Summary: 5th story in the Battle of Wills series. \u00a0Marie and Adam race their new horses. Luckily, Paul Martin has arrived in Virginia City to practice medicine. Ben has invited Paul out to the Ponderosa for supper. After examining both Marie and Adam, Paul has to relate Marie’s and Adam’s conditions to Ben.<\/p>\n
Rating: K\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0WC=4470<\/p>\n
The Battle of Wills Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n Begins<\/a> <\/p>\n New Expectations<\/strong><\/p>\n Ben had gone into town to take care of some business. Since he wouldn\u2019t be home in time for lunch, he decided to eat at the International House. While waiting on his meal, Roy Coffee walked in with a stranger.\u00a0<\/span> Next Story in The Battle of Wills Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n Remembering Childhoods<\/a>
\nEducation is More than 3R\u2019s<\/a>
\nThe Shadow of Jean deMarigny<\/a>
\nA Gift Horse<\/a>
\nNew Expectations<\/a>
\nRemembering Childhoods<\/a>
\nA Room Full of Memories<\/a>
\nA New Pattern<\/a>
\nNaming the Newest Cartwright<\/a>
\nPresents from the Heart<\/a>
\nLove\u2019s Labor<\/a>
\nBig Brother Lessons<\/a>
\nNo Regrets<\/a>
\nBaby\u2019s Breath<\/a>
\nEnnui<\/a><\/p>\n
\u201cHowdy, Ben\u201d said Roy, \u201cI\u2019d like fer ya to meet Paul Martin. He\u2019s decided to hang his shingle here in Virginia City.\u201d<\/span>
Ben stood, extended his hand, and said \u201cWelcome to Virginia City. You\u2019re a doctor?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYes, I am\u201d answered Paul. \u201cI heard there was a need for doctors out west. Hopefully, there will be a need for my services.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cOf course there will\u201d said Ben. Realizing how rude he must seem, he said \u201cWon\u2019t you both join me for lunch?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDon\u2019t mind if I do\u201d answered Roy.<\/span>
\u201cThank you\u201d said Paul.<\/span>
\u201cPlease, call me Ben. You\u2019ll have to come out to the Ponderosa for supper. My wife would be delighted to meet you.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThe Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBen here has one of the largest spreads in the territory. And the finest boys a man could want.\u201d<\/span>
Ben blushed at that. \u201cI don\u2019t know about that, Roy. Adam has become quite a handful lately.\u201d Turning to Paul, he added \u201cAdam is my oldest son. He\u2019s eleven and is not getting along with his step-mother.\u201d<\/span>
Paul just nodded his head. \u201cI\u2019d be honored to accept your invitation for supper.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHow about this evening?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI don\u2019t want to impose on you\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s no imposition. Our cook always prepares more than enough food. How about I come get you when I finish up here in town?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSure\u201d replied Paul with a smile.<\/span>
Roy nudged Paul and said \u201cBen\u2019s cook is one of the best around. You won\u2019t soon forget one of his meals.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhy don\u2019t you come too, Roy?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cHoss would sure love to see you.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHoss?\u201d asked Paul.<\/span>
\u201cMy youngest son. He was born on the trip out here. His mother died when he was just a few months old. Adam has helped me raise him.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to supper tonight\u201d said Paul.<\/span>
\u201cSo am I\u201d say Roy with a chuckle.<\/span>
While Ben was in town, Marie, Adam, and Hoss were out riding. Marie and Adam had been working with their new horses for a couple of weeks now. Beauty, Adam\u2019s horse, could be a bit feisty, but responded well to Adam\u2019s commands. Bonheur, usually called Bonnie, was very high-spirited; Marie, an accomplished horsewoman, had very little trouble with the horse. The hands were stunned by the fact that Marie preferred to ride astride instead of side-saddle. They quickly got over their surprise when they realized how well she rode.<\/span>
Bill had assigned the hands their tasks for the day and he was accompanying the Cartwrights on their ride. Adam wanted to let Beauty run, but both Bill and Marie cautioned him against it for now. Hoss\u2019 pony, Apple, trotted along to keep up with the horses.<\/span>
Adam was an excellent rider and resented Marie telling him not to run Beauty. But Bill had also said not to so Adam nudged the horse into a lope a couple of times just to feel Beauty\u2019s power. The boy never got too far ahead of the group, but just enough to feel that he was riding alone.<\/span>
Reaching the top of a rise, all four reined up to rest the animals. About a quarter mile ahead, they could see the hands working on the fence. Apple was interested in grazing while Beauty danced a bit in place. Bonnie picked up on Beauty\u2019s eagerness and pranced a bit herself.<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s so beautiful here\u201d said Marie to no one in particular. \u201cI can see for miles.\u201d<\/span>
Bill looked at Marie in admiration. The Boss had married a good woman. She was a good mother to the boys, fearless in the face of danger, and a good horsewoman. He hoped that he could find a wife like her someday.<\/span>
Adam had matured a lot in the two years Bill had been working for the Ponderosa. The boy had been a very grown-up nine-year old when Bill was hired and he practically ran the ranch while his father was away on business. All of the hands had a lot of respect for the boy they called \u201cBossy Boots\u201d behind his back. Bill figured that it was the sailing blood in the boy\u2019s veins that gave him such a commanding presence at such a young age.<\/span>
Hoss was doted on by all of the hands. The boy wanted to know how to do everything and help with the chores. He was big for his age, so the hands had to remind themselves that The Boss\u2019 youngest was still a little boy. The boy was always cheerful and liked nothing better than to hand tools to those who were doing repair work. Bill had taught Hoss how to mend bridles and the boy did that chore happily on many occasions.<\/span>
Marie\u2019s voice brought Bill out of his reverie. \u201cHow about Bonnie races Beauty to the fence and back?\u201d she asked Adam.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cYou\u2019re on!\u201d the boy responded eagerly.<\/span>
\u201cBill, would you and Hoss be the judges?\u201d she asked.<\/span>
\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am\u201d he answered. \u201cOn the count of three. One, two\u2026\u201d Before he could get to three Adam took off. Marie just laughed as she encouraged Bonnie to take off after him.<\/span>
Adam leaned forward over Beauty\u2019s neck and encouraged the horse to run at full speed. Beauty\u2019s long legs covered the ground quickly. Hearing hooves close behind, he turned his head and saw Marie catching up. Adam whooped to encourage Beauty to run faster. The hands at the fence stopped working to watch the horses.<\/span>
Bonnie caught up to Beauty and the mare was neck and neck with the stallion. Marie looked over to Adam and gave the boy a smile and a delighted laugh. She was having fun. Adam smiled back and encouraged Beauty to go faster.<\/span>
As the horses neared the fence, Marie decided to go over rather than turn to go back. She prepared herself and gave Bonnie more headway. Adam realized that Marie planned to go over the fence so he decided he would, too. He\u2019d show her what a good horseman he was.<\/span>
The hands watched Bonnie and Marie sail over the fence. They whooped and waved their hats in admiration as Beauty and Adam went over.<\/span>
As Beauty touched down, Marie was turning Bonnie to go back across the fence. Marie had a smile that went from ear to ear as she passed Beauty. Adam reined Beauty short so he could get back over the fence. He wanted to win this race. Bonnie went sailing over the fence again to clapping from the hands.<\/span>
Marie looked over her shoulder to make sure that Adam and Beauty were coming. She\u2019d have to rein Bonnie in so Adam could get ahead of her and win. Bill and Hoss were cheering for Adam.<\/span>
Beauty\u2019s front hooves clipped the top rail of the fence and Adam lost his balance. He was thrown forward and hit the ground with a thud. Beauty made it over the fence and kept running.<\/span>
The hands working the fence rushed to the unmoving boy. Bill and Hoss took off for the fence fearing the worst. Marie reined in Bonnie and headed back to the fence.<\/span>
Once at the fence, Marie dismounted and went to Adam. She was ashen with anxiety. She should not have jumped the fence and encouraged Adam to do the same. With her heart in her throat, she asked \u201cIs he all right?\u201d<\/span>
Hank, one of the hands, had gently rolled Adam over. There was blood on the boy\u2019s face, which he was dabbing at with his bandana. Adam\u2019s right arm was at an awkward angle. \u201cHis arm might be broke, Ma\u2019am\u201d he said.<\/span>
\u201cGet Adam into the wagon\u201d ordered Bill. Fence posts and boards were pulled out of the wagon to make room for the boy. Marie climbed into the back of the wagon and asked Bill to take Bonnie\u2019s reins. Hank and Rusty loaded Adam\u2019s unconscious form into the wagon and placed his head in Marie\u2019s lap.<\/span>
\u201cWhat about Beauty?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cWhat if he\u2019s hurt?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cRusty, you and Hank head on back fer the house with Mrs. Cartwright and Adam. Me and Hoss\u2019ll go get Beauty and catch up with ya.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSure thing\u201d said Rusty. He and Hank got up onto the bench seat and flicked the reins to get the draft horses going. Marie, tears flowing from her eyes, stroked Adam\u2019s cheeks and forehead. She toyed with the curl that fell over his forehead. Could Ben forgive her? She had only been having fun.<\/span>
Bill and Hoss finally caught up to Beauty. The horse was tired and no trouble to catch. Hoss didn\u2019t see any blood on the horse. Bill dismounted and handed his horse\u2019s reins to Hoss. He tied Bonnie\u2019s reins to his saddle horn. He approached Beauty and inspected the horse\u2019s leg. \u201cNo cuts or scratches, Hoss. He should be all right.\u201d<\/span>
Hoss smiled in relief. Now if Adam could just be okay. \u201cDo ya think Adam\u2019s gonna be okay?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m sure he will. Yer brother\u2019s taken tumbles before and bin okay.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI ain\u2019t never seen him like this, though.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cRemember that time the two of ya jumped outta the hayloft inta those bales?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYeah. That was fun!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWell it wasn\u2019t was much fun fer Adam \u2018cause he sprained his ankle. He\u2019ll be okay, Hoss. Just wait an\u2019 see.\u201d<\/span>
In the wagon, Adam felt that he was floating on a boat in the sea. He became aware of the sounds of horses\u2019 hooves and the stroke of a hand on his forehead. He could hear a woman humming. The pain in his body grabbed for him and started to bear him back into blackness. Before he succumbed, he smiled and said \u201cMama.\u201d With a sigh he lapsed back into unconsciousness.\u00a0<\/span>
Marie was stunned by that word. Had Adam meant it for her? Was he remembering an incident that happened with Inger? No matter. She decided to continue humming and stroking his forehead. She would make sure he was comfortable until they reached the house.<\/span>
Ben finished up his business and went by Paul Martin\u2019s office. A desk and chair along with a bookshelf were in the front room. Boxes were stacked along a wall. Two men carrying a settee came through the door and one of them asked \u201cWhere ya want this, Doc?\u201d<\/span>
Paul came out from the back room and pointed to a place along one wall. \u201cGood to see you, Ben\u201d he said, extending his hand.<\/span>
\u201cLooks like you\u2019re settling in\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cI will eventually. Would you like to see the exam room?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSure.\u201d<\/span>
Paul led the way into the back room, which contained a bed, a large table, and two stands with pitchers and basins. \u201cHopefully, more people will need the bed than the operating table.\u201d<\/span>
Ben blanched a little at that. Paul noticed and said \u201cDoctors aren\u2019t to be feared.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI was just thinking about the surgery on the ship I sailed on. One time, I cut my leg pretty good and had to be stitched up. The surgeon had to strap me down to the table so I wouldn\u2019t roll off since the sea was pitching the ship that day. He did a good job, but I\u2019ve not been fond of doctor\u2019s since.\u201d<\/span>
Paul just laughed. \u201cIt\u2019s better on land, I assure you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Ben turned red with embarrassment. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019re right. Are you ready to head out to the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI wish I had a gift for your wife.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYour presence will be gift enough.\u201d<\/span>
The two men went outside and to the livery. Ben got his horse and Paul got his buggy.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cWhere did you practice before?\u201d asked Ben.<\/span>
\u201cIn Pittsburgh. There\u2019ve been so many folks leaving the Three Rivers area for the West that I wondered what the lure was. When I saw an advertisement saying doctors were needed, I decided to leave, too. I packed my office and here I am.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m certainly glad you\u2019re here. My cook, Hop Sing, does a lot of the doctoring on the Ponderosa. But since I\u2019ve married and hope to have more children, your presence will make me rest easier.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHow long have you been married? If you don\u2019t mind my asking.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cNot at all. Marie and I have been married for five months. We\u2019re still newlyweds.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDid you meet out here?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIn New Orleans. I was there on business when I met her. We quickly fell in love and married.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m sorry for asking so many personal questions.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m just glad to have someone to talk to on the way home. I usually make the trip in silence. The boys will be excited to have a new adult to talk with.\u201d<\/span>
They stopped after a while to give the horses a breather. \u201cWelcome to the Ponderosa\u201d said Ben with a smile.<\/span>
Paul looked around confused. There was nothing but pine trees as far as the eye could see.<\/span>
Ben just laughed and said \u201cYou\u2019re on Ponderosa land now. It\u2019s about another half hour to the house.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cOh\u201d said Paul. He hadn\u2019t realized that Ben lived so far from town. He hoped there would be no medical emergencies that required critical time frames. \u201cWhat all do you do on the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWe have a timber operation with a mill to produce lumber and a good-sized herd of cattle. We still do some trapping for furs, but not as much as we used to.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSounds like you run a busy ranch\u201d said Paul.<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m lucky that I have a good foreman to keep everything running smoothly. And my oldest, Adam, usually does the books for me.\u201d<\/span>
The sound of hoof beats caught their attention. Ben turned in his saddle and saw Roy coming up to join them. \u201cNice of you gents ta wait on me\u201d he said with a smile.<\/span>
\u201cI knew with the promise of Hop Sing\u2019s cooking that you wouldn\u2019t be delayed too long.\u201d<\/span>
Roy just laughed and said \u201cYer right there, Ben. You\u2019ll be invitin\u2019 yerself over a lot too, Paul, once you\u2019ve tasted Hop Sing\u2019s cookin\u2019.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAll this talking won\u2019t get us there faster\u201d said Ben with a chuckle. They resumed their ride to the house.<\/span>
Rusty and Hank were within sight of the house now. Adam was still unconscious in the back of the wagon. Marie continued humming and stroking the boy\u2019s forehead. Adam looked so peaceful. She could see a greater resemblance to Ben in his relaxed features.<\/span>
Bill and Hoss were trotting behind with Beauty and Bonnie. The horse seemed to be alright. He wasn\u2019t limping and didn\u2019t seem to be in pain. Hoss hoped the horse was okay. He hated to see any animal hurt and especially didn\u2019t want Adam to lose his horse so soon.<\/span>
Ben and his party arrived just as the wagon was pulling up to the house. Seeing Marie in the back, Ben urged his horse forward to make sure she was all right. She looked up and he got a look at her red-rimmed eyes. Worriedly, he looked in the back of the wagon and saw Adam unconscious.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cWhat happened?\u201d he asked.<\/span>
\u201cWe were riding our horses and decided to jump one of the fences. Beauty caught the fence and Adam was unseated.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIs he all right?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cOne of his arms seems broke, Boss\u201d said Hank, getting down from the wagon.<\/span>
Ben helped Marie while Rusty went to pick Adam up.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cLeave him there so I can check him over\u201d said Paul.<\/span>
\u201cWho\u2019s this, Boss?\u201d asked Rusty.<\/span>
\u201cThis is Dr. Martin. He\u2019s just opened his practice in Virginia City.\u201d<\/span>
Paul climbed into the back of the wagon and began to examine Adam. His head seemed to be okay, but his right arm was obviously injured. \u201cHow did he fall?\u201d he asked.\u00a0<\/span>
Hank replied, \u201cHe done went off and hit his right arm first. Then he bounced onto his face, then on his butt\u2026oh, excuse me, Ma\u2019am\u2026and then to his face again. I dunno if\u2019n his nose is broke, but there was a lot of blood on his face.\u201d<\/span>
The doctor ran his hands over Adam\u2019s legs but didn\u2019t note any injuries. Running his hands along the boy\u2019s right arm, he saw Adam\u2019s face wince and heard the boy groan. None of the bones seemed to be broken, but the shoulder was definitely dislocated. \u201cHow long ago did this happen?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cA couple of hours\u201d answered Marie.<\/span>
Paul looked at Ben and said \u201cHis shoulder is out of the socket. I need to get it back in place. The swelling may make that difficult, but I\u2019ll try.\u201d He told Rusty to hold Adam down while he manipulated the arm. Adam screamed a couple of times from the pain. Hoss turned white with fear. What if Adam was dying? After close to fifteen minutes, a loud POP was heard.<\/span>
Paul patted Rusty on the back and thanked him for his help. As he got out of the wagon, Paul said \u201cThe shoulder went back into place. That cut between his lip and nose will probably leave a faint scar. It won\u2019t need stitched. I didn\u2019t bring my bag, so I don\u2019t have anything to give him for the pain. Make him stay in bed for a few days and then keep him from doing any heavy lifting for a couple of weeks.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThank you\u201d said Ben with great relief. Marie sagged against her husband, glad that Adam was going to be alright. \u201cI\u2019d best get Adam up to his room\u201d said Ben. Rusty picked the boy up and handed him to his father.<\/span>
Paul introduced himself to Marie. \u201cI\u2019m so grateful for your help. Won\u2019t you stay for supper?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYour husband met me in town earlier today and invited me out. I\u2019m glad I accepted his invitation.\u201d He took a look at Marie and asked \u201cAre you feeling well?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m just shaken by Adam\u2019s accident. I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAre you sure\u201d he asked.<\/span>
\u201cOui. Why would you think otherwise?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cPerhaps we can talk in private?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cMon fils, help Bill put the horses in the barn. Thank you both\u201d she said to Rusty and Hank, \u201cfor your help.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cGlad we were there, Ma\u2019am\u201d said Hank, tipping his hat. Bill and Hoss led the horses while Rusty and Hank drove the wagon to the barn.<\/span>
Marie and Paul went into the house accompanied by Roy. \u201cI should go check on Adam\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ll come with you\u201d said Paul.<\/span>
Upstairs, Ben was sitting with his oldest, brushing that stubborn curl back from the boy\u2019s forehead. Adam briefly became aware of his surroundings as he opened his eyes. \u201cHow are you, Son?\u201d Ben asked worriedly.<\/span>
Tiredly, Adam replied \u201cMy arm hurts. Mama watched over me today. She sang to me and patted my face. She\u2019s really my guardian angel now, huh?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBoth Inger and your mother watch over you from Heaven.\u201d<\/span>
Adam gave his father a relaxed smile. Hop Sing came into the room with a tray bearing a cup. \u201cYou drink. Help sleep.\u201d<\/span>
Ben took the cup from the tray and gently eased Adam up so he could drink Hop Sing\u2019s concoction. The boy gave his father another smile and relaxed into the pillows. \u201cHe soon sleep\u201d Hop Sing told his boss. Ben leaned forward and gave Adam a kiss on the forehead.<\/span>
Paul and Marie looked in to see Adam sleeping. \u201cHow is he, mon cher?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cHop Sing gave him something for the pain and to help him sleep. He\u2019ll be okay soon.\u201d<\/span>
Ben stood and went into the hall. Paul said \u201cI\u2019d like to speak to you and Mrs. Cartwright, if I may?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSure\u201d said Ben, assuming the doctor had some additional instructions regarding Adam.<\/span>
\u201cI believe that Mrs. Cartwright is in a delicate condition. I\u2019d like to examine her, if possible.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDelicate in what way?\u201d asked Ben, slightly confused.<\/span>
Marie looked surprised and said \u201cHow is that possible?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou do live as husband and wife?\u201d asked Paul.<\/span>
Ben suddenly realized what Paul meant. \u201cAre you saying\u2026? Is she\u2026? Are we\u2026? Oh, darling!\u201d He pulled Marie to him and hugged her tightly.<\/span>
\u201cBut I haven\u2019t been ill or felt unwell\u201d protested Marie.<\/span>
\u201cMay I examine her?\u201d Paul asked Ben.<\/span>
Ben, holding Marie\u2019s arm, led Paul to the bedroom he shared with his wife. After his examination, Paul said \u201cYou should have a baby in six or seven months.\u201d Ben let out a loud whoop while Marie gasped in astonishment.<\/span>
Hearing the whoop, Roy rushed upstairs to see what was going on. Ben came out of his room when he heard boots on the stairs. \u201cI\u2019m gonna be a father, Roy!!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAin\u2019t ya already a father?\u201d the sheriff asked.<\/span>
\u201cWe\u2019re gonna have a baby!!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThat\u2019s wonderful news, Ben!!\u201d<\/span>
Ben then shook Roy\u2019s hand and led him downstairs. \u201cThis calls for a toast\u201d he said as he poured some whiskey for them both.<\/span>
Raising his glass, Roy said \u201cTo the joys of fatherhood!\u201d They both downed their drinks. Ben refilled their glasses and said \u201cTo Marie, the mother of my child!\u201d After another refill, Roy said \u201cTo the pitter-patter of more Cartwright feet!\u201d Hoss came inside to hear the fourth toast \u201cTo New Orleans and my wife!\u201d<\/span>
Ben was pouring a fifth round when Hoss asked what was going on. Ben set down the decanter and his glass and wobbled his way over to Hoss. Kneeling down in front of the boy, Ben said \u201cYou\u2019re going to be a big brother, Hoss!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHow?\u201d he asked.<\/span>
\u201cYour mother is going to have a baby.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhen?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019ll be several months from now.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDo you want a brother or a sister?\u201d asked Roy.<\/span>
\u201cIt don\u2019t matter. Will it walk as soon as the calves do?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cNo, Son\u201d Ben said, laughing. \u201cA baby has to be carried for several months before it can crawl. It\u2019s a long time until it can walk.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cOh\u201d said Hoss with some disappointment. \u201cThen what fun can a baby be?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou just wait, Hoss. You\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/span>
Paul and Marie came downstairs to see Roy and Ben looking tipsy and Hoss looking confused. Hoss went over to Marie and said \u201cPapa says yer havin\u2019 a baby.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cOui, mon fils. Isn\u2019t it wonderful?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhen?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIn several months.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhere\u2019ve ya got it?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat?\u201d she asked with some confusion.<\/span>
\u201cCows carry calves in their bellies. Where\u2019ve ya got a baby?\u201d<\/span>
She patted her belly and said \u201cIn here.\u201d<\/span>
Hoss looked completely surprised and asked \u201cWhat did ya eat to cause it?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBabies aren\u2019t caused by eating. But supper should almost be ready.\u201d<\/span>
Hop Sing brought out a roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, stewed apples, and biscuits. As Ben sliced the roast, Paul inhaled the aroma and said \u201cIf that\u2019s as delicious as it smells, count me as a frequent supper guest.\u201d<\/span>
Roy laughed and said \u201cI tole ya that Hop Sing is one o\u2019 the best cooks around.\u201d<\/span>
Following supper, Paul and Roy said their thank yous and good-byes. After they left, Hoss was sent upstairs for bed.<\/span>
Hoss went to Adam\u2019s room to check on his brother. Adam looked asleep, but Hoss decided to talk to him anyway. \u201cMama says she\u2019s gonna have a baby.\u201d A groan escaped Adam; Hoss assumed it was from the pain. \u201cThat means I\u2019m gonna be a big brother, like you. You gotta teach me everything I hafta know before the baby gets here. You\u2019re the bestest big brother I\u2019ve ever had. \u2018Nite, Adam.\u201d With that, Hoss went to his room and got ready for bed.<\/span>
Downstairs, Ben was chastising Marie for her ride earlier in the day. \u201cWhat if you had been thrown from Bonnie, darling? We\u2019ve got to keep you safe until the baby arrives.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBut I\u2019m not an invalid, mon cher. I can still ride, work in the garden, travel, and\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI don\u2019t want you to do too much, darling. A woman in your condition\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDidn\u2019t Inger work alongside you traveling out here?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYes, but\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDid you consider her delicate when she was carrying Hoss?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDid she listen to you?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWell, no, but\u2026\u201d<\/span>
Marie kissed her husband and said \u201cI\u2019m not a fragile piece of porcelain that will break if bumped. There\u2019s a lot I can do until the baby comes.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI just don\u2019t want anything to happen to you or the baby.\u201d Ben then kissed his wife.<\/span>
\u201cOh, mon cher, I know you worry. You lost Elizabeth so soon after Adam\u2019s birth, but Inger was a strong woman who bore Hoss and was just fine. I bore my first child with many problems. I just didn\u2019t believe the doctor this time because I was so ill with that baby. So far, there\u2019s been no illness. Perhaps it\u2019s because I\u2019m going to have a girl.\u201d<\/span>
Ben hugged Marie to him. \u201cJust think how we could spoil a daughter. She would be our little princess.\u201d<\/span>
Marie laughed and said \u201cPrincesses grow up to be courted by young men. Would you allow her to go to dances or parties?\u201d<\/span>
Ben gave Marie a mock scowl and said \u201cAdam and Hoss will be her bodyguards. They\u2019ll see to her safety and keep unsuitable young men away from her.\u201d<\/span>
Marie kissed Ben and said \u201cI love you so much, mon cher.\u201d<\/span>
Ben hugged Marie to him and said \u201cI love you with all of my heart, darling.\u201d He thought that they\u2019d have to tell Adam the news tomorrow. Hopefully, Adam would take it well.\u00a0<\/span>
As they went up the stairs hand-in-hand, Ben couldn\u2019t believe his luck. He\u2019d managed to marry three beautiful women and now the third was going to give him a child. Hopefully, the baby would be the first of many to come. Hoss seemed happy to know a baby was coming. Ben hoped that Adam would be just as happy. And be more accepting of Marie.<\/span>
Reaching the second floor, Marie said \u201cWe\u2019ll have to clean out that spare room, mon chere. We\u2019ll need a nursery for our babies.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThe boys and I can take care of that. I don\u2019t want you to worry about a thing.\u201d<\/span>
Adam had heard what Marie said about the spare room as he briefly woke up. He just hoped that he wouldn\u2019t have to share his room with Hoss to make room for more kids. He fell back asleep, dreaming of babies crawling all through the house.<\/span>
The End<\/span>
April 2007<\/span><\/p>\n
\nA Room Full of Memories<\/a>
\nA New Pattern<\/a>
\nNaming the Newest Cartwright<\/a>
\nPresents from the Heart<\/a>
\nLove\u2019s Labor<\/a>
\nBig Brother Lessons<\/a>
\nNo Regrets<\/a>
\nBaby\u2019s Breath<\/a>
\nEnnui<\/a><\/p>\n