{"id":6764,"date":"2014-05-04T20:39:07","date_gmt":"2014-05-05T00:39:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6764"},"modified":"2026-02-16T14:25:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T19:25:31","slug":"thank-you-for-loving-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6764","title":{"rendered":"Thank You For Loving Me (by rosecartwright)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Joe goes to visit his Pa and brothers one summers day leaving his wife and child alone for the day. What will the Cartwright’s do when one of their own is injured and one is missing? Will Joe do whatever it takes to get his wife back or will he listen to Pa and have the sheriff help? What will they do when things start to go for the worse?<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K (11,190 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank You For Loving Me\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

It was the first day of Summer<\/strong> when I was out in the field heading towards Pa’s house. I knew Adam and Hoss would be awake since Hop Sing loves to wake them all up with the smell of breakfast being made. Rose, my wife, woke me up to a great breakfast before I headed out. She makes the second best scrambled eggs. Now don’t tell her I said that because she is my wife and all.<\/p>\n

As I stopped Cochise to take in a lung full of fresh Summer’s air I saw what looked to be animal tracks on the ground below Cochise. I slowly got off him and checked them out and noticed they were Wolf tracks. I sighed and hoped the wolf or wolves wouldn’t go towards the house where Rose and the baby are. I wanted to bring them along so Pa could see his granddaughter but Rose insisted that I went alone this time to hang out with the family and have alone time.<\/p>\n

I climbed back onto Cochise, \u201cCome on boy let’s go see Pa, Adam and Hoss and tell them about the wolf tracks.\u201d I nudged him in the sides and he started heading towards Pa’s house. I honestly think he could walk this trail blinded.<\/p>\n

I finally made it to the house and heard from inside, \u201cBut Pa, why do we get more chores, we have ranch hands to do them?\u201d from Hoss.<\/p>\n

I got off Cochise and heard Pa say, \u201cbecause it’s your chores, not theirs Hoss.\u201d I chuckled and went inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Hoss, they are your chores,\u201d I said with a chuckle and got arms around me from Pa, \u201cHey Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello Joseph, it’s been a while since you last came to visit, is everything alright?\u201d Pa replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, everything’s good, Rose is doing good, Hope’s doing good,\u201d I replied as I sat on the couch. Hop Sing brought out some coffee, \u201cThanks Hop Sing.\u201d He nodded and went to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are the girls?\u201d Adam asked as he sat next to the fire place.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt home, Rose didn’t feel like coming out today, she has a small cold coming on,\u201d I replied and he just nodded. The look in his eyes was telling me he knew something else was wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell it’s a good thing your here Joe, we need extra help rounding up a few horses that got loose in the night,\u201d Hoss told me and I chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had to do the same thing, Shadow got out somehow last night and I had to chase that rascal down this morning,\u201d I said chuckling. Everyone else chuckled. I finished my coffee, \u201cwell let’s go get the horses then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet’s go,\u201d Adam said and all four of us headed outside. I got onto Cochise while the rest got on their horses. We all rode off to the field where the horses were, \u201cwell there they are Pa, like I said,\u201d Adam spoke up, kind of scaring me in a way since I have things on my mind at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let’s go and round up the horses,\u201d Pa said and we all took off to the horses.<\/p>\n

We got half way there when gun shots started going off. We all got off our horses and hid behind some rocks that were close by.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow what do people want besides the ranch or the horses?\u201d Hoss asked no one in particular. We all shrugged, unsure on what anyone would want this time.<\/p>\n

As we were behind the rocks someone yelled out \u201cCartwright!\u201d All of us looked at each other unsure which one of us should answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Pa shouted back unsure on to answer the guy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are our horses Cartwright,\u201d the guy shouted back and that pissed Pa off since each one of our animals has our brand on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s a lie, all those horses have my brand on them,\u201d Pa shouted with anger in his eyes. We all slowly stood up to see who was there.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Shit,\u201d I whispered but still got hit upside the head by Adam. I glared at him then put my gaze back on the guy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell look who it is Pa, Little Joe Cartwright,\u201d Mark, the one guy there said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy yes it is, so Joe, tell me, hows the wife and daughter?\u201d he asked and the four guys with him started laughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave them out of this,\u201d I ordered and they all started laughing harder. I was scared as hell right then and there. The guy, Mark, is Roses ex and he blames me for them two breaking up. But the truth is Rose was going to leave him before she even met me so I have no help in her breaking up with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, go to her,\u201d Adam whispered to me and I ran to Cochise and swung onto him and started to ride off.<\/p>\n

But I didn’t get to far from everyone when a gun went off and I felt the pain rushing through my body as I fell off Cochise. I was in agony from the shot. The next thing I knew the world went black not knowing if the victory was ours or not over the horses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chapter 2<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

Rose was sitting in the house working on her needle point when their two dogs Beaufort and Munster started howling on the front porch. But this was a happy howl not one that means a stranger is there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She put her needle point down and went to the window and saw Adam riding her way at a quick pace. She stepped onto the front porch just as he dismounted his horse Sport.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, is everything all right?\u201d Rose asked seeing the sad look in Adam’s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Rose, Joe has been shot, I was told to come get you and Hope,\u201d Adam told her and the tears built up in her eyes. She nodded and lead Adam inside who smiled at the sight of his niece sleeping peacefully in her cradle he made her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI’ll get Hope, I have a carrier for her that I hold onto in the front,\u201d Rose said softly as she put the holder around her neck, placed one arm through the opening then placed the sleeping infant in the carrier.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet’s go, is Shadow in the barn?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes she is, I can get Jake and Mike to hook her to the buggy,\u201d Rose replied and Adam nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRose, going to visit?\u201d Jake asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, can you hook the buggy up to Shadow and make it quick please?\u201d Rose asked and he nodded and ran into the barn, brought Shadow out as Mike came around and helped hook the buggy up to her. Once the buggy was done Rose and Adam climbed in after Adam hooked Sport to the back of the buggy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a whip of the reins the horse headed towards The Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing was making a Stilton and Asiago soup when I left to get you, Joe was complaining it smelt bad,\u201d Adam told her and she chuckled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI once tried to make a Stilton soup but it didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to, I guess I read my mothers writing wrong,\u201d she told him and he grinned and they both laughed, \u201cLet’s say I think that might be why Joe didn’t like the smell of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably, but he’s always bragging on how wonderful of a cook you are Rose,\u201d Adam told her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d she asked and he nodded in return. She was shocked about that, she could hardly cook anything with out it going wrong.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWow, I guess love sees no boundaries since I can hardly cook,\u201d Rose told him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Half way to the house Rose glanced around and saw a herd of wild Buffalo running in the field. She smiled and just watched them as they rode on towards the house more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they finally got to the house Hoss came out and took Hope for Rose and Adam helped Rose off the buggy. She ran inside and saw Joe, in pain as he laid on the sofa. She went over to his side and sat on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRose?\u201d Joe asked feeling a soft hand get placed on his cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes honey it’s me, Adam came and got Hope and I,\u201d Rose told him in reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He slowly opened his eyes and a soft smile came to his face. She looked down at him and smiled in return. She wanted to ask who did this to him but at the same time she didn’t want to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho, who did this to you Joe?\u201d She asked as he went to shift and stopped and winced in pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMark and them,\u201d he whispered and the tears fell down her cheeks. She was in fear of losing her husband and having to raise their daughter with out a father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cokay, now just stay quiet please honey,\u201d she whispered back and Ben, Adam and Hoss all heard the pain in her voice from seeing her husband like this, \u201cis the doctor on his way?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we sent out two of our hands to go fetch him,\u201d Ben replied softly, \u201cRose, Joe will be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI, I know he will be, just scared,\u201d she replied and felt Ben place a strong hand on his shoulder. Joe slowly fell asleep from the pain he was having. Rose sat there holding his hand as she watched his chest slowly rise and fall. She didn’t dare to take her eyes off him, she was scared and felt useless right then.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMrs Rose, want coffee?\u201d Hop Sing softly asked her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, please Hop Sing,\u201d she replied and glanced up at him. He had a soft smile on his face. He lightly nodded and left to the kitchen to get Rose some coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A few moments later the doctor and a couple of the hands came in. Rose moved off the table so the doctor could get to work on Joe. Hoss took Hope upstairs and placed her in a cradle in Joe’s room when he stays.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched as Rose sat down in the chair and wasn’t about to allow the tears to fall anymore then they have. He went over and placed his hands on her shoulders and started to rub them, in a soothing way to calm her down a little. She just sat there and allowed Adam to do that. Her shoulders were hurting some also from the way she landed when she tripped and fell off the porch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the doctor was working on getting the bullet out of Joe the front door flew open and an unexpected enemy shows up and entered the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet him die, it’s her we want,\u201d the guy said and everyone was scared for the lives of Rose and Joe.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chapter 3<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

Everyone was standing around in a protective way around Rose and Joe. Unsure on why they\u2019d want Joe dead and Rose to go with them.
\n\u201cWhy do you want her?\u201d Ben asked the stranger who entered the door.
\n\u201cShe\u2019s my daughter,\u201d he replied.
\n\u201cWhat? I don\u2019t even know you, my father passed away when I was four,\u201d Rose told him holding her daughter close to her body.
\nThe guy went to walk in but Ben, Hoss and Adam all drew their guns on him, \u201cGet out of my house!\u201d Ben orders.
\n\u201cNot without Rose,\u201d the guy demanded, \u201cI have the papers to prove she\u2019s my kin.\u201d
\nHe pulled them out of the inside pocket of his jacket and handed them to Ben. Ben took them and started to read them over.
\n\u201cThis makes no sense, the people she lived with had the same papers, these were altered,\u201d Ben replied.
\n\u201cNo, they aren\u2019t altered,\u201d the guy grumbled, \u201cBring her in four hours to the carnival to the Camel display.\u201d With that he left in a hurry.
\n\u201cThe freight train leaves an hour after that,\u201d Joe spoke up in a shaky voice from the couch.
\n\u201cI\u2019m not going, he\u2019s not my father!\u201d Rose cried, \u201cthose papers aren\u2019t worth to spit on.\u201d
\n\u201cWell, I\u2019ll take them with Adam with me to the sheriff and see what he has to say about it dear,\u201d Ben told her and she nodded in return as Hoss took his niece and placed her in the bassinet to sleep.
\nBen and Adam left the house and headed to Virginia City to talk to Roy about what all is going on at the moment.
\nThey arrived and headed straight to Roy\u2019s office, \u201cBen, Adam, what brings you here?\u201d Roy asks.
\n\u201cThese do, some guy came and said that Rose was his daughter, but these papers look to be altered,\u201d Ben told him in reply.
\nRoy took the papers, \u201cYou can see that somehow the names of the parents have been changed, there\u2019s a little bit of the before names showing,\u201d Roy told him and his eyes went huge.
\n\u201cWhat Roy?\u201d Adam asked.
\n\u201cThis guy whose trying to take Rose, is the owner of the Salt mines in Texas, he\u2019s a con man,\u201d Roy told them and they both slowly sat down.
\n\u201cDo you think he\u2019s trying this to get more money?\u201d Ben asked.
\n\u201cNot sure to be honest, where does he want you to drop Rose off at?\u201d Roy asked.
\n\u201cThe carnival at the Camel display,\u201d Adam replied.
\n\u201cOkay, I\u2019ll go meet him there instead, bring him in for trying to con people out of their money, and for altering this birth certificate,\u201d Roy told them, \u201cyou two go back home and keep an eye on Rose, Joe and the baby.\u201d
\n\u201cWill do,\u201d they replied and got on their horses and raced home.
\nAs time races on Rose was getting more scared as the clock on the wall ticked away the seconds as they passed.
\n\u201cBaby, sit down,\u201d Joe spoke softly. She nodded and did but kept her eyes on the time.
\nMeanwhile back in town a stranger broke into the sheriff\u2019s office after Roy left to go have a drink. They found the birth certificate and the stranger started a fire in the small fire place and the stranger sets fire to the documents that were altered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chapter 4<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

Rose, Joe and Hope were now up in Joe\u2019s room at his fathers\u2019 house.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I am scared to death right now,\u201d Rose cried into his shirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know honey, I know, but just think of it this way, with Pa, Hoss, Adam, Roy and all of our friends in Virginia City, you are one safe and very protected girl,\u201d Joe told her and she chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you\u2019re right, this time,\u201d she joked and prayed the conman and his men wouldn\u2019t come back any time soon. She also hoped and prayed that in the middle of the night no one would come and take her away.<\/p>\n

She softly cried at that thought and Joe held her in his arms. Even though his side hurt he was more concerned about his wife at the moment and her safety.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile at the Camel display at the circus the Con man was waiting for everyone to show up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhose you?\u201d the con man asked a man in all black and his hat was hanging low over his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright, you\u2019re after my sister and just to let you know, if you try anything you\u2019ll be dead in seconds, now, what do you want with Rose?\u201d Adam asked knowing that he had about twenty men with guns pointed at the man with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s my kin,\u201d is all he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, try again,\u201d Adam ordered drawing his gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, you win, I was going to take her back and sell her to a guy I know to be his house maid,\u201d the guy admitted. Roy came up behind him and handcuffed him.<\/p>\n

Ben came out from the one tent and chuckled, \u201cLet\u2019s go home son.\u201d Adam nodded and they went to the house where Hoss was making sure no one he didn\u2019t know wouldn\u2019t enter.<\/p>\n

Rose came downstairs and sat on the sofa, \u201cyou okay kid?\u201d Hoss asked sitting next to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cTired, but not tired, Joe and Hope are asleep and I for some reason couldn\u2019t get to sleep,\u201d she softly replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI get that way myself Rose, but with you it\u2019s probably because of all the worrying about the guy and his men coming back and everything,\u201d Hoss told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah probably the reason I can\u2019t sleep, that or because your kid brother is a bed hog,\u201d she joked and Hoss figured out she\u2019s in a little bit of a good mood.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he can be one can\u2019t he?\u201d Hoss asked, \u201cWould you like some coffee Rosie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee would be wonderful right now Hoss,\u201d she replied and heard Hope crying a little bit.<\/p>\n

Then she heard, \u201cCome on little lady, you\u2019re all clean so let\u2019s go down and find out where Mommy went,\u201d from Joe. She looked at Hoss and smiled, he smiled back.<\/p>\n

\u201cMommy ran away to get a bed with out a bed hog,\u201d Rose called to Joe with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cAwe Hope you hear that Mommy is calling you a bed hog and you\u2019re just a small little thing,\u201d Joe said walking down the stairs with Hope in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot her, the big bed hog,\u201d Rose said with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh me?\u201d he asked and she nodded. She was in a good mood but the look of fear was still written in her eyes, \u201cBaby, those guys won\u2019t ever step foot back onto this land. And I talked to Pa; he said we can move back in for a while if needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d feel safer with you coming here all the time and she and I were alone at the house,\u201d Rose said, \u201chow\u2019s the side from being shot?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSore as hell but I wanted to bring Hope down to you,\u201d he said as he slowly sat on the couch after Rose took their daughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my poor baby, want me to kiss it and make it feel better?\u201d Rose joked making Hoss and Hop Sing both laugh since Hop Sing was bringing cookies out to everyone and Hoss had the coffee and cups.<\/p>\n

\u201cFunny honey, you know if I wasn\u2019t in a lot of pain I\u2019d chase you and tickle you,\u201d Joe told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, you wouldn\u2019t with me holding Hope,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got me there,\u201d he replied and slowly sipped at his coffee.<\/p>\n

Ben, Adam and Roy came into the house and quickly closed the door since the wind was picking up a little.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat wind is a little chilly today,\u201d Roy spoke and saw the site of Joe, Rose and Hope all on the couch, \u201cawe that is a good site to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah it is Roy, even though Joseph should be in bed still,\u201d Ben said and Joe sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe brought Hope down to me before I got a chance to get up there and get her,\u201d Rose spoke up for Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, well Joe, go back up and to bed, your wife and the rest of the family, even Roy, will help you out if you need something,\u201d Ben said getting a nod from everyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Okay I\u2019m going, before I do, did you catch Mark and them?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes we did, they all are in jail and the guy who said Rose was his daughter admitted to Adam he was going to take her back and sell her to some guy to be his house maid,\u201d Roy replied and saw the odd look in Roses eyes, \u201cyou okay Rose?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, just wondering why the guy would do that when he doesn\u2019t even know me?\u201d Rose replied and moved to the rocking chair Adam brought into the living room, \u201cthank you Adam and Joe, bed, now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe said jokingly and slowly made his way back to bed.<\/p>\n

Everyone was happy that the guy was put in jail but word was spreading around Virginia City that a wallet is stolen a few seconds before the men were captured.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I better head back to town and see if the circus is moving on since the owner said today was the last day, I\u2019ll help them out again this year like I did last year on packing their things up, see you all later and Rose make sure that husband of yours stays in bed,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill do sir, if need I might send Adam to you to get a couple pairs of hand cuffs and make him stay in bed,\u201d Rose joked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, see you later then Adam since I know Joe will try getting out of bed again,\u201d Roy joked back and they all laughed and waved as he left to go back to town.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what to do now?\u201d Rose asked with a yawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo me it looks like you need to go up and to bed also young lady, I will watch my niece for you,\u201d Adam told her taking Hope, \u201cbed Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, after this last cup of coffee,\u201d she said yawning and finished the last swallow of coffee and headed up to bed. The second she laid down next to her husband she was sound asleep.<\/p>\n

Ben, Hoss and Adam all sat in the living room and drank their coffee as Hope was asleep in her Uncle Adam\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chapter 5<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

As they all were sitting there, Rose didn\u2019t know what to say, she was thinking she should just surrender herself to the guys to keep her family safe. She really didn\u2019t want to be the prisoner of a sick psycho like that guy but if it would keep her family safe she would do anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cRose? Are you okay dear?\u201d Ben asked making her come out of her thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d she replied with a nod.<\/p>\n

Ben, Adam and Hoss all knew something was going on in her mind, she had a blank look in her eyes but none of them wanted to know, but at the same time they all wanted to know.<\/p>\n

Roy came in with a chuckle, \u201cwell, I talked to a confederate soldier and he said he can help try and find the other guys that went missing when we caught the main guy of the group.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, thanks Roy for the help,\u201d Ben said as Roy sat on the couch.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnytime, Rose here is like family so, I\u2019ll do what it takes to save her,\u201d Roy replied with a chuckle making Rose chuckle in return.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you saved me many times from the iron fist of my father\u2019s when he was alive,\u201d Rose replied and tried to hide the yawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo to bed young lady, I\u2019m making you a prisoner of your bed right now,\u201d Roy spoke making Rose laugh, \u201cThere\u2019s that laugh we all missed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFunny but I think I might obey this time, I am tired,\u201d Rose spoke up, \u201cNight all, Adam do you have that bed in your room for her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019ll put her to bed when I go up there for the night,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cand good night sis.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight,\u201d the other three in the room replied and watched as she went upstairs to become a prisoner of her bed, as Roy put it. The second she laid down she was asleep and inside an odd dream.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhoy mates, land will be approaching us soon,\u201d Pirate Adam spoke.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAye Adam, what do you want the maid cook do for supper?\u201d Pirate Joe asked.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHave the Maid Cook make up her specialty of crocodile stew!\u201d Pirate Hoss suggested receiving a nod from Adam.<\/em><\/p>\n

A small trumpet went off, \u201call rise, Captain Ben is here!\u201d another pirate shouted making everyone rise.<\/em><\/p>\n

Rose woke up and chuckled to herself and thought, \u2018wow, what made me have that odd dream?\u2019 she laid back down and tried to fall asleep but didn\u2019t want the dream to finish itself out. It was a weird dream but a funny one seeing all the guys dressed up as pirates and talking like a pirate would.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I better head to the jail and keep an eye on those prisoners of mine, make sure no one has tried killing themselves or anything,\u201d Roy replied, \u201cif you need me just send Hoss or Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, night Roy,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

He nodded and left the house after getting a night from Hoss and Adam. He mounted his horse and rode to Virginia City. When he finally arrived at the jail house he went inside and found a sight he didn\u2019t want to see.<\/p>\n

The sight of his main prisoner, the guy who tried saying he was Roses father, was passed out dead on the floor.<\/p>\n

Roy stood up after he checked for a pulse and searched the jail house to see if he could find any evidence on who did this or how he could have died. However, he found no such clues to the mystery of the guys death.<\/p>\n

The mail man came in, \u201cRoy, a response to the telegram came,\u201d he told Roy handing it to him.<\/p>\n

Roy opened it, \u201cRoy, the man you have in custody is Roses real birth father, he went missing after the guy that was posing as Roses father hid him, we\u2019re not sure where he was hidden or anything, let us know how we can help, the chief of San Francisco,\u201d Roy read out loud.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, he was telling the truth?\u201d they hear Rose ask from the door way, \u201cI came to see if I could just talk to him and find out some stuff, but now I guess my questions will never get an answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRose, go home dear, I\u2019ll have Mark here ride home with you,\u201d Roy said, \u201cwe\u2019ll talk more tomorrow about everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I just crash here? I, I don\u2019t feel like going back, I feel like a prisoner, not able to do much with whoever was working with him still out there,\u201d Rose asked getting a nod from Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get you a room at the hotel, have Mark rush a note to Ben as I stay in the room, then Mark will stay in there on the couch to keep you safe,\u201d Roy said and she nodded as she glanced around, \u201cwhat the heck?\u201d she asked as she picked up a locket from the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cRose, what is it?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis, this is my mothers,\u201d she said with a confused look in her eyes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chapter 6<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

Rose was standing in the sheriffs office holding the locket, \u201cRoy, can I send a letter out to my Aunt? She might know why he has my mother\u2019s locket?\u201d Rose asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d was all Roy replied and gave her a piece of paper and a pencil to write out the note.<\/p>\n

Rose sat down and started writing; this is what she wrote;<\/p>\n

\u201cAunt Betty,<\/p>\n

How are things there in San Diego? Hopefully things are good, we\u2019re all doing good here, Hope is a hand full but she\u2019s just like her dad on that one. Anyway the reason I am writing is, well, my real father was killed today and I was wondering why he had mothers locket. Would you know why he had it? Is she still alive? If she is could you bring her to Virginia City? I would love to see her if she is still alive that is. Well, I\u2019ll make this short, love you Aunty, and love Rosie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMark, take Rose to the telegraphers office and have it sent out right away,\u201d Roy ordered.<\/p>\n

Mark nodded and took Rose to the office and she looked at Scott the guy behind the counter, \u201cI need a telegraph sent right away to a Betty Montgomery in San Diego please,\u201d Rose told Scott.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the letter?\u201d Scott asked and Rose handed him the note, \u201cI\u2019ll send it right away and when I get a reply you\u2019ll be the second to know, of course I\u2019ll be the first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose chuckled, \u201cokay thanks Scott, well Mark, would you be willing to take me to the hotel then send Ben the note letting him know I am staying here at the hotel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Ma\u2019am I will be honored to walk such a beautiful lady to the hotel,\u201d Mark replied and chuckled when he saw Rose\u2019s cheeks turn a light red. He held his arm out for her allowing her to take it. After she placed her arm around his the two of them stepped out of the office they were in and ran to the hotel incase the guys were still around town.<\/p>\n

\u201cRosemary, you have this room, here\u2019s a key to it, Mark here\u2019s a letter to take to Ben, just let him know also that Rose came into town to do a little shopping and I told her to take the hotel, knowing Rose here she let at least Adam know that she was coming into town,\u201d Roy told Mark handing him a piece of paper.<\/p>\n

Mark took it and with a nod he left the hotel.<\/p>\n

Roy led Rose up to the room and helped her into the room.<\/p>\n

Rose sat on the bed with a sigh and tried not to fall asleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we get word from your Aunt I will bring the letter over, now, you get some sleep and I will be right here on the couch,\u201d Roy told her getting a nod from her.<\/p>\n

Three long days later Ben, Hoss, Joe and Adam were all sitting in the living room when there was a knock on the door. Ben got up and carried his grand daughter to the door and slowly opened it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello Roy, come on in,\u201d Ben greeted with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Ben, I got a letter here for Rosie,\u201d Roy said and Rose took the paper after he handed it out to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Roy,\u201d Rose said and slowly opened the letter.<\/p>\n

The words were staring at her and this is what she read;<\/p>\n

\u201cRosie dear,<\/p>\n

Everything here is going wonderful, it\u2019s good to hear from you and most babies are handfuls dear, you\u2019ll get the hang of it. To answer your questions; your mother is alive and healthy, when I told her I got word from you she smiled and started packing her stuff. In a week or so we should be arriving at Virginia City, your mother said she\u2019d love to move there so she can see you, if you don\u2019t mind that is. Also she said she has a wedding gift for you and your husband and she can\u2019t wait to meet your in-laws and her granddaughter. Well, I\u2019ll let you go, we all love you here and can\u2019t wait to see you since of course Cookie and Patches will be coming along oh and your mom has a few more surprises, can\u2019t say what they are but you\u2019ll love them. Talk to you when we get there,<\/p>\n

With Love,
\nAunty Betty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYES!\u201d Rose called with a smile on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat honey?\u201d Joe asked kindly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mother, aunt and my two dogs are moving to Virginia City,\u201d Rose told everyone that are in the living room with a huge smile on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother is alive?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

Rose nodded, \u201cyes and your only sister will be living in Virginia City,\u201d Rose told him and the two of them hugged.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chapter 7<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

The day finally came when Roses mother came to Virginia City to live. The whole family, including the Cartwright\u2019s were at the spot the stage will be arriving.<\/p>\n

Rose was pacing the sidewalk, not only for being nervous about her mother showing up but, also to help put her daughter Hope to sleep. Hope was fighting the sleep but, with mommy pacing back and forth and the soft humming she was doing was slowly putting the sleepy child asleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoney, the stage is coming,\u201d Joe called making Rose jump.<\/p>\n

She handed their daughter over and Rose stood there waiting. Her nerves were getting the best of her when the carriage came to a stop.<\/p>\n

The driver jumped down from his spot and opened the door and two dogs jumped out of the carriage.<\/p>\n

Rose smiled and whistled and the dogs went to her and she hugged them both, \u201cMonster, Cowboy, God it is wonderful to see my puppies again,\u201d she greeted as she hugged them.<\/p>\n

\u201cCowboy missed you darling,\u201d she heard a familiar voice softly tell her.<\/p>\n

She looked and saw her Aunt Betty there, \u201cAunty!\u201d she called and gave her a huge hug after she was out of the carriage.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my little Rosie,\u201d Betty said tearfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cRose Petal?\u201d a softer voice came.<\/p>\n

Rose looked up and watched as a younger man helped her mother Martha out of the carriage, \u201cMama?\u201d she asked shocked to see her mother after all these years.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes my Rose Petal,\u201d she said and the two hugged finally being reunited after all these years that have passed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh mama,\u201d Rose said with a smile, \u201cThere\u2019s a few special men in my life and a little lady I\u2019d like you to meet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her mom nodded and followed Rose over to the group of men standing along the wall and the little sleeping girl in her daddy\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cMama, this man right here holding this little one is my husband Joe Cartwright, the little one is our daughter, your granddaughter,\u201d Rose started the introductions.<\/p>\n

\u201cRosie sure knows how to pick the guys,\u201d Scott spoke up receiving a dirty look from Rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Scott go find a cow and join your family again,\u201d Rose said as politely as she could.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice to meet you Joe and what\u2019s her name?\u201d Martha, Roses mom, asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHope Marie Cartwright ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe said, \u201cIt\u2019s really nice to meet you also.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHope, what a beautiful name,\u201d Martha replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cMama, this is my oldest brother in law Adam, then this one is Eric, but, we all call him Hoss and this is my father in law Ben Cartwright, gentlemen this lovely lady next to me is my mother,\u201d Rose said with a smile making her mom smile in return.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice to meet you ma\u2019am,\u201d the three men greeted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice to meet you also, so, how has my daughter been behaving?\u201d Martha asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMother,\u201d Rose said with a chuckle and a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s been a wonderful attachment to the family Miss, she\u2019s helping me keep these three boys of mine in control,\u201d Ben replied with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d all three men said with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we should head to the house, you\u2019ll be staying at our house for a while, some repairs need to be done to Joe and Roses place,\u201d Ben said holding his hand out for her to take.<\/p>\n

\u201cMama, you know how you\u2019ve wanted Cows to milk?\u201d Rose asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes dear why?\u201d Martha questioned in return.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there are cows at the ranch,\u201d Rose told her and her mother smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust as long as you\u2019re not as clumsy as your daughter,\u201d Hoss said with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did the little Rose Petal do?\u201d Martha asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe lost her footing and fell right on her but into a pile of cow poop,\u201d Joe said making everyone chuckle, \u201cwell, this is our stage coach that we\u2019ll be taking home Martha.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCall me mom, since you are married to my daughter and all,\u201d Martha replied as the young man that rode with them placed the luggage on top of the stage coach.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Jake, this is my niece Rosemary and Rosemary this is our helping hand Jake,\u201d Betty introduced.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice to meet you Jake,\u201d Rose said kindly as the two dogs jumped into the stage coach ready to leave.<\/p>\n

After everyone was ready Ben whipped the reins and the horses pulled the carriage and headed to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

When they got to the house everyone got out and Rose smiled when she saw Hop Sing sweeping off the front porch. She jogged over and held the dust pan for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, miss Rose,\u201d Hop Sing told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome Hop Sing,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome home ladies and Jake,\u201d Ben spoke with a smile as they all went inside the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a beautiful house this is Ben,\u201d Martha said looking around the grand room in front of her.<\/p>\n

Rose helped take the bags upstairs and Monster jumped on the bed and stretched out and fell asleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilly boy,\u201d Rose said patting him on the side.<\/p>\n

She went back downstairs and saw Adam drawing with a black chalk type stick. She went over to him, \u201cWhat are you drawing with Adam?\u201d she asked kindly.<\/p>\n

\u201cA piece of coal I carved down to a point, you like the picture so far?\u201d he asked and showed Rose the picture of Joe and Hope since they were in the chair across from Adam asleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful so far Adam,\u201d she replied, \u201cis mom and aunt Betty out back with Pa and Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes they are, Jake is also taking the tour of the house,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

She nodded and left to the back yard and walked around with her mom and Aunt Betty. She loved having her mother and Aunt around. She\u2019s been wanting to have another lady to talk to but now she has two to talk to.<\/p>\n

As they were walking around Martha stopped, \u201cMa, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d Rose asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy luck isn\u2019t the best and it just showed, dang mud,\u201d her mother spoke with a smile.\u201c<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t worry mom, my luck isn\u2019t the best either,\u201d Rose replied and they all chuckled and went back inside the house to sit and talk some more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chapter 8<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

A couple weeks have gone by since Roses mom and aunt came to Virginia City. Ben loves the idea of having a couple mother figures in the house for the boys.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Benjamin Cartwright, set that vase of Violet\u2019s down before the two dog\u2019s trip you!\u201d Martha hollered from the front porch where she was decorating with the help of Adam and Hoss for the small get together Ben\u2019s having.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d Adam said trying not to laugh, he put them down and one Violet fell out. He picked it up and carefully placed it back in the vase.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, those are Roses favorite flower, well, they used to be,\u201d Martha spoke up, \u201cI better go see if Betty and Hop Sing need help in
\nthe kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd before Hoss goes in and eats the cookies?\u201d Adam asked making Martha laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that also,\u201d Martha told him and entered the living room and saw Joe and Rose practicing the Waltz. She smiled and went into the
\nkitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Hop Sing, we need a cup of Honey for the cookies?\u201d Betty asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, one cup Honey,\u201d Hop Sing replied with a smile. He liked the extra helper in the kitchen, just as long as it\u2019s not Joe or Hoss who likes to taste everything they make.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you two need any extra help in here?\u201d Martha asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks sis, we got it,\u201d Betty replied.<\/p>\n

Martha nodded and went back to the kitchen and saw the picture Adam drew hanging over the mantle of the fire place. She glanced around and saw that Joe and Rose were no longer in the living room. She went outside and the two were sitting at the table talking.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you sure the house will be finished soon?\u201d Rose asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m positive it\u2019ll be finished in a month or so, why are you asking?\u201d Joe asked and saw their one year old daughter and her grandfather
\npicking wild flowers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d was all she got out and glanced to see what Joe was looking at, \u201cthat\u2019s cute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah it is, so, what were you saying?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Joseph!\u201d Ben called, Joe got up and ran over to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Pa?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have that small fishing pole still you made a while ago?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah why? Hope\u2019s to young right now to learn to cast a pole,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t going to teach her son, I was going to let her play with it so she had something daddy made to play with besides the small
\nhorse you carved her,\u201d Ben replied and Joe smiled and went up to the house to go to his room and get the fishing pole.<\/p>\n

Martha sat down and glanced at Rose, \u201cRose Petal, is everything okay honey?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah mom just that mine and Joe\u2019s fortune, is turning for the best,\u201d Rose said and heard Adam chuckle, \u201cwhat Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, just wondering how your luck is turning for the best is all,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, I got the word right,\u201d Rose said avoiding his question.<\/p>\n

Adam just chuckled and finished helping Hoss hang a sign up on the roof above the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is your luck turning for the best?\u201d Martha asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell everyone tonight,\u201d Rose replied, got up and went to go see her horse leaving everyone on the porch wondering what was going on.<\/p>\n

Everyone on the porch just looked at each other a little confused on why Rose wasn\u2019t letting everyone know until later. Adam just shrugged and finished the decorating for the party.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chapter 9<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

Everyone gave Rose a confused look as she walked away from everyone. She went over to the roses and when she walked pasted one, the larger prickle on it pricked her on the hand. She brought her hand up to see if she was bleeding, she was thankful that she wasn’t bleeding to much. Hearing a racket from above she glanced up and saw a murder of crows fly over.<\/p>\n

Roy came riding in on his horse, \u201cHey all,\u201d he greeted after his horse was stopped and he was dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Roy, what brings you here?\u201d Ben asked kindly as the two men shook hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust came out to see what everyone was up to,\u201d Roy replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust getting ready for a small get together is all, anything new happening in town?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust the sleuth is in town investigating a crime that happened in Carson City that’s connected to a few people who are hiding out in Virginia City,\u201d Roy told him and heard Joe chuckle.<\/p>\n

Rose was a little confused as she listened in, \u201ca sleuth is also known as a detective,\u201d Joe told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, okay,\u201d was all Rose said with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

Everyone chuckled as they were decorating for the party more.<\/p>\n

Martha saw the little bit of blood running off Roses hand, \u201cdid the prickle on the bush prick you?\u201d Martha asked and Rose just nodded. Martha took a handkerchief from her dress and wrapped it around her hand for her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you mom,\u201d Rose said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re welcomed dear, why don’t you go in and get Hope there ready?\u201d Martha suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, come on Hope, let’s go get into that party dress daddy bought you,\u201d Rose spoke picking her daughter up.<\/p>\n

Joe glanced at his brothers who shrugged as if to say ‘don’t ask us what’s going on.’ Joe sighed and went inside and up to the bedroom where he heard Rose and Hope in.<\/p>\n

\u201cHope Marie, knock it off or I’ll smack your butt again,\u201d Rose threatened, \u201cHOPE!\u201d Rose called out then Joe heard crying.<\/p>\n

He went in, \u201ceverything okay?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe kept kicking is all,\u201d Rose said with a sigh, she hated to spank her daughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cHope, you no better young lady,\u201d Joe scolded making Hope hang her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d was the only word she said as she hung her head and allowed her mom to dress her rest of the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cRose honey, is everything okay?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, everything is perfectly fine and wonderful,\u201d she spoke with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d Joe asked going over to the desk and sitting down, he picked up a book, \u201cA Prickle of Hedgehogs meet A Sleuth of bears?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam’s writing it for her, he was in a weird mood,\u201d Rose replied, \u201cbut, she won’t be the only little one hearing a book written by Uncle Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe put the book down and stopped, \u201cwait you mean?\u201d was all he could get out.<\/p>\n

She simply nodded with a smile upon her face, \u201cyes honey, that’s what I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Getting out of his chair with a smile on his face he pulled his wife up to stand and gave her a hug, \u201cthis, this is wonderful,\u201d spoken softly in her ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI, I was hoping you’d be excited,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

Hope went over to the book, picked it up and took it to Joe, \u201cread me?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don’t Mommy and I both sit with you and read it?\u201d Joe asked and she nodded. Joe picked her up and they all went to the bed and sat down.<\/p>\n

Joe picked the book up and started to read, \u201cA Prickle of Hedgehogs meet A sleuth of Bears, by Uncle Adam Cartwright,\u201d he read and opened to the front page, \u201cOne day Mommy Hedgehog took her prickly pack of kids out for a walk in the woods,
\n\u201cOkay Kids, stay close,\u201d Mommy Hedgehog told her babies.<\/p>\n

On their walk they came across a Sleuth of bears. The mommy bear walked over to the mommy Hedgehog, \u201chow are you today?\u201d she asked mommy Hedgehog.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m doing pretty good with my Prickle of kids,\u201d mommy Hedgehog said to mommy bear, \u201cHow are you doing today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTired, the twins kept me up all night,\u201d Mommy bear replied as they sat down together to watch the kids play.\u201d Joe read and there was a knock on the door, \u201cIt’s open,\u201d Joe called.<\/p>\n

Adam came in and saw Joe holding the book, \u201cinteresting?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and a tongue twister in a way,\u201d Joe replied with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI kinda wanted it that way so when you or Rose read it Hope would laugh more at it,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cOh, I was sent up here to have you three come downstairs since the guests are starting to show up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Rose and Joe said and Hope got up and jumped into Adam’s arms.<\/p>\n

He carried her downstairs followed by her mom and dad.<\/p>\n

Once they all got downstairs Joe glanced at Rose and lightly smiled her way getting a smile in return.<\/p>\n

The party went on without any trouble, Rose and Joe were up in Hope’s room putting her to bed and reading the story to her. Half way through the book Joe glanced over and saw that Hope was sound asleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet’s go down and get some coffee,\u201d Joe spoke softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good,\u201d Rose replied as they both got off the bed and slowly left after Joe put the light out.<\/p>\n

When they got downstairs everyone but Roses mom and aunt were there, \u201cthey were tired and went to bed when you were reading the story to Hope,\u201d Hoss told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh okay,\u201d Rose replied and Joe nudged her she sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we, we have something to tell you three,\u201d Joe spoke up softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and what would that be son?\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, in the next few months that book Adam wrote will be read to two kids,\u201d Joe told him in reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean?\u201d all three asked and both Joe and Rose nodded, \u201ccongrats you two,\u201d they all spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Joe and Rose replied with smiles on their faces a while later they all went to bed.<\/p>\n

The next morning everyone was in the living room talking, \u201cwell sons, we all should head out and round up the cattle,\u201d Ben spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Pa,\u201d they all replied and Joe gave his girls both a kiss then they all left.<\/p>\n

Riding through the woods they heard chattering from up above, Joe glanced up and saw a dray of squirrels playing and jumping around from tree to tree. He chuckled as a small acorn fell from the tree and hit a mud puddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilly squirrels,\u201d Joe spoke as he watched them a little bit more as they rode on.<\/p>\n

They came across the cattle they were rounding up, as they were herding them up Adam came across a carcass laying further away from the herd then some of the other strays.<\/p>\n

Adam went that way followed by Ben, the two of them got off their horses and knelt down by the carcass, \u201cit’s starting to bloat, it must have been here longer then our cattle have been, I never saw it until now,\u201d Adam spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn’t Roy mention that part of the case that detective is working on is about cattle being killed?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy did mention that and also that the rest of the guys that tried taking Rose that one day are all in prison for the attempt of taking other woman,\u201d Adam spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Well that’s good, now Rose doesn’t have to keep looking over her shoulder anymore,\u201d Ben spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was planning on telling her later on tonight, I was going to last night but after the good news we all got, I figured give her good news today would make her week even better,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded as the two of them mounted their horses and rounded up the cattle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chapter 10<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Rose and Joe were at their house spending time together now that Rose doesn’t have to worry about the guys who attacked her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roses mother and aunt are living in Virginia City happy they get to see Rose more then they used to after she left them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Betty glanced at her sister and smiled, \u201cwhat’s going through your mind sister?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh just remembering a time when Rose was little is all,\u201d Martha replied with a smile as she was looking through her bag and found the yellow dress she got rose when she was four, \u201cdo you remember the first time she wore this?\u201d Martha asked Betty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Betty nodded and thought back to that day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Mama,\u201d four year old Rose said with a smile as her mom dressed her in a brand new yellow dress, \u201cit’s pretty.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAunt Betty and I got it just for you, it took us a while to figure out what color to get you,\u201d Martha told her daughter with a smile.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rose smiled and gave her mama a hug, \u201cthank you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re welcome dear, well, we have a dinner date tonight, want to wear this new pretty dress?\u201d Betty asked as she did her nieces hair.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rose just nodded as she looked in the mirror and watched her aunt comb her hair and put it in ribbons.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Betty and Martha smiled and were happy that little Rose liked her new dress.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was one fun filled day,\u201d Betty spoke up with a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrying to get that chocolate stain out of the dress was the fun part, it took a lot of soaking and scrubbing but it finally came out,\u201d Martha told her and Betty nodded in reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should go see how Rose is doing, since we packed some of her small clothes for Hope?\u201d Betty suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet’s go,\u201d Martha said, \u201cafter we get the clothes for Hope into their own bag that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two of them packed up the clothing into a new bag with smiles on their faces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile over at The Ponderosa Adam was looking at a book that Joe drew for him when he was little.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben entered the room and smiled at the book, \u201cthat’s an old book,\u201d Ben spoke as he joined his oldest son on the couch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah it is Pa, I got looking though my book shelf and found it, I remember when he gave it to me also,\u201d Adam replied still smiling.<\/p>\n

Christmas was finally here, it was the year after Joe’s mom passed away, everyone was still down in the dumps and Joe, he wasn’t really sure what exactly was going on but he thought of a gift he thinks would cheer up his oldest brother.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rushing to his room five year old Joe grabbed the special gift he made Adam in class. He went down and tapped Adam on the shoulder.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey little Joe, what’s going on kiddo?\u201d Adam asked picking his brother up.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis for you, to make you smile again,\u201d Joe’s soft voice told his brother handing him the small package.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat down on the couch and placed Joe onhis knee. Slowly he took the gift into his hand, \u201care you sure you want me to open it now kiddo?\u201d he asked only earning a nod from Joe.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly openeing the gift he saw a small book that was titled, ‘My Drawings for Adam’ he knew it was the teachers hand writing but that didn’t matter to him one bit.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWll, what do we have here?\u201d Adam asked and started going through the pages.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s you on Sport,\u201d Joe told him when Adam stopped at a drawing of what looked to be a guy on a horse.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell thank you Joe, it’s a wonderful gift,\u201d Adam told his youngest brother as the two of them hugged.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a good gift he gave you, the home made kind is better than store bought,\u201d Ben spoke up bringing Adam out of his memory of the day Joe gave him the book.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, anything made from him was a special gift,\u201d Adam replied softly, \u201cas long as it kept his mind busy that’s all that mattered.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it was a sad year for all of us,\u201d Ben replied as he looked out the front window and watched as the chickens were running around picking the ground for bugs. \u201cDo you think they have names picked out yet for the new baby?”<\/p>\n

“Who knows with them two,” Adam replied unsure on the topic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chapter 11<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

The next morning everyone was sitting in the living room but Ben and Adam, no one knew where they ran off to that morning.<\/p>\n

Betty and Martha looked between Joe and Rose, they wanted to come out and ask if they have names picked out yet or not, but knowing Rose she has about five for a boy and five for a girl picked out.<\/p>\n

A moment later Ben, Adam and Scott, the young man who came with her mom and aunt al came inside the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, where\u2019d you guys run off to?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Adam and I drew up an Indentured this morning,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cA what?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn Indentured, it\u2019s a contract binding one person to work for another for a given period of time, which means until Scott can get his own house built on a section of land here on the Ponderosa he\u2019ll be working here, well I should say, until he gets Martha and Betty\u2019s house and then his own house and then help fix up yours and Rose\u2019s house by helping add more rooms, he\u2019ll be working here, and longer if he wants,\u201d Adam spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good,\u201d was all Rose could think of to say, she despised Scott a lot. He was beastly to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mrs. Cartwright, we should head to town and get the things we needed,\u201d Joe spoke up to change the topic seeing the look in his wives eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes we should honey,\u201d Rose replied, \u201cHope, want to go get some fabric for a new dress?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d was all she said with a yawn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPoor girl, if you didn\u2019t hog mommy and daddies bed you wouldn\u2019t be so tired,\u201d Joe joked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope, you hogged mine daddy,\u201d Hope told him with a giggle getting a chuckle from everyone in the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we better head out, I need to pick up something\u2019s and Rose wanted to get fabric for her new dress and Hopes new dress,\u201d Joe spoke up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the curtains for our room, it\u2019s getting to be nicer weather out so new curtains will be good,\u201d Rose told him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah, forgot about that,\u201d Joe spoke getting his daughter ready to go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rose got ready and after the family was ready to go they headed out to the wagon that one of the workers had Cochise and Shadow hooked up to. They piled in and headed towards Virginia City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced over and Rose, \u201cyou okay honey?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, just had an odd dream last night,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, what was it about?\u201d Joe asked kindly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHope here was a fairy while Aunt Betty, Momma and Mary were Furies,\u201d Rose told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, wait Mary as in the saloon girl who flirts with Adam all the time?\u201d Joe questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes her, but the odd part was, you, Pa, Hoss and Adam had to save me from the furies and when I was free Hope kissed me on the cheek and I turned into a fairy also,\u201d Rose told him with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in the world were you reading before bed?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne of Adam\u2019s books,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat did it, he has some weird books,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it had a little bit about both the fairies and Furies in it so I must have had that on my mind before falling asleep,\u201d Rose told him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMost likely, from now on, no more reading his books,\u201d Joe told her and she just nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree, did Adam ever finish that story he wrote for Hope?\u201d She asked changing the topic.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cthat I know of he did, Hoss tried reading it one night, that was funny as ever hearing Hoss trying to read that silly book called \u2018A Prickle of Hedgehogs meet A Sleuth of bears\u2019,\u201d Joe replied and Hope was laughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDaddy sounds silly,\u201d Hope spoke making her parents laugh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSometime we should Consort with just your mom and aunt,\u201d Joe suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cConsort? Oh wait, send time with them, you and your big words,\u201d Rose joked, \u201cSounds like an idea to me honey.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI spend too much time with Adam if I\u2019m using big words like that,\u201d Joe replied and the rest of the ride to Virginia City was a silent one.<\/p>\n

Chapter 12<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

A few weeks later Rose, her daughter and her mom were walking through Virginia City on a spending spree. Her mother was helping her and Joe get new curtains, blankets and everything for the house. Rose wanted something new and since the workers Joe hired just got done adding on the two new rooms, she had to get new everything. Well, she thought she did but Joe told her she could.
\n\u201cMama, this,\u201d Hope said with a smile holding up a white fabric with pink flowers.
\n\u201cPretty baby girl, do you want it for you room?\u201d Rose asked.
\n\u201cYes,\u201d Hope replied.
\n\u201cOkay we\u2019ll get it,\u201d Martha told her with a smile making little Hope smile in return.
\n\u201cHow about this yellow fabric for the baby\u2019s room?\u201d Rose asked her mom looking at a pale yellow fabric with white lace around the bottom.
\n\u201cVery pretty, it could be the toppers and we could get the white right here for the curtains,\u201d Martha replied.
\n\u201cSounds good, now I just need to get blankets or fabric to make blankets,\u201d Rose told her mom and stepped aside to let a guy walk by.
\n\u201cSorry miss,\u201d he spoke.
\nThat voice, that deep rough voice sounded familiar to Rose. Shrugging she let it slide knowing the guy who had that type of voice has passed away a week before Hope was born.
\n\u201cRosie?\u201d her mom asked.
\n\u201cYeah ma?\u201d Rose questioned.
\n\u201cHow about this flannel for winter blankets and this cotton type for summer?\u201d Martha asked glancing at the guy who walked by. She was wondering why Rose was suddenly acting odd, but she figured she\u2019d talk to her daughter about it later on when they are at the house making the curtains and everything.
\n\u201cI like it, I like how it has both blue and pink in them,\u201d Rose told her with a smile on her face, \u201cnow, I have this brown fabric that\u2019s light weight for pillows for mine and Joe\u2019s bed, or should I get something else?\u201d
\n\u201cThe brow will go good since we got the tan fabric for curtains and the dark brown for the top blanket and the tan will also be the lighter weight blankets,\u201d Martha told her.
\n\u201cOkay, Hope honey, did you get blanket fabric?\u201d Rose asked her daughter.
\n\u201cPink,\u201d Hope replied.
\n\u201cSounds good, you pick out the pink from next to grammy okay?\u201d Rose told her daughter.
\n\u201cOkay mama,\u201d Hope replied and went to the pink fabrics next to her grandma, \u201cGammy, this?\u201d
\nMartha looked down and saw a light pink, \u201cthat will go perfect with the curtain fabric Hope.\u201d
\nHope smiled and tired to pull the bundle of fabric out but made the two on top of it fall.
\nRose glanced over when she heard Hope say, \u201ctank you,\u201d she saw the same guy helping her daughter pick the fabric up.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s my pleasure little lady,\u201d the guy spoke.
\n\u201cHope come here,\u201d Rose called her to daughter.
\nHope went over to her mom and she picked her up.
\nMartha glanced over and saw the guy she thought she\u2019d never see again, Roses father.
\n\u201cFrank?\u201d Martha spoke up, hoping she was seeing things.
\n\u201cWell hello Martha, it\u2019s been a while,\u201d Frank said with a smile when he looked up and saw his ex-wife standing there.
\n\u201cYou were killed, I saw you,\u201d Rose told him and felt the tears build up as her mom took Hope for her, \u201cthanks mom.\u201d
\n\u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d Martha told her.
\n\u201cI had some doc I found rig up a medicine that\u2019ll stop my pulse and all so I could get away, I only wanted you to come to the camel display so we could talk darling, I never wanted to steal you,\u201d Frank told Rose.
\n\u201cJust, leave me alone,\u201d Rose told him and went to the cashier and bought everything. Her mom came up behind her and paid the young man behind the counter.
\n\u201cLet\u2019s go home dear,\u201d Martha told her and the three of them headed back to the Ponderosa where Ben said they could make the curtains and everything and also because Ben told them they were staying for supper.
\n\u201cDid you two pick names yet?\u201d Martha asked on the ride home.
\n\u201cYes we did,\u201d Rose replied with a smile.
\n\u201cAnd what are they dear?\u201d Martha asked.
\n\u201cFor a boy we picked Nathan Allen and for a girl Francis Maria,\u201d Rose told her.
\n\u201cBeautiful names, Nathan after your Grandfather, wonderful, where\u2019d you get Allen and the girls name?\u201d Martha questioned.
\n\u201cAllen was Joe\u2019s grandpa\u2019s name and Francis is Joe\u2019s middle name and Maria is both your middle name and Joe\u2019s mom\u2019s name,\u201d Rose replied softly.
\n\u201cBeautiful and a great way to put family names together,\u201d Martha told her and the rest of the ride was a silent one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chapter 13<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

The beginning of July finally arrived, everyone of the Cartwrights along with Roses mom and aunt were walking the streets of Virginia City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDaddy,\u201d Rose hears her daughter giggle. Glancing back Rose sees Joe tickling Hope as they were walking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about we all stop and get something to eat?\u201d Hoss suggested with a smile on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good tome,\u201d Rose replied and saw everyone nod in reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The family walked into the restaurant for a bite to eat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile back at The Ponderosa, Hop Sing and number two cousin were hard at work making a very special dinner for the Cartwright Family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No one knew that Hop Sing already bought some fireworks when he was in town, \u201cTonight we make noise,\u201d Hop Sing spoke, it really wasn’t to his cousin but he nodded in reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Adam were sitting there and Joe saw a poker game going. Rose glanced his way and shook her head no, they don’t have the money for Joe to be blowing on a stupid game.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, when everyone is done we should get the items Hop Sing sent us here for,\u201d Ben replied with a yawn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou alright Pa?\u201d Adam asked kindly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, just couldn’t not get to sleep last night with the echoing of the fireworks that someone was setting off, all I heard was Bang, crackle and a whistle now and then,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHope tried to see if she could see them out the window, it was funny with her face pressed up against the glass,\u201d Joe told them making them all laugh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about we pick up a few of the hummer ones?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good, maybe they won’t bang as loud as the ones that were going off last night,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they all were done eating Ben paid for the lunch and they all headed to the store to get some fireworks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that night everyone watched Hop Sing and number two cousin leave the house, no one knew what they were up to or what was even going on at that moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A few minutes later Hop Sing came in, \u201ceveryone come outside please,\u201d he told them all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With confused looks plastered on their faces they followed Hop Sing to the front porch. Arriving they all smiled slightly seeing the fireworks lined up to be shot into the air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe weather report said it good for fireworks, number tow cousin and I bought some for family to watch,\u201d Hop Sing told them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let’s watch some fireworks,\u201d Ben replied with a smile as Hope sat on the porch on the blanket Joe laid out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The whole Cartwright and Montgomery family sat and watched the fireworks, even though the bangs were loud, Little Miss Hope fell asleep half way through the show.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rose sat on the porch with her husband and felt the baby kick once and a while, \u201cI think someone else is liking the sounds, every now and then this little one is kicking me,\u201d Rose told Joe with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe or She will get used to them when they arrive, since knowing Hop Sing, this will happen every year,\u201d Joe replied and held her close. He placed a hand on her stomach and smiled when he felt his unborn child kick a little, \u201cactive little one ain’t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust like their father,\u201d Rose joked making everyone laugh.<\/p>\n

The sky was filled with flashes of colorful lights, the porch was full of a smiling family. They all were thankful that they were blessed to be a part of the loving family there on the porch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Disclaimer:<\/span>\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.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0Joe goes to visit his Pa and brothers one summers day leaving his wife and child alone for the day. What will the Cartwright’s do when one of their own is injured and one is missing? Will Joe do whatever it takes to get his wife back or will he listen to Pa and have the sheriff help? What will they do when things start to go for the worse? \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K (11,190 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":204,"featured_media":6085,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[7,39,1007,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6764","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-chaps-spurs","category-joe-cartwright","category-challenges","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-39-id","wpcat-1007-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1395,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/When-dawn.jpg?fit=635%2C480&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":35147,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=35147","url_meta":{"origin":6764,"position":0},"title":"Mama’s Brooch (by Sierras)","author":"Sierras","date":"December 25, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Joe and his wife are having\u00a0their first Christmas together.\u00a0 He would like to find her a special gift. Pa has an idea. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 435 words Note:\u00a0 This story was written for the Bonanza Brand 2020 Advent Calendar, originated in the Forums.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47684,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47684","url_meta":{"origin":6764,"position":1},"title":"The Next Generation #3 – Through Thick and Thin (by StephyL)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"March 10, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0Everyone is excited about the coming of Christmas and the new year, with Adam and Hoss getting married and possibly a new Cartwright child, but something horrible happens and the family must pull themselves together to get through this. This jumps around a bit, but I think I made it\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6626,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6626","url_meta":{"origin":6764,"position":2},"title":"Forever – I Would Do Anything For Love – #2 (by Rider)","author":"Rider","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0As the birth of Alice and Joe's first child approaches, things take a turn for the worst. \u00a0Part II in \"Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cartwright\" Forever WHI series. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (2,230 words) Forever Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":63029,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63029","url_meta":{"origin":6764,"position":3},"title":"The Next Mrs. Cartwright (by JoanS.)","author":"JoanS","date":"June 11, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Ben\u2019s sons decide that it is time their father was married again, so they set out to find him a new wife. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 16,560 words","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":39015,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=39015","url_meta":{"origin":6764,"position":4},"title":"Dear Son, My Son (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"February 27, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Joe gets himself in a bit of trouble involving a romance and a jealous husband, but Adam is implicated in it too.\u00a0 The entire story is told by messages mostly between the family and Adam.\u00a0 Some reading between the lines is necessary because these are men communicating in writing\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/San-Francisco-1860s.jpg?fit=600%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/San-Francisco-1860s.jpg?fit=600%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/San-Francisco-1860s.jpg?fit=600%2C389&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3732,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3732","url_meta":{"origin":6764,"position":5},"title":"Stop Crying Your Heart Out (by Sue)","author":"Sue","date":"April 26, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Little Joe is in no hurry to get up this morning. 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