{"id":60882,"date":"2025-11-27T12:18:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-27T17:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=60882"},"modified":"2026-03-09T09:50:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T13:50:08","slug":"vengeance-is-mine-by-melissar1992","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=60882","title":{"rendered":"Vengeance is Mine (By MelissaR1992)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: As Joe and Alice prepare for the arrival of their first child, their happiness is short-lived when the sinister Damion unexpectedly returns with a vengeance. This is a WHI story based on the two-part episode, Forever. <\/span><\/p>\n

Rating: PG <\/span><\/p>\n

Word Count: 13,861<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Forever Reimagined series:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Book 1:\u00a0Vengeance is Mine (By MelissaR1992)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Book 2:\u00a0No More Promises (By MelissaR1992)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Book 3:\u00a0The Second Honeymoon (By MelissaR1992)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Book 4:\u00a0Remember Me (By MelissaR1992)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Book 5:\u00a0Once In A Lifetime (By MelissaR1992)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Book 6:\u00a0The Most Precious Gift of All (By<\/a> MelissaR1992)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Book 7:\u00a0To Love, Honor, and Cherish (By MelissaR1992)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Book 8:\u00a0 Trapped (by MelissaR1992)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Book 9:\u00a0 Amelia, My Love (by MelissaR1992)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter One\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright met and fell in love with a girl named Alice Harper. They were married and happily living in a house on the Ponderosa that Joe had built for them. Alice had given Joe the news that they were expecting a baby and Joe was overjoyed. He got started on building the nursery right away.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Alice\u2019s brother, John, owed money to a sinister man named Damion. John told him he could get the money from his sister\u2019s husband whose father owned a big spread.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Damion and some strangers unexpectedly arrived at Joe and Alice\u2019s house, he demanded payment from her. But Joe wasn’t home. He\u2019d gone to the Ponderosa to get more lumber needed for the nursery.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of Damion\u2019s men found a music box that had belonged to Joe\u2019s mother. Joe had given it to Alice as a wedding present. Damion wanted to take the music box as payment, but Alice refused.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion threatened Alice and John got himself killed trying to protect his sister. Alice stood there in shock as she looked down at her brother\u2019s lifeless body, her hands gripped tightly around the music box.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion stared at her with cold, dead eyes and said, \u201cThe box, Mrs. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice knew she didn\u2019t have a choice. Her eyes filled with tears as she pushed the music box towards Damion and screamed, \u201cHere! Take it and get out!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion\u2019s lips formed a sinister smile and took the music box from her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew you would come to your senses.\u201d He looked down at John\u2019s dead body and remarked, \u201cIt\u2019s a shame your brother couldn\u2019t. No hard feelings I hope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice hung her head and said to him through her tears, \u201cPlease. Get out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion signaled to his henchman, Hanley, and they headed to the door. Damion stopped in the doorway as he turned to her and said, \u201cIt was a pleasure, Mrs. Cartwright.\u201d He walked out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice closed her eyes as she broke down crying.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion\u2019s brother, Clyde waited outside near the house keeping watch when he heard his brother shout, \u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion, along with his henchmen, mounted their horses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde, who was already on his horse, asked, \u201cWhere\u2019s Harper? Did you get the money?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind, we have to move. Quickly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion got his horse moving and started down the pasture with his henchmen following behind. Clyde sensed something was off by his brother\u2019s evasiveness. Determined to get answers, Clyde kicked his horse to follow his brother.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde caught up to his brother and steered his horse in front of him. Damion pulled back on the reins and his horse whinnied as it reared. Damion asked in a stern tone, \u201cWhat is the meaning of this?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened with Harper?\u201d Clyde asked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t matter. We got our payment,\u201d Damion replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde asked, \u201cDid you kill Harper?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion stared at him and paused before he answered, \u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde looked over at Hanley and knew who had actually killed him since Hanley was the one who usually did all his brother\u2019s dirty work. Clyde asked, \u201cAnd the sister?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe is of no concern to us now,\u201d Damion told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde said in disbelief, \u201cDamion, if you left the sister alive, that makes her a witness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion responded, \u201cThere was no need for anymore bloodshed. Harper paid for his sins against us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, suppose she tells her husband what happened. He\u2019ll get the sheriff and we\u2019ll soon have a posse after us,\u201d Clyde told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion tried to keep his temper under control. He responded, \u201cThat won\u2019t happen. By the time Mr. Cartwright notifies the sheriff, we\u2019ll be halfway to San Francisco. Now it\u2019s best we get out of here before Mr. Cartwright returns home.\u201d He shouted to the others, \u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d Damion got moving again along with his henchmen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde never could deal with his older brother. They were half-brothers who had very little in common except the same father. After their parents died, all they had left was each other, so they\u2019d learned to deal with their differences of opinions. Clyde on the other hand began to wonder if the wrong brother was in charge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde kicked his horse and followed after his brother.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that evening, Joe returned home with Candy and Jamie. Joe heard Alice crying.<\/span><\/p>\n

His smile faded as he saw Alice on the floor on her knees, crying over John\u2019s body.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlice?\u201d He quickly went over to her. Joe bent down and gently took her face in his hands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlice, what happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe.\u201d Her head fell on his shoulder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wrapped his arm around her and tried to calm her down. \u201cShh, it\u2019s all right, just tell me what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice lifted her head and tried to compose herself as she told him, \u201cA man named Damion came by. John owed him money. He demanded payment for John\u2019s debt. One of the men that was with him found your mother\u2019s music box with the diamond necklace that you had given me, and he wanted that as payment. But, I wouldn\u2019t give it to him. And then he\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe moved his hand up to her face as he asked her, \u201cDid he hurt you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice shook her head. \u201cHe tried to, but John\u2026.he tried to stop him. He was shot and now he\u2019s\u2026.Oh, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said, \u201cCandy, Jamie, I need you to check outside, see if any of them are still out there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d said Candy. He hurried out the door with Jamie.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice said, \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at her in puzzlement and asked, \u201cFor what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t have any choice. I had to give it to him or he would have\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took her face in his hands. \u201cAlice, honey, I don\u2019t care about that as long as you\u2019re all right. Okay?\u201d She nodded and he kissed her forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Jamie returned. Candy said, \u201cThere\u2019s nobody out there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jamie nodded. \u201cYeah, we looked everywhere. Whoever they were, they\u2019re gone now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey might have left a trail we can follow,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Candy said, \u201cbut it\u2019s gonna be dark soon. There\u2019s no sense looking for them in the dark. It\u2019d be like looking for a needle in a haystack.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jamie said, \u201cHe\u2019s right. We don\u2019t even know what they look like or where they even headed off to.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe raised his voice. \u201cWe can\u2019t just let them get away with murder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but it\u2019s best to let the sheriff handle it. Alice can give him a description since she\u2019s the only person who got a good look at them,\u201d Candy responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe calmed himself. \u201cAll right. I\u2019ll see Clem in the morning. I\u2019m gonna take Alice over to Pa\u2019s. Candy, can you ride into town and get the doc?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice sighed, \u201cJoe, I\u2019m fine. I told you they never laid a hand on me. There\u2019s really no need to\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe said, \u201cbut I\u2019m still gonna have him take a look at you anyway. I want to make sure the baby\u2019s all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy asked, \u201cWhat do we do with the\u2026.\u201d He motioned his head towards John\u2019s body.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake him out of here for now and we\u2019ll give him a proper burial later,\u201d Joe responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Candy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe helped Alice up. \u201cCome on.\u201d He wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked out of the house while Candy and Jamie took John\u2019s body out of there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Two\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Later that night, Joe paced back and forth in the hallway of the Ponderosa near his old bedroom, worried for his wife. He felt guilty for leaving her by herself while she’d faced those men alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin came out of the room. Joe asked him, \u201cIs she all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin gave a small smile as he replied, \u201cShe\u2019s just a little shaken up right now which is understandable considering what happened. I gave her a sedative to help her sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe asked him with a bit of hesitation in his voice, \u201cWhat about the baby?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe baby is alright. A strong heartbeat. She\u2019s about three months along.\u201d Joe sighed in relief. Doc Martin said, \u201cShe\u2019s asleep now and will be for hours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said, \u201cThank you. I\u2019ll walk you out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe headed down the stairs with Doc Martin. When they reached the living room, Joe was surprised to see his brother, Adam sitting on the corner of their father\u2019s desk. It had been a few years since Joe had seen his brother. Adam only made occasional visits since he’d left the Ponderosa.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how is she?\u201d Ben asked Doc Martin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s just fine. She\u2019s resting now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good to hear,\u201d Ben said. He then turned and held his hand out towards Adam. \u201cUh, you remember my son, Adam, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin looked at Adam and smiled. \u201cOh, yes, it\u2019s been a while.\u201d He held out his hand to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it has. It\u2019s good to see you again, doctor,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I better get to my other patients, I have more rounds to make this evening.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Ben said. Ben opened the door for him and Doc Martin walked out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked over at Joe and said, \u201cHello little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled. \u201cAdam.\u201d Joe came up to him and embraced him. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you too,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was a little taken aback by Joe\u2019s appearance. He was no longer the kid brother he’d known. In his place stood a man. Joe had matured; his curly, dark hair was much longer and a lot grayer, his body was much bigger and muscular in tone. There was no doubt Joe could beat him one on one in a fight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe asked, \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took a seat on the armrest of the chair nearest him as he said, \u201cI had some business in Virginia City and thought I\u2019d stop by. I heard you got married, congratulations.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks. She\u2019s a great girl, you\u2019ll really like her. I\u2019ve never been happier,\u201d Joe told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam said, \u201cI\u2019m sure I will. Pa told me a little about her. He also told me what happened earlier this afternoon. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Joe let out a sigh and said with guilt in his voice, \u201cI never should have left her alone.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben said, \u201cJoe, you couldn\u2019t have known what would happen. You can\u2019t blame yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said, \u201cAfter what she\u2019s been through, I think it might be best if I got her away for a little while after we give her brother a proper burial.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good idea,\u201d Ben said. “We\u2019ll report it to Clem tomorrow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam folded his arms and said with a slight tilt of his head, \u201cYou know, Joe, it\u2019s hard to imagine you a father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe chuckled. \u201cI know. I still can\u2019t get over it. I can hardly sleep at night thinking about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we better hope for our sake, the child takes after the mother more than the father,\u201d Adam remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks a lot,\u201d Joe said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam got up. \u201cI should probably get going. It\u2019s a long ride back to Boston.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben suggested, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you spend the night here? This is still your home after all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. It\u2019ll be like old times,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam thought about it and relented. \u201cAll right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben patted his shoulder. \u201cGood. Say, when are we ever gonna meet that lovely bride of yours?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it might be a little while because well, you see, I\u2019m not sure if this is the right time to tell you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Joe looked at him with curiosity as Ben asked, \u201cTell me what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam revealed, \u201cWell, it looks like Joe is not the only one who will be giving you a grandchild.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Joe exchanged glances as their faces lit up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe asked, \u201cYou mean\u2026?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMm-hm. Emily and I are gonna have a baby of our own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, that\u2019s great!\u201d Joe said as he gave Adam a slap on the shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s wonderful news, son. I couldn\u2019t be happier for you,\u201d Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cMy boys, all grown up and married, starting families of their own. It\u2019s hard to believe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, it\u2019s not too late for you, Pa,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right, Pa,\u201d said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe added, \u201cI bet there are plenty of women out there who would love to be the next Mrs. Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMm-hm,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid that ship sailed a long time ago,\u201d Ben responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever say never, Pa,\u201d Adam said, smirking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben said, \u201cAlright, alright, now if you two knuckleheads want to get a good night\u2019s rest, I suggest we get to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight, Pa,\u201d Joe said. \u201c\u2018Night, Adam.\u201d Joe headed up the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Night, Joe.\u201d Adam then said to his pa, \u201cWell, it looks like that boy of yours finally grew up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben chuckled softly. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt took long enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked up at the staircase. \u201cYes, he\u2019s gonna be a good father. Yes sir.\u201d He looked at Adam and smiled. \u201cAnd so will you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, but it will only be because I learned from the best. Goodnight, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam headed up the staircase as Ben stood there feeling proud at what fine men his sons had turned out to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe checked on Alice. He opened the door to find Alice asleep. He smiled and took a seat on the edge of the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

He gently brushed his hand against her cheek and couldn\u2019t help but stare at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

She stirred a little and her eyes fluttered open. \u201cHi.\u201d She gave a tired smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi. How are you feeling?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine, just a little tired,\u201d she replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I talked to Pa. We\u2019ll ride into Virginia City tomorrow and talk to Clem and then give your brother a proper burial.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head. \u201cOh, you don\u2019t have to do that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? He was your brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her eyes filled with tears. \u201cIn a way it\u2019s sort of a relief. I know it sounds awful and I did love my brother, but he was always in some sort of trouble with money and I always had to be the one to bail him out. He had a gambling problem even when our mother and father were alive. I also know he had been lying to me all this time. He told me in his letters that he was doing well and in the middle of some big land deal.\u201d She rolled her eyes. \u201cBut I could tell he was lying to me. I also understand why he did it. He didn\u2019t want to worry me. He wanted me to be happy. Because he loved me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gave a small smile. \u201cAnd that\u2019s why he deserves a proper burial. He was your brother, so that makes him my family too. Okay?\u201d A smile formed on her lips as she nodded. He then suggested, \u201cHey, I was thinking. Why don\u2019t we take a trip somewhere, just you and me. Anywhere you want to go. You name it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve always wanted to visit San Francisco.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell then.\u201d He brought her hand up to his lips and gave it a gentle kiss. \u201cSan Francisco it is, my dear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She grinned as he leaned in and gave her a kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

He reached over to dim the lamp. \u201cLet\u2019s get some sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning, the Cartwright family along with Candy gathered around a white cross near Joe and Alice\u2019s house for John\u2019s funeral service. Joe had his arm wrapped around Alice\u2019s shoulder as the reverend read from Psalm 23. After Alice said her goodbyes to Joe\u2019s family and Candy, she and Joe headed to San Francisco.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Three\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It was noon in San Francisco as Damion\u2019s brother, Clyde leaned against a wooden post in front of a general store. He was growing restless and impatient, wanting to get out of town, but they never left until Damion said so. One of Damion\u2019s henchmen, Hank, came up to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s he doing now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the saloon, having a drink.\u201d Hank then said with a chuckle, \u201cThat big old lummox, Hanley is guardin\u2019 your brother like a watchdog.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ain\u2019t that nice,\u201d Clyde remarked sarcastically.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a stagecoach pulled up. Hank folded his arms as he looked over and saw Alice Cartwright getting out of the stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank\u2019s demeanor changed as he straightened up and said, \u201cHey, it\u2019s her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d Clyde asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHarper\u2019s sister, the one who\u2019s married to that Cartwright fella.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde turned and looked over at the stagecoach in curiosity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere we are, San Francisco!\u201d the driver announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe helped Alice, but as she stepped down, she started to feel woozy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat stagecoach was rougher than the one in Virginia City,\u201d she remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe placed his hand on her back as he asked her in concern, \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m fine.\u201d She nodded and placed her hand on his shoulder as she swallowed. \u201cI just might need a minute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He giggled, then turned to get the bags. Alice went to get hers, but Joe stopped her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ve got it,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice said to him as she placed her hands on her hips, \u201cCarrying a few bags is not going to hurt me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but I\u2019m still gonna carry the bags anyway,\u201d He picked up the bags. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice shook her head with a smirk and followed after him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde and Hank watched them head over to the hotel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank said, \u201cWe better go tell Damion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank started to move when Clyde grabbed him by the shoulder and said, \u201cThe hell you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank asked in disbelief, \u201cWhat in the Sam Hill you talking about? We gotta tell him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde said, \u201cYou\u2019re not gonna tell him anything. As far as I\u2019m concerned you never saw her get off that stage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank told him, \u201cI don\u2019t take orders from you. I answer to Damion.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde pulled him by the collar and said, \u201cWell, that\u2019s all gonna change. From now on, you answer to me. So you turn right around and run on back to Damion. And I don\u2019t want you to speak a word of that girl, not one word! You hear? Or else I\u2019m gonna tell my brother you tried to kill me. And he\u2019ll have Hanley cut you up into little bitty pieces.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank stared daggers at Clyde and shrugged him off. He then hurried off in the other direction, behind the general store.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde looked over at the hotel as he formulated a plan in his mind. He knew why his brother couldn\u2019t kill Harper\u2019s sister. Women were Damion\u2019s weakness. But not Clyde\u2019s. And he wasn\u2019t about to go back to jail or hang for a crime he didn\u2019t commit.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

After Joe had gotten them a hotel room, he and Alice went up to their room while the bellhop carried their bags.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When they reached their room, Joe opened the door and had Alice walk in first then the bellhop with the bags.<\/span><\/p>\n

He set them down near the door. \u201cEnjoy your stay, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. Here you are.\u201d Joe handed him a tip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, thank you, sir.\u201d The bellhop left the hotel room then Joe closed the door. He turned around and saw Alice exploring the room in awe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe, it\u2019s beautiful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled and said, \u201cWell, it oughta be. It\u2019s the best hotel in town for the best girl in town.\u201d He put his arms around her waist and kissed her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do first?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took her face in his hands as he replied, \u201cAnything you want. It\u2019s just you and me.\u201d He leaned in and kissed her again and then tapped her on the nose. \u201cHey. I know a great place we could go for dinner. What do you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked down, shyly, as she replied, \u201cI would, but I don\u2019t have anything to wear, everything is so tight on me right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u201cWe\u2019ll go shopping. But to be perfectly honest, you look beautiful to me no matter what outfit you got on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice blushed and he gave her another kiss. He added, \u201cBut I\u2019ll take you shopping anyway. I want my girl to look her best for tonight.\u201d She smiled and he kissed her again and told her, \u201cI\u2019ll go get changed before we head out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded and took a breath, finally feeling free to relax and enjoy herself for a change.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that afternoon, Joe was inside a lady\u2019s boutique, leaning against the counter. He rested his elbow on top of the counter with a look of boredom as he waited for Alice who was in the dressing room trying on another dress.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I help you with something, sir?\u201d He straightened himself up as he turned around to see a sales lady standing there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHm? Oh, no, thank you, I\u2019m just waiting on my wife.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked towards the dressing room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh I see.\u201d She turned and walked away. Joe overheard her giggling. He sighed and started pacing back and forth. When Alice finally came out of the dressing room, Joe turned around to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked down at her dress and then back up at Joe and asked him, \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded as he replied with a nervous smile, \u201cIt looks nice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you like how it looks on me?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

He nodded and chuckled. \u201cYeah. Of course I liked the other seven you showed me too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She took a look in the mirror and placed her hand over her midriff as she began to feel a bit of uneasiness and insecurity. She sighed and said, \u201cI don\u2019t know. Maybe I should go with the red one instead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe snapped his finger and responded, \u201cExcellent choice. You know I was gonna suggest the exact same thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She then said, \u201cOr maybe the green one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He shrugged his shoulders a bit as he held his hand out to her, \u201cEven better, go with that one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice was still undecided. She asked, \u201cWhich one do you like best?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed as his patience was wearing thin. \u201cHoney, I\u2019d like any one you pick as long as you pick something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice sighed and said, \u201cI simply can\u2019t decide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said in aggravation, \u201cThen pick them all. Pick something, pick anything. I\u2019ll buy it. In fact, I\u2019ll buy this whole store, I. Don\u2019t. Care.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ll try the blue one on again.\u201d She turned and went back inside the dressing room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said under his breath, \u201cTry the blue one on again.\u201d He smoothed his hair back as he let out a sigh and laid his head down on the counter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Later, Joe and Alice walked along the sidewalk, each of them carrying a rectangular box.<\/span><\/p>\n

She turned and said, \u201cI hope you\u2019re not mad I kept you waiting long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo, I\u2019m not mad.\u201d He then remarked in a somewhat sarcastic tone, \u201cI don\u2019t mind spending over an hour in a ladies clothing store and having a bunch of women staring and giggling at me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She giggled softly and then apologized to him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it,\u201d he said as he smiled and she smiled back.<\/span><\/p>\n

All of a sudden a man crashed through the window of a saloon. Joe and Alice came to a halt. Joe dropped the box in his hands and quickly grabbed Alice\u2019s shoulders and pulled her to him. They heard piano music playing in the background as the man quickly got back up again and charged through the folding doors of the saloon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe giggled and then said to Alice, \u201cMust be a pretty good game going on in there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice looked at him and responded, \u201cI hope you are not thinking of going in there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned to her. \u201cHm? Oh, no. No. I don\u2019t gamble,\u201d he stuttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPromise?\u201d Alice said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded with a nervous smile. \u201cMm-hm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They then heard a familiar smooth and sophisticated voice, \u201cI\u2019d hold him to that if I were you, Alice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Alice both turned to see Adam grinning at them.<\/span><\/p>\n

A smile spread across Joe\u2019s face. \u201cHey, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe introduced Alice. \u201cAlice, this is my older brother, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice smiled. \u201cOh, yes, Joe told me about you. It\u2019s a pleasure to finally meet you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam smiled back at her. \u201cPleasure to meet you. You\u2019re even more lovely than Joe said you were.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe asked, \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I heard you two were taking a trip to San Francisco and I thought I would stop by and see how you kids were coming along.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean spy on us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, call it what you\u2019d like little brother, but I\u2019d say it\u2019s more like keeping an eye on you.\u201d He grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe folded his arms. \u201cOh, really? Well, you can just turn right around and go back home to Pa. I\u2019m a big boy now. I can take care of myself, thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Joe Cartwright, is that you?\u201d A woman with a Southern accent shouted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned and saw a saloon girl waving at him. He turned back around with a look of dread on his face. \u201cOh, boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A big grin spread across Adam\u2019s face as the woman hurried over to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, it is you!\u201d she said with excitement in her voice, \u201cI\u2019d recognize that darlin\u2019 little face anywhere.\u201d She giggled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Daisy. How are you?\u201d Joe said to her, embarrassed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, fine, just fine. How about you, Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe replied in a nervous tone of voice, \u201cOh, fine. Fine. You remember my brother Adam, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She turned to Adam, who bowed his head to her. She said, \u201cOh, yes. I remember all you Cartwrights.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe then introduced Alice. \u201cAnd this is Alice. My wife.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daisy put her hands up to her face and squealed as she slapped Joe on the shoulder making him jump. \u201cWhy, I don\u2019t believe it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam said, \u201cYes, our Little Joe has finally tied the knot and settled down in greener pastures.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at him, annoyed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daisy responded, \u201cWell, don\u2019t that beat all? I remember when he was just a sprig, he was so shy when he come into the saloon.\u201d She brushed her hand against his cheek but Joe moved away. \u201cI remember he used to button up my\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe immediately interrupted her. \u201cCorsets! Corsets. I used to help button up her corsets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and he was so gentle with me.\u201d She smiled then took his hand in hers. \u201cHe always had such soft hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe quickly moved his hand away and got behind Alice as he responded nervously, \u201cYes, and these hands are only used to button her corsets now.\u201d He placed his hands on Alice\u2019s shoulders as his face turned bright red with embarrassment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Well, it was good seein\u2019 you again, Joe.\u201d Daisy then said to Alice, \u201cAnd it was nice meetin\u2019 you, honey.\u201d She walked past Joe and winked at him as she headed back to the saloon. \u201cSee you around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said, \u201cWe should probably get these back to the hotel. You go on ahead, Alice. I\u2019ll meet you there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u201d She tried to suppress a smirk and then walked off towards the hotel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe bent down to pick up the box and Adam asked in curiosity, \u201cWhat\u2019s in the box?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s just a new dress I got for Alice,\u201d Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Adam said, \u201clet\u2019s just hope there aren\u2019t any buttons for you to button up.\u201d Adam laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe mocked him. \u201cHa-ha-ha, get out of here.\u201d Adam walked off. Joe shook his head and then headed back to the hotel carrying the box.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the hotel that evening, Alice was getting ready in front of the mirror when she heard Joe ask from the other room, \u201cAre you ready yet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She was fixing her hair and said, \u201cUh-huh. Almost. Just a few more minutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe walked into the room wearing his blue suit. He said, \u201cYou said that five minutes ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice struggled with her dress and asked, \u201cCan you help me with this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He came up behind her and started buttoning her dress. He then gave a puzzled look as he muttered, \u201cHm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked over her shoulder and asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just having a little trouble with this is all,\u201d he replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

She said in disbelief, \u201cIt can\u2019t be too tight already, I just bought it.\u201d She then gave a mischievous grin as she looked over her shoulder at Joe and remarked, \u201cMaybe it would help if you imagined me as that saloon girl.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave her an annoyed look. \u201cVery funny.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She giggled as he finished buttoning her dress. \u201cThere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked at the back of her dress in the mirror. Joe told her as he pointed his finger at her, \u201cAnd she meant nothing to me, I promise you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She muttered, \u201cMm-hm. So, how do I look?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist. \u201cYou look beautiful, sweetheart.\u201d He kissed her neck and she smiled as he placed his chin over her shoulder and looked in the mirror with her. He said, \u201cI\u2019ll wait for you downstairs in the lobby, okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave her another kiss and then turned and walked out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice took another look in the mirror when she heard the familiar tune of a music box. Her whole body tensed and a look of fear spread across her face. She walked towards the door as the sound grew louder.<\/span><\/p>\n

She stepped out of the room and walked into the open room next door. To her shock and dismay, she saw the wooden music box Joe gave her on their wedding night on a table. It was open and she saw the diamond necklace was missing. She wondered how it got here, but her thoughts were interrupted by a woman\u2019s voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I help you with anything, honey?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice turned around and saw a saloon girl standing at the door. \u201cOh, I just heard the music playing from the next room,\u201d Alice replied, nervously.<\/span><\/p>\n

The saloon girl walked into the room and smiled. \u201cIt\u2019s lovely, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is.\u201d Alice then asked, \u201cDo you mind me asking where you got this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA man sold it to me. It was a real bargain too,\u201d she replied as she moved her hand along the box.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you remember his name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t tell me his name. But, he did have a bit of an accent and talked all proper and fancy-like.\u201d The saloon girl asked her in curiosity, \u201cWhy do you ask?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice looked at her and replied, \u201cOh, no reason. I used to have one just like it and it just reminded me of it I suppose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The saloon girl nodded. \u201cOh.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice apologized. \u201cI\u2019m sorry if I bothered you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The saloon girl waved her hand and said, \u201cOh, no worries, darlin\u2019. You take care.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Alice said to her softly. She took one last look at the music box as she walked out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Later on that night, Alice was lying in bed when Joe walked into the bedroom, yawning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, I tell you, I never get used to the city.\u201d Joe got into bed next to Alice. \u201cI always loved the outdoors. Adam on the other hand couldn\u2019t get enough of the city. He was always bragging about all the places he\u2019d been to, all the places he wanted to visit. Not me though, I\u2019d rather stay on the Ponderosa with Pa for the rest of my life.\u201d He then looked over at Alice. \u201cThat is if it\u2019s alright with you of course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She gave a small smile and he took notice of her silence. He asked, \u201cAre you feeling all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She turned her head to him. \u201cHm? I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t buy her response. \u201cAre you sure? You were kinda quiet at dinner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMm-hm. I\u2019m just a little tired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing bothering you is there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s nothing. I\u2019m fine, really. Okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d he responded, softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, lay back,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

He raised his eyebrows a bit. \u201cLay back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMm-hm, lay back.\u201d He laid his head back on the pillow and she laid her head back beside his. He then wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She placed her hand on his bare chest and then said to him, \u201cNow go to sleep, husband.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He chuckled. “Yes ma’am.” He then gave her a kiss and said, \u201cGoodnight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight.\u201d She laid her head on his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

He stroked her head as he said, \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love you,\u201d she said. She kept her eyes open for a little while longer while he drifted off to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

She wanted to tell Joe about the music box but didn\u2019t want to ruin their trip as she could have been wrong. But she swore it was the same music box Joe had given her. She was almost sure of it given the saloon girl\u2019s description of the man who had given it to her. It had to be Damion. She pushed the matter aside for now as she closed her eyes and finally drifted off to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning, Joe and Alice walked along the sidewalk, holding hands when they stopped in front of a general store. Joe said, \u201cI just need to check on a few things for Pa while I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then\u2026.\u201d He placed his hand under her chin. \u201cWe can have that picnic by the lake we were talking about, huh?\u201d She smiled and he kissed her. \u201cI won\u2019t be long.\u201d He gave her one more kiss before heading inside the general store.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice walked over to a dress shop just a few blocks from the general store and took a look inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyde, who had been following her and Joe, walked up and leaned against a post with his hand resting on his gun belt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be that girl my brother has taken a fancy to,\u201d Clyde said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice turned and gave him a puzzled look. \u201cDo I know you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But my brother Damion does. Your brother owed him money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice glared at him and started to walk off, but Clyde grabbed her by the arm, tightly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you tell that husband of yours about us, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet your hands off me!\u201d she shouted. She struggled to break free from his grasp.<\/span><\/p>\n

He yelled, \u201cYou told the sheriff about us, didn\u2019t you? Didn\u2019t you?\u201d He let go of her and started backing away from her. \u201cWell, I\u2019m not gonna hang for Hanley.\u201d He drew his gun as he said, \u201cI\u2019m gonna do what my brother should have done in the first place.\u201d He aimed his gun at Alice who stood there frozen in fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

All of a sudden, Clyde was shot and he fell to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

The crowd screamed and scattered. Alice looked to her right and saw Adam with his gun in his hand. He came up to Alice as he put his gun back into its holster and asked, \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I\u2019m fine.\u201d Her voice trembled. \u201cHow did you\u2026?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw him following you and Joe on the way to the general store. I heard everything. He was one of the men involved in the murder of your brother, wasn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d She then said to herself, \u201cThat was my music box.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at her puzzled. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She quickly looked back up at him and responded, \u201cOh, it\u2019s nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He gently took her arm and said, \u201cWe better find that husband of yours and tell him what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They headed back over to the general store just as Joe came walking out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe.\u201d Alice ran into Joe\u2019s arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlice? Hey.\u201d He lifted her head up to him and asked her, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? What happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam said, \u201cOne of Damion\u2019s men confronted Alice about her brother\u2019s murder and tried to kill her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at him in disbelief. \u201cWhat? Where is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead. I shot him,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tried to keep his anger under control as he looked at Alice and put his hand up to her cheek. He asked her, \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded and then said to him tearfully, \u201cThe music box.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d he said, puzzled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe music box, Joe, the one you gave me. Damion took it. I found it. A woman had it. She bought it from Damion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at her stunned as he then asked her, \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was just a coincidence, that it was just my imagination. But now I know,\u201d she replied. She looked up at him and said with guilt in her voice, \u201cI\u2019m sorry I didn\u2019t tell you.\u201d Her head fell on his shoulder as she burst into tears again.<\/span><\/p>\n

He held her close and tried to calm her down. \u201cShh. It\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam then looked out into the street as he said, \u201cThat means they\u2019re here then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at Adam and then into the street as he responded, \u201cYeah. I\u2019ll have to contact Clem in Virginia City and let him know we found them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll go with you. It\u2019s best you get out of here now before Damion finds out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d Joe looked down at Alice and took her face in his hands. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s go home.\u201d He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and they headed back to the hotel with Adam to gather their things to go back to Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, one of Damion\u2019s men, Hank, watched them go inside the hotel. He\u2019d just witnessed Adam kill Clyde from across the street. He hurried behind the alleyway.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Four\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hank ran to Damion and told him his brother was dead. Damion didn\u2019t believe him at first, but then Hank explained to him what had happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother didn\u2019t want me telling nobody that the sister was here, but I wanted to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion said with a tilt of his head, \u201cYet. You didn\u2019t. Why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank stammered as beads of sweat began to form and his body tensed up. \u201cHe threatened me. He said if I told you, then he\u2019d make it look like I tried to kill him. I didn\u2019t want to betray you, Damion. You gotta believe me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion stared at him for several seconds and then said, \u201cHanley.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hanley grabbed Hank by the throat and slammed him up against the wall. Hank tried to pry his hand off, but Hanley\u2019s strength was too great for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank croaked, \u201cDamion. I didn\u2019t mean it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion said, \u201cI should have Mr. Hanley squeeze. But unfortunately I need you alive. You are the only one who can identify the man who killed my brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The weight of Hanley\u2019s grip around Hank\u2019s neck bore down further as Hank pleaded, \u201cPlease, forgive me, Damion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion asked, \u201cYou want to be forgiven?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion signaled for Hanley to let go of Hank. Hank gasped for air, his chest heaving. Damion looked down at him with a crazed look in his eye and said, \u201cKneel down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank got on all fours and crawled over to Damion. He looked up at Damion and begged, \u201cPlease. Have mercy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion gave a sinister smile. \u201cYou\u2019re forgiven.\u201d He then said to Hanley, \u201cGet him up.\u201d Hanley grabbed Hank and hoisted him up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion walked over to the window.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Krater, one of Damion\u2019s men, asked, \u201cWhat do we do now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion paused and then said, \u201cIt\u2019s a beautiful day outside. Let\u2019s take a ride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Joe, Adam, and Alice returned to Virginia City and explained to Clem what had happened in San Francisco. Clem told them he would notify all of the jewelry stores in San Francisco about the missing necklace and that Adam wouldn\u2019t be charged with killing Damion\u2019s brother since he was defending Alice.<\/span><\/p>\n

They said goodbye to Clem and left the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n

When outside, Adam put his hat back on and said, \u201cI think I\u2019ll stay in town for a little while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe asked him, \u201cYou\u2019re still gonna join us and Pa for supper tonight, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMm-hm,\u201d Adam said, \u201cyou don\u2019t think I\u2019d pass on Hop Sing\u2019s cooking would you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe chuckled and responded, \u201cNo.\u201d Joe put his hat back on as he said, \u201cI\u2019ve got to get Alice home. I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee you, Joe,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe placed his arm around Alice\u2019s shoulder and they all parted ways. Joe and Alice headed over to the buggy while Adam walked off in the other direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

A few days passed and there was still no word from Deputy Clem about Damion\u2019s whereabouts. Joe and Alice were back home again and Joe got back to finishing the nursery.<\/span><\/p>\n

One afternoon, Joe walked into the house, covered in sweat to see Alice sitting in a chair and knitting.<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked up and smiled at him. \u201cHi.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi.\u201d He came up to her and gave her a quick kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

She asked, \u201cHow\u2019s the room coming along?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s coming along pretty good,\u201d he replied. He went over to the bowl of water sitting on the countertop in the kitchen. \u201cPa said he\u2019ll be by later with some more lumber.\u201d He washed his face in the bowl and then grabbed a towel and dried off. He looked over at her and asked, \u201cWhatcha doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I thought I\u2019d try knitting a blanket for the baby,\u201d she replied. She then held it up to him and asked, \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He threw the towel down and walked over to her and took a look at it. \u201cHey, that\u2019s not a bad job, mama.\u201d He gave her another kiss as she giggled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still not used to that yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, get used to it,\u201d he told her.<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head and got back to knitting. She said, \u201cI was thinking of names for the baby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His head perked up a little as he responded, \u201cOh, yeah?\u201d He pulled up a chair in front of her and took a seat with his front facing the back rim of the chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMm-hm. But none of the names I thought of really stood out to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He folded his arms over the back rim of the chair and laid his chin down on top of them. He said to her with a smile, \u201cWell, I\u2019m sure whatever name you pick will be great.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019re forgetting that this is your child too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He shrugged his shoulders. \u201cYeah, but I\u2019m not really good with names.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, surely you\u2019re thinking of something,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u201cI don\u2019t know. Tell you what. If it\u2019s a boy we\u2019ll name him after me and if it\u2019s a girl we\u2019ll name her after you. How\u2019s that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She giggled and responded, \u201cI\u2019ll think about it, alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d He leaned in and kissed her.<\/span><\/p>\n

She put the blanket and knitting needle down. \u201cI\u2019ll fix you some lunch before you get back to work.\u201d She got up from the chair and headed into the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

He got up from his chair and said while following after her, \u201cOh, that\u2019s alright. I can fix something. You don\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s not a problem, I can do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll help you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u201d She placed her hands on her hips and then said, \u201cHop Sing wouldn\u2019t allow you into his kitchen would he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but this isn\u2019t Hop Sing\u2019s kitchen,\u201d he replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right. It\u2019s mine.\u201d She kissed his cheek and then waved her hands at him. \u201cNow, go on, husband. Out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He held his hands up while taking a few steps backwards. \u201cYes, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a knock at the door. \u201cThat must be Pa,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI\u2019ll get it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He went to the door and opened it to see three of Damion\u2019s men, one of them pointing a gun at him. Joe tried to slam the door but Hanley held it open.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe pushed with all his might as he screamed, \u201cAlice!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice asked in a frightened tone, \u201cJoe, who is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need you to get my gun. Hurry!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice quickly grabbed his revolver from his gun belt.<\/span><\/p>\n

He said, \u201cSlide it over to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She slid the gun on the floor and, in a split second, he moved away from the door and down onto the floor just as Hanley broke open the door. Joe slid across the floor as he grabbed his gun and he fired a shot, hitting one of Damion\u2019s men in the arm. The man yelped out in pain as he grabbed his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the men said to Hanley, \u201cGet the girl, but leave Cartwright alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hanley moved towards Alice. Joe quickly got back up and he lunged at Hanley, but Joe was no match for him. Hanley grabbed Joe and punched him across the face, knocking him down over the table, which broke as he fell to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hanley turned back around and moved towards Alice. She backed away as her whole body trembled with fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe quickly got back up again and screamed, \u201cAlice, ru\u2026.\u201d He was cut off by one of Damion\u2019s men who hit Joe over the head with a gun, knocking him out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice looked down at Joe in shock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get a move on. Now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hanley grabbed Alice.<\/span><\/p>\n

She cried, \u201cNo!\u201d She tried to fight back as he pulled her to the door. She looked down at Joe lying on the floor and screamed his name over and over again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hanley headed out the door with Alice as the other men followed behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered open, he was laying on the settee in his house. He sat up as he screamed, \u201cAlice!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Jamie had arrived and found him unconscious. They moved him over to the settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy grabbed hold of Joe\u2019s shoulders and held him down as he said, \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe, it\u2019s alright, take it easy. What happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked around and said in a trembling voice, \u201cThey got Alice. Damion\u2019s men got her.\u201d Joe got up from the settee and moved past Jamie who stood next to Candy. Joe, still a little woozy, stumbled over the broken table as he made his way to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to move.\u201d He grabbed his gun belt and started putting it on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy hurried over to him. \u201cWhoa, slow down, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said, \u201cWe need to find Clem and tell him what happened. He can send a posse to search for them. They couldn\u2019t have gotten far.\u201d He finished putting on his gun belt and then picked up his black leather gloves as he said, \u201cWe\u2019ll ride over to the ranch first and let Pa know what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in Carson, he won\u2019t be back for a couple of hours,\u201d Candy told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe then thought of Adam who was still in Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, I haven\u2019t seen him,\u201d Candy replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said, \u201cJamie, I need you to ride back to the ranch and wait for Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me come with you,\u201d Jamie said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I need you to wire Pa in Carson City and tell him what happened and where we\u2019re heading.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jamie pleaded with him. \u201cPlease, Joe, let me come with you. I want to help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe raised his voice as he said, sternly, \u201cI told you no. Now go do what I told you.\u201d Jamie looked down and Joe realized how he sounded. \u201cLook, Jamie, I\u2019m sorry, but it\u2019s too dangerous. I don\u2019t want to risk any more of my family than I have to, all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jamie nodded. \u201cAll right. Should I tell Pa to catch up with you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, there\u2019s not enough time, just tell him we\u2019ll get her back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a knock at the door. Joe opened it and saw Clem.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClem, we were just coming to talk to you. Damion\u2019s men took Alice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. We found one of his men in town. We\u2019re holding him in a cell,\u201d Clem said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Joe said. He headed out the door with Candy and Jamie following behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Candy arrived in Virginia City. Clem led them inside the jail and Joe saw a man in a holding cell holding onto the bars.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that him?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s him,\u201d Clem said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe asked, \u201cWere you able to get anything out of him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot much,\u201d said Clem. \u201cOne of my men spotted him last night in the saloon with a few other men who fit the description Alice gave us. He said only one of them did all the talking like he was their leader.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe immediately knew who he was talking about.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDamion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clem said, \u201cAfter they cleaned everybody out, Damion and his friends managed to get away, except this one who was passed out drunk. I asked for his name, but he wouldn\u2019t give it. He said he only answers to Damion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glared at the man in the cell. He asked him in a calm but stern tone, \u201cWhere\u2019s my wife?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man chuckled and said in a gruff voice, \u201cDamion\u2019s got big plans for her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe asked him again as he stared daggers at him. \u201cWhere\u2019s my wife?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man didn\u2019t answer him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grabbed him through the bars and yelled, \u201cWhere is she? You tell me where!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy pulled Joe back. \u201cJoe! Take it easy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe loosened his grip on the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man said, \u201cI told you. I only answer to Damion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re gonna answer to somebody else if you don\u2019t start talking,\u201d Joe said, seething with anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy tried getting an answer. \u201cLook, you\u2019re gonna be here a while, so you might as well talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man relented. \u201cDamion said he was gonna work his way through Sacramento. Wait for the man who shot and killed his brother. You see, he demands payment for his blood. If he doesn\u2019t get it, he\u2019s gonna pay it with hers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cThat\u2019s less than half a day’s ride from here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we hurry, we might catch them, let\u2019s go,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

They started to head out the door when the man said, \u201cYou better hurry. It\u2019d be a shame for Damion to have to let Hanley cut up that pretty little face of hers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe lunged through the bars and wrapped his hands around the man\u2019s neck. Candy and Clem had to pry Joe off of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Joe, stop! That\u2019s enough,\u201d Candy said. \u201cJust let it go.\u201d Joe seethed with anger as Candy tried to calm him down. \u201cJoe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe continued to glare at the man as his chest heaved. He finally calmed down and then left the jail with Candy.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice was taken by Damion\u2019s men to a hotel room in Sacramento. She paced back and forth, riddled with fear and worry for Joe. She didn\u2019t want to believe he was dead. She thought she’d heard one of Damion\u2019s men mention that Damion wanted Joe alive, but everything had happened so fast, she couldn\u2019t be sure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice took a seat on the bed when she heard the door opening. She got back up from the bed, startled when a man walked in. She recognized him as the one who had discovered the music box in her home.<\/span><\/p>\n

He came up to her as he gave her a smug grin and said, \u201cDamion wanted me to come check on you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was very thoughtful of him,\u201d Alice said through gritted teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

He gazed at her for several seconds making Alice uncomfortable before he said, \u201cYou\u2019re a very pretty woman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He moved closer to her and Alice backed away slowly. He placed his hand up to her face and repeated, \u201cVery pretty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice slapped his hand away. \u201cDon\u2019t touch me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He grinned and said, \u201cI like a little fire in a woman. That Cartwright\u2019s a lucky man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice told him, \u201cIf you lay a hand on me, my husband will kill you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be worth it.\u201d He backed Alice into a corner and her breath shuddered when they heard Damion\u2019s voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSloan.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sloan turned around and saw Damion standing there with Hanley and Krater.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sloan said with a stutter, \u201cDamion. I was just checking on the girl like you told me to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you were doing, Sloan. And frankly, I find it rather detestable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Beads of sweat formed on Sloan\u2019s forehead as he said, nervously, \u201cOh, no. No, I was just fooling around, I didn\u2019t mean nothing by it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion said, \u201cYou surprise me, Sloan. I expected better from you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Damion. You know me not to do a thing like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion sighed. \u201cI could simply overlook it, but you hurt me, Sloan. You must be punished for your sins.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sloan pleaded, \u201cPlease. Have mercy, Damion.\u201d He dropped down to his knees. He begged, \u201cPlease Damion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion looked down at him with disdain and said, \u201cHanley.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sloan kept pleading and begging over and over again. Hanley grabbed him and pulled him to the door as Sloan tried to fight him.<\/span><\/p>\n

After Hanley dragged him out of the room, Sloan gave a blood curdling scream and then there was dead silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice\u2019s whole body trembled. Damion looked at her and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do apologize for Mr. Sloan\u2019s abhorrent behavior. I can assure you, it won\u2019t happen again. We\u2019ll make sure you have the best of care.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion left the room along with Krater. While she was afraid with Sloan, it was Damion she feared more. The way he smiled at her sent a chill up her spine. There was something so sinister about him. She closed her eyes and laid down on the bed as she cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Joe and Candy searched town after town for Damion\u2019s whereabouts, but were told they had just missed him. The only town left to search was Sacramento.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Candy had to rest the horses for the night, so they made camp in the woods. Joe sat on a hollow log as he attempted to eat the plate of beans that Candy had cooked for them over the fire. There were so many thoughts that plagued his mind. One of them being whether Alice was still alive. The thought of losing her was too much for him to bear. He had already lost his brother, Hoss and it had devastated him. He feared what losing Alice would do to him. Not only Alice, but their baby as well. He was so excited to be a father. He still remembered the joy he’d felt when Alice had first told him the news.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt means we\u2019re gonna have to add that room a little sooner than we planned to.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you kidding me? I\u2019ll have it built in half an hour. I can\u2019t believe it. A baby.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s thoughts were interrupted by Candy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s more beans left if you want some.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him and responded, softly, \u201cNo, thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cThe horses should be rested by morning. We\u2019ll head out again at first light.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stared out into the blackness of the night and said, \u201cI never finished the baby\u2019s room. I never\u2026.\u201d His voice broke as he tried to fight tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked over to Candy who said to him, \u201cWe\u2019ll get her back. We will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head. There was something about the way Candy said it to him that made him believe it. He wasn\u2019t just saying the words to make him feel better. He truly believed them. It was enough for Joe to be able to rest that night.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Five\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Candy made it to Sacramento by noon the next day. They stopped by a hotel and the clerk told them Damion had come by there, but they missed him by over an hour. Joe and Candy then headed to the livery to get fresh horses and rode off on Damion\u2019s trail.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion waited impatiently for Joe a few miles from the hotel. He said to himself, \u201cWherever could he be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion walked up to Krater and asked, \u201cHow far behind did you say he should be by now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo, maybe three hours at the pace he\u2019s going,\u201d Krater replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion said, \u201cMr. Hanley and I will go on ahead with Mrs. Cartwright until we find some fresh water. You stay behind with Mr. Carver. If Mr. Cartwright is not alone, kill whoever is with him.\u201d He came up to Alice. \u201cCome along with me, my dear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice looked at him with disgust as Damion grabbed hold of her arm and pulled her along with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Candy dismounted their horses and crept into the bushes. They looked ahead to see smoke in the distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think that\u2019s him?\u201d Candy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, it could be a trap,\u201d Joe said. \u201cCover me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe moved out of the bushes while Candy kept watch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sprinted up and over the rocks to get a closer look to where the smoke was coming from.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Krater found Candy and cocked his gun at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTurn around.\u201d Candy turned and saw Krater grinning at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet up, ranch hand.\u201d Krater grabbed Candy and pulled him up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe hid behind a rock when he heard a man\u2019s voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet out here, Cartwright or I\u2019m gonna put a bullet into your friend here!\u201d Krater shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked over the rock and saw Krater with his gun pointed at Candy. Joe came out from behind the rock and held his hands up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Krater turned and saw Joe with his hands up fully surrendered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said, \u201cLet him go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Krater grinned and said, \u201cAbout time you showed up. Damion\u2019s been waiting for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanted me. You got me,\u201d Joe told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have come alone, Cartwright. Damion said I was to kill anyone who\u2019s with you. Gotta do what the man says. Nothing personal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy elbowed Krater hard in the stomach before Krater could pull the trigger. Krater yelped in pain and Candy then punched him across the face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carver came out of hiding and attempted to take a shot at Candy when Joe whipped out his gun and fired a shot at him. Carver spun and fell to the ground dead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe walked over to Candy and they both went over to Krater who was doubled over on the ground, coughing and clutching at his stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said, \u201cIf you don\u2019t want to end up like your friend over there, I suggest you talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Krater panicked and sputtered, \u201cIt was Damion who took her, not me! I had nothing to do with it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is she?\u201d Joe asked in a stern tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Krater didn\u2019t answer. Joe, filled with rage, cocked his gun.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDamion rode on ahead with her, looking for water. We\u2019re supposed to meet them there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe lowered his gun and said to Candy, \u201cStay with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cYou can\u2019t face him alone, Joe. You need me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have a choice, he\u2019s expecting me to come alone. I\u2019ll be all right, just stay out of sight for now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe hurried back over to his horse and took off in the direction of the smoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rode fast like lightning down the trail. He slowed his horse down and dismounted. He moved swiftly over to the bushes and saw a small campsite. Joe scanned the area before he headed over to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion came out from behind a tree with a rifle in his hand. He said in a casual tone, \u201cYou must be Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019ve been expecting you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stared daggers at him and asked, \u201cWhat have you done with my wife?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour wife. Of course.\u201d Damion called out, \u201cMr. Hanley!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hanley came out with his hand held tightly over Alice\u2019s arm. Her hands were tied behind her back.<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked up and said with relief in her voice, \u201cJoe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at her as a wave of relief washed over him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlice.\u201d He started to go to her, but Damion pointed his rifle at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t. Move.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stopped and Damion said, \u201cWe\u2019re not through here yet. Because, you see, I still need payment for my brother\u2019s death.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother tried to kill my wife,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well, that is unfortunate,\u201d Damion said. \u201cMy brother never was very bright. He took after Father in that way. Nevertheless, his death still needs to be atoned for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shouted, \u201cMy wife had nothing to do with that!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I know that, Mr. Cartwright. I have a witness who saw everything. I just needed your wife for leverage, you might say. The real killer is within our midst.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at him perplexed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion called out, \u201cHank!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank came out from behind a tree. To Joe\u2019s shock and dismay, he saw his brother, Adam, his face beaten and bruised, his clothes torn, and his hands tied behind his back, being dragged by Hank. Hank pushed him to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe whispered in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion said, \u201cMr. Hanley discovered him last night. He had followed us all the way from Virginia City. Hank informed us that he was the one who killed my brother. Your brother killing my brother. Ironic, isn’t it?\u201d He pointed his rifle at Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started to move. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion looked at Adam and said, \u201cI could just end this all right now and get vengeance for my brother\u2019s killer.\u201d He gave a sinister smile. \u201cOr….\u201d He put the rifle down and looked over at Alice. He came up to her and gently caressed her cheek. She jerked her head away from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

It took Joe all he had in him to fight the rage inside of him at seeing Damion put his hand on her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion gazed into Alice\u2019s eyes as if he was in a hypnotic trance. \u201cIt\u2019d be such a waste, but.\u2026it is what my brother wanted.\u201d Damion turned to Joe and said, \u201cOf course that will be your decision, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at him puzzled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion told him, \u201cYou choose who lives and who dies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stared at him in disbelief. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour wife or your brother. Who is most precious to you? Either way my brother will be avenged.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re insane. There\u2019s no way I can make that kind of decision!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have exactly one minute to decide, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d Joe stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest. Damion said, \u201cTime is wasting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam spoke up. \u201cWait.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion looked over at Adam who slowly got up from the ground. Hank pointed his gun at him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam paused before he said, \u201cIt\u2019s me you want, isn\u2019t it? I killed your brother. So let the girl go and kill me instead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion studied him questionably and said, \u201cHow very noble of you, Mr. Cartwright. Your bravery is commendable. Hanley\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said. \u201cHe was your brother. You do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion stood there perplexed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam then said, \u201cYou can\u2019t do it, can you? You have to get one of your lackey\u2019s to do it for you. They treat you as if you\u2019re some kind of god. They beg for your mercy. If you\u2019re so powerful, why not kill me yourself? An eye for an eye right?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what the Bible says. I have the right.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and the Bible also says, \u201cVengeance is mine saith the Lord.\u201d But maybe you\u2019re not as powerful as you say you are. Maybe you\u2019re just a coward.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion clenched his hands around the rifle as he shook his head. \u201cNo. I\u2019m not a coward.\u201d His hands trembled as he pointed the rifle at Adam. \u201cI could kill you right now. I don\u2019t need anyone. Not Hank, not Krater, not even that dumb brute, Hanley.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised his voice at him. \u201cThen do it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn eye for an eye.\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Damion yelled in a rage when Hanley, who had finally seen Damion for what he truly was, smashed a rock over his head. Damion fell to the ground as blood splattered over the rocks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Alice looked down at Damion\u2019s body in shock. Hank pointed his gun at Hanley when Joe shot the gun out of his hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said, \u201cUntie my brother now.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank untied the ropes holding Adam\u2019s hands. Joe then said, \u201cTurn around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank turned around and Adam bound Hank\u2019s hands with the rope while Joe went over to Alice and untied her hands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She turned around and wrapped her arms around Joe. \u201cOh, Joe, I was so afraid they’d killed you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m alright.\u201d He took her face in his hands and asked, \u201cDid they hurt you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled and kissed her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Adam bound Hanley\u2019s hands and put him on a horse along with Hank. Adam explained to Joe how he\u2019d ended up there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI started tracking Damion when I saw him with Alice. I didn\u2019t exactly have a plan, but I had to make sure he didn\u2019t hurt her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled as he placed his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cThanks. I owe you a lot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They met up with Candy who was guarding Krater. After they placed Krater on a horse, Joe introduced Candy to Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook Candy’s hand and said, \u201cCandy, yes, my pa told me about you. He said you were in the Army. Where were you stationed?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFort Delaney, but we called it Fort Despair.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a nice place,\u201d Adam remarked. He looked over at Hank, Hanley, and Krater and told Joe, \u201cWe better get them to Clem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d Joe turned and smiled at Alice. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and said, \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe mounted Cochise and then helped Alice up. Candy helped Adam onto the back of his horse. Joe turned his head to Alice and said, \u201cI\u2019ll take it slow. Hold on tight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled as she wrapped her arms around his waist and gently laid her head against his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Candy took off on their horses while pulling Hank, Hanley and Krater.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice breathed a sigh of relief as she held onto the man she loved, safe and sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwrights and Candy returned to Virginia City. Joe and Adam had delivered Damion\u2019s men over to Clem and in return Clem gave Joe and Alice some disappointing news.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been unable to find the diamond necklace,\u201d Clem said. \u201cWe checked all the jewelry stores in San Francisco, but we\u2019ve come up with nothing. I\u2019m sorry, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Clem,\u201d Joe looked at Alice and smiled. He said, \u201cI\u2019ve got something way more valuable back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice smiled as Joe kissed her forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clem said, \u201cThanks for your help in finding them and bringing them here, Joe.\u201d He held his hand out to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome, Clem. I\u2019ll be seeing you.\u201d Joe then opened the door for Alice as Clem said goodbye to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Alice then headed out of Clem\u2019s office and saw Adam leaning against a wooden post, holding his black hat in his hands. He turned to them as he asked, \u201cReady?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAre you gonna stop by and say goodbye to everyone before you leave?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam moved away from the post and looked down. \u201cWell\u2026.\u201d He looked up at them and smiled. \u201cOf course I will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled and Adam said as he put his hat on, \u201cWe better get going. You know how Pa gets when we\u2019re late.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d Joe put his arm around Alice as he said to her, \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They all then headed back to the Ponderosa for supper.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Six\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Several months passed and Spring began. Adam had gone back home, overseas, to his wife, Emily. The room for Joe and Alice\u2019s baby was also finally completed. They waited in anticipation for the baby to arrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

One afternoon, Ben, Candy, and Joe were out in the pines where timber was being cut down. Ben gave one of his hired hands instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get started on that right away, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Will,\u201d Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Candy were nearby sawing through a big log with a long hacksaw.<\/span><\/p>\n

After they finished, Joe wiped the sweat from his brow. \u201cThis one\u2019s done, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, good, Joseph.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe asked, \u201cDo you mind if I go home and check on Alice?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cOh, no, of course, go right ahead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe patted his shoulder. \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cI\u2019ll bet you\u2019re anxious for that baby to get here, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe chuckled and said, \u201cNot as anxious as Alice is, I can tell ya.\u201d He mounted up onto Cochise. \u201cI\u2019ll see you in a bit, Pa,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee ya, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Joe got home, he opened the door and called out to Alice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn here,\u201d she responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe saw her standing in the kitchen adding potatoes into a pot on the stove. He came up to her and placed his hand over her round belly as he kissed her forehead. He asked, \u201cHave you felt any kicking at all?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly about every five minutes,\u201d she replied in annoyance, which caused Joe to giggle. She then asked as he went to wash his hands in the bowl of water behind him, \u201cWhat are you doing back so soon?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I just wanted to stop by and see how you were doing,\u201d he replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, other than the fact I can barely get around anymore, I\u2019m fine,\u201d she remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gave that same boyish giggle as he wiped his hands on a towel. He told her, \u201cPa and I have to make a run into town for some more supplies. We should be back around supper time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice suddenly stopped stirring and then placed her hand on her belly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tossed the towel off to the side and said, \u201cI should probably head back now. I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d He went back over to her and kissed her. \u201cLove you.\u201d He headed over to the door when Alice spoke up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, Joe?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s hand was on the doorknob as he turned around to Alice. \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She tried to stay calm as she said, \u201cWhile you\u2019re in town, could you have Doc Martin stop by here for a visit?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He chuckled a bit as he replied, \u201cDoc Martin? What reason would we need him over here for, other than\u2026.\u201d He stopped when it suddenly hit him what she meant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, it\u2019s\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A smile spread across her face as she nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

He hurried over to her and took her face in his hands. His voice trembled as he asked, \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you really sure?\u201d he asked again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m really sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His face lit up with a smile and he kissed her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctor, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight, right, the doctor.\u201d He started backing away slowly as he told her, \u201cI\u2019ll get him. You just stay right there, don\u2019t move. I\u2019m gonna tell Pa.\u201d He quickly opened the door and said, \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe came galloping fast on Cochise as he screamed for Ben. \u201cPa! Hey, Pa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Candy stopped what they were doing and looked up, startled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Alice. I need to go get Doc Martin. It\u2019s time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A big smile spread across Ben\u2019s face. He announced to his hands, \u201cWell, what are we standing around here for then? Fellas, why don’t you take the rest of the day off? I’m about to have a grandchild.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They all cheered and scattered as Joe rode off to Virginia City to get Doc Martin.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that night, Alice moaned through another contraction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat by her bedside and held her hand. He asked Doc Martin who was standing at the foot of the bed, \u201cHow much longer?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin looked at his pocket watch and replied, \u201cIt shouldn\u2019t be long now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice looked at Joe and smiled as she said to him through labored breaths, \u201cI\u2019m alright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gave a nervous smile and responded, \u201cI know you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice was then hit with another contraction and she yelped out in pain as she gripped tightly onto Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cIt\u2019s coming now. The baby\u2019s coming,\u201d she cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin said, \u201cIt\u2019s time now, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at Alice and said, \u201cYou\u2019re gonna be fine, you hear me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe leaned in and kissed her forehead and then let go of her hand. He headed to the door, but stopped and turned back around to Doc Martin. He asked him in a shaky voice, \u201cAre you sure there\u2019s nothing I can do?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin shook his head. \u201cNo, I can take it from here, Joe. She\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded and left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

While outside the bedroom door, Joe sighed and paced back and forth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Candy walked into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is she?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tried to keep his voice steady as he replied, \u201cShe\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben asked, \u201cHow long until….\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know, she\u2026.\u201d Joe stopped mid-sentence and turned when he heard a baby wailing.<\/span><\/p>\n

A smile spread across his face and he tried to keep calm as he hurried over to the bedroom door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin came out of the bedroom wiping his hands with a towel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, my wife, is she\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s fine. You have a healthy baby girl.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face lit up with joy as he said, \u201cA girl.\u201d He slowly smoothed his hair back as he turned around and said to Ben, \u201cI have a girl, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben chuckled with joy as Joe embraced him. Candy smiled and patted Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cCongrats, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben said, happily, \u201cI have a granddaughter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stepped into the bedroom and saw Alice holding their newborn daughter in her arms. Alice looked up and gave a tired smile as she said to him, \u201cCome over here and meet your daughter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took a seat on the edge of the bed. He moved his hand and gently pulled the blanket down and saw his newborn daughter looking up at him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice looked down at the baby and said, \u201cSay hi to Daddy.\u201d She gave a soft giggle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at Alice and smiled. \u201cShe\u2019s beautiful.\u201d He placed his hand up to her face as he asked her, \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d She chuckled. As Joe leaned to give her a soft kiss, Alice said, \u201cShe just needs a name now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked down at the baby. Alice asked, \u201cWell, any ideas?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tilted his head slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alice then asked him, \u201cWhat are you thinking about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was your mother\u2019s name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSara.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled as he had just thought of the perfect name for her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Candy were waiting outside the door when Joe came out of the bedroom carrying his baby girl in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa? \u201cYou wanna meet your granddaughter?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben said, \u201cLet me see her.\u201d He looked down at the baby and smiled. \u201cShe\u2019s beautiful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked at her and smiled as he remarked, \u201cHey, good news, Joe, she doesn\u2019t look a thing like you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gave him an annoyed smirk. \u201cThanks. And to think I was gonna ask you to be her godfather.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy chuckled a bit. \u201cWait, are you serious?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, of course I am. She\u2019s already got two uncles and you\u2019re the closest friend I\u2019ve got. We consider you a member of this family, don\u2019t we, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat we do, Joseph,\u201d Ben replied as he patted Candy on the back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo what do you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stood there at a loss for words as he was touched by the gesture.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. Yeah, I\u2019d be honored.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Would you like to hold her, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet I would. Give her to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben held his arms out and Joe gently handed her over.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy raised his hand and said, \u201cI\u2019m next since I\u2019m the godfather.\u201d They all chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked down at his granddaughter with adoration. \u201cHello my little darling. You know, Joseph, I see a bit of your mother in her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled and said, \u201cIt\u2019s great to hear you say that, Pa, because we thought of a name for her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re naming her Sara Marie.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben struggled to hold back tears as he said, \u201cThat\u2019s a beautiful name.\u201d Ben said to himself, \u201cSara Marie.\u201d She fell asleep in her grandfather\u2019s arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Seven\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was back in his old bedroom at the Ponderosa a week later, going through his things.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben appeared at the door carrying a load of boxes in his hands. He knocked on the side of the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned and saw him standing there. \u201cIt\u2019s open. You can come in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben walked through the door and set the boxes down on the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know it is your house, Pa, you don\u2019t have to knock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s a habit, I suppose.\u201d Ben gave a soft chuckle as he placed the boxes onto the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s all this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I picked up a few things for my granddaughter. You know, things she might need.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Joe looked at the size of the boxes and put his hands on his hips. He nodded his head towards them and asked, \u201cYou think she\u2019s got enough, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shrugged his shoulders. \u201cWell, I know it seems like a bit much.\u201d Ben noted Joe had folded arms and said, \u201cAll right, so I went a little overboard. I guess I just couldn\u2019t help myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine, Pa. It\u2019s funny, I told Alice if we had a girl you\u2019d spoil her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I am her grandfather after all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, I would ease up a little on the spoiling. I already went a little overboard myself and Alice got onto me about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben chuckled and said, \u201cI\u2019m afraid that child has got a hold on us already.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat she has, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe is my first grandchild.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe held his index finger up. \u201cAh, don\u2019t forget Adam\u2019s boy, the second Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s right. Adam Jr.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cWell, make that my first granddaughter then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Joe smirked and Ben started chuckling. Joe looked at him puzzled. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cYou know, it\u2019s funny, Joseph.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cWhat is?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI find it sort of ironic that you were the one to have a girl.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cWhy\u2019s that?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI can\u2019t help but think about all of those young ladies you used to court when you were a young man and there were quite a few.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Joe looked down with a sideways smirk and then looked back up at him as he asked, \u201cYour point?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI can\u2019t help but think of all of those fathers and how they must have felt about you with their daughters.\u201d Ben then placed his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cAnd now you\u2019re one of those fathers, Joseph.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Ben patted his shoulder. Joe\u2019s eyes widened a bit and his expression turned to dread as he swallowed. He stammered, \u201cYeah, but that won\u2019t be for a while though, right?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cOf course, of course, not for a long while,\u201d Ben responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cMaybe longer,\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben said, \u201cI also can\u2019t think of a better father. I\u2019m proud of you, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Joe gave a warm smile. \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d He pulled him in for an embrace. \u201cYou know, it\u2019s still hard for me to believe. I haven\u2019t stopped staring at her since she was born. I just can\u2019t believe she\u2019s real. And she\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Ben smiled and placed his hand on his shoulder. \u201cNow you know how I felt the day you were born. There\u2019s no greater feeling in the world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Jamie interrupted. \u201cPa? A man from the Cattlemen\u2019s Association is here to see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cOh, yes. Tell him I\u2019ll be down in a moment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cOkay.\u201d Jamie left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben said to Joe, \u201cI shouldn\u2019t keep him waiting. But I want you to know that if you ever need anything, this is still your home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0“I know,” Joe said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After Ben left the room, Joe took a look around. He picked up the photo of Hoss that sat on top of the nightstand. He tried to fight back the tears that began to form as he looked down at the photo, thinking how happy Hoss would have been to have a niece. And how great of an uncle he would have been to Sara Marie. Joe turned the photo slightly and then finished going through the rest of his things.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A few nights later at Joe and Alice\u2019s house, Alice had awakened to find Joe wasn\u2019t in bed. She got up and grabbed her robe as she headed out of the bedroom. She saw the door to the nursery opened slightly. She walked over to the doorway and saw Joe kneeling down by Sara Marie\u2019s cradle. She smiled and knelt down next to him. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Joe quickly turned his head, startled. \u201cOh. Hi,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cHi,\u201d she giggled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Joe looked back down at the baby. Alice smirked and said, \u201cYou didn\u2019t answer my question.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cHm? Oh. Your question, right. I just thought I would check on the baby, you know, make sure she\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cOh.\u201d She looked down at Sara Marie who was sound asleep. \u201cShe looks all right to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Joe looked at her and said, \u201cShe looks alright now, but she\u2019ll be crying for us soon enough, just you wait.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI think you\u2019re just using that as an excuse so you can stare at her some more. Aren\u2019t you?\u201d She lightly knocked him in the shoulder with her elbow. He smirked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cAll right, you caught me. I guess I just can\u2019t help it. It\u2019s hard not to stare at her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0She smiled. \u201cIt\u2019s all right. I know what you mean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess it\u2019s still hard for me to imagine that this is my life now. I mean a husband and a father. It\u2019s like I\u2019m living a dream.\u201d He wrapped his arm around her and said, \u201cAnd then I look at you and I know I\u2019m not dreaming.\u201d She smiled as she leaned her head against his and he kissed her forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0He whispered to her, \u201cForever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0She looked into his eyes as she said back to him, softly, \u201cForever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0They kissed. Alice leaned her head against his shoulder as they looked back down at their daughter still sound asleep in her cradle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Epilogue<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat on the porch and happily watched his grandchildren playing. He looked to his left and saw his sons, Adam and Joe, with their wives, Emily and Alice at the table talking and laughing with one another along with Candy and Jamie. Alice was expecting again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Ben beamed with pride and happiness, watching his family all together at the Ponderosa, the home he had built with his own hands. It had all started with a dream and it turned out to be so much more than he had ever imagined. This was his legacy. And that he thought was a true bonanza.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The End<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: As Joe and Alice prepare for the arrival of their first child, their happiness is short-lived when the sinister Damion unexpectedly returns with a vengeance. This is a WHI story based on the two-part episode, Forever.
\nRating: PG Word Count: 13,861
\nPart of the Forever Reimagined series, links to all stories included within.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12509,"featured_media":60884,"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":[7,1009,23,1007,3,27],"tags":[1311],"class_list":["post-60882","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-brothers","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","category-romance","category-whi","tag-forever","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-1009-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id","wpcat-3-id","wpcat-27-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot_20230220-180807_Instagram.jpg?fit=720%2C891&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60882","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\/12509"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=60882"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60882\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/60884"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=60882"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=60882"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=60882"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}