentle and given her cuddles, Papa was bound to do the opposite and Beth was not looking forward to that.<\/p>\n

———–<\/p>\n

Nora\u2019s deafening cries for sustenance seemed to grow louder and it frustrated Adam that he was unable to soothe her. \u201cAll right, all right, we\u2019ll get Mama,\u201d he promised, carrying the tiny, but exceptionally loud, baby girl upstairs.<\/p>\n

The increased volume as Adam and Nora came closer to the door of Beth\u2019s room did not go unnoticed. \u201cShe\u2019s very hungry,\u201d Beth observed. \u201cMama?\u201d She looked up at Alta once more. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I made you afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alta hugged the little girl tightly and kissed her cheeks. \u201cApology accepted.\u201d With one last squeeze, she set Beth on her feet again and left the room to find her squalling baby.<\/p>\n

The search was a quick one, with Adam just outside the door holding Nora in his arms. \u201cOoh, little one,\u201d Alta tutted, taking the baby from him. \u201cWhat lungs you have.\u201d<\/p>\n

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Adam reaching for the handle of Beth\u2019s door. \u201cA word first.\u201d Without explaining further, Alta moved down the hallway and into their bedroom to nurse and expected him to follow. She wasn\u2019t disappointed.<\/p>\n

Adam stopped just inside the doorway to lean against the frame and waited patiently until Nora was feeding. \u201cWhat\u2019s on your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to talk to her Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

His mouth set in annoyance. \u201cWhat did you think I was about to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHusband, you do try my patience. I don\u2019t mean your little Cartwright euphemism that you all think is so clever,\u201d Alta replied, her tone brimming with sarcasm. \u201cActually speak with her. Be gentle\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBe gentle<\/em>?!\u201d Adam\u2019s voice rose slightly. \u201cYou can\u2019t be serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alta\u2019s lips thinned. \u201cIf you\u2019d be so kind as to let me finish speaking?\u201d He glowered but fell silent. \u201cBe gentle with your approach because her heart is hurting and that\u2019s on us. A good way to begin repairing that is by having a conversation with her. She needs you to be understanding and reassuring.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes rolled heavenward. \u201cWhat she needs is a good spanking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you hear me saying otherwise?\u201d Alta challenged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe you\u2019re sitting there, defending her actions.\u201d Adam\u2019s angry gaze swept over her, as though looking for where the woman who swatted Beth in the street went.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will get no argument from me that this is, by far, the worst she\u2019s ever behaved. Combining it with everything of late, and it\u2019s beyond enough. But I know my daughter, and we, as her parents, need to reassure her that we love her, no matter what. Regardless of whatever she might do, or however many babies we may have, we love her unconditionally and she cannot be replaced. She believes she has been,\u201d Alta pointed out. \u201cAnd she adores you, Adam. If you don\u2019t go in there and set things right, go straight to a spanking, you\u2019ll break her heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are partners, these are our<\/em> children, and I\u2019d be remiss if I didn\u2019t make it plain to you,\u201d she continued.\u00a0 \u201cYou can go in there, lay down the law, and punish her. Or you can make her understand she\u2019s still important to you, then<\/em> respond appropriately to what she\u2019s done. One will confirm Beth\u2019s fears that we love her less than Nora. The other will reassure her and teach her to obey because she loves and respects you. You decide what kind of father you want to be.\u201d Alta\u2019s eyes met Adam\u2019s and held them. \u201cBut don\u2019t take too long to make up your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

The parents looked at one another, each firm in their belief of what was the right course of action for their child. Neither was willing to give, and the stalemate-come-staring-contest continued silently while Nora ate hungrily from her mother\u2019s breast, blissfully unaware of the discord.<\/p>\n

At last, hazel eyes gentled and blinked, conceding to the opposing pools of vivid emerald with a weary sigh. \u201cAnd here I thought I might have it easier with daughters than Pa did with sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alta\u2019s finely shaped eyebrows arched mischievously. \u201cMy dearest, foolish husband. You married the wrong woman if you wanted simple, quiet, or angelic children.\u201d She was barely able to keep the laughter from her voice.<\/p>\n

Mouth twitching with amusement, he deadpanned, \u201cDidn\u2019t I just?\u201d As Alta scrunched up her nose, Adam brushed a conciliatory kiss onto her forehead. \u201cBe careful, your face might just freeze that way.\u201d Her warm, melodic laughter followed him as he turned to leave.<\/p>\n

———–<\/p>\n

With his wife\u2019s words of wisdom\u2014or warning\u2014ringing in his ears, Adam raised a hand to knock on Beth\u2019s door. He hesitated, uncertain of what was waiting for him on the other side: the exuberant little girl they found out at the dunes, rather oblivious to her wrongdoings? Or a contrite child beginning to grasp that her behavior was outrageous? That was truly the only label Adam could put on it. He couldn\u2019t imagine doing even half the things Beth did of late.<\/p>\n

Then again, her childhood stood in stark contrast to his own, much like Joe\u2019s had. Chasing a dream by fits and starts, at times experiencing plenty and others a hungry belly, having happiness and losing it, focusing on a future that would make all the sacrifice worth it. There was little time to play, and disobedience could carry life and death consequences.<\/p>\n

Being Pa\u2019s right hand man for as long as he remembered, Adam never had the opportunity to be<\/em> outrageous, should he have wanted to. The security of achieving that dream, the Ponderosa, and all that came with it, made way for Joe to have the freedom to be outrageous. Suddenly, Adam felt as if he understood his youngest brother\u2014and his daughter\u2014better.<\/p>\n

He knocked briefly on Beth\u2019s door and waited for a beat before opening it, half-expecting Beth to launch into a plea for leniency, or at the very least acknowledge his entrance. Instead, Adam met a silence that hung so heavy and thick, a mote of dust shifting could be heard. The oppressiveness of it made him uneasy, his shoulders tensing and eyebrows furrowing in response.<\/p>\n

The sight of Beth only added to his discomfort. She sat with her arms wrapped tightly around her shins, hugging her knees to her chest, little fingers, with faint bruising on the knuckles, interlaced. Face pressed tightly against her knees, she was hiding away in the folds of her green gingham nightdress, just her bare toes brave enough to peep out from beneath the hem. Dark hair, still damp from her bath, lay tangled and unbrushed around Beth\u2019s hunched shoulders.<\/p>\n

The absence of the unabashed glee he saw earlier, which at the time made him want to laugh and shake her in equal measures, was made even more noticeable by her uncharacteristic silence. Between that and her posture, Beth seemed prepared, even waiting, for the very sky itself to come crashing down on her.<\/p>\n

Adam closed the door, shaking his head as if trying to clear the ridiculous thoughts away. Yet as it shut firmly, he saw Beth flinch and paused. At the absurdly loud noise it created that tore through the oppressive silence, perhaps. Or the finality of that action and what was to follow? He remembered that<\/em> feeling all too well. Thinking back on their interactions of late, the idea that she might truly be that worried about his reaction began to feel less far-fetched. Adam had not been patient and the attention Beth received from him wasn\u2019t positive, either.<\/p>\n

The lengthening of the dead air between them only tightened the grip that nervousness had on Beth\u2019s stomach. Papa didn\u2019t frighten her; nor the quiet either, but both baffled her at that moment. The alteration in the all-too-familiar pattern of late (Papa arriving to ring a peal over her head and deliver punishment) made her uneasy. A thought popped into her head that made Beth shiver. Is Papa so mad he can\u2019t even talk<\/u>? <\/em>A part of her couldn\u2019t imagine Papa running out of words, due to anger or anything else.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, her mind began spinning wildly and a sense of panic took hold. What if Papa just plain wasn\u2019t going to talk to her anymore as punishment? What else could the absence of any speaking at all mean? Inhaling sharply, Beth turned her head to the side just a bit and peeked at Papa, trying to gauge if that frightening thought might be accurate.<\/p>\n

An eyebrow quirked as a hazel orb suddenly peeped through long, dark lashes at him. A flicker of apprehension was visible in that one eye as it thoroughly scrutinized him. \u201cThere you are,\u201d Adam spoke quietly. \u201cFor a moment, I thought your nightdress was slowly gobbling you up.\u201d As Beth\u2019s head fully turned towards him and she sat up, he watched a quick-fire succession of emotions play over her face. From eyes round with shock to narrow with wariness, to an anxious pulling up of her lower lip between her teeth, his child made an intense study of him.<\/p>\n

Shifting restlessly on the bed, Beth stretched her legs out in front of her briefly before pulling them to her chest once again. Now resting her chin on top of her knees, she examined Papa\u2019s face closely for a moment, before her gaze fell away, sliding to the pattern of her nightdress. Beth exhaled and almost seemed to deflate. \u201cThat\u2019s a silly thing to say,\u201d she ventured. Her index finger began tracing the design of her pajamas. \u201cClothes can\u2019t eat anyone up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nearly laughed at how serious her tone was, as though she felt he needed a firm reminder of reality; or worse, was questioning his sanity. He quickly turned the chuckle into a cough, but before he could respond, she continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going to shout at me now?\u201d<\/p>\n

The resignation in that softly spoken question made him wince. \u201cDo you want me to?\u201d Adam posed his query in a voice just as hushed. He watched Beth\u2019s head pop up like a jack-in-a-box and stare at him in astonishment before tentatively offering a, \u201cNo, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think so. I\u2019ve done a lot of that lately, haven\u2019t I?\u201d He felt saddened when she bobbed her head in enthusiastic agreement. \u201cIt hasn\u2019t done much good, if today is anything to go by,\u201d he concluded wearily. \u201cThough don\u2019t get any ideas that you aren\u2019t in serious trouble, young lady.\u201d There was no point in letting her think otherwise. \u201cI want you to tell me what was going on in that bright head of yours today. And I don\u2019t mean anything about the game on the dune,\u201d he preempted.<\/p>\n

Beth shook her head, her lower lip beginning to tremble. \u201cI can\u2019t, Papa!\u201d<\/p>\n

The distress in her voice propelled Adam away from where he was leaning against the door. He crossed the room and crouched beside the bed, then reached for Beth, pulling her to the side of it so they were eye-to-eye. \u201cYou can\u2019t what?\u201d he asked gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t in my head.\u201d Beth\u2019s face crumpled as she began to cry. \u201cHere.\u201d She reached for him, or so he thought; instead, Beth put her palm flat on his chest, over his heart.<\/p>\n

Does Alta ever get tired of being right?<\/em><\/p>\n

That one, simple word, matched with the placement of her hand, was devastating. Without a second\u2019s hesitation, Adam scooped her up from the bed and into his arms in one sweeping motion. Almost as if she was a puzzle piece locking into place, Beth\u2019s small arms slipped around his neck, clinging tight. Her red, tear-streaked face disappeared against his black shirt. Doing so muffled her sobs but didn\u2019t stop them, as her trembling shoulders and shuddering breaths on the fabric testified to. The sad sound made Adam tighten his hold instinctively.<\/p>\n

Placing a broad palm against Beth\u2019s back, he started to move his hand in slow circles, applying a gentle, grounding pressure. He kept at it, steady and patient, as though working at a sore muscle\u2014or trying to smooth away the sobs themselves. Adam couldn\u2019t say how many minutes he rubbed her back, even swayed a bit on his feet. What he did know was that he hurt alongside her every second. Slowly but surely, the persistence paid off. The sobbing eased, her ragged breathing gradually evened, and the tension ebbed away, allowing her to rest easily in his arms.<\/p>\n

As Beth relaxed, her hands unlocked from around his neck, though she still felt an instinctive need to anchor herself to him in some fashion. Her fingers sought his shirt and curled softly into it, lightly tugging the fabric.<\/p>\n

He sensed more than felt the faint pulling at his shirt and responded by pressing a soft kiss into her hair. Briefly, he rested his cheek on top of her dark curls. \u201cThat was a big cry,\u201d Adam observed, letting his voice, nearly a whisper, rumble soothingly in her ear. Lifting his head, he offered Beth a look of reassuring softness. \u201cFeeling a bit better now, moonbeam? Ready to talk about what brought on all those tears?\u201d<\/p>\n

At the sound of her nickname, Beth went still in his arms. Slowly, her head lifted, revealing wide eyes flickering with surprise. Uncertainty lingered on her face and Adam inwardly cringed. Has it been that<\/u> long since I last called her my moonbeam?<\/em> Time moved differently for small children, but it was possible that it truly had been some time.<\/p>\n

When Papa\u2019s face didn\u2019t waver in the soothing look it offered, anxiety slipped away from Beth\u2019s. Her brows were no longer furrowed and the reticence in her eyes disappeared. Almost shy now, Beth nestled against him comfortably, still anchored to him by his shirt, and answered the question with a dip of her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood girl,\u201d Adam praised. The simple words drew a little smile from Beth as he carried her over towards the bed. He watched in amusement when it was replaced by a frown the moment he put his feet up to stretch out with his back against the headboard. He followed her gaze right to his dusty boots. \u201cI\u2019ll tell Mama it was me if she gets cross.\u201d That seemed to satisfy his daughter, so the pair settled comfortably together.<\/p>\n

Doing so gave Adam the first real change to get a look at her face since the epic battle and subsequent bath. Gently hooking a finger under her chin, he raised Beth\u2019s head slowly to take a look. The sight of the black eye drew a low whistle. \u201cYou are a Cartwright, through and through, aren\u2019t you?\u201d He fought back a smile and noted Beth did the same, uncertain whether she should be proud of her efforts at the dune or not.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re certainly not calm like a moonbeam, are you?\u201d Now he lost the battle as the corners of his lips turned up. \u201cYou\u2019re still constant and full of light, so we\u2019ll keep that, hm?\u201d Beth was still every bit as magical a creation now as she was as an infant. He never ceased to wonder at everything she was and would become. Even days like today didn\u2019t change that.<\/p>\n

Despite the gentle tone and the smile tugging at his lips, the comment about her lack of tranquility sent Beth\u2019s gaze downward to study the fabric of his shirt with considerable intensity. \u201cPapa? I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve heard that so often lately. <\/em>\u201cTell me what you\u2019re apologizing for,\u201d Adam encouraged.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeaving by myself. And making Mama scared. Did you know Mama could ever be afraid?\u201d The awe still felt by this news caused Beth to raise her head up briefly, as though searching to see if Papa knew that.<\/p>\n

The absolute admiration of Alta that shone on Beth\u2019s face in that moment was a picture. \u201cMama told me she forgave you. And yes, as strange as it may seem, Mama can be frightened sometimes, and you managed just that today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once more, Beth\u2019s head bobbed down to study his shirt. Adam never knew it was that interesting. \u201cWe agree that wasn\u2019t something you should do, don\u2019t we? You\u2019re not allowed to leave the house without permission. And when I send you to your room, I expect you to stay there. You understand that. Don\u2019t you?\u201d A slight edge of sternness slid into his tone now. He only just caught the barely whispered, \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took a deep breath and continued. \u201cGood, we know what rules you broke and what you\u2019ll be punished for. Right now, I want to know why.\u201d Adam had a surfeit of \u2018why\u2019 questions about her recent behavior and hoped to get at least a few of them answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone wanted Nora and not me. Maybe nobody would know I\u2019m gone. Or feel happy. Then you wouldn\u2019t have to shout no more. And\u2026\u201d Beth\u2019s voice trailed off, and she shifted uncomfortably in his lap, the confession of her feelings difficult. She never used to have problems talking to Papa!<\/p>\n

Adam gave her a gentle squeeze. \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n

The little girl drew in a shaky breath, uncertain how her father might respond to her admission. Then, bravely, Beth raised her head to look Papa in the eye. What she wished to see there, the little girl didn\u2019t know, but look for it she did. \u201cI didn\u2019t like being bad, but I had to.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fingers still curled into his shirt held on tighter now, as though the firmer grip strengthened her courage. \u201cYou were just with Nora unless I was. I missed you, Papa.\u201d It was never truly about going to the library, seeing the steam shovelers, or any of the other things her parents did with her. She simply needed them.<\/p>\n

Before Adam could even begin to respond, Beth\u2019s face was pressed to his chest once more. He was proud of her for telling the truth yet crushed by her words. Little did he know she had one last blow to deliver.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa?\u201d Her voice was small and muffled by his shirt. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you like me anymore?\u201d The words emerged with the raw kind of hurt only a child could express so easily.<\/p>\n

His eyes squeezed shut as he sucked in a sharp breath, the sound catching in his throat. Chest tightening, a few beats passed before he could shakily exhale. Knowing the question was asked innocently didn\u2019t make it less painful.<\/p>\n

On opening his eyes, Adam found Beth sharply watching him, her brows drawn downwards in a frown. Her hazel orbs, the mirror of his own, were awash with uncertainty as she searched his face for something.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeth; oh, Beth.\u201d Murmuring her name like a prayer, he drew the little girl closer, resting his cheek on top of her head while holding her tight. \u201cNothing, absolutely nothing<\/em>, you could ever do or ever say would make me stop loving or liking you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raising his head, Adam tried to catch Beth\u2019s eye, but her gaze locked onto his shirt once more. For now, he let it remain there. \u201cNot today, not a thousand days like this one. You don\u2019t have to earn my love. You already have it; always have and always will. Do you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

When Beth didn\u2019t respond, Adam cupped her chin to gently tilt her head back, greeting her hopeful face with warm, steady eyes. She heard me, but does she believe me? <\/em>\u201cI love you just as you are.\u201d His words were spoken with surety as he tried to ease any lingering doubts. \u201cYou are my one and only Beth and that is all you need to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s fingers clasped at Adam\u2019s shirt again, but the soft tug was different this time. Rather than seeking an anchor, she tried to close any space between them. She leaned into him, eyes locked onto his own, listening closely with every part of her being.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to follow certain rules or do anything<\/em> to be loved, Beth. You just are, always, and that never stops. Even when you\u2019re naughty or a new baby comes, none of that makes a difference. You have a whole, special place right inside my heart that\u2019s all your own. No one else could ever be my little ball of wonder, my moonbeam,\u201d he promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot in a hundred years?\u201d<\/p>\n

The question was put to him with such earnest reverence that Adam nearly smiled. Only the fact that it was such a weighty matter kept him from doing so. \u201cNot in a hundred thousand<\/em> years.\u201d<\/p>\n

A soft gasp escaped as she realized the enormity of that number and considered how very long it might take to count that high. A hundred thousand years! <\/em>The very thought of such a span of time, stretching out into eternity, made a considerable dent in the insecurity she felt. Papa\u2019s voice, calm and sincere, and his eyes, full of love, did away with the rest. She reached for Adam\u2019s neck again, hugging him tightly, the words echoing in her mind: a hundred thousand years<\/em>. Could anything even be that old? <\/em>Beth set that question aside to ask Papa later.<\/p>\n

He gently loosened her arms a bit, telling her softly, \u201cPapa\u2019s gotta breathe.\u201d Beth hid a tiny giggle against his shoulder in response. That beautiful sound brought such a profound release that his eyes shut to sharpen his ability to hear it. She\u2019ll be all right; we<\/u> will be all right.<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam kissed her head once more, feeling thankful for her resilience. \u201cYou know that you can always talk to me, don\u2019t you? About anything at all, even hard things; especially hard things. You don\u2019t have to let that hurt build up inside the way it did this time. You never have to feel alone or be afraid to tell me something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth sat back, scrutinizing him and the sincerity of those words, with a look on her face that Adam couldn\u2019t quite place. Finally, a dark eyebrow quirked, and Beth imitated one of his own stern gazes. \u201cPapa<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

The amount of exasperation in that one word made Adam bite his lip to keep from laughing. That\u2019s my girl. <\/em>He\u2019d rather have the borderline sass than the tears any day.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did<\/em> try to talk to you. Many, many, many times.\u201d Hands on her hips, Beth stared him down.<\/p>\n

His brows rose high enough to nearly disappear into his hairline. \u201cThat many, huh? Let\u2019s think about that for a second. Did you say, \u2018Papa, can I please talk to you, it\u2019s very important\u2019? Or did you shout and stamp your feet and demand I listen to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The bravado of a moment ago slipped from the little girl\u2019s face, replaced by consternation as her face grew warm. Beth\u2019s gaze shifted from Papa\u2019s face back to his shirt yet again, seeking its familiar comfort with her fingers. One digit began tracing the placket’s stitching.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d After a beat, she added. \u201cThose aren\u2019t the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, my bright girl, they are not,\u201d Adam confirmed. He reached for her hands and held them tenderly in his own. \u201cCan you look at me and explain what makes them different?\u201d Quiet praise was given when Beth raised her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne is respectful, and the other one isn\u2019t. I think I was doing the one that isn\u2019t,\u201d she confessed. \u201cBut I should do the respectful one; ask and say please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not scolding you for the choices you made before. But it\u2019s important to see they are not the same. If you need to talk to me about something that\u2019s important to you, be respectful and I will always listen. If you aren\u2019t, then I won\u2019t listen, and you\u2019ll be in trouble instead. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstand. I promise!\u201d Beth bobbed her head to underscore her words. \u201cPapa? Are we done now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam brushed stray curls from her forehead, wishing that it could be the end of things but knowing it couldn\u2019t. How can I put her heart back together, only to make her cry all over again? But all she\u2019s had recently is unpredictable changes; she\u2019s begging for consistency and boundaries. I always thought Pa was exaggerating, if not outright fibbing, when he said disciplining us hurt him worse.<\/em><\/p>\n

He braced himself for the challenging task ahead and responded, \u201cNo, we\u2019re not done yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a finality in his tone that she recognized. Beth looked away, the corners of her lips tugging downward as a flush crept up her neck and onto her face. \u201cI knew you were going to say that,\u201d she murmured.<\/p>\n

Resigned to her fate, and giving a sigh worthy of the greatest dramatic actress, Beth slid from his lap and onto the floor.<\/p>\n

The lack of genuine protest or pleas for leniency confirmed Adam\u2019s instincts. Beth needed the consistency of his response as much as she needed the lesson on obedience. He moved to sit at the edge of the mattress and placed his hands on Beth\u2019s shoulders, guiding her to stand between his knees. \u201cLook at me,\u201d he directed, quiet but firm. Adam waited for her to comply, forcing himself to ignore the tears already shining in her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ever<\/em> leave the house without telling Mama and I again. It\u2019s not safe. You could get hurt, or worse. We\u2019d never be okay if that happened because we can\u2019t replace you. Do you understand?\u201d If she took any lesson at all away from this, Adam wanted it to be that one and he had to be sure she understood, so there was no room for misinterpretation.<\/p>\n

Beth was caught off guard by Papa speaking so urgently and something in his eyes she couldn\u2019t quite identify. The last few (several) times, he\u2019d been brusque, annoyed, even angry with her. Today was different, and she sensed great importance in the shift. Her brow furrowed as she tried to figure out why<\/em>. \u201cPapa? Does that come from here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Once more, she placed her hand on his chest, over his heart, confirming for Adam that she was paying close attention. He nodded solemnly, putting a hand over hers.<\/p>\n

She swallowed hard, her lower lip beginning to quiver. \u201cI understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Having said all that was necessary, Adam put her across his knee. Beth discovered that while Papa\u2019s words<\/em> might have changed, his hand<\/em> didn\u2019t at all!<\/p>\n

—————<\/p>\n

The transition to soothing was immediate. Adam was up on his feet with Beth, who always responded best to movement when she needed calming. He chalked it up to her desire to always be doing something; mind, body, or both. Beth\u2019s legs went around him as he rose, her face seeking the comfort of his shirt once again. His arms kept her steady, one around her torso hugging her to his chest, and another near a knee, ensuring she was well anchored.<\/p>\n

With long, even strides, he started to pace the floor. Adding a gentle sway, along with a steady stream of reassurances spoken in low, soft tones, he worked to console her. The tears subsided more with each turn around the room until she grew relaxed and heavy in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere now,\u201d Adam whispered gently. \u201cYou\u2019re all right.\u201d He smiled as she nodded, confirming his words, and kissed her head in response. \u201cBrave girl. Are you holding on tight enough?\u201d She felt secure enough to him, but Adam wanted to be certain that Beth felt the same. He smiled as she adjusted to latch on more firmly.<\/p>\n

As they made another turn around the room, Adam paused beside her dresser and brushed his hand across the head of a stuffed rabbit. Made of yellow floral fabric, the toy had seen better days. One ear was heavily faded from being worried by Beth\u2019s little fingers, loose threads hung from one arm, and a seam under the other was coming undone. The rabbit didn\u2019t often leave her room these days, serving mainly as extra comfort at night or moments like these.<\/p>\n

Moving it towards the edge of the dresser, Adam glanced at Beth and tilted his head in that direction, both eyebrows raised in a silent question. He watched her look towards the bunny, then back at him, the corners of her lips turning up.<\/p>\n

With a hum of acknowledgement, he placed the toy gently in her hands. A wide grin blossomed across Beth\u2019s face as she tucked the rabbit under her arm. \u201cLooks like you two went adventuring recently,\u201d Adam observed, pointing out the more tattered areas.<\/p>\n

Beth nodded, lightly touching the broken seam. \u201cI was lonely,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

The words tugged at Adam\u2019s heart, and he tenderly kissed her cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cMarigold got caught in the tree and I had to pull her down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Expecting Beth to continue, Adam was disconcerted when the story ended with that statement. His mouth formed an \u2018o\u2019 as he slowly nodded. \u201cI see,\u201d Adam responded, his tone filled with great understanding. The father didn\u2019t really see at all but wisely decided not to ask any of the questions raised by the idea of the rabbit\u2014and Beth\u2014up in a tree. Whatever occurred, it didn\u2019t take place today. Adam was content to leave well enough alone rather than risk more tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Mama could fix Marigold up nicely if you asked. Should we go find her?\u201d His brow furrowed when Beth shook her head no.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa, I can do it. I know how.\u201d She examined the open seam once more, as if scrutinizing an intricate puzzle, then gave a gusty sigh. \u201cMama\u2019s stitches are small and straight, on the parts still together. Mine aren\u2019t very good like that yet. I will ask Mama to help me to do it nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

The worried expression on his face shifted to one of pride at her independent streak. \u201cThat\u2019s my girl,\u201d Adam praised, his voice soft and warm with approval. \u201cHey; look at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her attention moved away from the rabbit as Beth raised her head, glancing at him curiously.<\/p>\n

He smiled gently, brushing a stray curl from her forehead. \u201cDo you know something?\u201d<\/p>\n

A shy grin spread over her face. \u201cOh, Papa, sure I do,\u201d she responded confidently. \u201cLots of things!\u201d<\/p>\n

Resting his forehead against hers, Adam chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest. \u201cYou\u2019re a bright girl,\u201d he confirmed. \u201cBut do you know much I love you, moonbeam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her nose scrunched up as she considered the matter thoroughly. Rather than wait for a response, Adam proceeded to whisper the answer. \u201cMore than all the trees on the Ponderosa and just as big and strong.\u201d Beth\u2019s eyes grew round and wide, her mouth opening in surprise, and Adam knew he had picked just the right image to make his point.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you picturing them in your mind? How they go on for miles, acres, and acres, so far you can\u2019t even see the end?\u201d he prompted. Her head bobbed so quickly it nearly collided with his. \u201cGood. Promise me you\u2019ll remember that\u2019s how much I love you, always.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth gave her word solemnly and latched on to his neck for the umpteenth time that day, with all the force she had within her, squeezing tightly. \u201cI\u2019m going to tell Grandpa about that!\u201d<\/p>\n

She missed the surprised wheeze her father made, somewhere between laughter and protest at the enthusiastic grip. Resigning himself to it, Adam gently patted her back for a second before moving to adjust the strength of her hold. \u201cYou\u2019re getting to be as strong as Uncle Hoss,\u201d he teased. Watching her dissolve into a fit of giggles at his words was well worth the strangling. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s go find Mama.\u201d<\/p>\n

He moved to set Beth on her feet when a laugh-filled, \u201cNoooooooo,\u201d<\/em> made him pause, her feet just inches from the floor. \u201cNoooooo?\u201d Adam repeated, quirking an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cCarry me!\u201d Beth\u2019s eyes sparkled impishly. \u201cPlease?\u201d<\/p>\n

The sound of mock outrage he made, combined with his wide-eyed expression of feigned horror, drew more giggles from her as she wiggled in mid-air. \u201cCarry<\/em> you?\u201d Adam tsked<\/em> disapprovingly. \u201cI suppose; if you insist.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam immediately swung her over his shoulder like a sack of flour, grinning as Beth squealed in delight. He looped an arm around her legs to hold her in place as she playfully protested\u2014or so he assumed, since the giggles rendered her almost unintelligible.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, was this not what you meant? Hmm, well, that\u2019s too bad; off we go.\u201d Adam bounced her a little before carrying her out of the room and towards the stairs.<\/p>\n

On their arrival in the great room, he immediately noticed Alta\u2019s inquiring, worried face, though Beth was too busy to do so. After a moment catching his breath, Adam turned his daughter right side up to bring her to Alta. \u201cI have a giggling sack of flour here. Quite a commodity, really. Any interest?\u201d He caught her eye and offered a reassuring nod over Beth\u2019s head. When concern turned to a smirk of self-satisfaction, Adam rolled his eyes dramatically.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo much interest,\u201d Alta agreed. As she reached for Beth, she stuck her tongue out at Adam just out of the child\u2019s eyesight.<\/p>\n

Sitting at the other end of the settee, Ben smiled at his granddaughter. Beth only had eyes for her parents now but looked happier than he had seen her in days.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, her hair<\/em>!\u201d Alta cast a scathing look at her husband while Beth snuggled up close. \u201cYou were up there with her all that time, and you couldn\u2019t once brush it, or tell her to? Full of knots.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reaching for a cup to pour himself some coffee, Adam paused and glanced at Alta, raising an eyebrow. \u201cWas I supposed to?\u201d Though asked sincerely, the way that her mouth thinned in annoyance made it clear she thought otherwise. \u201cYou didn\u2019t ask me to.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cartwright patriarch winced on Adam\u2019s behalf. That won\u2019t go over well.<\/em><\/p>\n

Eyes full of fire, Alta shot back, \u201cAnd you don\u2019t see with your eyes and solve the problems in front of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth burst into a fresh round of giggles, her eyes dancing with merriment. Papa was in trouble!<\/em><\/p>\n

Raising his hands in surrender, Adam moved away from the coffee. \u201cPoint taken.\u201d He beckoned Beth towards him. \u201cWe\u2019re going back up to take care of that wild hair of yours. How would milady prefer to travel?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alta sighed, but smiled, as Beth gave the predictable answer and Adam swung her over his shoulder again. \u201cBraid her hair before you come back, if you intend to keep carting her around that way.\u201d Her heart felt light as she watched, knowing they had reconnected once again. How she loves her papa<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Nearby, Nora cooed, as if to remind all assembled of her presence. Rising, Alta moved towards the cradle and began rocking it gently. \u201cDon\u2019t worry darling.\u201d Her tone was gentle and lilting, halfway between speaking and song. \u201cPapa will play with you like that, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

——————<\/p>\n

Beth spent the remainder of the day basking in the glow of attention from her parents and grandfather. When bedtime came, it took little effort on her part to cajole both men into reading to her. Tucked snuggly into bed, cuddled up between the two, their calm, steady voices lulled her to sleep. Adam and Ben read a few pages more, just to be certain she wouldn\u2019t wake again, then eased themselves up from the bed and tiptoed out of the room.<\/p>\n

Adam quietly shut the door behind them and rested his forehead against it. He smiled faintly at the feel of Ben\u2019s hand on his shoulder but didn\u2019t lift his head. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son?\u201d A gentle squeeze of the patriarch\u2019s hand accompanied the quiet response.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s brows flickered upward in surprise, then downward in a frown. He couldn\u2019t begin to imagine what Adam might be apologizing for, and looking at the man gave him no clarity. The posture and tone spoke of a weariness that he knew all too well. When Adam chose not to elaborate, he pressed him gently. \u201cWhatever for?\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing up straight, the younger man met his father\u2019s eyes and exhaled softly. \u201cFor every day I ever gave you like the one I had today,\u201d Adam responded at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d Ben nodded, recalling days when he, too, must have sounded that exhausted. \u201cThose were forgiven a long time ago. And you were worth each one of those days, and then some.\u201d He offered the younger man an encouraging smile. \u201cQuite an ordeal then, I take it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave a humorless chuckle. \u201cYou have no idea. Let me recap the devastating blows of one Elizabeth Frances Cartwright for you over a brandy. She\u2019s a hell of sharpshooter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you think Cartwright daughters would be easier than sons?\u201d Ben teased. He stifled his laughter when the look on Adam\u2019s face made it clear that was precisely<\/em> what he thought. Ben patted his son\u2019s shoulder before leading the way downstairs.<\/p>\n

The baby was tucked up in a cradle near the fireplace, snug and warm, and brandies were ready on the coffee table when they arrived in the great room. Alta passed one to Ben with a smile, but held back the second glass, an impish look on her face.<\/p>\n

Adam groaned loudly, his face contorted into a grimace. \u201cOh, will you stop.\u201d He reached for the glass, only for her to move it further out of his reach and wag her head. \u201cAre you really going to do this?\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed wickedly. \u201cPlease, do you really think I\u2019m going to pass up this chance? I thought you\u2019d know me better than that after all this time, husband.\u201d Still dangling the glass out of his reach, holding it by just the tips of her fingers, Alta hummed impatiently.<\/p>\n

Eyebrows raised, Ben stayed silent and brought his glass to a comfortable armchair. He took a small drink and nodded at the quality.<\/p>\n

Crossing his arms over his chest, Adam glowered. \u201cHow long are you going to keep up this unbecoming behavior, exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alta shrugged nonchalantly. \u201cThat\u2019s up to you; I just need three little words. Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Somewhat startled at being drawn into whatever they were doing, Ben almost spilled his drink. \u201cYes?\u201d he answered warily.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good, isn\u2019t it? The brandy. Quite good, hm?\u201d<\/p>\n

The mischief in her eyes begged him to play along and Ben found himself nodding in agreement. \u201cExcellent in fact.\u201d He threw a glance at Adam before taking another sip.<\/p>\n

A spark of merriment entered Adam\u2019s eyes. \u201cI could just get the bottle and end all this now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly.\u201d She nodded slowly, a wide grin spreading across her face. \u201cBe my guest. If you can find it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moaning as if he\u2019d been struck in the gut, Adam dropped onto the settee. \u201cYou\u2019re a mean, cruel woman, Alta Cartwright.\u201d When his glare only made her giggle, he raised his hands in surrender. \u201cFine, fine,\u00a0fine<\/em>,\u201d he ground out. \u201cYou were right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alta bit back a squeal and pounced onto the settee beside him. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I didn\u2019t hear you,\u201d she taunted. Eyes wide, her voice filled with delight she begged, \u201cSay it again!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGive me my drink, brat.\u201d Adam grabbed it from her with one hand as the other pulled her onto his lap. \u201cYou were right,\u201d he whispered in her ear, voice like a soft purr. \u201cAnd I hate you for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tutting softly, Alta kissed his temple. \u201cYou do not,” she asserted with confidence. “And if\u00a0you\u00a0<\/em>can\u2019t be right, isn\u2019t it lovely that I can be? Shall I stroke your ego for you darling?\u201d She began petting his hair the way she did when comforting Beth.<\/p>\n

Closing his eyes, Adam let out an exaggerated sigh of impatience. \u201cWhere did I find you and why didn\u2019t I leave you there?\u201d he asked. Setting aside the drink, he cupped her face with his hands and drew her closer for a brief, but satisfying kiss.<\/p>\n

Alta hummed and sat back, smiling. \u201cAt a party where you rudely asked if I knew the law and then tracked me to my office. Very forward of you. It\u2019s a good thing we\u2019re married now, or I might call you out for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

When he started to laugh, she handed him the abandoned drink, and leaned closer to whisper in his ear, \u201cCan I hear it one more time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

Bright and early the following morning, Adam woke Beth, signaling for her to be quiet with a finger to his lips. Hair escaping from her braid, she nodded in understanding and reached her arms out towards him. A smile lit up her face as Adam swung her into his arms and whisked her downstairs. The chill of fall was in the air this time of day and he pulled a quilt from the settee to wrap her in as they passed through the great room.<\/p>\n

At the table, he sat down in front of two plates of breakfast and a newspaper with Beth on his lap. He took care to tuck the warm folds of the quilt around her. \u201cCozy?\u201d Adam chuckled as she nodded, a warm biscuit with a bite missing already in her hand. \u201cHungry, too, I see.\u201d He placed a glass of milk next to her plate and poured a cup of coffee for himself, then reached for the newspaper.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat section should we start with today? World news? Local politics?\u201d Without looking up from the paper or even pausing in his recitation of potential areas of interest, he reclaimed his coffee from her hands. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t even like it,\u201d Adam pointed out for the hundredth time or more. By the time he did so, Beth\u2019s attention had shifted to a column on the front page.<\/p>\n

\u201cRead it out loud,\u201d he encouraged.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe finds himself\u2026charged,\u201d Beth spoke slowly. \u201cWith two cases of\u2026\u201d Stopping, she looked up at Adam quizzically. \u201cPapa, what\u2019s that say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Setting aside his coffee, Adam looked to where her finger pointed at a printed word. \u201cBurglary.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s eyes went wide with excitement. \u201cLet\u2019s read this<\/em> one! Maybe Mama is in this story.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sheer joy in her tone caused Adam to throw back his head and laugh, while silently promising himself never to give up these moments with her ever again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0When Adam and his wife welcome a second child, the household is thrown into chaos. The changes leave their oldest feeling so overlooked that she becomes convinced that no one will miss her if she disappears. Being a Cartwright, she decides to put that theory to the test.
\nRating: PG WC: 15,160<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12573,"featured_media":45467,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[7,1008,698],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-60860","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-family","category-post-timeline","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-698-id"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/The-Jury.jpg?fit=600%2C442&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60860","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12573"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=60860"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60860\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/45467"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=60860"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=60860"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=60860"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}