Summary: Sorting through a box of mementos, Ben finds a gift Little Joe made when he was five and recalls how it helped the Cartwrights through their first Christmas without Marie.
\nRating T, WC 12,520<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Someday Soon<\/strong><\/p>\n *** Someday soon, we all will be together if the fates allow.\u00a0 Until then, we\u2019ll have to muddle through somehow.\u00a0 So have yourself a merry little Christmas now. *** (excerpt from song: \u201cHave Yourself a Merry Little Christmas\u201d by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust set those boxes down here next to the fireplace, Joseph,\u201d Ben directed as his youngest came into view heading his way.\u00a0 A smiled played upon Pa\u2019s lips watching the seventeen-year-old whose head could barely be seen from in between all the boxes held precariously in his arms.<\/p>\n Hop Sing had insisted that the family go through the numerous packages which had accumulated in the supply shed.\u00a0 The Cartwrights had let it get way out of hand and the cook had put his foot down threatening that there would be no Christmas treats until Ben and his sons decided what was to be saved and what was to be placed into the burn bin.<\/p>\n Joe juggled the armload of boxes and bags and attempted to get down to his knees with them all before they ended up inside the fireplace and not next to it.<\/p>\n \u201cFinally!\u201d Joe exclaimed as he managed to set them down before looking up at his father. \u201cPa, I\u2019d much rather be out with Adam and Hoss than to be dealing with all this junk!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben settled his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder, giving it a good squeeze to remind the boy that he was still in charge of who did which chore.<\/p>\n \u201cNow your brothers have enough to do with getting the tree this year.\u00a0 And besides, Joseph, you heard what Doc said about your cold.\u00a0 He doesn\u2019t want it to get any worse, so you\u2019ve got to stay inside a few more days.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned and remarked, \u201cDoc\u2019s an old worry wart.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben raised his eyebrows and stared at his wayward son.\u00a0 \u201cAnd just WHO<\/strong> made him that way?\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t have been YOU<\/strong>, would it?\u00a0 You\u2019ve kept that man in business for a lot of years, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n Directing his attention to the packages on the floor next to where he still knelt, Joe changed the topic of discussion knowing that he\u2019d never win whenever his pa went on a roll about his many injuries and illnesses that Doctor Paul Martin had tended.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are we gonna do with all this stuff, Pa?\u201d Joe sighed and then grabbed his handkerchief and blotted his runny nose.\u00a0 He had been fighting a cold for days and had tried to pretend he was doing fine but Pa had seen through his deception and had made him stay in his nightshirt and robe all day to make sure he didn\u2019t try to escape the house.<\/p>\n Ben grinned knowing why Joe had given up on complaining about Doc.\u00a0 \u201cWe won\u2019t know whether there\u2019s anything that we want to keep until we go through it, Son.\u00a0 So, we\u2019ll just take it one package at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, let me get comfortable and I\u2019ll hand them over,\u201d Joe relented and sat cross-legged next to the hearth.\u00a0 \u201cWhich one first?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben reached over and took a big brown bag out from amid the large pile in front of Joe.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s start with this I guess \u2013 it\u2019ll keep us busy until your brothers get in with the tree anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Little by little, bag by bag and box by box both Ben and Joe dug through old mementos and letters along with ornaments which had been put away due to their rather shabby condition.\u00a0 Ben had made three piles, one for things he wanted to store and save, one to throw away and one to set out for Christmas.<\/p>\n \u201cAll that\u2019s left, Pa, is just this old shoe box,\u201d Joe called out and handed it to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s pretty well smashed by the looks of it,\u201d Ben began as he lifted the crushed cardboard lid.\u00a0 Opening it, his eyes misted up and a sentimental smile pulled up the corners of his lips.\u00a0 He stared over at his youngest who still held onto one end of the shoebox with his left hand.<\/p>\n *** Joseph— that hand of yours was so tiny that it seemed to disappear into mine — back when you made this.\u00a0 Now look at you! ***<\/em><\/strong> Pa thought to himself as he wondered where the years had gone.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the heck is that<\/em><\/strong>?\u201d Joe asked raising his eyebrows as he scooted closer to where his father sat in the blue winged back chair.<\/p>\n \u201cSurely you remember this, Joseph!\u201d<\/p>\n Shrugging his shoulders Joe replied, \u201cNo, Pa \u2013 what is it exactly \u2013 other than a big mess?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou REALLY<\/strong> don\u2019t remember?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe just shook his head \u201cno\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on let\u2019s go and hand the things we want to give back to Hop Sing to return to the shed and throw out what we don\u2019t want to save,\u201d Ben announced as he stood and reached down and pulled his son up from the floor.<\/p>\n \u201cYou gonna throw that out?\u201d Joe pointed to the shoebox and its contents which Pa had set down on the right side of the chair.<\/p>\n Ben grinned and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cAs soon as the two of us take care of all these piles on the floor I\u2019ll tell you all about what\u2019s in that box.\u00a0 It\u2019s something very special, Son.\u00a0 I\u2019d wondered what had happened to it over the years.\u00a0 Oh, I\u2019ll admit that it needs a bit of work to spruce it up.\u00a0 But I think you\u2019ll understand why it\u2019s so special after I refresh your memory a bit.\u00a0 Come on let\u2019s clean up this mess.\u201d<\/p>\n A short while later, with their task completed, Ben and Joe moved back into the living room.\u00a0 Hop Sing, who was happy that he now had room again in the supply shed rewarded the two of them with coffee for Ben and herbal tea for Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d sooner have coffee,\u201d Joe frowned after he watched to make sure that the cook wasn\u2019t within earshot of his complaint.<\/p>\n Ben chuckled and returned, \u201cYou\u2019d better do as Hop Sing says, Joseph, or he\u2019ll go slap one of those mustard plasters on your chest whether you need it or not!\u00a0 Now you go light over there on the settee while I get that fire built up and then I\u2019ll tell you about the treasure the two of us found a little while ago.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Joe nodded and set the tea in front of him onto the coffee table.<\/p>\n Pa went to work building the fire into a roaring blaze to combat the increasing cold pouring in from outside.\u00a0 He then turned to look over at his youngest.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you curious yet?\u201d He smiled over at his son and reached down and retrieved the box and brought it over to the settee, settling down next to Joe.<\/p>\n Joe blotted his nose again and stifled a sneeze.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I\u2019m supposed to know what it is, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben reached over and grabbed the Indian blanket which rested on the arm of the sofa.<\/p>\n \u201cHere,\u201d he said and handed it over to his son.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s going to take a while until it\u2019s warm enough in here \u2013 so go ahead and wrap this around you.\u00a0 Doc will have a pure fit if he\u2019s got to come out here on Christmas Eve tomorrow just to tend to you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re both <\/strong>worry warts!\u201d Joe grinned and covered his shoulders with the blanket.<\/p>\n Ben raised his eyebrows and answered, \u201cDo you want to spend Christmas up in your room with a cold that\u2019s turned into something worse?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Pa,\u201d Joe surrendered.\u00a0 \u201cNow how about telling me what that thing is and why you\u2019d want to keep it?\u201d He happily changed the subject again.<\/p>\n Draping his arm across Joe\u2019s shoulders Pa smiled, \u201cI\u2019ll let you put your feet up on the table since you\u2019ve got your slippers on and I\u2019m feeling jolly.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laughed and gratefully put his feet up on the sacred coffee table.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, Pa.\u00a0 Okay tell me all about what\u2019s in the box.\u201d<\/p>\n Gingerly Ben lifted the careworn item up out of its resting place in the crushed cardboard box where it had apparently stayed hidden for quite a few years.\u00a0 He held it out so his son could take a good look before he launched into the history of the present from long ago.<\/p>\n \u201cIs it a doll?\u201d Joe asked raising his eyebrows and looking directly into Pa\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n Ben laughed and patted his son\u2019s arm, \u201cNow THAT<\/strong> brings back memories, Joseph!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay \u2013 let me explain \u2013 it\u2019s going to take a while so listen up.\u00a0 I\u2019ll have to go back twelve years ago to the Christmas when you were five years old.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben closed his eyes, and the memories came flooding back to him.\u00a0 It was a bittersweet Christmas.\u00a0 He was blessed to have his three boys; Adam who was eighteen, Hoss who was about to turn twelve and Joseph who had turned five two months earlier.\u00a0 But it was the first Christmas without Marie.<\/p>\n ***Grain bills, bills from the mercantile and here\u2019s one from the blacksmith!\u00a0 How are you supposed to have a merry Christmas when all the bills come in the third week in December? ***<\/em><\/strong> Ben thought to himself as he sat at his desk and began to write the tally into one of his ledger books.\u00a0 He had tried his best to do what he could to make the holidays as bright as possible, but it was only for his sons.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t care if Christmas got cancelled that year, in fact, it would suit him just fine!\u00a0 Ben stared over at the picture of his third wife, Marie.\u00a0 His heart ached to be with her, but he knew he was needed to be there for his three sons.\u00a0 Adam would be starting college the following fall and Hoss, big as he was getting, was just coming into his own.\u00a0 Then there was Joseph.\u00a0 The little five-year-old was a handful and he needed his pa even more now that his mother was gone.<\/p>\n *** I hope the boys can\u2019t tell that I\u2019m just muddling through this Christmas.\u00a0 I think Adam knows I\u2019m still grieving but then again, he went through some of this with me when I lost Inger.\u00a0 Lord knows I\u2019ve had experience in losing women who I\u2019ve loved — but how will I ever be able to get over losing Marie?\u00a0\u00a0 Not a day goes by \u2013 that I don\u2019t think I hear her voice or feel her hand here on my neck \u2013 the way she used to rub it to ease the tension as I wrote out bills or struggled through reading one of these blamed contracts like I\u2019ve got in front of me now! <\/em><\/strong> Ben eyed the brandy decanter and had to will away the urge to get into it that early in the morning.\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong> For my sons— for them \u2013 that\u2019s why I\u2019ll go on.\u00a0 Now back to these blasted bills and this ledger which hasn\u2019t added up in the three months since Marie died. ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Ben heard the rush of small feet coming down the staircase and he looked up to see his youngest making it down to the first landing like a lightning bolt.\u00a0 *** Joseph only has two speeds — fast and a dead stop!\u00a0 What\u2019s he up to now? *** <\/em><\/strong>Spying the impish grin that the little boy shot over to his father, Joe climbed up on the banister and slid the final four stair\u2019s length down into the living room.\u00a0 It was then that laughter came pouring out of Little Joe and he smiled triumphantly over at his pa.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, Joseph \u2013 haven\u2019t I told you that you\u2019re not to slide down that banister?\u201d Ben called across the room, fighting his mirth, as he did think the boy was very amusing in all of his antics.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Papa!\u00a0 I didn\u2019t go ALL<\/strong> the way — you said I cants slide ALL<\/strong> the way!\u201d The boy sang out and then scurried like a wild squirrel over to his pa\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n Ben swung his chair around in preparation for what he knew would be the launch up into his lap by the curly headed little boy.<\/p>\n \u201cUp, up!\u201d Joe announced and with a hop landed into his father\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n Ben held onto the reminder of Marie who now wrapped his little arms around Pa\u2019s neck and hugged him.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, no more sliding, Young Man,\u201d Ben had to pretend to be angry though his eyes reflected the love he held for his youngest.<\/p>\n \u201cNots even a little bit?\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes sought to get his way, as was usual.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Ben announced sternly and then swung his chair back to its former position.\u00a0 \u201cNow, aren\u2019t you supposed to go to town with Hop Sing today, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep,\u201d Joe smiled and then scooted onto the other side of his father\u2019s lap and faced him.\u00a0 \u201cPapa, I need monies –,\u201d<\/p>\n Ben raised his eyebrows and stared into the hazel eyes and returned, \u201cYou need money?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep,\u201d Joe nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I see \u2013 well what happened to those two pennies you\u2019ve been saving, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI gots them, Papa \u2013 I need one more pennies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPenny \u2013 if it\u2019s one,\u201d Ben corrected.<\/p>\n Little Joe looked confused by what his father had said.\u00a0 \u201cI need pennies, Papa, I gots two I need one more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, now tell me what you need a penny for?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe held his left index finger to his lips and whispered, \u201cIt\u2019s a secret \u2013 I can\u2019t say secrets, Papa.\u00a0 Cans I get a pennies?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben cleared his throat and addressed the situation.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not going to get more candy with that penny, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh uh, I need three,\u201d Little Joe said and held up three fingers.\u00a0 \u201cI gots two that means one more, Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou HAVE<\/strong> two, not \u201cgots\u201d two, Son,\u201d Ben tried again to correct Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d the boy nodded.\u00a0 \u201cCans I look in there, Papa?\u00a0 Maybe you gots a pennies there?\u201d Joe asked pointing to the desk drawer.<\/p>\n ***This boy is going to be playing me for the rest of my life! ***<\/em><\/strong> Ben thought to himself as he tried to hide his amusement over how adorable the kid was.\u00a0 His curls were all over the place that morning and Ben knew darn well that Hop Sing had already brushed the boy\u2019s hair earlier.\u00a0 Little Joe was too cute, and his father was starting to believe that the child knew it.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Young Man, you go and have a look see then your Pa has to get back to his work!\u201d Ben sighed and pushed the chair back some as Little Joe went about digging into his desk drawer.\u00a0 With a big grin on his face, his father watched the little left-hand rummaging through everything that was inside that struck his fancy.\u00a0 Ben thought of his own father, the man who the little boy was named after, who had also been a southpaw.<\/p>\n \u201cFind anything, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope \u2013 papers and keys but no monies, Papa,\u201d Little Joe frowned and turned back around in the chair so that now one of his bony knees had planted itself into his father\u2019s thigh.<\/p>\n \u201cHold it, Boy \u2013 stop the wiggling,\u201d Ben insisted and shifted the boy\u2019s position on his lap so that he looked at him straight in the eyes.\u00a0 \u201cNow are you SURE you need a penny and that it\u2019s not for candy or a toy for you, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Papa \u2013 I promise!\u201d Joe said with such emphasis that his father was beginning to believe the child\u2019s story.\u00a0 \u201cPapa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Boy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCans I look there?\u201d The boy pointed at his father\u2019s vest pockets.<\/p>\n Ben grinned and shook his head and for the first time all day he wasn\u2019t thinking of bills that were due or the fact that he didn\u2019t want to have anything to do with Christmas.\u00a0 He was just enjoying spending time with his little boy which helped him to forget everything else.\u00a0 Ben wished it could last but he knew it wouldn\u2019t.\u00a0 Joseph couldn\u2019t be his whole world no more than his other sons could be, but he could spend time with him since he doubted he\u2019d have a little child around too much longer.\u00a0 With Adam going away to college and Hoss almost as tall as his father, it reminded Ben that children grow up all too fast.<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe gave a gleeful smile which revealed a couple of missing teeth which had yet to come in and it made the whole encounter that much more endearing to his pa.\u00a0 The boy\u2019s little fingers dug around in both pockets of his vest and finally came out with a solitary penny.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa I gots it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou HAVE <\/strong>it,\u201d Ben corrected.<\/p>\n \u201cI cans have it?\u201d Little Joe asked, thinking that his father had said it was okay, but he wanted to be sure.<\/p>\n \u201cI tell you what, Joseph \u2013 since Hop Sing is about ready to leave for town \u2013 I will advance you that penny.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s face was the picture of confusion, and the look wasn\u2019t lost on his father.<\/p>\n \u201cThat means that I give you that penny right now and when you come home in a little while you will do something to earn it.\u00a0 Do you understand, Son?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe nodded eagerly and replied, \u201cWhat cans I do, Papa?\u00a0 What\u2019s a pennies of work?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben leaned back and thought a moment and then returned, \u201cWell, Hop Sing is going to bring me back a newspaper and you can bring it in when you get home and put it right here on my desk.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe frowned and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Papa \u2013 not hard enough for a pennies.\u00a0 I needs to work harder for a pennies or you can\u2019t vance it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdvance it,\u201d Ben nodded to the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cYep,\u201d Joe grinned.<\/p>\n Ben stared down at his boots and pointed, \u201cYour Pa\u2019s old boots sure could use a good cleaning.\u00a0 But that\u2019s a pretty tough job, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI cans do it!\u00a0 I can, Papa!\u201d Joe insisted bobbing his head up and down.<\/p>\n Ben smiled at the little boy\u2019s enthusiasm.\u00a0 \u201cAlright \u2013 now how about one half of a penny for each boot.\u00a0 Now how much would that be, Son?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe shrugged his shoulders and frowned.\u00a0 He had no idea what the answer was.<\/p>\n Ben thought for a moment trying to help the boy with his figuring.\u00a0 \u201cIf I take an apple and cut it in half I have two halves, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell consider each boot one half of that penny.\u00a0 And now what happens when you take two halves of an apple and put it together.\u00a0 What do you have?\u201d<\/p>\n The boy thought for a few seconds and asked, \u201cAn apple?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed and hugged his son.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019ll do for now,\u201d He nodded and closed his son\u2019s hand around the penny.\u00a0 \u201cNow go find Hop Sing and be a good boy for him, Joseph.\u00a0 You can clean my boots when you get home.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe hugged his father\u2019s neck and said, \u201cI will put spit on them like Hoss does, Papa!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben cleared his throat and replied as he lifted his son down to the floor.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll show you how to do it when you get back, Young Man.\u00a0 Now scoot!\u201d Ben patted the boy on his backside and Little Joe gleefully took off at full speed into the kitchen to meet up with the cook.<\/p>\n Leaning back in his chair Ben just shook his head and grinned.\u00a0 There were still bills on his desk and ledger books that were a mess, but he\u2019d had a very necessary interruption by the little boy who was the apple of his eye.<\/p>\n Late that afternoon Hop Sing made it home with Little Joe at his side.\u00a0 He insisted that the little boy get a nap in before supper and reluctantly Joe settled down in his bed.\u00a0 Afterwards the cook and caregiver spoke with Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cWas the boy a handful this time?\u201d Ben grinned knowingly as he sat down in the living room and sipped the coffee Hop Sing had just brought in for him.<\/p>\n \u201cAlways handful,\u201d Hop Sing nodded but there was a big smile on his face because he loved the little boy very much.\u00a0 \u201cBoy spend money but not let Hop Sing see what buy.\u00a0 Little Joe spend all money none left.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben peered over at Hop Sing and returned, \u201cYou don\u2019t have any idea what the boy bought with his three pennies?\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head adamantly.\u00a0 \u201cHe tell Mister Keller he need keep secret.\u00a0 He put all he buy in brown paper bag for Little Joe.\u00a0 Little Joe tell Hop Sing it big secret for Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n *** The boy is sure in the spirit this year.\u00a0 Wish I could be as excited as a five-year-old.\u00a0 If only Marie was here \u2013 she would make it mean so much more. It just won\u2019t be Christmas without her.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how I\u2019m going to pull this off without you with me, my love. ***<\/em><\/strong> Ben sighed and fought back his sorrow as best he could.\u00a0 But as for what was going on with his youngest, Joseph was apparently going to keep his secret until Christmas.<\/p>\n \u201cHey there, Short Shanks!\u201d Hoss called over to Little Joe as he took his seat at the dinner table opposite Adam.<\/p>\n The little boy who was seated at the table with a large pillow placed underneath him so he could reach everything, stared over at Hoss curious over what he had called him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s a shank, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam busted out laughing and Little Joe frowned and then cast a glance over to his father.\u00a0 \u201cPapa, am I a shank?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben chuckled and answered, \u201cHoss called you short shanks, that just means that you\u2019re a little short \u2013 that\u2019s all, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t mean nothing by that, Little Joe, you\u2019ll get taller once you\u2019re old like me,\u201d Hoss apologized.<\/p>\n \u201cYou ain\u2019t old, Hoss,\u201d Little Joe corrected.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m older than you are,\u201d Hoss insisted.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m older than you both so be quiet,\u201d Adam frowned and began to pass around the platters of food.<\/p>\n Ben cleared his throat and said, \u201cI\u2019m older than the three of you so let\u2019s have some peace around here.\u00a0 Now, Adam, did you get with the new hand, Fletcher?\u00a0 He\u2019s supposed to help you and Hoss go and get the tree we chose last week.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir, he\u2019s coming out first thing in the morning,\u201d Adam nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa, cans I bring tree too?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben reached over and patted Little Joe\u2019s hand and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNot this year, Son, maybe next.\u00a0 Besides you\u2019ve got work to do, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI gots to feed Hop Sing\u2019s old chickens in the morning and fetch kindling.\u00a0 Papa, I gots to clean your boots to pay for the vance you gave me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdvance,\u201d Ben corrected.\u00a0 \u201cYou can do it after we eat, Joseph, then we\u2019ll be squared up with that loan, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Hoss?\u00a0 Tell Papa how you\u2019re posed to spit to clean boots,\u201d Joe said and turned his eyes on his brother for confirmation.<\/p>\n Hoss laughed and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t have to spit, Little Joe, Pa\u2019s got some cleaning stuff.\u00a0 Just save your spit for when you need it,\u201d Hoss replied and winked over to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Pa smiled over at Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cDo we really have to talk about spit at the table?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n Little Joe giggled over what Adam had said.\u00a0 \u201cYou ain\u2019t gots to go to college to learn to spit, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not going to college to learn to spit, Little Joe, I\u2019m going there to get away from people who talk about it at the table.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe shook his head that he didn\u2019t understand what his oldest brother had said.\u00a0 \u201cIf I don\u2019t say nothing \u2018bout spitting you ain\u2019t gots to go?\u00a0 I won\u2019t talk about spitting no more, Adam, so stay here, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Pa and Adam exchanged glances and they both sighed.\u00a0 ***Out of the mouths of babes! *** <\/em><\/strong>Ben thought to himself.<\/p>\n \u201cIf that\u2019s the case, I won\u2019t talk about spitting either, Adam, so you can stay,\u201d Ben teased.<\/p>\n Adam decided he\u2019d better get a handle on the whole \u201cgoing away to college thing\u201d for his little brother\u2019s sake.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe, I\u2019m going away to learn things and then I\u2019ll be back, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, but if you don\u2019t learn nothing come home,\u201d Little Joe insisted.<\/p>\n \u201cEat your supper, Joseph, you have boots to clean,\u201d Ben announced hoping to get Adam off the hook about his reasons for going away to college.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Little Joe, what did you buy in town?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t tell you, Hoss \u2013 it\u2019s my secret,\u201d Joe whispered over to him.<\/p>\n \u201cIs it for me?\u201d Hoss continued.<\/p>\n Joe nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s for you \u2013 and for Adam \u2013 and for Papa \u2013 and Hop Sing too.\u00a0 But I canst tell nobodys right now.\u00a0 Papa, I\u2019m done give me your boots.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed and shook his head at his youngest.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, do you mind if I finish eating before I have to stand around in my stocking feet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go get your slippers!\u201d Little Joe exclaimed and before Pa could say another word the kid took off from the table at full speed as usual.<\/p>\n \u201cThe kid\u2019s sure excited about whatever his secret is.\u00a0 Any idea, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have no clue, Adam.\u00a0 But tomorrow is Christmas Eve, so we don\u2019t have long to wait.\u00a0 Are you boys done with all your shopping?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam grinned over at each other and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cAdam and I went in together on our gifts to make it easier, so we\u2019re all done.\u00a0 How about you, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think I\u2019ve about got all my shopping done.\u00a0 Of course, I don\u2019t have a clue what Santa will bring you three boys,\u201d Ben grinned over at his sons.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope \u201cSanta\u201d was paying attention when I pointed out that drafting table,\u201d Adam winked over at his pa.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, and I hope he was paying attention when I pointed out that fishing pole at the mercantile,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess it will depend on if you both were good,\u201d Ben announced, fighting a grin.<\/p>\n \u201cIf them\u2019s the rules then I guess Little Joe ain\u2019t going to get nothing this year,\u201d Hoss laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, come on, Hoss, the boy\u2019s not that bad \u2013 he\u2019s just \u2013 well — rambunctious,\u201d Ben corrected.<\/p>\n \u201cGood luck, Hoss, when I\u2019m away at college.\u00a0 Better put up anything you don\u2019t want that rambunctious kid to get his hands on,\u201d Adam warned.<\/p>\n \u201cEat your dinner, both of you,\u201d Ben returned attempting to show that he was still in control of the household.\u00a0 He was aware that Joseph was a handful, he didn\u2019t need to hear it during supper.<\/p>\n After they ate Ben and his two older boys sat in the living room and talked about upcoming plans concerning Christmas.\u00a0 Pa had waited patiently for Joe to make his way back down the stairs, but he hadn\u2019t showed.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe go check on the boy, Hoss,\u201d Ben called across the room.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d<\/p>\n As soon as Hoss made it halfway up the staircase Little Joe came running down with his father\u2019s slippers in his hands.\u00a0 He breezed past Hoss and was soon there on the last landing.\u00a0 He climbed up onto the railing when he heard Pa\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph! Don\u2019t you dare do it!\u201d Ben sounded out loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cJust a little bit?\u201d Little Joe asked innocently, hoping for another short ride down the banister.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Pa returned sternly.<\/p>\n Joe frowned and climbed back down and headed over to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cI gots your slippers, Papa,\u201d Joe announced holding them up.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph?\u00a0 What have you been doing?\u00a0 It\u2019s been almost an hour since you left the dinner table.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a secret, Papa,\u201d Joe answered and held an index finger up to his lips again.<\/p>\n \u201cOh \u2013 so you were working on your secret, is that right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep,\u201d Joe nodded and set the slippers right next to his father\u2019s feet.\u00a0 \u201cI stop for now \u2018cause I need to earn my vance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdvance,\u201d Ben corrected once again pulling off his boots.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2019s going to show you what to do, Son.\u00a0 Go on and take these over to the hearth, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need no \u2018splaining, Papa,\u201d Joe remarked defiance in his tone.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben called over to the boy.<\/p>\n Joe set the slippers next to his father\u2019s chair and lifted his boots into his arms.\u00a0 He carried them over to where Adam waited with rags and boot wax.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is going to help, Little Joe, you see boots are made from hide \u2013 and they can get all dried out, so this is like saddle soap, you know?\u00a0 You just put a little on there and rub it around with the cloth.\u00a0 Now, do you think you\u2019ve got it? Adam instructed.<\/p>\n Joe nodded and stuck his right hand into one of the boots and Pa had to fight off his laughter as the kids\u2019 arm was swallowed up due to the size of the boot.\u00a0 Then the boy diligently rubbed the wax over the boot and traded for the other one and did the same.\u00a0 Finally, he took the shoe brush and swept it back and forth until each boot was shiny.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa this good?\u201d the boy asked as he presented the boots over to his pa for inspection.<\/p>\n Ben patted his son\u2019s head and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cWonderful job, Joseph!\u00a0 You more than earned your \u201cvance.\u201d He grinned as he gave in to what the little boy had called the advance all day long.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa, cans I have big scissors?\u201d Little Joe asked hopefully.\u00a0 He\u2019d never used them before without supervision, but he couldn\u2019t let others see what he was doing with his secret project.<\/p>\n Ben eyed the boy and could tell that he was serious.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph \u2013 we\u2019ve talked about things that could hurt you \u2013 and maybe those might not be such a good thing to use right now especially without supervision.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI be careful I promise.\u00a0 I gots to have for my secret.\u201d Joe persisted his eyes seeking his father\u2019s understanding.<\/p>\n \u201cSon, I\u2019m not even sure where they are.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe looked down at the floor and responded quietly, \u201cMama\u2019s sew box, Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n And that was all that it had taken for Ben Cartwright to pull on his boots and stand up.\u00a0 \u201cI have to go and check on the firewood.\u00a0 We\u2019ll talk about this later, Joseph,\u201d Pa announced.\u00a0 He headed outside to be alone with his grief.<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam had witnessed the sadness spreading across their father\u2019s face just as soon as the little boy had mentioned his mother.\u00a0 They were all upset with it being the first Christmas without Marie, all that is, but apparently Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat wrong with Papa?\u201d Little Joe asked turning to stare over at his brothers.<\/p>\n Adam neared the boy and put his hand on his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cNothing, Little Joe, Pa just wants to make sure we all stay warm tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u00a0 You gots any scissors?\u00a0 Please?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have some but I\u2019m not sure that Pa wants you to mess with sharp things as young as you are.\u00a0 Is there something you want to cut?\u00a0 I\u2019ll do it for you, Kid.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI gots to do this \u2018cause it\u2019s my secret.\u00a0 Please, Adam, I promise \u2013 I promise I won\u2019t gets cut or do nothing bad.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed and tried to figure out how he\u2019d handle the dilemma.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want Little Joe to pester their father right now because he could see how much he was hurting over his loss, especially now at Christmas.\u00a0 But he didn\u2019t want to be responsible if Joe were to get hurt.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have to do it tonight, Little Joe?\u00a0 Can\u2019t it wait?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head, and his eyes began to tear up.\u00a0 His voice quavered as he replied, \u201cIt\u2019s gots to be tonight \u2013 I gots lots to do, Adam.\u00a0 I promise \u2013 cross my heart I be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared over at Hoss and saw him shrug his shoulders noncommittally.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, Kid, but you\u2019d better hold true to that promise!\u00a0 You better not play around with them and point them down whenever you\u2019re carrying them.\u00a0 Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe bobbed his head up and down as he wiped his shirtsleeve over his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI will, I promise.\u00a0 Can you give \u2018em to me now, I gots to do something?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFollow me up to my room.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go,\u201d Adam gave in and walked with his little brother up to his bedroom.<\/p>\n Ben stared up at the stars in the sky and tried to fight back his grief, but it had suddenly become overwhelming.\u00a0 He could still see Little Joe and hear his innocent voice which had only mentioned Marie\u2019s sewing box and yet the reminder had sent a stabbing pain into his father\u2019s heart.\u00a0 There were only two days left, Christmas Eve and Christmas.\u00a0 Ben fought to control the depths of despair he felt and how he just wanted to forget all about celebrating this year.\u00a0 But his boys, they were what mattered.\u00a0 He had to try and pretend that all was well, though nothing could be furthest from the truth.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Hoss\u2019 voice came up from behind where his father was standing near the front hitching post.<\/p>\n Ben turned for just a moment and pushed aside the few fallen tears.\u00a0 He coughed to clear his throat before looking over at his middle boy.\u00a0 For only around twelve Hoss was a giant and with a heart to match his stature.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Boy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa \u2013 well me and Adam know how hard this Christmas is for you.\u00a0 I mean it\u2019s hard on the two of us missing Ma and all \u2013 so we sure know that you\u2019re hurting even more.\u00a0 We just wish that we could help you.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben put his arm across his son\u2019s shoulder and attempted a reassuring smile cast his way.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Son, I just have my moments.\u00a0 I know that you two boys are trying to hold in your feelings for me \u2013 and for Joseph.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry if I haven\u2019t said it enough \u2013 how much I appreciate the both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss patted his pa\u2019s back and smiled, \u201cPa, you are always there for us.\u00a0 We know.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben drew in a deep breath and then stared up at Hoss and said, \u201cI\u2019m just so surprised about Little Joe.\u00a0 For the last three months he\u2019s been acting up and crying over his ma and now suddenly he appears to be just fine.\u00a0 Has he said anything to you, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Sir \u2013 maybe it\u2019s because his mind is on this secret of his?\u00a0 I expected him to be crying for Ma too \u2013 I just can\u2019t figure it out, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben patted Hoss\u2019 back and turned him for the house.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go in \u2013 it\u2019s getting cold.\u00a0 And \u2013 well thanks, Boy.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded over to his father and walked inside with his arm slung over his shoulder.<\/p>\n Adam met both Hoss and his pa as they entered the house.\u00a0 He handed his father a small shot of brandy as he made it over to his chair by the fireplace.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Son,\u201d Ben nodded appreciatively over at his eldest.\u00a0 \u201cHoss told me that the two of you are having a time of it \u2013 I\u2019m sorry if I haven\u2019t made myself more available to you both.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa \u2013 we understand, and we all miss Ma,\u201d Adam returned and sat down on the settee.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned not knowing if his father would approve of what he had done.\u00a0 \u201cPa, Little Joe needed the scissors to work on whatever he\u2019s doing up in his room.\u00a0 I loaned him mine, but I showed him how to use them and carry them.\u00a0 I hope that was okay?\u00a0 The kid was adamant that he needed them, and I didn\u2019t want him to worry you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, hopefully the boy won\u2019t hurt himself.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad he\u2019s got something to do so he won\u2019t be mourning over his ma.\u00a0 And the two of you — if you need to talk about it\u2014well I\u2019m here for you.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam nodded over at their father.\u00a0 \u201cWe know, Pa \u2013 and we\u2019ll all get through this year and maybe next year will be better,\u201d Adam nodded.<\/p>\n ***I hope so. ***<\/em><\/strong> Ben thought to himself.\u00a0 The room just seemed so empty without Marie there smiling over at all of them.\u00a0 Ben sipped his brandy and tried to pull from deep within himself so he could make it through until Christmas was finally over.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben called through the boy\u2019s bedroom door.\u00a0 He usually just walked inside but he knew that his son was working on something that was a surprise, and Pa didn\u2019t want to spoil it for him.\u00a0 \u201cCan I come in now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a second, Papa!\u201d Little Joe exclaimed and hurried to gather the many pieces of the project he had been diligently working on.\u00a0 He shoved all of it inside of his bureau and then sang out.\u00a0 \u201cCome in, Papa!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben walked inside the room and once again put on a brave face for the little boy.\u00a0 \u201cWell now, you ready to get tucked in?\u201d He smiled as he approached his son.<\/p>\n \u201cI gots to say my prayers, Papa,\u201d Joe returned and knelt there next to the bed.\u00a0 He waited for his father to kneel next to him.\u00a0 \u201cPapa \u2013 you gots to close your eyes them\u2019s the rules.\u201d<\/p>\n Pa shook his head and grinned over at the five-year-old who evidently had praying down to a science.\u00a0 Ben closed his eyes and listened for the child to begin.<\/p>\n \u201cGod bless Papa, God bless Adam, God bless Hoss, God bless Hop Sing, God bless my mama who is with you right now and let her know that I been good.\u00a0 And God bless everybody, and God bless me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben had to brush aside a few tears and gather himself before opening his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou gots to say amen, Papa \u2013 them\u2019s the rules,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cAmen,\u201d Ben said quietly and then lifted the little boy into his arms and placed him up on the bed.\u00a0 He pulled the sheet and quilt down and settled his son underneath.\u00a0 He pulled them up over the boy\u2019s shoulders and tucked him in at all sides.\u00a0 Brushing a hand across the boy\u2019s head full of curls Pa sat next to him.\u00a0 \u201cAre you excited that Santa is coming tomorrow night, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell \u2013 a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a little bit?\u201d Ben asked raising his eyebrows.\u00a0 Joe never held back when it came to his wants and in past years he had a long list for Saint Nicholas.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m cited about my secret most of all, Papa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh \u2013 I see.\u00a0 Now just when will we know about your secret, Son?\u00a0 Christmas morning?\u201d Ben smiled down at the little boy.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Papa \u2013 tomorrow night \u2013 it\u2019s portant,\u201d Joe stated insistently.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, it is, is it?\u00a0 Well then tomorrow night I\u2019ll sure be looking forward to seeing what you\u2019ve been so excited about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPapa?\u00a0 It ain\u2019t nothing store bought is that okay?\u00a0 I boughts it with my monies from the store but I\u2019m making it all by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen it will be even better,\u201d Pa grinned leaning forward as he kissed the little boy\u2019s cheek.\u00a0 \u201cNow you get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe pulled himself up in the bed and hugged his father\u2019s neck and whispered, \u201cTomorrow night you will be surprised, Papa \u2013 surprised and happy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure I will.\u00a0 Now close those eyes, Young Man, and I\u2019ll see you in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love you, Papa,\u201d Little Joe whispered as his father stood from the bed.<\/p>\n Ben ruffled the boy\u2019s curly hair.\u00a0 \u201cI love you more,\u201d Pa returned and nodded over to his son.\u00a0 \u201cGoodnight, Joseph.\u00a0 Pleasant dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe snuggled down deep into the quilt and smiled to himself thinking about the big surprise he had for his family.\u00a0 He imagined how their faces would look when he unveiled his present.\u00a0 With that his final thought, the little boy fell off to sleep.<\/p>\n Well, I made it to Christmas Eve ***<\/em><\/strong> Ben thought to himself as he sat at the dining table and sipped his coffee.\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong> Only one more day after this and then we can forget all about Christmas. ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Adam came in from the porch and headed over to greet his pa.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Hoss and I already ate, Pa.\u00a0 We\u2019re heading out right now to meet up with Fletcher and go get the tree!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled over at his eldest and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYou two got up awfully early, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir, we figured we had to haul it back here so we can get it all decorated for tonight.\u00a0 We shouldn\u2019t be long \u2013 see you, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou boys be careful!\u201d Ben called as Adam hurried back out of the front door.\u00a0 *** Sometimes that boy is in just as much of a hurry as Little Joe! *** <\/em><\/strong>Ben mused.\u00a0 He looked over at the staircase where he spied his youngest.\u00a0 Little Joe made it down to the first landing and shot a quick glance across the room to see if his father was paying any attention to him.<\/p>\n Ben grinned over at his son and waited to see if the boy was going to attempt to launch himself down the banister again.\u00a0 He could tell that Joseph was mulling over whether he should make the move or not.<\/p>\n \u201cJust for Christmas, Papa?\u201d Joe called over to the dining room.<\/p>\n Sighing to himself, Ben frowned and shook his head.\u00a0 He just couldn\u2019t say no.\u00a0 \u201cAlright— just for Christmas, Joseph.\u00a0 Go ahead but be careful!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled gleefully and climbed up onto the banister and sailed down into the living room.\u00a0 Ben shook his head and tried to hide his amusement once again.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Papa!\u201d the little boy called to his pa as he headed over his way.\u00a0 \u201cMorning,\u201d he said and climbed up onto the pillow there on his chair.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Young Man,\u201d He replied and patted the boy\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cDid you sleep well?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep!\u00a0 It\u2019s day before Christmas now, Papa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Joseph, it\u2019s Christmas Eve.\u00a0 Now what are you going to do after you get those chores done?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI gots to finish my secret \u2013 then tonight I gets to show you and Adam and Hoss and Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure do have a busy day ahead of you.\u00a0 Now you eat a big breakfast and then head on out and help Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhatcha gonna do today, Papa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I have some chores of my own to tend to.\u00a0 Then your brothers are going to bring that tree for you all to decorate.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared over at his pa and replied, \u201cPapa, you gots to help hang things too \u2013 them\u2019s the rules!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed and ruffled his son\u2019s hair.\u00a0 \u201cOh?\u00a0 There are rules for Christmas Eve like there are for praying?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep!\u201d Joe grinned.\u00a0 \u201cMama\u2019s and Papa\u2019s gots to help hang things.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked down at the table and fought his sadness due to what Joe had said.<\/p>\n Little Joe hopped down from his chair and moved over to his pa. Ben held out his arms and Little Joe launched himself into Pa\u2019s lap.\u00a0 He gave his father a hug and whispered in his ear, \u201cPapa, you ain\u2019t supposed to be sad on Christmas \u2013 them\u2019s the rules.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head as he stared into the little boy\u2019s eyes and for just a moment, he saw Marie\u2019s eyes looking back at him.\u00a0 He pulled Joe into his arms and just held onto him fighting with all he had left inside to hide his grief and his tears.<\/p>\n Finally coughing into his fist to clear his throat and release his pent-up emotions he pulled the little boy back and said, \u201cJoseph, you certainly know a lot about rules for a little boy who rarely follows those that his father tells him.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe laughed and replied, \u201cThose rules ain\u2019t the same kinds, Papa.\u00a0 Christmas rules are portant.\u201d<\/p>\n The boy had done what he had intended to do as his father was finally smiling over at him and no longer looked sad.<\/p>\n \u201cI see \u2013 I\u2019ll have to remember that,\u201d Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cNow you best eat so you can get to the chores and your secret.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPapa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Son?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe gave his father one more hug and whispered in his ear.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t be sad, Papa \u2013 my secret will make you happy again,\u201d Joe assured his pa.<\/p>\n Ben watched as his son climbed down from his lap and retook his seat.\u00a0 He wished with all of his heart that the little boy could make the sadness go away, but Ben knew that wasn\u2019t something that was in his power.\u00a0 But he would try his best to pretend to be happy once Joseph finally showed him what his little secret was.\u00a0 Ben wouldn\u2019t ruin it for the boy and would play along as best he could.\u00a0 *** Joseph, you don\u2019t need Ben Cartwright as a father \u2013 no, you need a real actor like Edwin Booth!\u00a0 This is going to be hard \u2013 but lately everything is. ***<\/em><\/strong> He thought to himself.<\/p>\n Later that afternoon Hop Sing stood in the kitchen and worked diligently on the many pies and cookies he was making for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.\u00a0 He felt like the rest of the Cartwrights and had missed the presence of Marie Cartwright.\u00a0 She would stand alongside of him and help him prepare all the meals and the woman loved the holidays so much that she\u2019d work from sunup to get everything just perfect for her family.\u00a0 He had loved the woman and she had loved him right back.\u00a0 She had even learned to speak some Chinese over the six years that she had known Hop Sing.\u00a0 Sometimes he thought that he could still feel her there in the kitchen and hear her humming just a few inches from where he stood at the stove.\u00a0 He knew that he\u2019d have to put on a brave face in order to help his surrogate family through the first Christmas without the beautiful woman that they all had loved so much.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing?\u201d Little Joe called as he stepped closer to where the cook was rolling out some cookie dough.<\/p>\n \u201cNot ready yet Little Joe \u2013 you come back in little while \u2013 then Hop Sing give you first cookie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope \u2013 need help,\u201d Joe announced and moved closer to the man.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat you need?\u00a0 Hop Sing vely busy Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI gots the thread and I gots the needle but I cants figure it out,\u201d Little Joe replied as he held both items in his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere you get?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMama\u2019s sew box.\u00a0 Don\u2019t tell Papa, it makes him sad,\u201d Joe insisted.<\/p>\n \u201cYou need something sewed, Little Joe?\u00a0 Hop Sing do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope \u2013 I gots to do it\u2019s my secret.\u00a0 Canst you put them together for me?\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing finally looked at the boy carefully and noticed how urgent his request seemed.\u00a0 He figured that it must have something to do with Joe\u2019s secret that he had been working on all day.\u00a0 The cook wiped his hands off on his apron and grabbed up the thread and the needle. Hop Sing smiled when he realized that Little Joe\u2019s length of thread was much too long.\u00a0 \u201cWhere Mama sew box?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI gots it hid \u2013 Papa\u2019s sad about it \u2013 don\u2019t tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBring to Hop Sing, maybe you need two needles for this.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe ran out of the kitchen and was soon back with his mother\u2019s sewing box.\u00a0 Hop Sing searched for the needles and drew out an extra one.\u00a0 He broke the thread into two pieces and threaded both needles.<\/p>\n \u201cNow you not stick self, Little Joe,\u201d Hop Sing cautioned.\u00a0 \u201cBetter let Hop Sing keep sew box for now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid ya knot it like you\u2019re posed to?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n Hop Sing smiled and nodded over at the boy.\u00a0 \u201cAll ready \u2013 now take slow \u2013 or you have troubles.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI cans do it myself,\u201d Joe nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Hop Sing,\u201d he said and began to run out of the kitchen.<\/p>\n Hop Sing caught the little boy\u2019s arm and pulled him back.\u00a0 \u201cNeedle sharp!\u00a0 No run!\u00a0 Never run with needle.\u00a0 You bring back when Little Joe done.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded once more and then turned out of the kitchen going slower than usual.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a nice one, Boys,\u201d Pa called over to Adam and Hoss as they set up the ten-foot-tall fir tree next to the staircase.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss stood back and looked up at the tree.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a bear to load, Pa \u2013 but it is the nicest one on the ranch,\u201d Hoss agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want to wait until after supper to decorate it, Pa?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cMight as well \u2013 it will take most of the evening to do but Hop Sing is making an early dinner so why don\u2019t you boys go wash up.\u00a0 Oh, and tell Joseph to wash his hands and get ready to come down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHas he been working on his secret, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Hoss \u2013 all day long.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t even talk him into coming down for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed as he stared over at his brother.\u00a0 He could read a touch of sadness on his face along with that of his father\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cI know it\u2019s going to be a tough night \u2013 and tomorrow too for all three of us.\u00a0 But we\u2019ll somehow get through it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing looked a bit misty eyed when I walked into the kitchen earlier too, Adam.\u00a0 So, I guess that makes four of us who will have to pretend to be jolly tonight.\u00a0 Only Little Joe is in the spirit this year \u2013 so we\u2019ll all just have to get through it for that boy\u2019s sake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder what he\u2019s working on as his present?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve no earthly idea, but no matter how rough it looks \u2013 we all need to pretend it\u2019s nice, so we don\u2019t hurt the kid,\u201d Ben returned.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will, Pa,\u201d Adam agreed and then he walked up the stairs with Hoss to get washed up and to tell Little Joe to do the same.<\/p>\n Ben stood and stared up at the Christmas tree and closed his eyes.\u00a0 He could still remember Marie standing there next to the tree a year ago and how she laughed as she helped Joseph tie the ornaments onto the low hanging branches while Hoss and Adam hung the ones on the higher boughs.\u00a0 He wished he could have captured that moment and held onto it for all eternity.\u00a0 Ben prayed it would remain vivid in his mind forever.\u00a0 Sighing to himself and fighting back tears he walked away.<\/p>\n Ben brought out the four boxes of decorations and set them on the hearth.\u00a0 He watched as his three sons gathered around.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Boys, get to it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou too, Papa!\u201d Joe reminded his father.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll watch the three of you for a bit, Joseph, and then I\u2019ll help too,\u201d Ben replied and sat down in the red leather chair.<\/p>\n \u201cHere you go, Short Shanks,\u201d Hoss called down to Little Joe and handed the boy an ornament to hang.\u00a0 \u201cThat one\u2019s got a string, so you just put it over one of those lower branches, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned as he looked up at his brother and said, \u201cHoss, I ain\u2019t no short shank, and I know how to hang.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure you do,\u201d Hoss laughed and began to hang the family ornaments alongside of Adam.<\/p>\n Ben watched his boys as they busied themselves getting the tree trimmed.\u00a0 The pain was back in his heart as he thought how much Marie would have enjoyed seeing all three boys decorating the Christmas Tree.\u00a0 Hop Sing came in with a punch bowl full of cider and cups for the four members of his family.<\/p>\n \u201cWon\u2019t you stay and have some, Hop Sing?\u201d Ben asked and noticed that the man had a bit of redness around his eyes.\u00a0 He knew that Hop Sing was also missing Marie.<\/p>\n \u201cWill in little while \u2013 must watch pies \u2013 I be back,\u201d He replied and turned back for the kitchen.<\/p>\n Adam pulled an ornament out of the box on the hearth and his face suddenly filled with sorrow.\u00a0 Ben stood and looked over at his eldest.\u00a0 He noticed what Adam was holding.\u00a0 It had been an ornament that he had made with Marie years ago when she had first come to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Ben knew what the boy was thinking, and he drew in a deep breath and reached over and touched Adam\u2019s arm sympathetically.<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Son,\u201d Ben whispered to Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s hard, Pa,\u201d Adam replied and drew in a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cI think I\u2019ll go see Hop Sing for a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben watched his eldest beat a hasty exit to the kitchen to gain his composure.\u00a0 He then watched as Hoss had the same kind of memory come to him.\u00a0 His middle boy held in his hand a hand painted ornament.\u00a0 It had Hoss\u2019s name on it and his birthdate.\u00a0 Marie had made it for the boy\u2019s tenth birthday.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want me to hang it?\u201d Ben whispered as he approached his boy.<\/p>\n Hoss peered over to see what Little Joe was doing and fortunately the kid was down on the floor trying to find an ornament that had rolled underneath the tree.\u00a0 He swept his shirtsleeve across his eyes and then replied, \u201cYeah, Pa \u2013 will you hang it up?\u00a0 I think I\u2019ll go in the kitchen for a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Son,\u201d Ben whispered and watched as another one of his boys left the room.<\/p>\n \u201cHey!\u201d Joe called up at his pa.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019d everybodies go?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, they\u2019ll be right back they just went into the kitchen, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared up at his father and watched him hanging Hoss\u2019 ornament.\u00a0 \u201cHey, that\u2019s the one my Mama made for Hoss, Papa.\u00a0 Hoss needs to hang it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s okay, he wanted me to do it this year,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n Little Joe watched as his brothers came back into the room.\u00a0 He studied their faces and could tell that they were both sad.\u00a0 Then as he watched his father retake his seat, he could see that he was sad too.\u00a0 Little Joe hoped that the tree would get decorated fast so he could bring down his secret and hopefully make everyone happy again.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get this done,\u201d Adam called over to his brothers and grabbed an ornament and went right to work alongside of Hoss.<\/p>\n The tree trimming took almost two hours with all three boys working and Pa hanging a few ornaments at Little Joe\u2019s insistence too.\u00a0 The four Cartwrights looked up at it as Hop Sing walked into the room carrying a tray of cookies.<\/p>\n \u201cVely nice tree,\u201d Hop Sing said and fought to smile.<\/p>\n Little Joe watched the faces of his family carefully. Not one had a smile on it and even Hop Sing\u2019s forced grin had faded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s time for my secret!\u201d The boy called out exuberantly.<\/p>\n Ben and his older boys turned in time to watch the little boy dash up the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cBoys \u2013 no matter what Joseph has made let\u2019s all pretend that it\u2019s very nice,\u201d Ben paused and looked over at Hop Sing.\u00a0 \u201cYou too, Old Friend.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing tell Little Joe secret nice, Mister Ben,\u201d The cook agreed nodding his head.<\/p>\n A few minutes later the joyful little boy made his presence known from the top of the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cMerry Christmas!\u201d Little Joe called down to his family.<\/p>\n \u201cMerry Christmas \u2013 well Christmas Eve that is, Joseph,\u201d Ben nodded up at the boy.<\/p>\n Making his way down the stairs carrying a shoe box, Joe couldn\u2019t wait to see everyone\u2019s face once they saw what he had for them.\u00a0 He took his position in front of the settee where Hoss and Adam were seated.<\/p>\n \u201cI gots a present for all of you,\u201d Little Joe announced.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s only one but you all gots to share it, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever you have we\u2019ll share, Little Brother,\u201d Hoss smiled over at the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cYou going to show us or just hold onto that box, Kid?\u201d Adam grinned at his baby brother.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa\u2013 you gots to sit here next to Adam and Hoss,\u201d Joe insisted and grabbed his father\u2019s hand pulling him out of his chair.<\/p>\n Ben sighed and decided he\u2019d play along with whatever his little boy suggested.\u00a0 \u201cOkay Hoss \u2013 you and Adam make room for your old man \u2013 I\u2019ll sit there in the middle,\u201d He called to his sons and they each moved to one side.<\/p>\n Little Joe waited until his family were seated and then looked over at Hop Sing.\u00a0 \u201cSince you canst fit on there, Hop Sing, can you just stand behind them so\u2019s you can see this?\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing moved close to the rest of the family and stood directly behind Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cHere,\u201d Joe said and handed his Pa the shoebox,<\/p>\n Ben stared down at his little boy\u2019s hand, it was so tiny compared to his own, but he knew it wouldn\u2019t stay that way too many more years.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want me to open it, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep, Papa \u2013 you open it \u2013 but it\u2019s for alls of you.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben lifted the lid and placed it down onto the coffee table.\u00a0 He stared down at Little Joe\u2019s present.\u00a0 Joe anxiously awaited his family\u2019s praise.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t say anything right away.<\/p>\n Ben reached into the box and pulled out the figure that had been inside.\u00a0 It was decked with lace and with ribbon and buttons and all types of frills including gold foil.<\/p>\n \u201cIs it a doll?\u201d Hoss asked staring over at it.<\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s chin began to quiver, and tears filled his eyes.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t believe no-one knew what he had created.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben noticed his little boy\u2019s face and he tried to figure out what to say.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course it\u2019s not a doll,\u201d Ben began.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes lit up when his Pa made his announcement.\u00a0 He figured that his father surely knew what it was.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s \u2013well \u2013 it\u2019s very nice, Joseph,\u201d Ben commented, still bewildered over what exactly he was holding in his hands.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you sure put a whole lot of work into it.\u00a0 Look it even has real hair,\u201d Ben noticed the light brown curls that were somehow either sewed or pasted on top of the figurines head.\u00a0 He could tell that the hair had to be from his youngest son\u2019s head.\u00a0 Pa glanced over at Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s from here, Papa,\u201d Little Joe announced proudly and turned around to reveal a big chunk of hair was missing from the back of his head.<\/p>\n ***Now I know why the kid wanted the scissors ***<\/em><\/strong> Ben mused to himself as he looked at Joe again.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Little Joe, that sure was a lot of work!\u201d Adam nodded and fought to figure out what his little brother had made.<\/p>\n Hop Sing looked over the settee to where Ben was still holding Joe\u2019s gift.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe do good job sewing!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared into everyone\u2019s faces and his eyes teared up.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t know?\u00a0 You don\u2019t know what it is?\u201d He asked, his voice trembling.<\/p>\n Ben wished he could figure out what the present was supposed to be as he could see how upset Little Joe was getting and that was the last thing anyone needed that night.\u00a0 The four of them were just barely hanging in there due to the loss of Marie, they didn\u2019t need to see her boy crying there in front of them.<\/p>\n \u201cJust tell us, Joseph,\u201d Ben whispered as he pulled the boy over to him.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe wiped at his eyes and then looked up at Pa.\u00a0 \u201cYou \u2013 you told me that Mama is an angel now— this is Mama \u2013 and it\u2019s for the top of the tree \u2013 so Mama can watch us on Christmas, so we\u2019ll all be happy.\u00a0 I made it to make you all happy, Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stood and hurriedly walked out of the house.\u00a0 Little Joe couldn\u2019t figure out why his father had just left.\u00a0 He had tried so hard to make him happy along with the rest of his family.<\/p>\n \u201cI \u2013 I didn\u2019t make nobodys happy,\u201d Little Joe cried and fell to his knees dropping his head down on the coffee table.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss gathered around their little brother and hugged him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re wrong, Little Brother,\u201d Hoss said and put an arm around him.\u00a0 \u201cYou made ALL<\/strong> of us happy!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, Kid— you did make all of us happy,\u201d Adam nodded and wrapped his arm around Joe\u2019s other side so that he was sandwiched between both him and Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cThen why Papa walk away?\u201d Little Joe asked sadly.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa feel heart too full with happy,\u201d Hop Sing joined in and leaned over the coffee table and patted the boy\u2019s head.\u00a0 \u201cYou make Papa so happy with secret gift his heart not be able to hold so much.\u00a0 He come in soon, Little Joe.\u00a0 Hop Sing think you wonderful work, vely nice.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stood out in the yard and looked up at the stars as tears rolled down his cheeks.\u00a0 He prayed for the strength to go back in to be with his family.\u00a0 He could almost feel Marie\u2019s touch and hear what she would have said.<\/p>\n *** Ben, our boy needs you — all our boys need you.\u00a0 I love you, be happy, Darling. ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Drawing in a deep breath and wiping the tears off his face, Ben Cartwright headed back inside the house.\u00a0 Opening the door, he saw his three boys sitting on the floor together with the two eldest holding their little brother and Hop Sing hovering over all of them.\u00a0 It was then that he stopped dwelling on his loss and instead focused on how blessed he was to have the family that was there in front of him showing their love for each other.<\/p>\n \u201cHey!\u201d Ben called across the room loudly.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you all doing?\u00a0 We\u2019ve got an angel to put up on our tree!\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe bolted off the floor hearing his father\u2019s voice.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss stood and smiled over at their pa.<\/p>\n \u201cNow,\u201d Ben began again and paused.\u00a0 \u201cI wonder who should hang it up?\u201d He asked as he drew closer to his boys.\u00a0 He winked over at both Adam and Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, Adam is the oldest \u2013 so there\u2019s that to consider—,\u201d He paused and watched the anticipation on Little Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cAnd then there\u2019s Hoss — he\u2019s the tallest of you boys \u2013 so I\u2019ve got to consider that.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe looked at Hoss and figured that he would be the one to hang the angel.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd then there\u2019s Hop Sing — well he\u2019s in charge of this house,\u201d Ben nodded over to the cook who smiled broadly knowing very well what his boss was planning by the gleam that was in the man\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, I\u2019m the oldest of everyone in this room \u2013 so perhaps I should be the one who hangs the angel.\u00a0 What do you all think?\u201d He asked and stared over at his two eldest and Hop Sing.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s only one person here in this room who understands what Christmas is all about,\u201d Adam said to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Adam\u2019s right, Pa.\u00a0 Nobody else here could give us a gift like that \u2013 a gift of being happy.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked down at Little Joe who was now smiling at his brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think, Joseph?\u00a0 Do you think you can put that angel up on top of the tree so that your Ma will see all of us being happy for Christmas?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe looked at the ten-foot-tall tree and then back over to his pa.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019m tall enough, Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I think you are,\u201d Pa smiled and lifted the boy up into his arms as Hoss and Adam handed Little Joe the angel.\u00a0 \u201cYou put it up on the very top of the tree and make sure that she can look right down at us, Joseph,\u201d Ben grinned as he held his youngest up over his head so that the little boy’s hands could reach the very highest branch.<\/p>\n Little Joe stretched as far as he could and was just barely able to reach the top bough.\u00a0 He settled the angel so that her eyes were pointed down towards the living room.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam \u2013 Hoss \u2013 Hop Sing \u2013 is she straight?\u201d Little Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s just perfect,\u201d Hoss called up to the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s looking right down at us now, Little Joe,\u201d Adam nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYour angel see over to Hop Sing too, Little Joe, vely good!\u201d Hop Sing called to the little boy.<\/p>\n Ben pulled Little Joe down into his arms and hugged him tightly.\u00a0 He stared over at his older boys and Hop Sing and there were big smiles on their faces.\u00a0 Ben kissed Joe\u2019s forehead and whispered, \u201cThank you, Joseph, for bringing joy back into this house.\u00a0 Good job, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe wrapped his arms around his father\u2019s neck and whispered, \u201cMerry Christmas, Papa, now you be happy, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Son, I will,\u201d He agreed and walked over to join his other sons and Hop Sing.\u00a0 All five of them stared up at the angel and it looked as though she stared right back at them.\u00a0 It was the first time that everyone had truly felt joy for months and finally it felt like Christmas again.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe I forgot about that, Pa,\u201d Joe said as he wiped away a few tears and handed the angel back over to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you were only five,\u201d Ben nodded to the boy and stared down at the angel again.<\/p>\n Noticing how quiet his father had gotten Joe decided to break the silence, \u201cHey, Pa \u2013 I sure was cute back then, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Grinning over at the boy Ben replied, \u201cYes, you were<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI still am, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, yes you are, but don\u2019t let it go to your head, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe watched as his father grew quiet again and seemed lost in his remembrance of that very sad Christmas he had gone through years ago.\u00a0 Remembering how the angel had brought joy back to Pa, he patted his father\u2019s arm and said, \u201cYou know — she\u2019s not in that bad a shape.\u00a0 I betcha I could fix her up to look brand new.\u00a0 But let\u2019s not tell Adam or Hoss.\u00a0 Let me see what I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben watched as Joe gently lifted the angel and took her and the old box and headed up the stairs.\u00a0 He smiled watching his son staring so pensively at the angel as he made it up to his room.\u00a0 *** If anyone can bring that angel back it\u2019s you, Joseph. *** <\/em><\/strong>he thought to himself.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss finished putting on the last few ornaments and stood back.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was a chore!\u201d Hoss called over to his father as he looked over at him seated in his red leather chair.\u00a0 \u201cI wish Little Joe\u2019s cold wasn\u2019t bothering him so much, so he could\u2019ve helped, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grinned over at his two boys and replied, \u201cNow you two aren\u2019t losing your fondness for Christmas, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t say that Pa \u2013 it\u2019s just that Short Shanks usually handles all these low boughs, and we handle the top ones,\u201d Hoss replied and reached for one of the Christmas cookies that Hop Sing had placed down on the coffee table.<\/p>\n \u201cIsn\u2019t Joe coming down at all?\u201d Adam asked as he sank down onto the cushions on the sofa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? Do you miss him?\u201d Ben laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cNow I didn\u2019t say that,\u201d Adam mused and reached for a cookie.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll at least come down to have a look at the tree.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing came in from the kitchen and looked over at the three Cartwrights.\u00a0 \u201cNot seem like Christmas without Little Joe in kitchen stealing cookies,\u201d He protested.<\/p>\n \u201cSomebody call for me?\u201d Joe sang out from the top of the stairs.<\/p>\n Ben looked up at his youngest and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, apparently everyone misses you — you\u2019d better come down.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe made it to the first landing and pretended that he was going to climb up onto the banister.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t even think about it, Joseph!\u201d Ben called across the room.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not quite as agile as you used to be \u2013 you\u2019d probably break something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Papa!\u201d Joe laughed and walked down the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa?\u201d Hoss asked as he stared over at his little brother.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grinned, \u201cNever mind.\u201d\u00a0 He watched as his youngest came closer.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, you got the tree decorated.\u00a0 It looks great!\u201d Joe exclaimed and looked over at his two brothers sitting on the settee.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, and without your help, I might add,\u201d Adam nodded Joe\u2019s way.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it\u2019s not quite done yet,\u201d Joe replied and turned to face his father.\u00a0 \u201cNow if you\u2019ll move over onto the settee, Pa — I think we can fix the problem with that tree.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou do realize that your two brothers are much bigger than they were twelve years ago don\u2019t you, Joseph?\u00a0 I don\u2019t know if the three of us can all fit on the sofa anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, you can, Pa.\u00a0 Just everybody kind of squeeze together,\u201d Joe coaxed.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head but then did as he was instructed and moved to sit in between Hoss and Adam.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a tight squeeze \u2013 maybe we\u2019ve all had too many cookies!\u201d He laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, go and stand behind Pa,\u201d Joe urged the cook.<\/p>\n \u201cSofa table in way,\u201d Hop Sing insisted.<\/p>\n Joe studied the situation and walked behind the settee.\u00a0 He shoved the sofa table out of the way and said, \u201cI forgot we didn\u2019t\u2019 have this darn thing way back then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat you do?\u00a0 Hop Sing like table!\u201d He protested.<\/p>\n Joe patted the man\u2019s arm and replied, \u201cJust for a minute you\u2019ve got to be here for this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat exactly is going on?\u201d Adam turned towards his father and asked.\u00a0 \u201cI thought the kid was supposed to be sick and now he\u2019s rearranging furniture. Is he delirious?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust humor him, Adam, it\u2019s the only way he\u2019ll stop,\u201d Hoss laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, okay!\u00a0 I\u2019m ready,\u201d Joe announced and moved to stand in front of his father.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re stepping on my feet,\u201d Adam complained.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, I was only five,\u201d Joe quipped.\u00a0 \u201cMy feet have grown.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is he talking about, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked, about ready to get off the settee and move to the blue winged back chair.<\/p>\n \u201cHere, Pa \u2013 it\u2019s a present for you \u2013 and for Adam \u2013 and for Hoss \u2013 and for Hop Sing but you all have to share!\u201d Joe insisted as he handed the box to his father.<\/p>\n Ben studied the hand that held onto one end of the box and smiled.\u00a0 ***I knew that hand wouldn\u2019t stay small for very long *** <\/em><\/strong>He thought staring at Little Joe\u2019s left hand.<\/p>\n Opening the box Ben smiled broadly and then lifted the angel up so his two older boys could see it along with Hop Sing.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Ma\u2019s angel!\u201d Hoss exclaimed joyously.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t seen it for years and had missed its presence on the Christmas tree.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did you find her, Joe?\u00a0 I looked all over the place years ago and never found her,\u201d Adam said as he grinned over at the angel.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, she just flew down to make sure that we were all happy this Christmas, right, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben winked and nodded, \u201cRight, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVely nice \u2013 Mama\u2019s angel good shape,\u201d Hop Sing smiled and nodded towards Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, who\u2019s gonna hang her this year, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n Ben grinned over at his youngest and replied, \u201cJoseph, I would help you out but you\u2019re a bit too big for me to lift up — especially over my head!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHeck, Pa — I don\u2019t need you to lift me anymore,\u201d Joe laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI might be Short Shanks as Hoss says \u2013 but I know how to take care of that.\u00a0 If it\u2019s okay?\u201d Joe looked over at his brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Kid,\u201d Adam nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead, Little Brother,\u201d Hoss agreed.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t wait to see you trying to climb up that tree!\u201d He laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I don\u2019t have to climb, Hoss,\u201d Joe smiled and waited for his father to hand him the angel.<\/p>\n Ben took a good long look at the angel first and noticed that her hair looked a lot better than it had when she had come out of the box the previous day.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph?\u00a0 Did you get a haircut?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s laughter filled the room as he reached for the angel and then pointed to the back of his head.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t have to take off much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a chunk missing, Little Brother,\u201d Hoss called across to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope you put my scissors back, Kid.\u00a0 Never could trust you with those!\u00a0 You got a good patch missing there,\u201d Adam teased.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I told him a week ago to get a haircut, but this isn\u2019t exactly what I meant,\u201d Ben laughed.\u00a0 \u201cGo and put her on the tree, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe walked across the living room and back over to the staircase.\u00a0 He got up high enough that he could reach over the banister and touch the top of the tree.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that\u2019s using your head for a change, Kid,\u201d Adam sang out.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me know if she\u2019s looking right at all of you,\u201d Joe asked still leaning over the banister.<\/p>\n \u201cYou be careful there, Young Man, we don\u2019t need to send for Doc on Christmas Eve!\u201d Pa called up to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cI got this, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, move her just a little bit towards the fireplace, Joe,\u201d Hoss motioned with his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThat enough?\u201d Joe asked after tilting the angel a bit.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s perfect,\u201d Ben insisted.\u00a0 \u201cNow get down from there before you end up hanging on that tree too!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe walked down the stairs and over to the four men who were standing and staring up at the angel and all smiling broadly.<\/p>\n \u201cMerry Christmas, now everyone can be happy,\u201d Joe called over to his family.<\/p>\n \u201cGood job, Little Brother, Ma\u2019s angel looks even better than she did years ago,\u201d Hoss said getting a bit choked up by the sight.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Joe, good job,\u201d Adam nodded over to his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cVely nice, Little Joe,\u201d Hop Sing grinned over at the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think, Pa?\u201d Joe asked as he drew closer to his father.<\/p>\n Ben wrapped his arm around his youngest and hugged him close.\u00a0 \u201cWell done, Joseph.\u00a0 It feels like Christmas now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMerry Christmas, Pa,\u201d Joe whispered as he grinned up at his father.\u00a0 \u201cNow you can be happy again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMerry Christmas, Joseph,\u201d Ben nodded to his son and then called to his other boys and Hop Sing.\u00a0 \u201cMerry Christmas!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMerry Christmas,\u201d Hop Sing called over to them all.<\/p>\n \u201cMerry Christmas!\u201d Hoss and Adam sang out.<\/p>\n On the top of the Christmas tree an angel looked down and smiled at everyone in the room.<\/p>\n *** So have yourself a merry little Christmas now. ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The End<\/strong><\/p>\n Written by Wrangler 12-5-2025.<\/p>\n (Dedicated to the story consultant for a year\u2019s worth of consulting, well done, Rob. With this being the last story, I will post in 2025 I’d like to thank all of the readers out there who have taken the time to read my stories, I wish you joy that stays with you all year long.)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary: Sorting through a box of mementos, Ben finds a gift Little Joe made when he was five and recalls how it helped the Cartwrights through their first Christmas without Marie.
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\n\u201cUp up!\u201d He called and watched as his father turned briefly in his chair and wiped at his eyes with his napkin before turning back.<\/p>\n
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\nRating T, WC 12,520<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140,"featured_media":60871,"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_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1015,23,1008,4,41],"tags":[1098,1139],"class_list":["post-60863","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","category-family","category-humor","category-hurtcomfort","tag-christmas","tag-marie-my-love","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-4-id","wpcat-41-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot_20251127_030347_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=1251%2C911&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60863","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\/140"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=60863"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60863\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/60871"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=60863"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=60863"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=60863"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}