Summary:<\/b>\u00a0Joe finally catches up with his brothers as Nita has her baby.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (25,475 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories.\u00a0 Should an author included in this project reach out to us and indicate they do not wish their work to be archived in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library, we will remove their stories.\u00a0 We would also be happy to change contact information for any authors who wish to continue to have their stories archived in the Library.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cartwright Saga Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Lawyer <\/a><\/span> \n Catching Up<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was standing by the cradle studying his newest grandson when the three brothers returned from the lake. He could see the difference in them before they even had their coats off and the four men sat chatting by the fire for a while. Carole had headed for bed and all the women were asleep so they were on their own, as they had been for so many years but with a huge difference personified by the red headed baby sleeping peacefully in his cradle between his proud father and grandfather. Eventually knowing that the next day would be busy all but Adam headed for bed with Joe promising to take over at 2.30. In fact Adam was quite disappointed not to have an excuse to pick up the baby. When Joe came down to take over the brothers stood staring down at the cradle and Joe grinned \u201cYou know I think he even looks a little like Hoss. For a while I thought that he\u2019d never marry and have kids, it would have been such a waste.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust needed to find someone to look past elegance and good looks to see what a nice person he is and Sue couldn\u2019t be better for him\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s blossomed too, lovelier and much more graceful now she\u2019s grown in confidence. She\u2019ll be as good a mother as Carole is. Guess we\u2019ve all been very lucky in our wives.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a few days Joe and Hoss and I will split another vigil over a new born. The three grandchildren that you promised Pa when he was so ill, reason enough to live.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoesn\u2019t seem possible now that I so nearly gave up on him, he\u2019s as fit as ever.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGod is still with us Joe, don\u2019t forget that. I couldn\u2019t have survived the fire, nor could Anne have lived without his help. He\u2019ll be with Nita too, so when you get worried, and I know you will, just remember.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Marie said as much tonight. Does that make any sense Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt makes a lot of sense Joe, you love her and she\u2019s there. I can reach you from miles away and so can Pa and Hoss, so why shouldn\u2019t Marie? Just because you love Nita that doesn\u2019t change your feelings for Marie, anymore than our marriages have affected our relationship. It\u2019s the nice thing about love, seems the more you give, the more you have to give.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe hugged his brother for a minute \u201cGo get some sleep, you look tired and thanks for understanding. If I need help I will ask.\u201d<\/p>\n Even Joe was hardly disturbed and when Johnny did fret a little sweetened water calmed him down so that Hoss found his younger brother sitting cuddling Johnny, smiling down at the baby when he came looking for breakfast. Johnny was staring up wide eyed at his uncle, seemingly quite content. Hoss prayed that in a few days his brother would have his own child to hold but for now he looked mighty pleased with his latest nephew. Sensing that someone was there Joe looked round and seeing Hoss he grinned, \u201cCome take your son Hoss and I\u2019ll go get some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss sat down with his son warm at the thought and he studied him in wonderment, but his peace was rapidly disturbed as the twins and Marie ran down. They were eager to see the baby and find out what had been happening since they were sent so rudely to bed. They were all intrigued by the baby but very gentle with him, although David couldn\u2019t understand how this new baby was bigger than his little sister when she was already quite old and this one was brand new. Hoss couldn\u2019t think of an answer but Joe, bringing coffee, rescued him with a completely specious argument, which none the less satisfied the little boy. Joe pointed out that John was a boy and Anne a girl and boys were always bigger than girls. Hoss frowned at his brother and as the children headed out to the kitchen to ask Kam Su for breakfast he said, \u201cJust wait until Nita has a small boy or a large girl and then try to get yourself out of that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh David will have forgotten. \u201c Joe said airily but he had to admit that Hoss was probably right when he denied it, that child never forgot anything. Then as Nita appeared to say that Sue was awake, both of them forgot it. Hoss took his son up to his mother while Joe went and collected a breakfast tray for her.<\/p>\n Sue was still rather tired and sore but so very pleased with her beautiful son that she couldn\u2019t have been happier. She basked in everyone\u2019s congratulations and their admiration of the baby while Hoss sat by quietly watching. He was very proud and happy, the fears and tensions of the last months forgotten after letting go up by the Lake. Ben had never seen his big son so ecstatic, not even on his wedding day and it was enough for Joe to keep his own fears at bay for one more day.<\/p>\n The whole family relaxed round Sue\u2019s bed, only making a token effort at work. Word had already spread both round the ranch and round town so a steady stream of congratulatory messages arrived. While Sue slept or fed her son, Ben and Joe kept the essential work moving while Adam finished the outline designs for the two houses he\u2019d promised Fair and MacKay but none of them left the house, although both Ben and Adam knew they would have to head into town the next day. Joe insisted that he could cope for one day at least and, with Adam\u2019s help, for a week or so before Hoss need bother himself with anything but his wife and child. Luckily their church was just outside of town and had been unaffected by the fire and with Sue\u2019s blessing Hoss decided to ride into town with his father and brother to arrange for John\u2019s christening. He would head home as soon as he\u2019d finished and Carole, with Nita\u2019s help, could get anything that Sue needed. Sue told him there was no need to rush back sure he had friends who would want to celebrate with him, but all Hoss wanted was to be with her. He was enjoying the quiet hours with his wife and son as she nursed the child, more than anything he\u2019d ever known. Such peace of mind and heart that he felt close to God and to that peace of God which defies man\u2019s understanding.<\/p>\n As the three rode to town they were all quiet. Adam had several legal queries he was still trying to work his way round. Ben had an important meeting on his mind and Hoss was lost in thoughts of his wife and child. Hoss hadn\u2019t been back to town since the fire and as it came into view he pulled up suddenly. Ben worried asked what was wrong but Hoss was staring at the new buildings and didn\u2019t even hear him. With Adam\u2019s design being built at the rate of twenty a day and with a lot of self help in the Chinese sector, those two dominated the town, but several stores and saloons had already rebuilt and work was going on at an elaborate new hotel, at the courthouse and the Bank of California. Even the new territorial Enterprise building was almost complete as Virginia City sprang back from the ashes in an incredibly short time. It was a lot more than Hoss had expected even though he\u2019d heard reports from town and for a minute he could only sit and stare. He was glad to see that his promise of help had been fulfilled, a brand new livery stable was already completed and still in silence Hoss led the way down there. As they dismounted Hoss turned to his brother, \u201cSure has grown fast. Those houses up the hill, your\u2019s Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cThe ones I designed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like to see, can you spare the time to come up with me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure big brother, I was going up to check a few things anyway.\u201d Adam arranged to meet his father at the main town meeting later and while Ben headed up to the Virginia to see Fair and McKay. The brothers headed up to the newest batch of houses.<\/p>\n Adam wandered through them having a word with the builders, checking that no short cuts were being taken in his absence and briefly explaining to his brother his reasons for various decisions he\u2019d made on the design. At first they were left in peace although the men were pleased to see them and as word of Hoss\u2019 son had spread several congratulated him, perhaps the most accessible of the Cartwrights. However it didn\u2019t take long for a crowd to gather. Once the project was well started and running smoothly Adam had only made a couple of visits with plenty to do out at the ranch and while the men had seen him few of the women or children had moved in. The waiting crowd was mainly women and children and one tall careworn woman in her forties pushed to the front, spokeswoman for the rest. Adam met his brother\u2019s eye and shrugged before heading over to them, it was obvious that they weren\u2019t going o be able to leave without talking to her.<\/p>\n She had grown up in a hard school, fighting for everything that she or her children needed, with seven kids it had been a long, often a losing, fight. It had left her suspicious, noone had ever given her anything for nothing and he didn\u2019t expect that to change. Hands on hips she faced Adam, \u201cYou built these houses Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust the first few, the rest your own men are building.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe men say we just pay a token rent to the town for the land, once a year, sort of land tax.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. It will go into a special fund for more building, houses if needed, if not maybe a school or whatever is needed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I don\u2019t get is what you get out of it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe personally?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Look don\u2019t think we ain\u2019t grateful. I ain\u2019t never had no place for my kids, not of my own, not like this. Most of us are the same, mighty nice houses, better\u2019n we\u2019re used to. It\u2019s just that I need to know what we have to pay and when.\u201d \u201cI ain\u2019t saying you\u2019ll take money, but something, you must want something. The likes of you don\u2019t do nothing for the likes of me without a real good reason. Maybe you don\u2019t want money, hear you\u2019re real rich, but sure as hell you want something. You spent time planning these, teaching our men how to build \u2018em. You gave us all the wood and stuff and we\u2019re right grateful, but what do you want back?\u201d<\/p>\n There were murmurs of agreement from the crowd, who couldn\u2019t believe that rich powerful men like the Cartwrights could waste their time over people like them without some ulterior motive. Adam shook his head and murmured very softly to Hoss, \u201cSweeping condemnation of our society, when noone believes in altruism.\u201d but then he put his hands out for quiet. \u201cListen all of you please. I have lived here when there was no town, I\u2019ve watched it grow from a few tents to a sprawling mass of buildings and twice now I have seen it burn. From the beginning my father has invested money and time to help the town and we\u2019ve grown rich and prosperous along with it. Why shouldn\u2019t we do the same again?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure mister.\u201d Came a voice from the back, \u201cPut money in the mines, the banks you get it back, but why here. We can\u2019t even afford to pay for the lumber. So what do you want in return?\u201d<\/p>\n For the first time Hoss intervened and asked mildly, \u201cHas anyone asked you to pay for the lumber? You lost everything, we were lucky, lost nothing, so we can help out. Friends have come to help us when we were in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n The women still looked unconvinced and one reiterated, \u201cYou\u2019re rich and powerful, ain\u2019t nothing to do with the likes of us.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed but tried again, \u201cYour husbands work in the mines, on the railroad,\u201d and then picking out one woman he recognized, \u201cMrs. Miller isn\u2019t it? Your husband is up at the pumping station. All the investment in mines isn\u2019t worth a cent without miners to work them, people to work the ore, to provide food and water. We all need each other. You ask what I want from you in return for the houses, okay I\u2019ll tell you. I want you to keep your kids in school where they can learn. I want you to be able to feed them properly because you don\u2019t have to pay exorbitant rent. I want your husbands\u2019 support on juries or whatever else is necessary to raise the level of law and order in this town. I want Virginia City to be a good place for all of us to live, rich, prosperous, but friendly and law abiding, where my wife and kids can walk free without fear. I want your help to make it a good place to raise a family, yours and mine.\u201d<\/p>\n The very obvious sincerity in his voice and the way his brother nodded in agreement finally convinced the women and the spokeswoman was the first to admit it. \u201cGod bless you Mr. Cartwright and your whole family. There ain\u2019t many big men who care. Guess we\u2019re lucky to live in a town where one family does.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was embarrassed, but in order to hide it he reverted to practicalities. \u201cJust one more thing. These houses are very simple, basic. I designed them that way to get them up fast but there are lots of ways to improve them, from putting up a staircase to extending the whole house. Any of you who want to improve them I can give you advice on how to go about it, help you get the supplies you\u2019ll need. You are all very welcome to come and see me and I\u2019ll try and help you, your husbands, whoever. I just ask one thing, leave it until after Christmas, then any time, but just now we\u2019re busy. Anyway with my brother\u2019s firstborn just arrived and our younger brother\u2019s wife expecting next week, we want a little time to enjoy the babies.\u201d<\/p>\n That caused a murmur but the woman at the front couldn\u2019t help querying it, \u201cMen don\u2019t like babies.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cWell we\u2019re the exceptions who prove the rule. I have four kids of my own and now Hoss has a son and the four of us, all men, nearly come to blows over whose turn it is to hold the baby. Least until it comes time to change the diaper when it goes back fast to Mum.\u2019<\/p>\n The women all laughed at that and cheered the brothers as they finally managed to break away. They had hardly got clear when Dan joined them, \u201cQuite a speech Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed and shook his head, \u201cI didn\u2019t know you were around.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is one time I won\u2019t keep quiet, that scene needs reporting, might just sting a few consciences. You ought to go into politics Adam, most effective speech I\u2019ve seen. They\u2019d give you the Governorship for the asking, or the Senate, in time maybe even President.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam burst out laughing, \u201cCome on Dan, your imagination is running away with you! Anyway I don\u2019t like politics and that speech as you call it was effective, if it was, just because I\u2019m no politician and they know it. I meant every word of it because it\u2019s necessary, not just to buy some votes.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan pushed him again, nothing would improve until a few people who did care got into politics but Hoss intervened seeing Adam was on the verge of losing his temper and asked where they were printing the paper with the new building only half complete. On his favourite topic Dan explained how they had coped<\/p>\n After a few minutes Dan sensed he had lost his audience and remembered that he hadn\u2019t yet congratulated Hoss on his new son. Adam had relaxed again and grinned, \u201cJohnny shows every sign of being as big as his Dad, bigger than Anne now, but he\u2019s going to be better looking, takes after Sue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow is she?\u201d Dan enquired.<\/p>\n \u201cBlooming, a very beautiful mother. Right Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery and I want to get back to them so if you\u2019ll excuse me, I\u2019ll go arrange the christening and get on home. See you Dan.\u201d \u201cHe is now. He was scared after Marie\u2019s death and Carole\u2019s close call but you should see him sitting watching Sue and the baby, just about bursting with pride, with good reason.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTense and worried, worse since Sue\u2019s delivery somehow makes Nita\u2019s more imminent but she\u2019d due in less than a fortnight and he\u2019ll cope. Doc seems sure everything will be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure it will. Lots of us said a few prayers for Joe; he took it mighty hard before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe have too, all be glad when it\u2019s over but it\u2019ll be fine. Now I must get on, town meeting, I\u2019m already late.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan was going too and the old friends walked over to the Bank of Nevada where it was being held. Adam filled his old friend in on some of the problems they were having in dislodging their guests from the house, although he made it very clear that it was definitely not for printing.<\/p>\n Up at the mines Ben had found Fair and Mackay very pleased with themselves. The California was back in normal operation, all the surface buildings repaired or replaced and the stamp mill was back in operation, so that the ore could be processed. The shoring had been replaced in the Virginia as Adam had agreed and the lift shaft had been extended down to 1600 feet. The lift cage and the gear were still being installed, but they hoped to be operational there as well in another three or four days. Ben was pleased with the progress, Jim was right it was the wealth of the mines which in the end had to pay to rebuild the town. They ran over some of the outstanding problems, mainly the question of extra lumber from the Ponderosa. Although Fair and Mackay paid lip service to the idea that it was difficult to cut timber at this time of year, that didn\u2019t stop them assuming that somehow the Cartwrights would pull off a miracle and extricate them from all their problems. Ben would go part way but with the best will in the world he couldn\u2019t commit himself to the quantity that they wanted for full production in both mines. Ben pointed out that it all depended on the weather and he would only go partway, promising to do more if it was feasible. Jim was still trying to get Ben to agree to a little more as they walked down to the town meeting, but Ben refused, it wasn\u2019t practical. It was with some relief that Ben saw Adam and Dan approaching and excused himself to join his son. Dan wandered off and Ben was able to fill Adam in on the position at the mines.<\/p>\n The meeting was to assess progress so far and decided on the next priorities, but with a large number of participants it inevitably took some time to get any semblance of order. Adam took the opportunity provided by the delay to pass over the basic designs for their new houses to Fair and Mackay. He asked for comments and any requests for changes in the next few days and once they were agreed he could draw up the detailed work plans. As both wanted their new homes completed by Christmas they had no time to waste. Adam excused himself and rejoined his father but both Fair and Mackay were too curious to see what he had come up with to wait. They spread the plans and artist impressions on the table in front of them. A number of people knew they had persuaded Adam to design houses and the plans were soon the centre of a large curious group.<\/p>\n Adam swore feelingly under his breath and Ben gripped his arm, \u201cInevitable Son, everyone\u2019s curious. They\u2019ve seen your house and your brothers, the houses in town, want to see what you have come up with this time. Anyway you\u2019ve made a very good job of those two at very short notice, with little time to work on them. I\u2019m proud of what you\u2019ve achieved and you should be, you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust wish I\u2019d left handing them over until the end. Can\u2019t we get this meeting started; just wasting time and I for one have better things to do.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben lent back in his chair but even the chairman was poring over one sketch, \u201cJust have to wait until they\u2019ve satisfied their curiosity Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHell! I\u2019m going to get a drink.\u201d Adam slipped out unnoticed until Jim put down the last plan and looked for him. \u201cWhere\u2019s Adam, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe back in a minute. Do you think we can get this meeting stared, we\u2019re all busy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d Jim agreed but promptly reverted to the designs, \u201cAdam\u2019s done a hell of a job on these. I don\u2019t want a thing changed, even better than the ones out on the ranch.\u201d The first discussions were on the success so far, just how much had been built and what was working. As the second man started to report on the stores built so far, Adam slipped into the empty chair next to his father. Several people would have spoken to him but Adam was intently reading his father\u2019s notes on reports so far and then began taking his own notes. He carefully avoided catching anyone\u2019s eye and let the meeting continue, but both Fair and Mackay passed notes thanking him for the designs and telling him to go ahead, they didn\u2019t want any changes. When the next set of questions to the speaker had finished, several people did speak to Adam but he shushed them, insisting they leave it until later and the next report started. A lot of the reports were vague and the discussions even worse, Adam wasn\u2019t the only one getting very restless and bored. Ben felt the same but he was more practiced at it recently. Adam left it to his father to try and keep them to the point while he sat doodling figures on his pad as he planned out the houses in his own mind, barely listening to the pointless squabbling. He looked up once as the price of some plans was under. discussion and Jim Fair spoke up to tell them they were fussing about nickels. Jim went on \u201cThe receipts and expenditure of our company on its own total more than that of half the states in the Union. We\u2019ll find the money.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam met his father\u2019s eye and said very quietly, \u201cJim may find he\u2019s bitten off more than he expected.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam regained interest and entered the discussions as the positions of new buildings were planned in, not always being replaced on their original sites. They had a chance to plan more sensibly and he was a firm supporter of those who thought it made more sense to have \u2018C\u2019 street as the main thoroughfare on the flatter land. He also argued for it to be kept wider, maybe help ease the enormous crush of traffic.<\/p>\n Both Ben and Adam argued and won support for the urgent rebuilding of a school and two of the churches, which had been destroyed. The Bank of Nevada was already involved in loans at minimal interest for rebuilding, stores, offices, even saloons especially the Washoe Club, breweries, foundries and all the million and one essentials for the town. However Adam\u2019s interest wasn\u2019t really aroused until they came to a discussion on what they could do to stop it happening again. Inevitably the town would still be basically wood, bricks and stones were too expensive to import apart from for use in a few prestigious buildings, like the new Piper\u2019s Opera house and the International Hotel. The seven fire companies organized over the years had done their best, but even with water freely available thanks to the pipeline, their efforts had been puny compared to the fire with a zephyr blowing. Several men thought they ought to get better equipment for the firemen, new faster engines with stronger pumps but Adam was insistent that at best new equipment would only have a minor effect. It would have made no difference to the outcome with a zephyr blowing. Adam smiled, rather amused, \u201cOkay I agree it\u2019s easy to say what won\u2019t work and if there were any easy answers we\u2019d have done it back in\u201963 and this fire wouldn\u2019t have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWords, all very clever but they don\u2019t get us nowhere.\u201d His critic complained. As Adam fell quiet, there was a babble of noise as the men began to discuss his proposals, the last of which at least was a completely new idea to all of them. Ben took the chance to have a word with his son, they had discussed precautions several times, but this was the first time Adam had mentioned a watch tower. \u201cWhen did you think of the watch tower?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust now while I was having a drink, I think it might help. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds a good idea to me but we\u2019ll have to take care who we hire to man it, very boring job most of the time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPut a standing bonus of say $500 for each authentic fire spotted from it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are getting cynical in your old age Son, probably right, it will need some sort of incentive, but cynical.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI doubt we\u2019d get the rest to agree but the Chinese are much more reliable on that sort of job.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben thought about that for a minute, \u201cI\u2019ll support anyone who is suitable, regardless of race. I won\u2019t say that you\u2019re wrong but I will not push the idea that one race is better or worse than any other for any job. There is far too much racialism around as it is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right of course Pa but I\u2019ll have a side bet with you that in a year it\u2019s manned entirely by Chinese as everyone else gets bored even with an incentive bonus.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright you\u2019re on, one year from first opening all workers Chinese, a $100 if you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDeal Pa.\u201d Adam grinned broadly and then as general discussion started they both took part. In general they got their own way although Adam could have done without the job he was handed, to find a suitable site and design the tower. Still there was noway to avoid it and he used it as an excuse to get away from all those who wanted to discuss house designs and slipped off up the hill.<\/p>\n Ben took the opportunity to sit hard on several men who wanted him to approach his son on their behalf. Ben flatly refused, his son had more than enough to do now, they had a ranch to run and although they would help where they could on rebuilding the town Adam had prior commitments and couldn\u2019t take on any more.<\/p>\n Adam was pleased that his designs had met with approval more especially as they didn\u2019t please him particularly and he would be glad to complete his share of the work. On the other hand he was glad of the excuse to get away, finding effusive ill-informed comments hard to take. It took him far longer than he had expected to settle on a site, every possible one had a drawback and when he finally decided he had to accept an extensive leveling job and a tower rather taller than he had hoped. It meant spending time getting a detailed plan of the ground before he could head home. In the end it was nearly 2.30 before Adam went back to the livery stable to collect Blackie and he was very tired after a broken night the day before.<\/p>\n Roy was in the stable, checking on his rounds and not having seen his old friend for some time Adam spared ten minutes to catch up on the news. The crime rate was still way up as men with no work were getting desperate but a few of the hardened bullies had moved on at least temporarily with the saloons burnt down. Many of the prostitutes had also moved on with nowhere to work and the men broke so Roy was reasonably optimistic. He did check if Adam was carrying any money, offering an escort but Adam wasn\u2019t and insisted that he would be careful and could take care of himself. Adam was just swinging up on Blackie when Roy put a hand on his reins, \u201cAdam some things ain\u2019t easy to say but they need saying. Not just you but all your family. I heard what those women had to say this morning, they were right. Joe saved my house for me and you have bothered with all the other small people, jest \u2018cos they needed help. Too few will ever say thank you. I just don\u2019t want to be one who takes you for granted. I\u2019m real grateful and I want you all to know it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned broadly, \u201cWe do know Roy but it means a lot that you bother to say it. I\u2019ll tell the others and thank you.\u201d Shaking hands almost formally with his old friend, Adam headed out. He was honestly pleased and at first it kept tiredness at bay but long before he got home he was half dozing in the saddle, leaving Blackie to make his own way, it had been a very long tiring day.<\/p>\n Joe had also found it a very long day. Noone was more delighted at young John\u2019s safe arrival, Joe loved both of his brothers and knew just how much children mattered to them but he wanted his own child. He wanted to know the peace that had been so obvious on both their faces as they held their firstborn children. Even with all that had happened in the interim he could see Adam\u2019s face as he walked down the stairs so very carefully holding the twins and Joe knew that he would never forget that or Hoss\u2019 reaction. Much as he wanted his own child there was the ordeal of the childbirth to get through first. Joe knew that he would cope and support Nita as he had Marie, he loved her just as much but he was beginning to realize how much it was going to cost him over the next weeks. Looking back he realized for the first time just how much he had used other worries to prevent himself thinking about Nita\u2019s ordeal. Adam\u2019s severe injuries, the financial crash, the birth of the premature baby, even Adam\u2019s insistence on going on the drive and more recently the fire and Hoss, anything which stopped him thinking about Nita. It had been remarkably efficient but now he had run out of other troubles and although busy organizing the lumber operation that left free too many of his emotions, too much of his mind to worry about Nita. The work was beginning to become routine, the problems largely routine and the men getting used to handling them.<\/p>\n Joe had been late getting home and claimed to have already eaten, not able to face food. He had had coffee and a biscuit at one camp so he wasn\u2019t really lying. Ben had only just made it back from town and with his news and Hoss\u2019 news about the arrangements for the christening, Joe\u2019s silence passed largely unnoticed. Nita did query it but Joe managed an act for half an hour, easier with her so obviously healthy and sent her off to bed unworried, promising to join her later but with a couple of jobs to clear for the morning.<\/p>\n Hoss was intending to look after his own son but Joe told him not to be so daft, he had a lot of sleep to catch up on and might as well go to bed now as Joe was going to be working for quite a while anyway. Hoss was very tired and gave way with Joe\u2019s promise to bring the baby in to the room Hoss was using when he went to bed himself. Joe did have some work to do, detailed plans for the next few days but he assured his father he could manage without help and once Ben had checked and found little more than an hour\u2019s work he left his son to it as Joe obviously wanted.<\/p>\n Joe found it hard to concentrate, for long periods he stood staring down at the newborn baby sleeping so peacefully but even that brought him no peace. There were just too many memories, too many fears and he could only think of the long hours sitting by Marie slowly realizing that he was losing her. The slight chance that Doc had given her wasn\u2019t enough, that his beloved wife was dying, that and the long cold stunned hours afterwards unable even to cry. He knew that he wasn\u2019t thinking straight; that none of the circumstances which had led to Marie\u2019s death applied to Nita, but that didn\u2019t help. He was more cold and scared than he\u2019d ever been. He gave up any attempt to work and sank down on the earth rug staring into the dying fire, not even aware that he was shivering.<\/p>\n Adam got home and saw to Blackie before heading inside. He was slightly surprised to see a light on in his study but assumed that someone was up with the baby. Although he was very tired he was cold and went to heat up some coffee before going into the study needing to warm up before going to bed. He had half expected whoever was up to come join him as he banged around in the kitchen but when noone came Adam took a tray with extra cups into the study, guessing that the baby needed attention. When he went into the study Adam was surprised to see Johnny sleeping peacefully in the cradle. Adam put the tray down, frowning as he took in Joe sitting on the hearthrug not even aware of his presence. He could see the tension, the frozen misery on Joe\u2019s face and for a moment he almost stopped breathing, terrified that some catastrophe had occurred in his absence. Then commonsense came to his aid, neither his father nor Hoss would have left Joe alone if that was true. They would have concurred in his wish for privacy but both would have been in the living room, there if there was any way they could help. With his fears dispelled on that front, Adam needed no more explanation and moved to help. He was cold and Joe looked frozen so his first move was to build up the dying fire.<\/p>\n Only as he put on twigs to get it moving fast and then some small logs did Joe take in his brother\u2019s return home. Trying hard for control, determined not to give way to his senseless fears, Joe said, \u201cYou\u2019re very late must be tired.\u201d Joe nodded and Adam poured stiff slugs of brandy into both cups and then joined his brother on the hearthrug. For a few minutes they just sipped their coffee in silence, but Joe relaxed fractionally with Adam there and found himself trembling and he couldn\u2019t stop. Adam put his arm round Joe who rested his aching head on his brother\u2019s shoulder, glad he was there but his thoughts too disorganized to want to talk. Adam didn\u2019t push him just holding him quietly and letting him calm down in his own time. Eventually Joe lifted his head and made a token effort to send Adam to bed. Adam just smiled, \u201cNot much point is there Joe. I wouldn\u2019t sleep. I think its time you talked it out, you certainly won\u2019t rest until you do.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe knew that his brother was right and that Adam would understand so he made no further protest, just pouring himself another brandy, then leaning back against a chair, he shut his aching eyes. \u201cI know you\u2019re right Adam but it\u2019s not so easy to explain. It doesn\u2019t make much sense and I know that but unfortunately it doesn\u2019t help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t really need to explain Joe but I think it might help if you just put it into words. I do understand you know, after all I was the fool who rode around all night, unable to stay inside when you were away before the twins were born. You have been one heck of a sight better than I ever was.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sat up a little at that, he had forgotten just how bad his brother had been. Adam smiled affectionately at him, \u201cDo you remember Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure but you\u2019re right I had forgotten.\u201d Joe sipped his brand and even managed a tentative smile, \u201cSo I\u2019m not the only blithering idiot.\u201d For minute he was quiet and then said, \u201cI hadn\u2019t realized just how much I had used other problems to put off worrying about Nita, you, Hoss, Anne, the fire anything. Maybe I can only fuss about one thing at a time and so far there has always been something else, until now. I\u2019ve had a few nightmares but during the day I could push it away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably inevitable. The mind has its own defences to stop us driving ourselves mad. I had realized and I think it helped Hoss when Sue was late, to think in a strange way that he was helping you. Bringing Nita\u2019s time closer, without it feeling imminent.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled \u201cThe pair of you know me very well.\u201d Then very somberly he went on, \u201cThat\u2019s the thing that terrifies me, if Nita is late I could still have another month to wait.\u201d He sighed heavily, \u201cI don\u2019t know if I can, silly I know I will, but it still terrifies me.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam chose his words carefully knowing that Hoss had been scared he wouldn\u2019t be able to support Sue, \u201cAre you worried about your part in the actual delivery, Hoss was worried he\u2019d be too upset to support Sue?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSurprisingly I\u2019m not. I helped Marie; I know I did just by being there. It hurt and the memories are \u2026. But I love Nita as much; I can\u2019t do any less for her.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam knew a large part of the problem were Joe\u2019s memories, he\u2019d seen it etched on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cNita isn\u2019t at all like Marie you know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLogically I know that. Nita has always had everything and she\u2019s not tiny, but it doesn\u2019t help. She\u2019s scared Adam. She\u2019s never really known any pain, not used to it and she doesn\u2019t know how she\u2019ll stand up to it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam moved closer and put his arm round Joe, \u201cShe\u2019s strong Joe, proved that over the last year and you\u2019ll be around to help her. After all Mother Nature does equip women to cope, every woman has to face it for the first time once in their lives. Noone pretends childbirth isn\u2019t painful but you know as well as I do pain passes and you forget.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, I want children and so does Nita so \u2026 I\u2019ve seen you and Hoss holding your first born, both of you an expression I\u2019d never seen before. I\u2019m jealous, no not jealous. I don\u2019t mean that, I don\u2019t begrudge either of you, noone is more pleased then I am, your both mean to be fathers but I want to join you, carry my own firstborn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou will Joe. I know Nita is going to be alright and have that third grandchild you promised Pa.\u201d Adam was very confident and his sincerity sounded in his voice and Joe looked at him, reading the confidence in Adam\u2019s eyes. It was silly, Adam couldn\u2019t know anymore than he did but he was so used to relying on his older brother, as he had all his life, that it undeniably helped. A few minutes later Joe yawned widely, \u201cI think I\u2019ll sleep now, thanks Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know you are very welcome. Just a suggestion Joe but why don\u2019t you use one of the spare rooms, try and sleep in in the morning, we can cope with everything and you look exhausted, that\u2019s not helping anything.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe knew his brother was talking sense and accepted his suggestion but he queried whether Adam was coming up. Adam shrugged, \u201cIn a few minutes Joe I just want to get a few notes down on paper before I forget. I\u2019ll take Johnny up to Hoss when I come.\u201d Joe accepted that and suddenly very tired headed on up.<\/p>\n When Hoss awoke vaguely aware of a baby crying he was surprised not to see Johnny next to him and he pulled on his dressing gown to go and investigate. He heard Carole talking to Anne, the baby he had heard and worried about his little brother Hoss went down to the study. There he found not Joe but Adam, nursing the baby on his shoulder while he worked over some figures on the pad in front of him, so busy he didn\u2019t even notice Hoss\u2019 arrival. Hoss could see by his clothes that Adam hadn\u2019t been to bed but when he queried it Adam just told him to go and make some coffee and then he could take his own son, before returning his attention to the figures. Hoss knew when he was wasting his time and he did as he was told and made coffee but as he took his son he asked, \u201cWas Joe alright, he was supposed to bring Johnny up?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRather tense. I was back late anyway and we had a chat. He is using one of the spare rooms, try to sleep in. He\u2019ll manage, just getting impatient, you know the feeling as well as I do, still Nita is due in ten days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHope she ain\u2019t late.\u201d Hoss protested, \u201cYou\u2019ve had no sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve missed a night before. After breakfast I\u2019ll have a bath, maybe a nap, if I can get these outline plans drawn up first.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss took the hint and left Adam to it. Adam was determined to get the design of the fire tower and the detailed work plans for it and the two houses finished and out of the way, so that he\u2019d be free to take the workload from his little brother, rather than Hoss have to do it. His big brother had earned the time to stay with his wife and firstborn child. He did spare time to have a bath but otherwise firmly shut himself up in the study to get on. He had his meals on a tray as he worked, knowing that his father and Hoss were around if Joe needed any help and he had to get on. The others accepted his decision and apart from bringing fresh coffee they basically left him alone, they had enough to do reorganizing work which had been allowed to slide over the last days.<\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t appear until nearly eleven looking much better for a peaceful sleep, but Nita was on edge, wanting her child but dreading the labour. Carole quietly knitting was watching the younger girl and she managed to get Nita off alone upstairs to go through some baby clothes. Carole perched on the bed as Nita rather aimlessly turned over nightgowns before dropping them and wandering over to the window to stare out at the snow covered Sierras, very beautiful and peaceful, the view Adam loved. Carole went over and put her arm round Nita, \u201cIt\u2019s much worse in prospect than in practice you know.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita turned close to tears, \u201cI\u2019m scared Carole, scared I\u2019ll let Joe down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do know how you feel. The only childbirth I saw before my own first was Marie\u2019s and I was scared that Adam was going to collapse he wasn\u2019t fit, hardly eating or sleeping, but it all worked out, a few bad hours which vanish the minute you hold your child. Did you ever see a bigger smile than Sue had when we gave her Johnny?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe was so very good. I\u2019m scared I\u2019ve never had any real pain and they are all so brave. I can\u2019t understand sometimes how they keep going, Adam especially but all of them and you and Sue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEasy Nita. Just because they\u2019ve all known pain none of them would stand in judgement. I\u2019ve known Joe in such bad pain that he couldn\u2019t help screaming and his brothers only reaction, was to tell him that they didn\u2019t need any heroics and sometimes it helped to yell. I know that Joe has said the same to Adam, when his back was bad, and I was there when he told Marie the same. He said then that noone denied childbirth was painful and he\u2019d have done anything to help but he couldn\u2019t and it made no difference if she cried out. She took him at his word and I\u2019ve never bothered to try and hide how I felt. After a while I\u2019m not usually capable of it and anyway Adam knows me too well. Just as Joe knows you, however good an act you put on he\u2019ll know how you feel and only worry more that you are forcing yourself to act.\u201d Ben promised to try but he wasn\u2019t optimistic. It was nearly midnight when Ben went in but Adam with papers covering the desk in front of him was buried in calculations and barely acknowledged his father\u2019s presence. Ben said, \u201cAbout time you gave up for today Adam you were up all last night and there\u2019s not that big a rush.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay Pa, want to get them finished.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot worth killing yourself over.\u201d Ben said mildly.<\/p>\n Adam looked up and grinned, \u201cHardly that Pa! I promise I\u2019ll get some sleep later but I\u2019m a big boy now, don\u2019t need a nursemaid.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, \u201cYou\u2019re a fool, maybe you need a keeper!\u201d but Adam\u2019s attention was already back on the figures and Ben gave up. He went to report complete failure to Carole, not that she was particularly surprised, her obstinate husband could only be left to get on with it and they both headed to bed.<\/p>\n Hoss had firmly taken Johnny up to his own room, for a couple more nights Sue should have peace and he\u2019d caught up with his own sleep and didn\u2019t need his family to carry him anymore. By four the baby was very restless, Sue had fed him a couple of hours earlier but her milk wasn\u2019t firmly established yet and the baby was still hungry and letting his father know. Hoss had tried walking him around, tried some warm sweetened water but Johnny wouldn\u2019t be fooled by that any more and he was letting the world know his protest. Hoss took the baby down, not wanting to wake the whole house He prepared a small bottle of boiled milk and water, well used to the demands of young babies after the fight for Anne. Johnny settled to that but gulping too quickly he got wind and Hoss was walking up and down with the baby over his shoulder. At least Adam was keeping his word and presumably had gone to bed so the study was empty but nice and warm and Hoss had got coffee with a slug of brandy to sip as he walked around. Eventually Johnny seemed to relax and was almost asleep and Hoss was thinking of going back to bed when he heard someone moving around next door. Hoss hurried over to his younger brother and taking his arm led him through to the study. Joe was frozen and shivering so Hoss pushed him into the chair by the fire and went to fetch Joe\u2019s coat and wrapped it round his brother\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n Johnny was asleep so Hoss put him down on another chair, well protected by cushions and then poured Joe a large brandy. Joe had buried his head in his hands, still lost in his nightmare. Hoss sat down on the arm of the chair and put his arm round his little brother and cajoled Joe into drinking the brandy. Joe\u2019s hands were shaking too much to hold the glass but slowly the spirit and his brother\u2019s presence helped steady him and he looked up at his big brother with a ghost of a smile. \u201cTold you I\u2019d let you know when I hit panic station.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJest take it easy little Joe, everything is gonna be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure it is Hoss, just me in a state over nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u201dNightmare Joe?\u201d As his brother nodded Hoss went on \u201cWant to tell me about it, might help.\u201d As Joe hesitated Hoss passed him some coffee, \u201cSeen to remember you taking exception when I wouldn\u2019t talk, reckoned we were friends. You helped me Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe relaxed against his brother, glad of the warmth of the spirit and the coffee but even more of his brother\u2019s warm reliable strength. \u201cIts always the same Hoss, a replay of the funeral up at the Lake only with Nita not Marie and those long hours sitting up by the lake, sort of frozen, empty. I couldn\u2019t break free then until Carole made me breakdown, face the future, even if it was only the next hour and I can\u2019t now.\u201d He shuddered and Hoss held him closer. \u201cYou told me that the dream wasn\u2019t prophetic, just because tragedy struck once don\u2019t make it anymore likely now. Nita\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that logically Hoss, just don\u2019t feel very logical. The next few days look like an eternity. I just want it over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re all as bad as each other but you\u2019ll be like Adam and me in a few days now, hold your first born.\u201d Hoss hesitated and then he went on, not even aware of the study door opening. \u201cAs I sat holding Johnny that first night I think I knew fer a while at least the true meaning of peace. That poet or whoever was wrong, the peace of God don\u2019t defy man\u2019s understanding, just for a while there I knew it and I\u2019m sure Adam did when the twins were born. You will too Joe in just a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stood in the doorway watching his brothers. Far from going to bed, he\u2019d felt restless and had walked out to Hoss\u2019 and Joe\u2019s houses. Seeing them not as homes but as the architectural designs he was most proud of, along with his own home, renewing his feel for the overall concept after nearly twenty four hours of petty detail and calculations. He had come back just in time to hear Hoss\u2019 final comment. \u201cFatherhood is turning you into a mystic Hoss. That\u2019s the second time in days you\u2019ve quoted a poet so very appropriately and you say you\u2019re no good with words.\u201d Adam moved over to join his brothers gripping both their shoulders, \u201cSeems to me Hoss you have a knack for picking just the right words.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned and looked up at his eldest brother and on Adam\u2019s face was an expression of peace and wonder, very like the look as he brought the twins down as he relived that moment in his memory. With both his brothers so peaceful Joe relaxed and a few minutes later decided he was hungry. He\u2019d only been picking at his food over the last few days and his brothers were glad to hear it and joined him in an early breakfast. Even Hoss was taken aback by the plate piled high that Joe cooked for himself, for once eating twice as much as his big brother. After the meal Joe decided to go for an early ride and as he looked so much better, neither of his brothers offered to go along, Joe would ask if he needed them for now he was best left alone to get help from Marie. \u201cCan I see them before you do?\u201d Sue asked.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I\u2019ll bring them up in a minute but nothing very exciting, not compared to my nephew.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to hold him?\u201d Sue offered and that was one offer Adam wasn\u2019t turning down. Hoss decided to go and get the designs for Sue and left them to chat. As Hoss went out Adam grinned at Sue, gently stroking the baby\u2019s head, \u201cI have never known Hoss so very happy, peaceful and ecstatic all at once. He can hardly take his eyes off you and the baby. Even started quoting poetry at me. Thank you Sue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank me!\u201d Sue said astounded, \u201cI haven\u2019t done anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes you have, you\u2019ve given him the child he wanted and even more important you\u2019ve seen past the big sometimes clumsy exterior to the nicest guy around and you\u2019ve given him your love. With it he\u2019s found happiness and a great deal more self-confidence and all the things he wanted in life I love him and I want his happiness, you\u2019ve ensured that so I reckon I owe you my thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he\u2019s given me so much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMutual, love has to be, you\u2019ve given it to all of us Sue and a great deal of joy for Hoss that we all share, and for you too. We share that as well because we love you.\u201d Adam kissed her forehead, \u201cYou know that don\u2019t you my sister, not just as Hoss\u2019 wife but as Sueellen, as strong, kind and dependable as my big brother. Young Johnny is very lucky he has two very special parents.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue clung to Adam for a moment, much moved by his words and because he had bothered to say it, the sincerity so very obvious in his dark hazel eyes. She had learnt to love all her new family and was glad they felt the same. Hoss came in and grinned broadly, \u201cI think I\u2019m glad Carole already had you hog-tied brother.\u201d Hoss aimed a blow at him in fun and then settled to show the designs to Sue. She hadn\u2019t even seen the two houses before with other things on her mind. She liked them but insisted that they weren\u2019t as nice as her own house. Hoss looked up at that, feeling awkward, but Adam was grinning it was very much his own opinion, they had to be tailored to their prospective owners. Sue stopped dead at the watchtower. It was designed to give the maximum view in all directions and to have easy access but Adam had been unable to resist the challenge and it was striking in its very simplicity. More than the simple boxes on a pillar that most of the town was expecting it would become a landmark in its own right. Hoss laughed \u201cDon\u2019t reckon it\u2019s quite what they\u2019re expecting Adam, but I like it\u201d<\/p>\n Adam parried. He wasn\u2019t about to admit the dozen of plans that he\u2019d drawn and discarded before settling on the simple obelisk design. He was prepared to argue for its utility but most of the other designs would have been equally useful without the overall effect that he wanted.<\/p>\n A few minutes later amid congratulations from them both Adam collected his papers and went back downstairs to find the rest of his family equally enthusiastic. That didn\u2019t last long as they realized he intended going into town that evening. Joe just about hit the roof. Adam had had little if any sleep for the last two nights and if he went into town he\u2019d get involved in long discussions. It was gone eight now, it would be ten before he got there and it would be a miracle if he was clear by midnight. Why not wait until the morning?<\/p>\n Adam mildly answered, \u201cBecause in the morning I have three fresh lumber camps to set up. The men are due to move on. You know that Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can do that.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head, \u201cNo. Be a two hour ride from the house, four hours before we could fetch you. You aren\u2019t gong that far afield until Nita and the baby are safely home in your own house.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe had to admit to himself that he didn\u2019t want to go that far and neither did he want Hoss to have to go but it didn’t change Adam’s exhaustion. He caught his father\u2019s eye and Ben said, \u201cWhy not let me take the plans in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo there might be some questions and I shan\u2019t be available for a while, need to get them settled tonight and you\u2019re not setting up lumber camps either Pa. Why do you think I\u2019ve been pushing so hard on these plans the last few days? I\u2019ve done what I wanted and noone is stopping me finishing the job so if you\u2019ll stop delaying me I\u2019ll get to town. It shouldn\u2019t take long.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said, \u201cI\u2019ll ride in with you.\u201d But Adam, on the verge of losing his temper, glared at both Joe and his father. \u201cI do not need a nursemaid, neither of you have any business in town tonight.\u201d Joe grinned at the accusation in the voice, \u201cOkay Jos\u00e9 I\u2019m after a volunteer. Adam\u2019s about to head into town, he has some plans to deliver a watchtower and two houses. He has been working on them every hour recently. I\u2019m not sure when he last got any sleep, must be about three days and even before that he was cutting it pretty low. He\u2019s plain exhausted but being Adam he won\u2019t admit it and he\u2019s dared Pa or me to act nursemaid, but I for one would feel a lot happier if he had one\u201d<\/p>\n Jess met Jos\u00e9\u2019s eye, both knew their friend must really be exhausted, on the verge of collapse for Joe to fuss this way and they both began pulling on boots. Jess grinned, \u201cWe\u2019ll deliver him safely home and with two of us to yell at, maybe he\u2019ll exhaust his fury before he gets to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t tell him I sent you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not Joe.\u201d Jos\u00e9 said \u201cBut you know Adam, he\u2019ll guess and I never could lie to him successfully any more than you can.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe had to laugh but he\u2019d accept a bawling out from his brother just to make sure that Adam didn\u2019t have an accident in his exhaustion. Adam had gone by the time Joe back but he looked so guilty and self satisfied at the same time that Ben\u2019s only question was who he had sent to keep an eye on Adam.<\/p>\n Jess and Jos\u00e9 tried to act surprised to see Adam as they caught him up but Adam knew them too well. He considered them coldly, \u201cI suppose Joe set you two onto me.\u201d They didn\u2019t answer but the answer was written clear on their faces and Adam shook his head, unsure whether to be angry or amused. \u201cCome on then, I guess it would be a waste of time trying to send you home, but I warn you, you can damned well buy me a beer.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam delivered the detailed plans to Fair first and was lucky as Mackay was there too, so he was able to hand over both sets. They were both very grateful but knew him too well to press him to stay, seeing his evident exhaustion and half an hour later Adam was in the saloon having his beer. Dan joined the three of them and frowned at Adam, \u201cAnything wrong? You look whacked.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam raised his fist, only half jokingly, \u201cThe next one\u2026. No Dan just been busy. Who is in charge of the work crew for the watchtower? The council were going to settle on someone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMark Darby. Have you finished the plans already?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah and the work plans. He\u2019s a good man he\u2019ll manage fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan I see?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust the rough sketches, the rest is packed up I\u2019ll leave it with Darby. He can get the council\u2019s approval in the morning, maybe you\u2019d help him Dan?\u201d<\/p>\n Dan whistled softly as he looked at the sketches, \u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019ll be very difficult Adam. You\u2019ve done a superb job.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s presence had already attracted attention and several members of the council Dan suggested that he was probably in one of the houses Adam had designed but he wasn\u2019t sure just which. He did know that Darby had been allocated one about a week earlier. Adam knew approximately where they had been building then and he went up to one where there was a light showing and asked. He was in luck the man knew Darby, who had a house four doors up, which was also showing a light. Darby was surprised to see Adam but he owed him for the house and for the new job he had. \u201cCome in Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019m afraid it ain\u2019t exactly what you\u2019re used to.\u201d Mark studied the sketches, \u201cAin\u2019t surprised, that\u2019s real good, but it\u2019s a bit more than I expected.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell we\u2019ll have to look at it so I don\u2019t see why it has to be just a box, men are going to be working in it. I think the plans are clear, lumber will be cut as soon as I\u2019ve heard from you that we have the go ahead. I\u2019ll get our sawmill to cut it to size. You\u2019ll have a week\u2019s work leveling the site and sinking foundation piles, details all here.\u201d<\/p>\n Mark spent ten minutes reading through the plans but they were good and explicit, questions and problems alike foreseen and answered, much better than he was used to. \u201cDon\u2019t see no problem Adam, you done a real fine job of planning. I\u2019m grateful for the job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot my doing Mark, I just laid down a few necessary qualifications, you more than meet me. If you come up against anything unexpected come out to my house any evening. If I\u2019m not there my Pa will know where I am, but I should be home in the evening.\u201d<\/p>\n Mark was very grateful and excited by the plan and after answering few more questions Adam was able to take his leave, confident he was leaving his project in good hands.<\/p>\n In the end it was nearly midnight by the time Adam mounted Blackie to go home. It was an effort to mount, now he had completed what he needed to do his tiredness was catching up. All he really wanted was his bed, a severe headache from tiredness not helping. He was glad to have Jess and Jos\u00e9 riding one either side of him in case of trouble. Blackie used to the other two horses took his pace from them and Adam relaxed and dozed in the saddle. Jess kept a very close watch on him but Jos\u00e9 murmured, \u201cRelax Jess, he stays on automatically.\u201d<\/p>\n That certainly seemed true and Adam didn\u2019t wake until they rode into the yard and Jess took hold of Blackie\u2019s reins. Adam lifted his head and yawned but he accepted Jess\u2019 help to dismount and made no protest as Jos\u00e9 took Blackie off to the stable. He thanked both of them for their help and then headed in, not surprised to find his father still up. Ben smiled, thankful to see his son home and came to help Adam off with his coat. \u201cI persuaded your brothers to go to bed, you aren\u2019t as late as I feared.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEverything went smoothly. Mark Darby will let you know, as soon as he has council approval, he\u2019s the foreman. Half the council saw the sketches, they seemed to like it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine. Do you want anything to eat or drink?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust my bed.\u201d Ben nodded and went up with his son, helping him as unobtrusively as he could. Adam was glad of the help and fell into bed as soon as he\u2019d undressed, not bothering to wash. Even so he was down reasonably early, heavy eyed after sleeping deeply and if anything feeling worse for the sleep. He wasn\u2019t about to compromise and after a quick breakfast he rode out, ignoring the worried comments.<\/p>\n Ben had to go to town for the council meeting and he felt very proud at the reception his eldest son\u2019s design received. In Adam\u2019s absence he got all the plaudits but he wasn\u2019t embarrassed, Adam well deserved them.<\/p>\n Adam himself was busy getting the three new lumber sites operational but the men were becoming used to the small operations and the ways to cope with the inevitable problems so things were going far more smoothly than Adam thought he had any right to expect.<\/p>\n As Adam rode home in the early evening, not wasting time on a meal, he could eat when he got home, he was surprised to see the artist Bierstadt riding over to join him. With everything that had happened Adam had almost forgotten the man\u2019s existence. Apart from collecting supplies Bierstadt had lost himself in the far reaches of the ranch, only interested in his own work but now he had completed the twelve canvasses that he had agreed with Ben. Adam was interested in seeing what he had come up with but it would have to wait until they got home. Even though Bierstadt had been on his own most of the time, news had filtered through and he was well aware of the fire in town and the heavy contribution the Cartwrights had made, both in fighting the fire and in rebuilding the town. Adam filled in some of the details although playing down their part; everyone had rallied round in such a major disaster. All of them were fascinated by the canvasses, three of which included views of the houses, two of the main house with the various bunkhouses and barns, with one of the three houses nestling in the valley. One other showed the main flume snaking down the mountain, cleverly caught it showed the magnificence of the flume and yet showed how it was slowly melding into the scenery. The other eight were pure landscapes with four of them showing the Lake from various angles and all of them brought to life the wild but magnificent scenery on the ranch. They were so accurate that all four of the men could have gone virtually to the exact spot from which they\u2019d been painted.<\/p>\n Once the paintings were all up the whole family gathered to consider them in virtual silence, but Bierstadt didn\u2019t need to ask if they were satisfied. Adam was the first to turn away needing an almost physical effort and he formally offered his hand. \u201cThank you very much, you\u2019ve done a superb job. Caught the beauty and wildness of the ranch far better than I\u2019d dared hope.\u201d<\/p>\n Bierstadt was pleased at his reaction, having seen Adam\u2019s own efforts, his opinion mattered more than any of the others, but Ben was quick to add his thanks to his son\u2019s. It was exactly the sort of record that he had hoped for when he had seen the exhibition in Sacramento and decided to try and contact the painter. While the two men ate, the others began to discuss the paintings, all talking at once. Hoss and Joe squabbled over the exact place where one was painted while the others argued over which one was their favourite. Adam grinned at Bierstadt and discussed a few of the technicalities. He could see the artist was delighted with the reception his work was getting but like Adam he was beginning to feel embarrassed so Adam took him off to the study for coffee and brandy. His own sketches were still lying around from the previous night. Ben hadn\u2019t been sure if they were in any particular order and had left them for his son to put away, just clearing a corner to work on. Bierstadt picked up one of the discarded designs for the tower and Adam was soon drawn into a discussion on his latest foray into design, his reasons for discarding some designs and the rationale for the one he had chosen. Then Joe put his head round the door, \u201cWe need you Adam. Pa says we\u2019ll split three each, so come fight for the ones you want.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed at that but he went out, telling Bierstadt to help himself to more brandy if he wanted. Bierstadt was quite content looking through the designs for the tower and he came across the plans, for the two houses Adam had designed for Fair and Mackay and the simple house.<\/p>\n Adam found that his father had earmarked three for himself, one a view of the lake very similar to the one Adam already had, plus the one of his son\u2019s houses and the flume that Adam had designed which was famous throughout the west. The other nine were for the three couples to decide on. They let Adam consider them for a moment and he went over to join Carole, \u201cWhich ones are you after my love?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey are all very lovely\u201d she said diplomatically and Adam laughed, \u201cThat\u2019s not like you, you usually have very firm ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole wasn\u2019t going to be drawn although she did particularly like one of the views of the main house, but they were all very acceptable. Adam gave up and suggested, \u201cWhy don\u2019t we take it in turns to choose one painting. Joe you go first, then Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe hesitated but as Hoss nodded he moved forward to pick up a view of the Lake from the far side, the campsite where he had so nearly died, looking down towards the promontory where his wife and mother were buried. Adam caught Hoss\u2019 eye, \u201cThat was predictable\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grunted \u201cHe\u2019s welcome to it, you and I have a few too many memories of that particular spot. I prefer this one looking along the length of the Lake.\u201d Sue grinned delightedly, it was her favourite as Hoss knew, but it would have been his first choice anyway.<\/p>\n Adam hadn\u2019t been around to hear Carole\u2019s favourite but noone was surprised when he picked up the view of the main house for his first choice. Carole took it, \u201cIt\u2019s gorgeous.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked over at Hoss, \u201cDo you want the other view of the house?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not bothered, I\u2019ll stick to the views, take it if you want it.\u201d Joe took his brother at his word and Hoss chose a view of the mountains similar to the view from Adam\u2019s bedroom. Rather to their surprise Adam didn\u2019t take the remaining view of the lake but picked a quiet view, very typical of the ranch but perhaps the least distinctive of the series. Joe couldn\u2019t help being curious, \u201cWhy that one Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the view from that small hollow up near the north pasture.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know where it was painted, but I\u2019m still surprised it\u2019s your second choice.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled gently, \u201cI camped there once, made my dinner, before riding on home. I could even tell you the exact date. My first camp on the Ponderosa in a very long time and I did a lot of thinking there.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded in understanding, \u201cWhen you came back from England.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot it in one brother, that spot well \u2026.\u201dAdam broke off and considered the painting with so many memories, he had lain down flat and stared at that view for a very long time. The very ground that he had tried unsuccessfully to reject had seemed to welcome him home and he\u2019d known the first peace of mind he had had in nearly two years. With that one out of the way the rest didn\u2019t take long; Hoss and Joe took the other two views, leaving the other lake view for Adam. All of them were more than satisfied with their selection and anyway would see all of the paintings with frequent visits to each other\u2019s homes.<\/p>\n It was getting late and both Hoss and Joe bullied their wives up to bed, even if they had to go too and take their choices to manage it. Adam sat down on the sofa with Carole curled up next to him more relaxed than he\u2019d been in days. For one night he was sure that Joe would sleep with something else to think about. Bierstadt joined Ben and his eldest son by the fire. He had several questions about the designs he\u2019d seen, particularly the simple house of which he\u2019d heard. Adam soon found himself deep in a technical discussion which both men enjoyed. Bierstadt had little to say about the other two houses, they were good, but a compromise and not as outstanding as the ones in the valley, although he expected they would receive more acclaim. Even with the compromise maybe a few other architects could learn from them, distinctly better than the run of atrocious mansions. Adam felt much the same and laughed at Ben\u2019s objections, Bierstadt was quite right, they weren\u2019t exactly what he would have liked but he had to bow to the prospective owners. In the end it was very late again by the time the four headed for bed, but they had all enjoyed it even if some of the details were over Ben and Carole\u2019s heads. They knew how much Adam appreciated informed comment on his work, especially when it was so favourable!<\/p>\n By late afternoon the next day Joe had cleared the urgent work apart from two legal queries which needed Adam\u2019s attention and he was restless. He went out and cut some firewood but even the hard physical exercise didn\u2019t seem to help and in the end he jammed the axe into the stump so hard that he couldn\u2019t pull it out and knew he would have to get Hoss\u2019 help. When he went back in Hoss was fussing over Sue and Johnny and Joe wouldn\u2019t disturb him. Adam was still out at the lumber sites and Joe was wandering around aimlessly, picking up a book, flicking over a few pages unseeingly and then putting it down again. Nita was upstairs having a nap before dinner and Carole was busy with the children. Ben watched his youngest son for a while and then went to have a quiet word with Carole. Then he took hold of Joe\u2019s arm as he went past, \u201cJoseph you are making me feel dizzy, you\u2019re going round in circles.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry Pa, just restless.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was thinking of getting some fresh air before dinner, been stuck in all day. Join me for a ride?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not.\u201d Joe shrugged, \u201cCochise could do with some exercise.\u201d He wasn\u2019t surprised when his father headed up to the Lake. They dismounted and walked down to the shore. Ben considered the far shore, \u201cSnow moving down, I doubt we\u2019ll be cutting for very much longer. Still we\u2019ve done a lot better than I expected, you and your brothers have done a fine job.<\/p>\n Joe hardly seemed to be listening and Ben put his arm round his son\u2019s shoulders, \u201cI do know how you feel Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Pa. It\u2019s not so bad when I can keep busy but at this time of year\u2026.\u201d He sighed, \u201cAs you say the snow will soon stop us cutting, early this year.\u201d He shuddered \u201cSorry Pa. I knew I was going to be leaning heavily on my family. I\u2019ve already had both my brothers up in the early hours.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben gripped his shoulder a little tighter, \u201cDo you think either of them mind? I remember Adam saying once that he didn\u2019t know how people without families coped because he needed his. I said then that he did his share of supporting too and you know you have this summer in particular, helped both your brothers and me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u00cf know Pa and they do help for a while but it could be weeks yet and each day it gets a bit harder.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was quiet for a moment, thinking hard. \u201cIn some ways I was lucky. Inger was fit and well, just like Nita, but I was scared. Only we were on the train heading west, badly equipped, too few men and it was easy for me to work myself into exhaustion every day so that I could sleep. Then Hoss was early. There\u2019s very little we can do to help except be around when you want to talk. It isn\u2019t very long until the baby is due.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe knew that his father understood how he felt but nothing would really help him until the baby was born and Nita was safe. The closer it came the more his memories tormented him and he was well aware he couldn\u2019t expect any peace until it was all over. The best he could hope for was some measure of control, enough so that he didn\u2019t upset Nita, he owed her that much. As they walked along the shore, hardly talking, Joe slowly relaxed and after a while he turned to his father. \u201cThanks Pa. I think I can manage dinner now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust one thing Joseph, any time day or night, if you want to talk. I\u2019m on my own, no wives or babies to disturb and I don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that Pa and I will ask.\u201d Joe smiled, \u201cI\u2019ve learnt I can\u2019t stand alone, but then I don\u2019t need to, thank God.\u201d He was pensive for a moment and then gestured at the land, \u201cYou know how much all this means to us but of everything you have given us, I for one am most grateful for the closeness of our family. That I can ask for help from you, and my brothers. I hope the next generation is as lucky, as close.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was pleased with his son\u2019s words, remembering Adam saying something similar, the day they lost David. Just a few heart felt words were all the thanks he could ever have wanted, worth more than any present, he was so very lucky in his three sons. \u201cThanks Adam, that was what I needed, something to concentrate on, reckon I\u2019ll sleep tonight\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo need for thanks Joe, you\u2019ve saved me half a day\u2019s work. Let\u2019s get to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe got to his feet, stifling a yawn, \u201cDo you think we\u2019ll get the decision?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d darned well better, I\u2019m not wasting my time, but there is still some work to do, but not tonight.\u201d They headed on up and in fact Joe was asleep long before Adam, asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Tired mentally as well as physically Joe slipped into a deep sleep, which stood him in good stead for the events of the next day.<\/p>\n Carole was still awake as he slipped into bed and wanted to know if Joe was alright. For a while husband and wife snuggled close together and talked quietly, wishing that there was more they could do to help over the next few days.<\/p>\n Sue was down early with Johnny, leaving Hoss asleep, he was still catching up on all his lost sleep. She was feeling fine, reveling in her new status as a mother. Carole was up too with Anne and they sat chatting as they fed the babies, only to look up in astonishment as Nita came down to join them. She stretched and helped herself to coffee, \u201cJoe\u2019s still fast asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole looked at her suspiciously, \u201cYou\u2019re down very early.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo reason, I was just wide awake, didn\u2019t want to disturb Joe. It\u2019s a gorgeous day, all white and sparkling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHeavy frost.\u201d Carole agreed \u201cYou are excited about something, what?\u201d<\/p>\n Nita grinned, \u201cHow come I could always fool my own family but I can never fool you! Alright but don\u2019t tell Joe yet, Doc said there were three possible ways to start in labour, pains, water breaking like Sue or what he called a show. I\u2019ve had a show this morning, so maybe my son will soon be here.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue whisked her back upstairs to check and she was able to confirm Nita was right the baby was on the move. They rejoined Carole who was looking after both the babies and the three women tried to decide what to do for the best. None of them expected any trouble, now that the time had finally come Nita was more excited than worried. On the other hand all three were worried about Joe, recognizing the state that he\u2019d been getting into. Nita was insistent that she could act and Joe wasn\u2019t going to guess until she wanted him to know. It was too early to tell him, she knew he would immediately send for Doc and Paul had other responsibilities it wasn\u2019t fair to drag him out so early.<\/p>\n Sue said, \u201cDoc is coming out this morning to see me anyway and check Johnny. About eleven Hoss said.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita smiled, \u201cWell that settles it. I\u2019ll have a word with him when he gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole frowned, \u201cWhat do you think Sue, you\u2019re the nurse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst babies are usually slow anyway but there is always the exception. After a show it could still be twenty-four hours or so before labour proper starts. I guess we go along with Nita, on condition that you tell us at the first sign of labour pains and we tell Doc whatever happens.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot a word to Joe\u201d Nita begged<\/p>\n Carole nodded, \u201cYou\u2019ve got it, but you take things easy.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita was pleased with that but now her time was imminent she was no longer worried about being undignified, she wanted her sisters\u2019 support. She had come to love them both over the last year. The three girls from very different backgrounds had fitted in so well and had to support each other through some rough times and now she wanted them and their husbands and Ben to support Joe. She was more worried about her husband than herself and if it would have helped him, she would have banished Joe from the house, but she was sure that would just make him fret more. If he was with her he could at least try to help, she didn\u2019t realize yet just how much help he could be. Carole backed her decision, sure it was best for Joe but she did point out that Joe would only want Nita to do what she wanted. She reassured the younger woman that Joe would be fine when things started, remembering so vividly how Joe had hidden all trace of despair after Doc\u2019s warning before going back to Marie.<\/p>\n Adam was the first of the men down and he took one look at the three different coloured heads so close together as they talked and sensed that something was happening. He hurried down the last flight and keeping his voice low demanded to know why they were so conspiratorial. The glances both Carole and Sue gave Nita told him the answer clearer than any words and he took the blonde\u2019s hands, \u201cThe baby Nita? Should I send for Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n Nita kissed his anxious face and Carole swiftly filled him in on the position and their decision. Adam rather begrudgingly agreed to go along, although he warned all three that they had better improve their act or Joe would guess and he certainly wouldn\u2019t accept any delay in getting Doc. Adam went out to the kitchen to get fresh coffee, still in two minds as to whether he was doing the right thing, remembering clearly how they had had to deliver Marie without Doc. Carole followed him out, knowing exactly what he was thinking. She reminded him that it was a first baby and while a show was a firm indication that it wouldn\u2019t be long delayed, it could still be a couple of days before anything more definite happened. She convinced him and by dint of stressing the positive side, that Joe wouldn\u2019t have much longer to wait, got Adam into a reasonably cheerful state of mind.<\/p>\n The others took Adam\u2019s words to heart and separated to get on with various jobs before anyone else came down and got suspicious. Adam had no intention of leaving the house, at least until he\u2019d heard Doc\u2019s opinion. The men would just have to get on without him and he sent word out not to expect him that day. Then he took refuge in the study and got on with the legal queries, which gave him an adequate excuse for hanging around the house. He was glad that Joe wouldn\u2019t have much longer to wait but childbirth had always terrified Adam and he knew just how hard his little brother had taken the loss of Marie. Adam knew he wasn\u2019t being very logical, his own father had lost his second wife to an Indian raid and his third to a riding accident. It was a rough land as all of them could testify from personal experience. They were all at risk all the time and with an excellent doctor on call the risks of childbirth were less than many he took willingly, but the mere thought of Nita in labour made him feel cold. She was so young and so precious to Joe. Adam deliberately tackled the most difficult of the outstanding problems. He had to concentrate on something different or no matter what the girls did, Joe was going to know that something was up as soon as he saw his eldest brother.<\/p>\n In fact it was quite late by the time Joe woke up, he\u2019d missed all too much sleep over the last weeks and undisturbed it was gone eight before he stirred. So he wasn\u2019t too surprised to find Nita had already gone down to breakfast, not realizing how long she had been up.<\/p>\n When Joe got down there was a first rate argument going on between Sue and Hoss. Sue was determined to get Doc\u2019s agreement to her going back to her own home in a day or so. Hoss was trying to enlist everyone\u2019s support to dissuade her. He felt she should leave it at least another week, however fit she felt it was too early to start overdoing things. Hoss wasn\u2019t getting any support from his family, who were unanimous, they had to settle it between themselves. Neither were his arguments making any impression on Sue who would have been insisting on going home that day if it wasn\u2019t for Nita. Sue wanted to take her baby back to the beautiful home the brothers had built for her. She had been over most days but it wasn\u2019t the same and with Johnny such a good baby, fitting easily into a normal schedule, she was sure that she could cope without undue effort.<\/p>\n Joe watched amused as the argument went back and forth, but he was under no illusions about the ultimate winner. Nita hid her own excitement well, making gentle fun of Hoss and busying herself with Marie, who was trying to copy her big brothers in drawing and it wasn\u2019t working. Carole had Anne on her lap and made helpful comments. She was staying where she could keep an unobtrusive eye on Nita, which was easy all the time Nita was playing with the children.<\/p>\n Ben went into the study concerned that his sons had found some major problem in the legal work as Adam was making no move to go out to the lumber gangs as they had arranged. As he shut the door behind him Adam looked up, relieved to see it was his father, the last thing he needed that morning was his little brother\u2019s help. Ben didn\u2019t miss the tension in his son and asked what the problem was. Adam shook his head \u201cNothing I can\u2019t handle, We\u2019ll get the decision Pa, I\u2019m confident.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you were going out to the timber camp?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe later, it\u2019s all running fairly smoothly. I thought I\u2019d hang on until Doc had been, see what the news is from town.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sat down by the fire, \u201cSue and Johnny are fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright then Adam I suggest you tell me what else you know that I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up catching his father\u2019s eye and couldn\u2019t help a sheepish grin, \u201cYou know me too well Pa. I just hope my little brother isn\u2019t so perspicacious.\u201d Adam quietly filled his father in on exactly what he\u2019d been told and their decision to await Doc\u2019s arrival, due anyway in a couple of hours. Ben just hoped that Nita was right and that Joe wouldn\u2019t have to wait any longer and for his son as much as for Nita, he prayed for a swift easy delivery. Adam added amen to that, he\u2019d been praying along much the same lines. Ben agreed with their plans to keep it from Joe for as long as possible. He knew that Marie had told Joe to help Adam, because he was stronger than his brother when it came to childbirth; but Ben wasn\u2019t sure that was still true, not with another woman he loved at risk. Ben could remember so very vividly, even after more than thirty years, his own fears before Hoss\u2019 birth and perhaps then, more than any other time in his life, he had been on the verge of going to pieces. He was scared that Joe would find the same, certainly the strain had become very evident in the days since Johnny\u2019s birth. Ben was lost in his own thoughts and it was very obvious to Adam that they weren\u2019t pleasant. He put his pen down and went over to his father, \u201cDo you want a drink Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben came back to the present with a start \u201cNo.\u201d He made a deliberate effort to relax and smiled faintly, \u201cYour little brother doesn\u2019t miss much and he really will start getting suspicious if he finds I\u2019ve been drinking brandy at this hour of the morning.\u201d \u201cHe\u2019s been under strain, inevitable, but much worse lately.\u201d<\/p>\n I know Pa. I think we\u2019ve all had to calm him down on occasion but it could have gone on much longer, it\u2019s only just over a week since Johnny was born. Sue could have been early and Nita late, been six weeks or so. At least Joe has asked for help when he needed it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed, \u201cHe\u2019s bound to have some reaction when it\u2019s all over even with Nita and the baby fit and well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure Hoss did too but we\u2019ll be around to help and Joe will know he\u2019s only as bad as his older brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss was sick up by the lake, just reaction, while I had a good cry on Joe\u2019s shoulder in here after the twins for absolutely no reason. He seemed to understand.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t too surprised; all of his sons got too involved in the tensions of childbirth, more even than he had done. He hadn\u2019t been home when Elizabeth went into labour and Adam was born by the time he got there, his wife dying. On the train the two old dragons, who had taken charge of Inger, wouldn\u2019t have dreamt of letting a man near. He had stood near the wagon trying to hide his near panic from a scared little boy and all the interested strangers, praying hard. The only birth he had been at was his youngest and luckily Marie had had a reasonably easy time although the baby was premature and he\u2019d been more worried about the tiny scrap of humanity that was his youngest son. He knew that the boys\u2019 reaction to childbirth and indeed to their babies wasn\u2019t in line with the majority of males. Maybe more would like to be involved but were scared of how it would look but his sons had nothing to prove. If they wanted to play with babies it was just accepted as an idiosyncrasy. Their worst enemies wouldn\u2019t waste time impugning their manhood or their courage, it had been proved too many times in too many ways.<\/p>\n Adam turned the conversation back to the legal problem he was sorting out. There were two possible way to go and he wanted his father\u2019s opinion of the most useful path to follow. Ben slowly relaxed as he concentrated on something else, but he did revert to Nita once, \u201cSuppose Doc is held up over something and puts off a routine visit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sent a note to the lumber camps telling them not to expect me and at the same time gave Jess my binoculars and asked him to head up the hill where you can see the turn off to our road. If Doc hasn\u2019t appeared there by ten-thirty Jess will head on down to town and tell him what\u2019s happening. Soon as he sees Doc he\u2019ll come and tell me. We can trust Jess.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grinned, \u201cI might have known you wouldn\u2019t just wait patiently! Okay let\u2019s have another look at that last court ruling.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was restless, his father and Adam were working in the study. Hoss had gone home to clean up his house. If Sue was insisting on going back, he wanted it spotless and with Kam Ling\u2019s help was making sure it was. Ben had asked Joe to make up the wages and he was using the dining room table but he found it hard to concentrate. He sensed something was wrong, a tension in the room, but he wasn\u2019t admitting it even to himself. Carole guessed he was suspicious, a least subconsciously, as Joe went to get fresh coffee every half hour, with two cups of cold coffee forgotten where he\u2019d put them down. She wasn\u2019t going to say anything unless he asked, there was no point. Nita grinned, \u201cI really don\u2019t know Sue. After all I\u2019ve never had a baby before! I\u2019ve had a couple of slight twinges in my back about quarter of an hour apart, sort of like period pains, only very mild. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlmost certainly the first signs. With luck you\u2019ll have your baby to hold by the end of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell I feel fine at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight, then if you\u2019ll keep an eye on Anne for me I\u2019ll go and get the bed ready in the spare room.\u201d Carole said.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I will.\u201c Nita grinned at her, \u201cAnything to pass the time, I\u2019m getting impatient to see if I\u2019m right too or whether I\u2019ll spoil your perfect record.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole shrugged, \u201cIf you think it\u2019s a boy then I\u2019d be willing to bet on it, I\u2019ve always been very sure although I have no idea how I know.\u201d She slipped out and across to the spare room which she was planning to use for the delivery. She slipped the bolt across to ensure that she wasn\u2019t disturbed, sometimes the twins took it into their heads to come and find her. Prone to asking awkward questions to find out what she was doing and with very penetrating voices, which would soon bring Joe up. She had all that she needed in the room and it didn\u2019t take long to get old sheets and covers on the bed, thick towels protecting the mattress. Carole checked over her supplies, plaited towels and all they would need to clean Nita and the baby and dress the child warmly. Then she lit the fire to warm the room; it was bitterly cold with the first few flakes of snow settling on the low ground, early this year. If there was any question she would just claim to be airing the room but she very much doubted that she would be believed. Still Doc was due in less than an hour and as she shut the door behind her she couldn\u2019t see any reason for Joe to go into the room.<\/p>\n Carole went back to Anne, coming in just as Nita felt the next pain. That one was a little stronger enough to show as her lips tightened reflexively. Carole gently gripped her shoulder, \u201cAlright Nita?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine but maybe Sue is right and it\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo faith Nita, he\u2019s coming.\u201d Carole looked over at Sue, who was dressing young Johnny, \u201cDo we carry on or should we tell Joe, send for Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n Nita protested, \u201cNot yet\u201d and Sue backed her \u201cFirst baby and pains still fifteen minutes apart, even if we wait another hour before sending for Doc, there\u2019s plenty of time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt can take two even three hours to fetch him.\u201d Carole warned, \u201cHe could be out on an emergency if he doesn\u2019t come as arranged.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue still stuck by what she had said, there was no great rush and anyway they didn\u2019t really need Doc, she and Carole were quite competent to deliver the baby. Carole grinned, \u201cDoesn\u2019t even need us Sue. Hoss delivered Marie for me, did a very good job with his brothers inefficient assistance.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita wasn\u2019t worried for herself but she had seen far more than Joe realized, just how much tension he was under. For his sake she wanted his ordeal to be as short as possible and to have Doc already there before telling her husband, hopefully then Joe wouldn\u2019t panic.<\/p>\n Carole went along with them but she was uneasy and took Anne into see her father when she went back downstairs. Adam very willingly put his pen down and took the baby. Anne wasn\u2019t as advanced as her siblings at the same age but that wasn\u2019t surprising. However she was already giving plenty of proof that, as in the first days of her life, she was a self willed little madam and more than any of the others she liked going to her father. Adam could still quieten her when all Carole\u2019s efforts failed, although he rarely had to as she was usually a good baby. Somehow Adam had a feeling that the link forged in the first few hours of life would last throughout their lives. Although he could honestly say he had no favourites amongst his four children, so very proud of all of them and they were an attractive and bright bunch, if a little too venturesome for his peace of mind. \u201cHe heals remarkably fast.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs always thank God.\u201d<\/p>\n The gurgles of the baby as she twisted Mark\u2019s curly hair in one fist and David\u2019s in the other with the accompanied giggles from the twins, who were encouraging her, brought in the rest of the family to watch, but Adam was oblivious of them. For a few minutes it was his children\u2019s time and with all four in his arms, there wasn\u2019t a more content man in the world, so very proud and happy.<\/p>\n Even Joe relaxed and grinned at Hoss, \u201cHe won\u2019t manage all four for much longer, growing fast.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a miracle he can now, didn\u2019t look too likely a few months back.\u201d Hoss was holding his own son, \u201cAnymore than this young fellow.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss saw Joe\u2019s gaze go to his own wife and gripped Joe\u2019s shoulder, \u201cYou too Joe, just a little while.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d Joe forced a grin but for him at least the magic was broken and he went outside for some fresh air. Just as he did so Jess rode into the yard \u201cAdam in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah in his study. Anything wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, not as far as I know, Just some papers he wanted collected. All turn into superior errand boys at this time of the year.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned, \u201cSaves me a job and where do you get the superior?\u201d<\/p>\n Jess aimed a mock punch at Joe and went in to see Adam. Hoss and Sue were still blocking the door, but moved away as Jess came in. Jess couldn\u2019t resist having a peep at the baby and as Hoss tucked it up again, Jess said, \u201cQuite a son you got there, be as big as you and as pretty as Miss Sue.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Hoss and Sue grinned at him, they were well used to Jess, a close friend of Adam\u2019s, he was almost one of the family, along with a select few of the hands like Jos\u00e9. Jess whistled softly as he took in the scene, \u201cYou\u2019ve got your arms full alright. Do you think my goddaughter will come to me?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben said dryly, \u201dShe will go to any male, early starters the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned but it was true enough, apart from her mother Anne showed a distinct preference for men. Now she went very quietly to Jess and lay in his arms considering him with big wide eyes before flapping her long eyelashes at him with a gurgle to Jess\u2019 delight. \u201cBoth your daughters are surely gonna break some hearts when they\u2019re grown.\u201d He was so taken by the baby that for the moment Jess forgot why he had come, until Adam asked mildly, \u201cI take it you have some news for me Jess?\u201d<\/p>\n Jess looked up at that, \u201cSorry. Yeah Doc should be here in about quarter of an hour. I saw him turn off on our road.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t say anything to Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not an idiot.\u201d Jess protested and then turning to Nita he said, \u201cGood luck, I hope it goes real easy.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked aghast at Sue, the only one not in the picture and knowing that if Joe saw him he\u2019d know instantly that something was wrong, Sue whisked him up stairs to explain. As she said everything was working out for the best, with Doc right there, and Hoss had to admit it saved his brother a couple of anxious hours awaiting Doc. Nita was glad that Joe had remained outside, the pain in her back was getting much stronger and she couldn\u2019t hide it so easily now. Adam had given up trying to work and once the children went off to play, he went to pour himself a brandy. Sue and Carole hovered over Nita. Even if Joe suspected something now it wouldn\u2019t matter, he would have to be told soon anyway.<\/p>\n Nita came over to Adam when the pain eased and touched his arm, as he seemed so far away. Adam turned and smiled at the pretty young blonde, \u201cAre you alright Nita?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine. Excited and a bit nervous but glad that he\u2019s coming. Will you do something for me Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnything Nita, you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhile Doc\u2019s checking Sue and Johnny, would you warn Joe what\u2019s happening, down here. Feed him a brandy and try to persuade him that I\u2019m going to be fine, before he comes up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I will.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Adam please stay with him, you and Pa and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure Nita? You have to come first, Joe would want that. He\u2019ll cope anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita gently stood on tiptoe and kissed him, \u201cI\u2019m not embarrassed Adam, not any more. You\u2019re my family, I want you there, to look after Joe for me. He\u2019s bound to be worried, I know how tense he\u2019s got these last few days and I want Carole and Sue for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled her close and kissed her forehead, \u201cMy little brother is very lucky to have found you. By this evening he, like Hoss and I, will have a child and you will be a beautiful mother.\u201d Nita relaxed against him for a moment and then Adam felt her tense as the next pain caught her. He rubbed her back almost automatically and then said, \u201cDon\u2019t you think it\u2019s time you went upstairs to lie down? Doc will be here in five minutes anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita hesitated but it did make sense, especially if she was to leave Adam to tell Joe what was going on rather than let him guess, so she agreed to go up with Carole. Adam offered to carry her but she laughed at him, she was fine and as Adam met his wife\u2019s eye she smiled, \u201cYou don\u2019t learn do you darling! I\u2019ll look after Nita you see to Joe.\u201d As the pair disappeared upstairs, Adam looked out to see what his brother was up to. Joe had gone into the stable and was grooming Cochise but as Doc\u2019s buggy came into the yard, Joe came out to greet him. Paul studied his young friend, \u201cYou look as though you could do with a goodnight\u2019s sleep. You might try taking one of those tablets I left for Adam. I\u2019m sure he didn\u2019t use them all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need drugs Doc, I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, that\u2019s why you\u2019ve got great dark rings under your eyes. Be practical Joe, just at the minute Nita is a lot more important than your principles, you\u2019ll just worry her.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked mulish and Doc gave up, he\u2019d have a word with Ben before he left. They went in to find Ben waiting for Doc. Ben smiled, \u201cGood to see you Paul. Sue and the baby are upstairs, if you\u2019d like to see them before you have coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly\u201d Doc went up with Ben and Adam put his head out of the study and asked Joe if he could have a word. Joe had just begun to wonder where everyone was, even the children had disappeared, just Anne in her cradle in the study. The rest had gone to see what they could scrounge from Kam Su, always hungry.<\/p>\n Joe went over to the study, assuming that Adam had a job for him. On edge Joe didn\u2019t want even Adam to see and went over to stare out, not realizing just how much the tension showed in the very way he stood, at least to his brother who knew him so well. Adam came to the conclusion that Joe knew something was going on but whether he had admitted it to himself was another matter. Adam had already poured a large brandy and he took the glass over to his desk so it was handy in case he needed it in a hurry. Then he went over to his brother, gripping his shoulders, feeling the tension. Adam couldn\u2019t think of any easy way to tell Joe so he decided he\u2019d better just get on with it. \u201cTake it easy Joe, try and relax.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d Joe turned at that in obvious shock, \u201cWhat!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s just started labour, couldn\u2019t be better with Doc right here.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head, \u201cNo, no she can\u2019t, it\u2019s too early.\u201d Panic was so real to him that he couldn\u2019t seem to breathe, the room swinging alarmingly round him. Adam was seriously worried; he had expected it to be a shock but not this bad and well aware that his brother was on the verge of fainting. Adam picked him up bodily and carried him over to the chair by the fire. He gently put Joe down and forced Joe\u2019s head down between his knees while he went over to the desk and collected the brandy. Then Adam knelt down in front of his brother and stroked his hair, talking reassuringly to Joe. Joe could hear the voice as though from a long way away but it wasn\u2019t making any sense, alternately fading and then booming. He could hear someone moaning, not even realizing he was making the noise, saying his wife\u2019s name over and over. Adam didn\u2019t seem to be getting anywhere and he let a note of anger enter his voice, it wasn\u2019t real, just put on but Joe wasn\u2019t in a fit state to notice.<\/p>\n Three times Adam said, \u201cPull yourself together Joe, you aren\u2019t going to help Nita by going to pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n To a certain extent it worked, and as Adam\u2019s words penetrated Joe managed to catch his breath and sat up, although coughing hard. As soon as he stopped coughing, Adam expertly fed Joe the brandy. Joe shuddered but at least the room had stopped swaying and Adam wiped his face. \u201cJust take it easy Joe, Nita is going to be fine. Doc is with her now, everything is quite normal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo soon.\u201d Joe said wildly, just as Hoss came in. Doc had gone along to Nita and Hoss had been worried about his little brother. Adam stroked Joe\u2019s curly hair back, “Easy Joe only four days. The baby is perfectly ready to see the world.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c I\u2026. I can\u2019t, not yet, not ready.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss moved over swiftly to his brothers and Adam looked up, \u201cGet a damp cloth Hoss. He\u2019ll be fine, just a shock.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss hurried out to do as he was asked and Adam gave up trying to talk sense to Joe until he\u2019d got him calmed down. Adam moved closer and held his brother firmly close to him as he felt Joe shiver uncontrollably, just murmuring reassurances. By the time Hoss got back Joe had at least stopped shivering and Adam helped his brother sit up, perching on the arm of the chair with his arm round his brother\u2019s shoulders, while Hoss wiped his face. Adam smiled faintly seeing the concern, compassion and understanding so clear on the big man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n Joe licked dry lips and Adam sent Hoss to get fresh coffee while Joe relaxed back against Adam; his head pounding so badly he found it hard to focus. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEasy Joe, we knew that it would be a shock. That\u2019s why Nita asked me to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was so sure that she\u2019d be late.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s only a few days early and Doc is right here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI must go to her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn just a few minutes, but for now you\u2019ll relax and have some coffee. Childbirth takes a long time, you know that and Nita isn\u2019t alone. Pa, Carole and Sue are all with her apart from Doc. You go in like this and you\u2019ll just worry her.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe knew Adam was talking sense and he tried to relax, breathing deeply as Adam told him, while Adam wiped his face again. Hoss brought over some coffee, careful not to overfill the cup. He could see that his brother had a severe headache and offered him some brandy or a few drops of laudanum. Joe more in control refused, he had to help Nita and he couldn\u2019t do it if he was drunk.<\/p>\n Hoss met Adam\u2019s eye, very worried, but Adam smiled reassuringly at him. The shock was over and Joe back in control would cope. Even so Adam was determined that Joe would take it easy for a few more minutes, he\u2019d been very close to collapse. Hoss refilled Joe\u2019s cup as he drained it. \u201cSue says everything is going perfectly normally.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen did she start?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnly really in the last hour, but she had some sort of indication first thing. The girls had it all arranged by the time I came down. They were fairly sure it would come today but with no pains it wasn\u2019t worth sending for Doc earlier. Jess was ready to fetch him if he was late.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShould have told me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt would only have given you an extra couple of hours of worry Joe and Nita didn\u2019t want that. Now it\u2019s started she\u2019s more excited than anything and far more worried about you than she is about herself or the baby.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned at that and shut his eyes for a moment to try and get his thoughts into some semblance of order. As the study door opened he looked up scared, catching his breath again as Doc came in. Doc frowned as he took in Joe\u2019s bloodless lips and the sharply drawn lines of worry. Adam said, \u201cJust came as a shock, Joe was sure she would be late. How is Nita?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine, all perfectly normal. In fact she is progressing quite fast. Don\u2019t see any problems and I think she\u2019ll have an easier time than Sue did. You\u2019ll be a father before nightfall Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked at his brothers, not trusting his own judgement, the question clear in his eyes. Hoss just nodded and Adam said, \u201cDoc has never lied to you Joe, everything is going to be fine. A few hours and you\u2019ll reach that place Hoss spoke of.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded slowly and got to his feet with Adam\u2019s help, \u201cI\u2019m going up to Nita.\u201d Hoss nodded and watched his brothers disappear up the stairs. Adam caught Joe up on the landing. Joe was breathing deeply, hiding all sign of his panic, and Adam encouraged him with a smile and the comment \u201cWell done Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole had helped Nita into bed while Doc checked Sue and Johnny. Ben had filled Doc in on the way upstairs but Doc wanted to see Sue first, relying on her for an accurate assessment of what was happening. Sue was far more interested in Nita than herself, sure both she and the baby were fine. Doc was able to confirm that, smiling at the big man who hovered anxiously. \u201cRelax Hoss, they are both disgustingly healthy Sue\u2019s virtually fully recovered and as long s she doesn\u2019t overdo it, and she won\u2019t, there\u2019s no need to restrict her. You can stop worrying.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben knocked on the door where Nita was and when Carole opened it, he came in to find Nita in bed, propped up on some pillows. She was a little pale and tense, with stronger pains now, only five minutes apart, but one had just gone. She smiled at Ben, \u201cPa I\u2019ll try not to keep everyone hanging around too long.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed, \u201cYou and Sue have both been marvelous, each of Carole\u2019s babies have cost us at least one, if not two nights sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole protested, \u201cYou did get two babies for the two nights!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben just grinned, \u201cYou ready to see Doc Nita?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes of course. Is Joe alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry about your husband, his brothers will look after him.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben went out as Doc came in and had a quiet word with Hoss and Sue before his big son went downstairs. By the time Ben had rejoined Nita, Doc had finished examining her. She was already making considerable progress in opening the neck of the womb, more than he\u2019d normally expect for this stage of a first birth and he foresaw no problems as he told them.<\/p>\n Nita could no longer hide it when the pains hit her, each one coming closer on the one before and lasting longer, but she found she could almost cut herself off from the pain for the moment anyway. She was anxiously awaiting Joe\u2019s arrival, wanting to see for herself that he was alright. She didn\u2019t have too long to wait and a pain had just eased when Joe came in, closely followed by his eldest brother. Nita smiled freely, Joe looked a lot better than he had expected and he was even smiling for her. Joe pulled up a chair close to her bed and gently kissed her, \u201cYou\u2019re a baddie, holding out on me. That\u2019s what husbands are for, worrying at a time like this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I didn\u2019t want you to worry, we\u2019re both going to be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course you will and of course I\u2019ll worry until our child is here, but from what Doc said that won\u2019t be too long.\u201d \u201cI don\u2019t know how we all managed to choose such self opinionated, obstinate madams, you ought to wait and see.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice tailed off as the next pain hit Nita but his hands were firm as he moved to rub her back just where it was hurting. Then as he felt her relax, he wiped the sheen of sweat from her face. \u201cThat\u2019s it my darling, you\u2019re doing fine, Anytime you want to yell just go ahead, it helps sometimes. We all know that.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole had already put the plaited towels ready for Nita to cling to and she grabbed at them instinctively a few minutes later when the pain seemed to go on and on. She could no longer cut herself off and wasn\u2019t even aware of moaning, but she could hear Joe\u2019s voice encouraging her and his strong hands supporting her and she began to rely on his strength.<\/p>\n At first unable to do anything to help, the rest of the family waited over by the window, just Carole sitting up close to the bed, quick to wipe Nita\u2019s face when necessary, but leaving the rest to Joe. She was so unobtrusive neither husband nor wife seemed aware of her presence. The pains were building up very fast and as one bad one seemed to go on and on, Joe looked over at his family, fear and anguish clear on his face. He felt every pain she had and felt so helpless, unable to ease it for Nita. Adam moved swiftly, going over behind Joe and gripping his shoulders, \u201cEasy Joe she\u2019s doing very well.\u201d<\/p>\n As the worst of the pain eased Joe lent his head back against Adam, so cold, he was grateful for his brother\u2019s warm strength. As Nita opened her eyes Joe lent over, telling her just how marvelous she was and reassuring her. Adam caught his father\u2019s eye, \u201cCoffee and brandy I think.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded and slipped out while Adam stayed close to his brother. There was very little he could do, but he knew from personal experience just how much his brother\u2019s proximity had helped him on occasion. Joe barely seemed to know he was there but occasionally he lent back against Adam, drawing strength from his brother\u2019s calmness. Joe had lost all track of time, quite calm now as he gave his beloved wife every tiny support that he could and prayed for her. Every so often memories of the last time he\u2019d tried to help his wife rose in his minds and he could see Marie dying in front of him. It was then that he lent back against Adam for reassurance to gain the strength to push his memories away. He wouldn\u2019t let Nita go the same way, he wasn\u2019t fighting against years of deprivation and too small a build this time. It was just before one o\u2019clock when Doc decided to have another look to see how she was getting on, although the two hours seemed an eternity to Joe. As Nita became less capable of noticing anything, so the agony of mind he was enduring became ever more obvious on Joe\u2019s face. Twice Adam had tried to persuade Joe to at least have some coffee, but his words hadn\u2019t penetrated to his brother.<\/p>\n As Doc moved over to examine Nita he said, \u201cTake Joe out for a few minutes Adam, get him a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and forced his brother to listen to him, but Joe\u2019s instinctive reaction was to say no, he couldn\u2019t leave her. Adam pulled his brother to his feet, \u201cJust for a few minutes Joe, Doc wants to examine her, Carole will stay with her.\u201d<\/p>\n Much against his will Joe let his father and brothers bully him outside, Ben had a cup of coffee, well laced with brandy and as Joe stared blankly at the door behind which Nita moaned, Ben moved to block his view and insisted that he drink it before going back. Joe knew that tone of voice and he tried, only to gag on the first mouthful. Joe shut his eyes, for a moment leaning his aching head against his brother\u2019s shoulder, murmuring, \u201cJust takes so long.\u201d To his utter amazement Adam laughed ruefully. Joe sat up and stared at his brother as though he\u2019d gone mad. Adam smiled at him, \u201cHave you any idea what the time is Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Puzzled Joe shook his head and Adam said, \u201cIt\u2019s nearly one fifteen Joe, only a little over two hours since I told you that Nita was in labour and if I\u2019m any judge the baby will be here in another couple of hours at most.\u201d With vivid memories of the time Carole had been in labour, first with the twins and more recently with Anne, four hours seemed unbelievably fast to Adam.<\/p>\n Joe could only stare at Adam in complete disbelief and Ben moved closer to his sons, \u201cYour brother is right Joseph, Nita is being very fast. Doc was saying much the same, he\u2019ll probably be able to be more definite once he\u2019s had a look at her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I thought\u2026.\u201d Joe broke off and shook his head, but he did reach for the coffee Ben was still holding, without really thinking and drank it down.<\/p>\n Adam said, \u201cOn occasion time has very little relation to what a clock has to say. When someone you love is in pain, time just stands still, but it will soon be over.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I thought it was at least five or six hours. Sorry making a fuss over nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re doing fine son.\u201d Ben added, \u201cWe\u2019re all here to help. Now if you don\u2019t want anymore coffee we\u2019ll go back and see what Paul has to say.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded and a little more relaxed went back with his father and brothers. Doc had finished his examination but for the moment Joe wasn\u2019t even aware of him as Nita was calling for her husband. Joe sat down taking, Nita\u2019s hand and brushing her hair back, he kissed her forehead. \u201cIt\u2019s alright my darling, I\u2019m here everything is going very well, not long now my love.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita murmured \u201cJoe\u201d and he kissed her again, \u201cThere\u2019s my brave girl, you\u2019re doing so well.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita gripped his hand almost painfully hard as the next pain hit her and couldn\u2019t help crying out, but Joe was there again so everything would be alright. It wasn\u2019t until the next pain eased that Joe looked questioningly over at Doc. Adam had taken up his previous position behind his brother and he waited as anxious as Joe for Paul\u2019s prognosis.<\/p>\n Doc smiled at Joe, \u201cEverything is fine Joe. Won\u2019t be very long now, she\u2019s being very fast for a first baby, be moving into second stage fairly soon.<\/p>\n Joe swallowed hard, \u201cNo problem?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNone Joseph. I think Nita was made to bear children, carried with no trouble and having it the same way.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe had himself firmly under control just occasionally leaning back against Adam or looking over towards his father and Hoss for reassurance, but most of the time he was talking quietly to Nita. As the pains became almost continuous and she was beginning to writhe around on the bed as though to get away from them, Joe very simply said \u201cHoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss moved up to the bed and very gently held Nita still, not needing any explanations. Adam was glad to see it; he had been torn, not sure whether to do it himself. Joe was doing very well, as he had for Marie, but Adam knew just how narrow a tightrope Joe was walking and the imminence of collapse and panic. With something positive to do Joe got control of himself and lent over Nita, assuming Nita was relying on him, so much more than she\u2019d imagined now that the crisis was on them, just as Carole had told her. Joe was much better being able to help, not that Nita was thinking clearly enough to recognize that. Nita was relying on his warm strong hands and the reassurance in his voice. If Joe said that everything would be alright then it would. There wasn\u2019t fear in his voice now and somehow knowing how worried he\u2019d been in anticipation made that absence even more reassuring now. Nita wasn\u2019t in any condition to realize it was an act, for her like her husband it seemed to have been going on forever but she clung to her husband and to the thought of having her own baby. She remembered Adam\u2019s insistence that pain passes and you forget and hoped he was right.<\/p>\n Nita no longer cared about screaming as the pain it her, the urge to push irresistible even though she felt as though she was splitting in two. Not weakened by a long first stage she was more efficient at translating that urge into action and the baby was moving down fast. As its head became visible, Hoss said, \u201cLook at this Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe lent forward and he could see the black hair clearly visible and despite its dampness, it was obviously curly. For a moment he could only stare at this first view of his own child, almost in disbelief. As Nita moaned he turned his attention back to his first priority, \u201cYou\u2019re doing marvelously darling, not long now, We can see the baby\u2019s head, real expert at this. Not long there\u2019s my clever girl.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc passed on his orders via Joe and Nita did her best to comply but then Doc said, with a note of urgency in his voice, \u201cGet her to pant Joe, quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t move, just knowing that something was wrong, and it was Adam who lent forward and keeping his voice deliberately calm, ordered Nita to pant like a dog, in a tone which she instinctively obeyed. He encouraged her continually every time she seemed to hesitate he was there insisting that she pant while at the same time he put his arm round Joe\u2019s shoulders scared his brother would collapse. Both of them were so scared that something was going wrong, remembering Marie\u2019s birth. Joe didn\u2019t know what that meant, just that something was wrong and the panic, which had been so close all day, threatened to overwhelm him and he swayed close to collapse. Only Adam\u2019s arm round him was keeping him in the chair. Ben had seen his son\u2019s reaction and poured out a brandy, he moved over and forced Joe to drink it, seeing the terror on both his sons\u2019 faces. Adam could only pray and keep Nita doing what Doc wanted, leaving his father to look after Joe. Ben anxiously asked Doc what was wrong, even as he fed Joe the brandy. Doc looked up and realized the near panic in all three and he smiled, \u201cNothing. Come here Joe and I\u2019ll show you, just a large baby.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue was wiping over the area with disinfectant and Doc gripped Joe\u2019s arm as he stumbled to his feet. “Big words don\u2019t mean anything Joe, The bay\u2019s head is large pushing through it\u2019s putting tension on the skin right here. It\u2019s skin and it\u2019ll rip at the next push so I\u2019m going to cut it neatly, heals much easier than a ragged scar.\u201d Doc matched the actions to the words, \u201cJust a small cut in the skin, Nita won\u2019t even feel it, it\u2019s all numb just now, Everything is fine your baby will be here in a couple of minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe barely took Doc\u2019s words in, it was enough to know it wasn\u2019t serious and went back to Nita. Adam was still encouraging her to pant and wiping her face and she hardly seemed to notice the difference between her husband and her brother-in-law. Joe was glad of the chair but his hands were steady as he took back the job of encouraging his wife. Then Doc said, \u201cRight push when you\u2019re ready.\u201d Joe passed it on automatically, without really taking in the sense and then there was a sudden odd slithering gurgling noise, a noise he\u2019d heard before. Indescribable but it meant the final arrival of the new baby and before it had even ceased, before the child was really free of his mother, he was yelling his protest at this strange new world, a strong healthy yell.<\/p>\n For the first time in ages Nita opened her eyes, unable to believe that it was her baby and not Anne or Johnny. Joe had lost all control of his voice had he couldn\u2019t even look, staring down at his knees, remembering the tiny deformed girl who had cost Marie her life, only to die within the hour. Adam could read his brother like a book and gripped his shoulders reassuringly as he spoke for Joe. “It\u2019s your baby Nita, well done.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben could see Joe\u2019s fears but he was in a position to see the baby and moving closer to his sons, he said, \u201cYou were right Nita, a son, a strong healthy perfect son.\u201d Joe looked up at his father\u2019s words and seeing the smile on Ben\u2019s face he knew the baby was all right but he still needed to know about Nita. He lent back against Adam and tried to find his voice to encourage her as the afterbirth came away, he wasn\u2019t making had wanted. She was barely even aware of the minor pains as Doc cleared the afterbirth.<\/p>\n Joe was talking to his wife but he watched Doc\u2019s face intently for any sign that something was wrong. Adam\u2019s mother had had a healthy child, only to die from an unstoppable hemorrhage. Doc caught Joe\u2019s eye, feeling the gaze on him, and guessed what was wrong, \u201cNo problem Joe, mother and child both exceedingly healthy and normal.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe licked dry lips, wanting to believe Doc but hardly daring to and Doc smiled, \u201cMy word on it Joe, nothing at all to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole came over to Joe with his son, \u201cDo you want to give your son to his mother?\u201d Impatiently Doc said, \u201cWill you lie still young lady and let me sow this up. You won\u2019t feel it now, but if I leave it you will.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita did as she was told but Adam pushed a couple of pillows under her to support her head and she took her son, examining him minutely, intense concentration on her face. Then the baby seized hold of her finger and slowly a smile spread over her face, until she looked up at Joe with an expression he had never seen before and knew that he would treasure for the rest of his life. \u201cOur son.\u201d she said softly. Adam met his father\u2019s eye as Ben fondly surveyed the four of them and grinned, His father was near as proud as Hoss and Joe. As Joe sat back Adam kissed her forehead, \u201cCongratulations Nita, he\u2019s a beautiful baby.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Ben quickly added their congratulations and then Ben suggested they all clear out of the way and let Doc and Carole get Nita cleaned up and settled into a clean bed. Nita asked for coffee and then said \u201cCan I have some food, I\u2019m starving.\u201d \u201cThat\u2019ll be fine.\u201d Doc agreed but Nita said, \u201cAlright but please can I have a couple of Kam Su\u2019s scones, he was baking this morning.\u201d She said it so beseechingly than even Joe smiled, \u201cOf course you can my darling, I\u2019d give you the world and all you want is a couple of scones.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole had finished washing and dressing the baby and Nita suggested that Joe took the baby downstairs and let fond uncles, aunts and grandfather have a proper look. Doc and Carole could get all that she needed. Joe hesitated but Nita was insistent, she could still see the tension in him now that she was taking in how he looked. Joe gave way and he picked up his son very carefully, \u201cHe\u2019s bigger than the twins but not as big as Johnny. What do you reckon Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAround seven pounds, maybe just under, and perfect.\u201d Paul said with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is that and so very pretty.\u201d Carole added. \u201cAll our babies have been, apart from Anne and she\u2019s making up for it now.\u201d Joe said. He took his son out but for a few minutes he needed to be alone and he went across the hall to stare out at the mountains and to thank God for his mercy. The baby was still staring at him, wide-eyed and unblinking and Joe bent to kiss his head and felt the tiny hand bury itself in his hair and grip tight. Joe had been cold all day, ever since Adam told him Nita was in labour. The warm room, the coffee, the brandy, none of it had helped but now he felt a warmth pervade his whole being as the baby held tight to him. This tiny new life, part of his own flesh, so dependent and yet so content, his son; Joe began to understand what Hoss had meant about peace. Once before a newborn had helped him find peace and still of all his nieces and nephews, Joe admitted to himself although not to anyone else, Mark was his favourite; but this was so much more. This time it was his own son and his beloved wife was fine, like his brothers, he had everything he had ever wanted. On that thought Joe suddenly wanted to share his happiness and gently easing his hair out of the baby\u2019s grip he moved downstairs.<\/p>\n Adam had been surprised when he came down to find just Anne in the kitchen with Hop Sing and Kam Su. Although he wasn\u2019t at all surprised to see Hop Sing over, always determined not to miss anything, which affected his family. Adam answered the question he could see on their faces, \u201cNita and Joe have a very pretty baby boy about seven pounds, mother and child doing well. I\u2019m sure Joe will bring him to see you in a few minutes.\u201d Both Chinese grinned broadly and Adam joined them briefly before asking where the children were, slightly concerned as it was very cold for them to be outside. Kam Su grinned and Ben, who had come in hearing the anxious note in his son\u2019s voice, relaxed. \u201cMr. Jess came back say you wouldn\u2019t mind, invite the twins and Marie to go and have a picnic in the bunkhouse with him. They were most excited. He say not best place for children when babies come.\u201d He frowned, \u201cSay you wouldn\u2019t mind.\u201d wondering whether he had done the right thing.<\/p>\n Adam put his mind at rest grinning broadly, \u201cOf course I don\u2019t, good old Jess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s turned into a really good friend over the years.\u201d Ben commented, \u201cTo you most but to all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe has that, only problem is that he fusses even worse than my brothers! I\u2019ll bet all three of them are enjoying the attention.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo more than Jess, Jos\u00e9 and the rest are enjoying giving it. I just hope the bunkhouse Hoss had suddenly realized that he had missed lunch and appeared to demand food but Hop Sing was already dishing up and Hoss was pressed into service carrying it through. Adam wasn\u2019t hungry but he went and poured himself a drink, on the whole his brother had stood up to it well but perhaps more than the others, as he had been in close physical contact, he knew how close Joe had been to collapse. There was bound to be some reaction. At least this time Joe had his wife and child, that was worth any amount of pain and memories. Adam had been too worried about Joe for memories to worry him at the time but now he could no longer push them away; memories of Marie and her farewell, Joe\u2019s reaction over the months that followed, intermingled with memories of the births of all his own children. He stood staring out of the window, lost in thought, nursing his glass but not drinking it. Once the food was on the table Hoss looked over at his brother but Ben shook his head, \u201cLet him be Hoss, he\u2019ll eat when he\u2019s ready.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss had just started his own, talking quietly to Sue when Joe appeared at the top of the stairs. Something in the sudden silence penetrated to Adam and he turned quickly to see his brother very carefully coming down stairs. Just from the way Joe was moving, his family could see that the tension had gone for now at least and grinning broadly they gathered at the foot of the stairs. Joe looked up from the baby and grinned at them, \u201cNita is hungry. Doc says chicken broth and an ommlette but she also insists on some of Kam Su\u2019s scones. She told me to bring the baby down to see his fond relatives.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pulled the shawl back, \u201cHe\u2019s very pretty Joe, congratulations son.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned, \u201cHe\u2019s gorgeous isn\u2019t he. Looks very like Mark did as a baby.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cI was thinking that. I always did say that Mark took after you!\u201d Ben said dryly, \u201cYou may not remember how badly behaved you were as an infant Adam, but I do.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss had pushed his food away for the moment, more interested in his newest nephew for now and he asked to hold the baby. Joe passed him over willingly, \u201cNot as big as Johnny big brother but still reasonable.\u201d<\/p>\n Even while Hoss was holding the baby, Joe couldn\u2019t take his eyes off his son, wonderment, near disbelief and peace all very obvious in his eyes. Both Ben and Adam were for the minute more interested in Joe than the baby. There wasn\u2019t quite the ecstasy Hoss had shown so clearly, the strain had taken its toll, but both were convinced it would come. For now Joe had found peace and once whatever reaction there was passed they were both convinced that peace would grow. Ben took the baby from Hoss, \u201cThe third grandchild you promised me before Christmas. I think this year Christmas will be the most perfect we\u2019ve ever had. All my sons with sons of their own and loving wives. What more could any man ask for?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe linked arms with his brothers, saying with reverence in his voice. \u201cWell I\u2019ve done it. Caught up with you two, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n \n
\nThe Homecoming<\/a><\/span>
\nHome to Stay<\/a><\/span>
\nHoneymoon and Arguments<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Marie<\/a><\/span>
\nAdam and Carole<\/a><\/span>
\nA European Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Aftermath<\/a><\/span>
\nA Busy Summer<\/a><\/span>
\nA Tree Falls<\/a><\/span>
\nSan Fracisco Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nA Stranger from the Past<\/a><\/span>
\nA Sense of Blame<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Medicine Man<\/a><\/span>
\nCourtship and Cattle Drives<\/a><\/span>
\nAngels with Red Hair?<\/a><\/span>
\nThieves and Murderers<\/a><\/span>
\nPipeline Problems<\/a><\/span>
\nGuests for Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nA Turbulent Preacher<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Nita<\/a><\/span>
\nBen and Beth<\/a><\/span>
\nBanks, Pipelines, and Railroads<\/a><\/span>
\nLost<\/a><\/span>
\nA New Operation<\/a><\/span>
\nA Slow Recovery<\/a><\/span>
\nCelebrations<\/a><\/span>
\nForest Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nA Premature Birth<\/a>
\n<\/span>The Bank of California<\/a>
\nTrail Drive<\/a><\/span>
\nRobbery and Assault<\/a><\/span>
\nVirginia City on Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nRebuilding Virginia City<\/a><\/span>
\nCatching Up<\/a><\/span>
\nChristenings, Commissions, and Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nWinter Ills<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #2 \u2013 Advance Warning<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #3 – Family Row #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #4 \u2013 Family Row #2<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #5 \u2013 Family Row #3<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #6 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #7 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #2 – Court Hearing<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #8 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #3 – Knight Errant<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #9 – The Spanish Land Grant #4 – The Long Journey Home<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #10 – The Spanish Land Grant #5 – Troy’s Last Stand<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\nAdam looked at his brother, who shook his head, just as puzzled. Adam said, \u201cI\u2019ve told you, there\u2019s a land tax to the town, that\u2019s it. These houses aren\u2019t mine; I shan\u2019t be claiming any rent. I don\u2019t own them, you do, you\u2019ve built them between you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam and Dan watched him stride away and Dan commented, \u201cLost a lot of weight but he looks real content.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBen didn\u2019t agree and knew that his son wouldn\u2019t, Adam had lent slightly away from his normal simplicity to suit prevailing trends, producing rather more ornate buildings
\nas he knew that was what Fair and Mackay appreciated. Even so the basic elegance was there, the harmony of the whole which characterized all his designs and the sketches showed it. Everyone was very enthusiastic with both prospective owners proclaiming they were exactly what they wanted; Adam didn\u2019t need to change anything. Plenty of others were jealous knowing that their own architects would be pushed to come up with anything to equal Adam\u2019s designs. A few determined to try again and persuade Adam to work for them; but in his absence Ben was finally able to stem the flow of congratulations and get the meeting started on the agenda.<\/p>\n
\nEveryone knew he was right but as it was impossible to rebuild in brick they didn\u2019t want to accept their helplessness. They argued against Adam, a losing argument and furious one storekeeper turned on him. \u201cYou\u2019re very good at telling us that what we plan is useless. Easy to cut down our plans just what do you suggest? You\u2019re supposed to be so damned clever.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam held up his hand, \u201cLet me finish. Anything we try will only be a palliative but together maybe they will help and I do have a few concrete suggestions.\u201d He had everyone\u2019s undivided attention and even Ben sat back to listen, hoping that Adam had some ideas; he was out of any suggestions himself. Adam was hoping he did too, seeing the sort of unrealistic expectation that he had been trying to avoid. \u201cI repeat there are no easy answers, certainly better equipment will help a little and anything which can do that is worth supporting but on its own it won\u2019t do much. Anther thing that I think will help is a simple change in the town ordinances. Any of you who were here hen the fire was at its worst must have seen the way the fire was spread time and again by explosions of blasting powder. Other than the wind, which we can\u2019t do anything about and which is at least predictable, that powder was the most disastrous agent in spreading the fire. I think we need underground stores for powder, all of us up at the mines were trying to bury powder but often we were too late. The details can be considered later but we must control the storage of powder. Various other precautions can be taken at the mines but they are probably for the mine directors to discuss for each individual mine. The other thing I think we can do for the town as a whole is to give an early warning of trouble. We need to draw up some simple contingency plans for cooperation of all the fire companies and we need to know as soon as a fire starts and then maybe we can move fast enough to contain trouble. I think the best way to get fast warning would be to build a fire tower up on Mount Davidson overlooking the town and keep it manned on a twenty four hour basis. Keep watch for any smoke or flames ready to sound the alarm and signal the exact position of the fire to all the fire companies.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam could hear the effort that Joe was making and casually said, \u201cTook longer than I expected. Cold out and I\u2019m frozen, join me in some coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSo does Joe, now if you\u2019ll remove yourself and Johnny, maybe I can get on.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nNita thought about that but it made sense and she relaxed a little. Carole saw it and smiled \u201cNot long now Nita, it\u2019ll be fine, now let\u2019s find the baby something to wear.\u201d
\nBen looked up as the girls came back down; he hadn\u2019t missed the tension growing in Nita and noticed the difference. He took the chance to quietly congratulate Carole as he got fresh coffee she seemed to have done good job. Carole smiled, \u201cJust nerves. The one job I haven\u2019t managed it getting Adam to bed. Will you have a word with him please Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nLooking out Hoss saw Joe walking down the stairs, almost like an automaton, as white as a sheet he looked as though he\u2019d seen a ghost.<\/p>\n
\nHoss was disgusted as Adam headed back to work but Adam wanted to get finished and deliver the plans to town that day. With all the timber close to the house already cut, work was getting further and further away and both his brothers had very god reasons to want to stick close to home. Adam was expert at cutting out what he didn\u2019t want to hear and Hoss soon realized he was making no impression and gave up
\nBy evening Adam looked very tired but he had the satisfaction of completing all the detailed plans for all three projects. Too tired to really be hungry Adam had barely, touched his dinner, on a tray again, and although he took it out into the kitchen himself, Carole didn\u2019t miss it. Adam managed to change the subject by showing the others the design for the fire tower. Ben took it first and Adam promptly disappeared upstairs to have a word with Sue, whom he\u2019d barely seen. Hoss was with her and she had just finished feeding and changing Johnny. She was holding the baby with Hoss sitting on the bed, his arm round her and for a moment Adam felt guilty at disturbing the happy family group but Sue was obviously delighted to see him. She couldn\u2019t help commenting on the black rings under his eyes and his obvious exhaustion. \u201cAll finished now, all I have to do is deliver them and my part is done. Then I can forget all about them, thank heavens.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam sat back, \u201cI seem to remember Joe saying much the same. Of course I brought you two up to have good taste!\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoe put his hand up in a peace sign, \u201cAlright obstinate, have it your own way. I think I\u2019ll go and stretch my legs for a few minutes.\u201d Joe slipped out while Adam was collecting all he needed and packing his saddlebag. He had a very definite destination in mind and ten minutes later he was accepting coffee in the number one bunkhouse.
\nJos\u00e9 pushed the cards away, knowing Joe well enough to know that it was more than a social call, \u201cWell Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nwere in the saloon. Seeing Dan examining the sketches they came over to investigate. All were equally enthusiastic, even if it wasn\u2019t what they had expected and there wasn\u2019t one dissenting voice. In fact they were effusive and Adam was too tired to put up with it. He finished his beer and asked Dan where he\u2019d find Darby. Dan offered to hand over the plans in the morning but Adam shook his head. \u201cI shan\u2019t be available for a few days and there are a few points that I want to go over with him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJos\u00e9 and Jess went back to the saloon to wait for him, with Blackie tied outside he\u2019d have to come back. They knew that he would not be rushed on business and would probably get on faster alone.<\/p>\n
\nMrs Darby offered coffee and Adam accepted gratefully, standing over by the fire, very tired he was feeling the cold. \u201cMake it Adam, Mark, or I start looking for my Pa. You\u2019ve done wonders considering how much you must have lost in the fire. Dan tells me you are foreman for the watchtower. I\u2019m glad, know you can follow plans.\u201d Adam undid his saddlebag, \u201cHere they are. The council meeting tomorrow morning will have to give you the go ahead but that should be a formality, half the council are already agreed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBierstadt was surprised how quickly he\u2019d recovered, having heard from the hands just how badly he had been hurt. But he didn\u2019t comment. He did accept Adam\u2019s invitation to dinner and the two men rode into the yard together. Adam helped to unload the canvasses but as he went in he forgot about the artist for a moment, seeing Sue over by the fire. Despite Hoss\u2019 protests Sue had insisted, with Carole\u2019s backing, that she was quite well enough to get up. Adam went straight over to her, delighted to see her downstairs with the baby on her lap but luckily Ben saw Bierstadt and came over to talk to his artist. Ben was delighted to hear that the canvasses were completed and helped Bierstadt prop the canvasses up around the room while Kam Su got food ready for the two men.<\/p>\n
\nThat night Joe came down after Nita was settled, unable to sleep but not wanting to talk. Adam recognized his brother\u2019s mood and co-opted him as a legal secretary. The brothers had their noses buried in law books until gone one in the morning and then, with the outline of an answer complete, Adam called a halt. He poured two brandies and yawning widely passed one to Joe, \u201cI think we\u2019ve earned it.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNita?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam dropped down into the chair opposite his father, \u201cJoe will cope Pa, even he is confident of that. It was Hoss who was scared he couldn\u2019t\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe three women all disappeared to bathe the two babies but that was a regular occurrence and Joe didn\u2019t think anything about it. As soon as they were alone Sue turned accusingly to Nita, \u201cI think you have something to tell us?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nCarole quietly filled Adam in on the latest developments and he was able to put her mind at rest, that he had arrangement to fetch Doc if he was late. Before Carole could answer him the door opened and Marie came in looking for her sister. With the twins so close and so boisterous, the little girl could hardly wait until Anne was big enough to play with, although the twins were remarkably good and protective of their little sister. Adam encouraged Marie to scramble up onto his lap and then helped her to hold Anne, smiling gently at her prattle and for the minute forgetting Nita. For all too long this year he hadn\u2019t been well enough to hold his children and now as the twins bounced in, he made room for them as well, although warning them to sit still or they went down. Carole sat on the arm of Ben\u2019s chair just watching her husband, leaning back in no obvious discomfort, more relaxed and content than she\u2019d seen him in a long time. Ben murmured, \u201cFor a while this summer I wondered if he\u2019d eve be able to do that again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nKnowing that he wasn\u2019t any good at hiding his feelings, Hoss stayed upstairs with Johnny, but Sue went down to keep an eye on Nita.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cLiar little brother, but it\u2019ll soon be over. Nita is gong to have your baby today.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHis brothers made no attempt to stop him, he had himself well in control now. Adam murmured, \u201cGet Doc a drink Hoss, see if there\u2019s anything else, I\u2019ll stick with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cOur son.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam moved closer to his brother as Ben took the cup from Joe\u2019s shaking hand, Adam led Joe into the room behind them and pushed his brother down gently on the bed. \u201cRelax will you Joe, everything\u2019s going very well, but you\u2019re frozen, you need a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam was proved right a few minutes later as Nita screamed, the urge to push hitting her, a primeval urge that there was no denying regardless of pain, completely different from anything she had ever known. She was frightened as much as in pain and there was sheer terror in her scream. For a moment she was oblivious even of Joe as she half sobbed, half screamed. Joe shaking reached up instinctively to his brother\u2019s hand on his shoulder. Adam gripped his hand, \u201cEasy Joe, last stage. She\u2019s frightened, explain to her, she\u2019ll understand you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nan assurance in his voice that he was far from feeling. His face more accurately mirrored the fear and compassion he felt but in Nita\u2019s world of pain it was only his voice that was real, everything else was just shadowy shapes. Ben could see his son\u2019s feelings and he was immensely proud of the way Joe contrived to hide them as he spoke very simply to Nita, reassuring her and explaining, telling her exactly what to do. Doc and Hoss held her legs as she pushed while Joe relayed Doc\u2019s orders to her and encouraged her, wiping her face and moistening her lips as they waited for the baby to arrive.<\/p>\n
\nDoc intent on his problem didn\u2019t even notice them and turned to Sue behind him, \u201cCan you help me Sue? We\u2019ll have to do an episiotomy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoe encouraged Nita and although she was beginning to tire she did her best and after three more good pushes Doc was saying, \u201cNearly there, gently now, don\u2019t push, just let it come, easy, very easy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoe took the baby wrapped loosely in a shawl, just hastily cleaned for now, but like the twins and Johnny he didn\u2019t really look newborn, not at all red or wrinkled. He lay in his father\u2019s arms his eyes open, remarkably dark eyed for a newborn, with long black lashes, curly like his hair and a very definite nose, making him a very pretty baby. Joe stared at him in wonderment for a moment and then passed him to Nita who was trying, despite Doc\u2019s protests, to pull herself up the bed.<\/p>\n
\nJoe couldn\u2019t answer but lent over to kiss her, still hardly able to take it in. Hoss remembering very clearly how he\u2019d felt just over a week earlier went over to Sue and pulled her close, their son lying in his cot in the corner. Sue had had to feed him a little earlier.<\/p>\n
\nJoe looked uncertainly at Doc who grinned, \u201cYou are almost indecent young lady, First births are supposed to be difficult, instead you have it in record time, and react like a veteran. Of course you can eat if you want to, but Joe make it something light.\u201d
\n\u201cChicken soup and an omelette?\u201d<\/p>\n
\ndoesn\u2019t come to blows over them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWell David\u2019s the spitting image of you so don\u2019t start any wild stories, \u201cJoe retorted and Adam laughed, \u201cI don\u2019t know even David behaves more like you Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n