{"id":7721,"date":"2014-05-09T14:29:41","date_gmt":"2014-05-09T18:29:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7721"},"modified":"2025-02-27T14:01:28","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T19:01:28","slug":"happy-birthday-hoss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7721","title":{"rendered":"Happy Birthday, Hoss! (by DJK)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: <\/span>It\u2019s Hoss\u2019s first birthday, and Adam\u2019s determined it will be special.<\/p>\n

Rated: K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0\u00a0 4765<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Happy Birthday, Hoss!<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam. Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you?\u201d Ben Cartwright asked, but his son\u2019s words had drawn Ben toward the wagon. He shifted his younger son Hoss onto his hip as he walked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn here, Pa,\u201d Adam replied poking his head out from the canvas cover.<\/p>\n

Something in Adam\u2019s tone caught Ben\u2019s suspicion. \u201cDoing what?\u201d Ben had arrived at the rear of the wagon and now stood face to face with his seven-year-old son.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust looking.\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes were avoiding his father\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt what are you looking, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the Bible. You never said not to look in the Bible, Pa,\u201d Adam asserted his defense.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I would never forbid you the Lord\u2019s word, son, but exactly what were you searching for?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chewed his lower lip. It was not the Lord\u2019s word that he had been searching, and Pa knew that many of those words were still unreadable for the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, Pa, you wrote in the Bible the day Hoss was born.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI recorded your brother\u2019s birth, yes, just as I recorded yours, but what. . . \u201c<\/p>\n

Uncharacteristically Adam interrupted, \u201cI was checking the date, Pa. Pa, tomorrow, well, tomorrow\u2019s gonna be Hoss\u2019s birthday. His first birthday, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben drew in a deep breath. \u201cSo, it will.\u201d His gaze settled on the bowed head of his baby son whose attention was focused on a cold biscuit Ben had given him to gnaw until dinner was prepared. Unconsciously Ben patted the child\u2019s back, and Hoss lifted his head displaying a wide grin around the remains of the biscuit.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s voice dropped to a whisper. \u201cMaybe we could do something special.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben heard the yearning in the young voice. \u201cSomething special. He\u2019s only had one birthday that was special, and I wasn\u2019t the one who made it so. Oh, Inger!<\/em>\u00a0He felt the familiar slice of grief\u2019s knife and the even deeper cut of guilt. He had allowed grief for Adam\u2019s mother to keep him from marking the boy\u2019s natal day with celebration, for Elizabeth had died before her son was twenty-four hours old, and only his second wife\u2019s gentle insistence had allowed Adam to learn the joy of a birthday when he turned six. Now the boy was once again without a mother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat had you thought to do, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam drew in a deep breath and willed himself to ask the impossible. \u201cWelllll, I thought, you know, just maybe we could, well, that we could not, umm, not move on, that we could give Hoss a play day.\u201d The words had built in momentum until the final thought was propelled out in sweeping rush.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you think we should just stay here and play for a day?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam tugged his left ear and tried hard to interpret his father\u2019s tone. \u201cWith Hoss, Pa, and maybe make something special to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t the means for a birthday cake, child.\u201d The cake Inger had made for Adam had been four layers high.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Hoss, well, he don\u2019t expect no cake, but maybe we could think of something sweet. He likes sweet things, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s very little your brother dislikes in the way of food,\u201d Ben said, his tone neutral.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a nice spot here, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a nice spot with grass, trees, and babbling little creek. Ben sighed. A man was meant to learn from his mistakes. The boy was asking for only one day, and Adam asked for so little. Ben decided that both his sons deserved for the morrow to be a special day. \u201cWe\u2019ll rest the oxen and take a play day then.\u201d He chucked Hoss\u2019s little chin as Adam\u2019s whoop of joy rang in his ear. \u201cWill you like that, little man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Ike, Pa,\u201d Hoss managed to agree spattering mashed biscuit on his father\u2019s shirt. Ben smiled and reached his long arm out to snag his elder son by the waist. Swinging Adam to the ground, Ben ordered him off to collect kindling.<\/p>\n

Adam darted away but stopped after a dozen steps. Looking back at Ben, he said softly, \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head as he watched Adam start his search. \u201cNot out of sight, Son,\u201d he reminded the boy and then turned to his own evening chores.<\/p>\n

\n###################################<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before being put down to sleep, Adam tried diligently to teach his little brother to hold up one finger and answer the question, \u201cHow old are you?\u201d While Adam kept Hoss\u2019s attention, Ben took a survey of their food stores considering how Hoss\u2019s birthday meal might be made special.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Pa, ask him, Pa. Ask Hoss how old he is!\u201d Adam gestured for his father to join him and his brother.<\/p>\n

Ben walked over to the blanket where the boys were sitting and went down on his heels. \u201cWell now, Hoss, tell pa. How old are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss beamed and held up one sticky finger separate from the rest. \u201cUn,\u201d he intoned solemnly.<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled softly and swept his baby into a hug. \u201cGood boy! That\u2019s Pa\u2019s smart little man!\u201d He stood with Hoss in his arms and gazed down at his elder son.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe learned real quick, now didn\u2019t he, Pa?\u201d Adam glowed with pride in his brother\u2019s achievement.<\/p>\n

Ben reached out and ruffled Adam\u2019s curls. \u201cWell, he did have an excellent teacher.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s chest puffed out at his father\u2019s praise.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, the two of you best get to sleep.\u201d Ben saw Adam\u2019s lower lip slip into a slight pout. Instead of a reprimand, he winked broadly and stated in a conspiratorial tone, \u201cThe sooner to sleep the sooner to wake, so tomorrow will come all the faster.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s lip returned to its normal position. \u201cRight, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

A half-hour later both boys were snoring softly. Ben listened to the sound as he stared into the fire and remembered both the women he loved.<\/p>\n

\n################################<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked softly around the camp the next morning trying to allow his sons the luxury of a sleep-in. He had just taken the remaining ration of dried apples and placed them in warm water to soak. If he cooked the apples with a little cinnamon and honey and sweetened some dough with sugar, he thought he might be able to make something that would pass for a cobbler with the boys.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Pa.\u201d Ben turned to see Adam slip from the pallet beneath the wagon where he and Hoss had been sleeping.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Son.\u201d He put his finger to his lips. \u201cLet\u2019s let your brother sleep until you\u2019re dressed, and I have breakfast finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s voice dropped to a whisper, \u201cOkay, Pa. I\u2019ll hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to hurry. The animals have been seen to.\u201d Ben kept an eye on his elder son and an ear on his baby while he finished preparing breakfast.<\/p>\n

When Adam was washed and dressed, he returned to his father\u2019s side. \u201cI don\u2019t have morning chores, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head gently, \u201cIt\u2019s a special play day, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Adam could respond, a plaintive cry drifted out on the morning air.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaaa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother\u2019s awake,\u201d Ben announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see to him, Pa,\u201d Adam volunteered.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven his diaper?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam wrinkled his nose but nodded his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine then. I\u2019ll pour the water into the basin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben listened as Adam greeted his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cHappy Birthday, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAaum!. Hoss held out his arms, and Adam swept him up.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow old are you, Hoss?\u201d Adam asked eagerly.<\/p>\n

Hoss rubbed his fists into his eyes and then remembered last night\u2019s game. He stuck out a finger on each fist and smiled. \u201cUnnn!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood boy!\u201d Adam declared and gave his brother a squeeze and a smacking-loud kiss.<\/p>\n

Ben listened to Adam\u2019s chatter interrupted occasionally by the high-note of Hoss\u2019s single-syllable declarations and smiled contentedly. He finished the breakfast preparations and called to Adam. Adam carried Hoss over to his father. Ben studied the slim dark-haired boy with the strapping one-year-old in his arms.<\/p>\n

Adam saw the fact that Hoss was clad only in his diaper register on their father\u2019s face. \u201cHoss didn\u2019t want his gown, Pa. It\u2019s warm, and there ain\u2019t no other folks around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben considered the chances that his son would grow up to be a half-naked savage if allowed to go about barely clothed one day of the year and relented. \u201cFine then. You two sit down for breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat down on the blanket provided and plopped Hoss beside him. Ben handed Adam a plate, set one on the blanket in front of Hoss, and took a seat beside his sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cPreserves! Golly, Pa.\u201d Adam picked up the warm biscuit with its small dollop of blackberry jam. \u201cI didn\u2019t know we had some left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA pa has to keep a few secrets for special days. Go on and eat it,\u201d Ben replied while helping Hoss to reach his biscuit.<\/p>\n

Adam took a careful bite, chewed, and swallowed. \u201cThat\u2019s good!\u201d he declared. \u201cGo on, Hoss!\u201d Adam urged as he guided his brother\u2019s hand to his mouth.<\/p>\n

Hoss took a large bite, and his eyes widened. After mashing the biscuit to pulp, he uttered, \u201cOoood,\u201d before swallowing and trying to push the entire remains of the biscuit into his mouth.<\/p>\n

Ben reached out to correct the problem. \u201cA bit at time, Little Man,\u201d Ben instructed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you today was gonna be special, Hoss, didn\u2019t I?\u201d Adam did not seem the least bit disappointed at his brother\u2019s failure to answer but slowly ate his biscuits savoring each bite.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we going to do first, Pa?\u201d Adam inquired when he had swallowed the last of his milk.<\/p>\n

Ben reached out and rubbed the milk moustache from his son\u2019s upper lip. He was very glad that he had managed to purchase a cow with the money he had saved working in the fort throughout the past winter. \u201cWell, having considered your brother\u2019s favorite playtimes, there\u2019s a little place near the creek that\u2019s mostly mud.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean that we could get in the mud and play without worrying about getting covered in it?\u201d Adam squirmed with excitement at the very idea.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would have to shuck a few clothes to join your brother, but, yes, that is what I meant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss would love that, Pa!\u201d Adam had already begun unbuttoning his shirt. Ten minutes later, Ben had his sons settled in a slight depression about twenty feet from the creek. One bucket of added water turned the area into a perfect mud pit.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee to it that your brother doesn\u2019t sallow any more mud than is absolutely unavoidable.\u201d Ben admonished gently with a smile remaining on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll keep it out of his mouth, Pa, promise.\u201d The seven-year-old, clad only in his cotton drawers, was already churning the mud with his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m going to search around a bit to see if there\u2019s anything growing about to add to our dinner. I\u2019ll be within sight and within call.\u201d Ben caught Adam\u2019s chin in his hand to be sure he had the child\u2019s full attention. \u201cYou and Hoss are not to leave this spot. You are not to go beyond the edge of the mud. Do you understand your boundaries?\u201d Ben had taught Adam what boundaries were before he turned four.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben started to reinforce his instructions but swallowed his usual reference to the consequences of disobeying. Instead, he ruffled Adam\u2019s hair. \u201cWatch your brother closely then and call out if there is any problem.\u201d He leaned down and planted a kiss on Hoss\u2019s head. \u201cBe good for your brother, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s attention shifted from the mud he was squishing in both hands only long enough to utter, \u201cOood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben kept his ears attuned to the chatter and squeals of his sons as he searched the creek bank for tender greens and watercress. He found both as well as a small handful of mushrooms. Placing his finds in a bag, he set out several fishing lines hoping to have fresh fish to feed his sons for supper. Then he returned to his boys.<\/p>\n

Ben walked up behind Adam and stared down at the mud-covered pair. A pair of depressions that could only be referred to as mud angels help to explain the solid coat of mud that encrusted both his children.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam whirled around on his seat at the sound of his name. Some of the mud on his hands flew off and splattered across his father\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Then Adam\u2019s eyes settled on the mud dotting his pa\u2019s chest. His eyes grew wider. \u201cPa, I…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPaaa!\u201d Hoss\u2019s squealed and raised his arms to his father signaling that he wanted to be lifted.<\/p>\n

Ben gave a mental shrug and reached over Adam to swing Hoss out of the mud and into his arms. The resulting hug transferred a liberal amount of mud from the baby to Ben. Adam relaxed as he saw a smile broaden on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Pa\u2019s gonna play too<\/em>! Adam tugged as his father\u2019s pants. \u201cMud war, Pa? I\u2019ll take you both on.\u201d<\/p>\n

A gleam came into Ben\u2019s eyes as he reached down and scooped up a handful of mud. The better part of the next hour was spent in a pitched battle between the lithe seven-year-old and his baby-encumbered father. The squeals and cries that accompanied it rang out in three distinct octaves. The battle ended with all three Cartwrights lying flat on their backs staring up at the sky.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss liked that, Pa,\u201d Adam declared between pants.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cI do believe he did, but now the three of us need cleaning up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will all come off if we go swimming in the creek,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe water\u2019s too cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for me, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor you, your brother, and even for me.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice had grown a shade more forceful.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got to get clean, and swimming. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll use the big tub.\u201d<\/p>\n

They bathed beside the creek using several pots of boiling water to turn the bath pleasantly warm. Ben even took time to show Adam how to soap his hands and blow huge bubbles through the ring of his thumb and finger and to paint a bubble beard on Hoss.<\/p>\n

Scrubbed and dressed in clean clothes, Adam stood before his father and asked, \u201cWhat now, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWellll,\u201d Ben drew out the word as he rubbed his chin, \u201cI was thinking maybe some boat races.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoat races,\u201d Adam\u2019s brow furrowed, and then his eyes lit up. \u201cIn the creek!\u201d His father had taught him when he was quite small to make toy boats of twigs and leaves, and Adam began immediately to assemble the needed materials.<\/p>\n

Adam made his own boat while Ben assembled one for himself and another for Hoss. Going slightly downstream, he placed a long, heavy branch so that it reached about two-thirds of the way across the creek. He returned to his sons, and then they walked further upstream. They set the tiny boats in the water, and the race began. Adam ran along the bank shouting encouragement to The Wanderer<\/em>. Hoss shrieked in glee from his pa\u2019s shoulders as Ben jogged behind his son. Adam shouted and jumped in the air when his boat was the first to bump against the branch barricade.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won! I won!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice stopped his boy from entering the water. \u201cI\u2019ll get them, Son.\u201d The next two hours slid by as the boats made repeated trips down the creek with victories divided amongst all three owners.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne more time, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo, Adam, it\u2019s past time for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut just. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is hungry, Adam.\u201d Ben softened his stern look with a smile. \u201cFor that matter, so am I.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I am too, Pa. I just. . . we was having such a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat we were,\u201d Ben agreed lifting Hoss onto his hip and settling his other hand on Adam\u2019s head to lead him back toward the wagon.<\/p>\n

Ben had baked the johnnycake that morning and reserved enough milk for both boys. That and a bit of hard cheese made a simple but tasty lunch for the three of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think Hoss much cares for cheese, Pa, but I do,\u201d Adam asserted looking at the cheese still on brother\u2019s plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cFinish his for him then. He\u2019s had enough johnnycake for someone twice his size,\u201d Ben instructed as he wet a cloth and wiped the baby\u2019s face and hands.<\/p>\n

Adam snatched the cheese and chewed it slowly. Swallowing, he inquired, \u201cWhat now, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother needs a nap.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m too big, Pa,\u201d Adam avowed quickly. He had given up regular naps by the age of four.<\/p>\n

\u201cA quiet time for the two of us and a nap for your brother.\u201d Ben settled back against a tree and settled Hoss on his lap. Then he patted the blanket beside him. Adam stretched out with his head against his father\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a horse looking down at us, Pa,\u201d Adam stated after a minute of staring up at the sky.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, there is, and there\u2019s a castle behind him.\u201d Ben observed after studying the clouds. It was an old game that he and Adam played often.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose he lives there with his master.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA noble knight, no doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has to fight the dragon. See, Pa, over there. He\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about it, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben wove a story for his son and by the time it ended both boys\u2019 breaths were deep and even with sleep. Ben decided he could afford an indulgence of his own and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben had come awake instantly as he sensed his son\u2019s movement. \u201cSettle back, son, a bit longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d Ben\u2019s tone was firm but not severe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI gotta go, Pa.\u201d The words were delivered with a recognizable whine.<\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes fully and pointed to a nearby tree. \u201cThere then. No farther.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shifted, and Hoss wakened as well, whimpering slightly. Ben sighed and kissed the wispy hair on the baby\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Adam returned and stood behind Ben as he changed Hoss\u2019s diaper. \u201cHave you got something planned for now, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought we should make your brother his birthday present.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA present, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of present?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sent an exaggerated glance toward Hoss and leaned over to whisper in Adam\u2019s ear. A minute later the seven-year-old scurried off and began collecting various bits and pieces and bringing them to Ben. Ben allowed Hoss to play with the makings as he carefully fashioned a toy horse from bits of wood and some left over yarn of Inger\u2019s that had remained at the bottom of a wooden chest. Adam helped with the smoothing of the edges and the surfaces, so that no splinters could possibly prick his brother\u2019s little fingers. Ben and Adam chatted as they worked and laughed at silly memories and jokes. Finally, they presented Hoss with a toy horse the baby recognized immediately.<\/p>\n

\u201cOrsie, \u2018orsie!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe likes it, Pa,\u201d declared Adam with equal delight in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou show him how to play with it while I check the fishing lines. Then I\u2019ll get supper started.\u201d Ben rose and set off toward the creek. He checked the lines and found two trout and a fat bass.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe shall have a fine supper! Thank you, Lord! ” He turned and walked back toward the wagon. As he approached, he saw that the blanket which should have held his boys was empty. He started to run calling Adam\u2019s name. Stopping at the edge of the empty blanket, he scanned the area and swallowed the fear that clogged his throat so that he could call out again. Before a syllable left his mouth, a sound came to his ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoo!\u201d It was echoed by a smaller, higher version. \u201cBoooo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben spun on his heel as relief waved in and out of his body followed by anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben watched the glee fall from his sons\u2019 faces. As Adam\u2019s face paled, Ben drew in a deep breath. They were playing. Lord God, thank you, they were only playing.<\/em>\u00a0 The anger flowed out as quickly as it had come in, and suddenly Ben felt only an overwhelming desire to touch his sons, to hold them. He reached out and scooped up his boys one in each arm. Adam buried his face in his father\u2019s shoulder, and Ben felt the cloth of his shirt becoming damp.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now,\u201d Ben began to murmur as he lowered himself and his sons to the ground, for he had found his legs unexpectedly weak. Setting Hoss on the ground beside him, Ben turned his attention to the child trembling against his right shoulder. \u201cNow, now, Adam, no need to cry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam mumbled a sobbing \u201cI ruint it\u201d into his father\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed his son\u2019s back. \u201cNothing need be ruined, child.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI made you mad and spoiled Hoss\u2019s birthday.\u201d The words were slurred with tears, but Ben managed to understand them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not mad, not mad at all.\u201d Ben pried Adam\u2019s face gently from his chest, so that the boy might see the truth of the words in his eyes. \u201cPa knows his boys were just playing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hiccupped and managed to swallow his next sob. \u201cYa do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do.\u201d Ben rubbed his thumb across Adam\u2019s cheek pushing away the tears. \u201cYou scared me, son, thinking my boys were gone, but I know that you were playing, and I am not mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not.\u201d It was much more an acknowledgement of the fact than a question.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but it is a game that we will not play again. I\u2019m too old to bear it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had been observing his brother\u2019s tears comprehending only Adam\u2019s sadness. Then it came to the little one the reason for many of the smiles he had seen recently on his brother\u2019s face. He tugged at the hem of Adam\u2019s pants until Adam turned and looked down. Thrusting a fist with a single finger projecting outward into the air, Hoss shouted forcefully, \u201cUnn!\u201d and he grinned widely. Answering grins sprang onto the face of both his brother and father. Hoss crowed with delight as he felt an emotion that he would learn years later was called pride.<\/p>\n

Ben settled the boys on the blanket with pats and cuddles. He instructed Adam to play with Hoss while he saw to supper. Adam started with patty cake and then acted out some convoluted story where he growled and pranced and made mock attacks that ended with a squealing and giggling Hoss. Ben enjoyed the noise as he prepared dinner. It was reassuring though he did glance twice as often at his sons as on most evenings. Ben joined his boys in play while the food cooked swinging them in circles and flying them through the air. He also became several beasts including a dragon, a bear, and a horse. He left them laughing from a tickling when he went to settle the stock. Then he called for them to wash for supper as he filled three plates.<\/p>\n

Ben placed bits of fish on Hoss\u2019s plate that he had carefully searched for bones. Adam had already learned the careful way to eat fish and dug into his trout with relish. The greens and mushrooms made tasty additions to the meal. Most days travel left too little time to search for fresh-grown food.<\/p>\n

Adam patted his own belly and then that of his brother. \u201cWe\u2019re mighty full, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope not too full for Hoss\u2019s birthday sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSweet? But Pa we had jam this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben went to the fire and lifted a small iron pot with a heavy lid from the edge of the ashes. He carried it to the blanket and lifted the lid. Adam drew in a large sniff.<\/p>\n

\u201cUmmmm! That smells good. Real good!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss sniffed the air in imitation of his brother and then crowed, \u201cOooood!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWipe the plates clean, son,\u201d Ben instructed. Then as Adam presented each plate to him, Ben placed a scoop of his apple cobbler upon it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a bit hot especially for your brother. Can you keep him from it for a few minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam clamped both his arms around Hoss\u2019s middle and pulled the baby against him. Hoss leaned out reaching toward the plates. \u201cYeah, Pa. For a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben strode quickly to the creak and back. In his hand was a small bucket he had kept cooling in the water. Taking his seat on the blanket, he tipped cream he had skimmed from that morning\u2019s milk over the cobbler on each plate. The metal plates had drawn the heat from the cooked fruit, and the cold cream lowered the temperature to tolerable warmth. Ben started to hand Adam his plate, but Adam did not take it from him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to sing first. Mama and you sang before I had my cake,\u201d Adam declared determined that things would be done in accordance with tradition.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat we did.\u201d Ben\u2019s deep voice led Adam\u2019s soft soprano in a heartfelt rendition of \u201cHe\u2019s a Jolly Good Fellow\u201d that ended with hearty declarations of \u201cHappy birthday, Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

Feeling that every bit of cobbler was too precious to waste, Adam decided to assist Hoss in guiding the sweet into his mouth and not onto his face. The baby\u2019s pleasure at the treat would have been visible to even a blind man. Ben allowed not only Hoss but Adam the pleasure of literally licking the plate clean. Afterwards, the three Cartwrights sat quietly watching the sun\u2019s last rays paint the sky. Then Ben added wood to the fire against the chill of the night. As the flames danced, Ben undressed Hoss and pulled on his nightshirt. Adam changed into his own nightclothes and then went to sit on the blanket once again.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we name the stars, Pa?\u201d An ex-seaman, Ben had started teaching Adam the constellations as soon as the boy could talk.<\/p>\n

Ben brought Hoss to the blanket as he replied, \u201cSurely.\u201d Pointing to Ursa Major, he asked, \u201cWhat is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss drifted to sleep in Ben\u2019s lap as father and son named constellations and counted stars.<\/p>\n

After a while Ben said softly, \u201cTime for bed, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam opened his mouth to protest but instead said softly, \u201cI\u2019m sorry we scared ya, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben reached out and cupped his hand behind Adam\u2019s head. \u201cYou\u2019re forgiven, son. Adam, do you know the reason I was so scared and angry?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s hand came around to gently hold Adam\u2019s chin. \u201cI love you and your brother more than you can understand, Adam. Even thinking I might not have you with me, why, that\u2019s something I can\u2019t bear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t never hide from you again, Pa,\u201d Adam promised and reached up to wrap his arms around his father\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

Ben patted his son\u2019s bottom. \u201cGood lad. Now, to bed with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Pa.\u201d Adam jumped up and went to the pallet beneath the wagon. Ben followed and tucked both his sons into the blankets. He listened to Adam\u2019s prayers and then kissed both his son\u2019s foreheads.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHoss really liked his birthday a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure about that, are you?\u201d Ben asked with a teasing tone in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe told me, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did, did he? He said, \u2018Adam I enjoyed my birthday.\u2019?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was still teasing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no.\u201d There was definite indignation in Adam\u2019s voice. \u201cBut he\u2019s my brother, Pa; we don\u2019t need all the words.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was quite aware that his sons did not need all the words to communicate and replied quite seriously. \u201cI know, son; I think he enjoyed himself very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

After a silent moment, Adam ventured, \u201cPa, do ya think, well, next year can we. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave another play day?\u201d Ben finished for him. \u201cI\u2019ve decided that birthdays will be play days from now on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben could hear the smile in Adam\u2019s declaration, \u201cHoss, will like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot just Hoss\u2019s birthday, Adam, but yours too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMost really!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam wiggled in delight. \u201cMaybe in our own place. Do you think maybe in our own place next year?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Lord willing, child, in our own place.\u201d<\/p>\n

He waited beside the pallet until Adam\u2019s even breathing and light snore assured him both sons were sleeping. Then Ben Cartwright went quietly about settling the campsite for the night. Lying down on the pallet next to his sons, he said his own prayers including a thank you to the two angels who had given him his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: It\u2019s Hoss\u2019s first birthday, and Adam\u2019s determined it will be special.<\/p>\n

Rated: K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0\u00a0 4765<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":143,"featured_media":4998,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_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":""},"categories":[23,1008,1006,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7721","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-hoss-cartwright","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-1006-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1254,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Dipsea-grassland-trail.jpg?fit=550%2C413&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":48039,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48039","url_meta":{"origin":7721,"position":0},"title":"Fourth of July Fun (by AH83)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"July 4, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Adam gets a Fourth of July surprise. 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