{"id":6512,"date":"2012-07-04T12:14:54","date_gmt":"2012-07-04T16:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6512"},"modified":"2026-07-22T11:46:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T15:46:29","slug":"one-step-closer-in-search-in-search-of-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6512","title":{"rendered":"One Step Closer #4 – In Search of Safety (by MissJudy)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>: Following a harrowing experience in Boston, Adam and his new wife head west to the Ponderosa for a visit, hoping to relax where they feel safe. Unfortunately Little Joe is not happy with their presence. Hoss helps sort things out\u00a0between his\u00a0brothers, but\u00a0when one problem is solved, the Cartwrights \u201cwelcome\u201d two more unexpected visitors. A misguided act by one of these guests brings near tragedy. This is a story of new lessons learned while old feelings are dealt with. It ends with Melinda and Adam in London, still wondering whether they can ever escape the trouble that seems to shadow them.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0T \u00a0WC 36,000<\/p>\n

One Step Closer Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

For Love’s Sake Only
\n<\/a>Til Death Do Us Part
\n<\/a>Two Hearts Broken
\n<\/a>In Search of Safety
\n<\/a>From Two to Three
\n<\/a>Changes in Fate<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Story Notes:<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

This is the fourth in a story line about Adam\u2019s life after he left the Ponderosa. In this one he returns home and renews his connections with his family.<\/em><\/p>\n

What has happened up until this story is explained enough so that you know who the players are and how they impact what\u2019s going on. You won\u2019t need to read the other stories to enjoy this one.<\/em><\/p>\n

This story line begins 10 months after Adam and Melinda were married. Adam has just recovered from being nearly crushed as he foiled an attempt to break into a federal bank. The madman who had forced Adam to help him with this plan, had promised that Adam and Melinda would die if anything happened to him. His death at the end of that story left Adam unsure that the threat had ended, and he decided that a trip to the Ponderosa was the safest alternative.<\/em><\/p>\n

While there is no need to read the previous stories, there is a list and description of them at the end of this story if you\u2019d like to read the entire saga.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One Step Closer: In Search of Safety<\/strong><\/p>\n

Part I<\/strong><\/p>\n

Old Bonds\u2026Old Wounds<\/strong><\/p>\n

One: Mistaken Identity<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam and Melinda Cartwright had left Boston in a rush over a week ago, and they were finally nearing their destination of Virginia City.<\/p>\n

They had traveled first by train,<\/strong> but then had to take a stagecoach for the final stretch through the states where rail service wasn\u2019t well established. After the luxury of the private train car they\u2019d had for the initial part of the trip, the stage had left them jostled, dusty, and restless to reach the end of their journey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s heart began to race as their coach passed the mile-marker indicating that they would reach Virginia City in a matter of minutes. He had thought about his family every day since he\u2019d left the Ponderosa two years ago, and was looking forward to being with them again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He gave no outward indication of his anticipation other than a quick grin as they entered town and passed the Bucket of Blood saloon. His mind was immediately flooded with memories of the times he\u2019d spent in that establishment. In fact, every building they passed held recollections: some were pleasant and calm; others were raucous, disorderly and more fun than he could describe to someone who hadn\u2019t lived through them, and still others were subdued and somber. He saw a few familiar faces too as they drove through town. Roy Coffee was holding two young boys by their shoulders as he chastised them for untying horses from the hitch rails, and Paul Martin turned down a side street toward his office just as the stage passed by.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This homecoming was unplanned, so he wasn\u2019t even sure how many people knew that they were arriving. Adam\u2019s boss and close friend, Frank Wadsworth, had sent a telegram to Ben the night Adam and Melinda had left Boston, letting him know a few details of the incident that had sent his son and daughter-in-law on their way west. Adam had wired his father with updates along the way, sending the last one yesterday with the time of their expected arrival. He knew his father would want an immediate and complete telling of the story that had brought them there, but he hoped he could stall until they got settled at the ranch. He figured his father was caught somewhere between fretting over the circumstances that had made them seek the safety of the Ponderosa, and being overjoyed at their visit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking over at Melinda, he saw that she was still holding the curl of hair that she\u2019d been twirling for the last several minutes. \u201cNervous?\u201d he asked as he took her hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA little,\u201d she confessed. \u201cI already know Ben, and I feel like I know a little about your brothers from the stories you and your father told me, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut there\u2019s no guarantee that they\u2019ll like me, Adam. I suppose I\u2019m feeling like you did when you first got to know my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He laughed loudly, \u201cI do hope it will go better than that first meal with your mother. She was bent on finding fault with me\u2014and she succeeded in some remarkable ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda patted his hand. \u201cI know that wasn\u2019t pleasant, but you and Mother are very close now and she has apologized many times over for her nastiness that day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat should make you optimistic. Even if Hoss and Joe don\u2019t like you much at first, they might come to appreciate you over the course of our stay.\u201d Noticing the pinched look of fear that washed across his wife\u2019s face he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her near. \u201cSeriously, Melinda, I can\u2019t imagine them not taking to you from the moment they lay eyes on you. Pa got to know you pretty well when he visited, and I\u2019m sure he told them how nice you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose that\u2019s true.\u201d Her brows and lips settled into their normal positions as she teased, \u201cWhat\u2019s not to like?\u201d She turned to view the town passing by and grimaced as she considered how long this visit would seem if Adam\u2019s brothers\u00a0did<\/em>\u00a0find things to dislike about her. She pondered aloud, \u201cI wish you had a picture of Hoss and Little Joe. I\u2019ve imagined them from the stories I\u2019ve heard, but I have no idea if I\u2019m even close when compared to how they really look.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa had pictures of us at the house, but nothing I could bring along. And they\u2019ve never seen a picture of you either, so you\u2019re all on equal footing.\u201d They pulled to a stop in front of the Overland Stage office where Adam got out and assisted Melinda. Pointing to a wagon on the other side of the broad street, he told her, \u201cThat\u2019s our buckboard, but I don\u2019t see Pa.\u201d He squinted as he looked through the office window. \u201cIt\u2019s only 11:20, so we\u2019re actually a good half-hour early.\u00a0 He\u2019s probably visiting with someone, thinking he\u2019s still got time before we arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Their luggage had been handed down and lay in a pile on the boardwalk. Adam looked at it and then to the wagon. He hailed a teenaged boy walking past. \u201cI\u2019ll give you 25 cents if you take these bags over to that wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The youngster looked at the number of bags and considered the offer. \u201cMake that a half-dollar, Mister, and it\u2019s a deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After the coin was exchanged, Adam pulled Melinda aside. \u201cI\u2019m going to the Western Union office to wire Frank that we\u2019ve arrived. I\u2019ll send one to your parents and Abel as well, and then I need to stop at the bank. It would be best if you make sure the boy gets things transferred, and then wait for Pa. I won\u2019t be gone more than fifteen minutes and if he\u2019s not here by then, we\u2019ll leave him a note and go to lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda watched her husband walk away and suddenly felt very alone. She encouraged the young man in his task, asking him to be careful with one case that contained her hand mirror and lotions. When the bags were properly tied down, she climbed onto the wagon seat, pulled a small volume of poems from her handbag and began to read.\u00a0 A few people walked past, giving her questioning looks, but they said nothing to her. She overhead two ladies remark after they\u2019d gone by, \u201cI haven\u2019t seen her around here before. Wonder what she\u2019s doing on Ben Cartwright\u2019s rig?\u201d This made her suspect that Ben had not told many people that Adam was coming home. Virginia City was a growing town by Western standards, but it was still small enough that gossip would spread quickly. Such news as the eldest Cartwright son returning with a wife would have started a prairie fire of speculation and interest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She\u2019d barely found her place in the book again when she was startled by a man hurrying across the street from the barber shop located a few doors down from the stage office. He was still wearing his barber\u2019s cape, and all but his chin was covered with shaving soap. He stopped in the street a few feet away and locked her with a questioning stare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMiss, are you aware that you\u2019re sitting on Ben Cartwright\u2019s wagon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she replied with a smile. \u201cI\u2019m waiting for my husband. And it\u2019s Mrs., not Miss. I\u2019m Mrs. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He groaned while shaking his head. \u201cDoes he know you\u2019re here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d she admitted. \u201cThe stage just pulled in. I was told that this was his wagon and I had the luggage brought over, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man cut her off. \u201cI suppose that next you\u2019re going to say that you met him when he was on a trip somewhere and you got married while he was there.\u201d He rolled his eyes then as he folded his arms across his chest and glared up at her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda was confused by man\u2019s tone and posture, and her answer held an edge. \u201cThat\u2019s true. Ben was on a trip when I got married, but it\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He cut in again. \u201cLook, lady, you aren\u2019t the first to try this. And although you\u2019re even prettier than the last woman to make the claim, I know what you\u2019re up to and I\u2019m going to stop this right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another man who was similarly attired with barber\u2019s cape and shaving soap had exited the shop and joined the first one near the wagon. \u201cWhat\u2019d you leave out for?\u201d he chided his companion. \u201cZeke says to get back over there or he\u2019ll charge double for having to re-lather us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The smaller man elbowed the new arrival and said, \u201cI want you to meet\u00a0Mrs. Cartwright.<\/em>\u00a0She\u2019s waiting for her\u00a0husband<\/em>. I came over to see what was going on after I saw Mike Handley load her bags onto the buckboard. She claims she met Ben Cartwright somewhere else and got married while he was there.\u201d He removed his covering and wiped the remaining lather from his cheeks before elbowing the other man again. \u201cDoesn\u2019t this all sound familiar? Maybe we should get the sheriff so he can ask her what she\u2019s up to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s eyes went round with astonishment. \u201cI have no idea what you\u2019re insinuating. Why would you think I\u2019m\u00a0up to<\/em>\u00a0something? In fact, if you don\u2019t leave right now,\u00a0I\u2019ll<\/em>\u00a0call for the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The larger of the two pulled the other a few steps back and said, \u201cListen, maybe you got something wrong here. Let\u2019s just wait for Pa and see what he says.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The smaller man was not deterred. He looked up at Melinda and scoffed. \u201cI suppose you have a marriage license proving you got hitched to Ben Cartwright. Then when Ben actually arrives you\u2019ll say that he\u2019s not the man you married; that it was someone else calling himself Ben Cartwright. You\u2019ll be all forlorn and say that this other man took your life savings and you\u2019ll be lookin\u2019 for a sympathetic shoulder to cry on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda was on her feet. \u201cWhat are you talking about? Why would Ben Cartwright and I have a marriage license?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou said you was waitin\u2019 on your husband, ma\u2019am.\u201d It was taller of the duo who gave the explanation, and then looked down while picking at the loose hairs and soap bubbles that speckled his cape.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She looked scathingly at each of them, trying to make sense of what was happening, and then something the larger one had said emerged from the fog.\u00a0He said this was his Pa\u2019s wagon<\/em>. As she was about to break the news about who she was, she happened to see Adam heading toward the wagon. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m not married to Ben Cartwright,\u201d she said while beginning to laugh. \u201cI\u2019m married to that Cartwright!\u201d She pointed at the black-hatted figure approaching them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men didn\u2019t reply; they took off at a run, hollering, \u201cAdam!\u201d After a time of back slapping and conversation, the three brothers returned to Melinda. One of them was red-faced and looking sheepish, while another looked like he was melting as he tried to wipe the dissolving shaving soap from his face with his shirtsleeves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made the introductions. \u201cMelinda, this is my youngest brother, Joe\u2026you know, the one who was accusing you of claiming to be married to Pa. And this strapping fellow is Hoss.\u201d He helped his wife down from the wagon to receive the welcoming wishes of her brothers-in-law.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that all about?\u201d she asked of them once they\u2019d settled down from the surprise of seeing their brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve been gone for three weeks, and didn\u2019t know we were on the way.\u201d Adam explained. \u201cThey stopped in town to get a shoe put on Joe\u2019s horse, and decided to get a haircut and lunch before heading home. Joe saw you on our wagon and jumped to a very erroneous conclusion.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss took up the story. \u201cYa see, a couple years back, a fine lookin\u2019 woman came to the house sayin\u2019 she\u2019d married Pa when they met up in a different city. She even had a license, but when Pa got home, she said he weren\u2019t the man she\u2019d married. We all went to find out who this man was, and nearly ended up hangin\u2019 for murder. It turned out to be some danged plot to get rid of us so she\u2019d\u2019a been Pa\u2019s widow and could take over the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe finally spoke up. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about the mix-up.\u201d He looked at Adam and back to his sister-in-law as a sly grin replaced his look of remorse. \u201cI guess it was easier to believe that you were pulling one over on Pa than that our brother would actually come home for a visit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam replied to his brother\u2019s comment with a one-eyed squint and shake of the head, and then urged, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you two go finish getting prettied up. Heaven knows you need it. Meet us at the International House when you\u2019re done. I saw Pa at the bank and he\u2019s going to join us there too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the time it took the Cartwrights to finish their meal, the news that Adam was back, with a wife, had indeed spread like wildfire. Sheriff Coffee and Paul Martin made their way to the hotel to welcome Adam back and meet Melinda, while several pairs of ladies had entered the hotel and gawked at the couple while pretending to be interested in the lobby greenery.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they made their way to the buckboard afterwards, Melinda could hear bits and pieces of conversation about them drifting from the doorways and walks. Most comments were about Melinda\u2019s looks or speculation that she was a wealthy woman from Boston, but the one that settled directly into the raw area of her heart was an older woman who said loudly to her companion, \u201cBen must be sorely disappointed. From the looks of her it don\u2019t appear there\u2019s any grandchildren on the way yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda looked over at Adam and knew by the color rising in his cheeks that he\u2019d heard it too. She laughed tightly while poking him gently in the ribs. \u201cI thought you said we\u2019d be safe here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He winked at her, and instead of assisting her up into the wagon, he pulled her tightly against him and gave her a long, thorough kiss before whisking her into his arms and depositing her in the buckboard. \u201cThere,\u201d he laughed, \u201cThat ought to give them something else to talk about for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached over and took Melinda\u2019s hand before starting out. \u201cDon\u2019t let those old biddies get under your skin. There\u2019s been a drought of things to chinwag about in this town, and you and Adam arriving is like a gossip wellspring. We\u2019ll invite some friends out to meet you and they\u2019ll find out what a wonderful woman you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda leaned over to give Ben a peck on the cheek before he slapped the reins and sent the team moving. She began to laugh along with Adam when they heard the same women talking as they drove past them. \u201cDid you see the way he kissed her, Mildred? And the way he lifted her up? Why you could see her stockings and petticoats! I never\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But as Melinda glanced back, she noticed that Mildred did not look all that shocked by the display of affection Adam had exhibited. In fact\u2026Mildred was grinning like a schoolgirl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two \u2013 Hey, Adam, There\u2019s a Woman in Your Bed<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had declined to discuss their ordeal in Boston during lunch, and he knew Ben was itching for the details on the way to the ranch. But as they cleared the last city street he put an end to those hopes by saying, \u201cI know you\u2019re anxious to hear about Castelletti, Pa, but let\u2019s wait until everyone\u2019s together at dinner tonight.\u201d That had been enough to keep his father talking about the changes on the ranch and showing Melinda the wonders of the Ponderosa as they made their way home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they neared the house, Ben said, \u201cI\u2019m going out to pay the hands, Adam. Any chance you\u2019d like to ride along?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Observing Melinda biting her lips and twisting at the same curl from before, he offered, \u201cI think I\u2019d best show Melinda around a little first so she knows where to find everything. Once she\u2019s busy unpacking, I\u2019ll change clothes and meet you out there. Did you say the crew is on the flat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s where we\u2019ll be,\u201d Ben confirmed, and added, \u201cI know Hugh and the rest of the men that were here before you left are anxious to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hugh Rollins had started working for their family a few years before Adam had left for school. He had taught the eldest son, whom he\u2019d christened, \u201cYoung Cartwright,\u201d much of what he knew about driving steers. Adam pondered, \u201cI\u2019m surprised Hugh hasn\u2019t retired yet. I remember him complaining that his knees and shoulders were aching, and his back didn\u2019t take well to hours in the saddle anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled and nodded. \u201cHugh is helping out today, but he retired and bought a small spread shortly after you left. He pitches in during drives and takes his pay in livestock.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they made it home, Adam took care of the wagon and team while his father saddled Buck. After a warm welcome, Hop Sing kept Melinda busy showing her around the yard until Ben rode off and Adam was free to help the cook carry their bags into the house. The small powerhouse then begged their forgiveness in abandoning them. \u201cMust go now. Work on garden and pick peas for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alone with her husband, Melinda blew out a long breath. \u201cThere are some lovely estates back in Boston, but when you ride up to the Ponderosa and see this house set here in the pines, it takes your breath away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her brows rose. \u201cWhy are you thanking me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I designed the house before I went to college. Pa put it up while I was gone, and it\u2019s one of the reasons it took me so long to get back to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Her voice flirted with mild annoyance but quickly moved toward teasing. \u201cYou\u2019re saying you loved this\u00a0house<\/em>\u00a0more than you loved\u00a0me<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something about this place: not just the house but the land too. It becomes part of you. After working so hard to make it produce and become a success, it was hard to leave. Yet around the time I saw you in Sacramento, it was beginning to feel a little more like a burr under my belt, so it was time to see what other wonders the world might hold.\u201d He took her hand, \u201cC\u2019mon, I\u2019ll show you around.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a quick tour, Adam left Melinda in his room and trotted downstairs to get water for her to wash up. He knew Hop Sing would have an ample supply of water warming in the bathhouse tank since he was preparing a welcome-home supper. The Cartwright men knew that on such occasions, you didn\u2019t come to the table with trail dust hanging from your ears and eyebrows or Hop Sing would give you a dressing down with orders to return when you were properly washed and attired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He found Melinda stripped to her camisole and petticoat by the time he returned and had to breathe deeply to tamp the passion that she always aroused in him. It didn\u2019t work. Setting the ewer down, he pulled her near and slipped his hands beneath the loose undergarment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She moaned and began to tremble as his breath warmed her skin where he trailed kisses along the curve of her neck. Raising her arms, she urged him to remove the cotton barrier between them, while saying breathlessly, \u201cI thought you said we couldn\u2019t do this here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said we couldn\u2019t do this if someone was around.\u201d He slid her petticoats to the floor as she worked the buttons of his shirt, tugged it from his arms, and then moved her hands down his chest to his waist. He gasped before \u00a0saying, \u201cHoss and Joe aren\u2019t back yet, Pa\u2019s gone, and Hop Sing is outside; it\u2019s now or never, darlin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She opened his belt and set to work on the buttons of his trousers as she declared, \u201cIf those are my options, I choose now!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had noticed earlier when he\u2019d taken the wagon team\u2019s harnesses into the barn that Sport was no longer quartered with the family mounts. When he came outside intending to ride out to meet his father and the crew, he walked toward the fenced pasture where the riding horses grazed. He\u2019d worried about leaving Melinda alone, but she had promised, \u201cYou go on and I\u2019ll be fine. There are clothes to unpack, and a letter to write to my parents. If you\u2019re not back by then, I\u2019ll see if Hop Sing needs help shucking peas.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leaning against the fence, he observed the fine horseflesh the Ponderosa kept \u201cjust in case\u201d they were needed, and then snickered while a devilish smile played at the corners of his mouth as he thought about what he\u2019d been doing a few minutes earlier.\u00a0I just left my wife\u2026in my bed<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After he\u2019d returned from college, he\u2019d often rested in that same bed, considering the type of woman he would marry. Adam had twice witnessed what his father was like as a married man. Although those two women had been as different as night and day in looks and background, on the inside they were the same\u2014as loving and devoted to Ben Cartwright as he was to them. That was the kind of marriage he\u2019d wanted too. He shook his head as he realized that whenever he\u2019d allowed himself such reflection back then, the only face he\u2019d seen by his side was the intelligent and beautiful young woman he\u2019d left behind in Boston. As time and circumstances in Adam\u2019s own life had moved him into his 30\u2019s as a bachelor, and then after the near mistake with Laura, he\u2019d begun to wonder if he\u2019d ever be married.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But it had happened. He and Melinda had met again unexpectedly and found that they had both remained in love, even though their letters to each other had never reached their destinations. That bit of fate had left them each to think that the other no longer cared. At the time they\u2019d re-met, he\u2019d been engaged to Laura, but when things had worked out, he\u2019d left the Ponderosa and gone to find Melinda again. They\u2019d been married ten months already, and in his wildest dreams as a single man, he\u2019d never considered that it would be\u00a0this<\/em>good to be a husband. Yet he also knew that if his wife was anyone but Melinda that might not be true.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A shiver coursed through his body as he thought about the physical side of their marriage. Melinda had two very progressive women who had helped to mold her character, and both her mother and her aunt believed that women should be partners in a marriage\u2026in every way. He\u2019d worried that she would be shy on their wedding night, but he needn\u2019t have. She had been eager in their first experience as a couple, and every time since then. When he teased her about her healthy appetite for marital intimacy, she just smiled and said that she was making up for twelve years of lost time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was more to it than that, though. Adam knew that his satisfaction with marriage was far more than just in the physical realm. It was equally about being so close to another person that he felt they were united in mind and soul as well as heart. They\u2019d already faced so much in their short time as a couple, and he hoped they could weather anything if they did it together. He woke most mornings to her arm draped across his chest; her tousled hair framing her face as she gave a sleepy smile when he kissed her. He came home to find her waiting\u2014welcoming him with her embrace and kiss, and then chattering on about her day and asking about his. Love was a wonderful thing when accompanied by trust and openness. There were certainly times when they argued and were cross or out of sorts, and they didn\u2019t always understand each other. But their love covered the multitude of their flaws.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The only thing missing was a child. They\u2019d both hoped for a baby soon after they married, but Melinda had always had irregular cycles and while that had never seemed a problem when she was single, it now meant there were far fewer opportunities to conceive. They\u2019d been advised to be patient\u2014to stop thinking or talking about it. In the end that was all they could do. Worrying didn\u2019t help, so they had agreed to let life take its course\u2014whatever that might be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked back again at his bedroom window before bringing his thumb and forefinger to his lips and issuing a sharp whistle. A chestnut head popped up from among the horses nibbling at the tufts of grass in the field. A white blaze shone in the sun as the big steed turned in the direction of the signal, and seeming to recognize the summoner, loped toward the fence. Nuzzling his master\u2019s hand, he nickered as Adam said, \u201cHiya, boy. Wanna go for a ride?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three<\/strong>\u00a0–\u00a0The Horse Apple Principle of Truth<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam began telling the story of why he and Melinda had left Boston that evening while the family had an aperitif and waited for Hop Sing\u2019s call to the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLouis Castelletti,\u201d Hoss repeated the name Adam had said. \u201cAin\u2019t he the same feller Pa told us kidnapped Melinda before yer wedding?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe very same.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he\u2019d be in prison for some time after all he done.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe thought so too, Hoss, but the only charges brought against him were for running illegal gambling houses. Castelletti didn\u2019t dirty his hands with running his brothels, and the man who actually did\u2014the one who\u2019d actually kidnapped Melinda\u2014was killed during the rescue. With some well-placed bribes to ease the way, Castelletti was released in a few months.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s jaw set into a worried frown. \u201cSo what was he after this time, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe wanted me to construct a tunnel from a building he\u2019d purchased, into the basement of the federal bank next door. He hoped to get at the stores of foreign currency and counterfeit U.S. money being held there that had been collected by the Secret Service.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut that wasn\u2019t the worst of it,\u201d Melinda broke in. \u201cTell them Castelletti\u2019s real goal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe wanted to destroy me, I guess. He seemed to hate that I was an honest man, and wanted to break me by taking away everything I held important in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grimaced. \u201cHow\u2019d he do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe plan was to make me commit a federal crime for one thing, and then he started rumors about me bribing officials in the city planning department. Luckily Frank had a pretty good idea what was going on, yet he had to fire me when he heard about that so as not to give his suspicions away. That still wasn\u2019t enough for Castelletti. He set a plan in motion to make Melinda believe I was leaving her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t sound like something you\u2019d abide by without a fight.\u201d Ben\u2019s worried look deepened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda answered, \u201cCastelletti said he\u2019d kill me and Able if Adam let anyone know what was going on. He had to allow it all to happen to keep us safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I figered,\u201dHoss declared. \u201cI can\u2019t see Adam doing nothin\u2019 like that without a strong reason making him. So how\u2019d you get away from him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam finished telling of constructing the tunnel to collapse and working with the Secret Service when it was over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo is Castelletti going to be in prison for a long time now?\u201d Ben\u2019s scowl had turned to a hopeful smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead, Pa. One of his men shot him.\u201d Adam drained his glass and breathed a relieved sigh at being done with the story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI bet you\u2019re glad he won\u2019t be coming back any more,\u201d Hoss said as he shook his head. \u201cIt seems that man had a particular kind of hate fer ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda took her husband\u2019s arm and laid her head on his shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m just glad Adam won\u2019t have to make any more life-and-death decisions because of \u2018that man.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had remained quiet throughout the telling, but finally joined in. \u201cWell that wasn\u2019t the first time our older brother had to make that kind of decision. It happened here a few years ago when Adam put Pa\u2019s life on the line to prove that he was a better man than Sam Bryant.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The heads of the other Cartwrights snapped toward the speaker with Ben being the first to object. \u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019re giving Melinda a fair picture of what happened, Joe.\u201d His laugh was tight and his voice had a warning edge as he continued. \u201cWhat my youngest is referring to was an incident where one of the mine bosses\u2026\u201d He noticed Melinda\u2019s eyebrows dip and chuckled as he settled into the story. \u201cI forget you aren\u2019t from around here. Let me start a little further back. There was a lot of lawlessness at the silver mines when the money started flowing, and bosses were hired by the mine owners to enforce order and protect their interests. These men were often shady types who hired gunmen and thugs to help them, and eventually bands of enforcers created a far more alarming situation than they\u2019d been hired to prevent. The worst boss by far was this, Sam Bryant. He moved from keeping order at the mines to terrorizing the town as he demanded money for protection against the \u2018criminal element.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss took over the tale as his father broke off for a sip of wine. \u201cFunny thing about it was that the criminals they paid to be protected from was actually the men that they was givin\u2019 their money to. Didn\u2019t make sense a\u2019tall, but most paid up. Things got so bad that Sam pretty much thought he controlled everything in town\u2026includin\u2019 the law. But when one of his men, a feller named, Farmer Perkins, murdered a shopkeeper in front of the man\u2019s wife, the town finally had enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what happened?\u201d Melinda\u2019s eyes were bright, yet shadowed by concern as she held tightly to Adam\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spoke up again. \u201cThe judge sentenced Farmer to hang, and then Sam kidnapped Pa in retaliation. He said that if the sheriff hanged his man, he\u2019d do the same to Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m confused.\u201d Melinda tipped her head as her forehead puckered. \u201cHow did Adam end up making a decision about Ben\u2019s life?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reclaimed the story. \u201cThe whole family had been deputized, and then the sheriff got himself shot and Adam had to take over. He felt the only way to make a stand was to go right on with the hangin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing that the same thing might be happening to his father.\u201d She shook her head sadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cThat was the dilemma in a nutshell. But I think it was an easier decision for Adam to put Pa\u2019s life on the line. He had more to lose if you had died.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2019s annoyed, \u201cJoseph!\u201d was uttered just as Hop Sing announced dinner. As he led his family to the table, Ben said pointedly in the direction of his youngest son, \u201cSam Bryant and Louis Castelletti were pretty much the same man. In the end, Adam had to stand up to both of them to prove they couldn\u2019t win against people with character. He couldn\u2019t feign a hanging like he could pretend to be blowing a hole into a bank for this Castelletti, so he had to go ahead with Farmer\u2019s sentence. Sam couldn\u2019t get me to beg for my life either, and he finally caved in as he understood that he\u2019d underestimated the Cartwright grit.\u201d Ben stood behind his chair at the head of table, as he gave each of his boys a quick nod, and added, \u201cIt was\u00a0exactly<\/em>\u00a0what I would have done and I was proud of all three of my sons for standing strong when they might have backed down under pressure or from fear.\u201d He waited for Adam to assist Melinda, and then took his seat before completing the story. \u201cIn the end, one of Sam\u2019s own men shot him, much like Castelletti. I don\u2019t think those two men could believe that anyone would continue to plan against them with the stakes so high. They assumed that normal men would have been too afraid to stand up to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss laughed. \u201cMelinda, you should probably know that the Cartwrights ain\u2019t never been normal men.\u201d He inhaled appreciatively as Hop Sing brought the first platter to the table. \u201cYou\u2019re in for a treat tonight, Sister-in-Law. No one can cook pork like our Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A quick chuckle preceded Joe\u2019s thought. \u201cPork? I thought we\u2019d have fatted calf for\u00a0Adam\u2019s<\/em>\u00a0return.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave a tight laugh. \u201cYour brother is hardly a prodigal son, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Joe looked toward Adam and grinned. \u201cBut we could have laid palm branches hailing his return if we\u2019d have known he was coming. After all he is a genius; a hero among men; a foiler of crimes\u2026 How can we poor cow-punchers hope to hold a candle to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss handed Joe a bowl with peas and rolled his eyes. \u201cYou\u2019ll excuse my brother, ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, turning to Melinda, \u201che\u2019s had a bad day and isn\u2019t his usual good-natured self tonight. He got charged exter for running out of the barber shop and then found out that his horse is lame and he had to leave him in town. The poor old nag he rode home could barely trot and it took us forever to get here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear about Cochise. How serious is it?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to worry about it, Adam. He should be fine in a day or two.\u201d Joe\u2019s words were clipped while delivered with a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s eyes had been widening throughout Joe\u2019s comments and she was glad when Hoss asked her to tell him about her family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up in Connecticut, but I spent a lot of time with my aunt who lived next door to Abel Stoddard in Boston. That\u2019s where I met Adam. I have two sisters.\u201d She chuckled, \u201cWe\u2019re kind of the female version of the Cartwright family. I\u2019m the oldest; Miranda is next, and finally, Marie. I moved into my aunt\u2019s house when she left it to me in her will. Miranda moved to Boston when she married and then my folks moved there as well a few years ago when things got bad during the onset of the war.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy father had an export business that arranged commodity shipments. Much of that came from the Southern states, and when the talk of fighting started, businessmen there geared up for war instead of commerce. There was no product to ship and Papa wasn\u2019t able to hold on. Fortunately, he found a position as an accountant at a firm in Boston. It was a hard adjustment for him, but he\u2019s doing well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe accidently clanked his fork into his plate as he set it down, making everyone jump. With their attention on him, he sent Melinda an exaggerated smile. \u201cI\u2019m sure the South regrets the trouble they caused your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam opened his mouth to speak but Melinda silenced him with a touch as she looked directly at her brother-in-law and mirrored his smile. Keeping her tone relaxed, she responded, \u201cMy father never blamed anyone for what happened, Joe. He understood that there are many types of casualties in war. It seemed that everyone lost someone or something\u2026on both sides. My sympathies were with the Union, yet I could understand many of the issues the South fought for. And because of what happened with my father, I was able to comprehend that a country divided would not work as well as a nation united in purpose. My family grieved the loss of\u00a0all<\/em>\u00a0those who bravely fought and died in their causes. From what Adam has told me that was true of the Cartwright family as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou put that very eloquently, Melinda.\u201d Ben said sincerely, as he touched her hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing had begun clearing dishes as Melinda spoke and now he returned with dessert and coffee. He placed a slice of chocolate-glazed, custard-filled sponge cake in front of her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled up at the waiting cook. \u201cYou made Boston Cream Pie, Hop Sing? It looks delicious! Where did you find the recipe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSaw in newspaper. No recipe, just tell how it made. It look like real thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks perfect,\u201d Adam complimented as he turned to his father. \u201cYou remember that we went to the Parker House Hotel looking for Melinda after she was kidnapped? That\u2019s where this dessert originated.\u201d He took a bite and gave his approval in an appreciative moan. \u201cChef Sanzian couldn\u2019t have made this any better! In fact he could learn a few things from you, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The cook beamed while Hoss asked, \u201cYou know the feller who concocted this, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Hoss. We don\u2019t know him well, but if you visit us some time, we\u2019ll take you to his restaurant and you can show him how someone should appreciate a good meal.\u201d Adam noticed Joe rolling his eyes while shaking his head as he\u2019d finished his comment to Hoss. The theatrics were another confirmation for Adam that there was something about the evening that wasn\u2019t sitting well with his youngest brother. Yet he didn\u2019t push him, knowing from experience that Joe could be sullen and testy one minute, and snap out of it the next. He finished his dessert without further comment, and was the first to rise when Ben suggested they take their coffee to the living area.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat with Melinda on the settee facing the others, and had a brief flashback to his oral exams in college when he had sat facing his professors. In fact he was feeling the same sort of dread as he had then, and was relieved when Hoss smiled over at him and winked. It didn\u2019t surprise him that his middle brother would understand what he was feeling. Hoss had always seemed to know when the oldest Cartwright son needed a helping hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss asked an easy question, \u201cHow long you plannin\u2019 on stayin\u2019, Adam? Mind you, I hope it\u2019s some time before we\u2019ll be sayin\u2019 so-long again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Melinda, hoping this was what they\u2019d decided. The evening had rattled him and he wasn\u2019t sure how their timeframe would be viewed. \u201cWe can stay for a couple of weeks, Hoss, and then we\u2019re going to San Francisco. Frank asked if I\u2019d be able to help Frank Jr. with a project for the Frisco office of Wadsworth Engineering before we head home.\u201d He looked again at his wife and took her hand as he tried to finish. \u201cAnd once we\u2019re back in Boston\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe broke into the announcement. \u201cWhat I don\u2019t understand is if this Castelletti was dead, why did you have to leave? Why come all this way without letting us know. Things are pretty busy around here right now and we won\u2019t be able to stop what we\u2019re doing just because you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his youngest another stern look. \u201cThis will always be Adam\u2019s home, Joe. He doesn\u2019t need a reason to come here. That will be true for you and Hoss too should you decide to find your futures away from the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam held tightly to Melinda\u2019s hand as he addressed his brother. \u201cThat\u2019s a valid question, Joe. It would seem that the threat was over. But Castelletti had also said he\u2019d given orders to have us all killed if anything happened to him during the project. The police and Secret Service felt it best that we leave while they ensured that his entire organization was dismantled.\u201d Turning to his father, he continued, \u201cI suspect Joe\u2019s right about the other part of his thought as well, Pa. It would have been better to give you a little more notice that we were on the way. At the time though, I could only think of one place where we\u2019d feel safe and wouldn\u2019t have to keep looking over our shoulders.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Hoss who spoke up again. \u201cI, for one, am very glad you decided to make the trip, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ignored his father\u2019s frequent glances toward him. \u201cSo you came all the way out here to lay low? That doesn\u2019t sound like the brother I know. Don\u2019t get me wrong, I was happily surprised to see you in town today. I just wish you\u2019d come home because you wanted to, not because you had no other option.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s loud, \u201cJoseph, that\u2019s enough of this nonsense!\u201d was tempered by Adam\u2019s calm reply. \u201cWe had plenty of options; we\u00a0wanted<\/em>\u00a0to come here. Melinda\u2019s been pestering me to know more about the ranch, and about getting to meet you and Hoss. Coming home now seemed like our\u00a0best<\/em>\u00a0option now. We won\u2019t be able to later. Frank is sending us to London when we get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His father\u2019s eyes widened in surprise. \u201cWill this be a vacation or are you going for work?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWork, Pa. Melinda and I agreed to the opportunity the day before I was shanghaied by Castelletti, and Frank confirmed that the job is available, the night we left Boston. I\u2019ll be working on a project in the London docks. We\u2019ll try to travel while we\u2019re there. I hope we can get to Wales, Ireland and Scotland, and maybe even some parts of the Continent before we head home again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had risen and begun pacing after his father\u2019s admonition. He was directly behind Melinda and Adam when he muttered, \u201cI wonder what the English will think of Lord Adam,\u201d just loud enough for them to hear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda stood and pulled Adam up from the couch. \u201cI think it\u2019s time we thank our chef again for the fine\u00a0welcome<\/em>\u00a0home<\/em>\u00a0meal,\u201d she said as she looked directly at Joe. \u201cThen I\u2019m taking my husband outside so he can show me those starry Nevadan skies he always brags about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere really are more stars visible out here,\u201d she told Adam as she put her arms around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they stood stargazing, Little Joe breezed past them without saying a word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave Melinda a peck on the cheek and said, \u201cDon\u2019t go anywhere; I\u2019ll be right back,\u201d before trotting away to catch up to his brother. He laid his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder to stop him and asked in an easy tone, \u201cWhat are you up to?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was as stiff as his words clipped. \u201cYou\u2019re not my keeper anymore, Adam. Don\u2019t worry about what I\u2019m doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not worried.\u201d He kept his hand firmly in place on his brother\u2019s shoulder, not allowing him to leave. \u201cI only wondered if I might give you a hand with whatever\u2019s bothering you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust leave me alone, Adam!\u201d He grabbed his brother\u2019s arm, pushed it away roughly and made his getaway into the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood speechless, rubbing the spot on his wrist where Joe had grasped it. Adam hung his head recalling a time when he had pushed his father away; rejecting the man\u2019s concern and desire to help as he\u2019d spat out almost the same words that Joe had just uttered. Taking a lesson from how his father had handled that situation with him, Adam let his brother go. Joe had to figure out what was bothering him\u2014and what to do about it. He breathed deeply before retracing his steps to his bride.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on with Joe? I heard him raise his voice and saw him hurry off. In fact, I\u2019m pretty sure something was bothering him all evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He took her hand and led her farther away from the house. \u201cYou\u2019re right, but the kid will have to work it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They walked further until they reached a large, flat rock. Adam pushed the concerns from his mind as he climbed up and assisted Melinda. \u201cWe\u2019re going to lie down on our backs now to observe and listen. I\u2019ll be right next to you, but you can\u2019t snuggle up to me or you\u2019ll miss too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat rock looks even harder than your bed,\u201d She teased as she chewed her lip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrust me, honey, it\u2019ll be worth the sore backside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The quiet night suddenly erupted in sound as they stopped talking and rested on the flat surface that still held the warmth from the sun. Crickets chirped, gnats buzzed, and in the distance a coyote cried, while night-birds hooted and called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They held hands as they watched the heavens for shooting stars. Melinda cried out in delight as several flashed by while the wind whispered through the trees and brush, providing a symphony for the celestial ballet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After many minutes, Melinda rolled onto her side and kissed Adam\u2019s cheek before returning to her back and the amazing display above them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two younger brothers were up with the sun and already in the barn saddling up for a day of branding out on the flat by the time the remaining Cartwrights made it down to breakfast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo whadya think of her, Joe?\u201d Hoss asked with a shy, toothy smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s pretty much the thin-nosed, blue-blooded Yankee I\u2019d assumed she\u2019d be. Count on Adam to go back across the country to find someone like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss dropped his saddle back onto the stall divider. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with ya, Joe? You usually like people easy, but you were downright disagreeable with Adam and Melinda last night. From as stiff as you just got when you done answered me, things ain\u2019t changed any overnight. I think she\u2019s real nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face screwed up until his lips were a tight pucker. \u201cSo, you\u2019re saying I have to like her just because you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNah, I ain\u2019t sayin\u2019 that at all. But I don\u2019t see nothing wrong with her neither. I won\u2019t never find me a gal like Melinda, but golly, Joe, the way she looks at our brother: she lights up when he walks in the room and\u2019s always holdin\u2019 his hand or touchin\u2019 his arm. It makes me long to have a wife next to me too. I remember your ma and our Pa being like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no response from the other stall as Joe worked to saddle a horse he\u2019d brought in from the pasture to use while Cochise recovered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s botherin\u2019 you, Joe?\u201d Hoss asked again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just that,\u201d he struggled to put his thoughts into words, \u201cI wish Adam hadn\u2019t come home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s comment made Hoss stagger as he lifted the saddle over Chubby\u2019s tall back. He faced his brother with his mouth agape and eyes popping. \u201cWhy on earth would you even think that, much less say it?\u201d His words were accented by the sting of hurt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa can\u2019t handle his coming and going. He knows Adam isn\u2019t staying, but Pa\u2019ll get to thinking that maybe he might. Then he\u2019ll mope for months again when Adam leaves, making us work even harder until he feels better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t true and you know it,\u201d Hoss reprimanded, \u201cand don\u2019t you let Pa hear you say that. When Adam left for school, Pa did pine for some time, but when he left for Boston a year or so back, Pa saw it as a good move. You weren\u2019t back from Sacramento before Adam had to leave, but Pa did just fine. And when Pa got back after being in Boston, he was excited for all Adam was doin\u2019 there. Our Pa\u2019s a different man now, Joe. He understands that we\u2019re grown and have to make our own lives\u2014whether that\u2019s here or somewheres else.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grunted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo,\u201d Hoss prompted, \u201cif there\u2019s truth in what you just said about hating that Adam came home and it\u2019s not about Pa, then what is it about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just so different than us, Hoss. I don\u2019t know how we ever got along with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss guffawed. \u201cWell, ain\u2019t you just stepped on a horse-apple of truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that? Dang it, did I step in something bringing this mare inside?\u201d Joe checked his boots but found nothing amiss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop checkin\u2019 for manure. I\u2019m talking metaphorically.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s mouth hung open. \u201cHow do you even know a word like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam taught it to me years back and I guess it\u2019s been turnin\u2019 around in my head waiting for a chance to use it. I mean that a\u2019course Adam is different from us. First off, he\u2019s been around the longest and bore the most responsibility. He pulled his weight from the time my ma died and he never got to be a kid\u2014least ways not like you and me did. Adam\u2019s smart as a whip and has always figured things out better and faster than either of us could. He is who he is, Joe. He never apologized for that, nor lorded it over us none neither. And when it comes down to it, little brother, you and I ain\u2019t exactly alike neither. We get along because I usually let you have your way about things. I ain\u2019t sayin\u2019 that I have bad feelings about that; it\u2019s just the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo where do the horse apples come in?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere ain\u2019t nothing wrong with horse apples, is there? We spread them on the field and they help the hay grow. They\u2019s a fact of life when you got livestock and they\u2019re no big deal until you step on one and start smellin\u2019 it. It don\u2019t change what they are; you just have to deal with it\u2014scrape it off yer boot and move on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how does this apply to me and Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMost times you and Adam got along fine. The fact that the two of you thought different, liked doin\u2019 different things, and handled things different didn\u2019t make no matter. You each went out and made the world a little better by being who you were. But sometimes you didn\u2019t see eye-to-eye and irritated each other, and then things started to stink like you stepped in a pile of brotherly muck. You and Adam had lots of times like that, but you cleaned off yer boots and went on as brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes you\u2019re a whole lot smarter than you look,\u201d Joe laughed as he tossed a handful of straw at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss wasn\u2019t finished, \u201cThat brings me back to the original question. What\u2019s Adam done that\u2019s stuck on yer boot?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The brothers\u2019 conversation had them so involved that they hadn\u2019t heard the house door close or the footsteps coming across the yard. Adam had finished eating and was coming out to hitch up a buggy to take his wife for a tour of the Ponderosa. As he\u2019d neared the barn, he\u2019d heard the conversation going on inside and hesitated. He smiled at Hoss\u2019s description of being brothers, and then really wanted to hear Joe\u2019s answer to what was bothering him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s being Adam, I guess,\u201d Joe began. \u201cI mean he comes waltzing home, expecting us to fall all over him. Of course he\u2019s doing well\u2014he always has. And of course he saved Melinda and foiled a plot against the United States because he\u2019s so blasted smart. I won\u2019t ever be able to figure things the way what Adam can, and now he\u2019s going to England so they can sing his praises there too. Maybe I\u2019m just sick to death of hearing about how wonderful our older brother is. I got enough to do around here without having to do any more bowing to the better man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hurt look had returned to Hoss\u2019s face and voice. \u201cI don\u2019t get you, Joe. Adam don\u2019t want to be treated any different than he ever did. He never took praise easy and always carried his burdens quiet-like. And he didn\u2019t come here to bother you none. He came to find some peace\u2026a safe place where he could let his guard down a little. It was there in his words if you\u2019d listened instead of grousing all evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scoffed, \u201cAdam needs a place to put his guard down? You can\u2019t mean that. Why, he\u2019s as full of himself as he ever was. You wouldn\u2019t believe what I heard him and his Yankee bride doing last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked horrified. \u201cYou mind your manners. I\u2019m not sure what you\u2019re about ta say, but I think you should think long and hard before going any further.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam completed his walk into the barn. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Hoss, I\u2019d like to know just what Joe thought he heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I\u2019ll tell you.\u201d Joe seemed unaffected by Adam showing up in the middle of his tirade. He left the stall to stand closer to his oldest brother. \u201cHoss just said you don\u2019t lord your success over us, but he\u2019s dead wrong on that one, isn\u2019t he, Adam? \u00a0Sometimes you just need to\u00a0prove<\/em>\u00a0how much more you have.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrows rose under his hat brim as his lips drew to the side. \u201cI have no idea what you\u2019re talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s wild laugh echoed to the rafters. \u201cYou have no idea? How about this\u2026I heard Melinda screaming out your name around midnight. I guess bringing home a beautiful, smart wife wasn\u2019t enough to shove in my face\u2026you had to bed her in the room next to mine so I\u2018d have to\u00a0hear<\/em>\u00a0what a better man you are too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The right hook Adam laid across Joe\u2019s cheek sent him sprawling. As he scrabbled to his feet he raised his fists for a fight, but Hoss stood in front of him. \u201cYou had that comin\u2019, Joe. Stand down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had already begun to leave the barn when he turned to face his youngest brother again. \u201cIf this was about me, I\u2019d walk out of here without another word, but I don\u2019t want you spreading ugliness about Melinda; she doesn\u2019t deserve it.\u201d He scrubbed at his face and breathed deeply before beginning. \u201cWhen Melinda was kidnapped, she was chloroformed and taken to a brothel. She awoke in pitch darkness on a filthy mattress, unable to move because she was tied to the bed frame. She could hear rats running across the floor and chewing inside the walls next to the bed and was sure they would find her too. She still has nightmares about it. We leave a lamp burning when we travel, but it went out last night and she woke up in the dark.\u201d His voice dropped. \u201cShe was screaming in terror.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The older brother composed himself as Joe continued to stare at his boots. Once his anger abated, Adam continued, \u201cWhen I suggested we come here, I figured that you and Hoss wouldn\u2019t want to hear my advice, and that I\u2019d have to wait for a clear indication of how I could best help out.\u201d He paused until Joe looked up, \u201cThe one thing I never considered was that you\u2019d wished I\u2019d stayed away.\u201d He turned and walked toward the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo after him, Joe.\u201d Hoss\u2019s tone left no room for interpretation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy should I? I\u2019m sorry about misunderstanding the situation last night, but I\u2019d say he understands how I feel about this visit. He\u2019ll stick his chin out and go on like nothing happened. You know Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow can he go on like nothin\u2019 happened? You didn\u2019t throw a punch, but I\u2019m pretty certain his gut feels like it was trampled by a herd of longhorns about now.\u201d Hoss finished adjusting his saddle and led Chubby to the door. \u201cI\u2019m leavin\u2019 now, and I don\u2019t rightly want your company on the way. I\u2019ll see you out there, but stay clear a me today, ya hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at his father as he entered the house. His heart was still racing from the conversation outside, and he felt like he\u2019d had the wind knocked out of him. \u201cMind if interrupt you for a minute, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure. I\u2019m just starting a list of people we should invite to the reception for you and Melinda. I know you hate big affairs, so we\u2019ll keep it to a reasonable crowd.\u201d He grinned up at his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moving a chair to the desk, Adam sat and laid his arms on the shining surface. He and his father had talked many things out across this desk in the past. Now there was something he had to say that he knew wouldn\u2019t sit well. \u201cAbout that, Pa\u2026I know I said we\u2019d be here for a couple of weeks, but in thinking it through, I believe we\u2019ll have to get going sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow much sooner?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say by week\u2019s end.\u201d He saw his father\u2019s face drop, the deep lines of age forming parentheses around his mouth as he frowned. \u201cI was thinking we could invite a few people to a get-together at the International House on Friday evening.\u201d His voice faltered for an instant, but he cleared his throat and continued, \u201cMelinda and I will stay in town that night and head to San Francisco on the Saturday morning stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice was calm while rising in pitch, \u201cIt\u2019s Tuesday already. That means you\u2019ll be leaving in three days. What changed?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI realize that we\u2019ve intruded into the busiest time on the ranch. I\u2019ll take a day or two to show Melinda around, and then we\u2019ll be out from underfoot. It\u2019ll be better this way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben eyed his son. \u201cBetter for whom?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes were focused on the wall behind his father. He knew he couldn\u2019t lie while looking at him. \u201cEveryone, I expect.\u201d He swept the room with his gaze and finally stared at his hands. He hadn\u2019t planned what he was about to say. It had come as a flash giving him an alternative to be with his father while placating Joe. \u201cI was wondering\u2026 I know it\u2019s a busy time, but I was hoping you could get away and come to San Francisco for a few days. Hoss and Joe can run things here. I read in the Chronicle that there\u2019s a visiting Viennese orchestra doing Bach\u2019s Brandenburg Concertos. You\u2019ve always liked Bach.\u201d He was beginning to babble, but he kept on going rather than allow his father a chance to ask any more questions about why he was leaving so soon. \u201cThe Brandenburg pieces weren\u2019t discovered until around 1850, so they haven\u2019t been widely performed. I\u2019d like to hear them with you, and we could spend more time together before Melinda and I head off again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t think I haven\u2019t noticed that you aren\u2019t looking at me, son. There\u2019s a whole lot more to this change of plan than you\u2019re saying. Did something happen with your brothers?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was honest in what I told you,\u201d the son pronounced as he made eye contact. \u201cCall it a case of bad timing and nothing more. I realize how hard it is to worry about guests when there\u2019s so much to get done.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe had finished saddling his horse and then had headed to the house to find his brother, intending to apologize for misinterpreting the previous night\u2019s situation. He knew he\u2019d overstepped a boundary there, but as for the rest, he wasn\u2019t about to change his opinion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he neared the door, he heard the voices of his father and brother through the open windows above the desk. He hadn\u2019t intended on eavesdropping, but he figured that since Adam had taken that privilege outside the barn, there was nothing wrong about him listening now. The last thing he wanted to do was walk into a brouhaha where he\u2019d have to defend himself without knowing what had been said. He cringed as he heard the growing sadness in his father\u2019s voice, knowing that\u00a0he<\/em>\u00a0was the cause of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou are not a guest who needs to be dealt with, Adam,\u201d Ben said loudly as he slapped the surface of the desk. \u201cYou are my son! This is your home! You are welcome anytime for as long as you want to stay!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that. But the truth is that things don\u2019t remain locked in time. People change; situations change.\u201d He smiled and rose to forestall another round of fatherly interrogation. \u201cWill you at least consider San Francisco?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben slumped back into his green leather chair. \u201cI don\u2019t know what happened between breakfast and now.\u201d He gave his eldest a lopsided smile. \u201cI know I won\u2019t ever get you to reveal what prompted your change of plans, so let me see if I can work things out to be gone for a few days. I\u2019ll let you know by tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda had heard Ben\u2019s raised voice and was coming down the steps to see if something was wrong just as Little Joe entered from outside. She looked from the two men near the desk to the one at the door and knew from their stiff postures and set faces that something was going on that involved all three men. She lied, \u201cExcuse me, I thought I heard Adam call for me.\u201d She looked at her husband and said, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come up and get me when you\u2019re finished,\u201d and then turned to go back to their room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t go, Melinda,\u201d Joe called after her. \u201cYou need to hear this too.\u201d He waited until she descended and was standing next to Adam before saying, \u201cPa, you go right on ahead and plan that party.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam told me that they won\u2019t be here long enough for that.\u201d He eyed his youngest with a steely glare. \u201cAm I to assume that you are the reason for the shortened stay?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leaned back against the credenza and shoved his hat back on his head as he chewed on his cheek. \u201cI suspect I am. Adam overheard me saying some ugly things in the barn a little bit ago and then I told him that I didn\u2019t cotton to his being here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gasped. \u201cIs that true, Adam?\u201d The eldest son remained silent and Ben turned a wounded look on his youngest, \u201cWhy on earth? What would possess you\u2026where do you get the right to say who is welcome in my house? I noticed that you weren\u2019t yourself last night, but I hoped it was as Hoss had said\u2014that you\u2019d had a trying day or that you were testing Adam\u2019s ability to hold his temper amid a little brotherly foolery. But to continue this nonsense today to the point where he believes they aren\u2019t welcome\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s entitled to his opinion, Pa.\u201d Adam spoke up as he saw Joe withering under Ben\u2019s stare. \u201cI told you; life doesn\u2019t remain as it was. No one is forcing us to go. We\u2019ll leave on Friday and then things can get back to normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda wasn\u2019t sure what had prompted Adam to cut short their stay but she felt the rigidity of the muscles as she touched her husband\u2019s arm, and recognized the tense set of his jaw. As she turned toward Ben, she noticed that his face was red and set in an angry scowl directed toward his youngest son. When her gaze finally made it to Joe, she thought he actually appeared to be shrinking under the weight of his father\u2019s tacit rage. Her conclusion was that whatever was going on belonged between the two brothers and wouldn\u2019t be worked out with their father in the room. She walked over to Ben and took his hand, giving him a knowing look and a head-nod toward outside. The set of his jaw slackened as he followed her to the door. She told the two brothers, \u201cBen\u2019s going to show me how to saddle a horse for the buggy while you two talk.\u201d Looking back over her shoulder, she added, \u201cDon\u2019t take all day though, I want to see this ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure did marry yourself a city girl,\u201d Joe laughed once the door was closed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam chuckled too as the pressure broke. \u201cDid she just say they were going to \u2018saddle\u2019 a horse for the buggy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s laugh had moved to a giggle as he walked toward his brother. He was suddenly serious again. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t know about Melinda and that\u2026place. And I should have known that you would never\u2026 I don\u2019t know what got into me. Whatever it is must be bad because Hoss didn\u2019t even want to be around me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI accept your apology, and I won\u2019t say anything to Melinda. And while I wish it didn\u2019t bother me that you don\u2019t want me here, you owe me no explanations.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was moving toward the door to join the others outside when Joe said, \u201cIt\u2019s complicated.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure it is,\u201d the older brother agreed , pausing with his hand on the latch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think that once I got over you being gone for good, it sort of made me feel free. You know what I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cNo big brother looking over your shoulder. People stopped comparing my methods to yours. You got to be your own man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the door. \u201cAnd then when I showed up unexpectedly, you worried that those comparisons would start up again, or worse, I might decide to stick around and you\u2019d go back to being, \u2018Little\u2019 Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPretty much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou should know that Pa practically busts his buttons when he talks about you and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe does?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked to the desk and perched on the edge. \u201cI know that selling timber isn\u2019t as simple as it was when I started doing it. There\u2019s more land available now for harvesting and a lot more men in the business, so you\u2019re negotiating under a whole new set of circumstances. And you\u2019re still pulling in as much work as the ranch can handle. I could write one huge contract that would keep us busy for two years. Now you bid smaller, more complicated work, and have to come up with new ways to keep the Ponderosa competitive. The good old boys of Pa\u2019s era are moving out of the business and it\u2019s being taken over by young, smart guys like you. Pa knows that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d Joe joined his brother, planting himself on his father\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s true. Hoss is doing a great job with the stock too. Pa says the herd has never been so good. I may have gotten things started around here, but you two are doing a great job of making it even better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled wryly as a deep blush enveloped his face. \u201cThere\u2019s something else, but you gotta promise you won\u2019t make fun of me.\u201d Adam nodded, and he continued, \u201cI wasn\u2019t home when you left last time. I know you had to make connections and couldn\u2019t wait, and you did leave that\u00a0really<\/em>\u00a0long letter for me\u2026 But when I got home there was nothing left of you. Sport\u2019s stall was empty; your room was stripped except for your old guitar and a few books.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what usually happens when someone moves out,\u201d Adam chuckled as he tried to ease Joe into telling the significance of that incident.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe that\u2019s true, but it seemed more like you\u2019d died. Pa and Hoss had already dealt with your leaving, but\u2026\u201d Joe paused, trying to find the right word. \u201cSomething about me was missing too and I couldn\u2019t talk to anyone about it. I think I wasn\u2019t so happy to see you because I don\u2019t want to go through that again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The older man draped an arm around his kid brother. \u201cI know how that feels, Joe. It isn\u2019t any easier in Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More Unexpected Company<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One \u2013 Being Home<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI never got the chance to ask earlier; how\u2019d it go with you and Pa taking the reception invitations around today?\u201d Adam asked as they settled into bed on Friday night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it went well, and it gave me a chance to meet a few of the people who\u2019ll be coming next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you and Pa talk about all day?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMostly about the ranch and stories about you and your brothers. He did ask a few questions about your experience with Castelletti. I assume he thinks you held back information so as not to worry him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I did. Were you able to ease his concerns?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYup. I also think he was glad that you and Joe were able to come to an understanding. He did press me, ever so gently and slyly, to get the facts about what happened between you two, but I claimed ignorance.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pulled her close. \u201cThanks for that. I don\u2019t think Joe even told Hoss the reason: he just said we\u2019d worked it out. Unlike Pa, that was enough for Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda yawned as she snuggled into her favorite sleeping spot under Adam\u2019s arm with her head resting on his chest where she could hear his heart beat as she drifted off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what time is this affair next Wednesday?\u201d Adam yawned too as he got caught up in his wife\u2019s sleepiness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s set for mid-day. Ben feels that will give people enough time to do morning chores or errands and then head over for a picnic lunch. He thinks the whole thing should last only an hour or two as people eat and head back for evening chores.\u201d She wrapped her arm around his chest and chuckled. \u201cYou country folk sure do set your lives around your chores.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a fact of life, honey. Livestock and farm animals get very testy when they aren\u2019t tended to in a timely manner, and there\u2019s no way to catch up if you get behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s, \u201cI suppose that\u2019s true,\u201d was whispered as her eyes closed. A soft, breathy snore soon replaced the silence in the room as she drifted off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam thought about the last couple of days as he settled for sleep. After the tension with Joe had eased, his youngest brother\u2019s natural humor had returned along with Hoss\u2019s long-suffering participation in their pranks. The two brothers had resorted to some old favorites in testing the eldest sibling\u2019s patience. There\u2019d been giggling and snorting and a dozen simple ways of making Adam\u2019s life miserable, testifying to the fact that he was still part of the family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had taught Melinda about box canyons, Nevadan wildlife, and Sierra wildflowers as they\u2019d explored what they could see by buggy or short walks off the beaten path. They\u2019d even stopped at camp where he\u2019d introduced her to the drovers he\u2019d worked with. After that, he\u2019d spent an hour cringing as Hugh had told her stories about \u201cYoung\u201d Cartwright\u2019s trials as a greenhorn cow hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he wasn\u2019t with Melinda, Adam helped out any way he could. He spent a few hours each day fixing fences, riding herd or helping with maintenance chores. When he\u2019d returned home yesterday, he\u2019d found his wife busy in the kitchen with Hop Sing. She\u2019d helped cook dinner after a morning of baking cookies for the party. Hop Sing had even helped her make a caramelized sugar cake that was Adam\u2019s favorite.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With the fresh air and busyness at the ranch, it came as no surprise that he and Melinda were in bed and sound asleep shortly after dark most nights.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam\u2019s breathing took on the same rhythm as his wife\u2019s, he had a last memory about that day\u2019s activities. Melinda had given him a sly look and asked that he teach her how to shoot his Colt, saying that she\u2019d always wanted to learn how to handle a gun. They\u2019d first gone over the Ben Cartwright firearm safety-speech that each son had to endure before laying a hand on a pistol, and then had spent an hour learning how to aim and shoot at cans and bottles. He\u2019d been surprised at how quickly his wife had adapted to handling the weapon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In thinking of all they\u2019d already done, it felt like they\u2019d been there much longer than five days, and he found himself looking forward to the remainder of their time: in many ways he wished he could slow down its passing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two \u2013 The Problem of Defining \u201cFamily\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou did what?\u201d Ben demanded of Hoss. \u201cWhy would she want to stay with us anyway? She must have heard that Adam and Melinda were here as soon as she stepped off the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s cheeks grew pink as he related the news from town to his father. \u201cShe knew.\u201d His face scrunched in thought. \u201cIn fact, I think she seemed mighty excited about just that fact. Made me wonder what she had in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you still invited her out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While Hoss would never consider lying to his father, telling Ben Cartwright the truth could often bring a goodly amount of discomfort. The big man looked downward as he ground the toe of his boot into the dust and kicked a gray cloud into the atmosphere above his feet while building his courage to explain the situation. \u201cI gave her every excuse I could come up with when she started hintin\u2019 at stayin\u2019 out here. I told her it would be better to be at the hotel \u2018cuz she\u2019d be closer to town for this wedding she said she\u2019d come for. Then I said things was pretty hectic with all the summer chores, and the house being crowded with Adam and Melinda here. But she got all teary-eyed relatin\u2019 how she\u2019d planned to stay with the friend that was getting married, but how she found out those plans had changed when she got here, and she hadn\u2019t brought enough money along to pay for lodging.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have offered to pay for the hotel! That would have solved everything.\u201d Ben looked off in the distance. \u201cLooks like a dust cloud on the road out there. Must be a good sized wagon coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss broke into his father\u2019s musing, \u201cI said I\u2019d pay! I even offered to carry her bags there, but she said that you\u2019d once told them they was\u00a0family<\/em>\u00a0to us and she would rather stay with family than in a stuffy hotel.\u201d More shuffling accompanied Hoss\u2019s final thought as the dust cloud swirled closer. \u201cI \u2018spect that\u2019s her under that cloud a dust since she said she\u2019d be right along. I\u2019ll move into the bunk house so there\u2019s more room in the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his son a wide-eyed look of horror. \u201cYou\u2019ll do no such thing! She and her daughter can share the room downstairs. I don\u2019t want her staying anywhere near Melinda and Adam.\u201d He gave an involuntary shiver. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to make do somehow since I can hardly kick her out. It figures she\u2019d invoke\u00a0family rights<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While concentrating on the wagon approaching from town, Hoss and Ben had missed the other one nearing from the opposite direction. The wagon with Adam, Melinda and Joe arrived first with its three wet, windblown, laughing passengers returning from a Saturday afternoon fishing trip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda held a fish-laden stick aloft proudly as she proclaimed. \u201cI caught most of these, but had to let the two gentlemen get some or they would have been surly all evening.\u201d She was barefoot, and the bottom third of her dress was soaked.\u00a0 Smoothing out her wet skirt after Adam helped her down, she began giggling. \u201cI got so excited when I was pulling in my first catch that I jumped in to grab it so it wouldn\u2019t get away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll admit, she has a knack for catching fish,\u201d Joe sighed. \u201cWith her constant chattering, I thought sure she\u2019d scare everything away, but I think those poor trout finally took the hook in desperation so they wouldn\u2019t have to listen to her anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam failed to control his laughter at Joe\u2019s comment, Melinda gave him a none-too-gentle jab and reminded him where his loyalty should lie. When he finally stopped laughing, he tipped his head as he recognized the sound of a wagon entering the yard on the far side of the barn. \u201cSounds like we\u2019re getting company.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe should tell you about that\u2026\u201d Ben\u2019s warning came an instant too late, and he watched his oldest son\u2019s face pale as he registered the identities of the \u201ccompany.\u201d The father said quickly, \u201cShe met Hoss in town earlier and said she had no place to stay. He couldn\u2019t refuse her request to put them up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wagon pulled to a stop and Adam went to assist the passengers. \u201cLaura\u2026Peggy,\u201d he said as he helped them down. \u201cWhat brings you to Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe came for Ginny Marshall\u2019s wedding tomorrow,\u201d Laura answered with a bright smile. \u201cWe were going to stay with her, but she has unexpected company filling her place. When I saw Hoss in town, I took it as a sign that we should come out here. After all, we are family now, and Peggy will love being at the ranch.\u201d She looked around at the blank faces staring at her. \u201cI hope our being here won\u2019t be\u2026uncomfortable for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave Peggy a hug, commenting on how much she had grown since last seeing her. Turning to Laura he continued, \u201cI admit I\u2019m surprised to see you, but you are always welcome. Are you and Peggy traveling alone or is Will still in town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just the two of us.\u201d Her voice trailed off as Laura\u2019s gaze strayed to the other woman in the yard, giving her a once-over that included a fleeting grin as she observed the wet dress, messy hair, dirty feet, and string of fish. Her face settled into a fawning smile as her nose twitched. \u201cYou must be Melinda?\u201d she said as she took a step closer. \u201cAll anyone in town is talking about is how beautiful and stylish you are.\u201d She chuckled, \u201cI\u2019m assuming they haven\u2019t gotten to know this side of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda laughed at Laura\u2019s comment, and then issued her own greeting. \u201cI\u2019m glad to meet you too, Laura. It should be interesting for each of us to get to know the real woman behind the chatter.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stepped in to usher the two newest guests toward the house, saying. \u201cUh, why don\u2019t I show you to your room. You can get settled while we let the fishermen get cleaned up for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared at Hoss once Laura was inside. \u201cDid Pa say that\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0invited her out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI had no choice. She kind a wrapped me up in my own words until I heard myself extendin\u2019 the invitation.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam released a long sigh and said, \u201cShe does have that ability,\u201d before bowing to Melinda and adopting a heavy British accent. \u201cI say, my dear, this damp, muddy-footed look becomes you. I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen you look more beautiful and stylish.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree.\u201d Joe added, \u201cI\u2019ve always admired a woman who can catch fish and isn\u2019t afraid to jump in with both feet.\u201d He grabbed Melinda\u2019s hand, led her to the watering trough, lifted her up and dunked her feet in for a rinse before carrying her to a chair by the house. \u201cThere, I\u2019ve done what I can. The rest is up to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled a handkerchief from his pocket with a flourish, proclaiming, \u201cI shall spare nothing to assure your comfort, my lady.\u201d He dried her feet while adding, \u201cI wish only that I had a cloak of velvet to use instead of this common cloth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss laughed as he grabbed the fish Melinda had abandoned by the trough, and finally joined in the antics, saying, \u201cI shall take your bountiful catch to the cook, my lady,\u201d while bending in an awkward sort of curtsy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both Adam and Joe stared at their brother. \u201cThat was great, Hoss!\u201d the oldest offered. \u201cSince when have you become such a fine actor?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShucks,\u201d he said, while blazing red from neck to forehead, \u201cI done heard you talk like that so much over the years it weren\u2019t nothin\u2019 to ham it up a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI declare that I am the most fortunate lady in the land!\u201d Melinda rose and gave each brother a peck on the cheek. \u201cNow off with you and let me to my beautification rituals.\u201d She stopped to sniff her hands as she began walking to the door. \u201cWhew! I smell like dead fish!\u201d She laughed, saying more quietly to herself, \u201cNo wonder Laura looked like she thought I was wearing Eau de Poisson.\u201d Returning to the men, she gave notice. \u201cI\u2019m getting my things and shall have the first bath\u2026before I stink up the whole house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura had laid the curtain of the downstairs guestroom back just enough to watch the brothers and the new addition to the Cartwright family laughing and carrying on outside her window. Her cheeks flushed at first, and then paled as her lips thinned to a fine line while her eyes went dark. She turned back as Peggy asked her a question, and quietly began telling her daughter exactly what she thought about the woman Adam Cartwright had married.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That evening, the extended family of Cartwrights dined on a feast of fried fish and chicken. Melinda was starving from her day in the fresh air and found to her own chagrin that she was eating twice what the wispy Laura was consuming.\u00a0No wonder her waist is the size of a sapling<\/em>, she thought as she grinned behind her napkin.\u00a0I would probably break her in half if I accidentally sat on her<\/em>. She was glad to leave such thoughts behind when Hoss brought up the topic of their fishing trip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you really caught most of these tasty little fellers, Melinda?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI sure did. Adam and Joe were too busy \u2018talking\u2019 about fishing while I was actually doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peggy asked shyly, \u201cDid you bait your own hooks?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did, but not with worms. Hop Sing sent along a package of bread dough balls. He said it was Hoss\u2019s bait of choice and I admit the fish seemed to like it. I did take my own fish off the hook.\u201d She sniffed at her hands. \u201cUnfortunately that smell lingers on even after a hot bath and strong soap.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe offered, \u201cI caught the biggest fish, but it got off the hook just as I was pulling it in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the story of your life, little brother,\u201d Hoss laughed. \u201cSeems you tell that same yarn whether it\u2019s about fishin\u2019 or losin\u2019 the affection of a young lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While Little Joe was still sputtering, Melinda asked, \u201cHow is school going for you, Peggy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hate it!\u201d Peggy spat and then blushed. \u201cI was out for a while and got held back when I started again, so now I\u2019m with younger kids and they\u2019re awful to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d Adam asked with a kindly look toward the youngster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey call me dumb and tease me about my father being…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura looked panicked as she quickly laid a hand on her daughter\u2019s arm and shushed her. \u201cI\u2019m sure the Cartwrights don\u2019t want to hear about your problems, honey.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam noted a look of warning directed at him from his father, as he asked, \u201cWhere is Will, Laura, and why is Peggy lagging behind in school?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her eyes narrowed and a sour look accompanied her well-rehearsed explanation. \u201cWill travels for work and will be away for a time now. And the job Will thought he had when we married didn\u2019t work out, so we were in Los Angeles for a little while before moving back to San Francisco. I tried to teach Peggy while we moved around, but she did fall behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda smiled over at the youngster. \u201cYou look like a bright young lady, Peggy. I\u2019ll bet that if you worked with a tutor over the summer months, you could be advanced to your class.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peggy looked to her mother who responded with a tight smile. \u201cI\u2019ll check into it when we get back. Thank you for the suggestion.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam noted Laura\u2019s increasing tension, musing that if she gripped her fork any tighter it was likely to shatter into splinters of metal that would impale all of them. He changed the topic. \u201cI like the way you\u2019re wearing your hair, Laura. It becomes you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She patted the chignon. \u201cThank you,\u201d she smiled graciously while her posture\u2026and grip relaxed. \u201cIt seemed to be time for a change in the style, and my hair doesn\u2019t have a natural wave like Melinda\u2019s seems to. It was a chore to keep curling it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda had secured her hair away from her face, but left it hanging in loose waves down her back after washing it earlier. She chuckled while twirling her finger through a wisp that framed her face. \u201cI appreciate the curliness now, but when I was Peggy\u2019s age, I wanted long straight hair like the other girls.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe spoke in a high falsetto, \u201cOh, dear me, Adam, your hair is simply di-vine tonight, and Hoss, I\u2019ve never seen you look lovelier.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peggy had drained her glass of milk as Joe began talking and started to giggle so hard that she blew it out her nose. Laura grabbed a napkin to mop her daughter\u2019s chin while clucking at her table manners, and then looked up and winked at Melinda. \u201cI think that\u2019s Joe\u2019s way of telling us the gentlemen would like to speak of other things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss rose to assist Laura from the table while nodding his head toward the door as he glanced over at Adam. \u201cSay, brother, I\u2019d like your opinion on Cochise\u2019s leg. He looked fine this morning when I brought him home from town, but I saw him favoring it again just before supper. In fact, maybe Pa and Joe should come along. If we have to do some doctorin\u2019 we might need help to hold him firm.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peggy volunteered, \u201cI\u2019ll come too, Hoss. I know a lot about horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Peggy, I\u2019m sure you do, but it\u2019s not safe for ya to be out there right now. You and I\u2019ll take a look tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men headed for the barn while the women adjourned to the sitting area. Melinda suggested, \u201cI noticed you had a book with you when you arrived today, Peggy. Why don\u2019t you get that and read to us. I\u2019d like that a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three \u2013 Confessions<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam bid his father goodnight in the hall and entered his bedroom, closing the door quietly behind him. \u201cWell, that\u2019s not how I expected the day to end,\u201d he chuckled as he came toward Melinda. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about this business with Laura.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been fine, Adam, don\u2019t worry.\u201d She smiled and locked him in a hug. \u201cLaura and I had a pleasant conversation after Peggy drifted off on the settee and you men were still out in the barn. I wish I could say she was awful, but she\u2019s\u2026nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI got the feeling that she has something on her mind, but so far all she talked about was going to the wedding tomorrow. In fact, she asked if we\u2019d take Peggy home with us after church. The ceremony is right after the service with a lunch following at the International House. Laura feels that Peggy would do better out here rather than trying to be a proper young lady all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026\u201d he stammered. \u201cI told Joe that I\u2019d ride out and help him decide about harvesting a stand of trees. We can reschedule that later in the week.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do no such thing! I\u2019m capable of handling one ten-year-old girl. In fact I\u2019ll enjoy it. I can do a few assessments without her even knowing that she\u2019s being tested and perhaps pinpoint where she might be having the most trouble in school.\u201d She grinned up at him. \u201cNow tell me what you men had to talk about that you didn\u2019t want us to hear. I overheard Joe tell you that Cochise was back to normal just before we sat down to dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He led her to the bed and sat. \u201cIt\u2019s not a pretty tale. You saw how tense Laura got when I asked about Will?\u201d She nodded. \u201cPa told us it was probably because Will\u2019s in jail for forging checks from the place he worked.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s eyes rounded as her mouth gaped. \u201cHow\u2019d Ben find out?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill\u2019s lawyer notified Pa when he was charged a couple of weeks ago. Hoss and Joe didn\u2019t know about it either since they were away at the time. The attorney said that if Will could refund the money, the company he worked for wouldn\u2019t press charges.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid Ben help?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa paid for his attorney, but nothing more.\u201d Seeing his wife\u2019s brows rise in question, he explained. \u201cWhen Laura and Will left here after their wedding, they had a large sum of cash. We purchased Laura\u2019s ranch and resold it later so they could get going to that job Will said was waiting. Along with the sizable wedding gift Pa gave them, there should have been plenty for a fresh start. But from what that lawyer told Pa, there\u2019s no money left.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a shame,\u201d Melinda said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suspect that her reaction at dinner was because Laura hasn\u2019t told Peggy where Will really is, and didn\u2019t want us saying something or asking questions that might let the cat out of the bag.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She shook her head slowly. \u201cEven if Laura won\u2019t admit it, Peggy knows. Kids have a sense when something isn\u2019t right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was true about Frank Dayton\u2019s death too. Peggy had figured out that her father wasn\u2019t coming home, but Laura allowed her to hope that it wasn\u2019t true.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m assuming that others do know the truth about Will, and Peggy\u2019s denial of what those children were saying at school gave them fodder to tease her even more. Children in that situation get so confused. They think their parents are the ones who need protecting.\u201d Melinda thought for a moment and finally asked, \u201cSo why do\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0think Laura is here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think she came for the wedding, but with Laura there\u2019s probably more to it than that. Pa thinks she might have finagled Hoss into bringing her out here because she was curious about you, but just as probably, she wants to elicit a little sympathy and financial support.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould he give her money?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll decide after hears what she has to say.\u201d He watched as his wife\u2019s face changed from concern to a slight grin, making him chuckle. \u201cI assume that we are now moving on to the deeper questions of the evening?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She hemmed a bit and finally said, \u201cI wonder what you\u2019d think about some of the men that I kept company with while we were apart? Like Laura, they were all \u2018nice,\u2019 and I truly cared for some of them. But I don\u2019t think I was suited to them any more than you seem suited to her.\u00a0Did<\/em>\u00a0you two have common interests?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere was Peggy\u2019s welfare for one. But other than making her ranch do better and wanting the best for Peggy, we were as different as night and day. We both had dreams, but we approached them differently. I\u2019m a pragmatist and worked to get what I wanted, while Laura always \u2018hoped\u2019 her dreams would come true\u2014and then became impatient when it didn\u2019t happen soon enough. I\u2019ve told you before that I had decided not to go through with the wedding even before she and Will admitted their attraction to each other. It would have been a colossal mistake for both of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you ever figure out what made you propose? I remember our talk in Sacramento when I told you then that it sounded like you were describing someone you wanted to hire as a housekeeper more than someone you wanted to marry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa and I talked about that before I left for Boston. He speculated that we all had fallen into a similar rut and wondered if our attitudes toward how we handled the ranch had begun to flow over into our personal lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda blinked several times as she considered what her husband had just said. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTimes weren\u2019t always good for the Cartwrights, but we eventually prospered\u2026greatly. In the lean years, Pa had to rely on the kindness of friends and strangers to make it through. He hammered into us boys that we had to repay that in similar generosity to others. We never allowed people to\u00a0take<\/em>\u00a0what we had worked to get, but when asked, we helped in any way we could. We protected those who needed it, and fought to make this part of the country better for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded thoughtfully. \u201cYour desire to assist those who needed help in general, may have led you to court women with similar needs?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it, I guess. Little Joe was still young and fell in and out of love week-to-week, but Pa, Hoss and I seemed to go after women who were in difficult situations, or we tried to give them a better life than the one they had. In a few instances we even tried to save them from their mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can see where that could seem like love at first, but it stood little chance of growing into the real thing. It\u2019s hard to just love someone when there\u2019s so much expectation.\u201d Melinda slid her arm around his waist. \u201cI think that\u2019s what you\u2019re saying about you and Laura.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sighed. \u201cI got to know her shortly after Frank Dayton died. It didn\u2019t take long to see how much trouble she was in. I think at first Laura saw my help as interference, yet in time, she learned a lot and did better. Our working together made us into a couple, and I\u2019ll admit that it was nice to spend time with Peggy and Laura. It didn\u2019t take long though before speculation as to whether we would marry began to overwhelm the \u2018niceness\u2019 of it. Pa told me that it wasn\u2019t fair to continue seeing her if I wasn\u2019t going to move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you feel that Ben was pushing you toward marriage?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. He was only voicing what others were saying, and he honestly couldn\u2019t tell how I felt about her. For a brief time, I thought it was what I wanted.\u201d Adam looked up as he completed his thoughts and saw that Melinda\u2019s eyes were welling with tears. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I know that my engagement hurt you deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s not it at all. I love you more than ever for your honesty. I\u2019ve always wondered what had happened, but didn\u2019t want to pry. But with the current circumstances, I\u2019m thankful to know a little more.\u201d She pursed her lips and closed her eyes before finally looking directly at him. \u201cWhat bothers me is that since you had fallen into a habit of caring for women who needed your help more than your love, I\u2019m wondering what you saw in me that needed \u2018saving.\u2019 I hadn\u2019t even considered that might have been the reason you came back.\u201d A tear escaped down her cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He kissed away the salty drop and touched the necklace she always wore. \u201cWhen I saw you in Sacramento, you were wearing this locket\u2014the one I gave you all those years ago. I knew it held a small paper I\u2019d penned with the words,\u00a0For love\u2019s sake only<\/em>.\u201d He began to recite,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf thou must love me, let it be for nought\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Except for love’s sake only. Do not say,\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“I love her for her smile\u2014her look\u2014her way\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Of speaking gently,\u2014for a trick of thought\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That falls in well with mine, and certes brought<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sense of pleasant ease on such a day”\u2014\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda put her fingers to his lips, and continued on,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor these things in themselves, Belov\u00e8d, may\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Be changed, or change for thee\u2014and love, so wrought,\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

May be unwrought so. Neither love me for\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thine own dear pity’s wiping my cheeks dry:<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A creature might forget to weep, who bore\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby!\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But love me for love’s sake, that evermore\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thou mayst love on, through love’s eternity.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He said softly, \u201cWhen I returned to the Ponderosa after seeing you again, I found my mind constantly returning to those words. I realized it was only when I had been with you that I felt the kind of love that Elizabeth Barrett Browning had described. The uncertainty I\u2019d fought against for so long dissolved the day I decided to go back to Boston to find you.\u201d He raised her chin to look into her eyes. \u201cThe truth is that your love saved me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Four \u2013 It\u2019s Raining Cats and Dogs\u2026or at Least Cats<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After church, Adam and Joe headed out on horseback to check the stand of trees for loggig, and while Ben went to have Sunday lunch with the elders from the congregation, Hoss took Peggy and Melinda back to the ranch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three at the Ponderosa took their lunch outside on the porch to make a picnic of it, and then changed out of their church clothes to have some fun. Melinda had taken Hoss aside before the trip into town and asked that he help her with some games she\u2019d devised. She was able to accomplish a good deal of analysis with Hoss playing along, pretending not to know the answers to give Peggy a chance to show what she could do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a rest and a cool glass of water, Hoss announced that he had to go out and check with the hands before supper. He winked at Peggy. \u201cIf yer really quiet and don\u2019t go to upsettin\u2019 the mama cat none, you can climb up into the loft and see the new litter of kittens she\u2019s got hidden up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peggy squealed with delight, \u201cCan I really, Hoss. I promise I\u2019ll be real quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou be sure you are,\u201d he cautioned, \u201cthat mama cat is kind of a wild thing but she\u2019ll be nice enough if you don\u2019t frighten her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Joe rode into an empty yard and took care of their horses before heading inside. They found Peggy huddled on the end of settee, and Hop Sing holding a cloth to Melinda\u2019s face while she sat on a chair in the dining area. Adam stopped for a moment, looking from the child over to the ministrations taking place and asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d before walking over to his wife. He reared back and gasped when the cook removed the compress, revealing angry looking gashes across Melinda\u2019s forehead, face and neck. Taking a closer look, Adam found similar slashes on her scalp, and beneath the torn fabric of her dress on her arms and chest. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he asked again. There was no way for him to offer physical comfort without causing pain so he squatted next to her and took her hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was in a brawl with a cat.\u201d Melinda tried to laugh but drew in a sharp breath through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe joined his brother in assessing the damage. \u201cBoy-oh-boy, it got you good. I bet that hurts something awful.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt does,\u201d she agreed and then motioned Joe nearer as she whispered, \u201cPlease take Peggy outside so I can talk to Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing.\u201d He walked to the settee and extended his hand. \u201cC\u2019mon, short-stuff. Let\u2019s go outside. You can help me plant the seedlings Adam and I brought back with us. We sure don\u2019t want to stay inside and listen to Melinda carry on when Hop Sing starts slathering his ointment on her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Joe had exited with the child, Melinda whimpered as Hop Sing went back to cleaning the wounds. \u201cI was trying not to say much in front of Peggy,\u201d she confessed to both men, \u201cbut goodness, it\u2019s like there\u2019s a match burning me every time these things are touched. Do they look as bad as they feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried to smile reassuringly. \u201cMaybe I should get Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think Doctor Hop Sing is doing a good job. Let\u2019s give him a chance to work his miracle and if we need to, we can go into town tomorrow to see Paul. I\u2019d hate to have him come all this way on a Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did this happen?\u201d he asked while taking a closer look at the scratches inside the torn bits of fabric.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss told Peggy there were kittens in the hayloft. She hollered down about how cute they were, and encouraged me to come too. About halfway up, a hissing cat came flying toward me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you frighten it or do something to make it mad?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not!\u201d she replied irritably. \u201cI barely saw it up there before it was heading toward my face. It landed right here,\u201d she pointed to the top of her head, \u201cand I could only hold it at bay with one hand or I\u2019d have fallen off the ladder,\u201d she raised her bloody wrist for emphasis. \u201cWhat made it bad was that its claws got stuck in my hair comb and it just kept slashing at me with its other paws until it finally got loose. I\u2019d managed to make it back down by then and the darn thing still didn\u2019t just take off\u2026it sort of slid down the front of me while digging in for dear life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved Hop Sing away for a minute to look closely at her face. \u201cYou\u2019re lucky it didn\u2019t get your eyes.\u201d Taking a clean cloth from the table, he dipped it in water and began dabbing at the drying blood on her cheeks, but stopped when she was began to tremble uncontrollably. \u201cI think Hop Sing has a salve that should make these hurt less. Let\u2019s put that on and get you more comfortable. We can finish the rest of the cleanup when you aren\u2019t as shaky.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She began to breathe easier as the two men applied the greasy ointment. When they\u2019d finished and Hop Sing took his supplies back to the kitchen, Melinda touched Adam\u2019s arm and confided, \u201cI know this is sounds crazy, but I think Peggy dropped the cat on me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI saw her arms extended over the edge of the loft holding the animal before it fell, and then I heard her move away once it was trying to get untangled from my hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you two have a bad day?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. We played hard; she laughed a lot, and seemed to have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis doesn\u2019t sound like the Peggy I knew,\u201d he said sadly, \u201cbut it\u2019s been a couple of years and that\u2019s plenty of time for things to change. Don\u2019t you think we should talk to her now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s give her a little time to admit her involvement. If she doesn\u2019t, then I feel Laura must be here when we ask her about it.\u201d Melinda leaned forward suddenly and retched. As she tried to sit up, she whispered, \u201cEverything\u2019s spinning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam called out, \u201cBring some water, Hop Sing,\u201d as he lifted his wife from the chair and carried her to the settee. Gathering pillows, he got her settled and had her sip what she could from the glass the cook brought. \u201cBetter?\u201d he asked as he saw pink returning to her cheeks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda nodded and breathed deeply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat further down the couch and elevated Melinda\u2019s feet on his lap. \u201cTake it easy for a few minutes and then I\u2019ll move you up to our room.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded again, but as she began to feel stronger, she said, \u201cI\u2019d like to tell you a few things while we\u2019re alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you up to it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do feel better; I\u2019m so thankful that you\u2019re here now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what did you find out?\u201d He asked as he angled himself to face her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think Peggy is at least two grades behind where she should be in school. You mentioned that she was in second grade when Laura left, and it doesn\u2019t appear that she\u2019s made much progress in anything but reading. She likes to read and will sound out the words. She recognizes them once she does that, but she can\u2019t spell them from memory afterwards. \u00a0From what I can tell, her level of mastery in arithmetic, spelling and grammar stops around second grade.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you figure that out?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI worked some simple tests into the games we played and it didn\u2019t take long to see her weak spots. The good news is that when Hoss and I challenged her, she easily figured out the next steps. She\u2019s bright and eager to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t she say that they held her back? So was she in third grade?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they put in her in fourth instead of fifth, which is where her age indicated she should be. The truth is that she\u00a0should<\/em>\u00a0have gone into third. There must have been some big gaps in what she was able to do when compared to the others in her class. The teasing must have been awful just as she said. It would have been even worse when adding in the confusion about where Will is, and her inability to tell Laura how bad she\u2019s feeling\u2026 That poor child must be a bundle of nerves and jitters, and perhaps she isn\u2019t able to think straight sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWow!\u201d he puffed his cheeks as he blew out a breath. \u201cI can\u2019t believe Laura let things get so out of hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s important now is to help get Peggy\u2026and Laura\u2026back on track. By the way, Hoss was wonderful today. He could find ten ways for every one of mine to explain how to do something so she enjoyed figuring it out instead of thinking she was learning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sly grin replaced the scowl that had been on Adam\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019ve always said that man is smart. I wonder what he\u2019d be like as a teacher.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d be wonderful in the right circumstance! There are children everywhere who could learn so much from his patient instruction. But I\u2019d guess he\u2019s happier doing what he\u2019s doing.\u201d She leaned forward and scooted back to sit up straighter. \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking about what you told me last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRegarding?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWith Will in jail and their money gone, life isn\u2019t going well for Laura either. It\u2019s hard to comfort or guide a child when you\u2019re feeling tense all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you\u2019re a parent, you have to push that aside and do what\u2019s best.\u201d The room grew silent. \u201cDo you think I should talk to Laura about Peggy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019re the only one who can. And I have an idea. The Fairfield Academy is in San Francisco. They use the teaching method \u00a0I developed, and I think it would be the perfect school for Peggy. It\u2019s energetic there, and they provide a disciplined environment where children can learn without the worries of home. Peggy could stay there during the week and go home on Friday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat school is also expensive.\u201d He grinned, \u201cBut you know that too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled coyly. \u201cI came up with the plan. You can figure out how to pay for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He thought a minute. \u201cWill is Peggy\u2019s father now, and I don\u2019t want to interfere in his affairs, so our paying for it is out. I do have an idea though. I\u2019ve told you about Josie, the woman who helped me out after I\u2019d been in an accident.* She heads the Sullivan Foundation in San Francisco. I used to be on her Board of Directors, so I know she\u2019s always looking for ways to make life better for woman who are struggling. Funding scholarships would be the perfect way to make a difference earlier in their lives. I\u2019ll send her a note and we\u2019ll meet with her once we\u2019re in Frisco. With her influence she can get a program running in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think that sounds wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell Laura about the school, and if she\u2019s interested, we\u2019ll set up a meeting for her with Josie and Fairfield.\u201d An involuntary shiver coursed through his body as he realized that the cuts on Melinda\u2019s face and arms were still oozing pink, and offered, \u201cI wonder if we should ask Pa to postpone the party.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI look that bad?\u201d She chuckled and thought for a moment. \u201cI\u2019ll make the best of it, honey. It\u2019s all set and would be difficult to reschedule.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ve got two days for the rawness to settle down, and I think you can hide some of the scratches with your hair and clothes. My only concern is whether you\u2019ll be feeling up to it. These sorts of things always hurt more a day or two after the shock wears off.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both jumped as the front door swung open and Joe came in with Peggy in tow. \u201cMiss Dayton has something she\u2019d like to get off her chest\u2026don\u2019t you?\u201d He pushed her gently toward where Melinda and Adam were sitting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have something to tell us? Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tears began to streak down the child\u2019s dirty face as she burst out, \u201cI think I musta knocked that mama cat out of the loft and down onto you, Melinda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did that happen?\u201d Melinda asked as she looked directly at the child.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peggy stared at her feet. \u201cI sort of pushed her outta the way to get a better look at the kittens and didn\u2019t realize we were so near the edge. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo it was an accident?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded while wiping her cheeks with her shirt sleeve.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked to Melinda, whose eyebrows rose and then settled as she nodded at him. \u201cThank you for telling us, Peggy. Your mother and the rest of the family will be home soon for dinner. You go get cleaned up and changed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once she\u2019d walked into her room, Adam looked from Joe to Melinda and directed his question to his wife. \u201cDo you believe it was an accident?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wrinkled his nose and asked, \u201cIs there a reason to think it wasn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam drew a deep breath. \u201cMelinda wasn\u2019t sure what happened, but we\u2018ll accept Peggy\u2019s account and leave it there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Five – When the Truth becomes Deadly<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The morning of the party dawned clear and warm. Melinda could hear preparations going on in the yard when she awoke, but had no inclination to hurry out of bed. She\u2019d been fine the day after her tangle with the cat, but she\u2019d gone to bed last night with the beginnings of a headache and achy feeling. She\u2019d assumed it was as Adam had mentioned\u2014that sometimes the effects of an injury took a day or two to set in, and she convinced herself that she\u2019d wake up in fine fettle. She hadn\u2019t. Her stomach was queasy and the pain in her head was now accompanied by stiffness in her neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 sleepyhead,\u201d Adam greeted her as he carried a tray with tea and toast into the room. \u201cIt\u2019s a big day around here, but I noticed that you were restless during the night so I thought I\u2019d let you sleep. Did your headache go away?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnuh,\u201d she said as she steadied herself while pushing up in bed. The swirling in her head ended as she stopped moving, but it set off a swirling in her stomach that she breathed deeply to stanch. \u201cBut give me a few minutes and a little something to eat and drink and I\u2019ll start feeling better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made sure she had what she needed and then excused himself to go help outside. He closed the bedroom door and stood a moment, thinking that Melinda didn\u2019t look well at all. Yet he knew she\u2019d make the best of it no matter how bad she felt. As he headed down the steps, a feeling of deep uneasiness tightened his chest, but he shrugged it off, attributing it to the certainty of a long day to come.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura went upstairs an hour before the expected arrival of guests to help Melinda style her hair. She\u2019d made the offer the evening before, saying she thought she could find a way to hide the marks on Melinda\u2019s forehead and neck in a fashionable way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She\u2019d apologized for Peggy\u2019s clumsiness after hearing the cat story. Since then, Laura and Peggy had been present only at breakfast and dinner. They\u2019d spent Monday shopping in Virginia City at Ben\u2019s urging and expense after Laura had complained that she\u2019d forgotten how warm Nevada could be compared to San Francisco, and that the clothing she\u2019d packed was simply too warm to be comfortable. His generosity was sweetened even more with the encouragement to spend the entire day in town and have lunch on his tab.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She\u2019d quickly gotten herself and Peggy dressed to go, and once she was in the buggy, she told Ben in a teasing voice, \u201cIf I didn\u2019t know better I would think you were trying to get rid of us, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had slipped his thumbs in his pockets, rocked back onto his heels and smiled. He\u2019d waved and called goodbye, but as soon as she\u2019d cleared the yard he\u2019d turned toward his two younger sons and rolled his eyes. \u201cI don\u2019t get the woman. She can be sweet, but sometimes she seems too na\u00efve to have a clue. Of course we don\u2019t want her around and underfoot today. And after what she said last night\u2026paying her shopping bills is a small price to be rid of her ill-mannered fussiness.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone had been shocked at Laura\u2019s comment at their Sunday dinner. Melinda had been able to join them after resting, and received the family\u2019s comfort and compassion for her sorry state. Hoss had even told a story about Adam sliding down the side of a hill and into a bed of cactus plants to make her smile. He\u2019d completed the story by recalling that his brother had been so torn up from the fall that he\u2019d almost died.** He\u2019d gulped after that and said that maybe that wasn\u2019t the best story to tell or that at least he might have done well to omit the ending. But Melinda had laughed, reassuring him, \u201cI\u2019ll gladly listen to any stories about my husband\u2019s younger years\u2026especially if he gets a little abused in some of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura had shocked everyone at the end of the meal, when she\u2019d given Melinda a look that bordered on jealousy and proclaimed, \u201cMaybe I should have Peggy knock a cat onto me so I can get a little attention around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had choked on his coffee while Peggy had turned white, and Adam had declared it was time for Melinda to rest and whisked her up the steps to their room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura had looked around the table at the remaining diners and huffed, \u201cIt was just a joke. Why does everyone look so grim!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On Tuesday, Laura had taken Peggy for a day-long picnic after being told that there was nothing she could do to help set up for the party. She had remained quiet at dinner too, other than volunteering to assist Melinda with her hair for the party.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura took a pair of scissors along when she went upstairs, and after looking over the situation, she suggested, \u201cI know you don\u2019t wear bangs, but I think we could cut a few to help cover the marks on your forehead.\u201d With Melinda\u2019s approval, Laura made a few snips to fashion a soft fringe of hair ending at eyebrow level. She finished Melinda\u2019s new look by gathering the rest of her hair softly at the nape of her neck, securing it with a black ribbon to complement the light pink blouse and checked black skirt she was wearing. When finished, Laura handed Melinda a mirror and asked her what she thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWow!\u201d she exclaimed as she saw her reflection. \u201cThe bangs are nice. You\u2019ve done a great job. Thank you, Laura.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the least I could do after my Peggy caused this.\u201d She took the mirror away and said, \u201cNow let\u2019s see about covering up those last red areas with some makeup and powder. I asked at the theater when we were I town the other day and they gave me some to try. One of the actresses with that touring company that\u2019s in town, showed me how to use it so it doesn\u2019t look like pancake batter slathered stuck to your skin.\u201d She chuckled as she turned Melinda to get her into better light. \u201cYou\u2019ve healed very quickly,\u201d she added as she dabbed the thick goo onto the scratches.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the back of her mind, Melinda had wondered if Laura might use this opportunity to make her look like a saloon girl, but after seeing the finished project, she was pleasantly surprised. \u201cThank you again. You have a real talent for this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura blushed. \u201cI\u2019ve been working in a store that sells women\u2019s things and I\u2019ve found that if I can make someone like the way they look, they\u2019ll be willing to buy more. I often use a few pins to pull together a flattering hair style to show how nice a new hat could look or to accentuate the neckline of a dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be doing well.\u201d The compliment was sincere. While Laura busied herself gathering her combs and pins, Melinda mumbled, \u201cI\u00a0look<\/em>\u00a0fine\u2026now if I only felt fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood by his wife\u2019s side, proudly introducing her to friends of the Cartwright family as they arrived for the picnic lunch. He did notice that Melinda wasn\u2019t eating and would grimace if she turned her head too quickly, making him suspect that her ailments from the morning hadn\u2019t abated after all. He was pretty sure that he was the only one to see her slight hesitations and sighs.\u00a0She really is a Cartwright<\/em>, he thought to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The last guests were beginning to leave when he realized that he hadn\u2019t seen his wife for several minutes. She\u2019d excused herself and headed toward the house but hadn\u2019t returned. Suspecting that she\u2019d finally succumbed to the heat and her headache, he\u2019d bid goodbye for both of them, and then had gone to find her. His hasty trip through the house and outbuildings failed to locate her, setting his heart pounding in fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Adam? Joe asked as his oldest brother walked up to him. \u201cYou look like you saw a ghost.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen Melinda? It\u2019s possible that we\u2019re crossing paths, but I can\u2019t find her anywhere. It\u2019s not reasonable to think that anyone followed us this far from Boston, but I\u2019ve got a bad feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s words were enough to set his brother into action, quickly gathering the rest of his family. They decided to head out on foot first, scouting the yard for any indication that someone had been where they shouldn\u2019t have, perhaps watching from the periphery during the party for an opportunity to do harm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Soon after separating, Hoss saw Melinda walking on the far side of a small rise at the back of the house. He ran to her and teased, \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Melinda, you lost? We best get you back. You\u2019ve got a few people worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her eyes were glassy and unfocused as she stared at her brother-in-law. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, do I know you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be fooling with me now.\u201d His voice was becoming tense even though he kept it soothing. \u201cI\u2019m Hoss; you know\u2026.Adam\u2019s brother.\u201d He wanted to grab her and run, but he didn\u2019t want to frighten her. His instincts told him that she really didn\u2019t recognize him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s so nice to meet you. I didn\u2019t know you were coming to Boston for a visit. You must be staying with Abel.\u201d She looked around and then smiled eerily. \u201cIs Adam coming over from school to spend time with you?\u201d She sat down in the dirt and looked up at the big man above her and gave a sad laugh. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I\u00a0am<\/em>\u00a0lost, Hoss. I\u2019m looking for Aunt Lynne\u2019s house and I can\u2019t find it. Everything looks so different, not like Boston at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss knelt next to her and spoke softly. \u201cMelinda, you\u2019re in Nevada on the Ponderosa. You\u2019re here with Adam. You two are married now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe are?\u201d Her eyes seemed to lose focus then as she moaned and enfolded her head with her arms. \u201cMy head hurts so much\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss watched in panic as her eyes rolled back in her head. He scooped her up and ran for the house, hollering for Joe to go after Doc Martin. Adam followed his brother up the stairs asking a non-stop stream of questions, and then tried to get Melinda to awaken when she was safely on the bed. There was no response.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you find her like this?\u201d the older brother asked again while Hoss stood bent with his hands on his knees, puffing from his exertion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he was finally able to reply. \u201cShe was wandering around behind the house. When I asked what she was doin\u2019, she said she couldn\u2019t find her aunt\u2019s house, and thought you was still in school and I was visiting you in Boston. Then she said her head hurt and passed out.\u201d Hoss shook his head. \u201cStrangest thing I ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin had been one of the last to leave the party so Joe had caught up with him quickly. It was no more than ten minutes before he was back, standing in Adam\u2019s room. \u00a0\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d he asked the two ashen men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged as his voice faltered. \u201cI thought maybe she fainted from the heat, but she won\u2019t wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul asked Hoss to go into town to get Mrs. Leonard from the boarding house. \u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s wrong yet,\u201d he explained to both men, \u201cbut I\u2019m pretty sure you\u2019re going to need a woman\u2019s help for a day or two. Patsy Leonard has been tending to my patients for some time now and she\u2019ll do a fine job here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if she can\u2019t come?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cI mean what if she\u2019s got other things to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019ll come, Hoss. I saw her in town yesterday and she said it\u2019s lonely being a widow with nothing but the boarding house gossip to keep her occupied.\u201d When Hoss seemed unable to move, Paul gave him a push toward the door. \u201cGet going now. Tell Patsy to bring her things along. That way she\u2019ll be prepared to stay.\u201d He laid a hand on Hoss\u2019s arm as he turned to leave. \u201cI know your father and Joe are downstairs and anxious to know what\u2019s wrong, but please tell them to stay put. I\u2019ll talk to them as soon as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Hoss was gone, Paul began to examine his patient as he ordered Adam to, \u201cTell me what you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe was fine until last night when she complained of a headache. It was still there this morning but I thought she was feeling better before party.\u201d Adam stopped his recital of the facts to put the sequence of his thoughts straight in his mind. \u201cI never saw her eat though. When I volunteered to bring her a plate of food, she refused, and I can\u2019t say I ever noticed her eating later either.\u00a0 I thought she seemed flushed, but put that off to it being a warm day with a lot going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you notice anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did see her wince a few times when she turned her head. She said her neck was stiff\u2026that maybe she\u2019d slept with her head at an odd angle. Then at the end of the party she went missing. Remember she wasn\u2019t around when you left\u2026 Hoss spotted her wandering out back. He said she was confused and complaining of horrible head pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by confused?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t know where she was; thought I was still in college and Hoss was visiting in Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStart getting Melinda undressed,\u201d Paul ordered his friend while getting the medical tools from his bag. When Adam pursed his lips and closed his eyes without moving, Paul said gently, \u201cI know this seems way off-plumb right now, but you have to focus, Adam. Forget that we\u2019re friends, and think of me only as a doctor. I\u2019m going to be asking questions that will be extremely personal and I\u2019ll need direct answers, and you\u2019ll need to help me do the physical exam. Overcome whatever you\u2019re feeling and help me\u2026or I\u2019ll get Ben in here instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked stricken but quickly began unbuttoning his wife\u2019s blouse and sat her up to slip it off her arms. While he and Paul removed her skirt, he asked, \u201cWhat are we looking for?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI noticed the scratches she has, but I assume they\u2019ve been there a day or two already. So look for anything else unusual\u2014a rash, a bite mark or bruising…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the two men performed a visual inspection, Paul asked bluntly, \u201cIs there any chance that Melinda is pregnant?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you certain?\u201d When Adam stared back in silence, Paul said, \u201cI need the details, Adam. Her symptoms could indicate early pregnancy. Some women become very ill around the time of conception and some have these symptoms with a miscarriage. But if that\u2019s not possible then I\u2019ll know it\u2019s something else.\u201d With no answer forthcoming, Paul said, \u201cLet me help. I suspect that something occurred recently to make pregnancy unlikely?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam breathed as color began returning to his cheeks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow long ago, and the duration?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pallor returned. \u201cFor a few days right after we arrived here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHas there been marital relations since then?\u201d The two men\u2019s eyes met. Paul couldn\u2019t help but think that his long-time friend looked about ready to pass out as he shook his head in a silent \u201cno.\u201d Paul repeated his earlier thought. \u201cI told you this wouldn\u2019t be easy, but we\u2019re past the worst of it.\u201d He took a closer look at the scratches on Melinda\u2019s chest and arms. \u201cThese all look to be well healed,\u201d but then he noticed something on one near her left shoulder. \u201cThere\u2019s a small papule on this one.\u201d Paul moved his fingers, pressing along Melinda\u2019s neck and in her armpit. \u201cShe has swelling in the lymph nodes. That might mean there\u2019s an infection brewing. By the way, Ben told me what happened with the cat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grumbled, \u201cSo much for our agreement not to bring up that subject at the party.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be mad at your father. It wasn\u2019t like he was gossiping. \u00a0After I asked how things were going with Laura staying out here, he took me aside to tell me about Peggy\u2019s school problems and then mentioned the cat.\u00a0 He\u2019s very worried for the child.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda moaned, setting Paul back to his examination. He elicited a yelp as he moved Melinda\u2019s head forward. \u201cWell that confirms what you said about a sore neck. But this is more than stiffness from sleeping wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam snapped, \u201cWhat do you think it is?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know for certain. Extreme head pain accompanied by nausea, confusion, a high fever and stiff neck are signs of something very serious. Yet with only the small area of inflammation and the swollen glands, it\u2019s more likely her body is just fighting off something that will run its course over the next day.\u201d Paul stood quietly thinking for a moment before asking, \u201cDid the cat scratch Peggy too?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know. I wasn\u2019t here when it happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease go check with her while I finish up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam returned with the news that Peggy was scratch free. \u201cIs that important, Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll keep Melinda comfortable and observe her through the night. If it\u2019s not serious, I\u2019d expect improvement by morning.\u201d Paul wished with all his heart that this would be the case. Yet a niggling in his head kept telling him this was going to be a long and nasty illness. There was no indication of anything being amiss other than the miniscule yellow spot on a few scratches, and yet she was exhibiting all the signs of a raging infection.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Putting all these pieces together was bringing something to Paul\u2019s mind. He decided he wouldn\u2019t say more now, hoping that Melinda might pass through this odd illness very quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrs. Leonard arrived before evening to help with Melinda\u2019s care. \u00a0She tended to her personal needs while Adam stayed at his wife\u2019s bedside after shooing his family to their rooms for the night. Joe volunteered to bunk with the hands, leaving his room free for Mrs. Leonard to use, and Hoss did the same, telling Paul to rest in his room if he got the chance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul kept vigil with Adam, noting that Melinda\u2019s stupor was deepening and the fever going higher. She whimpered in her sleep as he\u2019d check the rigidity in her neck, and soon each breath she released was accompanied by a soft moan. At midnight, the tired doctor told Adam, \u201cI\u2019m going to take Hoss up on his offer to catch a little shuteye. I\u2019m not thinking straight anymore. An hour or two of sleep will help me sort things out better. Come for me if anything changes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By four A.M. Paul was back in Melinda\u2019s room and disheartened by what he saw. His observations led him to a decision, and he asked Adam to come downstairs. He sat at Ben\u2019s desk while Adam leaned on the edge.\u00a0 Taking a deep breath, he said, \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ve reached your own conclusion that Melinda\u2019s illness is very serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cShe\u2019s in pain, and burning up. Have you decided what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have a theory, but it\u2019s just that. There\u2019s something about the way a couple of those scratches look that brings to mind a case study that I read in a professional journal a while back. It was written by a doctor in Massachusetts.\u201d He looked up at Adam. \u201cYour father\u2019s told me that you have friends in Boston who will do anything to help you, and I\u2019m going to need them to find this doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what you need.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I\u2019m remembering correctly, this physician graduated from Harvard, and now works at Massachusetts General. The case he wrote about described a phenomenon he witnessed while serving in the Civil War. He had several soldiers go down with high fever and signs of meningitis\u2014that\u2019s a swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. He worried at first that it was a contagious disease, but he found the sickness only in a platoon of men who had slept in a barn that had been overrun with cats. And even then, the only ones ill were those who had been scratched or bitten while trying to get rid of the animals. None of those who simply slept in the barn became ill, nor did those tending to them. The author concluded that the fever was caused by something they had gotten from contact with the cats, and did not spread from person to person. He also cited an article written in the British Journal of Medicine, establishing similar symptoms under the same circumstances. The English article noted that most people don\u2019t become seriously ill. Generally, patients have a low-grade fever and malaise, but recover quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you think that Melinda\u2019s tangle with the cat is responsible for this? Did either of these articles give a clue as to why\u00a0her<\/em>\u00a0symptoms might be so bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m leaning strongly toward this cat fever, but I want to check with the author of the article. Maybe I\u2019m missing something. I\u2019m not sure why Melinda is so ill. Both physicians noted that those with the worst cases seemed to have multiple wounds just as Melinda and those soldiers. Perhaps it\u2019s the volume of exposure that adds up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019t Melinda\u2019s wounds look raw if they\u2019re infected?\u201d Adam\u2019s pitch was rising as he struggled to understand, yet he spoke softly so as not to wake Laura and Peggy who were sleeping in the next room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe infection isn\u2019t in the skin. We did see those tiny yellow blisters on a few of her scratches, and this other doctor remarked about the same thing on those he treated\u2014but that isn\u2019t the problem. What causes this meningitis is something that entered through the the scratch and went deep inside the body to attack things we can\u2019t see.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this doctor\u2019s name? I\u2019ll check with the hospital and if he isn\u2019t there, I\u2019ll get the Wadsworths looking for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHis name is Samuel Greene.\u201d Paul registered Adam\u2019s chuckle and asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pretty sure the man you\u2019re looking for is\u00a0our<\/em>\u00a0doctor. Our Sam Greene works at Mass General; he graduated from Harvard and served in the war. How\u2019s that for coincidence\u2026and providence?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say it\u2019s a blessing.\u201d Paul pulled open a desk drawer, withdrawing paper and a pencil. \u201cI\u2019ll write out what to include in the telegram. I know you don\u2019t want to leave Melinda right now, but this will be a better way of helping her than sitting around. The sun\u2019s already up in Boston, so Dr. Greene should be in his office by the time you send the wire. If he\u2019s not, at least you\u2019ll know other people who can find him.\u201d After writing for a few minutes, he reread the note and passed it to Adam. \u201cThere. I hope that\u2019s enough to help him decide if this cat fever syndrome seems likely.\u201d He gave Adam a sad smile as he watched his friend reading through the message. \u201cI\u2019m afraid it will cost a small fortune to send.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what fortunes are for,\u201d Adam replied as he headed to don his coat and hat, and finally grabbed his holster from the credenza by the door. \u201cYou\u2019ll stay here until I return?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will. Please stop at my office and put a note on the door saying that I\u2019ll be back by evening. My patients will go to Dr. Smith if they can\u2019t find me, but I can\u2019t expect him to do that for too long. I\u2019ll have to leave once Melinda\u2019s condition seems stable.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood with his hand on the door latch considering what his friend had said. \u201cAre you saying that if it\u2019s this cat thing, she\u2019ll be getting better soon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul shook his head. \u201cThat\u2019s not what I meant. From what Dr. Greene wrote in his paper, this could go on for some time. But let\u2019s not get ahead of ourselves. I want to hear what your doctor-friend has to say first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe will recover, won\u2019t she?\u201d the worried man asked with a mouth so dry that his words stuck to the roof of his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTime will tell.\u201d Paul watched as Adam turned from the door and headed back toward the stairs. \u201cDid you forget something?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see Melinda before I go\u2026just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The weary doctor wished he could give his friend the reassurance that all would be well until he returned, but he couldn\u2019t, and he nodded in silent recognition of Adam\u2019s fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul breakfasted with the other three Cartwright men who all looked worried and haggard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you figured out what\u2019s wrong with Melinda?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s in pain and running a high fever, so I suspect it\u2019s meningitis. I sent Adam to telegraph his doctor back in Boston. He has experience working with cases like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his friend a wilting glare. \u201cYou\u2019re talking, Paul, but you\u2019re not saying anything. What sort of cases does Sam Greene have experience with that you don\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCat Fever. The meningitis\u2014or swelling around the brain\u2014is probably caused by something Melinda was infected with from those cat scratches. It\u2019s unfortunate that medicine hasn\u2019t advanced enough to be certain of this, but her symptoms closely resemble what Dr. Greene dealt with.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe will recover?\u201d Ben asked in a tone that sounded like an order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul shrugged. \u201cWe won\u2019t know for a while. Meningitis affects the brain, and the brain controls everything in the body. There are so many things that can go wrong as this kind of illness works its way through her system. And even if she recovers, there may be lasting effects.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut ya think it\u2019s somethin\u2019 related to them scratches she got.\u201d Hoss sounded less than sure of this information. \u201cI\u2019ve been scratched by cats many-a-time and never got sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s present in all cats, Hoss. You told me this was a stray who showed up on the ranch a few weeks ago. \u00a0The truth is that this is still a theory and will only be proven when there\u2019s enough evidence to call it a true disease. That\u2019s why I\u2019m contacting Dr. Greene. He\u2019s seen this before and if he can confirm the symptoms, then perhaps he can also give me a few pointers on the treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spoke up. \u201cI remember Mrs. Smyth always telling us to be careful around their cats. They kept them around to take care of the mice but her kids were never allowed to play with them. Hoss was carrying one around once when we were there, and she screamed at him to put it down. She said that one of her relatives got really sick from a cat scratch. Maybe it was this same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul nodded as he sipped his coffee. \u201cA lot of medical progress comes about because of stories handed down through generations of patients. They give a good picture of how an illness develops or spreads.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laid his napkin on the table and directed his focus to Hoss. \u201cSon, you\u2019ll need to do something about that cat, and be careful. I don\u2019t want anyone else to get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked down at his plate and then smiled as an idea hit him. \u201cI\u2019ll take her and her little ones over to Jake Hardy\u2019s place and explain the situation. He don\u2019t have kids around and he\u2019s got them barns out back that are full of mice. Since he don\u2019t cotton none to cats, he won\u2019t come near her as long as she keeps the mice outta his feed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope that will work out, but you need to make sure he understands the risks.\u201d Ben rose from the table, asking the others to join him in Melina\u2019s room to pray together before they left to do their chores. Ben led the men and Mrs. Leonard in a brief prayer for his daughter-in-law\u2019s welfare and then leaned to kiss Melinda\u2019s forehead, grasped her hand and whispered into her ear. \u201cWe\u2019ll all be back soon, dear. You keep fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben walked out the front door he saw Laura sitting on the porch. He stopped abruptly and faced her. \u201cAre you planning to head home soon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot just yet. Peggy is so at ease out here, not fidgety like she was in San Francisco. I\u2019m taking her to play with her old school friend today, and tomorrow we\u2019re going to the church social so she can spend time with other children she knew.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s forced smile dropped into an incredulous frown as his brow creased as he thought,\u00a0how can she not see the tension and sadness here and ignore her daughter\u2019s obvious pain?<\/em>He\u2019d seen Peggy go pale and shy away whenever someone spoke of Melinda\u2019s illness, and he couldn\u2019t figure out how Laura considered that as being \u201cat ease.\u201d He assumed that Peggy was feeling a little ill herself over her part in what had happened. Ben didn\u2019t blame Peggy; no one did.\u00a0 He had heard Adam tell her that she wasn\u2019t responsible\u2026that accidents can sometimes have unforeseen consequences, and that\u2019s just how life worked sometimes. His son had also told Peggy that she could help most by praying for Melinda\u2019s recovery. Yet, Ben wondered if Peggy wouldn\u2019t feel far better if she didn\u2019t have to be around the situation as it played out. To that end he tried to encourage Laura\u2019s departure by asking, \u201cDo you have your return tickets? I can pick those up for you today if you don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t decided when we\u2019re leaving, but it would help me greatly if you would buy the tickets.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood silent for a moment and then spoke frankly. \u201cLaura, you should know that I won\u2019t give you any money for Will. I helped him once and thought he had learned not to play with fire. I spoke for him when he got the job with Mark Bixby and then he betrayed our trust. I paid back the money Will stole to keep peace with a friend, but I won\u2019t save Will from his poor decision. That\u2019s why I asked that Bixby not drop the charges. Will won\u2019t be in jail long, but he needs to know there are consequences for squandering a fortune and then trying to get more dishonestly. I\u2019m sure this hasn\u2019t been easy for you either and I will contact my banker in San Francisco to have an account set up to help with your living expenses until Will is out and you two are doing better again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura smiled modestly as she reached for his hand. \u201cI hate that it has come to this, Ben, but that would help so much. Thank you. I\u2019m working now but it\u2019s not enough. I need to find a place to stay that would feel more like home for Peggy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The older man blushed. He hadn\u2019t expected her sincerity and gratitude. And yet, he knew that\u2019s how Laura operated. She always seemed to need others to push her into action. He was moved to help because he knew that she wouldn\u2019t have squandered her own money. When Adam had worked with her, he had taught her how to budget and cover her costs, and she had been doing well before marrying Will. He also knew that his nephew was lured by the idea of \u201ceasy\u201d money without considering all the facts. That\u2019s what had gotten him into the mess with the counterfeiters he\u2019d been running from when Ben had found him. He figured that Will had been easy prey for flimflammers who found out that he had money in his pockets.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He prayed that Will would learn a strong lesson during his time in jail, and could reset his priorities when released. Ben had also decided that he would go to San Francisco\u2014hopefully with Adam and Melinda. He wanted the extra time with his son, and while there, he would visit his nephew in jail. His patience and direction had saved the man once, and he hoped that some wise counsel might set him on the right path again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam Greene responded to Paul Martin\u2019s wire with his agreement that Melinda\u2019s symptoms closely resembled what he\u2019d seen. He gave advice as to treatment and asked to be wired with daily updates. Sam also asked that Paul keep detailed notes about the course of Melinda\u2019s battle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fever and pain Melinda experienced from cat-scratch fever, as Paul Martin began to call it, was relentless. Dr. Greene had advised cooling baths to keep Melinda\u2019s body temperature from destroying her brain. She would scream in agony as Adam and Mrs. Leonard moved her into the cool water, and the only thing that kept her caretakers doing it was that Melinda was actually able to rest more comfortably when her temperature dipped to a normal range for a few hours afterwards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The morphine Paul injected seemed to have little pain dampening power. One effect of the medication that gave Adam the jitters was that it slowed Melinda\u2019s breathing, at times seeming to stop it completely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stayed at his wife\u2019s side day and night, praying, helping, and always telling her of his love. He rode into to town each day to wire Dr. Greene with the updates that he and Mrs. Leonard would pen, and would wait to bring home the reply so Paul could read it when he stopped at the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On the fifth night of the fever, Ben entered Melinda\u2019s room to find his son sitting on the end of the bed, looking only marginally better than the patient. He laid his arm around the man\u2019s shoulders. \u201cMrs. Leonard tells me that you haven\u2019t slept more than a few hours since this began.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s about right, I suppose.\u201d He went silent as he met his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cIt\u2019s just that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou think that if you close your eyes, she might leave you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cBut it\u2019s more than that.\u201d He looked down at his hands as he laid his palms open. \u201cI brought her here thinking she\u2019d be safe; and now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe could die here instead of in Boston?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He nodded again. \u201cIt seems I can\u2019t protect her anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know how you feel, son. When your mothers were taken from me or when any of you boys were sick\u2026I felt the same kind of helplessness. But I\u2019ve come to know that we can\u2019t protect people from everything. You can make a safe home; care for those you love, and do your best, but bad things can find their way in.\u201d He gave Adam\u2019s shoulder a squeeze. \u201cUnfortunately, they seem to happen a lot to the Cartwright family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat straighter and looked up at his father. \u201cYou\u2019ve said a lot there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t explain why it\u2019s that way, but I\u2019d like to believe that we handle what we\u2019re given and become better in the journey.\u201d He patted Adam\u2019s back. \u201cAnd becoming sick yourself serves no one, Adam. You need to rest so that you can deal with whatever happens. I know I can\u2019t talk you into sleeping in my room while I stay here, but how about lying down next to Melinda. You\u2019ll awaken if she needs you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He yawned and stretched. \u201cThat sounds reasonable, but I wouldn\u2019t want to give Mrs. Leonard a heart attack if she walks in and sees me on the bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grinned, \u201cIt was her suggestion. Patsy says Melinda keeps reaching out in her sleep and she figures she\u2019s trying to find you. If you\u2019re next to her, maybe she\u2019ll rest easier too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam kicked his boots off and moved around the bed. \u201cI think Mrs. Leonard might be right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lowered the flame in the lamp and turned to see his son lying down atop the covers at Melinda\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he reached the door Ben heard Adam say softly, \u201cI can handle what comes my way, Pa. I just wonder how much more Melinda can take.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The father smiled in the dark. \u201cNo one knows that until they\u2019re tested, son. But Melinda\u2019s a Cartwright now and she\u2019s a fighter just like we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Patsy Leonard peeked into Melinda\u2019s room on her way to turn in, and smiled as she saw Adam sound asleep next to his wife. She tiptoed into the room, retrieved a spare blanket from the back of the rocking chair and gently covered him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The middle-aged woman thought to herself that she had never witnessed such devotion as Adam exhibited toward his wife. In fact she had never seen a family as concerned and helpful as this one. They made her feel at home, and continually thanked her for her care. She\u2019d been around sickness enough to know that whatever was wrong with Melinda couldn\u2019t go on much longer. Even though they were able to bring the fever down when it spiked, in her heart she knew that Melinda\u2019s body had to either fight this off for good, or succumb to it\u2014and one outcome or the other would happen soon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She had known of the Cartwrights\u2014had seen their kindness and strength in the community. But she\u2019d never witnessed it up close. It hadn\u2019t taken long to see how these men worked together. She might call it loyalty or family pride. It was certainly that, but what she decided was that it was simply love. Every one of them regularly stopped in to see Melinda. They read to her or just sat and told the sleeping woman about their day to give Adam a chance to stretch his legs and get some air.\u00a0 It left her certain that if Melinda didn\u2019t recover, everyone in the house would suffer deeply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning back before exiting the room, she saw Melinda open her eyes, turn her head toward Adam, and caress his cheek. By the time Patsy made it to the bed to check on her, the young woman was sleeping again, while holding tightly to her husband\u2019s hand. She laid the back of her arm against Melinda\u2019s forehead and realized that the fever was down. Her first impulse was to shout to the rafters and wake everyone up in the silent house. But that could wait. For the first time since she\u2019d arrived, she felt a sense of peace had enfolded those within this place and she wasn\u2019t about to disturb that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Six \u2013 Admissions and Horse Play<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smiling faces surrounded the breakfast table as Ben asked, \u201cIs the fever is gone\u2026for good?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Leonard said it was down when she checked around ten last night and it hasn\u2019t returned.\u201d Adam felt hungry for the first time in days and bit off a piece of bacon after answering his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPraise be,\u201d Hoss muttered while chewing on a pancake. Once he swallowed, he asked, \u201cDo you know what will happen now? Is she awake?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. She did open her eyes and smile at me early this morning, and I think she\u2019s sleeping comfortably for the first time since this started. Sam hasn\u2019t said much about recovery. His telegrams have mostly been warnings about what to expect if things were getting worse. I\u2019m riding in after breakfast to wire him the latest news and see what he has to say.\u201d He folded his napkin and placed it on the table, taking one last sip of coffee before rising. \u201cI\u2019m going up to check on Melinda and then I\u2019m leaving. Does anyone need anything from town while I\u2019m there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m expecting a response to a timber bid today, Adam. Could you check at the stage office and see if any packets came in from Sacramento?\u201d Joe chewed on his lip, looking uncharacteristically shy. \u201cI\u2019m happy for you.\u201d Adam\u2019s questioning look made him explain further. \u201cHappy that Melinda is getting better. I sure would have hated to lose her after getting used to her being around. She\u2019s a pretty good fisherman after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at his youngest brother. \u201cThanks, Joe. I\u2019ll tell Melinda you\u2019ll be waiting for her with the poles and worms as soon as she\u2019s up to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peggy was standing by the barn doors when Adam came outside. \u201cI did something for you,\u201d she called as he walked toward her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah, what did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She led the way to Sport\u2019s stall and pointed at the big chestnut. \u201cHoss helped me wash him down early this morning, and I made him look nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His jaw dropped as Adam walked around his horse and finally shook off his surprise enough to say, \u201cHe does look very, ah, nice, Peggy. What made you, um, pretty him up like this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s how the fancy carriage horses look in San Francisco,\u201d she explained, and then watched as he examined the rows of braids in Sport\u2019s mane and made his way back to the twisted and bundled tail. \u201cYou look sort of sick, Adam\u201d she commented with a shaky voice, \u201cdon\u2019t you like it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He brought her over to sit on the tack box and then leaned back against the stall boards. \u201cThank you for washing him and making him look so handsome, but he\u2019s not a carriage horse, Peggy. He\u2019s a working horse and he\u2019ll need his tail to swat flies.\u201d He had no idea if Sport would have trouble with his tail tied up that way. The tails and manes of the horses back East were often trussed up similar to this and it didn\u2019t seem to cause any distress to the animals. What Adam was really thinking was that if he showed up in Virginia City with his horse looking like this he\u2019d be laughed all the way back to the Ponderosa. He moved toward Sport again, while suggesting a compromise, \u201cHow about you let his tail down while I saddle him. I\u2019ll leave a few of those braids in his mane to show everyone later, but Sport will be more comfortable with things are as they usually are.\u201d He thought a minute and grinned. \u201cYou know, Melinda would like her hair braided. She\u2019ll be up and around soon and I think having you come and fix her hair would make her very happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peggy slipped from the box and began undoing the knot in Sport\u2019s tail. \u201cI doubt Melinda will ever want to see me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched Peggy\u2019s face slip into a deep frown. \u201cWhy would you say that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of what I did to her,\u201d she said matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou said it was an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She faced him with tears beginning to streak down her face. \u201cNo, it wasn\u2019t an accident\u2026or at least not at first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He recalled Melinda\u2019s suspicions on the day she was injured, and said, \u201cI think you\u2019d better explain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peggy shook her head as tears continued to flow. \u201cThe day we got here, Mommy heard all of you outside our bedroom window while we unpacked. You were all laughing and having fun, pretending that Melinda was a princess or somethin\u2019 like that, and Mommy got so mad. She told me that Melinda was as pretty as everyone in town said she was, but people wouldn\u2019t like her so well if a cat got hold of her and she weren\u2019t so nice to look at anymore.\u201d She sniffed and wiped her eyes on her sleeve. \u201cAfter I had so much fun on Sunday, I got scared that Mommy would be mad at me too for liking Melinda. So I took that cat under its belly and held it over the edge of the loft when Melinda started to climb up, thinking maybe I wouldn\u2019t be in trouble if I did what Mommy had talked about. But I couldn\u2019t do it. I was pulling the cat back when it wiggled loose from my hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat changed your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought about what I was doing and felt ashamed. I knew that Mommy was wrong. People like Melinda just \u2018cause she\u2019s nice, and would still like her no matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat heavily on the tack box Peggy had vacated, motioned her near and took her hands. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell us this right away?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI got to thinking that it really was an accident. And when Melinda didn\u2019t say anything after I said how it happened, I thought maybe she didn\u2019t see me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe saw you, but she chose to trust your explanation. What made you tell me the truth now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s been a big rock in my stomach. I felt so bad I couldn\u2019t even look at you. I tried to stay out of the house so I didn\u2019t have to hear everyone talking about how sick Melinda is. I begged Mommy to leave, but she wouldn\u2019t, and I thought I\u2019d explode if I kept this inside me any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What she\u2019d said made sense to Adam. He hadn\u2019t seen much of the child all week, but hadn\u2019t had time to wonder why. \u201cI\u2019m glad you told the truth. And I\u2019m not excusing your mother for her thoughtless words, but you are old enough to know that when she said what she did, she wasn\u2019t asking you to toss a cat in Melinda\u2019s face.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her voice was barely a whisper. \u201cI know; I wish I could take it all back. I said prayers for Melinda every day like you said I should, and something in my heart kept telling me that they wouldn\u2019t go through unless I told the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was your conscience, Peggy. I\u2019m proud of you for listening to that and doing something about it.\u201d He gritted his teeth as he considered how to explain his concerns. \u201cThe truth is that when you do something wrong or unkind, you can\u2019t control what will happen afterwards. But now you\u2019ve seen the damage it can do. It\u2019s a terrible feeling isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pulled her closer and raised her chin so that she was looking at him. \u201cIt\u2019s always more important to be beautiful on the inside than on the outside, Miss Dayton.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She wrinkled her nose. \u201cHow can anyone see that you\u2019re beautiful on the inside?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the point. You can\u2019t see it. That sort of beauty is called character. People with character treat others fairly and with kindness.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean someone like you.\u201d She offered with a shy smile and a sniff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m thinking more about Melinda, and my family, but I think you get the idea. You\u2019ll grow to be a beautiful woman, Peggy, and I think this experience will help to make sure that your character shows just as much as your pretty face.\u201d He rose and ran his fingers through Sport\u2019s tail to let it flow freely again, and then backed him out of the stall and into the yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He waited until Peggy stepped away before giving Sport a nudge forward. \u201cYou\u2019ll need to tell your mother what you\u2019ve told me. She can help you decide what else you need to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seven \u2013 Decisions<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin was waiting by the hitching post as Adam rode into the yard. A broad smile erupted on the doctor\u2019s face as he examined the remaining braids and ribbons adorning Sport\u2019s mane while Adam tied him to the rail. \u201cAren\u2019t you all prettied up this morning?\u201d he said to the horse, patting his neck. \u201cPeggy\u2019s handiwork, I\u2019d guess,\u201d was directed at the horse\u2019s owner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d guess right. She had him all gussied up by the time I came out this morning. I got her to take some of it out but didn\u2019t have time to fuss with all of it.\u201d Adam looked around to make sure Peggy wasn\u2019t nearby and dropped his voice to a volume only Paul could hear. \u201cI took the back streets into town and left Sport by your office rather than riding to the telegraph office.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul laughed heartily as he slapped Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI can imagine the fun some of those old-timers in town would have had with you if they\u2019d seen this.\u201d He waited expectantly but when Adam gave no further information he prompted, \u201cSo? What did Dr. Greene have to say today?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, you tell me how Melinda\u2019s doing. I assume you\u2019ve been up to see her already.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was with her for almost an hour. The fever is gone, just as you and Patsy suspected. She\u2019s awake but still groggy and has a pretty uncomfortable headache yet. There are other things going on, but I\u2019m not sure if they\u2019re unusual or to be expected. Let me see the telegram and then we\u2019ll discuss it. Patsy\u2019s getting Melinda bathed now and she\u2019s planning to have her sit up a bit after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam handed over the wire and sat on the edge of the porch, drumming his fingers on the planks while while Paul read.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura was inside the house packing. Peggy had confessed the truth about the cat incident to her, and when Laura realized all that Peggy had told Adam, she assumed that their welcome at the Ponderosa would be rescinded. The situation left her proud that Peggy had told the truth, while fearing the Cartwright family would hold the child\u2019s mother most responsible for the daughter\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The whole situation made Laura\u2019s blood boil. When she\u2019d left Virginia City with Will, she\u2019d presumed that she would be able to return as an honored wife in the Cartwright clan. Instead she\u2019d had to come back pretending that all was fine even though everyone knew the truth about Will. She hadn\u2019t asked outright for money, but she\u2019d had to use every bit of her guile to tap into the Cartwright generosity. She\u2019d received a new wardrobe for her efforts, and by staying past her welcome, she\u2019d managed to prompt an offer of real financial assistance. \u00a0It galled her that she had to rely on Ben\u2019s charity to avoid becoming destitute. But what vexed her even more was that Will\u2019s irresponsibility and betrayal of the high-and-mighty Cartwright code of honor, meant that she would never receive the loyalty she should have garnered as a member of this family\u2026like Melinda did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The truth was that Laura liked Melinda well enough. She wasn\u2019t snooty or high-handed as she had imagined her. \u00a0It was the attention the woman received for being Adam\u2019s wife that poked at Laura like a deep splinter. And after Melinda was injured, the doting over her had gone on non-stop. Laura wished for some of that love and care too. After all, hadn\u2019t she and Peggy suffered severely from the bad deeds of one of the Cartwrights\u2019 own? \u00a0Where was even a breath of sympathy for her? Everyone acted as though it was her fault that her life was in such upheaval. She stood with her hands on her hips, her face set in a scowl, wondering why no one seemed to worry a lick about\u00a0her<\/em>\u00a0pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As her head cleared from her self-pity, she heard a conversation going on outside her window and realized that Adam had returned and was talking with Paul Martin. Her curiosity took over where her anger had left off, and she slipped quietly to hide behind the curtain and listen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She figured that the two of them were talking about the most recent telegram from the doctor out East they\u2019d been in contact with concerning Melinda\u2019s illness. As Paul began defining the words contained in the message, a wicked smile grew to replace Laura\u2019s pout as she thought,\u00a0maybe<\/em>\u00a0Melinda\u2019s life isn\u2019t going to be as wonderful as I had assumed it would be. And in this case, no amount of beauty, intelligence or family loyalty will matter.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul sat down next to Adam on the porch. \u201cMelinda is exhibiting most of what Sam describes. Since these are medical terms, I assume you don\u2019t know what they all mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head and smiled wryly. \u201cSome, yes, and I could try to decipher the others from their Greek and Latin roots\u2026but why don\u2019t you just tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe writes that she may experience incontinence.\u201d Paul\u2019s earlier warning that he and Adam would be discussing things they\u2019d never have thought of talking about in the past, came back in full force making him hesitate before saying, \u201cThat means she\u2019ll have trouble controlling her bladder.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d he frowned, \u201cthat won\u2019t make her happy. What else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe one that I feel will be hardest for her to deal with is already happening. It\u2019s dysphasia, or difficulty speaking. There are different kinds of dysphasia that can happen after an illness of the brain. Where you see it most often is after a stroke. You remember how Isaac Matthews could only say the word, \u2018coffee\u2019 after his stroke. No matter what he thought, that\u2019s the only word that came out of his mouth. Then there\u2019s Jake Gotliebe who speaks words in great quantity, but they don\u2019t make sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded as he paled. \u201cIs that what Melinda\u2019s doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI went through several tests to see what kind of dysphasia she has and the good news is that she knows what she wants to say. The most frustrating part for her is that she can only speak a word or two of what she\u2019s trying to communicate. They\u2019re the right words though.\u201d He scratched his head. \u201cThink of all this like a telegraph system. Her brain sends the right message, and her mouth works fine too, but the line between them needs to be repaired so that they work together again.\u201d He saw Adam nod, and continued, \u201cThe other things Sam notes are not as worrisome. She does have the headache, and with that may come nausea or anorexia, which just means she\u2019ll have no appetite. Her movements will be affected much like her ability to speak. That\u2019s because of the downed wire again. Her brain sends signals to her nerves and muscles, but there\u2019s a problem getting the whole message through to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cWhat you\u2019re saying is that even though the fever\u2019s gone, she\u2019s going to have demoralizing side effects.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul pointed to the bottom of the paper he was holding. \u201cThat\u2019s true, but you read the last two lines of this, didn\u2019t you?\u201d Adam nodded again. \u201cThen you know the outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He blew his breath out slowly. \u201cYes, I do.\u201d As he leaned forward to stand up, he saw the corner of paper sticking out of his shirt pocket. He pulled it out and handed it to Paul. \u201cI almost forgot. I saw this tacked to the door when I left Sport by your place.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul quickly scanned it and declared, \u201cI\u2019m sorry; I have to run. Meg Patterson is in labor. I\u2019m a little concerned about her and I should head over that way. Hopefully she\u2019ll have a bouncing baby by the time I get there. You can go over Dr. Greene\u2019s note with Melinda, and I\u2019ll stop back later or first thing tomorrow to answer any questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned Paul\u2019s carriage around while the doctor retrieved his coat and bag from the house. He saluted his friend after handing over the reins and said, \u201cGive Meg and Jack my best. Thank you, Paul.\u201d After the doctor was gone, Adam went inside and made his way to the kitchen for a drink of water and found that Hop Sing had left muffins warming on the oven vent. He grabbed one and consumed it in three bites, washing it down with another swig of water, and then headed upstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda was sitting by the open window. \u201cDon\u2019t you look like a cat curled up in a warm spot of sunshine,\u201d he chuckled. When she turned toward him with a scathing glare, he thought about what he\u2019d said and groaned. \u201cAh, maybe that wasn\u2019t the best analogy, but it\u2019s so good to see your eyes open and you sitting up.\u201d He leaned down to kiss her, whispering, \u201cI\u2019ve missed you, my love.\u201d As he tried to sit in the chair he\u2019d pulled over near the window, he caught the grip of his pistol on the ornately trimmed arm and removed his gun belt, placing it on the bed. He took Melinda\u2019s hands and kissed them. \u201cPaul left to deliver a baby and will stop back later. He said you\u2019re doing much better today, but that you\u2019re having a little trouble talking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She tried to say yes, but struggled on the \u201cy\u201d and finally nodded instead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your head is still hurting?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She rolled her eyes as a look of pain twisted her cheeks and brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take that as a yes. Did Paul explain why you\u2019ve been so ill?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCat,\u201d she managed to say, but then struggled with the word, fever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. Did he tell you how long you\u2019ve been ill?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She held up six fingers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This time Adam nodded. \u201cIt seemed like forever.\u201d He leaned forward and gently took her face in his hands and kissed her forehead. \u201cAll that matters is you\u2019re awake now and getting better.\u201d He searched his pockets and realized he\u2019d set the telegram on the table in the kitchen when he\u2019d snitched the muffin. \u201cShoot,\u201d he said, \u201cI was going to read you Sam\u2019s wire from this morning, but I left it downstairs. Did Paul tell you that Sam Greene dealt with a similar illness during the war and has been communicating with us daily?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda nodded again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go down for it in a minute, but the good news is that you\u2019re going to be\u2026\u201d he stopped as he heard a buggy pulling into the yard below. Adam leaned out the window, thinking that perhaps Paul had returned, but reported, \u201cIt\u2019s Mrs. Fields.\u201d When Melinda gave no clue that she recognized the name, he explained, \u201cThe woman from the shop where you got the skirt and blouse you wore at the party.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWh, what\u2026\u201d she blew out an impatient sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I should run down and see what\u2026\u201d but then stopped when he heard Laura\u2019s voice as she called a greeting to the visitor while exiting the house. \u201cGood, Laura can take care of it.\u201d He sat back down as the women\u2019s conversation began to drift up to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLaura!\u201d Mrs. Fields called out, \u201cYou\u2019re still here. I thought you\u2019d have headed back to San Francisco by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be leaving tomorrow. I had a few things to do, and friends to visit while we were here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I\u2019d have worried a little about getting in the way with all that\u2019s been going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura bristled. \u201cWe weren\u2019t any bother. I made sure we took care of ourselves and stayed out from underfoot. What brings you out here, Flora?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI heard that Mrs. Cartwright\u2019s has been ill, and thought I\u2019d bring out a pretty new robe to cheer her up. She wore the skirt and blouse she bought from me at the party the Cartwrights gave, and I\u2019ve had a steady stream of customers since then hoping to get the same sort of outfit. I figured I should thank her, and thought that she\u2019d appreciate having something pretty to wear while she recovers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can take it to her. She\u2019s not receiving company.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d She continued in a wistful voice, \u201cThis is a lovely place, and peaceful. I was so busy last week that I couldn\u2019t make it out to the party. Others have told me that it was a typical Cartwright event\u2014perfectly done with great hospitality.\u201d Her tone now reflected her concern. \u201cIt\u2019s a shame what happened after it though. The word in town is that Mrs. Cartwright\u2019s sickness is severe. Everyone I know is praying that she will get through this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder if sometimes prayers are said for the wrong outcomes,\u201d Laura sighed dramatically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Flora was guarded. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the truth is that we always pray for people to live, but in some cases, perhaps it would be better to pray for a quick and merciful end.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat could possibly make you say something like that?\u201d Flora hissed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you want to live on if it meant wetting yourself like a baby and being unable to walk, feed or care for yourself? And how would you feel if you could never speak again? That\u2019s what Melinda is facing. What kind of a life will this be for her\u2026or Adam? He\u2019ll need constant help to care for her, and they\u2019ll never be able to go out as a couple or have a family. I wonder if given the choice, might Melinda have wished us to pray that she would die rather than to be a burden for the rest of her life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly she\u2019ll get better,\u201d Flora stated firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot according to Paul Martin. I heard him tell Adam what I just told you, no more than ten minutes ago. The fever is gone, but Melinda will remain an invalid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dropping her voice, the visitor cautioned, \u201cYou best watch what you say about Mrs. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura laughed without humor, \u201cIn case you\u2019ve forgotten, I\u2019m Mrs. Cartwright too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen perhaps you should start acting like it my dear. The Cartwrights would never gossip about one of their own.\u201d She snapped the leather to set her horse moving from the yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In their room, Melinda\u2019s eyes had continued to widen as Laura\u2019s prognosis carried to her ears on a summer breeze. Her fear was reflecting back at her in the concern showing on Adam\u2019s face. She struggled to speak, and finally said, \u201cTrue?\u201d while pointing to the window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he reassured, \u201cat least not in the way she made it sound. I was trying to tell you what Sam said when\u2026\u201d He stopped speaking as Melinda tried to rise but couldn\u2019t make her limbs work together. He assisted her up and held her arms, noting that she looked wild-eyed and about ready to crawl out of her skin. Trying again to explain, he said, \u201cI need to read Sam\u2019s telegram to you. It will explain what\u2019s happening. Don\u2019t worry, honey, it\u2019s all going to be…\u201d His words were again cut short as he heard a splattering noise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both looked down at the growing puddle wetting Melinda\u2019s feet and splashing onto the toes of Adam\u2019s boots. She touched the expanding of area of wetness forming on the lower front of her nightgown, and moaned. A look of horror accompanied a deep blush as she tried to push past Adam. Her legs buckled and she slipped in the puddle, sending her back down into her chair with a thud. The stricken woman pointed at Adam and shouted, \u201cLi\u2026ar!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knelt next to her but she pushed him away as she tried to gather dry parts of her gown to cover the urine saturated panel. \u201cMelinda,\u201d he said soothingly, \u201cdon\u2019t worry, it\u2019s nothing.\u201d She refused to look up even after he tried to raise her chin. \u201cLook at me, honey,\u201d he pled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She kept her head down as she slowly shook her head and wept silently. Her face was a blank as she briefly made eye contact. She pointed to the door and said, \u201cGo.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knew Melinda had stopped listening and it would do no good to try to explain. He needed the telegram. It would be proof of what he would tell her, and something solid for her to hold onto as she dealt with the latest manifestations of this illness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrs. Leonard had heard the raised voices and came into the room as Adam was nearing the door. \u201cIs everything all right?\u201d she inquired as she saw Melinda tightly huddled in her chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam snapped but then calmed himself. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t mean to sound so sharp. Melinda needs your help.\u201d He looked back at his wife and told her he\u2019d be back in a few minutes and then motioned for Mrs. Leonard to follow him into the hall. \u201cShe heard something that makes her think she won\u2019t recover from the things that are affecting her now. I have a lot to tell her but she\u2019ll need to calm down a little first. I\u2019ll be back up as soon as I deal with a few things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Patsy Leonard touched his arm. \u201cI assume you heard that spiteful woman talking outside too. I\u2019m sure half the county did. What do you suppose gets into a person to do something like that?\u201d She patted his arm again. \u201cTake your time. I\u2019ll get Mrs. Cartwright back in order. She\u2019ll feel better then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam met Laura as she entered the kitchen door. She said nothing as she set the box from Mrs. Fields on the table and sat down in the chair, leaned forward onto her arms, and sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI heard you tell Flora that you\u2019re leaving tomorrow,\u201d he said brusquely, trying to keep from shouting. \u201cThat\u2019s good. At least I don\u2019t have to throw you out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sat up and waved her hand dismissively. \u201cI figured that would be the case when Peggy told me what she\u2019d done.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou think I\u2019m mad about Peggy?\u201d he asked incredulously. \u201cI was sad to hear what she did, but she\u2019s a kid and they can\u2019t always anticipate the outcome of their actions.\u201d He sat at the table too. \u201cMy concern is with you, Laura.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her eyes popped wide, but then she sighed again. \u201cI knew you\u2019d blame me. But you just said that kids do foolish things, so why is it my fault?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He rubbed his face and then softly pounded his fist on the table while considering what needed to be said. \u201cFirst of all, you\u2019re hiding things from Peggy again. She knows that Will is in trouble, but it\u2019s obvious that you haven\u2019t told her the truth so she\u2019s trying to protect you\u2026just like after her father died. She pretends everything is fine for you, but it\u2019s not. It\u2019s confusing for her and I think it led to her make a very bad decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura\u2019s nose wrinkled. \u201cI\u2019m protecting her so she won\u2019t have to know how bad things are.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo you\u2019re not. You\u2019re protecting yourself against having an honest conversation. You don\u2019t have to tell her the details, but she needs to know that no matter what\u2019s going on,\u00a0you<\/em>will always be there for her and she can come to you when she has questions.\u201d He let that settle for a moment and then continued, \u201cAnd while you treat Peggy like a baby in some things, you treat her like your confidant at other times. That has to stop.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She flashed, \u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou let Peggy see your jealousy towards Melinda, and she couldn\u2019t figure out how to like Melinda without hurting you. I don\u2019t know what you expected to accomplish with an invitation to the Ponderosa, but you obviously weren\u2019t happy that you didn\u2019t get the attention you thought you deserved, and laid your misery on your daughter. It\u2019s a mess between you and Peggy, and you know it.\u201d He sighed in frustration as he glared at Laura. \u201cAnd how could you let her get so far behind in school? That makes everything worse for her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d she said softly, \u201cbut I don\u2019t know what to do.\u201d She looked directly at him, \u201cI don\u2019t know why I\u2019m acting the way I am or why I just told that woman what I did about Melinda, except that maybe \u00a0for a moment I felt relieved to know that you and Melinda are facing a life that\u2019s worse than mine.\u201d She gave a twisted smile. \u201cI\u2019m guessing that you\u2019re angry because you heard what I told Flora.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did. What\u2019s worse is that Melinda did too and she believed everything you said.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s the truth.\u201d Her bravado returned. \u201cI heard Paul telling you those things, and Melinda\u2019s going to have to face them. Maybe I did you a favor;\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0didn\u2019t have to tell her the bad news.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u201cIt wasn\u2019t your \u2018truth\u2019 to tell, and you didn\u2019t hear the most important part of that telegram.\u201d He picked up the yellow paper he\u2019d left on the table earlier, and handed it to her. \u201cRead the last two lines.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The paper dropped from her hands as she covered her face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d she looked back up as her look went from chagrin to defiance, \u201cbut what I said\u00a0was<\/em>\u00a0the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can forgive Peggy for acting without knowing the outcome. But you knew Melinda would be devastated by hearing those things. I think you meant to hurt her, and unlike your daughter, you didn\u2019t understand that what you were doing was wrong and try to stop yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said I was sorry and I\u2019ll apologize to Melinda.\u201d Laura hung her head. As Adam shoved his chair back and began to stand, she looked up and blurted, \u201cThings are so awful between Will and me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re married to Will now, Laura,\u201d he said tersely as he stopped in mid-stand. \u201cThis conversation belongs between you and your husband.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut this is about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pulled back with a look of shock and resumed his seat. \u201cI was pretty clear that I held no ill-will toward either of you, and haven\u2019t even seen you since you left Virginia City.\u201d Another thought hit him that made him cringe. \u201cYou must have realized that even though we had a few things in common, in the end, there wasn\u2019t enough between us to have gone through with our wedding plans. I hope you aren\u2019t harboring some remorse about your decision to go with Will.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not!\u201d She scoffed. \u201cThe truth is that I never loved you either. I made a bad choice in listening to Aunt Lil. Unfortunately Will has a hard time believing that because I accepted your marriage proposal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Will seemed happy enough when he left with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was happy at first. He teased that he\u2019d \u2018won me\u2019 away from you because he was the better man. But after we heard about your marriage and your good job in Boston…something started to eat away at him. He was convinced that you\u2019d tricked him into taking me off your hands so you could marry someone else without looking like a scoundrel. Your success ate at him even more. That\u2019s when he started using our money for every hair-brained scheme that came along. It didn\u2019t take long until there was nothing left. That\u2019s when he found more creative ways to get money and ended up in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI never felt any competitiveness from Will, and I won\u2019t be drawn into it now. I can\u2019t live differently to make him feel better about himself. Pa said he\u2019s setting up a draw-account for you to live on, and he\u2019s going to Frisco to speak to Will.\u201d He smiled. \u201cThat should help. When Pa speaks, people listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it will make a difference. But right now I\u2019m most worried about Peggy. You\u2019re right; I have to do better by her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t fix what\u2019s wrong with your marriage, but Melinda had a great idea to help Peggy\u2026\u201d After telling her about the boarding school and scholarship, he picked up the telegram and stood again. \u201cI think it best that I not have further contact with you, Laura. Perhaps then my cousin can stop worrying about a shadow that only he can see.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura rose as well and touched Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI think that\u2019s best too.\u201d She started to walk away, but turned back. \u201cI know I never seemed very grateful for your advice while we were seeing each other, but as bad as things have been lately, without using what you taught me, they would have been a whole lot worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hurried up the stairs but stopped short as he neared his bedroom door. It was ajar, and he heard the unmistakable sound of a trigger being locked back. He\u2019d met Mrs. Leonard in the living room so he knew Melinda was alone. Images of an intruder holding her at gunpoint swam into his head as he reached for his own Colt. A more frightening image replaced the first as he realized he\u2019d left his gun on the bed when he\u2019d been upstairs earlier. His stomach turned as he pictured what he would find when he entered. He moved carefully so as not to frighten Melinda, while not waiting to give her time to act before he intervened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pushed the door open further and quickly scanned the room. His eyes came to rest on the empty holster. As he focused on Melinda, he saw that his fear was playing out as he imagined. She was holding his gun by the grip, with the muzzle pressed tightly against her chest. He began to breathe again when he saw that her thumbs were still outside the trigger guard.\u00a0Thank God<\/em>, he thought as he walked in and sat on the far-end of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThinking about ending it all?\u201d he asked calmly. There was no response. Melinda stared down at the pistol with the same blank look she\u2019d had when she\u2019d sent him away. He spoke again, keeping his tone relaxed. \u201cI know you heard Laura say that you\u2019re an invalid and nothing will ever be the same for either of us. You\u2019ve had a little time to think about that since I went downstairs, and I imagine it\u2019s laying heavy on your mind.\u201d She nodded once, while still not looking up. He stayed where he was. \u201cIf you\u2019ll give me a few minutes, I might be able to help you see why everything seems so hopeless now. It should make a difference in your decision. Will you listen?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She met his gaze long enough to nod again before looking back down and moving her thumbs nearer to the trigger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think that you really want to die, Melinda, so I\u2019m guessing you\u2019d take your life to save me from the years of burden you think you\u2019d cause me\u2014a \u2018no greater love\u2019 sort of gift.\u201d 1 He moved up a little closer on the bed and continued, \u201cBut the truth is that you\u2019re making a decision based on incomplete information. Laura overheard a conversation between Paul and me concerning Sam\u2019s latest telegram.\u201d He unfolded the yellow sheet and smoothed it on his knee. \u201cEverything you heard her say was true. Sam indicates that you could experience several complications.\u201d He read from the list noted in the wire, explaining in common terms what each meant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her head dipped further as tears began to wet her hands and the barrel of the gun. He wanted to grab the weapon away and hold her as he reassured her, but he feared that any rapid movement might result in tragedy. He also understood that this was something she had to puzzle through on her own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He spoke soothingly, \u201cYou\u2019re well aware of how these are affecting you, and you think that your life is over anyway so why not hurry it along.\u201d He inched up the bed again. \u201cBut what Laura never heard was the last two sentences of this message and they make all the difference in the world.\u201d He read again from the telegram: \u201cPost-fever side effects serious but temporary. Full recovery usually quick and complete.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda gasped as she looked up and asked, \u201cTrue?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He showed her the telegram, pointing to part he\u2019d read. \u201cNeither Sam nor I would lie to you. Paul says you had meningitis, a condition that caused swelling around your brain and spine. At first it caused severe pain and confusion; then it kept you asleep even though you were probably aware of the pain. You\u2019ve started to improve now, but the signals your brain is sending to your body are still being detoured by the leftovers of the fever. That\u2019s why things aren\u2019t working right yet. But according to Sam and Paul, it will get better soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her voice caught in a sob as her hands loosened around the pistol grip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you believe me?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWa\u2026want to.\u201d She struggled to speak as she looked directly at him for the first time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019re having trouble thinking things through for the same reasons you feel clumsy and can\u2019t speak the way you want.\u201d He stroked her hair and gently brought his hand down to the pistol. She didn\u2019t resist, but didn\u2019t release it completely. He gripped the barrel with his thumb and two fingers as he continued to speak. \u201cIf you still think you need to escape this life, then I\u2019ll have to adjust your aim before you pull the trigger; it\u2019s a little off.\u201d He eased the hammer back into place before rotating the gun in her hands until it was pointing at his own heart. \u201cYou\u2019d have to start here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She allowed Adam to take the pistol from her then and reached out for him. He set the weapon aside before gathering her onto his lap while he whispered in her ear, \u201cIt\u2019ll all be over soon. Just hang onto me until it is.\u201d Her tears came harder as she clung to him and sobbed. He breathed a prayer of thanks and held her tight as she cried herself to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part Three \u2013 To Boston and Beyond<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One \u2013 Western Farewells<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura and Peggy left as planned the next day following the mother and daughter\u2019s heartfelt apologies to the other Mrs. Cartwright. Laura told Melinda and Adam privately that she had spoken to Peggy, and had made her promise to ask about anything she wasn\u2019t sure of.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s recovery was as rapid and complete as Sam Greene had promised. Within a day her movements became more fluid, and her ability to speak in full sentences followed shortly. She and Adam spent another several days on the Ponderosa while her strength returned enough to tackle the next part of their journey, and then they headed for San Francisco, accompanied by the entire Cartwright family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once there, Adam contacted Josie, the friend he\u2019d thought would be interested in offering scholarships for young women to attend good schools. She was delighted with the idea and immediately met with Laura and Peggy to get things rolling. They toured the school together, and later Melinda received a note from the principal saying that Peggy had been enrolled for a mid-summer start to get her caught up before classes began in the fall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben spoke to his nephew and offered Will the chance to represent the Ponderosa in California once he was released, telling him that the position brought the promise of hard work with no access to money other than his salary.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam, and his college roommate, Frankie Wadsworth\u2014who usually referred to himself Adam\u2019s \u201cthird\u201d brother, were able to finish their project quickly, and it was soon time to return to Boston. The couple found the private rail car waiting for them, this time attached this time to a cross-country train. It was Adam\u2019s gift to his wife to make the trip home as comfortable and restful as possible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After farewells that included good wishes for both Melinda and Adam, the Western Cartwrights pulled their east-bound member aside for personal sendoffs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben wished his son success and happiness along with a promise to bring everyone to Boston when Adam and Melinda returned from England. The two men lingered in an embrace before a quick, final goodbye handshake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grasped his brother\u2019s hand as he said quietly, \u201cI\u2019m sure glad I got to say goodbye this time. I\u2019ll miss your granite head, but not so much as before.\u201d A jab to his brother\u2019s shoulder preceded his last comment, \u201cTake care of my fishing buddy, ya hear!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s farewell was a bear hug followed by, \u201cTake care, brother. I\u2019m sad to see you go again, but you\u2019ll always be in here,\u201d he pointed to his heart. The big man grinned. \u201cAnd after seeing you with Melinda, I want to get me a wife real soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grinned at his middle brother while stepping up onto railcar\u2019s platform, and asked, \u201cYou got someone in mind, Hoss, or you just gonna grab some pretty girl off the street?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two \u2013 A New Adventure in England\u2026Or\u2026An End to the Couple from Boston<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam held the chair as Melinda took her seat in the formal dining room. He\u2019d arrived home from work with only enough time to greet the newest occupant of the Wadsworth estate in London, before rushing off to change for dinner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam Greene looked at Adam and Melinda across the linen covered table arrayed with its china and crystal, and began to chuckle. \u201cThis is some place, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he offered as he looked up at the ornate chandelier while a steaming bowl of soup was placed in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt sure is.\u201d Melinda thanked their server, and continued. \u201cI was overwhelmed with it at first but you get used to it fast. We might as well enjoy it now; It\u2019s a lifestyle we\u2019ll never be able to afford on our own.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled as he raised his spoon and sampled the hot broth. \u201cThat\u2019s the truth. My family had Hop Sing and he did a lot for us, but to have several people catering to our needs has been interesting. Frank did warn us that to refuse their help will offend the staff and make them think they aren\u2019t doing a good job.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll need to tell me a little more about what to expect with them so I don\u2019t cause trouble.\u201d Sam finished the last of his consomm\u00e9 before asking. \u201cHow long have you two been here now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe got here in late September, so about 10 weeks.\u201d Adam put his spoon aside. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to believe we were in Nevada in the spring, and soon we\u2019ll celebrate Christmas in London.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam nodded. \u201cTime does fly, but I\u2019m sure it\u2019s nice to be staying somewhere with a connection to home. It was gracious of the Wadsworths to let us all stay in their house here.\u201d He squinted to examine the portrait hanging over the buffet. \u201cThat painting almost looks like Frank. I thought he once said that his parents came to Boston in the late 1700s, so I\u2019m not sure how Frank ended up with this house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to the artwork Sam was referencing. \u201cI think this estate came to him through his uncle, Frederick Wadsworth. That\u2019s him in the portrait, and I agree that there\u2019s a strong family resemblance. Frederick remained a bachelor, and Frank was his only male heir. I think he and Marian had talked about selling the place but realized that keeping it made the most sense for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda was listening to the two men talk when she felt an odd sensation in her abdomen and grimaced as a wave of worry warmed her cheeks. She took a deep breath while checking to see whether either of the men had seen her momentary display, and sighed thankfully when noting they had finished their conversation and were concentrating on their entr\u00e9e. She pushed her concern aside to ask, \u201cWhat actually brought you to London, Sam? Frank wrote that you were coming and would be staying here while working at the London Hospital, but he didn\u2019t really explain why.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s because of you,\u201d he teased. When he saw her frown he explained. \u201cYou\u2019ll recall that when you were ill while in Nevada, Paul Martin and I consulted by using telegraphed updates, and then you were nice enough to let us co-author a paper about your experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou sent us a copy of the journal it was in. I thought it was well done.\u201d Melinda eyes widened when she noticed the flutter in her stomach again, and she fought to look calm even while her mind raced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cApparently others thought it was good too, and that led to Paul and me being invited to present the paper at this year\u2019s gathering of physicians in London. Unfortunately Paul\u2019s travel time would have been prohibitive and he decided against attending.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can understand Paul\u2019s dilemma,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cI doubt his patients in Virginia City would have been too happy if he\u2019d taken off for a few months.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Are physicians here so interested in Cat Fever?\u201d Melinda asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure that\u2019s part of it, but I think what impressed them more was how a doctor in the West, and one in the East were able to share information about an illness and treatment by using modern means. The theme of this year\u2019s meeting is a challenge to physicians to step beyond old boundaries. The idea so appealed to the heads of Massachusetts General that they arranged a physician exchange with the Royal London Hospital and asked me to stay on here as the first in the new program. Frank said that you two will be here at least a year, and that\u2019s about what I foresee as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSince we\u2019ll be at opposite ends of the house, we won\u2019t see much of each other,\u201d Melinda teased. \u201cBut I look forward to many dinner conversations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both men agreed with her before Sam changed the subject. \u201cWhat\u2019s been keeping you two busy?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda beamed, \u201cMy publishing company made arrangements for me to work with a progressive teacher here. She read my books on action-based teaching, and is interested in doing something similar here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam winked at her. \u201cIt sounds like there might there be a co-authored work in your future too.\u201d He focused on Adam. \u201cI saw you when you came home from work tonight and you weren\u2019t dressed like a man who spends his days in an engineering office.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m an engineering consultant to the John Aird Company, the general contractor on the MIllwall enclosed dock.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam\u2019s eyebrows dipped. \u201cIs an \u2018enclosed\u2019 dock different from a regular one?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cThe London Pool is the main harbor, but it\u2019s so crowded that ships can wait days to get into a berth for unloading. While they\u2019re moored, river pirates raid them and take whatever they can get their hands on. These enclosed harbors are built at the end of channels leading from the Thames. They\u2019re secure, and the extra cost for using them is offset by getting loads off and on without waiting.\u201d He paused to give Sam a moment to imagine how the dock would look. \u201cAnd you\u2019re right about me not working in an office. I\u2019m at the site most days learning as I work on the actual construction. The math involved in this project is a nightmare.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he loves every minute of it!\u201d Melinda interjected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do like what I\u2019m doing, and Frank expects that I learn as much as I can so we\u2019ll be ready to suggest similar construction in New York and Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam wrinkled his nose as he looked out the window at the gloomy evening. \u201cIt sure is damp here. It chills to the bone. And what\u2019s with that fog? I noticed it as the train pulled into the station and it hung over the streets like a greenish blanket until my cab got close to Frank\u2019s house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the bad part about London,\u201d Adam chuckled. \u201cIt tends to be foggy here anyway, but what you saw in town is a haze from coal being burned in the factories and homes.\u201d Adam saw his friend frown. \u201cYou\u2019ll tend to forget the bad things as you realize how historic this area is, and we\u2019re within a stone\u2019s throw of the opera house and concert hall.\u201d Adam paused as he tried to remember what he wanted to ask. \u201cOh, how\u2019d your voyage go? I think you were on the same ship that we took over\u2014the Scotia?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne and the same. It\u2019s quite a vessel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda gave a hearty laugh. \u201cAdam pestered the crew so much that they finally took him below and showed him the boilers and pistons, and explained how the whole thing worked.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can tease me all you like, darlin\u2019, but I learned a lot.\u201d He sighed. \u201cI kept wondering what my father and grandfather would think of her. Abel once showed me around a clipper ship when I visited him during a school holiday. So much has changed in just a few years.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam turned to Melinda, \u201cAnd what did you do while your husband prowled the belly of the beast?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was fine the first day out, but then got seasick and I spent my days in the Lady\u2019s Lounge.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam began, \u201cThe strange thing is that the seasickness has continued\u2026\u201d but stopped short as he noted his wife\u2019s warning glare out of the corner of his eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam\u2019s tone was concerned, \u201cHave you been ill, Melinda?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She deflected his question. \u201cIt\u2019s your first night here, Sam. Let\u2019s just enjoy ourselves and catch up with the news from home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They finished their dessert as Sam told them about how things were going back in Boston. He was in the middle of a story about his going-away party when Melinda stood. She turned ashen as she held her napkin over her mouth, breathing deeply until she could speak, and then mumbled that she wasn\u2019t feeling well\u2014before bolting from the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rose to follow her, but resumed his seat when saw her maid following her up the stairs. \u201cI know you just got here, Sam, but could I talk to you about Melinda? I know she didn\u2019t want me to bring this up yet, but I\u2019m truly worried about her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe did look a little pale and shaky when she left. What\u2019s troubling her\u2026and you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men walked into the sitting room where Adam slumped into an overstuffed chair. \u201cYou told us that as far as you knew, the effects of that fever shouldn\u2019t return. Yet I wonder if that isn\u2019t happening. Since we\u2019ve been here, she\u2019s had headaches and is always exhausted. She\u2019s always had amazing stamina, so this seems out of character.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt could just be that she needs a little more time to get her strength back. You two have had a hectic schedule that started almost immediately after she got over the worst of that illness. You traveled from one coast to the other, and then across the ocean, and did a lot in Boston before you left. I\u2019m sure that acclimating here has taken some effort too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you saw her just now. She told you that she had trouble at sea, but the nausea keeps returning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam shrugged and pursed his lips. \u201cI have to say that despite your worries and the episode tonight, I think she looks wonderful. She\u2019s even put on a little of the weight she lost during the fever and the appetite problems afterwards. I thought she was much too thin when you two were home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave a half-smile and then lapsed back into a worried frown. \u201cI\u2019ll admit that she does look good except for those \u2018spells.\u2019 She doesn\u2019t want to talk about them and gets testy when I question her, so I don\u2019t say much anymore. Lately she\u2019s tried to cover up the fact that she\u2019s not feeling well, but I can tell, and the fact that she hides it concerns me even more. I also notice that she panics whenever she forgets something or can\u2019t come up with a word fast enough to suit her. I think she\u2019s afraid the dysphasia is returning.\u201d He breathed deeply as his face set in worry. \u201cThe truth is that\u2026\u201d He sighed as his words trailed to silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d Sam encouraged his friend. \u201cSeeing how upset you look, I\u2019m as worried about you as you seem to be about Melinda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He closed his eyes and thought about the root of his anxiety and finally blew out his breath. \u201cSometimes I think we won\u2019t ever get ahead of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam\u2019s head dipped as his forehead creased. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhenever I think we\u2019ve left our past trials behind, they catch up and the tests start again. We left Boston and went to the Ponderosa hoping that life would be less dramatic for a while, and then she almost died there! It seems I can\u2019t protect Melinda anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut she didn\u2019t die,\u201d Sam said softly. He considered what Adam had said, and offered, \u201cI imagine you came to London expecting that could set your course to the future instead of looking back. Yet you worry now that this illness might have caught up for another shot at Melinda?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cThat\u2026or something even worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam looked squarely at his friend, and rose. \u201cWhy don\u2019t I go up and see Melinda. I\u2019m sure she knows how worried you are, so maybe it\u2019ll be easier for her to tell me about\u00a0her<\/em>concerns. I can either put both your fears to rest or find a specialist for a thorough exam once I check in at the hospital tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood too and shook his hand. \u201cThanks, Sam. I was hoping you might do just that. I asked her to see a doctor here but she wanted to wait for you.\u201d He stalked the rooms downstairs for a bit before going up to continue his pacing outside the room. The walls of the house were thick and the doors heavy so there was no eavesdropping possible, and he was forced to walk off his tension and wait until allowed inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d Melinda asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d the doctor replied while standing next to the bed, holding her hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t I see what was happening?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoth you and Adam were sure the side effects of the fever had returned and the long gaps between your cycles weren\u2019t unusual, so you only saw those things that supported your fears.\u201d His smile was kindly as he teased, \u201cBesides, neither of you are doctors. If you could diagnose yourself, you\u2019d have no need of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you\u2019re right about that. I also suppose you\u2019d better let him in here now. I\u2019m sure he\u2019s out there pacing like a tiger.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam walked toward the door and looked back before turning the knob. \u201cI imagine you\u2019d like to tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded. \u201cThank you, Sam.\u201d Tears began to spill down her cheeks. \u201cHow long do I have yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say four to five months. I\u2019ll be able to give a more accurate estimate after a better exam. I\u2019ll do that once I get settled at the hospital.\u201d He turned the knob, \u201cI\u2019ll keep Adam outside for a bit while you compose yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d Adam demanded while trying to push past Sam into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam took his friend\u2019s arm, steering him back into the hallway. \u201cLet her be for a minute or two. She\u2019s a little emotional right now.\u201d He closed the door, leaving it enough ajar that Melinda could hear what he was saying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe news must be bad. I saw her crying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not at liberty to say what it is, but I\u2019ll assure you that it\u2019s not Cat Fever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen what is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe one thing I will tell you is that your life as a couple will end in less than five months.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head spun as he considered the possibilities. He drew a deep breath and steeled himself for the worst. \u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam peeked around the door to see how his patient was doing, and stepped aside, motioning Adam to enter. \u201cYour wife will explain what\u2019s going on. Now put a smile on your face and go to her. I\u2019m turning in. I\u2019ll see you both in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked to the side of the bed, unable to speak the fear that was assaulting his mind and heart. Yet Melinda\u2019s demeanor didn\u2019t fit his dire conclusion regarding Sam\u2019s only clue. Her cheeks were a rosy pink from the tears, but she looked comfortable and serene. He finally smiled down at her. \u201cOur physician wouldn\u2019t tell me what\u2019s wrong. He just said we only had a few months left together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The corners of her mouth turned up as she gently reminded him, \u201cThat\u2019s not what he\u00a0said<\/em>, Adam; that\u2019s what you\u00a0heard<\/em>. He said that we have four months left as a\u00a0couple<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His jaw tightened as his hands clenched at his side. \u201cWhy would the word,\u00a0couple,<\/em>\u00a0change the significance?\u201d The conversation he\u2019d had with his father the night Melinda\u2019s fever had broken, filtered into his memory and jabbed at his heart. He took her hands as he sat next to her. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Melinda. I suspected that the stress and anxiety of being married to me might become too much for you.\u201d He breathed deeply. \u201cAll I ever wanted was to keep you safe while we found a future together, but that doesn\u2019t seem possible. Trouble has always followed me, and it has continued pursuing both of us since we\u2019ve been together. I can understand if you need to find a more normal life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled as she caressed his cheek. \u201cI love you, even if you are a fool! Hoss said the Cartwrights \u2018ain\u2019t never been normal,\u2019 and since I\u2019m a Cartwright, I think his assessment applies to me as well.\u201d Melinda cupped his cheeks and looked into his eyes. \u201cThe first time I held your face like this, you were unconscious because you\u2019d fallen from a ladder while trying to get a better look at me down below. That gave me a good indication of what you were like. It didn\u2019t make me run away then, and I\u2019m not going anywhere now. I wouldn\u2019t trade any of our\u00a0troubles<\/em>\u00a0together for an\u00a0easier<\/em>\u00a0or\u00a0safer<\/em>\u00a0life without you. The place I feel safest is in your arms, Adam, and the only future I can imagine is by your side.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His tension eased as a sheepish grin replaced his frown. \u201cI am a truly fortunate man.\u201d He sat back and exhaled as he tried again to make sense of what was going on. \u201cBut if you\u2019re not planning to leave me, then why won\u2019t be a couple, and what\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0making you ill?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sick, Adam. What I\u2019m experiencing is normal for someone with my condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s forehead wrinkled. \u201cWhat condition is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe nausea and exhaustion, along with the newest symptom\u2014a fluttering in my abdomen\u2014all point to something wonderful: something we\u2019ve both wanted since the day we were married.\u201d She draped her hands over his shoulders and winked. \u201cNeither of us dared to consider a happy possibility because we were too busy waiting for the past to catch up or expecting new ordeals.\u201d \u00a0He nodded as she continued, \u201cSam confirmed what I\u2019d already concluded tonight after I\u2019d allowed myself to put the clues together without fear\u2026 We won\u2019t be a couple in four months because we\u2019ll be a family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s smile grew as laughter broke free from his worried heart. He gathered Melinda into his arms and held her tightly. \u201cLet me make sure I understand before I start shouting out the window and sending telegrams. Everything that\u2019s been happening is normal\u2026because you\u2026because you\u2019re carrying\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She brought her lips to his ear and whispered, \u201cOur future.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End\u2026<\/p>\n

Next Story in the One Step Closer Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

From Two to Three
\n<\/a>Changes in Fate<\/a><\/p>\n

*From my story,\u00a0When Words are Hard to Find<\/em>.<\/p>\n

**From my story,\u00a0Sunny With a Chance of Rain<\/em>.<\/p>\n

1John 15:13<\/p>\n

End Notes:<\/b><\/p>\n

I’d like to thank Sandspur for her continued support as my beta reader! She can always spot the problems, and makes me take another look at the good and the bad in my stories. Her suggestions are always on target and make my stories better.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

One Step Closer<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 This describes an accidental meeting between Adam and Melinda while he is engaged to Laura Dayton. He had met Melinda while in Boston for college, and the two had fallen in love. When they\u2019d separated after his graduation, they\u2019d vowed to keep in touch while he worked for his father and she attended college. They\u2019d planned to reunite and marry in a few years. That hope had dissolved when their communication ended shortly after he\u2019d gotten back to Nevada. \u00a0Once they begin to reminisce at their Sacramento meeting, they realize that they\u2019d both continued to write, but the letters had failed to reach their destinations. After they part again, Adam begins to make comparisons between his current situation and the woman he\u2019d known and loved back in Boston, and must deal with what he finds.<\/em><\/p>\n

One Step Closer \u2013 Til Death Do Us Part<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 The second story of the series tells of Adam and Melinda\u2019s wedding. Adam left the Ponderosa to return to Boston a year after his fall and paralysis, and quickly becomes engaged to Melinda. Ben stops in Boston after being called to testify and a hearing in Washington D.C. and his unexpected visit prompts the couple to push their wedding plans ahead to allow Ben to attend. Money troubles involving Melinda\u2019s brother-in-law, lead to his offering Melinda up to be kidnapped for ransom that he assumes the wealthy Cartwright family will pay. \u00a0Ben ends up helping his son figure out why Melinda is kidnapped, and helps him get her back as they enter a world of crime and deception.<\/em><\/p>\n

Two Hearts Broken<\/strong>\u00a0takes place just prior to the current story and tells of the return of Adam\u2019s nemesis\u2014the man who kidnapped Melinda in the previous story. In an attempt to bring Adam down, this crazy man destroys Adam\u2019s good name and his marriage. Adam is helpless to defend himself and must find a way to stop the plans and save himself and his family.<\/em><\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

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

Summary: Following a harrowing experience in Boston, Adam and his new wife head west to the Ponderosa for a visit, hoping to relax where they feel safe. Unfortunately Little Joe is not happy with their presence. Hoss helps sort things out\u00a0between his\u00a0brothers, but\u00a0when one problem is solved, the Cartwrights \u201cwelcome\u201d two more unexpected visitors. A misguided act by one of these guests brings near tragedy. This is a story of new lessons learned while old feelings are dealt with. It ends with Melinda and Adam in London, still wondering whether they can ever escape the trouble that seems to shadow them.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0T \u00a0WC 36,000<\/p>\n

One Step Closer Series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":5758,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1005,7,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6512","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-a-u","category-drama","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adams-English-Scenic2.jpg?fit=450%2C436&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6512","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6512"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6512\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6512"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6512"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6512"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}