{"id":7842,"date":"2012-12-06T19:23:57","date_gmt":"2012-12-07T00:23:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7842"},"modified":"2023-03-22T13:14:22","modified_gmt":"2023-03-22T17:14:22","slug":"to-everything-there-is-a-season-2-falling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7842","title":{"rendered":"To Everything, There is a Season #2 – Falling (by MonicaSJ)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 This is a sequel to Reacquaintance<\/em>.\u00a0 The Cartwrights welcomed the daughter of a good friend back from college after her father died.\u00a0 She had a long, adversarial history with Adam, but since she\u2019s been back, old wounds have healed.\u00a0 The pressures of her dual life of running a ranch with Adam as trustee and the possibility of singing abroad forced her to make a choice. Did she ultimately make a sacrifice?\u00a0 Or will she make a different choice?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T \u00a0WC 78,000<\/p>\n

To Everything, There is a Season Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reacquaintance
\n<\/a>Falling
\n<\/a>Togetherness
\n<\/a>Growing Pains
\n<\/a>Family Ties
\n<\/a><\/em>Life\u2019s Demands<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Falling<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

From the coffee table, Adam studied the young woman sitting on the hearth across from him.\u00a0 It was hard to believe she’d once been nothing more to him than the little sister of his best friend. Now, twenty years later, he wondered how life would have been had Shiloh Isabella Whitney stayed on the stagecoach leaving town on the first leg of her trip to Europe instead of climbing out to tell him, in the middle of the busiest street in Virginia City, that his feelings mattered to her. Later that same day, she told him she wanted him to be a part of the decision that would define her future\u2026and maybe his.<\/p>\n

Now, she still wore a far-away look, seemingly trying to comprehend what her actions meant.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what you\u2019re thinking,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

She closed her eyes, then smiled when she opened them. \u201cI know you think I came home from Boston for my family; because they worked so hard to build the ranch.\u00a0 And maybe that was true in the beginning. But the truth is, I enjoy working with my horses.\u00a0 I love the Sierra.\u00a0 This is my home, and I don\u2019t want to leave it.\u00a0 Besides that, the ranch is a legacy that I want to leave my children and their children.\u00a0 If I were to give it up and sing, what would I have to leave them\u2026a name\u2026a story…certainly nothing tangible?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you enjoy performing.\u00a0 Edwin was right\u2026you come alive when you\u2019re on a stage.\u00a0 You love it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSinging is a two-edged sword.\u00a0 When it\u2019s all said and done, it leaves me a wreck.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just inexperience. The more you perform, the easier it will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want me to leave?\u00a0 It seems to me you\u2019re trying to talk me into it.\u00a0 And don\u2019t try to tell me what you want doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thought for a moment.\u00a0 It had taken her best friend, Annie Walters, their mutual friend, Edwin Booth, and a reluctant push on his part to get her to perform one more time in San Francisco.\u00a0 She had said she didn\u2019t want to sing when she came home from college, but after her performance in San Francisco, she was faced, for the second time, with a decision to perform in Europe.\u00a0 He had the one piece of information that would make her decision easy, but he didn\u2019t want to be catalyst for her missing a chance of a lifetime.\u00a0 He had shared that information with Edwin, and seeing how distraught she was at leaving, he told her before the stagecoach had gotten out of town.<\/p>\n

He took her hands in his.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think it has to be one or the other.\u201d\u00a0 She looked back doubtfully.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, there\u2019s an opera house opening right here in Virginia City, remember?\u00a0 There are three in San Francisco, and there are theaters in Sacramento, Carson City, Denver City, Arizona City and Salt Lake.\u00a0 You don\u2019t have to go far to perform.\u00a0 And you can always come home to the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 I don\u2019t care about fame or notoriety.\u00a0 I just enjoy composing, and then hearing the finished piece\u2026and singing.\u00a0\u00a0 I enjoy the ranch just as much.\u00a0 It\u2019s nice to have a place to come home to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam adjusted his legs as they sat across from each other and leaned toward her, taking her face in his hands.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll figure it out,\u201d he said softly as he raised her face to his, kissing her tenderly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about this?\u201d she whispered, looking into his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u00a0 This?\u201d he asked, kissing her again.<\/p>\n

Blushing, she said simply, \u201cYes, that.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat back, searching her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cDoes this bother you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She met his eyes with hers.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not that.\u00a0 I\u2026just\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 Unable to finish, she lowered her eyes.<\/p>\n

He realized she still had some things to work out where he was concerned.\u00a0 What he didn\u2019t know was where her hesitation was coming from.\u00a0 Was it still their past\u2026her brother, Micah\u2026her parents?\u00a0\u00a0 Was it Will Stewart, the senator from back East who had been her fianc\u00e9?\u00a0 Was she afraid she\u2019d lose the independence her education afforded her? Or was it just that she still had some big decisions to make and maybe this was too much at the moment.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, this doesn\u2019t have to be a decision.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t we just see where this goes on its own?\u201d<\/p>\n

At that moment, Hoss and Joe came noisily through the door.\u00a0 \u201cThere she is,\u201d said Joe.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe lady that stopped the stagecoach in the middle of town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned to Joe, chuckling, then turned back and winked at Shiloh. \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh is Virginia City\u2019s favorite subject,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cAnd it\u2019s not just \u2018cause of the stagecoach.\u00a0 Take a look at the newspaper,\u201d he said, handing the paper to Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam unfolded it, then looked over the top of it at Shiloh, crooking his jaw and furrowing his brow.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you said you didn\u2019t pose for a photograph while you were in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh sat upright.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t,\u201d she said, grabbing the paper.\u00a0 \u201cOf all the low-down, sneaky\u2026this is the last note I sang.\u201d\u00a0 She pulled the paper close to her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cSomeone must have been sitting up front in the middle, sketching.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s no doubt that\u2019s you,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

She slumped.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, how bad is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the second edition today.\u00a0 Everyone\u2019s buying \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh buried her chin in her chest and put her hands on her head.\u00a0 \u201cSo much for no notoriety.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not as bad as it sounds,\u201d said Adam, trying to comfort her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t it?\u00a0 All of Virginia City knows who I am now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feeling sorry for her, Hoss walked to the hearth and sat beside her. \u201cAdam\u2019s right. You ain\u2019t got nothin\u2019 to worry about.\u00a0 Now come on.\u00a0 Supper\u2019s ready,\u201d he said, smiling.<\/p>\n

Shiloh sat quietly during dinner while the Cartwrights discussed their day and their plans for tomorrow.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t really listen, lost in her own thoughts, wondering how Adam and she had gotten so close when they had started so far apart.\u00a0 She hated him in her youth, blaming him for the death of her brother.\u00a0 She resented him when she came home from college to a ranch that her father had left in trust for her when he died; a trust with Adam and his father as trustees, a trust that gave Adam authority over her.<\/p>\n

Now, as she watched him all through dinner, she wondered if she was really ready to trust him\u2026with everything.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

When Shiloh laid her napkin on the table, Adam covered her hand with his.\u00a0 \u201cYou know, if you\u2019re going to sing, everyone would have found out anyway.\u00a0 Virginia City would be the logical place to start\u2026for Maguire\u2019s opening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing came in to clear the dinner plates before dessert.\u00a0 When he leaned in to take Shiloh\u2019s plate, she said, \u201cThank you, Hop Sing.\u00a0 The roast was delicious.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He smiled and bowed, backing into the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright, I hope you know how lucky you are to have Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly do,\u201d Ben replied, smiling, then taking a sip of coffee.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, Adam\u2019s right.\u00a0 You should speak with Tom.\u00a0 He\u2019d be delighted if you\u2019d perform for his opening.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled dubiously, sticking her chin out.\u00a0 \u201cAre you and Adam campaigning?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows, speaking wryly, \u201cI see no reason for you not to.\u00a0 With Hank at the ranch, you can afford to spend the time away.\u00a0 And you do enjoy it.\u00a0\u00a0 Why not?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting back and puckering, she thought for a moment before she spoke.\u00a0 \u201cI have no idea what I\u2019m going to do.\u00a0 Except for this evening\u2026Hank doesn\u2019t know I didn\u2019t leave.\u00a0 I need to get back to the ranch and tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam set his coffee cup down. \u201cI\u2019ll take you home after dessert.\u00a0 Hop Sing made an apple pie.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the way home, Adam broached the subject of singing again, only this time he was much more direct.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t I take you into town tomorrow to see Tom?\u00a0 You\u2019ll get to see the new opera house.\u201d<\/p>\n

She breathed deeply before she spoke.\u00a0 \u201cFirst, I have no reason to speak to Tom yet.\u00a0 And second, I don\u2019t think I want to go into town just yet; at least not until the sudden news settles down.\u00a0 And there\u2019s a third; I have some work to do at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat work do you have that can\u2019t wait?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ledger hasn\u2019t been updated with the numbers from the cattle drive, and I have several horses that I need to sell.\u00a0 I was hoping to start looking for a piano, but I spent all my extra money on my new property.\u201d\u00a0 She frowned and dropped her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cIt will be a while before I can afford another one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the more reason for you to talk to Tom.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure he wouldn\u2019t mind if you used one of his pianos.\u00a0 In fact, I think he\u2019d be delighted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make you a deal.\u00a0 If you promise to stop pushing, I\u2019ll think about it for the next few days. I have to unpack, and I have ranch work to do this week.\u00a0 In fact, I have a gentleman who\u2019s interested in purchasing a horse or two.\u00a0 I was going to send him a telegram and ask that he speak to you because he said he knows you, but now that I\u2019m staying, I can speak to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis name\u2019s Jim Fischer.\u00a0 He said he went to college with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Adam said, \u201cIt\u2019s been a while since I\u2019ve heard from Jim.\u00a0 It would be nice to see him.\u00a0 How did you find him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t find him, he found me.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think he realized I knew you.\u00a0 He just mentioned you when I told him I was near Virginia City.\u00a0 Anyway, when you have some time, maybe you could come get familiar with the horses I have available for him.\u201d\u00a0 She dropped her eyes again.\u00a0 \u201cI need to sell some horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they arrived at the Flying W ranch house, Adam pulled Shiloh\u2019s bags from the back of the buggy to take up to her room.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be right in, Adam.\u00a0 I want to find Hank.\u201d\u00a0 When she came in the house, she found Adam half sitting on the desk, looking through a ledger.\u00a0 She stopped and crossed her arms, glaring at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look at me that way, young lady,\u201d warned Adam as he glanced at her from under his brow.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m still the ranch trustee.\u00a0 And you said you need to sell some horses.\u00a0 But, looking at this ledger, I don\u2019t see anything that\u2019s pressing you to bring in more money.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked to him and gently took the ledger from him.\u00a0 \u201cYou stopped looking at my ledgers, remember?\u00a0\u00a0 And there\u2019s no reason for you to look now.\u00a0 Financially, we\u2019re fine.\u00a0 I just don\u2019t have a lot extra, and that\u2019s not really the reason I need to sell some horses.\u00a0\u00a0 I expect twelve new foals in the spring, and I\u2019ll have at least ten three-year-olds to start, and that doesn\u2019t even count the four and five-year-olds that haven\u2019t been started.\u00a0 I also want to breed Max.\u00a0 He\u2019s middle aged now, and I need to think about increasing my heritage stock.\u00a0 I have five stallions, including Max and eight mares.\u00a0 I should have ten of each if I want to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo why do you need to sell some horses?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have the pasture space close to the house.\u00a0 And it\u2019s too late this year to start clearing another one.\u00a0 I\u2019ll have to wait until spring or whatever I clear will become a huge mud puddle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hank rushed through the door with Johnny, one of the hands.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Shiloh, I\u2019m afraid we\u2019ve got trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Hank?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he said, tipping his hat, then turned back to Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cWe have ten steers down in the south pasture.\u00a0 Looks like they were shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShot?\u00a0 Were they butchered?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Ma\u2019am.\u00a0 They were shot and left.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking toward the stairs, she spoke loudly over her shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI need to change.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be down in a few minutes.\u00a0 Get Spirit saddled.\u00a0 And saddle another horse for Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d said Hank, heading for the door.<\/p>\n

As Shiloh ascended the stairs, she spoke loudly so that Adam could hear her, \u201cAdam, will you wait and go with us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

Shiloh stood in the middle of ten dead steers in her south pasture.\u00a0 As Adam and Hank were turning one over, she knelt next to another, feeling the carcass.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re still warm.\u00a0 This happened not too long ago.\u00a0 Hank,\u201d she said turning. \u201cDid anyone hear any gunshots?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny said he didn\u2019t, but I\u2019ll ask the men tonight when they all come into the bunkhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

They all stood, looking around in the fading light.\u00a0 \u201cDo you know if anyone has seen Sam King since the day he came after me for firing him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNone of us have, but we haven\u2019t checked in town,\u201d answered Hank.<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked around her, thinking.\u00a0 \u201cPull some men off the range and get these steers butchered and in the smokehouse tonight.\u00a0 Then tell everyone we\u2019ll be having a picnic next weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Shiloh, I don\u2019t think we can get this many in the smokehouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHank, take some over to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure there\u2019s room in our smokehouse,\u201d offered Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam,\u201d said Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cIt won\u2019t be long.\u00a0 While I\u2019m in town to speak with Sheriff Coffee about this, I\u2019ll stop by the parsonage and ask the Reverend to send some of the families the church is supporting over to take some of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cocked his head. \u201cIf you\u2019re going to town, I\u2019m going with you.\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh tightened her mouth into a straight line and stood with her hands on her hips, looking down at the ground. \u201cAs long as there\u2019s a possibility that this is Sam King, you are not riding into town by yourself\u2026or anywhere else for that matter,\u201d he added, turning to Hank, who nodded agreement.\u00a0 Shiloh looked up and opened her mouth to speak, but Adam puckered his lips and looked at her from under his brow.<\/p>\n

She closed her eyes, taking a deep, calming breath and turned toward her horse. \u201cSuit yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they were both mounted and headed for town, Adam asked, \u201cWhere\u2019s your gun?\u00a0 I taught you how to use it for this reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanted me to wear it when I was riding alone on the ranch.\u00a0 I\u2019m not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should practice since you\u2019ve been away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm hm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reached over and took her reins, stopping both horses. \u201cAre we back to where we were before San Francisco?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh sucked in a deep breath, then let it out slowly and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d she said definitively. \u201cI\u2019ve just got a lot on my mind, and I wasn\u2019t counting on adding Sam King to the list.\u00a0 Though, I probably should never have thought I was done with him.\u00a0 He already made good on the threat he made when I fired him when he came after me at the roundup.\u00a0 And if he\u2019s been in town today, he knows I\u2019m back from San Francisco.\u201d\u00a0 She looked at Adam nervously.\u00a0 \u201cI have to wonder if he\u2019ll do worse because he knows I\u2019m Isabella Whitney.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you practice using your gun, you should be able to warn him off.\u00a0 Once he realizes you have protection maybe he\u2019ll think twice before he comes after you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the two arrived in Virginia City, they went straight to the sheriff\u2019s office.\u00a0 Before she walked through the door, Shiloh looked back out over the town, noticing that people had stopped and watched them ride in.\u00a0 Adam turned around and looked, then turned back to her, giving her shoulder a reassuring caress.\u00a0 She looked at his hand, then looked timidly up.\u00a0 Winking, he guided her through the door of Roy\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

Roy hesitated after Shiloh told him about the cattle.\u00a0 \u201cIs there anyone else who\u2019d want to do somethin\u2019 like this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Sheriff Coffee.\u00a0\u00a0 The only one I\u2019ve had words with is Sam,\u201d answered Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, you know as well as I do that Sam\u2019s likely the guilty party,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow Adam, I understand how Sam holds a grudge, but there\u2019s no proof he shot those cattle.\u00a0 Even so, I don\u2019t see any reason not to question him\u2026if we can find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clem, the deputy, had walked in and was leaning against the door.\u00a0 \u201cWell that\u2019s easy enough.\u00a0 He\u2019s over at the Silver Dollar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy stood up from behind his desk and walked over to his gun cabinet, taking a shotgun down and flipping it open.\u00a0 He loaded two cartridges in the breech, snapped it closed and made his way to the door.\u00a0 When Adam moved to follow, Roy stopped him.\u00a0 \u201cJust hold it right there.\u00a0 Now I\u2019m gonna walk over to the Silver Dollar and bring Sam back here peaceable-like.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want you startin\u2019 somethin\u2019 in the saloon.\u00a0 You and Shiloh can wait right here.\u00a0 Clem, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

After a few minutes, Sam stepped through the door with Roy and Clem behind him.\u00a0 He stood in the middle of the office, stuck his fingers in his belt and grinned at Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cWell, if it ain\u2019t Miss Isabella.\u00a0 After all this business is done, why don\u2019t come back to the saloon with me and let me buy you a drink?\u00a0 Maybe you can sing us a song or two.\u201d<\/p>\n

The corner of Shiloh\u2019s mouth curled up in disgust. \u201cDon\u2019t count on it, Sam.\u00a0 Did you kill some of my cattle,\u201d she growled, stepping closer to him.<\/p>\n

When Adam grabbed her arm and pulled her back out of Sam\u2019s reach, Sam\u2019s eyes opened wide, and he laughed.\u00a0 \u201cWoo hoo,\u201d he sang in a high voice.\u00a0 \u201cYou got a Cartwright sweet on you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She cut her eyes back over her shoulder toward Adam and flared her nostrils, but Adam not only held her firmly, he gave her arm an uncomfortable squeeze.\u00a0 She looked forward again.\u00a0 \u201cA word of warning, Sam.\u00a0 You will be trespassing if you step one foot on my ranch, and my men will be instructed to shoot you on sight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam scowled and turned to Roy.\u00a0 \u201cAnything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStay out of trouble, King, or you\u2019ll end up in my jail,\u201d ordered Roy.<\/p>\n

Sam snorted and left.<\/p>\n

Adam spun Shiloh around by the arm he was still holding.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you realize saying anything to him will make him want to come after you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had to tell him not to trespass in front of the law, Adam.\u00a0 That way, he can\u2019t say he missed the no trespassing signs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s right, Adam.\u00a0 He won\u2019t be able to make any excuses.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

Reverend Andrews was thrilled that the five families the church had been supporting would be able to get fresh beef.\u00a0 He agreed to send them to the Ponderosa to pick it up.\u00a0 In addition, Shiloh asked him to spread the word that there would be a picnic at the Flying W on Sunday after church and asked that any family attending bring a dessert or side dish.<\/p>\n

When she and Adam left the church, she untied her horse and walked back toward the middle of town.\u00a0 Adam stood at the hitching rail as she turned and walked away.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

She turned and smiled, wrinkling her nose and lifting her index finger, crooking it, beckoning him to follow her.\u00a0 The corner of his mouth turned up as his head turned slightly while he kept his eyes on her.<\/p>\n

They tied their horses to a hitching rail in front of the new opera house.\u00a0 He walked behind her, not believing that she would actually walk through the door, but when she reached it, she stopped, took a very obvious deep breath and entered.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam sucked in the sides of his mouth while he raised his eyebrows and followed her in.<\/p>\n

She looked through a windowed door, and when Tom Maguire looked up from his desk, she waved her fingers and smiled.<\/p>\n

Tom rushed to the door.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Whitney, what a surprise,\u201d he said, taking her arm and guiding her into his office.\u00a0 \u201cA very pleasant surprise.\u00a0 Please, have a seat,\u201d he said pulling a chair away from the forward side of his desk.\u00a0 \u201cAnd Adam.\u201d\u00a0 He leaned in.\u00a0 \u201cIs this your doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNo, it\u2019s not.\u00a0 I had no idea we were coming here until we were here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Miss Whitney.\u00a0 Before you tell me why you\u2019re here, I have something for you.\u201d\u00a0 He went back behind his desk and pulled an envelope out of his lap drawer, handing it across the desk to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tore the envelope open and pulled out a bank draft.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Maguire, there must be some mistake.\u00a0 What is this for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s for your performances in San Francisco.\u00a0 That comes to $250 per show, plus a bonus for your impeccable performance at the Presidio, which by the way, sold me out for the entire season before the season even started.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t accept this,\u201d she said, laying the draft on the desk.\u00a0 \u201cI agreed to do that as a favor to Mr. Booth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Booth has absolutely no input as to what I pay those who sing in my opera house.\u201d\u00a0 He pushed the draft back in front of her.\u00a0 \u201cYou deserve this.\u00a0 And I\u2019m prepared to offer you even more to sing here.\u201d\u00a0 She propped her elbow on the arm of the chair and held her chin in her hand, considering Mr. Maguire.\u00a0 \u201cTake it, please.\u00a0 I actually thought I had lost the opportunity to give it to you when I heard you were leaving with Mr. Booth.\u00a0 Then I heard you got off the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that\u2019s public knowledge by now,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, when I purchased a newspaper, I realized your wish to remain a private citizen of Virginia City wasn\u2019t going to come true.\u201d<\/p>\n

She still sat propped on the arm of the chair, studying him, but suddenly sat up.\u00a0 \u201cWell, the reason I\u2019m here\u2026is to\u2026\u201d\u00a0 She drew her lips into a line and looked away.\u00a0 \u201ctell you that\u2026I\u2019ll sing for you.\u201d\u00a0 She blew out her cheeks and rolled her eyes up to the ceiling as if that was the hardest thing she ever had to say.<\/p>\n

Adam made a motion with his mouth to whistle, but he just blew out.\u00a0 He thought it would take an act of God to talk her into singing in Virginia City, and here she was volunteering.\u00a0 He wanted to laugh.\u00a0 He wanted to pick her up and twirl her around.\u00a0 She was good.\u00a0 She was better than good, and she deserved the happiness that singing brought her.<\/p>\n

Maguire sat back in his chair, stunned.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m\u2026I\u2019m\u2026My, that was easy.\u00a0 Much easier than I expected.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh bent her head into her hand.\u00a0 \u201cTruth be told, I was never going to sing in Virginia City.\u00a0 But when we got to town tonight, and I realized all those people were already watching me\u2026realized they were going to be watching everything I do for a good while, I decided that if I became an ordinary occurrence in Virginia City\u2026if I was no longer a curiosity\u2026that people might start treating me like one of them.\u201d\u00a0 She looked back up at Maguire.\u00a0 \u201cSo, what are your plans for musicians, and when do you expect you\u2019ll have a full orchestra?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will be using some of my musicians from San Francisco to audition musicians for Virginia City.\u00a0 They will most likely come from all over the country; perhaps even from other countries.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I suggest\u2026bring your orchestra from San Francisco for a pre-opening before the end of the year.\u00a0 Have your official opening when you start your regular season next year.\u00a0 That gives you plenty of time to get a commitment from a well-known singer. This way, you give Virginia City and any cities close enough for winter travel a taste of what\u2019s to come.\u00a0 It will build the excitement so that when you open your first season, you will already have committed patrons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn excellent idea,\u201d said Maguire.\u00a0 \u201cBut that doesn\u2019t leave much time to prepare.\u00a0 And why wouldn\u2019t you sing at the official opening?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want me to sing at your official opening after I do a pre-opening performance.\u00a0 You need to give your patrons variety.\u00a0 That doesn\u2019t mean that I won\u2019t do some performances during the year.\u00a0 And it actually helps me.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think my popularity would last very long if I was that frequent of an occurrence.\u00a0 Your San Francisco musicians already know my music.\u00a0 We can pick some pieces that were performed throughout the summer\u2026not just those from my last performance, so that we\u2019re not likely to repeat what local people may have already heard.\u00a0 There\u2019s plenty of material your musicians already know.\u00a0 We just need to rehearse in the new hall.\u00a0\u00a0 If you can, I\u2019d also get Monsieur Rousset as your conductor.\u00a0 That way, we don\u2019t have to waste time arguing about the arrangements.\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh stood up to leave.\u00a0 \u201cLet me know how soon you can get everyone here.\u00a0 We\u2019ll start immediately when they arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maguire was dumbfounded.\u00a0 Not only had she agreed to sing, but she gave him the perfect way to introduce the new opera house and had come up with how it could be done in a fifteen minute conversation. He looked up at Adam with creased brows, his mouth open, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea how she does that,\u201d chuckled Adam, replying to Maguire\u2019s dumbstruck expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn this business, things change quickly.\u00a0 I had a lot of practice in Boston.\u201d She turned to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWe should go.\u00a0 It\u2019s been a very long day.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

On the way out of town, Shiloh showed Adam the bank draft.\u00a0 He whistled.\u00a0 \u201cYou need to get that in the bank.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0 I have to come back to town to send some telegrams.\u00a0 I\u2019ll deposit it tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Adam and Shiloh arrived at the Flying W, the men were only half done butchering the steers, and it was approaching eleven.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks like it\u2019s going to be a long night,\u201d said Shiloh.<\/p>\n

Hank walked over, wearing a blood-covered apron. \u201cMiss Shiloh, did you find Sam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a matter of fact, we did, but of course, he wouldn\u2019t admit anything.\u00a0 Anyway, he\u2019s been warned verbally about trespassing in front of Sheriff Coffee, so if you see him anywhere on the ranch, shoot first, then ask him why he\u2019s here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m serious, Hank.\u00a0 If he\u2019s capable of this, he could do anything. Make sure you tell all the men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u201d He turned to go back, then stopped. \u201cAdam, Little Joe came by lookin\u2019 for you.\u00a0 I told him what happened.\u00a0 He said he\u2019d tell your pa not to wait up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, I don\u2019t have to worry about Pa worrying.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to stay and help.\u00a0 Then I can take what needs to go to the Ponderosa with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I don\u2019t want to keep you from your own work.\u00a0 We can handle this,\u201d said Shiloh.<\/p>\n

Adam took her elbow and led her to the front door of the house.\u00a0 \u201cAre you trying to get rid of me?\u201d he asked, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I\u2019m sure you have your own chores at the Ponderosa, and I don\u2019t think Joe and Hoss will appreciate me monopolizing your time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s eleven at night.\u00a0 I don\u2019t have any chores until tomorrow.\u00a0 Besides, someone has to take what can\u2019t go in your smokehouse to the Ponderosa and get it in our smokehouse.\u00a0 It might as well be me,\u201d he said as he pulled her into him.<\/p>\n

She played with the buttons on his shirt.\u00a0 \u201cAt some point you\u2019re going to have to let me do this all by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf that beef isn\u2019t in the smokehouse tonight, it\u2019ll spoil.\u00a0 There\u2019s no need to waste it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sighed and gently pushed away from him. \u201cI\u2019ll go make some coffee.\u00a0 It looks like there\u2019s another couple of hours of beef on the back of that wagon.\u201d\u00a0 With one hand he reached up to touch her cheek, and with the other he reached down and turned the door knob.\u00a0 She disappeared inside, and he went to work with Hank and her men.<\/p>\n

When she came back out with coffee, Adam had his sleeves rolled up elbow deep in beef, donning an apron that had quickly become covered in blood. \u201cCoffee?\u201d\u00a0 she asked as she poured a cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but I\u2019m going to need a little help.\u201d<\/p>\n

She giggled as she raised the cup to his lips.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s hot.\u00a0 Don\u2019t burn your tongue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took a small sip and another.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s perfect,\u201d he said, smiling, then continued cutting.<\/p>\n

Shiloh walked around filling the coffee cups of her men, who all nodded in thanks.\u00a0 When she got back to Adam, she yawned.\u00a0 \u201cHere, take another sip.\u00a0 I have another pot on the stove that should be about ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

When he finished his coffee, he caught her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou should go on to bed.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing you can do here\u2026except pour coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right, Miss Shiloh,\u201d said Hank.\u00a0 \u201cThis is the last of it.\u00a0 All we have to do is load it on the wagon and get it to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s in charge here anyway?\u201d she complained.<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cTonight, Hank is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh flared her nostrils and stepped back, bristling that Adam and Hank were trying to send her to bed.\u00a0 Adam held her eyes with his while he untied his apron and laid it over the makeshift table where he had been working. He nodded for her to follow him and walked to the water pump to wash his arms and hands. \u201cShiloh, there are times when you are going to have to step back and let your men work.\u201d\u00a0 She crossed her arms.\u00a0 When his arms and hands were clean, he firmly cupped her chin in his hand. \u201cSweetheart, you have a foreman.\u00a0 Let him do his job.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tucked her chin and looked at him with round eyes.\u00a0 Sweetheart?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Johnny and I\u2019ll ride over to the Ponderosa with you to unload,\u201d said Hank, walking up behind them.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you drive your buggy back?\u201d<\/p>\n

Still looking at Shiloh, Adam answered, \u201cGood idea, Hank.\u00a0 I\u2019ll do that.\u00a0 Now, I want you to go in the house and lock the door behind you.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you in a couple of days.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to look for Hank, who had walked back to the wagon, then turned back to kiss her, looking into her eyes one more time before he left.\u00a0 \u201cGo on,\u201d he said, then watched her walk to the front door.\u00a0 She turned and smiled before she disappeared into the house.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

It was Saturday, but Shiloh was up with first light, moving the mares she wanted to breed with Max to the back corral behind the house.\u00a0 She had already moved Max to the barn, wanting to take him out for a ride one more time before she left him to his business with the mares.\u00a0 Hank and Johnny\u2019s horses were still in the barn as well as some of the four and five year olds she was about to start training.\u00a0\u00a0 She also brought up some of her trained horses to groom and trim in preparation for Jim Fischer\u2019s visit to the ranch.<\/p>\n

She made one last trip to the bottom corral to bring up the last mare when she stopped and watched as Adam road between the fences toward her.\u00a0 As she looked, a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth when Adam dismounted in one smooth motion, then walked toward her.\u00a0 His walk was sure\u2026fluid. He wore his gun and swung his hands with confidence and authority.\u00a0 His broad chest and shoulders and his muscled arms\u2026his dark eyes\u2026and that satisfied smile he was wearing caused her to catch her breath.\u00a0\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t help but see the appreciative look in her eyes, and he instinctively sucked in a breath, held his head a little higher, and walked just a little taller.<\/p>\n

When she turned to tie off the reins she was holding, his eyes roamed over her.\u00a0 She was wearing soft buckskin britches that hid nothing of her curves.\u00a0 He was tempted to lean forward and give her backside a firm pat, but rather he chuckled to himself at the inappropriate thought.\u00a0 Instead, he gave her a proper greeting.\u00a0 \u201cGood morning.\u00a0 You\u2019re up early for a Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s your excuse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t been sleeping very well.\u201d\u00a0 His look turned serious.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m worried about Sam.\u201d<\/p>\n

She snorted as she walked toward the corral gate.\u00a0 \u201cYou and me both.\u00a0\u00a0 Did you see the expression on his face at Roy\u2019s office?\u00a0 He was\u2026pleased\u2026that he had gotten my attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

When she turned back to him, Adam noticed her face change.\u00a0 Her mouth dropped open and her eyes were focused on something behind him.\u00a0 He turned to look, seeing an orange glow in the half-light of the early morning.<\/p>\n

Shiloh pushed the gate shut, leaving the mare where she was and ran to Spirit.\u00a0 Adam had already mounted.\u00a0 Both kicked their horses into a gallop toward the orange glow that hung over the area of the Flying W ranch house.<\/p>\n

Since it was Saturday, most of the Flying W hands were still in the bunkhouse, sleeping in. A few of the hands were watching the herd.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t take long for those in the bunkhouse to smell smoke, and by the time Adam and Shiloh got there, they had already starting moving horses and tack out of the barn.\u00a0 Their progress was stopped by a sudden explosion of flames when the fire reached the hayloft that had been recently filled in preparation for the winter.<\/p>\n

Shiloh dropped to the ground in a run, and Adam wasn\u2019t far behind her.\u00a0 A beam fell across the middle of the barn and set the hay on the floor ablaze.\u00a0 Adam knew there was no way anyone was going to get anything else out of the inferno, but Shiloh saw Max at the back of the barn, kicking at the walls and screaming, the whites of his eyes flashing in fear out of the haze of heat.\u00a0 She continued toward the barn and was only a few feet away when Adam caught up to her, wrapping her up in his arms and pulling her away.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t go in there!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me go!\u201d she shouted as she struggled against his hold.\u00a0 She worked an arm loose and tried to push away, but Adam held her.<\/p>\n

He shouted to one of the men running past with more buckets for water, \u201cSend Billy to the Ponderosa to get more help.\u00a0 And check the back of the barn.\u00a0 Maybe you can get Max out from the back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, whoever set this fire poured kerosene all around the outside.\u00a0 The back went up first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh gritted her teeth as she fought him.\u00a0 \u201cAdam Cartwright, I am not losing Max,\u201d she growled.\u00a0 She somehow turned in his arms and began to climb him, trying to maneuver over his head.\u00a0\u00a0 He was off balance just enough to fall backwards with Shiloh coming down on top of him, scrambling to get away.\u00a0\u00a0 She almost made it, but he reached above him, grabbing her foot and pulling her back on her stomach.\u00a0 \u201cMax!\u201d she shrieked as she clawed at the ground, listening to the scream of the horse.<\/p>\n

Hank appeared next to them with his rifle and looked down at Adam who was now on top of Shiloh, holding her down.\u00a0 When he nodded to Hank, Hank raised the rifle and fired three shots.<\/p>\n

Jumping at the sound of the rifle shot, she looked up into the fire and screamed, \u201cNo!\u00a0 No\u2026no,\u201d she repeated, her voice fading from a scream to a desperate plea.\u00a0 She lay on the ground underneath Adam, sobbing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rose from the ground, picking Shiloh up with him.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have time to console her.\u00a0 \u201cYou have to stay here.\u00a0 Do you understand me?\u201d\u00a0 She glared at him, her face wet and streaked with dirty tears.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled her arms out and placed his hat and gun belt in her hands and left her there, grabbing a piece of water-soaked burlap, and smothering flames spreading away from the barn.\u00a0 He was surprised when she appeared close by with her own handful of wet burlap.<\/p>\n

The Cartwright hands along with Joe and Hoss came with more burlap, buckets, and shovels, and in only another hour the fire was smoldering.\u00a0 With streaks of black soot on her face, arms, hands and clothes, Shiloh walked wearily to the front of the burn pile and dropped her head into her hand, sniffling with tears rolling down her cheeks at the sight of the burned bodies of three horses lying in the rubble, the far carcass belonging to Max.<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t hear Adam come up behind her, and when he turned her around, she gave him a hollow, defeated look.\u00a0 He took her arms to pull her into him, and she sneered and pushed back, but he held her tightly, guiding her head to his chest where she finally broke down into a heart-wrenching sob.\u00a0 He thought back to the storm last winter when a tree fell on her house, destroying her mother\u2019s piano.\u00a0 It was then he found out why she had detested him, and it was then their association began to change to something\u2026easier.\u00a0 The piano had been the only thing she had left of her mother.\u00a0 He knew Max had meant as much to her as the piano, and when Max died, the last piece of her father died with him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

Adam took Shiloh into the house after Hoss, Joe and Hank assured him they would take care of the barn and what was in it.\u00a0 Hank sent Johnny into town for the sheriff, so everything that could be done at the moment was being done.\u00a0 Adam had time to concentrate on Shiloh, but it turned out not in the way he expected.\u00a0 She cried\u2026at first.\u00a0 But her anguish soon turned into rage as she loaded her gun, put on her gun belt and tried to head for the door.\u00a0 The only obstacle in her way was Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going anywhere,\u201d he said calmly.\u00a0\u00a0 When he saw the fire in her eyes, he stiffened, knowing that she was going to try.<\/p>\n

She lifted her gun, pointing it at his chest, holding it steady with both hands.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t try to stop me.\u00a0 You know who did this.\u00a0 He\u2019s not getting away with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh if you end up killing him, you go to jail.\u00a0 Is that what you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

She thought about going to jail in a fleeting moment.\u00a0 Where would it leave the ranch or her singing?\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t care.\u00a0 He\u2019s not getting away with this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t prove he did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough talk.\u00a0 Get out of my way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not gonna shoot me,\u201d said Adam, taking a step forward.\u00a0 He stopped in mid-step and flinched when she pointed the gun over his shoulder and fired.\u00a0 In a split-second, Joe and Hoss ran through the door, distracting her just enough for Adam to finish that step forward, ending with the barrel in his chest.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss were frozen by what they were witnessing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not gonna shoot me,\u201d said Adam calmly.\u00a0 \u201cPut the gun down.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shrank back.\u00a0 \u201cWhat am I doing?\u00a0 Oh, God, what am I doing?\u201d she cried, backing up.<\/p>\n

Adam followed her, taking the gun out of her hand and drawing her close.\u00a0 Looking sternly back to Hoss and Joe, he ordered, \u201cNot a word of this to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe looked at each other, then nodded.\u00a0 Adam turned his attention back to Shiloh, guiding her to the kitchen and seating her at the table.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe motioned him back just outside the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve got the boys digging a hole for the carcasses, but it\u2019s gonna take some time.\u00a0 You need to keep her away from the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cWhen Roy gets here let him take a look around and then send him inside.\u00a0 I\u2019ll keep her in the kitchen until he gets here.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Adam watched as Hoss and Joe disappeared out the front door, then went back to the kitchen with Shiloh.\u00a0 He pumped a glass of water and sat down next to her.\u00a0 \u201cDrink this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d she whispered.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2026I\u2026I\u2019m\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 He covered her hand with his.\u00a0 \u201cWhy did you let me do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you needed to know what it\u2019s like to feel rage with a gun in your hand\u2026and choose to put it down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to find him.\u00a0 I can\u2019t let him get away with this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to do anything.\u00a0 You need to leave it to Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

She jerked her head up, looking angrily at him.\u00a0 \u201cRoy won\u2019t do anything.\u00a0 There\u2019s no proof that Sam did this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou still have to give him a chance.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up her hand, looking over his shoulder out the window.\u00a0 \u201cIf Roy doesn\u2019t do anything, I\u2019ll have a talk with Sam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pulling her hand away, she glared at him.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t need you to fight my battles.\u00a0 This has nothing to do with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He answered her glare.\u00a0 \u201cIt has everything to do with me.\u00a0 I\u2019m responsible for this ranch.\u201d\u00a0 He took a breath and said in a calmer tone, \u201cAnd I have no intention of letting Sam get anywhere near you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how am I ever going to prove to you that I can take care of this ranch if you keep coming to my rescue?\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned her to face him.\u00a0 \u201cI know you can take care of this ranch.\u00a0 But Sweetheart, you cannot take care of Sam King.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

Adam left the Flying W after Shiloh had gone to bed.\u00a0 What she feared had come to pass; there was nothing that Roy could do because there was nothing in the ruins of the barn to point to Sam King.<\/p>\n

When he walked through the door at the Ponderosa, Joe, Hoss and his father were in the sitting area, waiting.\u00a0 Ben stood anxiously.\u00a0 \u201cHow is she?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you know what Max meant to her,\u201d said Adam, walking to the blue chair and slowly sitting down.\u00a0\u00a0 He lowered his head and rubbed his forehead.\u00a0 \u201cShe fell asleep before I left.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure she\u2019s forgotten about it, but if we don\u2019t do something, she\u2019s gonna have crowd over there tomorrow after church.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grunted. \u201cTomorrow morning we\u2019ll go into town early and let the minister know; he can announce it in church.\u00a0 And then the rest of us will go knock on doors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd tell them what?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat we\u2019ve moved the picnic here.\u00a0 We\u2019ll put three spits out in the yard tonight and Hop Sing can start roasting tomorrow morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing isn\u2019t gonna be able to tend three spits by himself.\u00a0 Plus, we have to move out some tables and chairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Adam, you can stay and help Hop Sing.\u00a0 Go by the Flying W early and bring Shiloh over.\u00a0 It\u2019ll keep her mind off Max.\u201d Adam nodded.\u00a0\u00a0 He, Joe and Hoss went to the yard and began making preparations for the picnic.<\/p>\n

The next morning Adam arrived at the Flying W the same time as Hank.\u00a0 \u201cHank, we\u2019re moving the picnic to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Do you have any chairs and tables we can take over?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe do, Adam.\u00a0 In fact, there all in the\u2026\u201d Hank exhaled.\u00a0 \u201cThey were all in the barn.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see what I can round up and have some of the boys take \u2018em over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded, walked to the house and knocked on the door.\u00a0 Opening it slowly, Shiloh stood halfway behind the door.\u00a0 Adam knew she had cried most of the night, seeing her swollen, red eyes.\u00a0 He stepped in and hugged her, starting her tears all over again.\u00a0\u00a0 After a few minutes, he lifted her face.\u00a0 \u201cHey, you\u2019re spending the day with me at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sniffling and stuffy, she replied, \u201cI can\u2019t.\u00a0 By this afternoon this place will be full of people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope. They\u2019re all being sent to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes wide, she looked up at him.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I can\u2019t let you do that.\u00a0 This is my problem.\u00a0 I can handle it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo late.\u00a0 Arrangements are already being made.\u00a0 And I\u2019m sure you could handle it, but you don\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam held her chin in his hand with his index finger over her lips. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go upstairs and get dressed?\u00a0 We need to get back to the Ponderosa to help Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

She leaned back attempting an indignant look, but with her eyes swollen, she only managed to look pitiful.\u00a0 Adam chuckled and turned her around to face the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cGo get dressed.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

\u201cWhat time is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t bother looking at his watch.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s five minutes past the last time you asked me what time it was.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled the chair he was unloading the rest of the way out of the wagon, set it down and walked to the spit where she was basting a side of beef.\u00a0 \u201cWhy are you so nervous?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not nervous.\u00a0 I just want this day over with.\u201d<\/p>\n

He leaned over to look into her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u00a0 Don\u2019t you like my company?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked away, fighting back tears.\u00a0 \u201cI know what you\u2019re trying to do, Adam.\u00a0 And it\u2019s not that I don\u2019t appreciate it.\u00a0 But, painting this\u2026\u201d she smelled the jar she had been dipping the brush in\u2026 \u201cwhatever this is on a skinned, dismembered cow isn\u2019t very\u2026comforting.\u00a0 Nor does it occupy my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took the brush out of her hand.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe you\u2019re right.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you see if Hop Sing needs help in the kitchen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you expect me to do in there.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how to\u2026\u201d\u00a0 She stopped and stiffened, not sure that she wanted him to know that<\/em>\u2026 \u201cconvince\u2026Hop Sing to let me help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen maybe you can bring a couple of platters and some carving knives out, then bring plates, coffee cups, glasses and silverware\u2026and whatever else Hop Sing has ready to come out.\u00a0 It won\u2019t be long before people start arriving.\u201d\u00a0 She turned and disappeared into the house.<\/p>\n

Hank set the last chair out behind Adam. \u201cAdam, I didn\u2019t think about it, but maybe basting that side of beef after\u2026well, after seeing Max in the barn, wasn\u2019t such a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s it, Hank.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else could it be?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam breathed deeply.\u00a0 \u201cI think it\u2019s facing the good people of Virginia City for the first time since she\u2019s been back from San Francisco.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure part of it is Max, and I\u2019m just as sure part of it is Sam.\u00a0 She\u2019s dealing with a lot of things right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should have called this off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think if we had done that, she would have regretted it later on.\u00a0 And this way the people of Virginia City will see her as charitable instead of just a celebrity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cA famous person.\u201d<\/p>\n

They both looked up at the sound of horses as Ben, Joe and Hoss rode into the yard.\u00a0 Dismounting, Ben handed his reins to Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cYou two get the horses settled in the barn and make sure we have plenty of room for horses and buggies.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam,\u201d he said, walking toward the spit.\u00a0 There\u2019s a crowd headed this way\u2026we\u2019ve got maybe fifteen minutes.\u00a0 How\u2019re you doing with the beef?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s about ready to carve.\u00a0 I sent Shiloh in to start bringing dishes and silverware out.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d said Ben, motioning for Adam to join him away from the spit, handing him a handbill.\u00a0 \u201cMaguire has these posted all over town.\u00a0 Is this true?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at the handbill and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s true.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell no wonder the crowd heading this way is so large.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

When the crowd started to arrive, Shiloh disappeared into the house.\u00a0 The Cartwrights were all outside greeting their guests who were all wondering where Shiloh was.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh?\u201d yelled Adam, rushing through the front door.\u00a0 He walked to the stairs and shouted up, \u201cShiloh!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m over here,\u201d she answered quietly from behind Ben\u2019s desk.\u00a0 She had changed into a lovely, frilly lavender dress and had tied her hair into a pony tail with a matching lavender ribbon, allowing her curls to cascade down her back.<\/p>\n

Adam turned and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYou look very pretty.\u00a0 Your guests are asking for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She snorted.\u00a0 \u201cMy guests?\u00a0 You know, I really wish we had postponed this.\u00a0 I\u2019m not in a party mood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam walked to her and draped her hand over his arm, heading for the front door.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what would you have done with all that beef?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGiven it away.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stopped and faced her.\u00a0 \u201cSpit it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to talk about Sam, I don\u2019t want to talk about Max or the barn, I don\u2019t want to talk about singing, and I don\u2019t want to face all those people who pulled their children away from me when I walked down the boardwalk after I left school because they thought I was a troublemaker; the same people who came today just because of Isabella.\u00a0 I just\u2026want to be left alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen maybe a party is just what you need to bring your head back above water,\u201d said Adam as he redraped her hand over his arm and led her to the door.\u00a0 \u201cChin up,\u201d he ordered, but she continued to look forlorn.\u00a0 He took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cJust think of it as a performance then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not an actress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot true.\u00a0 I\u2019ve seen you act.\u00a0 Now, let\u2019s go.\u201d\u00a0 He opened the door and grinned at the smile that suddenly appeared on her face.\u00a0 By the time he had walked her to the edge of the porch, a crowd of people approached her, taking her hand, thanking her for the picnic, and offering concern and support at the burning of her barn.\u00a0 Adam stayed within earshot as she mingled, listening to the questions, not only about the fire and the cattle, but also about singing at Maguire\u2019s.\u00a0 He watched her glide across the yard, smile graciously, laugh delicately and talk with just the right amount of sadness or just the right amount of excitement depending on what she was being asked.\u00a0 In essence, she was performing.<\/p>\n

By the end of the day, seven of the ten steers had either been eaten or packaged up and sent with the families from the church.\u00a0 Tom Maguire was one of the last to leave after having a lengthy and seemingly private conversation with Shiloh across the yard.\u00a0 When Adam joined them, Tom was just saying his goodbyes.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, as usual, the hospitality of the Ponderosa has been outstanding,\u201d he said, shaking Adam\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re glad you enjoyed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I\u2019ll be seeing you in town for the next few weeks,\u201d said Tom, winking at Shiloh and turning toward his horse. She smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n

Adam turned to her. \u201cWhat did he mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Still smiling, she said, \u201cI should help Hop Sing get this cleaned up,\u201d then patted his hand and walked away, leaving him looking puzzled as he watched her go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

\u201cAdam, did Roy speak to you about the rumors that Tommy Baker set the barn on fire?\u201d asked Ben, walking across the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa,\u201d he answered, enjoying the view as Shiloh leaned over a table to wipe it clean.\u00a0 By the time Ben stood beside him, Shiloh had stood up to carry more dishes into the kitchen.\u00a0 Adam shook his head, smiling, then turned to his father.\u00a0 \u201cHe said he spoke to Tommy after he heard the rumors, but Tommy denied it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t it Tommy that started those rumors about Shiloh after she left school\u2026about you kicking her out because she was a troublemaker?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and he tried to start trouble after she came back from college.\u201d\u00a0 Ben creased his eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cI took Shiloh to lunch in town after we had that argument about driving cattle down Johnson\u2019s Cutoff.\u00a0 After lunch, I had gone to get the buggy and left Shiloh waiting in front of the hotel.\u00a0 Tom showed up, and well, he was rude.\u00a0 I ended up embarrassing him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t I hear about this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was the same day the tree fell on her house\u2026completely slipped my mind\u2026until now. But I don\u2019t think Tommy has it in him to do something like this on his own.\u00a0 He\u2019s just not that bold.\u00a0 Still, I think I\u2019ll ride into town tomorrow and have a conversation with Tommy myself.\u00a0 Even if he is the one that set the fire, I\u2019d be willing to bet a week\u2019s pay that King put him up to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you suppose he chose the barn instead of the house?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood looking at the ground with his mouth twisted.\u00a0 \u201cMakes you think he wants to scare her more than hurt her.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, I was wondering if you could help me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Shiloh looked down at her hands as she bit her lip and squeezed her fingers.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know how to cook\u2026not even the simplest of things.\u201d Hop Sing looked up from the basin of dishes he was washing.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t ask Adam over for dinner because I can\u2019t cook dinner for him.\u00a0 Would you\u2026teach me\u2026how to cook?\u201d she asked, biting her lip, looking pleadingly at him.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing frowned.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t want messy kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can teach me in my kitchen.\u201d\u00a0 Still frowning, Hop Sing turned to put dishes away.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll share the rest of my mother\u2019s recipes with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stopped and turned back to her, thinking about it.\u00a0 \u201cYou do what Hop Sing say?\u00a0 No fuss?\u00a0 No funny business?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise,\u201d she said, smiling delightedly while she bounced on her toes, and brought her hands up, softly clapping.\u00a0 \u201cBut don\u2019t tell anyone, especially Adam.\u00a0 I want this to be our secret.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou bring more dishes,\u201d said Hop Sing as he turned back to the basin. When she had made her way out the door, Hop Sing looked up and smiled after her, nodding his head.\u00a0 \u201cShe take good care of Missa Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Shiloh hummed as she collected the rest of the dishes, glasses, cups and silver, stacking everything neatly on the table closest to the kitchen.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t see that Adam was leaning against a post on the upper porch watching her.\u00a0 When she rushed by him again, he stepped down behind her and when she turned back, he stopped her from running into him with his hands on her waist as she held the dishes she had picked up out to the side.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor someone who was dreading this, you\u2019re in a good mood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it is over, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s over, but somehow, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s it.\u201d\u00a0 He cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cCan we talk for a minute?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her smile disappeared.\u00a0 \u201cIs everything alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm hm, everything\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, help me take the rest of these dishes in, and we\u2019ll talk,\u201d she said, nodding with raised brows.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded and smiled when they delivered the rest of the dishes.\u00a0 He was still grinning as they were leaving, even when Adam looked back curiously.\u00a0 Adam took her hand and led her back out to the porch where, for the moment, they were alone.\u00a0 She stood, looking up at him expectantly.\u00a0 \u201cI spoke with Roy today\u2026about the fire.\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh took a step back, looking away.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s a rumor in town that Tom Baker set it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She snapped her head back, stiffening. \u201cDid Roy arrest him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he didn\u2019t.\u00a0 It\u2019s just a rumor.\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh smirked as she side-stepped him and walked into the house, continuing to the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh,\u201d he called as he followed her.\u00a0 Taking her hand, he stopped her in mid-stride and turned her to face him.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo pack my things.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be ready to go home in a few minutes,\u201d she said as she tried to turn back toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t.\u00a0 You are not going to town.\u201d\u00a0 She looked away.\u00a0 \u201cLook at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clasping her hands in front of her, she glared up at him.\u00a0 \u201cThis isn\u2019t your fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t it?\u201d he said quietly as he grasped her hands and narrowed his eyes, giving her a slight smile that made the room turn awfully warm and sent chills all over her.\u00a0 He bent to kiss her, and when she stepped into him, laying her hands at his sides, he wrapped his arms around her.\u00a0 As she moved her hands up his back to his shoulders, he tightened his hold, and for the first time, she kissed him back.\u00a0 He moved his lips to her cheek, to her jaw, and finally to her neck where he buried his face, taking in her scent.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I have to go to town,\u201d she said softly.\u00a0 He raised his head, looking at her disapprovingly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t look at me like that.\u00a0 Maguire\u2019s musicians are here.\u00a0 I\u2019ll have to stay in town when we start and after that, if we end up working late.\u201d<\/p>\n

He loosened his embrace, but still held her close.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take you to town then.\u00a0 And, I\u2019ll have Maguire provide an escort for you while you\u2019re there.\u201d\u00a0 She inhaled deeply and puckered her lips. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t want to hear that you tried to speak to Tommy Baker\u2026or Sam King.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

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

The sun was just barely up when Adam drove a buggy into the yard of the Flying W.\u00a0 When he knocked on the front door, he got no answer, so he stuck his head in, yelling.\u00a0 Shiloh didn\u2019t answer, and he stepped in, looked in the parlor and the kitchen, then went back to the front door.\u00a0 As he stepped out, he saw Hank walking toward the back corral.\u00a0 \u201cHank, where is everybody?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we do work around here, Adam,\u201d said Hank, smiling jokingly, offering his hand.\u00a0 \u201cBut you really mean Miss Shiloh, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stuck his tongue in his cheek.\u00a0 \u201cYep.\u00a0 I told her I\u2019d take her to town today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, she already told me.\u00a0 Said she might not be back and not to worry.\u00a0 But she wanted to go over the breeding schedule for her heritage stock with Johnny and Billy before she left.\u00a0 She\u2019s out back.\u201d\u00a0 The two men talked as they walked to the back corral.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas she said anything about the barn?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got an earful about the barn this morning.\u00a0 She had the original plans that her father had drawn up for a new barn, and she wanted to know if we could handle it.\u00a0 I told her I\u2019d wanna check with you\u2026it\u2019s a mighty nice barn.\u00a0 Too nice, I think, to have done this winter, and she\u2019ll be needin\u2019 shelter for the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll talk to her about it, Hank.\u201d\u00a0 Hank grunted.\u00a0 \u201cIs there something else you\u2019re not telling me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you know how determined she is to do things on her own.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe told me not to say anything to you.\u00a0 Adam, she\u2019s had a lot of good ideas that were workable, but this one\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 Hank shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know how we can make this work for the winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it, Hank.\u00a0 I\u2019ll bring up the barn.\u00a0 Maybe she\u2019ll talk to me about it.\u00a0 And if she doesn\u2019t, I\u2019ll\u2026well, I\u2019ll think of something.\u201d<\/p>\n

The back corral was actually a group of corrals and paddocks, two large corrals on either side of a row of smaller paddocks in the middle and on the west side.\u00a0 In a large breeding operation, all the center paddocks would be used multiple times a day with a handler moving pairs of horses in and waiting.\u00a0 There was a smaller stall in the middle of the paddocks where uncooperative mares were confined during breeding.\u00a0 The paddocks on the west side of the corrals held the stallions that would be bred, after which they were released into the west corral.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hank stood behind Shiloh and listened as she gave instructions to Johnny and Billy.\u00a0 \u201cI wasn\u2019t going to do this much but\u2026\u201d she took a deep breath, and finished in a shaky voice, \u201cwith Max gone, we only have four\u2026really three stallions to breed.\u00a0 I would prefer to not breed Eli right now, but I don\u2019t think we have a choice.\u00a0 I still haven\u2019t made my mind up about Satan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSatan?\u201d said Adam, surprised.\u00a0 \u201cYou named a horse Satan?\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh turned slightly and eyed Adam severely.\u00a0 \u201cExcuse me,\u201d he said sheepishly.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to interrupt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBreed Apollo with Artemis and Cleo, Zeus with Athena and Delilah, and Eli with Sheba and Storm.\u00a0 If Storm gives you problems, breed Eli with Jezebel, too.\u00a0 She\u2019s a little older, but she should have a few good years left in her.\u00a0\u00a0 I want to wait another year, at least, for Koko.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want us to do with Satan?\u201d asked Johnny.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing at this point.\u00a0 I\u2019ll wait to see what this produces, and if we get some good foals, I may geld him.\u00a0 But, not yet.\u00a0 I may have to use him.\u201d\u00a0 She looked up at Johnny and Billy.\u00a0 \u201cAny questions?\u201d\u00a0 Both shook their heads.\u00a0 \u201cIf anything bad happens, stop everything, and one of you come get me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Ma\u2019am,\u201d they said in unison.<\/p>\n

She turned and walked back toward the house with Hank and Adam falling in behind her.\u00a0 \u201cHank, do you have the buckboard loaded?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Ma\u2019am.\u00a0 I still need to load your trunk.\u00a0 I was going to get help when Adam drove up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrove <\/em>up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI brought the buggy,\u201d answered Adam.<\/p>\n

She stopped when she rounded the corner and saw the buggy at the same time he said that.\u00a0 \u201cOh, well, I appreciate it, but I\u2019ll be taking my trunk and leaving it in my dressing room.\u201d\u00a0 Looking sweetly up at him, she asked, \u201cWould you mind helping Hank bring it down?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, dear lady,\u201d he replied, smiling, and removing his hat as he bowed.<\/p>\n

On the way to Virginia City, Adam dared to bring up the horses.\u00a0 \u201cSatan?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d have to know him.\u00a0 He\u2019s high-strung and mean.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to pass that disposition along.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might not, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know, but I don\u2019t want to waste a season for one of my mares if I can avoid it.\u00a0 And the best way to avoid the possibility is not to breed him at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why haven\u2019t you already gelded him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause, I was down to five stallions.\u00a0 I\u2019m down to four now with Satan.\u00a0 And I don\u2019t have the money or the time to import more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just got money from Maguire, and you\u2019re about to make more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of that will go to rebuild the barn,\u201d she said sadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart, it won\u2019t take all that to rebuild the barn.\u201d\u00a0 She let her shoulders slump and looked away.\u00a0 He looked over with creased brows, knowing she wasn\u2019t telling him something, and that it had nothing to do with the barn.\u00a0 Pulling back on the reins, he stopped the horses and turned, putting one arm around her shoulders and leaning back in the seat. \u201cYou can tell me anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nothing, Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s just\u2026Max, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned her face toward his, and she dropped her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAlright.\u00a0 Maybe you\u2019ll feel like talking about it later.\u201d\u00a0 The remainder of the trip was quiet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

When Adam dropped Shiloh off at Maguire\u2019s Opera House, the only person there was Tom Maguire.\u00a0 It was still early, and the musicians hadn\u2019t been given a schedule yet, so they took advantage of the late start.\u00a0 Tom asked Adam to help with Shiloh\u2019s trunk while she took her portfolio of music to the main hall, laying sheet music on each chair in the pit.\u00a0 She met them back at Tom\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, I have the information for the piano you were interested in,\u201d said Tom.\u00a0 \u201cIf you like, I can go ahead and arrange to have it shipped.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Tom, but the piano will have to wait,\u201d she answered as she turned, and jumped, surprised that Adam had been standing behind her.<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow, scratching the back of his neck.\u00a0 \u201cTom, as long as Shiloh is staying in town, she\u2019ll need an escort.\u00a0 The barn burning wasn\u2019t an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t mean someone is out to hurt her, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo far, it\u2019s just been property.\u00a0 But I don\u2019t want to take the chance that he\u2019ll take it further.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you know who it is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t prove it,\u201d answered Adam as he took Shiloh\u2019s hand and headed out of Tom\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cConsider it done,\u201d said Tom, walking after them to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to get going.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss are going to think I\u2019ve abandoned the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for bringing me, Adam.\u00a0 But please, don\u2019t worry.\u00a0 I doubt Tommy or Sam would try anything here in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill, I don\u2019t want you working here alone.\u00a0 And make sure your hotel room is locked.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, this is where I live.\u00a0 I\u2019m not going to be made a prisoner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we going to argue about this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not arguing.\u201d\u00a0 Adam lowered his head and looked up at her from under his brow.\u00a0 She rolled her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI have an escort, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you in a few days,\u201d he said, raising her hand to his lips and lingering there.<\/p>\n

She watched Adam drive away in the buggy, then turned back toward Tom\u2019s office to discuss a rehearsal schedule.\u00a0 \u201cMonsieur Rousset will arrive on the noon stage today,\u201d said Tom.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve arranged for rooms at the International for you and him and the section leaders, and the rest of the musicians are staying at the Tahoe House.\u00a0 The musicians will be here this afternoon to pick up their music.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh busied herself in the opera hall creating a program for the performance while she waited for Tom to come get her to meet Monsieur Rousset at the stage office.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

Adam had business in town\u2026business that he hoped would make Shiloh\u2019s life a bit less unsettled.\u00a0 He stopped the buggy just past the stage office where he knew Shiloh wouldn\u2019t notice it when she welcomed Monsieur Rousset to Virginia City at noon.\u00a0\u00a0 Based on his last meeting with Tommy Baker, he assumed Tommy would be in one of Virginia City\u2019s forty-two saloons, most likely in one of those on C Street.\u00a0 He started at the Sazerac, then the Silver Dollar, Silver Sadie\u2019s and the Silver Queen, and ended his search at the Bucket of Blood.\u00a0 Tommy was sitting by himself at a table in the middle of the saloon.<\/p>\n

\u201cTom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy didn\u2019t look up.\u00a0 He had seen Adam come in.\u00a0 \u201cWhat d\u2019you want, Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo talk to someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTom, I\u2019m not in a good mood.\u201d\u00a0 Adam bent down so that only Tommy could hear him.\u00a0 \u201cYou can either walk out of here with me like a man, or I can arrange to have you taken out in pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy looked up at Adam\u2019s face\u2026his eyes showed quiet rage, his nostrils were flared and his mouth was drawn into a tight line.\u00a0 He stood, dropping a coin on the table, and walked out in front of Adam, stopping just outside the saloon.<\/p>\n

Adam turned around and crossed his arms.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s talk about a barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what barn would that be?\u201d asked Tommy, tilting his head to one side, looking bored.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we going to do this the hard way?\u201d\u00a0 Tapping his foot nervously, Tommy turned to bolt, but Adam was prepared, reaching out and grabbing Tommy\u2019s shirt, throwing him against the wall of the saloon.\u00a0 Adam stepped into him, raising Tommy to his toes. \u201cTom, you have about two seconds to tell me who put you up to burning down Shiloh Whitney\u2019s barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, what are you gonna do in broad daylight, Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook around you, Tom.\u00a0 Not many people around who would care, but I\u2019ll give you a hint.\u201d\u00a0 Adam let him drop to the boardwalk, then punched him in the mouth, making Tommy cower.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw, you can\u2019t do that!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cut his eyes upward. He had barely touched him.\u00a0 \u201cUntil you tell me who, you\u2019ll get one for every minute that passes.\u201d\u00a0 Adam waited the appropriate amount of time, then drew back his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright!\u00a0 Stop!\u201d yelled Tommy, holding his hands up in front of his face. \u201cSam King.\u00a0\u00a0 Sam King said he\u2019d pay me to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd where can I find Sam King?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t seen him since the day I set the fire.\u00a0 And he still owes me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, where we goin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo talk to the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about my money?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can take it up with Sam when he\u2019s occupying the cell next to you.\u201d\u00a0 Adam delivered Tommy to Sheriff Coffee.\u00a0 When Tommy clammed up in front of Roy, Adam took one step toward him, and Tommy couldn\u2019t get it out fast enough.<\/p>\n

His work done there, Adam watched the stage office from a distance, waiting for the stage to arrive.\u00a0 He watched as Monsieur Rousset disembarked, greeting Shiloh with a kiss on each cheek, then shaking hands with Tom Maguire.\u00a0 While Monsieur Rousset and Shiloh headed toward the International House, Maguire walked hurriedly back toward his opera house. Before he could leave, Adam stepped through the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I had to come back for the program draft Shiloh prepared this morning.\u00a0 What brings you back here?\u00a0 I thought you were headed back to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had some business to take care of.\u00a0 I\u2019m on my way out now, but I wanted to catch you alone for a minute, if you have one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but only one.\u00a0 I\u2019m having lunch with Monsieur Rousset and Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis shouldn\u2019t take very long.\u00a0 Do I understand that Shiloh asked you to find a piano?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, she did.\u00a0 She said hers was destroyed, and she wanted to replace it.\u00a0 But you heard her.\u00a0 She told me it would have to wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere was it coming from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ordered new pianos for the opera hall in San Francisco, and they shipped two more hoping to sell them to one of the other houses.\u00a0 There\u2019s one left that hasn\u2019t been spoken for.\u00a0 It originally came from New York\u2026a fellow by the name of Steinweg…from Germany\u2026is making pianos in America now.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

After her luncheon with Monsieur Rousset and Tom Maguire, Shiloh went back to the opera hall and found the musicians there waiting.\u00a0 Rousset had gone to get settled in his room at the International House and wouldn\u2019t appear at the opera hall until the next day.\u00a0 Shiloh spent the afternoon reacquainting herself with all the musicians, going over the program that she, Rousset and Maguire settled on at lunch and handing out sheet music.<\/p>\n

In the late afternoon, as everyone was preparing to leave the opera hall, Sheriff Coffee stopped by to speak with Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Whitney, how are you today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff Coffee, please call me Shiloh.\u00a0 It\u2019s been a good day.\u00a0 And you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m just fine.\u00a0 And I think I might be makin\u2019 your day even better.\u00a0 I got Tommy Baker in my jail.\u00a0 Adam brought him in this morning.\u00a0 Seems he\u2019s the one that set fire to your barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh stopped packing her portfolio and gave Roy her full attention.\u00a0 \u201cAdam brought him in?\u201d\u00a0 The sheriff nodded.\u00a0 \u201cHow did Adam find out he set the fire?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you know Adam, when he\u2019s got somethin\u2019 on his mind, he\u2019s pretty direct about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for letting me know, Sheriff.\u00a0 Is there something I need to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no.\u00a0 Since Adam\u2019s the trustee of the ranch, he pressed charges, so you don\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he say anything about Sam King?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, Sam paid Tommy to do it.\u00a0 But Sam\u2019s nowhere to be found.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, can Adam drop the charges against Tommy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon he could, but why would he want to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause Tommy is just a victim of circumstance.\u00a0 It\u2019s Sam who\u2019s the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure you\u2019ll convince Adam of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m going to try.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re ready, I\u2019ll be your escort to the hotel.\u00a0 Tom came by this afternoon to let me know you\u2019d be needin\u2019 one, and I thought it was a right good idea considerin\u2019 what Sam\u2019s been up to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Sheriff.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be ready in just a moment.\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh gathered her music, shoved it all haphazardly into her portfolio and joined Roy at the front door.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, before you go\u2026\u201d yelled Tom, rushing out of his office to intercept them.\u00a0 She turned, smiling.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDo you have plans for dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no.\u00a0 I was just going to get something at the hotel restaurant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen please allow me to show my gratitude for your help introducing the opera house and let me buy you dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a lovely offer, Tom.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t relishing the thought of dinner alone.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ll be ready around seven.\u00a0 Is that alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerfect.\u00a0 I\u2019ll meet you in the lobby at seven.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy walked her around the outside of the building and down an alley to the hotel without incident.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 16 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

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

Adam detoured to the Flying W on his way back to the Ponderosa hoping to see the plans for the barn that Shiloh had given to Hank.\u00a0 When he arrived, the only hands around the house were Johnny and Billy carrying out the work Shiloh had left for them.\u00a0 Adam waved to them as he walked to the house, going straight to the study to look for those plans.\u00a0 He found them rolled up lying on top of the desk.\u00a0 Taking a seat, he unrolled and studied them.<\/p>\n

Hank rode into the yard an hour later to check on Johnny and Billy, who told him that Adam had been inside the house for quite some time.\u00a0 When Hank opened the door, he called, \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam jumped, he had been so engrossed in his own drawing he hadn\u2019t realized the time and didn\u2019t hear Hank come in.\u00a0 \u201cIn the study.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny and Billy said you\u2019ve been here for awhile.\u00a0 Is everything alright?\u00a0 Miss Shiloh?\u201d said Hank, rushing to the desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cRelax, Hank.\u00a0 Shiloh\u2019s fine.\u00a0 I was just going over the plans for the barn, and I\u2019ve come up with a way to do part of it, then add on later.\u00a0 Look here,\u201d he said, motioning for Hank to come around the desk and look at the drawings with him.\u00a0 \u201cYou see, we build the front part all the way back to these supports here where we\u2019ll build a back wall.\u00a0 Then when there\u2019s time to expand, all we have to do is remove the back wall and continue back.\u00a0 Where was she planning to build this?\u00a0 There\u2019s not enough room for this where the old barn was?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was going to build the barn where the corrals are and put a smaller corral with fewer paddocks where the old barn was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we can\u2019t do it as long as she has horses back there.\u00a0 We\u2019ll have to clear out the debris from the fire and build the corrals and paddocks first, then start on the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as we can downsize the barn, I think we can do it,\u201d said Hank, smiling. \u201cWe\u2019re ready for winter, and we just rode the fences, so I can pull some of the hands off the herd to work on the corral and barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u00a0 Go ahead and get started clearing the debris.\u00a0 I\u2019ll talk to Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, don\u2019t you think you ought to talk to Miss Shiloh first?\u00a0 She has a problem with\u2026well, she\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHank, you were going to clear out that debris anyway, weren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo get started.\u00a0 And as far as Shiloh\u2019s problem\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Adam puckered his mouth and inhaled deeply.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll make it a suggestion.\u00a0 Now, I have to get back to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 I have a full day\u2019s work to do and half a day to do it.\u00a0 I\u2019ll take these and finish up the new plans.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 17 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

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

When Shiloh arrived at the hotel, the first thing she did was bathe.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t always manage to get everything done she had planned for the day, but she always found time to take a bath\u2026everyday.\u00a0 Before leaving for college, her father frowned on it, especially in the winter when there wasn\u2019t much opportunity for her to get hot and sweaty\u2026another thing her father said ladies don\u2019t do.\u00a0 But when she worked outside with the horses and in the barn, she sweated, and even when she didn\u2019t she smelled like a horse.\u00a0 A bath had become part of her daily ritual whether she sweated or not.<\/p>\n

Back in her room, she sat down at the small desk with her program, sheet music and violin, refreshing her memory of the movements of each piece, thinking out loud.\u00a0 \u201cThis is going to be easy.\u00a0 If I can remember these pieces, without having played them in San Francisco, I\u2019m sure the musicians will pick them right up again.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll need more than a week now, and then another week before we perform.\u201d\u00a0 She sat back, bouncing the end of her pencil on her nose.\u00a0 \u201cI wonder who Tom will get for his opening next year.\u00a0 It\u2019s got to be someone well known.\u201d<\/p>\n

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts and, as Adam had ordered her before, she asked who it was.<\/p>\n

\u201cJerry, Miss Whitney\u2026the desk clerk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Opening the door, she stepped back in surprise.\u00a0 Jerry leaned sideways from behind the flower arrangement he was carrying.\u00a0 \u201cThis arrived for you just a few moments ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, just set it on the table.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Jerry placed the flowers in the middle of the round table in the center of the sitting room and turned to leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Jerry,\u201d she said, offering him a dollar coin.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Ma\u2019am, it\u2019s all been taken care of,\u201d answered Jerry on his way out.<\/p>\n

Taking the card from the arrangement, she opened the envelope.\u00a0 \u201cTo the loveliest, most talented woman in the Utah Territory.\u00a0 Hm.\u00a0 It\u2019s not signed.\u201d\u00a0 She took the note to the desk and sat down.\u00a0 \u201cAdam?\u201d\u00a0 She smiled.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019d be just like him.\u201d<\/p>\n

She glanced at the clock on the desk.\u00a0 It was six-thirty; time to get dressed for dinner.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The Cartwrights relaxing in the sitting room got more worried by the minute because of the one that was missing.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he say anything to you?\u201d asked Ben, looking at Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cNosir.\u00a0 Not a word.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only thing I know for sure is that he drove Shiloh into town,\u201d said Joe.\u00a0 \u201cHe said he was coming straight back, but I never saw him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were his responsibilities today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was supposed to ride down to the south checkin\u2019 the fence work the hands have been doing for the last two weeks.\u00a0 That\u2019d put him a couple of hours away.\u00a0 If he got a late start, he\u2019d be late gettin\u2019 home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, there\u2019s nothin\u2019 to worry about.\u00a0 If he did anything at all over at the Flying W, he woulda got a late start.\u00a0 That\u2019s all.\u00a0 He\u2019s just late,\u201d Hoss offered to his anxious father.<\/p>\n

They all jumped when the door flew open with Adam rushing in.\u00a0 \u201cSorry I\u2019m late, Pa.\u00a0 There were a couple of places in the fence that needed more work.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna have to talk to Jake and David.\u00a0 They did some sloppy work.\u201d\u00a0 He removed his gun first, then bent to unfasten his chaps.\u00a0 Without stopping to let his father respond, he walked on past.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m just going to wash up.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be right down.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they watched him ascend the stairs two steps at a time, Hoss turned to his father and Joe.\u00a0 \u201cYou get the feelin\u2019 he\u2019s not sayin\u2019 somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben, who had been looking toward the top of the stairs since Adam disappeared around the corner, looked back over at Hoss, grunting again.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s sit down for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 18 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

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

Tom was waiting at the bottom of the stairs when Shiloh came down for dinner at seven sharp.\u00a0 \u201cYou look lovely, Miss Whitney,\u201d he said in greeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d she responded with one of those smiles of hers she reserved for her performances.\u00a0 After all, she was in a public place where people might know her as Isabella.\u00a0 \u201cBut Tom, why are you calling me Miss Whitney?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you do have to keep up appearances, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed.\u00a0 \u201cThis is where I live.\u00a0 I\u2019d hate for people to think that I don\u2019t have friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well.\u00a0\u00a0 Shiloh or Isabella?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake your pick,\u201d she answered as they walked toward the restaurant.\u00a0 \u201cMost who live here have known me as Shiloh long before Isabella came into being.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue, but Virginia City hosts quite a few travelers who might know you as Isabella.\u00a0 Besides, seeing you out in public is good advertising, so I shall call you Isabella.\u201d\u00a0 He held his arm out for her and guided her into the restaurant where the two enjoyed lobster with their small talk.<\/p>\n

Tom reached across the table and took her hand.\u00a0 \u201cI want to thank you for all you\u2019re doing for the new opera house.\u00a0 I must admit, I was a little worried about getting an eminent singer in Virginia City to open an unknown opera house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTom, I think you underestimate yourself and your house.\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s as grand as some of those back East.\u00a0 And you have done quite well filling your season in San Francisco.\u00a0 With Virginia City growing the way it is, I wouldn\u2019t think you\u2019d have any problems here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill, I know you didn\u2019t want to sing here.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad you came forward rather than me having to beg on bended knee,\u201d he said, smiling, seemingly looking over her appreciatively, making her cast her eyes away uncomfortably.<\/p>\n

Afterwards, Tom walked her back to the bottom of the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for a delightful evening. I look forward to our first day of rehearsal, Isabella,\u201d he said as he raised her hand to his lips.<\/p>\n

She raised her chin and slightly creased her brow.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for dinner, Tom.\u00a0 You do realize most of my time will be spent working?\u00a0 Before I leave for home, I want to talk to you about the opening next year.\u00a0 I thought that maybe we could arrange a free concert\u2026like at the Presidio.\u00a0 I would certainly be more than happy to donate my time, and I\u2019m sure I can arrange for others to do so as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give that some thought.\u00a0 But, I didn\u2019t think you would be going home so soon,\u201d he said, disappointedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not absolutely sure yet.\u00a0 It will depend on the next few days, but Tom, these musicians already know all of the music.\u00a0 Monsieur Rousset just needs to work out the acoustics of the hall.\u00a0\u00a0 After that, I don\u2019t see a need to be here every day.\u00a0 I may introduce one new piece, but that remains to be seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d he started, covering the hand he was holding with his other hand.\u00a0 \u201cWe can talk about all this tomorrow.\u00a0 For now, I will say goodnight.\u201d\u00a0 She nodded and made her way up the stairs to her room.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, did you get a late start?\u201d\u00a0 asked Ben as Adam joined everyone at the dinner table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI took Shiloh to town.\u00a0 She\u2019s staying for a few days to get the musicians started at the opera house.\u201d\u00a0 He sat back in his chair with his coffee cup.\u00a0 \u201cI also had a conversation with Tom Baker.\u00a0 He\u2019s in jail,\u201d he said, glancing up before he took another sip.<\/p>\n

\u201cJail?\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he admitted to setting the fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe admitted it or you scared it out of him,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 He\u2019s in jail.\u00a0 And Sam King hasn\u2019t been seen since the fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smirked. \u201cIf Tom Baker did it, who cares where Sam King is as long as he\u2019s not here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI care.\u00a0\u00a0 He paid Tom to set it.\u00a0 I have a feeling he\u2019s not done with Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

After dinner, Adam went straight to his father\u2019s desk and was still sitting there when Joe and Hoss turned in.\u00a0 Ben had gotten up to retire, but stopped at the bottom of the stairs, looking back at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you need to turn in.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got another full day tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be up in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned and walked to the desk, looking at the large sheets of paper spread across it. \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced up.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s\u2026ah\u2026plans\u2026for a barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you spending a lot of time over there?\u201d\u00a0 asked Ben, looking up from under his brow.\u00a0 Adam crooked the corner of his mouth up, but didn\u2019t answer, causing Ben to grunt with a slight smile.\u00a0 \u201cWhy do I get the feeling your time over there has gone beyond your responsibility as trustee?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, if it\u2019s a problem, I\u2019ll\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say it was a problem,\u201d said Ben, smiling.\u00a0 \u201cAre you planning on building that barn now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, a smaller version of it.\u00a0 She doesn\u2019t have any shelter for Spirit or the horses she\u2019s working with.\u00a0 But I won\u2019t be building it.\u00a0 Hank said he could handle it if I\u2019d change the plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d said Ben, taking a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t have much more to do to prepare for winter.\u00a0 Finish up what you have this week, and then go help with the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d said Adam, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd don\u2019t stay up too late.\u201d\u00a0 Adam nodded as he watched his father disappear upstairs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 19 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

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

Adam had drawn the short straw and was on his way to stock the line shacks, leading a pack horse.\u00a0 At first, he was aggravated.\u00a0 Hoss had insisted they draw straws rather than burn matches.\u00a0 Hoss had figured out that he, somehow, never won with matches.<\/p>\n

Finally realizing that among the preparations left for winter, this was the easiest job and the only one that afforded him any solitude, Adam added his books and guitar to the safely packed supplies and left for the last five line shacks that required stocking, setting out with a smile on his face.\u00a0 His only regret was that he wouldn\u2019t be in Virginia City at the end of the week to see Shiloh home.<\/p>\n

Before he left, he dropped the plans for the new barn by the Flying W, telling Hank that he hadn\u2019t had time to speak with Shiloh about reducing the size.\u00a0 He was sure she wouldn\u2019t notice before he returned and promised that he would still be the one to tell her.\u00a0 After all, it would take time to have the timber cut and frame the walls.\u00a0 He also asked Hank to make sure he or one of the hands escorted her home.\u00a0 Adam felt sure Sam King would be making another move soon.<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, he looked up at the sky.\u00a0 There would be snow while he was in the mountains; hopefully a light snow. He had no desire to get stranded.\u00a0 He knew he could make it to at least three of the shacks.\u00a0 The last two were further up in the mountains and would likely already be snowed in by the time he finished the first three.<\/p>\n

He continued on at a fast pace, deciding to go to the farthest of the three shacks.\u00a0 If he rode faster he might be able to make it before dark.\u00a0 Smiling, his thoughts went back to Shiloh.\u00a0 The only down side of line shack duty was that he wouldn\u2019t be able to see her rehearse; watch her change, becoming the confident, outgoing, vibrant young woman who was Isabella.\u00a0 She was the same woman, but as Shiloh, she was\u2026insecure.\u00a0 Yes, that was the word that had escaped him.\u00a0 She was insecure running the ranch.\u00a0 As Annie, her best friend, had said, she was always looking for approval.\u00a0 And because of her insecurity, she isolated herself.\u00a0 Was she afraid of making a mistake?\u00a0 She was so used to everything working out, going according to plan.\u00a0 What would happen if she did something that utterly failed?<\/p>\n

And what about him?\u00a0 Was he being fair to her?\u00a0 He had monopolized her time since she\u2019d been back from college.\u00a0 She told him that his feelings mattered, but what if there was someone else that could make her feel\u2026secure\u2026happy\u2026satisfied.\u00a0 Maybe it was a good thing he was stocking the line shacks while she was in town.\u00a0 Other men in Virginia City would have the chance to notice her, and as Isabella, she was quite conspicuous.<\/p>\n

After three more hours of pushing into the mountains, Adam arrived at the third shack, his thoughts turning to preparations for the night.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 20 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

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

Shiloh and Monsieur Rousset were at the opera house early to greet the musicians.\u00a0 Shiloh and Tom had decided to treat everyone to breakfast at the opera hall so that afterwards, they could get right to work.\u00a0 During breakfast, Shiloh mingled, reacquainting herself with all the names, faces, and instruments, sharing anecdotes from San Francisco.<\/p>\n

Once the musicians had gathered in their seats, Monsieur Rousset went through the program, giving them all time to warm up, then started with the first song, adjusting as required for proper acoustics.\u00a0 He even had two sections swap places.\u00a0 When he was satisfied, he asked Shiloh\u2019s opinion, surprising her.\u00a0 Monsieur Rousset\u2019s respect for her musical abilities had increased considerably since working with her in San Francisco.<\/p>\n

After satisfactorily going through the first piece, she and the conductor chose one with a wide range of volume, especially in the vocals.\u00a0 The opera house was built similarly to the one in San Francisco, but this one was more opulently appointed with a good amount of fabric, which acoustically was not very effective.\u00a0 The aisles were carpeted, the railings were covered in velvet, and in addition to the stage lights, crystal chandeliers fueled by gas hung from the high ceilings.\u00a0 Off the main entrance was a billiard parlor, a cigar stand, an enclosed smoking room and a mahogany bar inlaid with ivory, offering the best of wines and liquors.<\/p>\n

Shiloh sang the chosen piece with full orchestral accompaniment.\u00a0 Maguire stood at the back of the hall after listening to their concerns about the acoustics, but when the song was finished, all three were pleased.\u00a0 Apparently, the amount of fabric, though absorbing some of the sound, made the music seem richer, the lows a bit deeper, and the highs less echoic but yet, still bright.<\/p>\n

Monsieur Rousset took the musicians through all the pieces in the program without vocals.\u00a0 The group broke for lunch, also provided by Tom, and in the afternoon, they went through the entire program again with the vocals.\u00a0 After rehearsal Shiloh stayed, working on a new piece at the piano.\u00a0 The song was old, but she had no sheet music, so she was busy writing the individual parts of her own arrangement.<\/p>\n

Tom left to work in his office, but had left the front door of the opera house unlocked, allowing a visitor to enter and wander around the various rooms until the stranger stuck his head in the door of the main hall.\u00a0 He quietly made himself comfortable in the back row, content to watch the young woman hard at work at the piano.<\/p>\n

She leaned back, tilting her head backward and rolling it from one side to the other to ease the stiffness that had crept into her neck.\u00a0 Sighing, she reached up to the lamp she had moved to the piano and turned it down, gathered her staff paper, and rose to leave the stage.\u00a0 Noticing the silhouette of someone against the filtered light coming in from the hall entrance, she stopped suddenly.\u00a0 The short, fine hair on the back of her neck and on her arms stood on end as she caught her breath, remembering Adam\u2019s words in his own voice, I don\u2019t want you working here alone.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d she asked, wondering how she had managed to make that sound unafraid.\u00a0 The shadowed man stood and stepped into an aisle, walking forward into the dimmed lights of a chandelier.\u00a0 \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Sam Clemens.\u00a0 I work for Joe Goodman at the Territorial Enterprise<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Her tone changed to something close to disdainful.\u00a0 \u201cA reporter,\u201d she said as she continued down the stairs and down the aisle toward him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd an admirer.\u00a0 Did you get the flowers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sent the flowers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you like them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re lovely, and they make my room quite fragrant,\u201d she said, smiling and blushing.\u00a0 Why am I blushing?<\/em>\u00a0 She straightened and consciously stopped smiling.\u00a0 \u201cWhat can I do for you, Mr. Clemens?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Maguire asked me to come by.\u00a0 It appears he\u2019s looking for some free advertising in the Territorial Enterprise<\/em>\u2026a story\u2026about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I see you two have already met,\u201d said Tom, strolling into the hall behind them.<\/p>\n

\u201cTom, you should have warned me that you were sending for a reporter,\u201d said Shiloh\u2026no, that was Isabella, speaking very sweetly\u2026so sweetly, that if you knew her you\u2019d understand it to be sarcastic.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome now, Miss Whitney.\u00a0 I gave you a good review for your San Francisco performance.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t you read the article?\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly feeling ashamed, she said, \u201cNo, I\u2019m afraid, I didn\u2019t.\u00a0 I don\u2019t mean that as a slight to you or your newspaper, but I don\u2019t always read the reviews, but rather rely on other people to tell me if they were good or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t you read your own reviews?\u201d<\/p>\n

She inhaled.\u00a0 \u201cBecause, I don\u2019t want to invest any time in simmering over an opinion that I may not agree with.\u00a0 The only review I actually read offered wonderful reviews for my performance, but somewhat unflattering comments about my personality.\u00a0 You see, other than walking between my apartment and the opera hall in Boston, I didn\u2019t really speak to any of the patrons, nor did I offer any interviews to reporters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you must know that Virginia City will be full of reporters the day of your performance.\u00a0 It seems you perform, then disappear.\u00a0 An interview with the elusive Isabella Whitney would be a feather in any reporter\u2019s hat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIncluding yours, Mr. Clemens?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsabella, I hope you\u2019ll consider this interview,\u201d said Tom.\u00a0 \u201cIt would be good publicity for the opera hall, and I would like Virginia City at least to know your part in bringing this together.\u00a0 After all, this pre-opening performance was your idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do this on one condition.\u00a0 I get to approve any articles you write from this interview first\u2026before you print them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a start,\u201d said Mr. Clemens, \u201cand will be much improved if you would call me \u2018Sam\u2019. Perhaps we could start over dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr.\u2026Sam\u2026I think it\u2019s a little too late for dinner for me tonight, and I am tired.\u201d\u00a0 She watched him as he looked down, seemingly disappointed.\u00a0 \u201cBut, I\u2019m free tomorrow evening?\u00a0\u00a0 I can be available right after rehearsal.\u201d<\/p>\n

He quickly looked up with smiling eyes. \u201cTom told me you require an escort when you leave the building.\u00a0 I would be honored to be your escort tomorrow evening and see you safely to your hotel after dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, she said, \u201cThat would be fine.\u201d\u00a0 She turned to Tom.\u00a0 \u201cHave you seen Sheriff Coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe came by earlier, but had to leave.\u00a0 I assured him that I would escort you to your hotel tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well then, let me get my portfolio, and I\u2019ll be ready to go.\u201d\u00a0 Leaving the two gentlemen standing there together, she went back to the front of the opera hall and busied herself gathering the rest of her work and placing it in her folder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sent her flowers?\u201d asked Tom.<\/p>\n

\u201cI happen to think Miss Whitney is worthy of knowing,\u201d replied Sam.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is a lovely young woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam glanced sideways at Tom. \u201cWith talents beyond the obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d asked Tom defensively.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she is a rancher\u2026and a horse trainer.\u00a0 She\u2019s led an interesting life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that from a reporter\u2019s point of view?\u00a0 You do know that Adam Cartwright is quite fond of her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course he is.\u00a0 As, apparently, are you.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 21 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Twenty-One<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDo any of you know how to play the guitar?\u201d asked Shiloh, looking hopefully down into the pit after a full morning of rehearsal.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure there\u2019s someone in town who knows how to play,\u201d offered the string section leader.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cBut, they have to read music, and they have to be comfortable on this stage.\u00a0 I doubt there\u2019s anyone here who meets both of those requirements.\u201d\u00a0 She let out a disappointed breath.<\/p>\n

In his thick French accent, Monsieur Rousset addressed the orchestra.\u00a0 \u201cEveryone but the section leaders for strings and percussion, you are dismissed for the day.\u00a0 Sections leaders, we will be going over a new piece of music which Miss Whitney is handing out now.\u00a0 Please practice your parts until we break for lunch.\u00a0 We will put them together this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh and Monsieur Rousset sat at the piano with her violin and went through the parts together, making changes here and there.\u00a0 As she was playing, the strings, including the harp player, drifted up on the stage, followed by the man who played the chimes.\u00a0 By the time they were ready for lunch, they had played the parts together and everyone had contributed to the arrangement.\u00a0\u00a0 The piano player spoke up, \u201cWhat if we added a chorus for the third verse.\u00a0 We build to that verse with the chorus, then afterward, bring it back down to just Miss Whitney, the guitar, the piano and the harp.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have a chorus,\u201d said Shiloh, \u201cunless some of the other musicians can sing.\u201d She twisted her mouth in thought.\u00a0 \u201cI think I know who can play the guitar piece, too. Let\u2019s get some lunch and be back in an hour.\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh took some coins from her reticule and left the opera hall.<\/p>\n

When Tom noticed that everyone was leaving, he went into the main hall.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s Miss Whitney?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe left,\u201d answered Monsieur Rousset on the way out.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy herself?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I believe so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tom ran outside the opera hall, looking up and down the street.\u00a0 Running behind the hall toward C Street, he spotted her walking purposefully up the boardwalk.\u00a0 By the time he caught up with her, she was just turning into the telegraph office.\u00a0 \u201cTom, are you following me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am,\u201d he said sternly, catching his breath.\u00a0 \u201cI promised Adam you would be escorted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTom really, it\u2019s the middle of the day in the middle of town.\u00a0 What\u2019s going to happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe aren\u2019t going to find out.\u00a0 Don\u2019t do that again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr what?\u201d she said playfully.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll tell on me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he said angrily.\u00a0 \u201cOr I\u2019ll take care of it myself,\u201d he added, creasing his eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cDo you realize, anyone could grab you and have you on a horse or in a wagon before anyone on the street understood what was happening?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one would do that, Tom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSam King might.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dropping her lower jaw, she considered him for a moment, closed her mouth, then turned into the telegraph office.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll only be a minute.\u201d\u00a0 She busied herself writing a note, then handed it to the telegraph clerk.\u00a0 \u201cPlease send that to the Washington Street office in Boston for Mr. Edwin Booth.\u201d\u00a0 After paying the fee, she went back out to the boardwalk. \u201cSo walk me to the Sheriff\u2019s office, the post office, and then back to the opera house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Sheriff\u2019s office?\u00a0 Has something happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I want to speak with Tommy Baker.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that the young man that set fire to your barn?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled and continued to walk.\u00a0 When they stepped into Roy\u2019s office, he greeted them. \u201cShiloh\u2026Tom\u2026what can I do for you today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, I\u2019d like to speak to Tommy,\u201d said Shiloh calmly, wearing her sweet smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Miss Shiloh, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s a good idea.\u00a0 Tommy\u2019s not the nicest boy in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsabella, why would you want to after what he did to you?\u201d asked Tom.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have my reasons.\u00a0 Please, Sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy gave her a wary look, but hesitantly took the keys out of his desk drawer and walked into the back room where the cells were.\u00a0 While he unlocked the cell door, he warned Tommy.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t rightly know why this young lady wants to talk to you, Tommy, but she does.\u00a0 You\u2019d best be a gentleman.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be listening right outside the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stepped through the door, and Roy locked it behind her.\u00a0 Tommy didn\u2019t move from his cot as Shiloh walked to the opposite wall and leaned back.\u00a0 \u201cTommy, you and I were normally at each other\u2019s throats, but there were rare times when we found some common ground.\u201d\u00a0 Tommy sat up.\u00a0 \u201cDo you remember when we used to talk about horses when we were in school?\u201d\u00a0 Tommy nodded.\u00a0 Looking at the floor to hide the tears forming, she said quietly, \u201cI lost three horses in that fire.\u00a0 All of them meant something to me, but one was particularly precious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy looked up, frowning with furrowed brows.\u00a0 \u201cYou got to believe me.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t mean for your horses to get hurt.\u00a0 When I got there early, there were only three horses in the barn, and they were in the stalls closest to the door.\u00a0 I figured since the hands were all there, they\u2019d be able to get \u2018em out. That\u2019s why I started it at the back of the barn.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know you moved more horses in the barn.\u00a0 I was just tryin\u2019 to burn the barn\u2026not kill anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you burn the barn in the first place?\u00a0 Why would you want to hurt me?\u201d she asked, looking up at Tommy, wet streaks on her cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did it for the money.\u00a0 With Pa bein\u2019 gone and nobody hirin\u2019 me\u2026I needed the money.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh sniffed, and wiped her eyes. \u201cI remember your father used to make you do all sorts of things that you didn\u2019t want to do.\u00a0 He\u2019s not here to beat you.\u00a0 You don\u2019t have to do those kinds of things anymore.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you realize that being an adult, you\u2019ll only end up in prison\u2026or worse, dead?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy nodded and hung his head.\u00a0 \u201cI know this is hard to believe, but I just want someone to give me a chance.\u00a0 Everyone expects me to do wrong.\u00a0 They all say I can\u2019t do anything honest.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t really blame them, can you?\u00a0 You\u2019ve been that way for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMostly because of my pa.\u00a0 When Pa was alive he was always standin\u2019 behind me, watchin\u2019, makin\u2019 sure I was as mean as him.\u00a0 It was a lot different without him yellin\u2019 at me all the time.\u00a0 Then Sam showed up, and he was just like my pa.\u00a0 And he made sure I ate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked into Tommy\u2019s eyes, searching for something that would tell her he was telling the truth.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t look away.\u00a0 There was honesty there. \u201cI\u2019m going to talk to Adam to see if he\u2019ll drop the charges.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll convince him, but I\u2019ll try.\u00a0 And if you get out of this without going to prison, I\u2019d like you to come work for me\u2026with my horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2026why would you do that?\u00a0 I was awful mean to you in school.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I think you were taking out your anger with your father on me.\u00a0 And Sam King\u2019s not any better than your father.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think you wanted to be mean.\u00a0 But Tommy, if I can do this, you can\u2019t slip up.\u00a0 I won\u2019t be able to do anything for you the next time something happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want a handout.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a handout, Tommy.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be working and earning your keep.\u00a0 And maybe you can learn a thing or two about training horses along the way.\u201d\u00a0 He bit his bottom lip and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cOne more thing, Tommy.\u00a0 Did Sam King say anything else to you other than to burn my barn?\u00a0 Did he say anything about the house?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe made sure I understood it was the barn I was supposed to burn and not the house.\u00a0 He said he was just tryin\u2019 to scare you so\u2019s you\u2019d sell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh stood bolt upright and thought for a moment before she walked to the door.\u00a0 \u201cSheriff, I\u2019m ready to go.\u201d\u00a0 She turned back to Tommy.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t be giving Roy any trouble.\u00a0 It might take a little while for me to do anything, if I can do anything at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

She waited for Roy to come back into the front office after locking the cell door.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Roy.\u00a0 Tom, shall we go?\u201d\u00a0 Both turned and left the office.\u00a0 \u201cNow, I just need to stop by the post office, and then we can get back to the opera house.<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you going to eat lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked away, calming herself before she turned back. \u201cTom, I ate a good breakfast, and I\u2019ll eat a good dinner.\u00a0 Mr. Clemens is taking me, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tom wrapped her hand over his arm and guided her to the post office, and then back toward the opera house, but before they turned the corner to the alley, he pulled her into the International.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d she spat.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay right here.\u201d\u00a0 Tom ducked into the saloon and came back out bearing a sandwich, handing it to Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cThey sell these at the bar so the gamblers don\u2019t have to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh stood looking down at the sandwich, and when Tom put a finger under her chin, turning her face upward, she tried not to smile, but ended up laughing.\u00a0 \u201cDid you take lessons from Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNever mind.\u00a0 Can we go back to the opera house now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 22 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Twenty-Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam had spent the night at the third line shack, stocked it, cut firewood and stacked it inside the shack, then reloaded his pack horse.\u00a0 Even though the air had smelled like snow the day before, and still smelled and looked like a snowstorm could hit at any minute, there had only been light flurries, leaving only a slight dusting of snow on the open ground and none under the trees.\u00a0 He decided he\u2019d make a run further up to the fourth line shack.\u00a0 If it did start snowing with no snowpack to begin with, he shouldn\u2019t have a problem getting back.\u00a0 Having left fairly early, he arrived at the shack around noon and began to unpack.\u00a0 He put the appropriate supplies away, exchanged the blankets on the cot, then began to cut firewood.\u00a0 Before he finished, the weather had started to change, turning windier and noticeably colder.\u00a0 Not wanting to linger, he reloaded the packhorse and left, barely making it back to the third line shack by dark.<\/p>\n

The storm had arrived, and with its howling wind and heavy snow, traveling was slow and miserable.\u00a0 He unsaddled and unloaded the horses, moving them to a small corral behind the shack that was mostly sheltered by the shack and trees, then went inside and built a fire, preparing to settle in for the night. With dinner and coffee warming in front of the fire, a fresh blanket on the bed, and his tack and the rest of the supplies safely in the cabin, he took one more look out the door.\u00a0 Large, heavy snowflakes fell so thick, it was difficult to see the bucket he had set out to collect snow for water, a bucket that was already full.\u00a0 He stepped out, grabbed the bucket handle, and before he stepped back in he was covered with snow.<\/p>\n

Sitting on the edge of the cot, eating beans for dinner, he began to think why he still did this kind of work.\u00a0 Here he was, cold, miserable, alone in the wilderness, and he could have been in a warm, comfortable house, cozied up next to a fire with the muffled sounds of a city at night keeping him company\u2026or Shiloh\u2026it would be nice to include Shiloh, curled up against him, watching the fire, sipping hot cider\u2026contentedly happy.\u00a0 Could she be happy as a wife?\u00a0 Was it fair to even think of her that way?\u00a0 She had been home a little over a year\u2026she was almost twenty-four, just starting a career, building the horse business her father left her\u2026and her ranch that she says she loves.\u00a0 Would she want to share the responsibilities and commitments?<\/p>\n

He smiled, remembering their last kiss.\u00a0 She had kissed him back.\u00a0 She had held him.\u00a0 Maybe a life with Shiloh was a possibility.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Hoss stood out on the front porch, sniffing, looking up at the night sky, then shuddering before he turned and went back into the warmth of the house.\u00a0 \u201cPa, it\u2019s snowing up in the mountains.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know that, Hoss?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can smell it,\u201d Hoss answered as he stood by the fire warming his hands.\u00a0 \u201cI just hope Adam didn\u2019t try to make it all the way up.\u00a0 He just might be there for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he had plenty of supplies with him.\u00a0 If he gets caught, he\u2019ll stay inside until the worst of it blows over.\u00a0\u00a0 No need to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh\u2019ll worry.\u00a0 That is if he\u2019s not back by when he told her he\u2019d be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe knows stocking the line shacks takes time, and she\u2019ll know there\u2019s snow up in the mountains.\u00a0 She\u2019ll see it on the peaks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe wouldn\u2019t a known he was stocking the line shacks, Pa.\u00a0 We drew straws after he took her to town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm,\u201d grunted Ben.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got to send off some paperwork to our attorney in San Francisco about that disputed timber contract.\u00a0 I\u2019ll stop by and see her tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 23 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Twenty-Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

When Sam and Shiloh arrived at the club, Shiloh hesitated at the door.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t go in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a place\u2026well, what I mean is that I\u2019m already under public scrutiny as Isabella.\u00a0 Being seen in this establishment can only serve to feed some rather distasteful gossip.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you may have a misunderstanding. You see, though there are private rooms for gentlemen upstairs, the club serves the finest cuisine in town for those gentlemen who actually enjoy the company of their wives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven so, that particular impression is what most of Virginia City has.\u00a0 That means I\u2019ll be associated with the less than desirable understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you won\u2019t.\u00a0 I can take care of that in the newspaper.\u00a0 Please,\u201d he said gesturing grandly.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll be among the nobility of Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

She took his arm and entered with some uncertainty, relaxing just a bit at the grandeur within\u2026marble floors, gilded ceilings and columns, richly carved wood and sparkling chandeliers in a large room filled with tables covered in white linen cloths, dressed with fine china, silver and crystal.\u00a0 There were already several couples seated, some she recognized as mine owners and their wives, and others, bank officers. They were led to a table near a window warmly lit by its own lamp.<\/p>\n

Once they were seated and wine was ordered, Sam asked, \u201cSo Cartwright\u2019s never brought you in here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t even know if he\u2019s a member.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he is.\u00a0 All the wealthy men in Virginia City are.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThe Cartwrights don\u2019t dwell on or flaunt their wealth, Sam.\u00a0 You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue, but I do know that the old man likes the finer things every now and then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill, I don\u2019t think he\u2019d choose to find them in here, and I really don\u2019t see him coming in for dinner alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right.\u00a0 Adam is more likely to do that than his father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you fishing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what if I am?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a worm, Sam.\u00a0 You should be speaking with a Cartwright if it\u2019s the Cartwrights you want to write about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well, I don\u2019t know if that\u2019s quite true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Getting somewhat annoyed, Shiloh stiffened.\u00a0 \u201cThen maybe you and I should discuss the boundaries of this interview,\u201d she said, lowering her head and looking seriously up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see how we can leave him out.\u00a0 He\u2019s been a part of your life since you were\u2026how old was that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Clemens, let me make one thing very clear.\u00a0 I will talk to you about Isabella Whitney who came into being only a few years ago in Boston.\u00a0 I will discuss her education, her performances and her views, and, perhaps, where Shiloh and Isabella meet.\u00a0 Nothing more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOff the record then.\u00a0 What hold does Cartwright have on you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHold?\u00a0 I don\u2019t know what you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he is the trustee of the ranch, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s public knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe took you to San Francisco for your performance there, he was there when your cattle were butchered and when the barn burned, and, if I remember correctly, he escorted you to town a few days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour point?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there any room for someone else?\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh froze. \u201cYou\u2019re a very attractive woman\u2026should I call you Shiloh or Isabella?\u00a0\u00a0 Anyway, I\u2019m sure there are other prospects interested in you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProspects?\u00a0\u00a0 Mr. Clemens\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were going to call me Sam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flustered, Shiloh closed her eyes, breathed deeply, then slowly let the breath back out.\u00a0 \u201cSam, I\u2019m perfectly happy where my life is right now.\u00a0 I have the ranch, I have the horses, and I have singing, though I\u2019m still in the midst of a decision there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA decision.\u00a0 But you are singing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am singing.\u00a0 I hadn\u2019t planned to sing, but when your article about my San Francisco performances came out\u2026with a sketch\u2026well, I live here.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to be\u2026I want to be just one of their neighbors, and when I came to town after that article, they all watched me.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to be a curiosity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you had a picnic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe picnic was because of the cattle.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want all that beef to go to waste, and it would, even in the smokehouse, before my ranch hands and I could consume it, so I offered it to my neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why at the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause the barn burned, and I lost\u2026\u201d Her face saddened.\u00a0 \u201cI lost my father\u2019s horse, Max, in the fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam watched as she fought back the tears that were forming, causing her blue eyes to glisten.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that.\u201d\u00a0 He reached out for her hand.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t we order dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n

After ordering, Sam continued.\u00a0 \u201cSo you had cattle slaughtered, and then your barn burned.\u00a0 Accident?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up at him, creasing her eyebrows. \u201cSam, I thought you wanted to know about Isabella.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe way I see it, Shiloh and Isabella are inseparable.\u00a0 You see, it\u2019s your past as Shiloh that makes you so good at being Isabella.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t follow you,\u201d she said, taking a sip of wine.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom what I\u2019ve read\u2026\u201d he glanced up at her, \u201cand seen in San Francisco, you put great emotion into your performances.\u00a0 I\u2019d be willing to bet that emotion came from growing up as Shiloh.\u00a0 To understand Isabella, one needs to understand Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Sam, you\u2019re very good at what you do.\u00a0 Now, ask me a question about Isabella.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if I ask you a question about Shiloh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be a deafening silence at this table.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 24 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Twenty-Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh!\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh and Roy turned as they were making their way through a light flurry of snow towards the opera house.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, I was hoping to catch you this morning.\u00a0 Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d said Roy, nodding, returning the greeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 What a nice surprise,\u201d said Shiloh, smiling.<\/p>\n

As the three continued walking toward the opera house, Ben spoke.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, I wanted to tell you not to expect Adam.\u00a0 He\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he alright,\u201d she asked anxiously, stopping and turning.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he\u2019s fine, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow calm down,\u201d said Ben, chuckling.\u00a0 \u201cHe went to stock the line shacks, and he\u2019s\u2026\u201d she turned away from him, looking towards the mountains.\u00a0 \u201cHe might be there until that storm breaks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sending someone up after him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned her around and held her arms, smiling down at her. \u201cThere\u2019s no reason for you to be worried.\u00a0 He has plenty of supplies.\u00a0 He\u2019ll stay in one of the line shacks until he can leave.\u00a0 I just thought he might have told you he\u2019d be in town, and I didn\u2019t want you to worry when he didn\u2019t show up.\u00a0 So don\u2019t worry.\u201d\u00a0 Concern still showed on her face as she twisted her mouth.\u00a0 \u201cStop.\u00a0 You are not to worry,\u201d he said, touching her nose with his index finger.<\/p>\n

She looked down and snickered.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright, you used to do that when I was a little girl.\u00a0 I\u2019m not little anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re not.\u00a0 And you know better than to worry.\u00a0 Adam can take care of himself.\u00a0 Now, I have to get a package out on the next stagecoach.\u201d\u00a0 He bent and kissed her forehead. \u201cI\u2019ll send word just as soon as he\u2019s back,\u201d said Ben as he turned and walked away.<\/p>\n

By this time, they were at the door of the opera house.\u00a0 \u201cRoy, thank you.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how late I\u2019ll be this afternoon.\u00a0 We\u2019re working on a new piece.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll stop by on my rounds tonight and look in,\u201d he said smiling, then turned back toward his office, as Shiloh entered the building.<\/p>\n

Her morning was spent practicing the music for the pre-opening performance with the orchestra.\u00a0 In the afternoon, the ensemble for the new piece was discussed, the ideas so exciting that she forgot all about worrying.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam removed a small board from the window of the shack, looking out at first light.\u00a0 Snow was still falling as heavily as it had during the night.\u00a0 The trail down was well marked with pieces of red cloth tied at least ten feet up in the trees, but he would never try to go down with the snow this heavy.\u00a0 It would be easy to get lost in a white-out; in those conditions he could easily miss a marker.<\/p>\n

He stoked the fire and added another log, then sat back down on the cot with his book.\u00a0 After reading the first paragraph several times, he leaned back against the wall, turned the book over to mark his place, and looked up at the ceiling.\u00a0 When the snow started to melt, there would be several leaks, but he was sure he wouldn\u2019t be there to see them.\u00a0 This shack wouldn\u2019t see temperatures warm enough to melt this snow until spring when it would be someone else\u2019s turn to come back up and repair the line shacks for the summer and fall.<\/p>\n

He decided a worthwhile problem to think on was how to flush Sam King out of hiding. He was sure Sam would choose to appear at a time when no one was around the Flying W house.\u00a0 Before he left, he had told Hank to have men watch the house and the horses around the clock.\u00a0 Shiloh was in town with an escort, so he felt she was safe there.\u00a0 But what if she went back to the ranch?\u00a0 Sam would be watching, looking for a break in the protections in place.\u00a0 He rubbed his temples.\u00a0 He could suggest that Shiloh stay at the Ponderosa, but he knew she would have none of that.\u00a0 Then again, he might be stuck in the line shack when Sam decided to make his move.<\/p>\n

He stood, looking out the window again, feeling frustration at the snow still coming down.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Shiloh found herself alone in her room for the evening.\u00a0 Tom had asked her to dinner again, but she begged off, ordering her dinner when she got to the hotel, asking that it be delivered to her room.\u00a0 Changing into a gown and robe, she laid her dress on the bed, smoothing out the wrinkles before she hung it in the wardrobe.<\/p>\n

She had made it to the telegraph and post offices during lunch, picking up several envelopes, but hadn\u2019t had a chance to open them.\u00a0 Dropping them on the desk, she went to answer a knock at the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRestaurant service, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

She cracked open the door, looking out, then opened it wide, stepping out of the way of a dinner cart being rolled into the room.\u00a0 In the center of the cart among the covered dishes was an arrangement of roses sitting next to a bucket containing a bottle of champagne.\u00a0 She thanked the waiter, and waited for him to exit before she picked up the card on the table.<\/p>\n

My dear Miss Whitney\u2026Shiloh and Isabella, my sincerest apologies for straying during dinner last evening.\u00a0 It is my hope that you will accept the flowers and champagne as a token of peace, and find it in your heart to grant me another interview.\u00a0 I promise to be on my best behavior.\u00a0 Sam Clemens<\/em><\/p>\n

Shiloh giggled.\u00a0 \u201cYour behavior wasn\u2019t that bad.\u201d\u00a0 She moved the flowers to a table by the window, poured a glass of champagne, then pinched a piece of the pastry covering the chicken pot pie and tasted it.\u00a0 Preparing a plate, she took it to the desk, setting it to one side as she opened the mail.<\/p>\n

First, she chose the telegram from Edwin Booth, thankful that he had gotten back to her so soon.\u00a0 She read it and sighed.\u00a0 \u201cNone of this matters if he doesn\u2019t get back in time to learn the song.\u201d\u00a0 Reading it again, she snorted.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, you dog.\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t you tell me you sang opera as part of your voice training?\u00a0 This is just priceless.\u00a0 Edwin met you while his father was coaching you in the role of Demetrious.\u00a0 I have a bone to pick with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She dropped the telegram to the desk and picked up the second one\u2026from Annie.\u00a0 Annie\u2019s prospects for medical school in San Francisco were dashed.\u00a0 Even with recommendations, she wasn\u2019t accepted at Cooper.\u00a0 Shiloh frowned.\u00a0 Annie wanted to follow in her father\u2019s footsteps so badly and had hit another wall.\u00a0 Shiloh sighed and continued reading.\u00a0 Word had already gotten to San Francisco that Isabella would be singing at Virginia City\u2019s new opera house.\u00a0 And what of Edwin\u2019s invitation to travel to Europe?\u00a0 And what of Adam?\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what of Adam?\u201d she repeated as she took the pen from the ink well and began writing.<\/p>\n

My Dearest Annie,<\/em><\/p>\n

I join you in your disappointment at the news from Cooper.\u00a0 I would have hoped that those in an institution of higher learning would be more enlightened regarding the virtues of female physicians.\u00a0 I sincerely hope that you have not gotten so discouraged that you have not continued to look for opportunities elsewhere.\u00a0 One will present itself, of that I am confident.<\/p>\n

Edwin did indeed invite me to go to Europe, and I had actually boarded the stagecoach.\u00a0 As we were leaving Virginia City, Edwin shared that Signora Biscaccianti had told Adam that there was no reason for me to go.\u00a0 Needless to say, my disembarking the stagecoach caused a stir.\u00a0 After some discussion, Adam made his feelings known as did I.<\/p>\n

Annie, I do care for him, but I still have so many uncertainties, especially of his expectations of me.\u00a0 He has said that the decision is mine as to whether I sing, and should I choose that direction, he believes that I can continue to train horses and keep the ranch as well.<\/p>\n

There is also the problem that I cannot so much as cook a meal for him, and I have no intention of turning my back on the cause of women\u2019s rights when I am called to action.\u00a0 I believe he is aware I have some doubts, but I am sure he does not know from where they come.<\/p>\n

Still, he is willing \u201cto see where this goes\u201d as he put it, however I do not know whether for himself or for me.<\/p>\n

I have sad news.\u00a0 Max, my father\u2019s horse, has been killed in a barn fire orchestrated by one of my former ranch hands.\u00a0 Staying in Virginia City as I am in order to practice for the performance is a blessing as I have little time to dwell on it.\u00a0 However, it continues to weigh heavily on me as much as losing my mother\u2019s piano.\u00a0 That pain passed as I\u2019m sure this pain will, and I promise you, I am alright. Please, do not worry.<\/p>\n

I am left with taking one day at a time.\u00a0 As are you.\u00a0 Please consider coming to stay for the holidays.\u00a0 You always have an open invitation.<\/p>\n

With much love,<\/p>\n

Shiloh<\/p>\n

The letter she had picked up at the post office was from Jim Fischer, the man who knew Adam and had inquired about purchasing horses.\u00a0 He was in San Francisco and would be taking the steamer at the end of the week to Sacramento, then would leave for Virginia City on the stagecoach, arriving early next week.\u00a0 She harrumphed, knowing that the storm raging in the mountains could very easily delay him.\u00a0 With the performance coming up, she may well need Adam\u2019s help finding a suitable horse for Mr. Fischer.<\/p>\n

Eating only a few bites of her dinner, she poured another glass of champagne and looked out the window as the streets of Virginia City slowly emptied.\u00a0 After only a few minutes, the only movements were the shadows passing across the windows and the occasional person passing the batwing doors of the saloon right down the street.<\/p>\n

Thinking about Adam, she hoped he had taken a good book and was relaxing by a warm fire.\u00a0 She knew that for Adam, being alone wasn\u2019t a problem.\u00a0 It had been the same for her until recently when she had noticed that every time he came by the ranch her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him.\u00a0 The smile that had crept over her face suddenly disappeared when her thoughts turned to Sam King.\u00a0 She shuddered at the thought that he could be hiding in the shadows of Virginia City watching her\u2026planning his next attack.\u00a0 She closed the blind, shook the thought away and drank one more glass of champagne which put her at just the right level of insobriety to sleep soundly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 25 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Twenty-Five <\/strong><\/p>\n

By the end of the week, the snow had stopped in the mountains, and Adam was on his way home, having hurriedly stocked both of the remaining line shacks.\u00a0 The fifth line shack further up the mountain would have to wait.\u00a0 He had worked himself into a tight, anxious ball of muscles at the thought of Sam King getting to Shiloh.\u00a0 When he arrived at the Ponderosa, he rushed to bed down the two horses he\u2019d had with him, store the supplies he had not used, say hello to the family and ride into town.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t even stopped to bathe or shave and hoped that Shiloh would understand why.<\/p>\n

When he arrived in town, he found that a crowd had gathered outside the opera house.\u00a0 He rode down the street to an available hitching rail, then walked back, looking over the people assembled outside.\u00a0 He recognized some as reporters based on their attire.\u00a0 Others were familiar faces from town.\u00a0 As he made his way through the crowd, he brushed by a short man dressed in a brown pinstriped suit, wearing a derby hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me sir,\u201d said the man in the derby hat.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve all been waiting here for hours. What makes you think you can just shove your way to the front?\u201d Adam turned around, casually resting his hand on his gun, giving the man an unamused look.\u00a0 The man stuttered, \u201cI\u2019m just trying to point out that it is rude to break in line.\u201d\u00a0 Adam turned and knocked on the door, which opened a crack, then opened wider, allowing Adam to enter.\u00a0 As he did, he turned and winked at the man, then disappeared into the opera house.<\/p>\n

\u201cTom, what is all that out there?\u201d Adam said, pointing toward the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur friend, Mr. Clemens, sent out an article saying Isabella will be performing a new song with this performance to publicize the opening of the grandest opera house west of the Mississippi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that all?\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThough it was good advertising for the opera house, it didn\u2019t set too well with Isabella. Don\u2019t relax.\u00a0 She\u2019s livid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe told him she\u2019d give him an interview only if she got to approve the article before it was published.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he didn\u2019t show it to her before he sent it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d\u00a0 Maguire raised his index finger to his lips, then motioned to the right of the hall entrance.\u00a0 \u201cClemens.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stepped in and faced Sam, holding out his hand.\u00a0 Sam shook it, happy to see him.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, where have you been hiding?\u201d Sniffing and creasing his brow, he continued. \u201cPerhaps on the range.\u00a0 You\u2026uh\u2026rode straight here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cSomething like that.\u00a0 I understand she\u2019s angry with you.\u00a0 Do you realize your life could be in danger?\u201d asked Adam, smiling mischievously.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I sort of prepared her.\u00a0 I sent her flowers and a bottle of champagne a few nights ago.\u00a0 I\u2019m hoping that softened her up a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you would be the one to know, wouldn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam opened his mouth to answer, but thought better of it.\u00a0 And by that time, Shiloh noticed him.<\/p>\n

Just as the piece the musicians were working on was finished, she looked to the back of the opera hall, having seen Sam enter just a few minutes earlier.\u00a0 Now, she spotted Adam standing next to him.\u00a0 She glanced over at Monsieur Rousset, who said to the group, \u201cTake a twenty minute break.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh had already headed toward the stage steps.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, you\u2019re back!\u201d she said excitedly, almost running down the steps and the aisle.\u00a0 When she got to him, she jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.<\/p>\n

He hugged her back, laughing.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s this all about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re father told me you were stranded in a line shack.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d he said, smiling, lowering her back to the floor.<\/p>\n

Sam cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cI see I\u2019ve been wasting my time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d said Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cWould you join me\u2026\u201d she glanced back at the stage before she continued, \u201c\u2026outside,\u201d she said, addressing Sam.<\/p>\n

When Adam followed them, Sam asked, \u201cHim, too?\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh glared back.\u00a0 \u201cHim, too,\u201d he repeated.<\/p>\n

Once they were in the foyer of the hall, Sam turned to face her. \u201cBefore you say anything, I did not release the story from our interview.\u00a0 That was a story I had already been working on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see what you have caused?\u201d she barked, waving her hand toward the door.<\/p>\n

Sam relaxed.\u00a0 \u201cYou know, what you need is a vise.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cTo finally put you and Isabella together\u2026permanently.\u201d\u00a0 She steamed, blew out of her nose like an angry bull, said “Spsh!”, then spun to go back into the hall.<\/p>\n

She twirled back around when Adam grabbed her hand.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s right, you know.\u201d\u00a0 She refused to look at him and continued to fume.\u00a0 \u201cI understand that you don\u2019t want the publicity where you live.\u00a0 But as Isabella, you have to expect it.\u00a0 If you want to sing, this\u2026\u201d he said, motioning toward Sam and then the door, \u201c\u2026is something you\u2019re going to have to get used to.\u201d\u00a0 She chewed on the inside of her cheek, almost pouting.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo,\u201d said Sam.\u00a0 \u201cAbout that interview.\u00a0 We\u2026ah\u2026didn\u2019t really finish it, did we?\u00a0 How about tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to talk to Adam tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cMe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, why don\u2019t we all have dinner at the International House then?\u201d suggested Sam.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine\u2026right after rehearsal\u2026so stay around.\u201d\u00a0 She turned to go back into the hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, how long do you have?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout an hour. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

An eyebrow arched. \u201cA bath.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I hadn\u2019t noticed,\u201d she smiled.<\/p>\n

Adam rubbed his chin.\u00a0 \u201cHow could you not notice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we were in Boston, I might.\u00a0 I\u2019m used to you looking\u2026\u201d she sniffed, \u201c\u2026and smelling like that,\u201d she said, winking.\u00a0 \u201cGo to the hotel.\u00a0 You can change in my room.\u00a0 We\u2019ll meet you downstairs in the restaurant.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 26 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Twenty-Six<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat should I call you tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, am I interviewing Isabella or Shiloh or both?\u201d<\/p>\n

She swirled her wine.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you ask the question?\u00a0 Whichever one is appropriate will give you an answer,\u201d she answered sardonically.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you dislike reporters?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause they don\u2019t always tell the whole truth\u2026or sometimes they tell their own truth.\u00a0 Sensationalism sells newspapers, and if the story isn\u2019t thrilling enough, they add to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you dislike the people that attend your performances?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t dislike them.\u00a0 I just don\u2019t like loud, crushing crowds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou went to college in New York\u2026Vassar?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAnd you took some pretty advanced courses.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy did you choose music, why not\u2026medicine\u2026or law\u2026or some other profession not usually chosen by a woman?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that really the question you want to ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked past Sam when Adam walked into the restaurant wearing grey trousers, a dark blue shirt and a black tie.\u00a0 Sam watched her face as the corner of her mouth turned up and her eyes narrowed just slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes anyone else know about you and\u2026um\u2026\u201d Sam asked, nodding toward Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Mr. Clemens\u2026whatever do you mean?\u201d she asked, feigning innocence.<\/p>\n

Sam stood as Adam joined them.\u00a0 When both men were seated, Shiloh relayed the last interview question Sam had asked.\u00a0 \u201cSo, then I asked him if that was really the question.\u201d\u00a0 She looked back at Sam, waiting for an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t think that something like medicine or law would be a strange idea to you considering who you were acquainted with back East.\u201d Shiloh stiffened.\u00a0 \u201cCome now, Shiloh, that fact that Isabella kept company with women\u2019s rights activists is common knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI learned to play the piano here at home.\u00a0 I learned the violin here as well.\u00a0 I sang in church.\u00a0 I already had a foundation in music, and when the Headmistress at Vassar found that out, she suggested a music curriculum.\u00a0 Medicine doesn\u2019t interest me and law\u2026\u201d she laughed.\u00a0 \u201cThough I probably could have taken those courses with tutors, I would never have been allowed to take the examination.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that bother you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you wanted to interview Isabella.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t your time away at college where Isabella was born?\u00a0 Isn\u2019t having a popular voice the reason Isabella came into being?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked away for a moment, thinking.\u00a0 \u201cSam, I sing because I enjoy it.\u00a0 I don\u2019t sing to complete anyone else\u2019s plans.\u00a0 I enjoy music.\u00a0 That\u2019s the whole story.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens when your acquaintances from New York and Boston ask you to get involved?\u00a0 Won\u2019t they be asking Isabella?\u201d\u00a0 She looked down at the table, moving her hand to her mouth.\u00a0 \u201cAsk another question.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, perhaps I\u2019ve asked enough.\u00a0 You tend to know that when you start getting \u2018ask another question,\u2019\u201d said Sam, standing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you would be having dinner with us,\u201d said Adam, rising from his chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure Shiloh would be comfortable spending the rest of the evening with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSam, that\u2019s not\u2026it\u2019s alright. Please stay,\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, I want to write some notes while this is fresh on my mind.\u00a0 So, I will say goodnight,\u201d said Sam, bowing to Shiloh.\u00a0 He shook Adam\u2019s hand and left the restaurant.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look so grim.\u00a0 You get to see it before he releases it,\u201d said Adam, taking her hand.\u00a0 \u201cYou said you wanted to speak to me about something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 I need you and your guitar.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 27 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Twenty-Seven<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cSam sent you flowers?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cTwice.\u00a0 What else have you been doing besides singing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing really.\u00a0 I go between the opera house and the hotel.\u00a0 But Tom did take me to dinner the first night I was here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did, did he?\u201d\u00a0 She cocked her head, wondering for a moment if she was hearing jealousy in his voice, giggling under her breath, but quickly dismissing the thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, why did you rush into town today?\u201d Shiloh asked as a waiter brought their dinner.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cBecause I know you were stranded in a line shack.\u00a0 And I know you would have come to find out if Sam King had shown his face as soon as you could.\u00a0 But you would have cleaned up before you came, not after, and you would have brought clean clothes with you instead of buying new ones if you hadn\u2019t felt the need to rush.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you know why I rushed then why did you ask the question?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll rephrase it.\u00a0 Why did you feel you had to rush?\u00a0 You made sure I was protected before you left.\u00a0\u00a0 And your father would have told you when you got home if something had happened with Sam King.\u00a0 Roy would have sent someone to the Ponderosa since your father is a trustee of the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

The way Adam was looking at her made her feel like they were the only two people in the room.\u00a0 \u201cDo I really need to explain it?\u201d\u00a0 His gaze made her feel\u2026exposed\u2026as though he was reading her most private thoughts.\u00a0 She couldn\u2019t hold his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou said you needed me?\u201d\u00a0 Now she was having trouble breathing.\u00a0 \u201cAnd my guitar?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm?\u00a0 Oh, yes.\u201d\u00a0 Taking several deep breaths and fanning her face, she continued.\u00a0 \u201cI would like to debut a new song\u2026well, not a new song, an old song, but a new arrangement.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been working on it with an ensemble from the orchestra.\u00a0 We have a harp, chimes, violins, cellos and bass and a piano.\u00a0 I need a guitar, and you are the only person I could think of that plays a guitar, can read music and would be comfortable on stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think I can read music?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you did have voice training in college, didn\u2019t you?\u00a0 You would have been taught to sight read.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he said, slightly turning his head and looking at her with narrowed eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what about the stage?\u201d<\/p>\n

She bowed her head and teasingly cut her eyes up to his. \u201cMy dear Demetrious, I know you sang opera as part of your voice training.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou evidently know more than that,\u201d he said, lifting his chin and looking downward at her. \u201cI think Edwin enjoys toying with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy haven\u2019t you ever told anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to live with Joe and Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 She giggled.\u00a0 \u201cOther than that, do you honestly think the ranch hands would take me seriously if they knew I sang opera and wore tights?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing aloud, she answered, \u201cI can see your point.\u201d\u00a0 She blushed at his steady look, and said timidly, \u201cI promise you won\u2019t have to wear tights, but you will have to wear tails.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked toward the hotel foyer, breathed out heavily through his nose with pinched lips and said without looking at her, \u201cWhen do you need me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the morning\u2026with guitar in hand.\u00a0 The only piece we don\u2019t have ready is the new one, and as soon as it\u2019s going well, I\u2019m going home and coming back one or two days a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa said after this week I could help you.\u00a0 We\u2019re almost set for winter, so I don\u2019t have to be at the Ponderosa all the time. Joe and Hoss can take care of the last minute details.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow would your father know that I needed help?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were actually talking about your barn.\u201d\u00a0 She raised her eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cHank was showing me the plans your father had drawn, and I think it would be a good idea if you downsized it\u2026\u201d She squinted accusingly.\u00a0 \u201cHear me out.\u00a0 It\u2019s just a suggestion.\u201d\u00a0 She raised her chin obstinately, but listened.\u00a0 \u201cI think you\u2019re going to run out of time if you try to build the whole thing, but with just a couple of changes, you can stop at the middle set of supports, build a temporary wall there, then in the spring you can build the rest of it out.\u00a0 That way, you\u2019ll be sure to have shelter for the horses for the worst part of winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

She placed her napkin next to the dinner plate she had been picking at all evening, and sat back, considering him.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, you\u2019re still doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoing what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen are you going to let me take care of myself?\u201d<\/p>\n

The corner of his mouth turned up as he said softly, \u201cSometimes a woman should just let a man take care of her.\u201d\u00a0 When their eyes met, she suddenly felt every inch of her skin come alive as it did when he touched her, but he hadn\u2019t touched her.\u00a0 \u201cI should get you to your room and head home if I\u2019m going to be here early tomorrow with \u2018guitar in hand.\u2019\u201d\u00a0 He took her hand in his and held her gaze as he rose and moved to her side of the table, taking her other hand and bringing her up from her chair, oblivious to the glances and whispers traveling through the dining room.<\/p>\n

The two walked silently out of the restaurant and up the stairs.\u00a0 When they arrived at her door, he took her key, unlocked the door and gently pushed it.\u00a0\u00a0 For a moment, they stood there, lost in each other\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 Adam moved his hand around her, letting it drop to the small of her back at the same time she reached up, softly touching his neck, moving her hand back and playing with his curls.<\/p>\n

She giggled as she looked impishly up at him.\u00a0 \u201cYou have goose bumps.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSsh.\u00a0 Don\u2019t tell anyone,\u201d he said quietly, as he drew her closer to him, watching her eyes turn sultry up to the point that their lips met.\u00a0 Melting into him, she moved her arms around him as he tightened his hold, his lips hovering over hers, meeting her gaze, then kissing her again.<\/p>\n

Feeling that all too familiar warmth wash over her, she tiptoed as if to get closer, sharing short kisses, their breath, warm and sweet to the other.\u00a0 Adam stopped, resting his forehead on hers, nose to nose, while they were still wrapped up in each other\u2019s arms.\u00a0 \u201cI have to go.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing desire in her eyes, and sensing it in her breathing, and in her body against him, he repeated in a deeper, softer voice, \u201cI have to go\u2026now.\u201d\u00a0 He took a slow, small step back as he kissed her one more time.\u00a0 Untangling one arm, he pushed the door open wide, and said, even as he held her, \u201cLock the door.\u201d\u00a0 With the arm still around her, he moved her toward the door, and as he pulled his arm back, she trailed her hand down it to his hand until finally, slowly she began to close the door, never taking her eyes off of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

Smiling, he replied, \u201cSleep well.\u201d\u00a0 He took the knob and pulled the door closed, leaning his head against it, listening for the key to turn and trying the knob one last time to ensure it was locked.\u00a0 Standing up straight, he stared at the room number in front of him, gently laid his hand on the door, then smiling, turned and left.<\/p>\n

As he walked down the stairs, he thought how easy it would have been to stay.\u00a0 He was sure she wouldn\u2019t have been able to send him away.\u00a0 He was going to have to be careful.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Excuse me, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm?\u00a0 \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour jacket.\u00a0 There\u2019s flurries again tonight.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want to forget your jacket.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Jerry.\u00a0 Goodnight.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Shiloh listened at the door after she turned the key.\u00a0 The knowledge that he was still standing outside made her heart feel as though it was fluttering.\u00a0 She spun around and leaned her back against the door, turning her head so that she could hear.\u00a0 He had touched the door and had stood there quietly for just a moment before she heard his footsteps retreating down the hall.\u00a0 Closing her eyes, she consciously slowed her breathing.\u00a0 She knew he felt something, but was it the same thing she had?\u00a0 She had never felt that before\u2026not even when Will had kissed her.\u00a0 Unfastening the buttons at the top of her blouse, she let cooler air touch her skin.\u00a0 Is that what he meant by seeing where this goes?<\/em><\/p>\n

She went to her bedroom, gathering her toiletries, rose water and rose oil, and her towel and robe. Is this how I\u2019m supposed to feel\u2026so completely out of control?<\/em>\u00a0 Unlocking and slowly opening the door, she peered out, making sure the hall was clear, then stepped out and hurried to the bathroom just down the hall.\u00a0 Thankful that taking a bath at the hotel was as easy as turning a handle, she drew her bath water, stripped and stepped in, letting the warmth of the water sink into her and the fragrance of the rose oil calm her. She leaned back against the side of the tub, remembering how he had made her feel.\u00a0 Resolved to move on, she admonished herself with her last thought on the subject, that can\u2019t happen again<\/em>, then mentally planned for her next day at the opera house.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 28 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Twenty-Eight<\/strong><\/p>\n

When Adam arrived at the opera house, he made his way past the few people hoping to get a glimpse of the goings on inside.\u00a0 Monsieur Rousset had already dismissed everyone to practice on their own except the ensemble and a handful of other musicians.<\/p>\n

Sam Clemens was seated in the back row watching, gathering information for his story, and stood when Adam came in, offering his hand.\u00a0 \u201cI understand you\u2019ve been conscripted into service.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a strong word.\u00a0 I was asked.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bet.\u00a0 Let\u2019s see.\u00a0 She batted her eyelashes and gave you a cute smile, then looked at you like a puppy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u00a0 She said \u2018please.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to the other reporters?\u201d asked Adam, nodding to the front door.
\n\u201cI informed them I have an agreement with the lady.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll write something about her being unapproachable, after all, she doesn\u2019t normally speak to reporters, but I\u2019ll make sure their papers get a copy of my story.\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh motioned for Adam to come up to the stage.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t wait to see how this goes,\u201d said Sam.\u00a0 \u201cHave you ever been on a stage, Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cExcuse me, Sam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clemens watched as Shiloh greeted Adam, noticing that her welcome was far less enthusiastic than the day before.\u00a0 It appeared that Adam noticed, too, based on the way he looked back concerned rather than with a smile.<\/p>\n

After introducing Adam to the rest of the ensemble, the group sat and talked about the piece they would be performing, not only for Adam\u2019s benefit, but for the sake of those musicians who would make up a chorus for the third verse of the song.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis piece is a very old song\u2026only the arrangement is different from what you may have heard.\u00a0 Some of you may not have heard it at all.\u00a0 During the Middle Ages, sometime between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries in England, a fair began that survived into the late seventeen hundreds. There are several versions of the story associated with this piece, but we are going to do the version involving a young man named Remmie and a young woman named Scarlett who has given Remmie a love potion made of parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.\u00a0 The two set out to meet each other, circumstances getting in their way, but in the end, they find each other at Scarborough Fair.\u201d\u00a0 Murmurs and smiles spread through the small group.\u00a0 Smiling back, Shiloh continued.\u00a0 \u201cWe will be doing this in Renaissance fashion, mostly with strings.\u00a0 There will be a small piano part, only for emphasis of the main notes during the chorus to support the guitar which will carry the majority of the major tune.\u00a0 It will be sung in a delicate voice\u2026imagine a young maiden singing it, if you will.\u00a0 Therefore, the chorus must not be overbearing or bold.\u00a0 We will not use an upper register at all.\u00a0 Does anyone have any questions?\u201d\u00a0 She looked around at the group, then said, \u201cEveryone, please take a fifteen minute break while I go over the music with Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat down next to the piano and looked over the music.\u00a0 \u201cThis seems straight-forward enough,\u201d he said, placing his hands on the guitar strings and playing.<\/p>\n

Shiloh listened patiently as he stopped and started, making sure he had all the notes correct.\u00a0 Then, he played the piece from beginning to end.\u00a0 When he looked up, she was smiling.\u00a0 \u201cI never expected you to get it in just one try.\u00a0 You do sight read.\u00a0 Now remember, you don\u2019t get to play it gently.\u00a0 It will be difficult for the guitar to be heard over the rest of the ensemble, so you\u2019ll have to pluck fairly strongly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling back at her, he said, \u201cI\u2019ll remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone,\u201d said Shiloh, turning and addressing the ensemble.\u00a0 \u201cMonsieur Rousset will be directing us while we learn this piece, but when we perform, we won\u2019t have his help.\u00a0 Pay close attention to the cadence and listen to each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

That said, the ensemble readied their instruments and work began.\u00a0 By the end of the day, they had almost determined the right balance of volume with the guitar.\u00a0 Tomorrow, they would add the vocals.<\/p>\n

While Shiloh gathered her notes and staff paper, Adam waited for her.\u00a0 She turned, hearing him moving around behind her.\u00a0 \u201cYou should be going if you want to get home for supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be staying in town tonight.\u00a0 I thought we could have dinner together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked past him at the dark figure still sitting at the back of the opera hall.\u00a0 \u201cI do need to talk to you about something\u2026but not here,\u201d she said, nodding almost imperceptibly toward Sam.<\/p>\n

Sam stood.\u00a0 \u201cI get it.\u00a0 Good night,\u201d he said and left the opera hall.<\/p>\n

The two ducked into Tom\u2019s office and said goodnight, then walked in the cold through heavier snow than flurries back to her hotel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 29 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Twenty-Nine<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam took Shiloh\u2019s cape and hung it on the coat rack next to the desk at the hotel, placing his jacket next to it, then escorted Shiloh to the restaurant.\u00a0 The restaurant manager had come to expect her near this time and saved a table by a window for her.\u00a0 He had noticed that when she ate alone, she seemed to gaze contentedly out the window, watching the snow fall.\u00a0 Then again, it would never hurt his business for Isabella Whitney to be seen dining at his establishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, has something happened since last night that you\u2026feel differently?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDifferently?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seemed\u2026distant\u2026this morning,\u201d he explained, gazing at her.<\/p>\n

Disconcerted by his ability to make her feel exposed with a look, she squirmed in her seat.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2026\u201d she began, but didn\u2019t know how to broach the subject of what might have happened the night before.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll just have to\u2026stay focused.\u201d<\/p>\n

She snorted.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I, for one, was very focused last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning, he bowed his head, then looked back up under his brow. \u201cThen we\u2019ll have to be a little less focused.\u00a0 Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I wanted to talk to you about Tommy Baker.\u201d\u00a0 He straightened and slightly crooked his jaw.\u00a0 \u201cRoy came by and told me.\u00a0 He said that you, as the trustee of the ranch, pressed charges.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to drop the charges.\u201d<\/p>\n

His creased eyebrows and flared nostrils told her he wasn\u2019t inclined to do what she asked.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery simply, he\u2019s not\u2026responsible\u2026in the truest sense.\u00a0 Tommy has always been easily led.\u00a0 And you know as well as I that his childhood was difficult.\u00a0 What if King threatened him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSam told him he\u2019d pay him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, of course Sam said that knowing it would make Tommy seem complicit.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure he never intended to pay him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, he burned down your barn. And by doing that, he killed Max and two other horses.\u00a0 Forget for a minute what they were worth on paper, and remember what Max was to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice elevated. \u201cTommy may have physically set the fire.\u00a0 But he didn\u2019t mean to kill Max.\u00a0 And he was taking orders from Sam.\u201d\u00a0 She ended glaring at Adam, unconcerned that the rest of the patrons in the restaurant were watching them.<\/p>\n

Adam looked out over the people there with an expression that made them all turn back to their own conversations.\u00a0 \u201cWe should discuss this later.\u201d<\/p>\n

She leaned forward, lowering her voice.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t need to discuss this later.\u00a0 I don\u2019t agree with you, and ultimately, it should be my decision, not yours.\u00a0 Tommy Baker is as much a victim in this as I am.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t drop the charges, I will pay for his attorney, and I will testify on his behalf.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ll be wasting your time and money.\u00a0 He confessed.\u00a0 The dollar amount of the damages alone will get him prison time by default.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat may be true\u2026unless you drop the charges.\u00a0 And if you don\u2019t, my testimony is sure to get him a reduced sentence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can live with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I guess I have no choice.\u00a0 I\u2019ll ask you again.\u00a0 When do I get to run my ranch on my own?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter we negotiate and complete the five timber contracts you committed to when you bought that land.\u201d\u00a0 He watched her.\u00a0 \u201cYou look surprised.\u00a0\u00a0 You forgot about your sales agreement, didn\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 She looked away.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s exactly why you\u2019re not ready to run the ranch on your own.\u201d\u00a0 She loosely crossed her arms in front of her, continuing to stare out the window, mist taking over her eyes.<\/p>\n

The silence between them was fortuitous as the waiter brought their dinner to the table.\u00a0 \u201cCan I bring you anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you. This is fine,\u201d answered Adam without taking his eyes off Shiloh.<\/p>\n

Neither one of them ate.\u00a0 Adam continued to watch Shiloh, and she continued to look out the window.\u00a0 Finally, after a few minutes, Adam picked up his fork and took a bite.\u00a0 \u201cThis is good.\u00a0 You should eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still looking out the window, she said, \u201cI didn\u2019t\u2026exactly\u2026forget.\u00a0 I just pushed it to the back of my mind because I didn\u2019t think I could do anything about it now.\u00a0 I have other things on my mind.\u00a0 I have a note in my ledger to talk to you in January.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, this is the first part of your lesson.\u00a0 It\u2019s true that a good many contracts come up for bid closer to spring, but there are just as many up for bid now.\u00a0 Bids are solicited in the winter so the cutting can begin as soon as weather permits in the spring.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I shouldn\u2019t be doing this performance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked down at his plate and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWhy not?\u201d\u00a0 She didn\u2019t answer.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, you\u2019re almost done with your daily rehearsals.\u00a0\u00a0 The only things pressing at the Flying W are the barn, which Hank is handling, and Jim Fischer, and there\u2019s nothing happening at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 We\u2019re in for the winter.\u00a0 We have plenty of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned back to him.\u00a0 \u201cJim Fischer?\u00a0 I didn\u2019t tell you he was on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he did.\u00a0\u00a0 He sent me a telegram from San Francisco.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go with you to meet him when he arrives.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at her plate, took a deep breath, then picked up her fork.\u00a0 It was times like these that she missed her piano.\u00a0 Playing cleared the jumble in her mind when life got a bit overwhelming.\u00a0 After a good piano session, she had always been able to concentrate, finding ways to make all her tight schedules work between the ranch, the horses, and her music.\u00a0 The piano put her in a logical\u2026structured\u2026frame of mind. She had always wanted to stay busy, so she didn\u2019t have to think about her life.\u00a0 Now, she wanted a break.\u00a0 She needed to think about where her life was headed.\u00a0 She needed to think about\u2026Adam.<\/p>\n

She stopped eating and watched him.\u00a0 Well, one thing is certain.\u00a0 He enjoys good food.<\/em>\u00a0 Looking down again at nothing in particular, she swore under her breath.\u00a0 Damn!\u00a0 I have to find time for Hop Sing.<\/em><\/p>\n

By this time, Adam noticed that she had stopped eating.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm?\u201d<\/p>\n

He lay is fork down again, picking up his wine.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you thinking?\u201d he asked, taking a sip.<\/p>\n

Smiling and relaxing her shoulders, she answered, \u201cNothing, I\u2019m afraid, that\u2019s making much sense right now.\u00a0 I guess I\u2019m feeling a bit overwhelmed.\u201d\u00a0 Quietly chuckling she added, \u201cThat should make you feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would I feel better about that?\u201d he asked, creasing his brows.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I would never have admitted that to you before.\u201d\u00a0 With that, their strained moods were broken, and they smiled at each other, finishing their dinner.<\/p>\n

When they left the restaurant, Adam retrieved Shiloh\u2019s cape and walked her to the foot of the stairs where he handed her the cape, and she draped it over her arm.\u00a0 \u201cAren\u2019t you staying here?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not,\u201d he replied, raising an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cI have a room at the Tahoe House.\u201d\u00a0 He looked around the lobby, and seeing that they were alone, he took her face in his hands, and kissed her, then looked into her eyes for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cGood night.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled, returning his look of longing.\u00a0 \u201cGood night.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 30 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

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

Tom Maguire stood at the back of the opera hall, looking at everyone in their places, imagining them in full dress.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not going to look right,\u201d he said loudly.<\/p>\n

Shiloh had rearranged everyone a hundred times\u2026at least to her it felt like a hundred times, and each time, either the strings were too loud and drowned out the guitar, or the singers couldn\u2019t be heard at all, or the singers were too loud.\u00a0 Exasperated, Shiloh threw her hands in the air.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s not right now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be the dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned around and looked at the participants, then turned back to Tom. \u201cSpsh!\u201d\u00a0 Making her way to the back of the opera hall, she stood next to him as each spoke quietly to the other while they pointed toward the stage.<\/p>\n

Then she turned back to the stage. \u201cRoll the piano back.\u00a0 Strings, stand right in front of it.\u00a0 Move to the right so you don\u2019t stand in front of the keys.\u00a0 Harp, sit to the left of the piano, a little forward.\u00a0 Chimes, behind the harp.\u00a0 Now, singers, come closer to the audience, and Adam, stand forward of them and in the middle.\u00a0 Move to the right, so you just overlap the right side of the strings.\u201d\u00a0 Turning to Tom, who was now joined by Monsieur Rousset, she said, \u201cI\u2019ll be standing right in the middle of all this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat will you be wearing?\u201d asked Tom.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeriod clothing\u2026a Renaissance style dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTails will look fine for the musicians in the background, but if you\u2019re going to be in costume, don\u2019t you think the chorus and Adam should be in costume standing that far forward?\u00a0 They\u2019re not part of the background any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh thought as she looked at the singers.\u00a0 She turned around and leaned in toward Tom to prevent her voice from carrying to the stage.\u00a0 \u201cI promised Adam he wouldn\u2019t have to wear tights.\u00a0 Do you have medieval style costumes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will in time for the performance.\u00a0 And don\u2019t worry about Adam.\u00a0 We have other options.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not a monk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tom laughed. \u201cNo, he certainly is not.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned back to the stage, and as she walked, she talked.\u00a0 \u201cEveryone stay in your places.\u00a0 We need to try this with Monsieur Rousset listening for balance.\u00a0 Singers, you are not individuals.\u00a0 You are a chorus.\u00a0 Listen and try to blend better.\u00a0 Adam, watch Monsieur Rousset closely.\u00a0 He may have you move up.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the ensemble played and sang, Monsieur Rousset made minor adjustments to the musicians.\u00a0 Then he stopped them.\u00a0 \u201cMademoiselle, Monsieur Cartwright should stand next to you.\u00a0 That is the only place we will be able to hear the guitar throughout the piece.\u00a0 After all, Remmie is the other subject of this song.\u00a0 Sing to him in a softer voice as if you have just given him the love potion.\u201d<\/p>\n

The ensemble played again, and when the last note played, Monsieur Rousset and Tom stood for a moment before they loudly applauded.\u00a0 Each member of the ensemble looked around at the others, then erupted in a cheer.\u00a0 The balance was perfect, the rich, deep tones of the bass and cellos came through, and the piano, harp and guitar were crisp and distinctive.\u00a0 On the third verse, the harmonies blended without flaw, and the flirtatious performance by Shiloh toward Adam and Adam\u2019s beguiled expression as he played his guitar was the spark that had been missing all along. \u201cNow, everyone remember where you are standing.\u00a0\u00a0 We will break for lunch and do this again this afternoon,\u201d said Monsieur Rousset.<\/p>\n

While the ensemble had lunch together as part of their compensation, the stagecoach arrived bearing one Natalie Peterson and her personal maid\u2026from Boston.\u00a0 The stage driver stepped down with their bags.\u00a0 \u201cMa\u2019am, where you supposed to meet anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I wasn\u2019t.\u00a0 But would you mind directing me to the International House?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Ma\u2019am.\u00a0 It\u2019s just down the street.\u00a0 Just follow the sidewalk that way and you\u2019ll see it,\u201d the stage driver said, pointing.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have someone bring your bags.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re very kind, sir,\u201d she said, turning and heading toward the hotel followed by her maid.\u00a0 When she arrived, she spoke with the desk clerk.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m Natalie Peterson. I believe you have a suite waiting for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The clerk looked through his book.\u00a0 \u201cAh yes, Miss Peterson.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be in suite twenty-five.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you tell me if Isabella Whitney is staying here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u00a0 Miss Whitney is here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd can you tell me where I might find Adam Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, normally he\u2019d be at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 That\u2019s the Cartwright\u2019s ranch.\u00a0 But, he\u2019s in town, too.\u00a0 He\u2019s over at the Tahoe house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur bags are being delivered.\u00a0 Would you see that they\u2019re taken up to my suite?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Miss Peterson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, where might I find your new opera hall?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaguire\u2019s place is directly behind us, Ma\u2019am.\u00a0 You can either walk through the alley or you can go out the back\u2026the door\u2019s at the end of the hall just past the stairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miss Peterson nodded, then addressed her maid.\u00a0 \u201cTilde, please go to our suite and prepare it,\u201d she said handing Tilde a key.\u00a0 Then she turned toward the back door.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 31 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Thirty-One<\/strong><\/p>\n

The ensemble went through the entire program and made only one change after Adam pulled Shiloh aside.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you do me a favor?\u201d he whispered, bending slightly down so their conversation wouldn\u2019t be overheard.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you\u2026the piece about the cat\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Clearing his throat, he continued. \u201cThat\u2019s the piece that you wear the red skirt\u2026the one that\u2019s split\u2026on both sides.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

He smiled.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u00a0 Why not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u00a0 Well, because\u2026well, you were concerned about your reputation at home.\u00a0 And that piece is\u2026well, it\u2019s\u2026\u201d\u00a0 He smiled first, then creased his brows and exhaled.\u00a0 \u201cRevealing.\u201d\u00a0 She started to speak, but when he raised an eyebrow and cocked his head, she huffed and turned, calling Monsieur Rousset.<\/p>\n

Adam watched as the two spoke animatedly, both looking over at him.\u00a0 Shiloh crossed her arms and started tapping her foot, studying the floor.\u00a0 She spoke, then looked up at Monsieur Rousset with her mouth twisted.\u00a0 Their conversation ended with both nodding, and Shiloh walking back to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re going to replace it with the piece from Genevieve<\/em>.\u00a0 We only performed that one twice, so it\u2019s likely no one would have heard it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He raised his chin and smiled smugly.\u00a0 \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scratching her forehead, she shook her head and walked back onto the stage.\u00a0 \u201cWe should practice this, at least once.\u201d<\/p>\n

By the time Monsieur Rousset tapped his music stand everyone had already replaced their sheet music and readied their instruments.\u00a0 Adam walked to the back of the opera hall to listen, and was pulled into the entry way by Maguire.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, there\u2019s a woman outside who says she knows you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned toward the door, looked back quickly at Shiloh, then followed Maguire.\u00a0 When Maguire opened the door and let the woman in, Adam looked surprised.\u00a0 \u201cNatalie?\u201d he said, nervously smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, darling.\u00a0 It\u2019s so good to see you,\u201d Natalie replied, tiptoeing and kissing him on the cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cNatalie, it\u2019s a long way from Boston.\u00a0 What are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Boston has gotten awfully boring lately, and I read that Miss Whitney is performing here, so I decided to take a holiday.\u00a0 Imagine my pleasure when I found that your Ponderosa Ranch was here as well.\u201d\u00a0 Natalie walked around him, looking into the opera hall.\u00a0 \u201cShe sounds as lovely as ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know Isabella?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know her, but I have heard her sing.\u00a0 I\u2019m looking forward to her performance here.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Leaning over to him, Natalie asked, \u201cI have to assume you know her since you\u2019re allowed in here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve known her all her life,\u201d he answered, watching Isabella sing, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth and eyes that showed an intensity that told Natalie she had her work cut out for her.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Shiloh gathered her sheet music and her violin, turned and looked at the empty stage and pit one more time, then blew out the lamp and left the stage, a silhouette in a dress walking toward the light at the end of the aisle.\u00a0 The man waiting for her took her violin case from her, and both walked out into the cold, snowy evening.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be good to get back home,\u201d said Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you wait until tomorrow morning?\u201d\u00a0 She looked up at him, questioning with her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAn old\u2026friend\u2026arrived in town today.\u00a0\u00a0 We\u2019re having dinner tonight to catch up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s he from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s she, not he. I knew her in Boston.\u00a0 Would you like to join us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is she?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHer name is Natalie Peterson. If you don\u2019t want to join us for dinner, it\u2019s alright.\u00a0 I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, Adam, I think I\u2019ll just get packed tonight and relax.\u00a0 I need to get my thoughts in order before I get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they arrived at the International House, Adam walked her to the bottom of the stairs. She took a step up, then turned back around.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll let you know when we should expect Mr. Fischer,\u201d she said, looking down at her clasped hands. Standing on the bottom step put her almost at eye level with Adam, who took her hands and pulled her forward.\u00a0 She glanced around behind him, eyeing the desk clerk, who quickly glanced their way, then busied himself in his register.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took her hand and kissed it, then looked into her eyes, causing her to catch her breath.\u00a0 He smiled as her cheeks brightened to pink.\u00a0 \u201cWhen will you be ready tomorrow morning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt first light.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you then.\u00a0 Good night.\u201d\u00a0 Watching until she turned the corner at the top of the stairs, he took a deep breath, then strode into the restaurant to get a table. By the time he was seated, Natalie joined him, and the waiter took their drink order.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been reading about you and Miss Whitney.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was an article in the Boston Herald about Miss Whitney\u2019s reappearance in Virginia City.\u00a0 It went on to say that she owns a ranch here and trains horses.\u00a0 How\u2026quaint.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does any of that have to do with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe article also said that apparently, Harvard\u2019s own Adam Cartwright was courting her.\u00a0 You still have quite a few friends in Boston. And you\u2019re remembered in some circles for your wonderfully rich baritone\u2026which makes your interest in her an easy jump\u2026like minds.\u201d<\/p>\n

He chuckled under his breath.\u00a0 \u201cLike minds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d said Natalie.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind.\u00a0 But that doesn\u2019t explain why you\u2019re here.\u00a0 There\u2019s certainly nothing in Virginia City that could be of particular interest to you.\u00a0 Maybe San Francisco.\u00a0 Virginia City is a mining town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here for Miss Whitney\u2019s performance, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNatalie, the performance isn\u2019t for a few weeks,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well, I thought you and I could catch up.\u00a0 It\u2019s been\u2026oh\u2026ten or eleven years.\u00a0 You spoke so fondly of your home.\u00a0 I would dearly love to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 32 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Thirty-Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

A light rap at the door brought Shiloh out of her bedroom.\u00a0 \u201cWho is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJerry, Ma\u2019am, the desk clerk.\u00a0\u00a0 A telegram was delivered for you earlier today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh opened the door, taking the envelope.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Jerry.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be leaving tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, bowing and turning down the hall.<\/p>\n

Walking back to the bedroom, she tore the envelope open.\u00a0 The telegram was from Sacramento.\u00a0 Jim Fischer expected to be in Virginia City on the noon stage tomorrow.\u00a0 She sat on the bed and hung her head.\u00a0 \u201cWhat have I gotten myself into?\u00a0 How am I going to get all this done?\u201d<\/p>\n

Full of nervous energy, she began packing her bag and carefully laid out her clothes for the next day.\u00a0 Then she took her robe, towels and toiletries to the washroom and relaxed in a tub of hot water.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam studied Natalie as their food was delivered.\u00a0 She hadn\u2019t really changed\u2026the only noticeable difference were tiny lines in the corner of her eyes when she smiled. He laughed under his breath, knowing he had those tiny little lines as well.\u00a0 Natalie was certainly an attractive looking woman, but much too snobbish for his tastes. She was blonde and slender, impeccably dressed with every hair in place as usual.\u00a0 Boston nobility was his term for her kind\u2026the kind that would just as soon look down their noses at you if you weren\u2019t quite up to their par.\u00a0 His standing at Harvard had won his likability in the ranks Natalie moved in.<\/p>\n

Once they were alone again, Adam smiled charmingly. \u201cNow tell me why you\u2019re really here, Natalie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth is, I was hoping to see you.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been following news of the Cartwrights; an article here and there in the San Francisco newspapers my father receives back home.\u00a0 As I understand it, you\u2019ve never married.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had one or two close calls.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cClose calls?\u00a0 Surely you don\u2019t mean you don\u2019t want to get married\u2026have children one day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam leaned back in his chair. \u201cIf you came in the hopes of rekindling something, Natalie, I\u2019m afraid I\u2019m going to have to disappoint you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Because of Miss Whitney?\u00a0 Don\u2019t you know you will have competition from a certain Senator?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know why that would be.\u00a0 She turned him down and left Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n

Natalie took a sip of wine, slightly wrinkling her nose. \u201cWell, you know Will.\u00a0 He doesn\u2019t give up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that a warning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Just an observation.\u00a0 When Miss Whitney left Boston, she left with a great many strings attached.\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked skeptically at her.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s nothing more than a marionette.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam inhaled deeply, cocking his head, looking confidently at her.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s no one\u2019s lackey.\u00a0 She has a problem with authority.\u00a0 And when she knows what she\u2019s doing, stay out of her way; you\u2019re liable to get knocked down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds enchanting,\u201d she replied acerbically. \u201cTell me, Adam.\u00a0 Why have you never pursued the path you chose in college?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think I haven\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have you done?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Ponderosa is a big ranch\u2026over a thousand square miles.\u00a0 We\u2019re always looking for ways to increase productivity.\u00a0 That\u2019s what I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill left me with the impression that you\u2026what was the term\u2026you poke cattle?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s punch cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well\u2026not much of an improvement,\u201d said Natalie, slowly turning her head away with a horrified look.<\/p>\n

Placing his napkin at the side of his plate, he motioned to the waiter for the check.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t I just show you?\u00a0 I have plans for tomorrow, so I\u2019ll let you know when we can take a ride.\u00a0 Beyond that, I\u2019m afraid I\u2019ll be busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps I\u2019ll take a ride on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t know that the livery will have any side saddles, but you can hire a buggy there.\u00a0 And I\u2019m sure they will find you a driver.\u201d<\/p>\n

Natalie\u2019s upper lip curled.\u00a0 Once upon a time you took care of that little detail.<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam paid the check and rose, offering his hand to Natalie.\u00a0 He walked her to the stairs. \u201cI\u2019ll try to let you know tomorrow when we can go for that ride.\u00a0 Good night,\u201d he said.\u00a0 She held out her hand, and he took it in his, but rather than kissing it, he slightly bowed, turned and left.<\/p>\n

Hmf.\u00a0 By the time I\u2019m through here, she won\u2019t have anything to do with you.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 33 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Thirty-Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shiloh was just closing her bag when she heard a knock at her door.\u00a0 She took the bag into the sitting room, then looked out the window.\u00a0 She could just make out a little dark blue in the mostly black morning sky.\u00a0 There was another knock.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m coming,\u201d she said, hurrying to the door.<\/p>\n

With her hand on the knob, she asked, \u201cWho is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d\u00a0 She turned the key and opened the door.\u00a0 \u201cHome?\u201d he asked, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not quite.\u201d\u00a0 His jaw slightly dropped and a confused look took over his face.\u00a0 \u201cJim Fischer will be on the noon stage today.\u00a0 If he\u2019s up to it, I\u2019d like to take him to the Flying W and let him choose his horses.\u00a0 Then you and he can spend some time reminiscing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, in that case, would you join me for breakfast\u2026at the club?<\/p>\n

\u201cYou frequent the club?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever been there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stopped walking, and gave her a disbelieving look.\u00a0 \u201cSam Clemens took me to dinner there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSam Clemens,\u201d he said, puckering his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we have breakfast here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026because I don\u2019t want to run into Natalie Peterson today.\u201d\u00a0 He took her arm by the elbow and guided her out the door, locking it behind them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait to hear about this,\u201d she said as they went down the stairs and out of the hotel, walking hand in hand to the club.<\/p>\n

\u201cI escorted her to few dances when I was in Boston, but that was a long time ago.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think you\u2019d really care to hear how that went.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, she asked, \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout what?\u201d he said, returning the smile.<\/p>\n

She held up their clasped hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it bother you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked around at the town just coming to life, then looked back up at him with a contented smile.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

After breakfast, Adam accompanied Shiloh, who busied herself going to each merchant that held an account for her, paying them off.\u00a0 She also went by the bank, withdrawing enough money to cover her payroll with Adam insisting on carrying the money.\u00a0 By the time they got back to the stage office, they only had a few minutes before the stage would arrive. Shiloh pulled the hood of her cape over her hair when snow started falling.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe we shouldn\u2019t try this today,\u201d she said, looking up into the snow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d said Adam, looking up with her.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s no guarantee this is going to stop. I think you need to go ahead and show him the horses.\u00a0 Is he staying in San Francisco or is he going back to Boston?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t he tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he just said he would be here and would like to see me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom his correspondence, I got the impression that he would be in San Francisco for awhile.\u00a0 Was he a rider when you knew him?\u201d she asked, shivering at the sudden drop in temperature.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam moved his arm around her and pulled her into his side. He looked down and lowered his voice.\u00a0 \u201cYes, he was.\u00a0 If he\u2019s staying, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll want to ride.\u00a0 Do you have something warmer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d be staying outside for any length of time, and I thought I\u2019d be going home sooner than this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before she finished, the stagecoach arrived with six passengers.\u00a0 Adam walked forward when Fischer finally emerged.\u00a0 \u201cJim,\u201d he greeted, smiling and offering his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t believe it.\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u201d he said, taking Adam\u2019s hand with his other hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been entirely too long.\u201d\u00a0 He turned and addressed the woman standing next to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cAren\u2019t you\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJim, this is Miss Shiloh Whitney of the Flying W ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

A half smile formed on Mr. Fischer\u2019s lips.\u00a0 \u201cBut, this is\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cOne and the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had no idea,\u201d Fischer said, taking her hand.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m\u2026a little confused\u2026but very glad to meet you Miss Whitney.<\/p>\n

Adam reached up to take a bag from the stage driver. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we get your bag to the buggy, and we\u2019ll explain it on the way to the Flying W.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let me check in at the hotel first and just leave the bag there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense.\u00a0 You\u2019ll stay at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 It\u2019s closer to the Flying W anyway,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

When they arrived at the buggy, Adam stowed Jim\u2019s bag under a seat and pulled the cover of the buggy up.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be right back.\u00a0 Shiloh left her bag in the hotel.\u201d\u00a0 Adam disappeared into the hotel while Jim helped Shiloh into the front seat, after which he climbed in the back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to apologize, Miss Whitney.\u00a0 I assumed you and Isabella were two different women.\u00a0 When Mr. Stanton directed me to the Flying W ranch to purchase horses, he mentioned your father at first, but said you hand taken over the ranch.\u00a0 I\u2019m very sorry to hear of your father\u2019s passing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Fischer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, call me Jim.\u00a0 When I saw you waiting with Adam, I recognized you as Isabella Whitney\u2026from your performances in Boston.\u00a0 And there was an article in the Alta California about your performance here and about you and Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

She cleared her throat.\u00a0 \u201cReally?\u00a0 Do you remember who wrote it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see, I believe the name was Clemens.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh strained to keep a straight face and said quickly, \u201cSo it was Mr. Stanton that sent you to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he had very complimentary things to say about you\u2026said you were quite the business woman\u2026something about winning a sizeable land bid.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I increased my holdings.\u00a0 Mr. Stanton had also purchased several horses from my father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe says they are all magnificent animals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are indeed,\u201d said Adam as he returned with Shiloh\u2019s bag and violin, placing them under a seat.\u00a0 He climbed up in the seat next to Shiloh and whistled the horses into motion, but stopped only a short distance in front of Murdock\u2019s store.\u00a0 \u201cWait right here.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back.\u201d\u00a0 He came out of the store only a few minutes later with two blankets, passing one back to Jim and handing one to Shiloh.\u00a0 When he was seated in the buggy, he took the blanket and spread it out over her lap, then over his.\u00a0 \u201cEveryone comfortable?\u201d\u00a0 He glanced back, then headed for home.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Natalie Peterson watched from the window of the International House restaurant wondering why Jim Fisher would be in Virginia City. Perhaps it would soon be time to hire a buggy for a ride to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 34 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Thirty-Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

The three travelers stomped their feet and shook themselves as they stepped into the Flying W ranch house.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t have anything warm to offer you, but there\u2019s whiskey and brandy to at least warm your insides,\u201d said Shiloh. \u201cAdam, would you do the honors while I go and change out of this dress?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJim,\u201d said Adam, motioning to the parlor.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Adam, based on what you and Shiloh have told me so far, can I surmise that you are\u2026responsible\u2026for her?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, not responsible for her well-being\u2026yet…of course,\u201d he said, winking.\u00a0 \u201cShe seems to handle that responsibility quite well on her own.\u00a0 But rather, responsible for who she is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would you think that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you are the one who sent her to college in Boston, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJim, that was based on her aptitude when she was very young.\u00a0 I never expected her to choose music.\u00a0 Her father taught her a good bit about running this ranch before she ever left\u2026and that includes training the horses.\u201d\u00a0 Adam handed Jim a glass of whiskey and picked one up for himself.\u00a0 \u201cNo, the decisions she\u2019s made so far have been her own.\u201d\u00a0 Adam took a long drink.\u00a0 \u201cWhat brings you to San Francisco?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cCongratulations!\u00a0 So, you\u2019ve moved to the West coast then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust bought a place in the city not far from the office.\u00a0 I also bought some land outside the city and built a stable and a small house, along with a caretaker\u2019s cottage.\u00a0 So I have a place to go when I need to get out of the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJim,\u201d said Shiloh, walking into the parlor in riding clothes, \u201cPerhaps I could use your expertise then, if you are taking on new clients.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be nice to build up my own client list.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to have to get familiar with performance contracts.\u00a0 When I\u2019m ready, I wonder if you could draw up a standard contract with a place to fill in dates and wages.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be delighted.\u00a0 In fact, I can send you several samples of performance contracts we already handle.\u00a0 You can change them to your liking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerfect.\u00a0 Now, let\u2019s go look at some horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three bundled up and walked to the back corral where the Flying W heritage stock was kept.\u00a0 Shiloh was making a list as they were walking to the corral, and when they arrived, she called Johnny over.\u00a0 \u201cJohnny, would you and Billy bring up these horses?\u201d she asked, handing Johnny the list.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre these horses for sale?\u201d asked Jim, looking into the corral.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 This is my heritage stock.\u00a0 I don\u2019t sell these.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Stanton mentioned a black horse named Max.\u00a0 He said I should ask you to show him to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh took a step back and glanced at Adam, who narrowed his eyes, slightly nodding.\u00a0 Taking a deep breath, she answered, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Jim.\u00a0 But Max\u2026\u201d\u00a0 She stopped, fighting back tears.\u00a0 \u201cMax is no longer with us.\u00a0 I lost him in a fire that destroyed my barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m terribly sorry.\u00a0 I can see that was quite a painful loss for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She closed her eyes and took several slow breaths.\u00a0 \u201cThank you.\u00a0 I do have several horses sired by Max.\u201d She whistled, and one of the stallions trotted up to the fence.\u00a0 She reached up, scratched his nose and stood underneath his head.\u00a0 \u201cThis is Eli.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mr. Stanton didn\u2019t exaggerate.\u00a0 He\u2019s quite horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey all are,\u201d said Adam.\u00a0 \u201cJust wait until you ride one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve ridden these horses?\u201d asked Jim.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had the privilege of riding Max.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never ridden an animal quite like him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything you will see today has this bloodline in them.\u00a0 I have quite a few black horses, but I do have horses of just about any color you could think of.\u00a0 Most of the males are geldings, though I do have some stallions that aren\u2019t purebred that I will sell for the right price.\u00a0 Everything I sell is trained, so you\u2019re not only paying for a horse, you\u2019re paying for the horse\u2019s training and disposition.\u00a0 Once you\u2019ve bonded with the horse, he\u2019ll do anything for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Johnny and Billy had started moving horses into an empty corral.\u00a0 As they walked closer, Jim pointed, \u201cTell me about that one\u2026the one with the spots on her hindquarters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s Spec,\u201d Shiloh answered nervously.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not sure Spec is what you\u2019re looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she\u2019s beautiful,\u201d Jim said, watching Spec prance around the corral with her head up and her neck and tail arched.<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked up hopefully at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWould you mind showing Spec to Jim while I go pick out a few more?\u00a0 Just let Billy know if you want to ride her.\u00a0 He\u2019ll get her bridled and saddled.\u201d<\/p>\n

With Adam standing with the horse, Spec was on her best behavior, and after looking at several other horses and riding them around the corral, Jim chose three, including Spec.\u00a0 Shiloh rode Eli while she worked with Jim in the corral on each horse.\u00a0 Finally, she took him out into an open meadow.\u00a0 Before they left, she asked Billy to saddle Jezebel, one of the blacks.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, Billy is saddling Jez if you\u2019d like to join us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Adam flared his nostrils and cut his eyes sideways at her as if to say \u201cOf course I would.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh and Jim walked their horses into the pristine snow, waiting for Adam to catch up.\u00a0 Once he joined them, Shiloh rode next to Jim telling him how to take the horse from a walk to an amble, and then to a cantor.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019re comfortable enough to take her to a gallop, go ahead.\u00a0 We\u2019ll follow you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim had a smile on his face the entire time, and when Shiloh told him he could go on his own, his eyes lit up, and he howled as he took off.\u00a0 Shiloh followed him with as much enthusiasm as Jim with Adam close behind.\u00a0 She reveled in the power she was harnessing, feeling the cold wind on her face and the gentle touch of the soft snowflakes on her skin with the horse\u2019s gait, smooth and even, like poetry.<\/p>\n

Hank had come into the yard and stood with Johnny and Billy, watching the three riders on their horses kicking up a spray of white powder against the gray-blue color of the sunless landscape and thought he\u2019d never seen anything quite so beautiful.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 35 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Thirty-Five<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben arose to the sound of thundering hooves approaching the house.\u00a0 He hurried to the door, wondering what in Heaven\u2019s name could be wrong.\u00a0 A smile immediately took over his face when he saw the two big, black horses.\u00a0 His eyebrows went up when he saw a stranger sitting astride a black horse with a white hindquarter covered in black spots.\u00a0 The three brought their steeds down to a walk and approached the hitching rail.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a ride!\u201d said Jim excitedly.\u00a0 \u201cNever in my wildest dreams did I ever think I\u2019d have the opportunity to run all out in a field of snow on a horse like this.\u00a0 I must say Miss Whitney that was exhilarating!\u201d he exclaimed, dismounting his horse.<\/p>\n

Adam had already stepped down from Jezebel and walked over to Shiloh, catching her as she slid down out of the saddle. \u201cPa, this is Jim Fischer, originally from Boston.\u00a0 You\u2019ll remember me talking about him.\u00a0 He\u2019s moved to San Francisco and is purchasing some horses from Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben extended his hand.\u00a0 \u201cWelcome to the Ponderosa, Mr. Fischer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJim, please,\u201d he said, shaking Ben\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what a magnificent spread you have here, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thank you.\u201d Ben spread his arm around behind Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get inside out of this cold.\u201d\u00a0 As they walked through the door, he said, \u201cI hope Adam has invited you to stay for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, Pa, I invited him to stay.\u00a0 We have some catching up to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, good.\u00a0 I\u2019ll let Hop Sing know we\u2019ll have guests for dinner.\u00a0 Excuse me for a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think of Spec?\u201d asked Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Whitney, I have to tell you, I\u2019ve had the opportunity to ride some fine animals in Boston, but your horses\u2026they\u2019re simply magnificently trained.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know why I haven\u2019t heard of you before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, call me Shiloh.\u00a0 My father\u2019s business was by word of mouth, and I\u2019m afraid when he left the south, he left a good business behind.\u00a0 Now with the war, I\u2019m sure he\u2019s been forgotten there.\u00a0 He had been selling locally since we\u2019ve been here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I have a few friends who would love to get their hands on one of these horses.\u00a0 I\u2019ll certainly let them know who to contact.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThank you.\u00a0 I just hope I can keep up with demand.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three walked into the living area, sitting near the fire; Jim in the leather chair and Shiloh on the table with Adam standing with one foot propped up on the hearth.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long does it take to train one?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat depends entirely on the horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore you get started on that, Jim, can I offer you a drink\u2026brandy, whiskey or coffee?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cA nice hot cup of coffee would be wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee, please.\u201d\u00a0 While Shiloh explained the training, Adam excused himself to the kitchen about the same time Ben was returning.<\/p>\n

Listening to their conversation, he interjected.\u00a0 \u201cWe had all worried when Shiloh\u2019s father passed, that his methods died with him, but as luck would have it, he showed Shiloh how he trained them before she left for college.\u00a0 I\u2019d known Amos for almost twenty years and encouraged him to expand his business.\u00a0 But he was satisfied with what he was doing.\u00a0 He never needed to make a lot of money on those horses.\u00a0 He just enjoyed the work and the appreciation his clients held for his animals.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t sell to just anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about you, Shiloh? asked Jim.\u00a0 \u201cYou talked about expanding your horse business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTalking about it and actually doing it are two entirely different things.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid I won\u2019t have the time to do much more than I\u2019m doing now with the ranch and singing.\u00a0 I\u2019d be much more interested in a happy medium.\u00a0 Like my father, I don\u2019t have to be wildly wealthy to be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had rejoined them while Shiloh was speaking.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, you might be surprised at the amount of business Jim can bring you.\u00a0 He tends to enjoy showing off his horses and riding skills.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll just have to take it as it comes, I suppose,\u201d she answered, looking away.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing came in with the coffee service just in time to stem what might have been an awkward silence.\u00a0 While he prepared cups for everyone, the conversation turned toward Jim.<\/p>\n

\u201cJim, Adam has mentioned you went to college with him and that you have a successful law practice,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I did in Boston.\u00a0 But I\u2019ve accepted a position in a partnership in San Francisco, so I\u2019ve recently moved there.\u00a0 It was Mr. Stanton, who handled a land bid that Shiloh won, who told me about the Whitney horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cSmall world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d be surprised, Jim, just how many people Adam and I both know from Boston, though I don\u2019t believe you and I ever met there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we never met, but I did see several of your performances.\u00a0 I have to admit, I was a little disappointed when you dropped off the face of the earth.\u00a0 But who else?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam answered.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Edwin Booth provided some guidance for Shiloh\u2019s singing career.\u00a0 And then, there was Will Stewart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know Mr. Booth, however I did know Will in college, as you well know, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe won\u2019t talk about that,\u201d said Adam, winking.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know Natalie Peterson?\u201d asked Shiloh, briefly cutting her eyes toward Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNatalie Peterson\u2026I\u2026uh\u2026yes, I do know her.\u201d He uncomfortably cleared his throat, glancing at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cDo you know her, too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ve never met her. But she\u2019s here in town.\u00a0 She had dinner with Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026well\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing the look pass between the two men, Shiloh made a mental note to bring Natalie up again with Adam, then changed the subject.\u00a0 \u201cJim, there\u2019s something you should know about Spec before you buy her.\u00a0 She\u2019s quite taken with Adam,\u201d said Shiloh, barely hiding her amusement.<\/p>\n

Jim looked at Adam, then back to Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam scratched his nose.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019ll have any trouble.\u00a0 She only acts out at Shiloh when I come along.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing stepped out of the kitchen to tell them dinner was ready.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll explain over dinner,\u201d said Adam as he took Shiloh\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

Ben went to the stairs and called for Joe and Hoss and as soon as everyone was present they sat down for dinner.\u00a0 Adam and Jim\u2019s stories of college kept them all entertained even after dinner until Jim announced that he\u2019d like to turn in.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we do the paperwork tomorrow?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u00a0 But how do you intend to get them home?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ride Spec and string the other two.\u00a0 I\u2019m not familiar with the territory, so I plan to follow the stagecoach.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat should work.\u00a0 Well, I should be getting back to the ranch.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you tomorrow,\u201d she said, smiling at Jim.<\/p>\n

Once Jim had disappeared up the stairs, Shiloh said her good nights to the rest of the Cartwrights and headed out the door with Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI thought I\u2019d leave Spec for Jim to ride tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. I\u2019ll bed him down in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh walked to the horses.\u00a0 \u201cCan you give me a leg up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, no.\u00a0 You\u2019re not riding home alone.\u00a0 You wait right here while I take Spec to the barn.\u00a0 Then I\u2019ll go with you.\u201d\u00a0 As he turned toward the barn, she gave him a sour look, causing him to stop, raising his chin as he looked over at her, and walking back.\u00a0 \u201cAre you being obstinate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s not that far to the house, but every time I come over here, you or your father insist on taking me home or sending someone with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour point?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI get over here by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam breathed out as he spoke.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, you know perfectly well why.\u00a0 We don\u2019t know where Sam King is and as long as we don\u2019t, you shouldn\u2019t be riding alone\u2026especially without your gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt Sam will be that bold.\u00a0 Everything he\u2019s done so far has been done when no one else was around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely.\u201d\u00a0 When she cast her eyes upward, he took her hand and pulled her into him so quickly, she grunted.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u00a0 We\u2019re doing this together,\u201d he said, putting his arm firmly around her waist and walking her toward the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I have a choice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 36 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Thirty-Six<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee arrived at the Ponderosa bright and early just as Ben and the boys were heading down the stairs for breakfast.\u00a0 Adam answered the knock at the door.\u00a0 \u201cRoy, what brings you out this early?\u201d he asked as he showed Roy in.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, come in and have some breakfast,\u201d invited Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you, Ben, I don\u2019t have time this morning.\u00a0 I just wanted to drop by and let you know that I\u2019ll have some men in the area, mostly on Flying W property lookin\u2019 around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, what for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems Sam King dropped some ore by the assay office a few days ago.\u00a0 Turns out it had a pretty high silver content\u2026as high as some of the big silver mines in the area.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stepped forward, perplexed.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019d he get it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAssay clerk didn\u2019t know. Sam didn\u2019t tell him.\u00a0 And he didn\u2019t file a claim either.\u00a0 Now with what\u2019s been going on at the Flying W, and Amos always claiming he was sittin\u2019 on a mountain of silver over there, I figured it\u2019d be a good idea to have a look around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going over to the Flying W after breakfast.\u00a0 I\u2019ll let Shiloh know,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d appreciate that, Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019ll save me some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, see to it that Hank keeps men posted around the house and the corrals,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ll tell her until after her business with Jim is finished.\u00a0 I get the feeling she\u2019s starting to feel a little overwhelmed between selling horses and rehearsals and making sure they\u2019re prepared for winter.\u00a0 Then, there\u2019s Natalie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNatalie Peterson?\u00a0 The girl you spoke of last night?\u201d\u00a0 Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s she got to do with this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe arrived in town the day before Jim.\u00a0 I think she\u2019s here at Will Stewart\u2019s request.\u00a0 Evidently there was an article in the Boston newspaper hinting that I was courting Isabella.\u00a0 Natalie gave me the impression that Will wasn\u2019t happy about it.\u00a0 She and Will have been\u2026friends\u2026for a long time, so I\u2019m sure she\u2019s up to something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm.\u00a0 Well, just make sure you tell Shiloh about Roy\u2019s suspicions.\u00a0 She needs to be prepared to defend herself if King shows up.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Adam and Jim arrived at the Flying W, Shiloh had the bills of sale ready for each horse Jim was purchasing.\u00a0 She gave Jim a few minutes to look them over, then asked, \u201cDo you need any changes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNone at all.\u00a0 Your bills of sale are short and to the point.\u00a0 Here you are, all signed,\u201d Jim said, handing a wad of cash and all three documents to Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cAll they need now is your signature.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh walked to the desk and signed the documents, giving one set to Jim and locking the other set in her safe along with the cash.\u00a0 \u201cWell, let\u2019s get you set to go then.\u00a0 There\u2019s a break in the snow, but I suspect it won\u2019t last for long.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know if the stage driver will take the northern route or the southern route to Sacramento, so you need to get to town and follow from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

By the time they were outside, Billy had brought the other two horses up to the front yard.\u00a0 \u201cTake one more look at them, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he walked around the horses, he asked, \u201cDoes the saddle go with the horse?\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNo, not normally, but if you want to buy it, I\u2019ll sell it to you.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t, just hold on to it.\u00a0 The next time one of us is in San Francisco, we\u2019ll pick it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim grinned.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t know me well enough to trust me like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t, but Adam does.\u201d<\/p>\n

After shaking hands with both Shiloh and Adam, Jim mounted, tipped his hat, and led his horses away, turning in his saddle.\u00a0 \u201cThe next time either of you are in San Francisco, dinner\u2019s on me.\u201d\u00a0 He waved as he disappeared around the curve toward the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 37 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Thirty-Seven\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Shiloh stood outside as snow continued to come down on the men working on the new barn. \u201cHank,\u201d she called, looking up at the trusses he and several men were feverishly hammering on.\u00a0 \u201cTake a break.\u00a0 I have hot coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, the men came down the ladders one by one and walked over to her.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Miss Whitney,\u201d said the first man.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Whitney, this is sure gonna feel good going down.\u00a0 Thank you, Ma\u2019am,\u201d said another.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Shiloh, I hope you know how much the men appreciate you feeding us hot stew and spelling us with hot coffee,\u201d said Hank.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s one of the big reasons we don\u2019t have a lot of \u2018em comin\u2019 and goin\u2019\u2026you treat \u2018em real good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHank, Daddy always told me that good men are hard to find, and to keep them happy.\u00a0 They\u2019re the reason the ranch runs so smoothly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hank smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI remember him saying those very words.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to leave both pots with you.\u00a0 I need to get back to Hop Sing,\u201d she said, turning to go back to the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Shiloh, what d\u2019you have him doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned back. \u201cHe\u2019s\u2026I\u2019m\u2026um\u2026sharing some of my mother\u2019s recipes,\u201d she said very fast, then turned and hurried into the house.\u00a0 After removing her coat and hanging it on the coat tree, she hurried back into the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing, I swear, it\u2019s getting colder out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPantry stock good,\u201d said Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of it\u2019s over a year old, so we\u2019ll have to check it,\u201d she said. \u201cMr. Cartwright stocked the kitchen right before I got home from college.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you want to learn?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I need to learn everything, Hop Sing.\u00a0 The only thing I can do is scramble eggs, fry bacon and make coffee and sandwiches.\u00a0\u00a0 And I buy my bread.\u00a0 I have no idea how to cook a roast or even prepare a chicken.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how long to cook vegetables, and I know absolutely nothing about making cookies or cakes or pies.\u00a0 Well, now I have an idea about stew, if I can just remember it all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou write down.\u00a0 Then you remember,\u201d he said, smiling.\u00a0 \u201cNext time, we bake bread.\u00a0 When you want Hop Sing back?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about day after tomorrow?\u00a0 I have to go into town tomorrow to rehearse.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing gathered his bag of cooking utensils, herbs and spices, leaving a list of those same seasonings for Shiloh to pick up in Virginia City\u2019s Chinatown.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Hop Sing.\u00a0 I appreciate your help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing smiled and bowed.\u00a0 \u201cYou good student.\u00a0 Hop Sing come back in two days.\u00a0 Teach Missy Shiloh to bake bread.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked him to his horse and waved as he left, then walked back to retrieve the coffee pots and cups.\u00a0 The men were back up on their ladders, hammering away in the snow.\u00a0 Hank was passing lumber up the ladders.\u00a0 \u201cHank, how much longer do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe only have a couple more trusses to put up.\u00a0 We\u2019ll get that done today before we quit.\u00a0 So tomorrow, we\u2019ll start putting on the roof.\u00a0 Then we need to do the inside work, so probably\u2026\u201d he stopped and looked at the ground as he thought, \u201c\u2026another two weeks or so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got two mares that are going to foal soon.\u00a0 Can you do the big stall first?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing,\u201d answered Hank.<\/p>\n

She smiled and turned back to the house.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam picked Natalie up from the International House in the buggy.\u00a0 Once they were tucked under the carriage blanket he brought with him, they were off to see the Ponderosa.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll be able to get you to lake.\u00a0 The road may be impassable, but you\u2019ll be able to see a good bit of the land.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the house?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was speaking with the man at the livery about what to see, and I mentioned that I knew you.\u00a0 He said to be sure to see the Ponderosa house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam mouthed the word \u2018Oh\u2019.\u00a0 \u201cWell, we can go by the house to warm up before we head back to town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSplendid,\u201d she said excitedly as she moved in close and wrapped her arm around Adam\u2019s.<\/p>\n

He looked down at her arm around his, reached over and removed it.\u00a0 \u201cNatalie, this is not what you might have hoped for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally,\u201d she said, sounding skeptical.\u00a0 \u201cA carriage ride\u2026in the snow\u2026underneath a blanket\u2026just the two of us; what do you think people will think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe show people the Ponderosa fairly often.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome now, Adam.\u00a0 I don\u2019t believe someone like Isabella Whitney could really hold your interest for very long.\u00a0 She sings.\u00a0 After you\u2019ve seen her once or twice, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll be quite bored.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you forgetting that she runs a ranch and trains horses?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure she owns<\/em> a ranch with <\/em>horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHer name is Shiloh Isabella Whitney.\u00a0 She runs<\/em> a ranch near the Ponderosa, and she trains horses for pleasure riding.\u00a0 Besides that, I could never be bored with her voice.\u00a0 She sings like an angel.\u00a0 And make sure you tell all that to Will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would I do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sent you here, didn\u2019t he; to spy on Isabella?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what if he did?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be too late to tell him anything that he won\u2019t already know anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is that possible?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsabella is giving a reporter an exclusive interview.\u00a0 It will be a very comprehensive article, and will be sent to all the major newspapers, including the Herald<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 38 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Thirty-Eight<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d said Ben to the only son at the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at what he assumed had been a full plate, now almost empty.\u00a0 \u201cPlans this morning?\u201d he asked as he poured a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cRehearsal.\u00a0\u00a0 I need to get over to the Flying W before Shiloh leaves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo she won\u2019t ride into town alone.\u00a0 Roy\u2019s men haven\u2019t found anything suspicious, but still, King could be around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm.\u00a0 That\u2019s probably a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m expecting a delivery any day.\u00a0 If it shows up while I\u2019m gone, would you have them put it in the bunkhouse off the study?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy in the bunkhouse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s big.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stopped eating and looked up. \u201cWhat have you done now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll understand when you see it, Pa,\u201d Adam said, grinning.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got to get going if I\u2019m gonna catch Shiloh.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Hank had already hitched the horses, and Shiloh was putting her portfolio and violin under the seat of the buggy when Adam rode up.\u00a0 \u201cGood morning,\u201d he said as he dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what are you doing here?\u00a0 I thought you\u2019d already be headed to town.\u201d\u00a0 He gave her a displeased look with his eyebrows raised.\u00a0 She grumbled under her breath and walked toward the bunkhouse calling Hank.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, hurrying out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you get someone to take care of Adam\u2019s horse?\u00a0 Store his saddle in the bunkhouse and put Sport in the corral.\u201d\u00a0 She ran her hand along his side noticing his coat hadn\u2019t grown out.\u00a0 \u201cPut a blanket on him before you turn him out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t expect me back until evening.\u201d\u00a0 Hank tipped his hat. Turning to Adam, she said, \u201cShall we go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were really going to ride into town alone, weren\u2019t you?\u201d he asked as he helped her into the buggy.\u00a0\u00a0 Once his guitar was under the seat and he was seated next to her, he leaned over to pull the blanket over their laps, then kissed her, leaving her mouth upturned on one side.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I don\u2019t think Sam\u2019s out to hurt me.\u00a0 He could just as easily had Tommy set fire to the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe came after you once.\u00a0 There\u2019s no reason to think that he won\u2019t do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTommy told me that Sam was trying to scare me into selling the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam crooked his jaw and slowly turned to her.\u00a0 \u201cI distinctly remember asking you to stay away from Tom Baker.\u00a0 When did you to talk to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

He knew she was about to change the subject when she gave him a smile that was just a little too sweet.\u00a0 \u201cYou didn\u2019t ask me.\u00a0 You ordered me.\u00a0 Are you nervous yet about performing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam angrily flared his nostrils, deciding whether or not to talk to her about Tommy Baker.\u00a0 He should\u2019ve known she would do the opposite of what he told her to do.\u00a0 But the boy was in jail.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t going to get in any trouble while he was there, and there was no point in spoiling the day.\u00a0 \u201cNot in the least.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh put her arm around Adam\u2019s and snuggled in next to him, watching the snowy scenery go by.\u00a0 \u201cIs it my imagination or does everything seem quieter in the snow?\u201d she asked softly as if speaking normally would break a magic winter spell.\u00a0 He took it as a rhetorical question and just smiled, both enjoying the winter landscape and warm company on the way to town.<\/p>\n

Just before they arrived in Virginia City, Adam broke the silence.\u00a0 \u201cWe need to talk about Sam King.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy came by the Ponderosa.\u00a0 He said Sam brought some ore in, and it assayed with a high silver content.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019s decided to do some honest work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave her an incredulous look.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re talking about Sam King.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t tell the assay clerk where he got it, and he didn\u2019t file a claim.\u00a0 Roy thinks it might have come from the Flying W.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked at him wide-eyed.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u00a0 Why would Sam King be looking for silver on my land?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pulled the reins, stopping the horses, and both sat there looking out into nothingness. Then they looked at each other.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think?\u201d asked Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s as good a reason as any.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe couldn\u2019t have figured that out by himself.\u00a0 And it would be too obvious if he showed up to buy the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree.\u00a0 Which means he\u2019s either got a smart partner, or he\u2019s just working for someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do we find out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea\u2026yet.\u201d\u00a0 Adam reined the horses to a walk and drove into Virginia City.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 39 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Thirty-Nine<\/strong><\/p>\n

When everyone arrived at the opera house, Tom Maguire addressed the musicians who would be singing the chorus in the new song that would be introduced.\u00a0 \u201cBefore you get started today, I\u2019d like you all to go to the dressing area and try on your costumes for the new piece.\u00a0 Any final adjustments will be made this week.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam, that includes you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked over at Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cI thought I was wearing tails like the rest of the orchestra.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I forgot to mention…you\u2019re not.\u00a0 Since you\u2019ll be standing beside me, and I\u2019ll be in period clothing, you will be, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking sideways at her and narrowing his eyes, he said, \u201cYou promised no tights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I did,\u201d she replied apprehensively, hoping that Maguire had managed to produce one of those \u2018other options\u2019 he had mentioned.<\/p>\n

Adam hesitantly entered the dressing area where he was handed his costume to try on.\u00a0 Once he had donned everything, he went back to the stage to see if it met with Shiloh\u2019s approval.\u00a0 Her eyes lit up as she sucked in a quick breath and smiled, obviously pleased with the outcome.\u00a0 The costume consisted of black pants laced tightly up the outside of each leg over which he wore black boots that came almost up to his knees.\u00a0\u00a0 He wore a white shirt with long, generous sleeves over which he wore a deep burgundy fitted doublet, laced down the middle of the front and back and finished with a wide black belt.\u00a0 The color had been matched to the material for Shiloh\u2019s dress which would consist of a black under dress covered by a deep burgundy over dress, with a bodice having laces in the back and front below a low, square cut neckline, and a white peasant blouse with lace that showed in the neckline and long sleeves, trailing down below her hands and tapered so that her hands were not covered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, the illusion would be perfect if you had a neatly trimmed, short beard and a mustache.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I have two weeks.\u00a0 I think I can manage that.\u00a0 When do we get to see your costume?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already tried my dress on, and it needs some alterations. Our last rehearsal will be a dress rehearsal.\u00a0 We\u2019ll practice as if it were the actual performance.\u00a0 You\u2019ll see it then.\u201d\u00a0 She walked around him. \u201cIt looks like it fits quite well.\u00a0 Do you need any alterations?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh turned toward the back of the hall. \u201cTom, what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks quite authentic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam went backstage to change, and once the musicians had their alterations pinned, everyone gathered back in the opera hall ready to practice.<\/p>\n

Once again, the company ate lunch together, filling the International House restaurant almost to full.\u00a0 There were a few other patrons who were fortunate enough to get some of the remaining tables.\u00a0 Natalie Peterson sat in a far corner unnoticed, but far from uninterested.\u00a0 And Sam Clemens sat close by as well, watching everything that went on between Shiloh and the rest of the company.\u00a0 He wanted a complete story when he was finished, and seeing Isabella interact with the members of the orchestra would, hopefully, give him some good insight into Shiloh.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Everything had been quiet for the next two weeks.\u00a0 There had been no sign of Sam King, and no mysterious incidents at the Flying W.\u00a0 The smaller version of Shiloh\u2019s barn was almost complete; the only work left to do were minor things on the inside.\u00a0 Shiloh was still waiting for the two mares to foal, and until they did, they were being kept warm and comfortable in the barn along with Spirit and three other horses that she intended to train.<\/p>\n

Natalie Peterson had turned out to be no more than a mild annoyance to Adam.\u00a0 She mostly stayed out of his way and only once encountered him outside of Virginia City when she finally went for that buggy ride to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 However, with it being winter, there wasn\u2019t much going on to watch.\u00a0 She had managed to speak with Shiloh on a day she was in town getting supplies.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, but aren\u2019t you Isabella Whitney?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh had been standing at the wagon, checking her list while her men loaded.\u00a0 No one had ever addressed her as Isabella when she wore her britches.\u00a0 She turned, but didn\u2019t recognize the woman.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh Whitney.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see.\u00a0 You\u2019re Shiloh Whitney like this\u2026\u201d said Natalie, looking Shiloh up and down disapprovingly, \u201c\u2026but your Isabella when you\u2019re in the opera hall.<\/p>\n

Shiloh smirked.\u00a0 \u201cYou must be Miss Peterson\u2026from Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how would you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam described you.\u00a0 Something about Boston Brahmins\u2026and your nose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Natalie’s lip curled into what was almost a snarl. \u201cWell, we had a lovely ride.\u00a0 You know he is such an attentive man\u2026always has been.\u00a0 The Ponderosa is quite beautiful, and seeing it was even more enjoyable cozy and warm under a carriage blanket.\u00a0 It reminded me of our time together in Boston.\u201d\u00a0 She turned her eyes up, looking dreamily.\u00a0 \u201cWe did some catching up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh didn’t look up from her list. \u201cYou\u2019re a lucky lady then.\u00a0 He tends not to share too much about his life in Boston here\u2026almost as if he\u2019s embarrassed by it.\u00a0 He also entertains quite a few visitors from out of town.\u201d\u00a0 She chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cAnd that carriage blanket has seen a number of laps and probably the backs of one or two horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Shiloh, this is the last of it,\u201d said Johnny.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Peterson, if you\u2019ll excuse me, I have ranch business to attend to.\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh turned and entered Mr. Murdock\u2019s store.<\/p>\n

Natalie watched as Shiloh disappeared into the store, then turned back toward the hotel, thinking, I just turned those blue eyes green<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Sam Clemens stood watching the interchange from across the street.\u00a0 He had become a man in the shadows, watching everything he could to understand Shiloh\u2019s life.\u00a0 Having the advantage of staying in the background, he caught her letting her guard down more often, and he had come to know her as a woman who enjoyed her work, who appreciated a good laugh, and who was gracious to mostly everyone around her, except this woman and two ladies from the Virginia City Culture Society, Mrs. Sarah Gables and Miss Minnie Watkins.\u00a0 For some reason Shiloh avoided those two as if they had a terrible disease, and even when they cornered her, she always found some way to escape.\u00a0 Perhaps he should just ask her about them. He was sure they were pursuing her because of Isabella, but he wasn\u2019t sure that it was Isabella who was avoiding them.<\/p>\n

And there was another truth Sam knew that no one else seemed to be aware of\u2026not even Adam.\u00a0 A man was following Shiloh.\u00a0 Sam had no idea who he was, and he was sure Shiloh had no idea he was there, but every so often, Sam would see him step out of the shadows and follow her with his gaze as she made her way down the sidewalk.\u00a0 He was there much too often to just be a curious onlooker.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 40 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

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

The night of the performance was upon them, and Virginia City was overflowing with visitors from out of town looking for a place to stay.\u00a0 By now the hotels were completely booked and were referring unlucky latecomers to lodgings as far away as Carson City and Genoa.<\/p>\n

Virginia City\u2019s residents, from humblest to highest, came out for the evening wearing their best finery.\u00a0 Never before had anyone left Virginia City, made a name for themselves, then come home to stay.\u00a0 Isabella Whitney\u2019s reputation certainly had preceded her, and when the people of Virginia City found out she was their own Shiloh Whitney, things changed.\u00a0 Not only could they refer to their city as the home of the Comstock and the great Ponderosa Ranch, but now, they could boast their own celebrated opera singer and their own opera house.\u00a0 Culture had most definitely arrived in Virginia City.<\/p>\n

While the Cartwrights were waiting in their box for the performance to begin, they discussed Adam\u2019s transformation.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Joe,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cYou think he\u2019ll shave it off after this is done?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u00a0 Shiloh seems to like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but have you seen how he fuses over it to keep it from goin\u2019 bushy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what d\u2019you think?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s beard.\u00a0 You think he\u2019ll keep it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head and smirked.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 It\u2019s too much trouble to keep.\u00a0 And I\u2019m not sure Shiloh will continue to appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t follow you, Pa.\u00a0 She seems to like the way it looks on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, it has nothing to do with the way it looks, but rather everything to do with the way it feels.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss looked confused for a moment, then smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n

Isabella\u2019s performance was as excitingly captivating as everyone had anticipated, the crowd showering her with enthusiastic applause time after time. From stage left, Adam watched her charm her audience just as she had in San Francisco.\u00a0 He enjoyed every note, every nuance, sporting a smile that didn\u2019t fade.\u00a0 While Hoss sat with his mouth hanging open, Joe sat back, smiling and winking at anyone who looked at him, saying, \u201cI know her.\u201d<\/p>\n

When it came time for the new song, Monsieur Rousset introduced the story behind the piece as the singers changed into their costumes and everyone took their places on stage.\u00a0 Once everyone was seated, he then introduced Mr. Adam Cartwright who would be accompanying Miss Whitney with his guitar and finally Miss Isabella Whitney.<\/p>\n

Adam had seen her in the dress once before, but tonight he caught his breath when she appeared on the stage. Tonight, she wore her long, full, dark auburn hair loosely flowing down to the small of her back and over her shoulders, falling in soft, wavy curls from top to bottom.\u00a0 On her head, she wore a burgundy circlet with a small garnet hanging down in center of her forehead.\u00a0 Her hair along with the dress completed the look of a beautiful medieval maiden.\u00a0 Adam smiled at her with dark, smoldering eyes, making her feel a familiar flutter that in the end only added to the believability of the song she was singing to Remmie as Scarlet.<\/p>\n

When the song ended, the crowed jumped to their feet in another resounding ovation, the women leaning into their husbands commenting how handsome Adam Cartwright was while their husbands stood appreciating Isabella.<\/p>\n

Sam Clemens stood right along with the rest of the audience, forgetting his notes and offering his own loud applause along with an occasional \u201cBravo,\u201d while several other reporters were busily writing in their notepads.\u00a0 Sam thought to himself that she had done it again; thrilled an audience with not only her angelic voice and her lofty, long notes, but also those qualities that made her performances so unique, the personal attention she paid to each individual in her audience.<\/p>\n

After her encore performance of what had come to be known as her signature song, after the applause had finally quieted once the audience realized she wouldn\u2019t be doing a second encore, and after the patrons had stopped and spoken to their friends, raving about the performance as the herald of things to come, the opera hall finally began to empty.<\/p>\n

It was then that Adam and Isabella came out of their dressing rooms sans costumes, wearing their evening attire and milling about with the musicians, Maguire and his investors, some of Virginia City\u2019s wealthiest anxious to guarantee their seats for the upcoming season, including the Cartwrights, and the few reporters who remained after Clemens\u2019 pronouncement of exclusive story rights several weeks ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Shiloh\u2026I mean Miss Isabella that was a lot different from when you used to sing in church.\u00a0 I never knew anyone could sing that high,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe backhanded Hoss\u2019s chest. \u201cDid you ever know anyone who could hold their breath that long?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, that\u2019s what all that voice training was for,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

Isabella leaned in.\u00a0 \u201cAnd believe it or not, your older brother can do that, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss snorted.\u00a0 \u201cYou ain\u2019t serious.\u201d\u00a0 She raised an eyebrow, nodding and smiling smugly.\u00a0 Hoss looked over at Adam who was squinting, looking up toward the ceiling.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Hoss in disbelief.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d think we\u2019d have known that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stepping forward with a hand on Isabella\u2019s back, Ben laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI think you\u2019d be surprised at what you don\u2019t know about your brother.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to Isabella.\u00a0 \u201cMy dear, another memorable performance.\u00a0 You keep doing this, we\u2019ll all be spoiled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she replied, smiling sweetly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we should be getting home.\u00a0 And you two shouldn\u2019t be too far behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his father\u2019s hand, grinning.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa.\u00a0 We won\u2019t be.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the Cartwrights had left and Adam and Isabella separated to say their goodbyes, Natalie made her move, demanding Adam\u2019s attention in the hall entry way.\u00a0 She had positioned herself so that she could see anyone walking down the aisle toward the main entrance of the opera hall, and while she showered praise on Adam for his part in the performance, she watched as Isabella slowly made her way toward them. At just the right moment, just before Isabella came through the entrance way to the foyer, Natalie stepped into Adam, and kissed him squarely on the mouth.\u00a0 Adam instinctively reacted, bringing his hands up to her arms, but before he could end the kiss, Isabella had already seen it, her jaw dropping while she felt as if she had been kicked in the gut.\u00a0 She turned to go back into the opera hall just as Adam pushed Natalie away.\u00a0 He caught Isabella\u2019s retreat out of the corner of his eye.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 41 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Forty-One<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shiloh walked quickly to her dressing room, reaching in to grab her cape then ran down the back hall toward Tom\u2019s office and a side door.\u00a0 Sam Clemens intercepted her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, what\u2019s the hurry?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSam, I\u2026I just need to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked away, trying to hold back her tears.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u00a0 I just need to go home.\u00a0 Would you mind taking me home, Sam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam saw the distress on her face, the blue of her eyes pronounced in the water pooled there.\u00a0 \u201cYes, of course.\u00a0 I have a buggy right outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

By the time they were in the buggy, Adam had caught up with them, and stepping out of the door, he shouted, \u201cShiloh!\u201d<\/p>\n

She snatched the reins from Clemens, and flicked them hard at the same time she yelled,\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHa!\u201d at the horse.<\/p>\n

Adam had run toward the buggy and just as he reached out to grab her arm the buggy pulled swiftly away.\u00a0 He stood there for a moment breathing heavily, his lips drawn into a tight line. Turning to go back into the opera hall, he stopped and kicked a stack of empty crates causing them to topple noisily to the ground.\u00a0 He paced just inside the door, calming himself, then went in search of Natalie Peterson.\u00a0 When he found her, he took her by the arm, roughly escorting her out of the opera hall and into the side alley.\u00a0 Breathing deeply, he asked in a low, malevolent voice, \u201cJust tell me one thing, Natalie.\u00a0 What did Will promise you?\u201d\u00a0 She looked smugly up at him.\u00a0 \u201cThis was the problem with you all along.\u00a0 You never had a mind of your own.\u00a0 Who\u2019s the puppet now?\u201d<\/p>\n

She reached up to slap him, but he caught her hand, squeezing it tightly for a moment before he released it.\u00a0 Turning, he left her standing in the alley.<\/p>\n

Adam drove by the Flying W to see that Shiloh arrived home safely.\u00a0 He waited until Clemens walked her to her door.\u00a0 Clemens handed her what looked like a newspaper, then the two entered the house. On his way back to the Ponderosa, he thought at first, that Shiloh was acting out of revenge, choosing Clemens to take her home, but settled that Clemens just happened to be in the right place when she wanted a ride.\u00a0 But she asked him in.<\/p>\n

When Adam arrived home, he took his time putting the horse and buggy away.\u00a0 He knew his father would be waiting up for him, and at the moment, he didn\u2019t want to talk to anyone.\u00a0 He finally decided to just get it over with and quietly squeezed the latch on the front door, silently hung his hat, and casually walked toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u00a0 Everything alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped, hesitated, then turned toward his father.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m just tired. It\u2019s been a long night.\u201d\u00a0 He turned back toward the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cGood night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Son,\u201d replied Ben as he watched Adam slowly climb the stairs.\u00a0 Maybe he\u2019ll be ready to talk about what’s bothering him tomorrow.<\/em><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam had stayed up most of the night staring at the ceiling of his bedroom from his reclined position, thinking about how to convince Shiloh what Natalie\u2019s intentions had been.\u00a0 He only had his word.\u00a0 But then, if she cared for him, wouldn\u2019t she give him the benefit of the doubt?\u00a0 Then again, he was dealing with Shiloh\u2019s insecurity.\u00a0 She had been disappointed by him so many times in her life maybe she wouldn\u2019t be able to see past all that.\u00a0 And there was Sam Clemens.\u00a0 Maybe he was showing her the article he was writing.\u00a0 But how could he have had that ready for her to see since the performance was that night?<\/p>\n

It was Saturday morning, so Joe and Hoss were sleeping in later than normal.\u00a0 Adam was up at what they would consider an early time for a Saturday, but in reality, it was the same time he woke up every morning.<\/p>\n

The smell of coffee wafted into the sitting area from the kitchen, but Adam didn\u2019t stop for breakfast.\u00a0 He left without saying anything to anyone, saddled Sport and headed for the Flying W.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Shiloh sat in the chair next to her window the entire night, and when first light shown through her window, she went downstairs in her robe and put on a pot of coffee.\u00a0 It had been a long night for all of her hands after participating in the celebration of Virginia City\u2019s initiation to culture, and even though her ranch hands would never have bought a ticket to her performance, they were bound to have celebrated along with everyone else in one or several of the town\u2019s saloons.<\/p>\n

Horses had been riding in all night and continued to ride in that morning as one by one, her men came home to their warm beds in the bunkhouse.\u00a0 Since it was Saturday morning, sleeping in was permitted, and they took advantage of it.\u00a0\u00a0 Because of the noisy morning, she hadn\u2019t realized that one of those horses belonged to Adam.<\/p>\n

She had taken her coffee into the study and twirled it around on the desk as she sat trying to talk herself into working on the books to take her mind off\u2026just say it.\u00a0 Just say it and get it over with.\u00a0 Adam was kissing another woman\u2026his old \u2018friend\u2019 from back east.\u00a0 How could I have been such an idiot?<\/em><\/p>\n

A voice at the door brought her out of her trance.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh?\u201d<\/p>\n

She tensed at the sound of Adam\u2019s voice, and didn\u2019t answer.\u00a0 Hearing the click of his heels on the floor, she knew it was just a matter of time before he would be peering into the study.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t you hear me call?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard you.\u201d\u00a0 When he moved to step around the desk, she quickly stood.\u00a0 \u201cStop.\u00a0 You can stand right over there while I say what I\u2019m going to say.\u201d\u00a0 Adam raised an eyebrow, waiting.\u00a0 Unable to look him in the eye, she looked down at her coffee cup as she spoke.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I\u2019m not angry with you.\u00a0 I\u2019m angry at myself for thinking that you felt the same way I did\u2026do.\u00a0 This is no one\u2019s fault but my own.\u00a0 I want you to either close the trust or sell the ranch.\u00a0 If you will close the trust, I can hire someone to handle the timber contracts for me.\u00a0 If you won\u2019t, then I don\u2019t want to be here if I have to\u2026see you every other day.\u00a0 I\u2019ll take the horses with me and buy a place somewhere else from the proceeds of the sale.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need\u2026or want\u2026to talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put his hat on.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll think about it,\u201d he said quietly, then turned and left.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 42 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Forty-Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tommy Baker\u2019s hearing had been scheduled for today, and Shiloh rode into town with Johnny and Billy.\u00a0 They would be loading lumber while Shiloh attended the hearing.\u00a0 In addition, Annie wrote that she would visit over the holidays and would arrive on the noon stagecoach today.<\/p>\n

When Shiloh walked into Sheriff Coffee\u2019s office, everyone had already gathered.\u00a0 \u201cSheriff, who\u2019s that?\u201d asked Judge Rollins.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Shiloh Whitney, Judge.\u00a0 She owns the Flying W Ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was held in trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it is, but she\u2019s the beneficiary, and she\u2019s runnin\u2019 the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Whitney,\u201d started Judge Rollins.\u00a0 \u201cIf the ranch is held in trust, you don\u2019t need to be here.\u00a0 The trustee will speak for the trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor, I have interests in this matter affecting this hearing that are not included in the trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat up.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what interests would that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam looked at each other. \u201cYour Honor, it was Amos Whitney\u2019s intent that all his property be included in the trust and that included the horses,\u201d argued Adam.<\/p>\n

By this time, both Shiloh and Adam were standing across from the judge in front of Roy\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile that may have been my father\u2019s intent, it is not what was written in the trust.\u201d\u00a0 She handed the judge a copy of the document.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, is this a true copy of the trust document?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flipped through the pages.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Your Honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Whitney, why would you think that the horses weren\u2019t included?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause my father listed the property in the trust, separating out the house and outbuildings, the equipment, and the cattle.\u00a0 He did not specify the horses.\u00a0 Because the cattle were separated, the horses should also have been listed separately.\u00a0 To attach them to the trust now creates ambiguity.\u201d
\n\u201cMiss Whitney, even if this is true, how does it weigh on this hearing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor, Tom Baker is facing a mandatory prison sentence due to the amount of damages.\u00a0 The major value of what was destroyed lie in the horses\u2026not the barn.\u00a0 If you find that the horses are not part of the trust, then they belong to me, and I have not pressed charges against Tom.\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright\u2019s charges would only include the value of the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth of you take a seat while I review the trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

The only seats available were two next to each other.\u00a0 Shiloh kept her eyes ahead of her as Adam turned to watch her, hoping she could feel his glare. He was angry and felt she was deliberately not only trying to undermine his responsibility, but trying to gain the freedom of a young man who had been bent on causing trouble for her since their school days.<\/p>\n

She was fighting shakiness, feeling his arm pressed against her, smelling the scent of him, a mixture of musk and cologne that was all his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I\u2019m going to have to agree with Miss Whitney on the matter of the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor, my father and I were both there when Mr. Whitney dictated that trust to his attorney.\u00a0 His intent was to include the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRegardless of intent, Mr. Cartwright, the validity of the contents of the trust is based on what\u2019s written in black and white in this document.\u00a0 Now, in your estimation was the barn worth more than $2,000?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at Shiloh, breathing heavily through his nose.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Sir.\u00a0 It was not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Whitney, with the decrease in the cost of the damages, it becomes my decision as to whether this case goes to trial.\u00a0 Do you have anything to say before I render that decision?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Your Honor.\u00a0 I\u2019ve known Tom Baker since we were in school.\u00a0 He was always in trouble, but I believe it was because of the way his father treated him.\u00a0 We used to talk about horses when we were young, and I don\u2019t believe Tommy had any intention of hurting my horses.\u00a0 Sending him to prison will do me no good at all, and will only serve to continue\u00a0 his pattern of retaliation for something that his father did, a man who is no longer with us. I\u2019d like for Tommy to come work for me\u2026with the horses.\u00a0 He can pay restitution and learn a trade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor, if I may?\u201d\u00a0 asked Adam, standing.\u00a0 \u201cThis could put Miss Whitney in danger if Tom decides he doesn\u2019t want a second chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor, I have two other men working with me with the horses.\u00a0 I won\u2019t be alone for Tommy to cause any harm to me.\u00a0 Not that I think he would.\u201d<\/p>\n

The judge sat back in his chair regarding the man and young woman standing before him.\u00a0 It was clear that this was an intelligent woman probably not prone to wild imaginings of saving every bad soul. She\u2019d argued her case admirably, and what she argued was true.\u00a0 She would get no restitution for the damage to the barn if the young man went to prison.\u00a0 Perhaps under her supervision, he could avoid a completely wasted existence.\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright\u2019s sole argument was the safety of Miss Whitney, and with Miss Whitney\u2019s assurances, his concerns seemed unfounded.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Baker, would you rise, please.\u201d\u00a0 Tom looked over at Shiloh, who nodded, and slowly stood.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Baker, I rarely find a person willing to give a young man a chance after doing something like what you\u2019ve done.\u00a0 Most of \u2018em would just as soon see \u2018em locked up.\u00a0 She\u2019s giving you a second chance, young man.\u00a0 I suggest you make the most of it, because if I see you standing accused before me again, I\u2019ll throw the book at you.\u00a0 Do you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2026yes, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to hold this over for trial.\u00a0 Mr. Baker, you are released in the custody of Miss Whitney.\u00a0 You will check in with the Sheriff twice a month.\u00a0 Understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy answered excitedly, \u201cYes, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned to Shiloh, who immediately turned away.\u00a0 \u201cTommy, do you have any belongings you need to pick up? You\u2019ll be staying in my bunkhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u00a0 I left some clothes back at Pa\u2019s house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s get you a bunk first, and then I\u2019ll send Johnny over with you to pick everything up.\u00a0 In the meantime, there\u2019s a wagon waiting to be loaded over at the lumber yard.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be taking someone back with us who\u2019s arriving on the stagecoach today, so I have to go to the stage office, but you go on over to the lumber yard.\u00a0 Johnny and Billy are expecting you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d replied Tommy, turning to leave.\u00a0 He stopped and turned back.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Shiloh, thank you.\u00a0 I mean it.\u00a0 I won\u2019t let you down.\u201d<\/p>\n

After everyone else had left, Adam threw his hat down on Roy\u2019s desk, and sat down heavily on the chair.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, do you want to tell me what that was all about?\u201d asked Ben heatedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot right now, Pa,\u201d he answered angrily, picking up his hat and leaving Ben alone with Roy.<\/p>\n

Roy looked at Ben, who shrugged his shoulders and followed Adam out the door.\u00a0 The trip home was silent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 43 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Forty-Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

When Annie stepped out of the stagecoach, Shiloh was waiting with open arms.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie, it\u2019s so good to see you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it hasn\u2019t really been that long, has it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I still missed you.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get your bags and get back to the buckboard.\u00a0 I can\u2019t wait to hear all about your job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t Adam here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh had turned to pick up Annie\u2019s bags that had been placed on the boardwalk, but suddenly stopped. After a moment, she turned back.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 I guess you have some catching up to do, too.\u201d\u00a0 The smile had disappeared from both of their faces, and each grabbed a bag and silently walked over to the buckboard.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny, Billy, Tommy, this is Miss Walters.\u00a0 She\u2019ll be a guest at the ranch through the holidays.\u201d\u00a0 Each man tipped his hat and continued to load the buckboard.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you have a seat up there,\u201d Shiloh said, pointing to the seat of the buckboard, \u201cwhile I go pay for this lumber.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d\u00a0 Johnny stepped forward to help Annie climb up onto the seat.<\/p>\n

When they arrived home, the men unloaded the buckboard, leaving some supplies that Shiloh had purchased from Hop Sing\u2019s list in the kitchen.\u00a0 She stood in the kitchen doorway with Annie, looking at everything she bought.\u00a0 \u201cWhat am I going to do with all this now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie looked over, confused.\u00a0 \u201cIf you don\u2019t know what you\u2019re going to do with it, why did you buy it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh walked into the kitchen and prepared a fresh pot of coffee, then leaned on the side of a work table and crossed her arms.\u00a0 \u201cThe night of my performance, I found Adam in the hall entry way\u2026\u201d she sniffed, twisted her mouth, then looked at the floor.\u00a0 \u201cHe was kissing a woman he had known in Boston.\u00a0 She came all the way here to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Annie, holding her mouth in that O position.\u00a0 \u201cWell, did he give you an explanation?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh breathed in deeply.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t wait for an explanation.\u00a0 I left.\u00a0 And other than a hearing this morning, I haven\u2019t really spoken to him except to tell him to close the trust or sell the ranch.\u00a0 I guess I\u2019m going to have to talk to him to find out what he intends to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh poured two cups of coffee, handing one to Annie.\u00a0 \u201cEnough about Adam.\u201d\u00a0 Annie narrowed her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAt least for now.\u00a0 I want to hear about your work and if you\u2019ve found anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two women walked into the parlor with their coffee and sat on the sofa.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I have good news which is one reason I was able to come.\u00a0 Dr. Weatherby, the doctor I was working for, decided he would be taking his family on a holiday abroad, so I was going to be without a job anyway.\u00a0 I wrote to Lucy back East, and it was a little while before I heard back.\u00a0 She\u2019s really busy working with the abolitionists right now, but she still wants to hold a women\u2019s right convention this year.\u00a0\u00a0 Anyway, it took so long for her to get back to me because she was trying to contact Ann Preston.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I know her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot necessarily.\u00a0 She was involved in the Female Medical College in Pennsylvania a few years back.\u00a0 It closed, but they were able to reopen this year.\u201d\u00a0 Annie smiled excitedly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been accepted.\u00a0 I\u2019m finally going to medical school.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh quickly put her cup on the coffee table, and the two women hugged.\u00a0 \u201cOh, that is wonderful news, Annie.\u00a0 But when do you have to be there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m not supposed to be there until spring.\u00a0 I was hoping I could spend some time with you before I leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t have it any other way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, finish telling me about Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Shiloh finished filling in all the details, Annie frowned at her.\u00a0 \u201cYou have to give him a chance to explain.\u00a0 You\u2019re assuming too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Annie, what if my assumptions are right?\u00a0 I don\u2019t think I could bear hearing that from him.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Ben watched Adam pull the saddle off Sport and drop it on the wall of the stall.\u00a0 He brushed the horse quickly, threw the curry brush into a bucket, then stormed to the house.\u00a0 When Ben got to the house, Adam was standing in front of the fire, poking at it aimlessly.\u00a0 Putting the poker away, he paced a few times in front of the hearth, then stalked to the cabinet where the whiskey and brandy were kept.\u00a0 He picked up the brandy bottle, stopped and stared at it, then put it down and picked up the whiskey, pouring himself a full glass and downing it all at once.\u00a0 Then he poured another. \u201cWould you like a drink, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm hm.\u00a0 And then I want to know what this is all about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam poured another glass, handing it to his father, then sat on the coffee table and drained his glass again.\u00a0 \u201cDo you remember me talking about Natalie Peterson?\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cShe kissed me after Shiloh\u2019s performance.\u00a0 She waited until Shiloh would see, and then she kissed me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would she do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill sent her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, really.\u00a0 What did Shiloh do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe left.\u00a0 Sam Clemens took her home.\u00a0\u00a0 The next day, when I went to explain it to her, she stopped me.\u00a0 She said she either wanted me to close the trust or sell the ranch.\u00a0\u00a0 I got the impression it didn\u2019t really matter which as long as she didn\u2019t have to see me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you let it go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think I\u2019d be able to change her mind at the time, Pa.\u00a0 I hadn\u2019t seen her again until today at the hearing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you\u2019re not going to let it go, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve thought about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, I understand how sometimes it\u2019s easier to walk away.\u00a0 But do you really want to do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you\u2019ve always told us it\u2019s not always about what we want\u2026that we should think about the other person or people affected.\u00a0 She was serious about closing the trust or selling the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe doesn\u2019t have all the information.\u201d\u00a0 Ben walked over and squeezed Adam\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cSometimes it\u2019s alright to fight for what we want, especially when that\u2019s what the other person needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I am what she needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood and walked toward the front door as Ben watched, wondering what Adam would do, knowing his history with women didn\u2019t serve him well, but hoping that for once in his life, Adam would throw his over-cautiousness to the wind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 44 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Forty-Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam spent the night trying to find a way of convincing Shiloh that Natalie\u2019s kiss was a ploy devised by Will to separate them.\u00a0 By morning he still didn\u2019t know exactly how he would do that, but he wasted no time leaving for the Flying W.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Shiloh and Annie were enjoying an early morning in each other\u2019s company.\u00a0 Annie prepared breakfast while Shiloh made the coffee.<\/p>\n

Hank had already come and gone; during winter he and Shiloh seldom needed to discuss the short list of routine chores.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, where did you find the time to learn to cook?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI learned mostly from my mother.\u00a0 And some of that was after we graduated from college.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s not so important now, but it would be nice to know even just to cook meals for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I can teach you while I\u2019m here.\u00a0 Once you learn some basic things, it\u2019s just reading and following a recipe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you telling me you\u2019re going to be able to teach me how to cook like Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not.\u00a0 But don\u2019t you think Hop Sing learned much of what he knows along the way.\u00a0 How old is he anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea.\u00a0 I know he was there before Joe was born, but how much longer I have no idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Sam King stood among the trees of the forest that grew in front of the yard of the Flying W ranch house.\u00a0 He had seen Hank leave the house earlier, and other than the hands leaving to replace those already with the herd, he saw no movement.\u00a0 He knew that soon, hands would be feeding the horses, chopping wood and going into the barn to do the finishing work on the inside.\u00a0 If he was going to make his move, it would have to be now.<\/p>\n

He stepped from behind a tree, and was making his way across the yard, when he caught movement out of the corner of his eye.\u00a0 Tommy Baker was walking toward the corral to feed the horses, and before Sam could hide, Tommy spotted him and yelled at the top of his lungs, \u201cSam King!\u201d\u00a0 Tommy ran back toward the bunkhouse, but Sam stopped him with a bullet, sending Tommy to the ground.<\/p>\n

Shiloh heard the shot and running to the front door, told Annie to go to the back of the house.<\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright also heard the shot and kicked Sport into a gallop.<\/p>\n

Shiloh flung open the door and saw Sam, standing over Tommy, ready to shoot again.\u00a0 She yelled to get his attention at the same time Adam brought Sport into the yard.\u00a0 He jumped down, pulling his gun out of its holster, but Sam already had his gun in his hand and fired, sending Adam backwards to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d she whispered.\u00a0 Sam turned his attention to her and ran toward the house.\u00a0 When Shiloh realized he was coming, she hurried back inside, closing and locking the door and yelling, \u201cAnnie, go out the back and find Hank!\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh ran to the gun cabinet and pulled her gun out of its holster in the drawer, turning and raising her gun at the same time Sam kicked open the door.<\/p>\n

When he saw her gun, he stopped and holstered his, then walked slowly toward her.\u00a0 \u201cNow Miss Shiloh, you\u2019re not gonna use that gun on me.\u00a0 You don\u2019t even like guns, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t come any closer, Sam.\u00a0 I know how to use it.\u201d\u00a0 She backed up and flinched when her back hit the wall.\u00a0 There was nowhere for her to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember when Adam Cartwright was teachin\u2019 you how to use it.\u00a0 But he couldn\u2019t really get you to actually pull the trigger much, could he?\u00a0 You know, he can\u2019t help you now,\u201d he said, taking one slow step after another toward her.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s dead in your yard.\u00a0 I shot him.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pulled the hammer back.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m warning you, Sam.\u00a0 Not another step.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam pulled his gun back out of the holster and pointed it at her.\u00a0 \u201cWhich one of us is it gonna be?\u00a0 You think you can shoot me, go ahead.\u201d\u00a0 He cocked his gun.<\/p>\n

She scowled.\u00a0 \u201cWhat will your employer do to you if you kill me?\u00a0 I know,\u201d she teased.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re supposed to scare me, not kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam\u2019s lip curled.\u00a0 \u201cWhat makes you think that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTommy told me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell them it was an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re going to kill me, it wouldn\u2019t do any harm to tell me who wants me off my land so badly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cIt won\u2019t do you any good one way or another.\u00a0 They\u2019re not interested in your land.\u00a0 They just want you to leave Virginia City.\u00a0 As far as your land\u2026there\u2019s silver here, and as soon as you\u2019re gone, I\u2019ll be gettin\u2019 paid with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are they?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDrop it, Sam,\u201d Adam\u2019s voice boomed.<\/p>\n

When Sam swung his gun around, threatening the man in the doorway, Shiloh fired.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 45 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Forty-Five<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sam King never thought she\u2019d ever be able to pull the trigger.\u00a0 In fact, he never believed the plan would ever go as far as it had.\u00a0 It was Adam Cartwright who had changed everything, giving her a reason to stay\u2026giving her another lifeline to hold on to when she was almost ready to let go of the rest.<\/p>\n

As he held the hole in his chest, feeling warmth pulse and flow through his fingers, he had to decide who he was angrier at\u2026him or her.\u00a0 Feeling his knees go numb in the haze of dwindling consciousness he made his choice and turned his gun toward her.\u00a0 Killing her would injure him.\u00a0 He could injure both of them at the same time.<\/p>\n

Before he could pull the trigger, she fired again, hitting him in the head, shutting everything inside him off.<\/p>\n

Adam slowly approached Sam, kicking his gun away and kneeling to touch his neck.\u00a0 Once he saw the blood, he knew. Looking up at Shiloh, he quietly said, \u201cHe\u2019s dead.\u201d She stood motionless, gripping her gun so tightly her knuckles were white, watching as the blood spread in a pool all around Sam.<\/p>\n

Adam reached up to take the gun, but Shiloh dropped it to the floor at his feet.\u00a0 \u201cI did what you wanted me to do with it.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want it anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hank came through the front door with Tommy\u2019s arm across his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cIs everyone alright?\u201d\u00a0 He stopped when he saw Sam\u2019s body and Adam and Shiloh frozen, facing each other.\u00a0 \u201cI sent Johnny for Doc Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coming in behind Hank and taking in the scene, Annie saw Adam with blood dripping down the side of his face and went to him to examine the slash on his temple.\u00a0 Shiloh dropped her eyes and took several deep breaths.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie, is he alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll have a bad headache, but I think he\u2019ll be fine,\u201d said Annie, looking at the wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cHank, what about Tommy?\u201d Shiloh asked, still looking away.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc\u2019s gonna have to dig a bullet out of his shoulder.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh turned and ran up the stairs into her room, closing the door behind her.\u00a0 Adam moved to follow, but Annie held his arm, looking firmly into his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cGive her some time, Adam.\u00a0 She needs to think all this through.\u201d\u00a0 She went to Tommy next, telling Hank to help him lie down on the sofa.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll go get some bandages.\u00a0 Get Adam to sit down.\u00a0 He\u2019s got a head wound.\u201d<\/p>\n

By the time the doctor arrived, Annie had already cleaned Tommy\u2019s wound and applied a bandage to stop the bleeding.\u00a0 Dr. Martin would still have to remove the bullet, but Tommy would be alright.\u00a0 He examined Adam before he began work on Tommy.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Walters, you\u2019ve done a good job on both of these wounds.\u00a0 Adam, you\u2019ll have a headache for a few days, but other than that, you\u2019ll be fine.\u201d\u00a0 Paul turned to Annie.\u00a0 \u201cCan we move Tommy into a bedroom?\u00a0 I need some room to get that bullet out.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Hank and Annie moved Tommy to the guest room on the main floor, Adam went to the bottom of the stairs, looking up.\u00a0 He thought back to the time he was teaching Shiloh how to shoot, never expecting that she\u2019d ever be put in the position of actually shooting someone.\u00a0\u00a0 She had said she didn\u2019t think she could ever shoot a man, but Adam had told her she\u2019d never know until the situation presented itself. She learned something about herself today that she doesn\u2019t like.<\/p>\n

Jumping at a hand on his shoulder, he quickly looked back, then grabbed the post of the banister to steady himself until sudden dizziness passed.
\nSheriff Coffee caught him as he swayed, and pulled him back into the parlor.\u00a0 \u201cSit down right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rushed in through the open front door, first seeing Sam King\u2019s body on the floor, then noticing Adam sitting in the parlor, bandaged.\u00a0 He knelt beside Roy who was standing in front of Adam.\u00a0 \u201cSon, what happened?\u201d he asked as he removed the bandage from Adam\u2019s head, looking at the wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cI caught Sam in the yard after hearing a gunshot.\u00a0 I guess I was out for a minute because when I came in the house, Sam and Shiloh were in a standoff.\u00a0 He turned to fire at me, and she shot him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh killed Sam?\u201d asked Ben, standing slowly, his face taking on a look of even deeper concern.\u00a0 \u201cWhere is she?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s up in her room,\u201d answered Adam.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie said I should give her some time to deal with it on her own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ask Paul to look in on her.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Dr. Martin came back to the parlor, he looked around for Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh hasn\u2019t come back down yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Ben, shaking his head.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe you should look in on her, Paul.\u00a0 I have no idea if she was injured.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before going up the stairs, Paul turned to Hank.\u00a0 \u201cTommy will need a couple of weeks of rest.\u00a0 Then he can start with a minimal amount of work, but no lifting until I see him again.\u201d\u00a0 Hank nodded, and Paul went up the stairs.<\/p>\n

Knocking at the bedroom door, and getting no answer, Dr. Martin pushed the door open just a crack at first, and seeing Shiloh sitting on a chair in front of the window, he let himself in.\u00a0 He pulled another chair in front of her and sat down, observing her.\u00a0 She continued to stare out the window.\u00a0 \u201cAre you hurt?\u201d\u00a0 She slightly shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cRoy needs to talk to you.\u201d\u00a0 She looked dejectedly at him, then nodded and followed him down the stairs, standing in the door of the parlor.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Shiloh, can you tell me what happened?\u201d asked Roy.<\/p>\n

Looking down at the floor, she relayed the story, ending it saying, \u201cWhen he raised his gun toward me, I shot him again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright then.\u00a0 I\u2019ll write up the report.\u00a0 Next time you\u2019re in town, you\u2019ll need to come by my office and sign it.\u201d\u00a0 He leaned around Shiloh, looking at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cYou, too, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ll send the undertaker out to take the body.\u201d\u00a0 Ben walked him to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, are you coming home?\u201d he asked when he returned to the parlor.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna stay for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Annie.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie, you and Shiloh are expected at the Ponderosa for Christmas.\u00a0 I want you to make sure she comes,\u201d he said, looking toward Shiloh. \u201cIt\u2019ll do her good to forget about all this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try my best, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

He went to Shiloh, smiled and kissed her forehead, then left with Dr. Martin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 46 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Forty-Six<\/strong><\/p>\n

Annie, Adam and Shiloh sat quietly at the kitchen table, sipping coffee.\u00a0 Adam finally broke the silence.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, you\u2019ve done nothing wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared despondently into her coffee, a deep frown on her face.\u00a0 \u201cI took a life.\u00a0 I killed a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam breathed heavily, wishing he could dig her out of the hole she had retreated into.\u00a0 \u201cYou had no choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t I?\u201d she responded, angrily.<\/p>\n

Adam moved to the chair next to her and took her hand. \u201cNo, you didn\u2019t.\u00a0 You protected yourself.\u00a0 That\u2019s not wrong.\u201d\u00a0 She took her hand from him and looked away, but he moved closer, speaking gently.\u00a0 \u201cWhat if he had been pointing his gun at Annie?\u00a0 Would you still think you should have done otherwise?\u201d\u00a0 A tear escaped her eyes. \u201cSweetheart, Sam\u2019s the only one to blame for his death.\u00a0 No one would expect you not to defend yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another tear fell as she whispered, \u201cPlease don\u2019t call me \u2018Sweetheart.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat back away from her with his lips pressed into a tight line.\u00a0 Standing, he looked down at Shiloh, then over to Annie.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie, if you need anything let me know.\u201d\u00a0 He turned and left.<\/p>\n

On his way back to the Ponderosa, Adam slowed to match the speed of the buckboard Hoss was driving.\u00a0 \u201cWhere have you been?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDang snow got all the way down to the south pasture.\u00a0 I just took a bunch of hay down there.\u00a0 You know, Adam, this is gonna be one of the worst winters we\u2019ve seen. It ain\u2019t even Christmas, and we got snow on the ground down there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam looked up at the flakes that had just begun to fall.\u00a0 \u201cI think you\u2019re right, Hoss.\u00a0 It\u2019s not going to be a good winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw Roy heading back toward town.\u00a0 He said something about Sam King being over at the Flying W again.\u00a0 Everything alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snorted and frowned.\u00a0 \u201cSam King\u2019s dead.\u00a0 Shiloh shot him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss pulled the reins back.\u00a0 \u201cShe alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Casting his eyes down, Adam twisted his mouth diffidently.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 He breathed deeply and looked back up.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Giving Sport a little nudge, he trotted away toward home.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Several days had passed, and Ben was becoming more and more worried.\u00a0 He had thought Adam would have spoken to Shiloh by now, but realized the incident with Sam King would have delayed it.\u00a0 Even so, Adam wasn\u2019t eating, sleeping or talking and something needed to be done.<\/p>\n

Ben walked into the sitting room where Adam sat with one leg propped over the arm of the leather chair, staring into the fire.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, why don\u2019t you go over to the Flying W again?\u00a0 I\u2019m sure things have settled down by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not so sure, Pa.\u00a0 You know how she is.\u00a0 When something\u2026bad\u2026happens, she has to think it through.\u00a0 Sometimes it takes a little while.\u201d<\/p>\n

They both looked toward the door when they heard a buggy pull into the yard. Joe rushed into the house, yelling, \u201cAdam!\u00a0 Oh, sorry, Adam, Shiloh and Annie are here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss trotted down the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s all the yelling about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before anyone could answer there was a knock at the door, and Ben answered. \u201cLadies, this is a pleasant surprise.\u00a0 Come in,\u201d he said, motioning inside.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you two have remembered Christmas.\u00a0 I expect you both to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I stopped celebrating Christmas a long time ago.\u00a0 Daddy and I didn\u2019t really do much after Micah died.\u00a0 I thought Annie and I would spend some time catching up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I won\u2019t tell you I\u2019m not disappointed,\u201d Ben said, frowning.<\/p>\n

\u201cI came to talk to you about the Flying W.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, you need to speak with Adam.\u00a0 He\u2019s handling all the business of the trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I thought maybe this time I could talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked down at her hands, fidgeting. \u201cI\u2019ve decided\u2026to sell the ranch\u2026and leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry to hear that.\u00a0 But you\u2019ll still have to speak with Adam.\u201d\u00a0 She looked at him, exasperated.<\/p>\n

Adam sat in the leather chair, still looking into the fire, chuckling under his breath at the deflection by his father.\u00a0 He stopped laughing.\u00a0 She said she was leaving.\u00a0 He needed to take this seriously.\u00a0 Standing up, he strode to the entryway, then looked around the room.\u00a0 \u201cWell, if you want privacy, well have to talk on the porch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s cold outside,\u201d she objected.<\/p>\n

Adam reached for his jacket hanging next to the front door, opened the door and walked out to the porch, leaving her standing in the entry way.\u00a0 She looked up at Ben, who shrugged, then she slowly followed Adam out the door.<\/p>\n

When she joined him on the upper porch, she stopped well away from him, and the two stood silent for a long moment.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, what you saw\u2026it wasn\u2019t what you think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI came to talk about selling the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you had stayed for one more second, you would have seen me push Natalie away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I told you before, I\u2019m not angry with you, and I don\u2019t blame you for anything.\u00a0 I just\u2026I shouldn\u2019t have thought you felt the same way I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stepped toward her, and she quickly stepped back.\u00a0 \u201cCan we please talk about the ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we can\u2019t.\u00a0 Not until we talk about Natalie.\u00a0 I knew Natalie in Boston, but Will knew her, too.\u00a0 He sent her here to do exactly what she did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow am I supposed to believe that?\u201d she asked, her chin quivering.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat reason would I have to lie?\u201d he asked calmly.<\/p>\n

She turned her back to him, fighting to keep her emotions in control, then felt his hands on her shoulders, their strength and gentleness making her tense at the flood of longing for that strength to engulf her.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, it doesn\u2019t really matter whether what you say is true or not.\u00a0 The truth is that I\u2026I can\u2019t do it\u2026the singing, the horses, the ranch, the books, the cattle, the timber\u2026the barn\u2026the Sam Kings.\u00a0 I killed a man.\u201d\u00a0 As she spoke, her tears started to flow.\u00a0 \u201cYou told me in the beginning that it would be too much.\u00a0 I should have listened.\u00a0 I should have let it go.\u00a0 I can\u2019t do it,\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n

Turning her around and seeing that her eyes were red, and her face wet as she stood weeping and sniffling, he took his bandana out of his pocket, and held it to her nose.\u00a0 \u201cBlow.\u201d\u00a0 She blew weakly.\u00a0 \u201cBlow harder.\u201d\u00a0 She took a breath and blew, taking the bandana from his hand and wiping her nose.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about the legacy you wanted to leave your children?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think there will be any children.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t have time for them anyway,\u201d she said, sniffling and stuffy.<\/p>\n

Lifting her face so he could see her eyes and she could see his, he asked, \u201cWhat if the Ponderosa was part of their legacy?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 47 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Forty-Seven<\/strong><\/p>\n

Annie, Hoss and Joe scrambled to the window behind the desk as soon as Shiloh was out the door.\u00a0 \u201cThis isn\u2019t fair.\u00a0 I\u2019m shorter than you are,\u201d said Annie.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss moved to either side, letting Annie in the middle, then stood behind her, all three pressing themselves as close to the window as they could get.<\/p>\n

When they heard a loud sound like the clearing of a throat, they all turned slowly to find Ben standing on the other side of the desk with his arms crossed.\u00a0 They turned all the way around to face him, looking anywhere but at him. Ben turned and walked away, grinning and shaking his head, and the three immediately turned back to the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear what he said?\u201d whispered Annie.<\/p>\n

Joe whispered back. \u201cSomething about a legacy and the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would they be talkin\u2019 about the Ponderosa?\u201d asked Hoss quietly.<\/p>\n

Joe backed away from the window.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t hear.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to the door,\u201d he said, hurrying over to the front door, gently squeezing the latch and opening it a crack.\u00a0 Soon Annie was standing right next to him.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

What if the Ponderosa\u2026the only way that could happen would be\u2026.<\/em>\u00a0 Shiloh held her breath and froze, staring at his chest where his chest hair shown above the top button of his shirt as his words sank in. Letting out a timorous breath, she reached behind her and felt for the post, then turned, wrapping her arm around it as she looked out into the yard.\u00a0 Even though large snowflakes were raining down, she didn\u2019t feel cold, but rather warm\u2026almost too warm.\u00a0 Adam stood patiently behind her, his hands clasped in front of him, waiting for her to organize her thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you have no idea what you would be getting into.\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled. \u201cWhat?\u00a0 That you\u2019re headstrong and obstinate?\u00a0 I know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are other things you don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d he asked in a deep, husky voice.<\/p>\n

She looked up toward the sky and winced.\u00a0 \u201cWell, for starters, I\u2026I can\u2019t…\u201d\u00a0 She turned to face him and opened her mouth, but closed it quickly and squinted.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know how to cook,\u201d she said, biting her bottom lip.<\/p>\n

Adam looked down, quietly clearing his throat.\u00a0 His nostrils flared as he suppressed a laugh.\u00a0 \u201cI know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes flitted up to his, and she stuttered,\u00a0 \u201cHa\u2026uh\u2026how\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He let a chuckle escape and moved his hand to his mouth to try to control the bigger laugh begging to get out.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I never see any food in your kitchen except coffee, fruit and sandwiches.\u00a0 Your ice box is always empty except for milk.\u00a0 And while I was at the house just before the performance, I went in to get a glass of water, and there was flour all over your kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that,\u201d she said, snorting, smiling timidly. \u201cI\u2026uh…dropped an open bag of flour. I had no idea it would\u2026float\u2026in the air\u2026like that, she said, looking up. \u201cHop Sing wasn\u2019t happy with me.\u00a0 When he left, he was still very white.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unable to stop himself, Adam laughed loudly at the scene that appeared in his mind.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed again.\u00a0 \u201cSweetheart, we can hire some help.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know that you\u2019d have time to cook anyway if you continue with your music and your horses.\u00a0 Unless you still want to learn to cook.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him with round, blue eyes. \u201cYou don\u2019t want me to give up my horses and learn to cook?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s more,\u201d she said, grimacing.<\/p>\n

Adam raised his chin and looked down at her.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her whole demeanor took on a serious tone.\u00a0 \u201cThe day will come\u2026when I will be asked to take on a more active role in the cause of women\u2019s rights.\u201d\u00a0 She cut her eyes up to his, watching his reaction.<\/p>\n

He breathed deeply and held it a moment before he let it out slowly.\u00a0 His smile was gone, and his brows were slightly creased.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, you don\u2019t owe anyone anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I would never consider this just because someone thought that I owed them.\u00a0 I believe in this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat exactly do you believe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, to begin with, I believe women should have access to the same educational opportunities as men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou went to college.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so did Annie.\u00a0 But our curriculum was restricted.\u00a0 And she couldn\u2019t get into a medical school even though she has more experience than most of the men entering those schools.\u00a0 Her father was a doctor, and she\u2019s been working with doctors for several years.\u00a0 The only thing holding her back was that she\u2019s a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI believe women should have a vote in matters that concern them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, matters that require a vote are usually taken care of by their husbands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about those women who aren\u2019t married?\u00a0 Their opinion isn\u2019t counted.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you remember the Cattlemen\u2019s Association meeting?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have a trust, and I speak for the trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I didn\u2019t have a trust?\u00a0 Who would speak for me?\u00a0 Who speaks for Amelia Miller, another unmarried woman who owns land and investments?\u00a0 And those with husbands\u2026do you realize regardless of what a woman brings into a marriage, the minute she says \u2018I do\u2019, she loses it all; even rights to her children.\u00a0 What happens when a married woman is abused by her husband?\u00a0 She can\u2019t leave the marriage because she\u2019d have to give up everything, including her children.\u00a0 Tell me how that\u2019s fair,\u201d she said angrily. \u201cAnd what about those women who have no family and no husband?\u00a0 Jobs for women are few and far between, and many single women are left with no choice but a saloon.\u00a0 Women shouldn\u2019t be left with that one alternative.\u201d\u00a0 He looked at the floor of the porch, puckering his lips.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, none of this is unreasonable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou talk about women like you\u2019re not one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not\u2026really,\u201d she said, looking down.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve had rare opportunities\u2026because of you.\u00a0 And I don\u2019t think there are many men like you,\u201d she finished, blushing.<\/p>\n

Adam stepped forward and pulled her into him.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right.\u00a0 It\u2019s all reasonable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, with everything you know about me, and everything I\u2019ve told you, why?\u201d she asked, looking up into his eyes.<\/p>\n

He looked back, realizing she really had no idea.\u00a0 \u201cI love\u2026that you have a mind of your own.\u00a0 I love the way you think things through.\u00a0 I love that you fight for what you believe in and that you stand up for people less fortunate than you.\u00a0 I love your fire, even when it\u2019s directed at me,\u201d he said, smiling.\u00a0 \u201cI love that you can be tough when you need to be, and I love that you can be soft when you don\u2019t.\u00a0 I love that you love to learn.\u00a0 I love the passion you have for everything you do.\u00a0 I love your smile.\u00a0 I love your eyes.\u00a0\u00a0 I love your laugh.\u201d\u00a0 Bending his head, his lips hovering over hers, he whispered, \u201cI love you.\u201d\u00a0 He kissed her, then looked back into her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWill you marry me?\u201d<\/p>\n

It’s said that the eyes are windows into the soul.\u00a0 She searched his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYes,\u201d she answered softly.\u00a0 Adam kissed her mouth, moving her chin down with his thumb, kissing her as never before with a passion only two people in love could ever know.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 48 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Forty-Eight<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam watched Shiloh\u2019s face as he held her up against him.\u00a0 He was still close enough to feel her breath on his face, but she wasn\u2019t looking at him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d she said, blushing.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s\u2026It\u2019s\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 When he chuckled, she closed her eyes, feeling the rumble in his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill your knees hold you if I put you down?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t just do that,\u201d she said, embarrassment taking over.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you did,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never kissed me like that before.\u201d\u00a0 She cut her eyes up to his.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, that was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas what?\u201d he whispered, smiling.\u00a0 \u201cThe way a man kisses his wife?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPut me down.\u00a0 I\u2019m not your wife yet,\u201d she said shyly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know when we go back in we\u2019ll have to tell them,\u201d he said, slowly lowering her to the floor of the porch.<\/p>\n

She looked mischievously up at him. \u201cWell, they\u2019re going to find out sooner or later, aren\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped on the step of the upper porch when he saw that the front door was cracked.\u00a0 He turned, holding his finger to his lips.\u00a0 \u201cSsh.\u201d\u00a0 Taking her hand, he brought her down to the next level, then they both walked quietly to the front door.\u00a0 He opened the door suddenly, feeling it stop against something, then give as if someone had been standing behind the door.\u00a0 Annie was sitting on the arm of the closest leather chair, looking around the room, and Joe had developed a sudden interest in the horse statue on the table behind the settee.<\/p>\n

Closing the door slowly after Shiloh stepped through, Adam crossed his arms and glared at the two.\u00a0 He kept his eyes on them as he walked over to the desk, finding Hoss leaning toward the window.\u00a0 Hoss stood up, looking down and shoving his hands in his pockets.<\/p>\n

Looking at the floor and bringing a hand up to scratch his nose, Adam chuckled, then held his hand out to Shiloh.\u00a0 He wrapped his arm around her and guided her into the sitting area to warm up by the fire.<\/p>\n

Joe, Annie and Hoss stood behind the settee, watching them and waiting.\u00a0 \u201cWell?\u201d said Joe, anxiously.<\/p>\n

Adam turned.\u00a0 \u201cWell what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit, Adam,\u201d swore Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cWhat d\u2019you decide?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did I decide about what?\u201d Adam said, holding his hands out to his sides.<\/p>\n

Shiloh had been struggling to keep a straight face, and now she raised her hand to her mouth to keep from laughing out loud.<\/p>\n

Annie blurted out.\u00a0 \u201cDid you ask her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I ask her what?\u201d asked Adam with a perplexed look on his face.<\/p>\n

Groaning, Annie stomped over to Shiloh and turned her around, finding that a sheepish grin had taken over her face.\u00a0 Annie squealed and hugged her, causing both Shiloh and Adam to laugh out loud.<\/p>\n

Ben, who had been quietly sitting and watching the antics in the room, stood up.\u00a0 \u201cCongratulations, Son,\u201d he said, smiling, offering Adam his hand.\u00a0 Adam took it and pulled his father into a hug.<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss looked at each other, smiling and made their way to the other side of the coffee table.\u00a0 \u201cLeave it to the women to get to the bottom of things,\u201d said Joe, hugging Shiloh, while Hoss picked his older brother up in a bear hug.<\/p>\n

\u201cDang it, Older Brother.\u00a0 It\u2019s about time,\u201d he said, shaking Adam\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

Once the hugs had been handed out, Ben walked to the liquor cabinet and pulled out a bottle of brandy, carefully setting six cordial glasses on the top of the chest and pouring.\u00a0 Both he and Joe handed them out.<\/p>\n

Ben cleared his throat before he made a toast. \u201cTo Shiloh, who has agreed to wed the eldest Cartwright son thereby bringing to the family a feminine grace we haven\u2019t seen in quite some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

After everyone drank, Joe held up his glass again.\u00a0 \u201cA toast to Older Brother, Adam, who finally found a woman to share his love of culture and music, his intelligence and stubbornness, and can hold her own against him in a debate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes, then joined in the laughter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 49 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Forty-Nine<\/strong><\/p>\n

After dinner, Shiloh and Adam sat on the settee, enjoying the fire, while Hoss and Annie played a game of checkers with Joe waiting to play the winner.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, I want to talk to you about Tom Baker,\u201d said Adam quietly.\u00a0 \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you discuss the horses and the trust with me before the hearing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at her hands in her lap, she answered, \u201cI was going to.\u00a0 But then we weren\u2019t speaking and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou weren\u2019t letting me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did that stop you?\u00a0 You didn\u2019t let it stop you tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

He rubbed his forehead.\u00a0 \u201cTrust me, it won\u2019t happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n

She cut her eyes toward him and crooked her jaw before she continued. \u201cAnyway, I saw no point.\u00a0 I had decided to leave and take the horses with me.\u00a0 I figured if you sold the ranch, you\u2019d let me keep the horses, and Tommy, Johnny and Billy would be going with me, so you wouldn\u2019t have had to deal with Tommy at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you really have left?\u201d asked Adam quietly.<\/p>\n

She held her breath as she stared at the fire.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2026I was serious.\u00a0 So much has happened in just the last month.\u00a0 I\u2019ve added singing, and then you said that Jim could send more business my way for horses.\u00a0 Then there was\u2026\u201d She looked away.\u00a0 \u201cNatalie…and Will\u2026and Sam.\u201d\u00a0 Turning back toward Adam, she asked, \u201cThere was a look that passed between you and Jim when I asked him if he knew Natalie.\u00a0 Something happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pursed his lips when he looked at her, then put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.\u00a0 \u201cShe did the same thing to Jim and his fianc\u00e9 that she tried to do to us.\u00a0 Only, they didn\u2019t work it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would she do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRachel, the girl Jim was planning to marry\u2026her father was well connected in Massachusetts politics.\u00a0 If Jim had married into the family he might have given Will Stewart a run for his money for the Senate seat.\u00a0 Will has some kind of hold on Natalie.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know if she\u2019s in love with him or if he\u2019s holding something over her head, but whatever it is she does whatever he asks of her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you knew Natalie while you were in Boston.\u00a0 She hinted that you and she were….\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took her hand.\u00a0 \u201cI told you I took her to a few dances.\u00a0 Her only interest in me was in making Will jealous.\u00a0 After she set her sights on Jim, I didn\u2019t want anything to do with her.\u00a0 I just wish I had figured all that out before Jim lost Rachel.\u00a0 He really cared for her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, if she\u2019s in love with Will, why would she want to come between us?\u00a0 You\u2019d think she\u2019d be afraid that I\u2019d go back to Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would she think that you\u2019d leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked back at the fire and thought for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cI guess she wouldn\u2019t have known that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you want to leave if not because of what you saw?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of Sam King.\u00a0 Before you came in, Sam said that they <\/em>didn\u2019t want the ranch.\u00a0 They<\/em> just wanted me to leave Virginia City. I was trying to found out who they<\/em> were when you came in.\u00a0 Anyway, Sam was the last straw.\u00a0 And they<\/em> are still out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned all the way around to face her.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s still bothering you, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

She avoided his eyes and answered quietly, \u201cI never thought I\u2019d ever\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised her face to his, but she closed her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cSweetheart, there\u2019s nothing for you to be ashamed of.\u00a0 He had a gun on you.\u00a0 You had every right to defend yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you remember the first man you had to kill?\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

Caressing her cheek, he answered, \u201cI remember every man I\u2019ve had to kill.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her chin quivered and pools began to form in her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cHow do you live with it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Moving to the coffee table in front of her, he took her hands.\u00a0 \u201cLook at me.\u201d She moved her eyes up to his.\u00a0 \u201cTaking a life is never easy.\u00a0 But it\u2019s part of life when you own a gun.\u00a0 Sometimes, just the act of wearing one makes you seem threatening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why do you wear it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey call this the uncivilized West for a reason.\u00a0 I wear it for protection because the West is full of uncivilized men\u2026like Sam King.\u201d\u00a0 A tear found its way out of the pool and down her cheek.\u00a0 \u201cSweetheart, how would you have felt if he\u2019d killed Annie because you did nothing?\u201d\u00a0 She looked up at the ceiling and closed her eyes, squeezing the tears out. \u201cYou did what any one of us would have done.\u00a0 You have to accept that you did nothing wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had never thought about guns one way or another until Micah died.\u00a0 That\u2019s when Daddy started wearing a gun around the ranch, and I couldn\u2019t understand that because it was a gun that killed Micah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t the gun that killed Micah.\u00a0 It was the man holding the gun.\u00a0 In this case, that man was Sam King.\u00a0 The difference is that he didn\u2019t kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly looking back up at him, she whispered, \u201cJust don\u2019t ask me to carry a gun again\u2026please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and rose, walking to the liquor cabinet.\u00a0 He poured a glass of brandy and brought it to her.\u00a0 \u201cSip this.\u00a0 It will help you relax.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat back and took a sip while Adam walked to the fireplace and put another log on the fire.\u00a0 She knew she could dwell on Sam King all night if she allowed herself to, so she changed the subject.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, what if Natalie was here because of you\u2026not because Will sent her?\u201d<\/p>\n

He breathed in deeply.\u00a0 \u201cThis has Will\u2019s name written all over it.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t deny it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s never behaved improperly toward me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not true.\u00a0 He acted inappropriately in your hotel suite in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was drunk.\u00a0 That doesn\u2019t count.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie sat up straight.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, the man is obsessed with you.\u00a0 Even if he does love you, what he really wants is Isabella on his arm to increase his popularity so he can advance his career.\u00a0 He wants power, and he wants to use your fame to get it.\u201d\u00a0 Frustrated, Shiloh glared at Annie.<\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart, why are you defending him?\u201d Adam asked as he sat down beside her.\u00a0 She looked away, but he cupped her chin in his hand and turned her back to face him.\u00a0 \u201cHe sent Natalie here because of you and me.\u00a0 And when he hears we\u2019re engaged, he\u2019s liable to try a lot worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

She suddenly stood and walked toward the fire.\u00a0 \u201cThis is no better.\u00a0 Will is still inserting himself into my life and whoever they <\/em>are, they\u2019re still there.\u00a0 And I still have the ranch, the horses, the singing, the books, the timber\u2026and now the silver.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSilver?\u201d said everyone together.<\/p>\n

\u201cSam said that ore came from Flying W land.\u00a0 And he said he was getting paid with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood and walked over to her, taking her in his arms.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t have to deal with all that alone.\u00a0 We\u2019ll handle it together.\u201d<\/p>\n

She barely heard him.\u00a0 All she knew at that moment was that she felt as if she had been enclosed in a warm, protective cocoon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 50 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

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

Adam drove the buggy carrying Annie and Shiloh toward town while Hoss and Joe followed in the buckboard.\u00a0 Ben had convinced Shiloh to spend Christmas at the Ponderosa; something that turned out to be easy considering her fondness for Ben\u2019s oldest son.\u00a0 She and Annie had insisted they help with the Christmas Eve party, a tradition at the Ponderosa, and that meant getting supplies, including Hop Sing\u2019s list, as well as heading out into the woods to find the perfect Christmas tree. Both Shiloh and Adam had other business in town, and Shiloh had to retrieve her trunk that she had left in her dressing room as the opera house.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you take care of all the normal supplies at Mr. Murdock\u2019s, but before you load, take the buckboard over to the opera house and help me load Shiloh\u2019s trunk.\u00a0 Hoss,\u201d he said, giving Hoss Hop Sing\u2019s list, \u201cGo over to Lee Chang\u2019s and get the first part of this list, then come back to Murdock\u2019s and get the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what are you gonna do?\u201d said Joe, arms crossed, giving Adam an agitated look.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh and I have business at the opera house. So I\u2019m waiting for you to get the buckboard over there to load that trunk.\u201d\u00a0 Once we\u2019re finished there, I\u2019m going over to bank to take care of a little matter for Pa, then I\u2019m coming back to help you while Annie and Shiloh go shopping,\u201d said Adam, turning and smiling at the two women.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also need to see Sam Clemens,\u201d said Shiloh.<\/p>\n

Adam stood up straight and dropped his arms to his sides.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe night of the performance when he took me home, he showed me what he had written.\u00a0 He said to come by the Enterprise <\/em>to see the last part.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I should go with you.\u201d\u00a0 She cocked her head and gave him an agitated look, to which he threw up his hands in surrender.<\/p>\n

When they arrived at the opera house, Tom met them at the door, and while Adam and Joe went to get the trunk, Tom escorted Shiloh to his office while Annie wandered into the main hall.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, I wanted to ask you before Adam got here\u2026did something happen the night of your performance that upset you?\u00a0 I saw you hurrying out of the hall and Adam running after you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She opened her mouth, then looked down.\u00a0 \u201cEverything\u2019s fine, Tom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease understand I\u2019m concerned for you. You were upset when you should have been celebrating.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, she said, \u201cWe had a\u2026misunderstanding, but everything\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tom clasped his hands in front of him and frowned as he considered her. I should have paid more attention to her from the start.\u00a0 She would have been the perfect companion in this business.<\/em>\u00a0 \u201cWell, that\u2019s good to hear,\u201d he said half-heartedly.\u00a0 \u201cI have some inquiries for you from some other houses\u2026let\u2019s see\u2026Denver City, Sacramento City and Salt Lake City.\u00a0 And I thought you\u2019d be interested to hear that Julia Dean has agreed to perform here for the official opening next year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTom, that\u2019s wonderful news.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wonderful news?\u201d asked Adam as he walked in the door of the office.<\/p>\n

\u201cJulia Dean will be the opening performer next year,\u201d said Shiloh.<\/p>\n

Reaching across the desk, offering his hand, Adam said, \u201cCongratulations.\u00a0 That is good news.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam.\u00a0 Now, I have an appointment, and I don\u2019t want to keep you, so let me just give you this,\u201d he said, dropping a stack of newspapers on the desk in front of Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReviews.\u00a0 There\u2019s a small one in there by Clemens, promising that a full article is coming.\u00a0 The other two are from the Alta California and the Sacramento Union.\u00a0 I have a copy of the Boston and New York papers on the way.\u00a0 And here is your pay.\u201d\u00a0 He handed another bank draft to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cAnd yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cUh, Tom, I wasn\u2019t expecting anything.\u00a0 I did that as a favor to Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds awfully familiar,\u201d said Tom, glancing over at Shiloh, \u201cbut as I said before, you earned it.\u00a0 You should read those reviews, Adam.\u00a0 You\u2019re in them.\u201d\u00a0 Maguire stood and walked to the door, and Shiloh and Adam followed.\u00a0 \u201cBesides that, you have some admirers in Virginia City.\u00a0 Several people have asked if you and Isabella would be performing again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s great,\u201d responded Adam, sarcastically.<\/p>\n

Annie joined them on the way out and when the three had exited the building, Mrs. Gables and Miss Watkins were marching toward them.\u00a0 \u201cUh, Adam, Annie and I will meet you back at Murdock\u2019s,\u201d said Shiloh.\u00a0 Before Adam realized what was happening, Shiloh had grabbed Annie\u2019s hand and had pulled her to the alley and disappeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d called Mrs. Gables.<\/p>\n

Before he turned around, he glared at the corner the two girls had vanished around, then forced a smile as he turned.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Gables, Miss Watkins,\u201d he said, tipping his hat.\u00a0 \u201cWhat can I do for you ladies today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, first I want to say how much we enjoyed your performance.\u00a0 I knew you played guitar, but I had no idea you played classically,\u201d said Mrs. Gables.\u00a0 Miss Watkins stood beside her, nodding.<\/p>\n

He smiled nervously.\u00a0 \u201cUh\u2026thank you, ladies.\u00a0 Now, if you\u2019ll excuse me, I have errands.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he took his first step toward the bank, Mrs. Gables spoke.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright, I was wondering if I could impose upon you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He slowly turned back, still wearing a tense smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Virginia City Culture Society has monthly meetings, and we would like to invite you to come and speak to the group.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would I speak about?\u201d asked Adam, creasing his eyebrows.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would mostly be answering questions, but it would be wonderful if you could play your guitar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mrs. Gables, I\u2019m not really a performer.\u00a0 I just played for Miss Whitney as a favor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI realize you don\u2019t normally perform, Mr. Cartwright, but being a local rancher\u2026well, Virginia City has some hidden talent that should be shared.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took Mrs. Gables hand.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid I\u2019m going to have to say no.\u00a0 I don\u2019t intend to continue performing, and I do have a ranch to take care of.\u201d\u00a0 Moving his hand to his chest, he finished, smiling, \u201cNow, if you ladies will excuse me.\u201d\u00a0 He tipped his hat and walked up the street toward the bank, murmuring under his breath, \u201cShiloh, just wait \u2018til I get my hands on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The girls stopped at the Territorial Enterprise <\/em>and were greeted by Mr. Goodman.\u00a0 \u201cLadies, what can I do for you today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Goodman, would you tell me where I can find Mr. Clemens?\u201d asked Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Clemens is right here,\u201d came a voice from the back soon followed by the man himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cSam, this is my friend from college, Miss Annie Walters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh yes, the young woman who aspires to be a doctor.\u00a0 It\u2019s very nice to make your acquaintance, Miss Walters,\u201d he said, bowing and taking her hand.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh has told me of your struggles to find acceptance at a medical school.\u00a0 A word of advice\u2026keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.\u00a0 Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great*.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well, she is struggling no more.\u00a0 She\u2019s been accepted at the Female Medical College in Pennsylvania.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn your case then, those people are men and women, in that order.\u00a0 My heartfelt congratulations,\u201d he said, smiling and patting her hand.<\/p>\n

Unlike Shiloh, who would have blushed, Annie met his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Mr. Clemens.\u00a0 Shiloh has told me a good bit about you as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

He cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cAll good, I hope,\u201d he said, winking.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t we go to my office and take a look at the finished article?\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

When Shiloh and Annie returned to Murdock\u2019s, Hoss and Adam rushed over to relieve them of their packages.\u00a0 \u201cDid you buy the shop out?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked at him indignantly.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s not that much.\u00a0 It\u2019s a dress for the party and a heavier cape, and a few\u2026other\u2026things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stood looking at Hop Sing\u2019s list after loading Annie\u2019s packages under the seat of the buggy.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Adam.\u00a0 There\u2019s some things on this list that Mr. Murdock ain\u2019t got.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t even sure what some of \u2018em are,\u201d he said, grimacing.<\/p>\n

Standing beside him, Annie leaned in and read the list.\u00a0 \u201cThose shouldn\u2019t be that hard to find.\u00a0 Is there another store?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah, there\u2019s Mr. Cass\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t I go get the rest of this with you?\u201d offered Annie.<\/p>\n

A slow smile made its way across Hoss\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, we\u2019ll be back in a few minutes,\u201d he said, holding his arm out to Annie, who took it and smiled, the two walking down the boardwalk together.<\/p>\n

Shiloh smiled and Adam harrumphed as they watched them walk away.\u00a0 Raising his brows, Adam looked back at Shiloh who shrugged and tilted her head.\u00a0 \u201cBy the way,\u201d said Adam curtly.\u00a0 \u201cYou and I need to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019bout what?\u201d she said, playfully cutting her eyes up at him, knowing she was about to get an earful for leaving him at the mercy of Mrs. Gables.<\/p>\n

He just stood there, a contented smile on his face and in his eyes, remembering those same words and that same mischievous look coming from a seven-year-old.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t remember,\u201d he said, stepping forward and kissing her just as Mrs. Murdock stepped out of the store.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright, you know better than that!\u00a0 You\u2019d better have proper intentions toward that girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

He chuckled, and walking toward the door of the store, he stopped and kissed Mrs. Murdock\u2019s cheek, then whispered in her ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my goodness!\u201d she said loudly as she threw her hands in the air.\u00a0 Rushing to Shiloh, she put her arm around her and ushered Shiloh into the store.<\/p>\n

On the way back out, Shiloh leaned into Adam and said quietly, \u201cYou realize the entire town will know we\u2019re engaged by evening, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

They stopped at the buggy, and Adam smiled down at her before he lifted her up in front of the seat.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I do.\u00a0 I thought we\u2019d make the announcement at the Christmas Eve party and make that our engagement party as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you in a hurry?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think it would be better if we didn\u2019t wait too long.\u00a0 I have a feeling you\u2019re going to be busy pretty soon.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to have trouble working the wedding in.\u00a0 And I\u2019d like to take you away from here for a good month\u2026to breathe.\u201d\u00a0 Just before Adam stepped up into the buggy, he turned and noticed Sam Clemens trying to get his attention.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be right back,\u201d he said as he walked across the street.<\/p>\n

The two men turned their backs toward the buggy, but Adam had turned his head toward Sam, and Shiloh saw the look on his face\u2026his jaw was set and his back became rigid as his right hand slowly moved down to his gun.\u00a0 He turned all the way around, surveying the buildings around him, then turned back to Sam.\u00a0 The two men shook hands, and went separate ways, Adam walking back to the buggy, still studying the town left and right of him.<\/p>\n

By the time he had climbed into the seat everyone had returned.\u00a0 Annie was up on the buckboard seat next to Hoss and Joe was in the back seat of the buggy, leaning back with one leg lazily crossing the other and his hat pulled down over his eyes.\u00a0 Adam waved his hand high in the air, signaling Hoss to follow as he flicked the reins, and the buggy lurched forward.<\/p>\n

Shiloh didn\u2019t know why yet, but Adam\u2019s disposition unnerved her.\u00a0 She had only seen him this way when there was a threat close by.\u00a0 At first she thought he might be disturbed that Natalie was still in town.\u00a0 She had been watching them from the front of the dress shop, and Shiloh was sure Adam had seen her.\u00a0 Shiloh wondered herself why Natalie would still be in town, but what was disturbing Adam at the moment appeared to be something else entirely.\u00a0 He looked forward, moving his eyes left and right without moving his head as they passed buildings on the way out of town.\u00a0 She wanted to ask him what Clemens had told him, but Adam\u2019s dour look stopped her.<\/p>\n

*Actual Mark Twain quote<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 51 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Fifty-One<\/strong><\/p>\n

An hour into the trip home, Adam held his hand up to signal to Hoss that he was stopping.\u00a0 Getting out, he smacked Joe on the leg. \u201cJoe, wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe leaned his head back, squinting from under his hat.\u00a0 \u201cOlder Brother, you pick some of the most inconvenient times to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glared.\u00a0 \u201cSit up, Joe, this is serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt always is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d he said, motioning for Hoss to join him at the buggy.\u00a0 \u201cKeep your eyes open.\u00a0 Don\u2019t let anyone get near Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss creased his eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cWhere you gonna be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe and I are going to have a look around.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be back in a few minutes,\u201d he answered, as he and Joe trotted off back down the road the way they had come.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t long before they disappeared around a curve.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone\u2019s following us.\u201d\u00a0 The look on Adam\u2019s face told Joe this was no joke. \u201cYou go that way; see if you can find anything.\u00a0 Circle back around to the buggy.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go this way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh turned to Hoss and stepped out of the buggy. \u201cWhat was that about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got a feeling it had somethin\u2019 to do with that little talk he had with Mr. Clemens,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

After a few minutes, Shiloh had paced a visible line in the snow down to the dirt between the buckboard and the buggy.\u00a0 She\u2019d pace, then stop and look back behind them with her hands on her hips, then she\u2019d pace some more. Finally, Adam approached them from their left.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, what\u2019s going on?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

Taking her by the arm, he guided her back to the buggy. \u201cLet\u2019s get home,\u201d he said, trying to push her up into the seat.\u00a0 When she strong-armed the buggy and turned to face him, he picked her up and placed her on the front seat.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, this isn\u2019t the time to be headstrong or obstinate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not being stubborn.\u00a0 I just want to know what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe came running back from their right and hurried up into the buggy, nodding at Adam.\u00a0 Driving as fast as he thought the buckboard behind him could move, he led the way home, then hurried Shiloh into the house as she turned and sputtered, sometimes with Adam walking her backwards toward the house.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll explain it all in a few minutes, but right now, you need to stay in the house.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled the door closed in front of her while she was still protesting.<\/p>\n

While he hung onto the door latch as Shiloh tried to pull the door open, he motioned for Annie to join him.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie,\u201d he said, putting his arm around her shoulders and speaking over Shiloh\u2019s loud verbal objections from the other side of the door, \u201cWould you mind going into the house and trying to settle her down?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to be able to do that unless I can tell her what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam breathed heavily through his nose as he thought, bouncing his head from side to side as he made up his mind.\u00a0 \u201cTell her\u2026tell her someone has been following her, he\u2019s followed us home, and I\u2019m trying to catch him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie\u2019s eyes flew open wide.\u00a0 \u201cIs that true?\u00a0 Because if it\u2019s not, you\u2019re going to have a thunderstorm on your hands when you come inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0 That\u2019s why you\u2019re telling her the truth.\u00a0 Just don\u2019t let her come outside,\u201d he finished as he gently maneuvered her in front of the door, then let go of the latch.<\/p>\n

Shiloh pulled the door open and started to fuss at Adam, then stammered at standing face to face with Annie, who promptly pushed her backwards into the house with Adam looking on, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

He walked back into the yard and spoke quietly as he and his brothers stood in a circle.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, someone followed us from town.\u00a0 We found fresh tracks behind us on the road.\u00a0 He\u2019s smart\u2026no one has noticed him but Sam Clemens while he was watching Shiloh from a distance for his story.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny idea who it might be?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at first I thought it could be Will Stewart, but he wouldn\u2019t have the time to leave Boston.\u00a0 It could be someone working for him.\u00a0 The only other thing I can come up with is someone who knew Sam King.\u00a0 And if that\u2019s true, Shiloh\u2019s life is in danger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat d\u2019you want us to do?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he followed us here, he\u2019s probably still around, so Hoss, you go back behind the house and come around in a wide circle to the left.\u00a0 Joe, you start to the right of the barn and come back around to this side of the house, and I\u2019ll start over there,\u201d he said, pointing to the left, \u201cand make a circle out in the front here.\u00a0 If you find him, bring him into the yard and call out.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three men went in separate directions, and soon, Hoss came back into the yard followed shortly by Joe.\u00a0 Both men stood waiting until they saw Adam staggering out of the trees, collapsing onto a rock, holding the back of his head.\u00a0 Rushing to him, Joe hefted Adam to his feet, and helped him toward the house while Hoss ran back into the woods.\u00a0 By the time Adam and Joe were at the front door, Hoss joined them, shaking his head at Joe.<\/p>\n

Inside, Shiloh was fuming, mumbling under her breath at the fire that seemed to hiss and spit with each point that she made to herself.\u00a0 Annie sat in a chair, having done what Adam asked, and then stepped back to watch the fireworks.<\/p>\n

When the door flew open, Shiloh spun around ready throw out an endless stream of questions and snips, but stopped when she saw Adam leaning on Joe.\u00a0 She and Annie rushed over as Joe brought him around to the leather chair and slowly lowered him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe yelled.<\/p>\n

Ben came to a stop at the top of the stairs, and when he saw Adam sitting in the chair with his hand on the back of his head and his eyes closed, he trotted down to him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened?<\/p>\n

By the time he reached Adam\u2019s side, Annie was already moving Adam\u2019s hand out of the way.\u00a0 \u201cLet me see, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what happened?\u201d Ben repeated.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone followed us from town.\u00a0 We were trying to flush him out, but he caught me from behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re going to have another headache, but I think you\u2019ve probably had worse,\u201d said Annie.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get a look at \u2018im?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me what Sam Clemens said?\u201d asked Shiloh, who was standing in front of the chair, watching as Annie dabbed at the back of his head with a damp cloth.<\/p>\n

He grimaced at a sudden sting.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t want to frighten you until I was sure.\u00a0 Clemens said he had seen this man quite a few times while you were in town for rehearsals.\u00a0 At first he thought the man might be doing the same thing he was\u2026just watching you for a story, but he didn\u2019t leave when the performance was over.\u00a0 Sam said he\u2019d seen him watching you this morning.\u00a0 When Joe and I left you at the buggy, we found tracks, so when we got home, I wanted you in the house while we looked for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh let out a breath and slowly wandered away\u2026so slowly that no one realized she was heading for the door.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 52 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Fifty-Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shiloh had managed to open the front door without anyone hearing.\u00a0 She left it cracked to avoid the click of the latch, then walked carefully into the yard, avoiding the boards she knew would squeak if she stepped on them.\u00a0 Walking slowly toward the trees on the far side, she stopped.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m alone.\u00a0 Tell me what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

When a cold gust caused the door to swing open and thump against the entry cabinet, all eyes turned to see Shiloh off in the distance, standing at the edge of the yard.\u00a0 Just as she took a step into the woods, a hand came down on her shoulder, and she yelped and turned around, hanging her head in relief as she blew out of her mouth.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t sneak up on me like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I have to lock you in a room?\u201d Adam growled, looking at her from under his brows with his lips drawn.\u00a0 He had looked at her that way when he wasn\u2019t happy with her since her school days, and she knew exactly what it meant.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, whoever this is, he isn\u2019t out to hurt me.\u00a0 He\u2019s had too many opportunities to do that,\u201d she answered snappishly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen?\u00a0 You had an escort in Virginia City.\u00a0 And you were with me every other time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I wasn\u2019t.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t with you after the performance.\u00a0 I was at the house alone, and I was out in the yard and in the barn a good bit when no one else was around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, until we figure this out someone will be with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She let out an exasperated breath and let her head flop backwards.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I\u2019m so tired of being a prisoner.\u00a0 First it was because of Sam, and that went on for months, and now it\u2019s because of some unknown man following me.\u00a0 I just want things to be normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam puckered his mouth, admitting to himself that her freedom had been restricted for a long time.\u00a0 He put his arm around her waist and walked her back to the house.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s Christmas.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t we just try to enjoy the holidays right now.\u00a0 You need a break\u2026all of us need a break, and with you and Annie staying here, we shouldn\u2019t have a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe and Hoss can go find the Christmas tree.\u00a0 You should be resting.\u201d<\/p>\n

He squeezed her to him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t really hit me that hard.\u201d\u00a0 The rest of the way into the house, Adam was lost in thought.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t hit me that hard.\u00a0 If it had been someone working with Sam or Will, he wouldn\u2019t have held back. So why did he hold back?<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss had already begun to unload the wagon, and when that was done and the buggy had been put away, Adam, Shiloh and Joe rode horses while Hoss and Annie took the buckboard off into the Ponderosa forest to find a Christmas tree.<\/p>\n

The snow on the ground made it slow going the higher into the mountains they went. The horse riders rode in front, Adam and Joe on either side of the road and Shiloh in the middle, making sure there would be no surprises for the buckboard.\u00a0 Shiloh knew they were keeping her in the middle for a reason, all three brothers keeping watch around them.<\/p>\n

The trees this far up were covered with big, soft pillows of snow covering the ends of each branch, making them droop into the shape of a tree one might find in a storybook picture.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a shame we can\u2019t keep the snow.\u00a0 A tree like that in the living room would look beautiful,\u201d she said, smiling at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the only way we\u2019re gonna find the tree is to get down and do some walking.\u00a0 After they tied the horses to the buckboard, Adam grabbed an ax from the back of the wagon, swinging it up and over his shoulder, then turned to look at the two women.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both women\u2019s eyes widened.\u00a0 \u201cThrough that?\u201d asked Annie.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re not staying here by yourselves.\u00a0 Why do you think I asked you to wear britches?\u201d<\/p>\n

The women looked furtively at each other.\u00a0 \u201cWell, if we have to go,\u201d whispered Shiloh to Annie, \u201cwe may as well make the best of it.\u201d\u00a0 Both women took off at a run after Joe and Hoss who had already left on the trek into the woods.\u00a0 Adam quickly caught up to them, after each one, on separate occasions, had fallen face first into the three to four foot deep snow; higher than they could step at a run. Neither seemed to mind as they laughed and pulled each other up.\u00a0 Finally, they stopped playing and started looking up at the trees in earnest, trying to find the perfect one.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about this one?\u201d called Hoss from somewhere ahead.<\/p>\n

When the three stragglers caught up, Shiloh looked up.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s awfully tall.\u00a0 And how can you tell how wide it is with all that snow on it?\u201d<\/p>\n

At that moment the tree started shaking, sending snow all over those standing near the base.\u00a0 Hoss had stood back before the shaking began, knowing already that Joe had climbed into the tree.<\/p>\n

Adam had managed to step back just in time to see Shiloh and Annie covered in a shower of snow.\u00a0 Laughing, he said, \u201cShiloh, don\u2019t you remember coming out here for two Christmas trees?\u201d<\/p>\n

She shook herself, looked at Adam, then turned back to Annie, brushing snow off her back.\u00a0 \u201cNo, not really,\u201d she said solemnly.\u00a0 \u201cExcuse me.\u201d She turned and headed back toward the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cHand me that ax, Adam.\u00a0 You go on and take care of that,\u201d Hoss said, nodding toward Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie, come with me,\u201d he said, taking her hand with a sparkle in his blue eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll show you how it\u2019s done.\u201d\u00a0 Annie looked back toward Adam who was following Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you worry none about that.\u00a0 She\u2019s just got some memories she needs to sort out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam let Shiloh walk ahead of him all the way back to the buckboard, where she pushed herself up to sit on the back.\u00a0 She knew he was behind her, and if she thought she could get away with it she would have untied her horse and rode back to the Ponderosa alone.\u00a0 He knew based on the fact that she hadn\u2019t looked back at him that she didn\u2019t want to talk about it, so he pushed himself up on the back of the wagon next to her and waited.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have to wait too long.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was nine\u2026just after Micah died, my father took me to see Dr. Martin.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t really understand why at the time, but eventually I figured it out.\u00a0 I was forgetting things.\u00a0 I had forgotten\u2026things\u2026about my mother.\u00a0 And then I started forgetting things about Micah.\u00a0 Daddy was worried that there was something physically wrong, so he took me to Dr. Martin. He couldn\u2019t find anything wrong with me, so he started asking me questions.\u00a0 He finally decided that forgetting was how I was coping with their deaths.\u00a0 I missed my mother terribly, so I forgot about all the things that I missed.\u00a0 Then it started with Micah.\u201d\u00a0 Adam took her hand in his.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s funny really,\u201d she snorted, looking over toward him, but not at him.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t help remembering everything I read.\u00a0 But I can\u2019t help forgetting my mother and brother.\u00a0 I don\u2019t remember Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put his arm around her, and with his other hand, he caressed her cheek and kissed her tenderly.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll make new memories; some happy ones,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n

Suddenly they heard a scream that brought them both out of the back of the buckboard.\u00a0 It was followed by a howling laugh, and an unmistakable shrill giggle that made both Shiloh and Adam breathe a sigh of relief, waiting to see the commotion that was echoing through the trees.\u00a0 Hoss, Joe and Annie each had a handful of branches, dragging the tree over the snow toward the buckboard, each one in turn, sinking, falling or sliding down the hill.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Ben and Hop Sing stood in the kitchen, discussing anything extra that would be needed for the Christmas Eve party to double as an engagement party, when both heard something that sounded like Christmas carols off in the distance.\u00a0 Both men stopped and looked at each other puzzled, then stepped out of the kitchen on the porch, listening.\u00a0 At first it sounded like an ordinary group with varying pitches, but listening closer, they could make out the baritone and soprano in perfect harmony among those ordinary voices singing with them.<\/p>\n

Going back into the kitchen, Hop Sing continued his work on refreshments while Ben went into the living room to move boxes and breakables out of the way of the incoming tree. When the buckboard pulled into the yard, Ben bundled up and went outside to take a look.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, how do you like it?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be able to tell you until I see it standing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard the man,\u201d Adam shouted at his brothers.\u00a0 \u201cHe wants to see it standing.\u201d Stopping next to Shiloh, Adam said, \u201cIt\u2019s hard to believe you don\u2019t remember this.\u00a0 It\u2019s always been a challenge to get the tree in the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her look brightened.\u00a0 \u201cI do remember some things,\u201d she said, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d he said as he untied the rope holding the tree to the buckboard.\u00a0 \u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n

She took her glove off, reach up and gently pinched his nose.<\/p>\n

He smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYou remember that?\u00a0 You must\u2019ve have been three or four when I used to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both of them quickly raised their hands, fending off a sudden barrage of snowballs.\u00a0 Adam pulled Shiloh over to a snowdrift at the side of the barn and began firing back in what would become a snowball fight they would talk about for the next week.\u00a0 It seemed that everyone was throwing at them, and now the snow flurries had turned into big, heavy flakes.<\/p>\n

Shiloh dug into the snowdrift, making a berm in front of her, and then began making and firing one snowball after another.\u00a0 Adam was standing in the open, and his jacket was almost white from snow sticking to it.\u00a0 He dove over her berm, sending her backwards into the snow and coming down on top of her.<\/p>\n

Looking into her happy blue eyes, the snowball fight no longer seemed important.\u00a0 He nuzzled her cheek, then teased her lips with his.\u00a0 She laughed, and he proceeded to plant small kisses all over her face until he came back to her lips.<\/p>\n

By this time, Hoss, Joe and Annie stood on the other side of the berm.\u00a0 Joe cleared his throat loudly.\u00a0 \u201cExcuse me, but we still have to move a tree into the house and decorate it for a party tomorrow night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking back into Shiloh\u2019s eyes, Adam kissed her one more time.\u00a0 \u201cDuty calls,\u201d he said as he rose, taking her hands and bringing her up with him.<\/p>\n

After moving furniture out of the way, and while Annie and Shiloh stood back watching, the boys began moving the tree inside.\u00a0 Although there were all manner of shouts, rumbles and bangs, the tree was soon up in front of the gun cabinet next to the stairs and was being adjusted to stand straight.<\/p>\n

While the boys fussed over the tree, Annie and Shiloh began to empty the boxes, placing ribbons, painted pine cones, candles and other decorations on the coffee table.<\/p>\n

After dinner, the tree was decorated, and pine boughs were wrapped around the banisters of the stairs with the rest being cut and separated to decorate the mantel and door frame as well as bowls for pine cones scented with cinnamon.\u00a0 The hanging of the remaining pine swags along with ribbon and candles would be left for the next day after morning chores.<\/p>\n

Ben pulled Adam aside while Annie and Shiloh helped decorate the tree.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t believe I\u2019ve seen that look in her eyes since she was a little thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, she doesn\u2019t remember any Christmases here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she was pretty young the last time she was here for Christmas.\u00a0 This will be a good one for her,\u201d he said, patting Adam on the back.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t wait to see her face when she sees that present you bought for her.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 53 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Fifty-Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shiloh stood at the window of her room and watched the snow fall in the light of the lanterns in the yard. She wasn\u2019t fond of parties or crowds, but as Isabella Whitney and Shiloh Cartwright she knew she\u2019d have to get used to it.\u00a0 Taking one last deep breath, she headed for the stairs, and stopping at the top, she looked out over the room slowly filling with friends of the Cartwrights while the musicians played.<\/p>\n

Adam was already downstairs circulating, patting backs, shaking hands, and kissing cheeks.\u00a0 Shiloh noticed his looks now more than ever, dressed in his black jacket and gray, silk waistcoat, and when he looked at her the way he was looking at her now she couldn\u2019t help but shiver at the thought of that man, the most sought after bachelor among the single women in Virginia City, loving her.<\/p>\n

He walked across the room without taking his eyes away from her, causing goose bumps to rise on her skin at the same time a pink glow caressed her face.<\/p>\n

She descended the stairs, her dark green, chiffon silk gown, glittering with sequins here and there, the skirt flowing down around her, and her hair pulled back and pinned with a jewel-toned, blue, green and purple peacock feather.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry I\u2019m late,\u201d she whispered to Adam, who met her at the bottom of the stairs.<\/p>\n

Smiling with an intensely satisfied gaze, he held out his arm.\u00a0 \u201cYou look lovely tonight.\u201d\u00a0 He placed his hand over the hand she laid on his arm and led her into the crowd.\u00a0 \u201cWould you like to dance?\u201d\u00a0 She nodded cheerfully.<\/p>\n

As the two danced around the room, neither paid particular attention to propriety.\u00a0 Adam held her just a little closer than mores generally allowed, enjoying the delicate softness of her hand in his while her other hand rested on his shoulder, close enough to his neck that she could brush his skin with her thumb.\u00a0 The two gazed at each other throughout the dance, conveying everything they felt without uttering a word.\u00a0 No one dared tap Adam\u2019s shoulder, Mrs. Murdock having done her part in letting Virginia City know this would also be a Cartwright engagement party.\u00a0 The two danced, shared a plate of hors d\u2019oeuvres, stood by watching others dance and participated in small talk as they sipped Ben\u2019s punch until Ben tapped his wine glass with a spoon, allowing the ringing to resonate across the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and gentlemen, it\u2019s time for our reading of the Christmas story.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stood in front of the hearth holding his Bible, waiting for everyone to gather with the children sitting on the floor around him as was the tradition.\u00a0 When everyone was still, Ben sat down on the hearth, opened the Bible to the passage that was already marked and began to read.<\/p>\n

Adam stood behind Shiloh, stepping into her so that she was leaning against him as he reached down and found her hands.<\/p>\n

When Ben finished the story and closed the Bible, the entire gathering sang Silent Night.<\/em>\u00a0 Shiloh didn\u2019t sing, but rather listened to Adam\u2019s voice, enraptured by its deep timbre.<\/p>\n

Ben held up his hands when the singing ended.\u00a0 \u201cFriends, before we spread out again, I\u2019d like to thank you all for coming out tonight.\u00a0 And before we get back to the party, I have an announcement to make. Please join me in celebrating the engagement of Shiloh and Adam.\u00a0 I know many of you have often wondered if any of my sons would ever settle down and get married. And I know some of you young ladies have wished that they\u2019d finally make up their minds.\u00a0 It took a little while for these two to even figure out if they liked each other.\u00a0 And now, they\u2019re embarking on a journey of a lifetime together. Please raise your glasses with me in a toast\u2026to Shiloh and Adam.\u00a0 May happiness be multiplied a hundredfold in your house.\u00a0 May you come to know the joy of holding your newborn babies.\u00a0 May your lives know the peace that comes with true love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone raised their glasses and drank as Adam pulled Shiloh to him, smiling down at her while she blushed, and when all eyes turned to him, he looked around the room, speechless for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cThere’s something very special that happens to a man when he realizes he’s met the woman with whom he’s going to spend the rest of his life. I think it’s called fulfillment.\u00a0 Thank you, Sweetheart for agreeing to be my wife and sharing your life with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Holding his glass a little higher and looking up, he added, \u201cI’d also like to thank Amos and Belle Whitney for coming west, for finding their home right next to mine, and for bringing with them the little girl who grew into the woman I love.\u201d As the crowd drank again, Shiloh put her hands together and raised them to her face, fighting back tears.\u00a0 Adam lifted her into a hug and whispered, \u201cYou\u2019re not going to cry, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She sniffled in his ear and whispered back.\u00a0 \u201cI love you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lowering her to the floor, Adam raised his chin as he looked out over the crowd and said, \u201cLet\u2019s dance.”\u00a0 As couples made their way to middle of the room, the band began to play.\u00a0 Adam and Shiloh moved to the hearth while guests moved passed them, offering them congratulations and well-wishes.<\/p>\n

Noticing her hand trembling as she lifted it over and over again, Adam leaned down.\u00a0 \u201cAre you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m just\u2026\u201d she glanced back up at him.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s just crowded, that\u2019s all.\u00a0 I\u2019m fine, really.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took her hand, guiding her through the crowd, briefly stopping and shaking hands, until they were standing behind the desk.\u00a0 Sitting down on the side of the desk, he drew her close.\u00a0 \u201cIs it just the crowd or is it something else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is\u2026this made things very\u2026real. I\u2019ve been on my own for so long, I don\u2019t know if I know how to live with someone.\u201d\u00a0 She smiled shyly.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s unfamiliar territory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are things that will be different for both of us.\u00a0 We\u2019ll work through them together, remember?\u201d he said, smiling and winking.\u00a0 \u201cNow, look over there,\u201d he said, pointing to the hearth.\u00a0 \u201cPa\u2019s looking for you.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure he wants to dance with his future daughter-in-law.\u201d\u00a0 Adam raised his arm, waving at his father, who grinned, excused himself and walked to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d wondered where you had gotten to.\u201d\u00a0 He held out his arm.\u00a0 \u201cMay I have this dance?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d she said, taking his arm and floating to the dance floor.<\/p>\n

Adam smirked.\u00a0 She\u2019s performing again.\u00a0 When is she going to realize she just needs to be herself?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d said Sam Clemens, holding out his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cSam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you do this every year?\u201d<\/p>\n

The corner of Adam\u2019s mouth turned up into a roguish half smile. \u201cGet married?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuckling, Sam said, \u201cWell, not that part.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a Christmas Eve party every year, but in all truthfulness, we don\u2019t need much of an excuse to have a party.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam pulled a folded newspaper out of his jacket.\u00a0 \u201cI thought I\u2019d give you your own copy of this considering how she feels about reviews.\u00a0 I thought you might not see it otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDid her\u2026secret admirer\u2026turn up?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pursed his lips and breathed deeply.\u00a0 \u201cHe didn\u2019t show himself, but there\u2019s no doubt he was there.\u201d\u00a0 Reaching up to feel the lump on the back of his head, he added, \u201cAnd he left an impression\u2026of sorts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll let you know if I see him again.\u00a0 Maybe I\u2019ll run into him at one of those corners he hides around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSam, don\u2019t go getting yourself hurt for this. If there\u2019s something he wants, eventually he\u2019ll make his move.\u00a0 In the meantime, Shiloh won\u2019t be left alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA wise idea.\u00a0 And now, I think I\u2019ll ask the lady to dance,\u201d he said as he turned and disappeared into the crowd.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 54 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Fifty-Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cartwrights stood on the front porch, seeing the last of their guests off on their journey home.\u00a0 \u201cWell, boys, another Christmas Eve party comes to an end,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

Hoss snorted.\u00a0 \u201cThere was a point there I expected the house to come apart at the seams we had so some many people inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning to go back in the house, Ben said, \u201cVirginia City is growing.\u00a0 At some point, we won\u2019t be able to entertain everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least we don\u2019t have to worry about it until next year,\u201d said Joe.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get the furniture moved back so I can go to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Little Buddy?\u00a0 Afraid Santa Claus won\u2019t stop by?\u201d teased Adam.<\/p>\n

Joe smirked. \u201cHa ha.\u00a0 No, I\u2019m just tired.\u00a0 I don\u2019t remember dancing that much last year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss tapped Joe on the arm before he lifted a chair.\u00a0 \u201cThat was all those gals that didn\u2019t get to dance with Adam this year \u2018cause he was spending all his time with Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Adam each picked up an end of the settee.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d said Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid you\u2019re both doing double duty where the ladies are concerned from now on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing back with his arm around Shiloh\u2019s shoulder, Ben chuckled, looking down at Shiloh, then over at Annie.\u00a0 \u201cYou girls didn\u2019t have much of break. You both must be tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTruthfully?\u201d said Shiloh, smiling sweetly up at him.\u00a0 \u201cMy feet are killing me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMine, too,\u201d said Annie, sitting down, untying the ribbons on her shoes, slipping them off, and rubbing her feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m with Joe.\u00a0 It\u2019s time for bed,\u201d said Shiloh, walking slowly to the stairs.<\/p>\n

As she took a step up, Adam grabbed her hand.\u00a0 \u201cHold on there.\u201d\u00a0 When she turned around, she was standing nose to nose with him, and just as the grandfather clock struck midnight, he said, \u201cMerry Christmas,\u201d then kissed her tenderly.<\/p>\n

Lifting her hands to his face, she kissed him back.\u00a0 \u201cMerry Christmas,\u201d she whispered.\u00a0 \u201cGood night.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

For the third time, Adam knocked on the door, this time more loudly.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh!\u00a0 Sweetheart!\u00a0 Wake up!\u201d<\/p>\n

He listened, and hearing no sound at all, he opened the door a crack and looked in.\u00a0 Finding the bed made, he stepped in.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh?\u201d\u00a0 He left and trotted down the stairs where Annie and Hoss were waiting in the living room.\u00a0 \u201cHave either of you seen Shiloh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 She\u2019s not in her room?\u201d asked Annie.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she\u2019s not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she hasn\u2019t come down in the last half hour,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cAnd she\u2019s not in the kitchen.\u00a0 I already been in there this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s nostrils flared as he breathed in, leaning on his right leg and glaring at the floor for a moment before he walked to the door.\u00a0 Grabbing his jacket, he opened the door, and pulled it closed with a resounding thump.<\/p>\n

Shiloh jumped at the sound of the barn door jerking open and turned to see a dark\u00a0\u00a0 silhouette in front of the dim morning light, the gray-blue of a cloudy morning that crept in through the door.\u00a0 She slowly stepped behind the horse she had been grooming, hoping that she hadn\u2019t been seen.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Holding her breath for a moment, not quite sure if she was relieved that the figure belonged to Adam, she stepped out from behind the horse.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m right here, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stepped into the light, making sure she saw the controlled fury on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I was just…\u201d\u00a0 His expression unsettled her.\u00a0 \u201cI miss my horses, so I thought I\u2019d take care of everyone\u2019s horses this morning.\u201d\u00a0 A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, but his expression didn\u2019t change, and her attempt to lighten his mood ended in a bitten lip.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve already cleaned out the stalls and fed all of them.\u00a0 I was just finishing the grooming.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned and closed the barn door.\u00a0 When he turned back, his lips were still pursed and his brows furrowed.\u00a0 Walking toward her, he followed her as she backed away from him, finally bumping against the back wall.\u00a0 As he got closer, Shiloh tried to side-step him to the right, but he put his hand on the wall next to her.\u00a0 When she tried the other way, he put his other hand on the wall to her left, trapping her. He stepped into her, and she pressed herself against the wall, turning her head so that his lips were at her ear, his warm breath on her cheek and flowing down her neck as he slowly exhaled. \u201cShiloh, a man has been following you for at least a month,\u201d he said quietly.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t know who he is or what he wants, and based on what\u2019s been happening lately, we have to assume he\u2019s not a friend.\u201d He turned her face forward, taking a deep, calming breath and looking into her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou need to take this seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that I\u2019m not taking it seriously.\u00a0 I\u2019m not comfortable being confined.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I can\u2019t trust you to do as I ask, you\u2019ll be confined in a locked bedroom at night.\u201d<\/p>\n

She drew her lips into a tight pucker and creased her eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t do that.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be going home tonight,\u201d she said in a low growl.<\/p>\n

He bent closer to her face, his nose almost touching hers, narrowed his eyes and smiled haughtily.\u00a0 \u201cTry me.\u201d\u00a0 When she opened her mouth to object, his eyebrow instantly arched.\u00a0 Closing her mouth without a word, she lowered her eyes and twisted her mouth, trying to hide a pout she didn\u2019t want him to see. \u201cNow, let\u2019s go inside and have breakfast with the rest of the family,\u201d he said, taking her arm and walking her out of the barn. \u201cIt is Christmas, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Adam opened the front door, he pulled Shiloh into the corner of the porch.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re sulking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sulking,\u201d she answered, looking away from him.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t like being bullied, especially by you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, there are too many possibilities for you to be taking a chance at going out alone.\u00a0 We don\u2019t know what Will will do when he finds out we\u2019re getting married.\u00a0 We don\u2019t know anything about the people Sam associated himself with, and we don\u2019t know who\u2019s following you and why.\u00a0 I want you to promise me you won\u2019t go out alone again; not even to the barn.\u201d\u00a0 She exhaled and cast her eyes down, but he cupped her chin in his hand and brought her face back up.\u00a0 \u201cLook me in the eye and promise me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She cut her eyes to the side, and when he gently insisted by tightening his hold, she looked into his eyes, and begrudgingly agreed, \u201cI promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Holding her gaze, he moved an arm around her, drawing her into him. She lowered her eyes as he moved his other arm around her. He watched her, waiting for her blue eyes to glance back up at his, then smiled impishly before he took her lips in a long, passionate kiss.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow,\u201d he said, taking a deeply contented breath, \u201ccan we go inside and have a nice day?\u201d<\/p>\n

The corner of her mouth turned up as she glanced up at him again and nodded.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 55 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Fifty-Five<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben stood by the fireplace, resting one foot on the hearth with his hands in his pockets.\u00a0 Hoss and Annie had already told him that Adam went out looking for Shiloh, and tempted as he was to follow, Ben chose to wait it out, knowing that if Adam needed help he\u2019d be back.\u00a0 When the door opened, everyone turned and let out a collective sigh of relief when both Adam and Shiloh walked through the door.<\/p>\n

Shiloh stood still for a moment, looking at all the anxious faces, then removed her gloves and unbuttoned her jacket.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry if I worried you.\u00a0 I was up early and thought I\u2019d take care of the barn chores.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe looked at each other and grinned.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean the whole barn\u2026all the horses?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cShe did the whole thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, now that we\u2019re all here, why don\u2019t we sit down and have some breakfast,\u201d said Ben, still eyeing Shiloh.<\/p>\n

She noticed, and when she met his eyes, she took a deep breath, knowing that if he had been her father, he would have words for her.\u00a0 She wasn\u2019t sure if she considered herself lucky or not, considering Adam\u2019s scolding could make her feel just as uncomfortable as Ben\u2019s.\u00a0 Then she saw the look that passed between Adam and his father that told Ben the matter had been resolved and knew that as far as Ben was concerned it would be forgotten. She smiled gratefully up at him when he placed his hand on hers at the table after they had been seated and grace had been said.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, put some food on your plate,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

She looked down at her plate, then looked back at him.\u00a0 \u201cI have eggs, bacon and a biscuit.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that food?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pouring a glass of milk, he said, \u201cLook at Annie\u2019s plate.\u201d\u00a0 He sat the glass down in front of Shiloh, and she drew in the corner of her mouth while Adam looked up at Joe and winked as Joe grinned back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie\u2019s always had a better appetite than me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t never gonna be able to keep up with a Cartwright if you don\u2019t learn to eat like a Cartwright,\u201d said Hoss between bites of flapjacks.\u00a0 He picked up another plate, put two flapjacks on it, spread butter over both, smothered them in maple syrup, then reached across the table and set the plate in front of Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, pass the fried potatoes,\u201d said Joe.\u00a0 When they arrived, Joe looked at Adam and nodded toward Shiloh.\u00a0 Adam reached over, picking up Shiloh\u2019s plate and held it as Joe spooned on a pile of potatoes, after which Adam added more eggs and a few more slices of bacon.\u00a0 He placed the plate back down in front of her, then moved the apricot preserves and honey near her.<\/p>\n

Shiloh\u2019s jaw dropped, and her eyes became round.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t expect me to eat all this, do you?\u201d she asked as she looked around the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we don\u2019t have dinner until later in the afternoon on Christmas Day, so everyone eats a big breakfast,\u201d said Ben.\u00a0 When she looked back at her plate, Ben stifled a laugh. She blew out her cheeks, picked up her fork, and began to eat as the men carried on their normal breakfast conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have any barn chores to do this morning,\u201d said Adam, looking at Shiloh with his eyebrows raised.<\/p>\n

Shiloh was frowning at her plate, purposely ignoring him.\u00a0 \u201cI need to ride over to the Flying W to check in, and I need to see Hank.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s my ranch, and I\u2019ve been away for a few days.\u00a0 Hank has the day off and Johnny is in charge.\u00a0 Besides that, I have something for Hank.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ride over with you before dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, do you feel like a riding lesson today?\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, I thought we\u2019d be here all day, so I already made plans with Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh smile slightly. \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to show me a frozen waterfall.\u00a0 He says it\u2019s really special,\u201d said Annie, smiling over at Hoss, who was sitting low, concentrating on his food, trying to hide a blush.\u00a0 The other three men turned away, hiding their smiles.<\/p>\n

Everyone had cleaned their plates, except Shiloh, who still had some of everything left.\u00a0 The flapjacks hadn\u2019t been touched.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t finish all this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning over, Adam looked at her plate.\u00a0 \u201cRemind me never to enter a flapjack contest with you.\u201d\u00a0 He reached over and relieved her of a piece of bacon, then handed the plate of flapjacks to Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew it.\u00a0 I fixed it for me anyway,\u201d said Hoss, moving his plate out of the way to make room for Shiloh\u2019s flapjacks.<\/p>\n

Once Hoss was finished, everyone moved to the living room to open gifts.\u00a0 Everything under the tree was handed out, and one by one each person opened a gift as they went in a circle taking turns.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie,\u201d said Ben.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re next.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d she said picking up the smaller of two packages.\u00a0 \u201cFrom Hoss,\u201d she said, smiling so brightly her eyes sparkled.\u00a0 Removing the ribbon, she opened the box and gasped.\u00a0 \u201cOh my goodness, Hoss, they\u2019re beautiful.\u201d\u00a0 She held up a handkerchief decorated with embroidery and lace, one of a set.<\/p>\n

Hoss raised his hand and slightly waved.\u00a0 \u201cIt weren\u2019t nothin\u2019,\u201d he said, unable to meet Annie\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Adam looked at Shiloh, eyebrows raised and chin pushed up as he nodded.\u00a0 Shiloh cut her eyes to the ceiling, smiling, and took a deep breath, then looked back at Annie.\u00a0 \u201cGo ahead and open the other one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie carefully folded the handkerchief and placed it back in the box with the others, then took the larger package and ripped open the paper.\u00a0 She sucked in a breath.\u00a0 \u201cWhere did you\u2026how did you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I thought it might come in handy at medical school,\u201d said Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cI was looking for the black bag, but then Dr. Martin in Virginia City helped me with some instruments.\u00a0 I have no idea what\u2019s in there, but he said that would be all you would need in the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie and Shiloh both stood, standing in a long hug.\u00a0 The men looked around the room and smiled at the two young women, both about to venture out in new directions\u2026new lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, my turn,\u201d said Adam.\u00a0 \u201cThis one is from Shiloh.\u201d\u00a0 He opened a long, heavy box, pulled newspaper out of the way, and stopped, a grin slowly spreading over his face.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t believe it.\u00a0 Where did you get this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it,\u201d asked Joe, straining to see into the box.<\/p>\n

Adam slowly removed a rifle from the box, looking closely at the scroll work and a \u2018C\u2019 engraved in the brass.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a Henry repeater.\u00a0 It shoots twenty-eight rounds a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was up in a matter of seconds.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re kidding.\u00a0 There\u2019s only been a few hundred of those made.\u00a0 \u201cHow did you get it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRobert Liddle, a gun broker in San Francisco had a few to sell, and I offered him a box seat at my next performance there if he\u2019d save one for me,\u201d said Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like you don\u2019t mind being Isabella Whitney when you want something,\u201d said Adam jokingly.\u00a0 He met a stony look and lost his smile, immediately wishing he could take his words back.<\/p>\n

When everyone had opened their gifts, Adam announced, \u201cThere\u2019s one more.\u201d\u00a0 Rising out of his chair, he carefully laid his rifle back down in the box, took Shiloh\u2019s hand and pulled her up, leading her over to the bunkhouse door.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled, backhanded Hoss in the stomach and winked.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s gonna love this,\u201d he whispered.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

Standing behind her, Adam covered her eyes with his hands.\u00a0 \u201cAlright Pa, open the doors.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He slowly walked her through the doors, and when he removed his hands from her eyes Shiloh raised her hands to her mouth.\u00a0 As she stood motionless, tears streamed down her cheeks.\u00a0 Everyone kept silent, not knowing exactly what to do or say.\u00a0 Then slowly, she stepped forward, sitting on the bench and raising a hand to the keys, gently moving her fingers across them without depressing them.\u00a0 She pushed middle C; then an octave above middle C; then a C chord and knew the piano had been tuned after it had been moved into the bunkhouse.\u00a0 Raising her other hand, she placed her fingers on the keys and played several runs, then smiling, she played the third movement of Beethoven\u2019s Moonlight Sonata.\u00a0 The men stood listening, glancing at each other with dumbstruck looks on their faces while Annie stood, grinning, closing her eyes and following the movement with her hand in the air.<\/p>\n

When Shiloh finished, she sat still for a moment.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss were frozen, having never heard a piano concert the likes of this one.\u00a0 Shiloh slowly stood, turned and walked to Adam, laying her hands at his sides.\u00a0\u00a0 She looked into his eyes, her own eyes glistening with tears.\u00a0 Ben motioned for everyone to go back into the house, closing the doors behind them, leaving Adam and Shiloh alone.<\/p>\n

Raising his hands to either side of her neck, he traced her jaw with his thumbs, then traced her lips.\u00a0 Rubbing her nose with his, he touched her lips, moving closer and ardently pressing his lips to hers.\u00a0 Their lips parted, but they didn\u2019t move away from each other, each looking back at the other\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you\u2019ll never know how much I needed this,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart, I do know,\u201d he whispered back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 56 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Fifty-Six<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shiloh and Adam saddled their horses for the ride to the Flying W.\u00a0 Hoss wanted to use the buggy because Annie was still learning to ride, and as they left for the waterfall, Shiloh and Adam were mounting their horses.<\/p>\n

Johnny rushed out of the barn when he heard their horses in the Flying W yard.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Shiloh, I\u2019m glad it\u2019s you.\u00a0 Priss is foaling, and she\u2019s not doing well.\u201d
\nBoth Shiloh and Adam dismounted and ran to the barn while Johnny tied their horses.\u00a0 \u201cWhoa, girl,\u201d Shiloh said softly, slowly approaching from the horse\u2019s back as the mare lay on the floor of the foaling stall.\u00a0 \u201cJohnny, how long as she been down?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe went down when she broke\u2026about an hour ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s too long,\u201d said Shiloh, pulling off her jacket and rolling up her sleeves.\u00a0 While she gently felt the horse\u2019s stomach, Adam pulled his jacket off and rolled his sleeves up as well, kneeling beside her.\u00a0 \u201cJohnny, get some blankets out of the tack room and then go in the house and boil some water.\u00a0 I need a couple of buckets.\u00a0 Adam, we need to get that foal out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know it might be too late,\u201d he said, looking worriedly at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not feeling any strong contractions.\u00a0 She\u2019s tired herself out.\u00a0 Do you see anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh ran out of the barn to the pump and began washing her hands and arms in the cold water.\u00a0 This time of year, the water would have been close to freezing, but she didn\u2019t waste time testing it.\u00a0 When she had returned to the barn, Adam had moved behind the horse, feeling the muscles of her back.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s hard.\u00a0 She wasn\u2019t ready and gave out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dropping to her knees, next to Priss\u2019 hind legs, Shiloh slowly put her hand and arm inside the horse.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got a hoof, but it\u2019s too dry.\u201d\u00a0 Finding the placenta on the floor, Shiloh scooped up part of the fluid and bathed her arm and hand, then reached inside and rubbed as much of the fluid on the colt as she could.\u00a0 Then, she pulled.\u00a0 Priss groaned, but didn\u2019t push.\u00a0 Bringing the foal out took another fifteen minutes, and when he was finally out, Shiloh left him lying with his back hoofs still inside Priss.<\/p>\n

Sitting back, creasing her brows, she studied the horse nervously, then crawled around to Priss\u2019 head, stroking her nose, whispering in her ear.\u00a0 Priss opened her eyes, and sighed, then closed them.\u00a0 Holding her breath, Shiloh finally said quietly.\u00a0 \u201cBreathe\u2026please.\u00a0 Just breathe.\u201d\u00a0 For Priss, there would be no more breaths.<\/p>\n

Shiloh hung her head for a moment as she rubbed Priss\u2019 neck, then slowly made her way back to the foal.\u00a0 Johnny was back with the hot water, and Shiloh began to clean the foal, tears falling for the foal\u2019s mother.\u00a0 He was breathing, but weakly<\/p>\n

\u201cI checked her before I went to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 She wasn\u2019t ready.\u00a0 Something made her water break too early,\u201d she said, sniffling<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, you know it happens.\u00a0 Even if you had been here, you couldn\u2019t have prevented it,\u201d said Adam, trying to console her.<\/p>\n

As she continued to bathe the colt in warm water, Adam felt the colt\u2019s jaw.\u00a0 Sitting back with one arm propped over his knee, he breathed out heavily, then looked back at Shiloh and watched as her face saddened.\u00a0 First a frown appeared, following by a quivering chin.\u00a0 Then the tears came again and dripped off her lashes as she squeezed her eyes shut and continued to bathe the colt.
\nMoving next to her, Adam took the cloth from her and pulled her away from the colt.\u00a0 She curled up in his arms and wept.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

While Shiloh washed up in the kitchen, Johnny stood behind her.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Shiloh, I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 Everyone that\u2019s not with the herd\u2019s already left for the Christmas party over at Hank\u2019s, and I didn\u2019t want to leave her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny, it\u2019s not your fault,\u201d she said, turning her head to look him in the eye.\u00a0 \u201cAdam was right.\u00a0 It happens.\u00a0 Her muscles were still too hard, and her water broke too early.\u00a0 Even if Priss had survived, I don\u2019t think the colt would have.\u00a0 He was in there too long after she broke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam came in the kitchen door, stomping the snow off his feet.\u00a0 \u201cI covered them.\u00a0 It\u2019s cold enough that they should be alright where they are until tomorrow.\u00a0 Johnny, make sure some of the hands stay tomorrow to help you take care of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at Johnny, Shiloh asked, \u201cIs there anything else that needs my attention?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Ma\u2019am.\u00a0 The herd\u2019s fine.\u00a0 Me and Billy took a load of hay down to the south pasture.\u00a0 There\u2019s snow on the ground down there.\u00a0 We took another load down to the horses, and there all fine.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been moving Sara and her colt into the barn at night.\u00a0 I\u2019ll tie a rope across the two back stalls and put them in the back of the barn before I leave for Hank\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Johnny.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be home later tonight.\u00a0 I\u2019ll check on them then.\u00a0 How\u2019s Tommy doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not here.\u00a0 Hank took him home with him last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I want to see Hank today, so we\u2019ll ride with you over to his house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u00a0 I\u2019ll move Sara and the colt in the barn now and get my horse saddled,\u201d said Johnny as he walked out the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I need to change my clothes.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be down in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gently took her arm as she walked by, looking into her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m alright.\u00a0 I\u2019m a little\u2026upset,\u201d she said with moist eyes.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019ve lost horses before.\u00a0 I\u2019m alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

After they delivered Hank\u2019s Christmas present and wished the Flying W hands a Merry Christmas, Shiloh and Adam rode slowly back to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 \u201cWell, at least Sara and her colt made it,\u201d said Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cI was worried that neither colt would survive being foaled in the winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you breed them late?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t breed them.\u00a0 They did that on their own.\u201d\u00a0 They rode for a few minutes in silence, until Shiloh broke it.\u00a0 \u201cI guess Johnny is already set on taking orders from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pulled back on his reins, stopping his horse.\u00a0 Shiloh didn\u2019t wait, but coaxed Spirit to a trot, riding ahead toward the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 57 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Fifty-Seven<\/strong><\/p>\n

By the time Adam rode into the yard, Shiloh had already removed Spirit\u2019s saddle and was brushing her down.\u00a0 Adam quietly led Sport into his stall and removed his saddle, watching as Shiloh tossed hay into Spirit\u2019s feeding trough.\u00a0 She walked by him without looking, leaving the barn toward the house.\u00a0 Adam let her go, having no idea how to begin to talk about her last remark.\u00a0 He knew she understood the legal ramifications of marrying.\u00a0 He thought she understood that they would take care of the ranch together.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up when Adam came through the door, laying his gun belt and hat on the entry cabinet.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh went upstairs.\u00a0 Is everything alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe lost a horse and colt today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grunted.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s lost horses before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt she\u2019s lost many this way.\u00a0 The mare was giving birth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis time of year?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s bothering you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat down and pursed his lips.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa.\u00a0 Maybe she\u2019s more upset about the horses than we think.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Shiloh stood in the window of her room, looking over the yard, thinking about the way it looked now compared to the way it had looked last night.\u00a0 Last night, the white glow of the moon shone intermittently through light, fluffy clouds that occasionally released their snow, shimmering in the ghostly light.\u00a0 Today, the sky was gray and cold, weeping its frozen tears all over the yard.\u00a0 Why did she feel so down?\u00a0 It was more than just the mare and her colt.<\/p>\n

She packed the last of her things in her bag and closed it, then went to the door.\u00a0 Opening it, she caught her breath.\u00a0 Adam was standing there with his hand raised in a fist ready to knock. They stood there in awkward silence for a moment until Adam asked, \u201cYou wanna talk about it?\u201d\u00a0 Nodding, she took his hand and walked with him down the stairs and into the bunkhouse.<\/p>\n

Sitting on the piano bench with her hands clasped in her lap, Shiloh looked at his legs and feet as he stood in front of her, wondering what they looked like under his trousers and boots.\u00a0 A vision invaded her thoughts of his boots next to the bed and his belted trousers and shirt hanging over the back of a chair.\u00a0 As she wondered what his legs looked like, her mind wandered elsewhere until she suddenly raised her hands, rubbing her forehead with her fingertips as if to erase the images in her mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea where to start, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat next to her on the piano bench and took her hand.\u00a0 \u201cI know you\u2019ve given a lot of thought to the legal rights of married women, and I have an idea you\u2019ve separated yourself from that somehow.\u00a0 You need to think how that will affect you when we get married, because whether you think you\u2019re one of those women or not, the plain truth is that you are.\u00a0 You\u2019ll have no legal say in the business of the Flying W when it comes to enforcing the law\u2026contracts, disputes\u2026anything that\u2019ll require an attorney.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s not that\u2026exactly.\u00a0 I came home to take over for my father\u2026to carry on the family name and business.\u00a0 It\u2019s just sinking in that I can\u2019t do that.\u00a0\u00a0 What was Whitney will be Cartwright.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want my father\u2019s\u2026and Mama\u2019s and Micah\u2019s work to be forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put his arm around her.\u00a0 \u201cThen we\u2019ll just have to make sure it\u2019s not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about the Ponderosa?\u201d she asked, turning to him.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not just going to walk away from your work here, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I\u2019ll have to split my time.\u00a0 Pa knew that at some point, we\u2019d build ranches of our own.\u00a0 He gave all of us land.\u00a0 The Flying W will continue to run just fine with Hank as foreman.\u00a0 I can still handle the business of the Ponderosa, and between the four of us, it\u2019ll run as well as it always has.\u201d\u00a0 He stood up and straddled the bench, wrapping both arms around her and pulling her close.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, I\u2019m not going to take the Flying W away from you.\u00a0 You can do as much as you want.\u00a0 We\u2019ll make the decisions together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh leaned against him, looking up into his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m counting on that, Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

When he kissed her, she raised her hand to his cheek and slowly moved it to the back of his head where she buried her fingers in his dark, thick curls.\u00a0 A deep moan escaped from him as he tightened his hold, moving his lips to her chin, to her neck, and back to the sweet softness of her mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh,\u201d he whispered as he kissed her again.\u00a0 \u201cWe need to set a date.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paying little attention to his words, feeling his warm breath on her neck and his tender nibbles on her earlobe, she said dreamily, \u201cA date?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, a wedding date,\u201d he murmured, leaning her back on the dust cover of the piano keyboard with one arm across her shoulders.\u00a0 Shiloh took a quick breath when she felt his other hand slowly moving across her back to her side, to her waist, then to her hip, and just as she grasped his hand, there was a faint knock at the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you in there?\u201d came Hoss\u2019s voice from the other side of the door.<\/p>\n

Looking back into her smoky eyes, his nostrils flared as he smiled at her, breathing deeply to calm his racing heart.\u00a0 He brought her upright on the bench, sitting appropriately back away from her before he answered, \u201cCome on in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh closed her eyes, allowing the frisson to pass.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two \u2018bout ready for dinner?\u00a0 Hop Sing\u2019s settin\u2019 the table now,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

Adam stood and held his hand out to Shiloh, bringing her up off the bench as she took a deep breath and swallowed hard.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright, Shiloh?\u201d asked Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cYou look a might flushed.\u201d\u00a0 Her eyes flew open wide, and she coughed when she sucked in a sudden breath.\u00a0 \u201cCome on in the house.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get you a glass of water.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss.\u00a0 Really\u2026I\u2019m fine,\u201d she said, glancing back up at Adam who, based on the look in his eyes, still smoldered.<\/p>\n

At the dinner table, Shiloh was quiet, still feeling just a bit naughty for having allowed Adam to bewitch her, and wondering where his hand might have gone if Hoss hadn\u2019t knocked on the door. The direction of the conversation around her brought her out of her thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were talking about setting a date for the wedding,\u201d said Adam, winking at Shiloh.<\/p>\n

You think that was funny, don\u2019t you?<\/em>\u00a0 She narrowed her eyes at him.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed a bite of Hop Sing\u2019s smoked ham.\u00a0 \u201cMm mm.\u00a0 Hop Sing outdid himself this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, you ought to be thinkin\u2019 about a date before Annie has to leave for school,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you\u2019re right, Hoss,\u201d said Shiloh, laying her fork down on her plate.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie has to be here to be my Maid of Honor.\u00a0 That means the wedding needs to be in January,\u201d she said uneasily.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be that early.\u00a0 It can be as late as the first of March.\u00a0 My classes start the end of May, and I need to be there a little before that to get settled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, you\u2019ll never get there.\u00a0 It will take you months.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo it won\u2019t.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m taking the Panama Route, a steamer from San Francisco to Panama City, the Panama Railroad over to Aspinwall, and another steamer from there to New York.\u00a0 Then I\u2019ll take a train to Philadelphia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMarch first, then?\u201d asked Adam, looking over at Shiloh, who was staring ahead, biting her lip.\u00a0 Adam touched her hand and raised his eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll of a sudden we have a lot to do,\u201d she said quietly, then picked up her fork and finished her dinner in silence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 58 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Fifty-Eight<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam came down the stairs with the girl\u2019s bags and set them next to the door while the girls said goodbye to Ben.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright, thank you for inviting us to spend Christmas with you.\u00a0 I have to admit,\u201d Shiloh said, timidly.\u00a0 \u201cI had forgotten decorating could be so much fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

As she tiptoed into a hug, Ben said, \u201cShiloh, you\u2019ve been coming here since you were just a little thing.\u00a0 You\u2019re part of the family.\u201d\u00a0 He looked down at her as she moved back, and touched her nose.\u00a0 \u201cYou remember that.\u201d Annie stepped into his hug next.\u00a0 \u201cAnd that goes for you, too, young lady.\u00a0 We\u2019ve all become quite fond of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 It\u2019s nice to know I\u2019m not alone in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Shiloh, before you leave,\u201d started Ben.\u00a0 \u201cYou two will need a place to get married.\u00a0 I\u2019d like you to consider the Ponderosa.\u00a0 You can get married right here in the house, and we\u2019ll all help get it ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I suppose\u2026Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we talk about it on the way home?\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n

With that, the two girls turned and smiled at Ben, then walked outside to the buggy.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d asked Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe drew the short straw,\u201d said Hoss, chuckling.<\/p>\n

Annie looked at him confused.\u00a0 \u201cShort straw?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Shiloh said, \u201cThey draw straws when there\u2019s one chore and three of them to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss helped Annie up into the back seat while Adam helped Shiloh into the front.\u00a0 Trying not to interrupt Hoss and Annie\u2019s conversation in the back, Adam asked quietly, \u201cDid you have another place in mind for the wedding?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh wrapped her arm around his and leaned into him.\u00a0 \u201cI hadn\u2019t really thought about where.\u00a0 To tell you the truth, I haven\u2019t really thought much about our wedding.\u00a0 We haven\u2019t been engaged that long, and I didn\u2019t\u2026well, I thought I\u2019d have more time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t want to get married now, we don\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we do.\u00a0 I won\u2019t get married without Annie being there, and if we don\u2019t do it now, it won\u2019t be for several years.\u00a0 And based on what happened in the bunkhouse before dinner, I don\u2019t think we can afford to wait that long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened in the bunkhouse?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh eyed him incredulously.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYour hand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that,\u201d he teased, smiling.<\/p>\n

When they arrived at the Flying W, Shiloh went straight to the barn to check on Sara and her colt.\u00a0 The others followed her in and watched as she slowly approached the mare, stroking Sara\u2019s nose and slowly making her way back to the colt.\u00a0 She started at the colt\u2019s head, gently laying her hand just behind his ears and moving gradually down his back until she was standing against him, her hand resting on his opposite side.\u00a0 Sara looked back calmly, and though the colt\u2019s eyes were big and his body stiff, he stood and tolerated her touch.\u00a0 She checked their feed, then walked back to the door, pausing in front of the foaling stall where the bodies of Priss and her colt lay underneath blankets.\u00a0 After looking at them wistfully, her eyes veiled by mist, she slowly walked out the door, wordlessly passing Adam, Hoss and Annie.<\/p>\n

Once in the house, she took a deep breath, then turned around to face them.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you all make yourselves comfortable in the parlor?\u00a0 I\u2019ll put on some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie walked forward and held Shiloh\u2019s hands.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go get comfortable in the parlor, and I\u2019ll put on the coffee.\u00a0 You and Adam need to talk about plans for the wedding.\u00a0 And don\u2019t worry about asking me to do anything.\u00a0 While I\u2019m here, I\u2019m going wherever you\u2019re going.\u201d\u00a0 Annie kissed Shiloh\u2019s cheek, and Shiloh\u2019s eyes said \u2018thank you\u2019, then Annie disappeared into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Hoss stepped forward, looking at Adam, then over at Shiloh with his hands in his pockets.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m just gonna go help Annie with coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, there\u2019s some cookies that Annie made.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you bring some of those to the parlor with the coffee?\u201d Shiloh said, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do just that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh and Adam stood at opposite ends of the entryway, but only for a moment.\u00a0 Adam walked to her, took her hand and led her into the parlor. Turning around, he took the other hand.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re shaky.\u00a0 What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, she glanced into his eyes, grimaced, then looked down.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I\u2019m feeling a little overwhelmed again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what I can do to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

She snorted.\u00a0 \u201cWhen can the piano be moved?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart, I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 We need to wait for the weather to clear before we move it.\u00a0 And speaking of moving it, I need to measure the door.\u00a0 We may have to take out a window to get it in.\u201d<\/p>\n

She dropped her forehead onto his chest. \u201cCan I have just one thing in my life that\u2019s simple?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBesides planning for a wedding, what else do you have to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s time to get supplies again.\u00a0 I need to update the books.\u00a0 I need to start looking for those timber contracts you said I could find before I default on my sales agreement for the land I purchased.\u00a0 I need to get some horses trained because I\u2019ll have buyers in the spring, and I need to answer those inquiries about performing that Maguire gave me.\u00a0 Besides all that, I have to worry about what Will\u2019s going to do when he finds out about us, I have to worry about what King has done, and I have to worry about whoever this is that\u2019s following me.\u00a0 If I could just get rid of those last three\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking lovingly into her eyes as he put his arms around her, he said, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you concentrate on the wedding.\u00a0 It\u2019s time for supplies at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll ride in with Hank and take care of the bill.\u00a0 I\u2019ll take care of the timber contracts, and if you need help with the books, I\u2019ll do those, too.\u00a0 The horses can wait.\u00a0 People want your horses, Sweetheart.\u00a0 They won\u2019t mind waiting a little longer to get one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, I\u2019m not taking any of this away from you.\u00a0 You just need some time to breathe, and that\u2019s what I\u2019m trying to give you.\u00a0 Answer the inquiries from Tom.\u00a0 Plan the wedding.\u00a0 And as far as Will, Sam and your shadow are concerned, we\u2019ll wait for them to make their move, and then we\u2019ll take care of them, too.\u00a0 How many of your hands are due back tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the men watching the herd tonight will be back soon, but I expect that everyone will come back eventually.\u00a0 The majority of my men don\u2019t have families.\u00a0 They don\u2019t have a home to go back to so they live full time in my bunkhouse.\u00a0 That\u2019s one reason Hank has a Christmas party.\u00a0 Daddy never really celebrated Christmas after Micah was killed, so Hank has always invited everyone over to his place.\u00a0 I think that\u2019s what he uses his Christmas bonus for, and I\u2019m sure most of the men pitch in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and I\u2019ll wait to leave tonight so I can tell some of your men to watch the house.\u00a0 When Hank comes back tomorrow, I want you to tell him to put three men on the house and two men on the horses around the clock.\u201d\u00a0 When she looked at him her eyes flashed embers.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t even think about arguing with me.\u00a0 You won\u2019t be confined.\u00a0 I\u2019ll ask Johnny to go with you wherever you need to go with another hand.\u00a0 I doubt your shadow will be willing to tangle with two men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow will we ever find out who he is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not going to try unless he plays his hand…at least, not until we get back from our honeymoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet back?\u00a0 Where are we going?\u201d\u00a0 Annie and Hoss came into the parlor with the coffee service and cookies.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to spend a month in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA month?\u201d she said, startled.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I can\u2019t be away for a month.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you can. The whole point of this is to get you away from the ranch for a little while.\u00a0 We can arrange for everything to be taken care of while we\u2019re gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we going to do in San Francisco for a month?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, he leaned in to kiss her.\u00a0 \u201cYou let me worry about that.\u00a0 I have a few surprises for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie delivered a cup of coffee to Shiloh, and then to Adam, and both went to the sofa and sat down.\u00a0 \u201cHave you two settled on where you\u2019ll have the wedding?\u201d asked Annie, who sat down on the hearth next to Hoss after handing him a cookie to go with his coffee.<\/p>\n

Adam looked at Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s up to you, but I think Pa is counting on us getting married at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh smiled warmly.\u00a0 \u201cI have no intentions of disappointing your father, especially with the first of his sons getting married.\u00a0 The Ponderosa it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said Adam.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing has some experience with wedding cakes, and Pa has some experience with reception parties. We\u2019ve had weddings at the Ponderosa before.\u00a0 You and Annie just need to come up with flowers and decorations\u2026and your dresses.\u00a0 I\u2019ll talk to the minister, and we can all let everyone know.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure Sam Clemens will put an announcement in the Enterprise<\/em> for us.\u00a0 And I\u2019ll make all the arrangements for San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh sat staring into her cup of coffee. \u201cWhy do I feel like I\u2019m missing something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019ve never stopped before,\u201d said Annie.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2019s right.\u00a0 You need some time off to enjoy your wedding and your honeymoon.\u00a0 And I\u2019m going to make sure you enjoy the wedding, at least.\u00a0 I\u2019ll make arrangements to leave for San Francisco right after.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, there\u2019s no reason you can\u2019t go to San Francisco with us. We\u2019ll be taking the stage.\u00a0 I can make arrangements for your passage at the same time I make arrangements for us,\u201d offered Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam.\u00a0 That way, I can concentrate on Shiloh the rest of the time I\u2019m here,\u201d Annie said, smiling.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked over at her hopefully.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019d be nice if you can find some spare time before you have to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking a quick look back at Hoss, Annie smiled sweetly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 59 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Fifty-Nine<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam tapped on the door of the Flying W ranch house, then stuck his head in.\u00a0 \u201cAnyone home?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the kitchen,\u201d came a voice from around the corner.<\/p>\n

Two steps into the house he stopped and lifted his nose, then followed the unmistakable aroma of fresh baked cookies.\u00a0 Entering the kitchen, he came to an abrupt halt at the sight of cookies all over\u2026on the dining table, on the work table, on the hutch, and over the wash basin.\u00a0 Shiloh was standing in the middle wearing an excitedly pleased look on a face with cherry cheeks dusted with flour, a bright smile and sparkling eyes that lit up the room on their own. Annie sat at the table, peacefully reading a book and sipping coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see you\u2019ve been busy,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

Looking up, Annie grinned.\u00a0 \u201cI taught her how to bake cookies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I can see that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I just have to get her to stop baking cookies.\u00a0 But she looks so happy I don\u2019t have the heart to stop her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh grabbed Adam\u2019s hand and pulled him into the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cThose are plain sugar cookies, those have nuts in them, these over here are made with molasses and have raisins in them, these have cinnamon and tiny pieces of apple in them, and these,\u201d she said picking up one that was still warm and bringing it up to Adam\u2019s mouth, \u201chave small pieces of apricot.\u00a0 You love apricots, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking a bite of the cookie amid a laugh, Adam turned the bite over in his mouth, raising his eyebrows, while Shiloh\u2019s eyes became big, round and puppy-like.\u00a0 A slow smile formed on his face.\u00a0 \u201cThese are good.\u00a0 These are really good.\u201d\u00a0 He cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cBut you\u2026um\u2026need to stop.\u00a0 You have enough cookies to last a couple of months.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not worried about that.\u00a0 Hoss will eat them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pulling her to him, he said, \u201cCome \u2018ere,\u201d and brushed flour off her check, then kissed her.\u00a0 \u201cJust save some.\u00a0 We can snack on them on the way to San Francisco.\u00a0 Now, I understand you ladies need to go into town.\u00a0 Hoss and I both have the rest of the day off so we thought we\u2019d take you ourselves and have lunch in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss?\u201d asked Annie.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just a few minutes behind me.\u00a0 We\u2019re taking two buggies.\u00a0 He said he had something to show you this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to go get cleaned up,\u201d said Shiloh untying her apron.\u00a0 \u201cHave another cookie.\u00a0 Coffee\u2019s on the stove,\u201d she said as she left the room.<\/p>\n

As she was coming back down the stairs, there was a knock at the door.\u00a0 Just before she turned the knob, Adam was behind her and grabbed her hand.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll answer it,\u201d he said sternly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are the men that are supposed to be watching the house?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told them I was here.\u00a0 There\u2019s no reason for them to worry.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled her behind him and opened the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon.\u00a0 I\u2019m looking for Miss Whitney.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d asked Adam unceremoniously.<\/p>\n

The man handed Adam a card.\u00a0 \u201cMy name is Horace Smith.\u00a0 I represent Mr. George Hearst.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf the Ophir Mine?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 I have business to discuss with Miss Whitney.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam twisted his mouth, studying the man.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what business would that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh tugged on the back of Adam\u2019s shirt, and he promptly reached back, giving her hand a tight squeeze.<\/p>\n

Mr. Smith puffed up.\u00a0 \u201cAnd who are you, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd do you handle all of Miss Whitney\u2019s business?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ranch is in a trust.\u00a0 I\u2019m the trustee.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smirking, Mr. Smith said, \u201cMiss Whitney has advertised the sale of her ranch.\u00a0 Mr. Hearst is interested in acquiring it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned his head, but kept a suspicious eye on Mr. Smith.\u00a0 Shiloh stood frozen behind him.\u00a0 \u201cJust where did you see this advertisement?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Hearst received correspondence informing him of a private sale.\u00a0 It was not advertised in the newspaper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd who sent the letter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn investment broker, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 I don\u2019t understand your scrutiny of me.\u00a0 Is the ranch for sale or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we step outside, and I\u2019ll explain it.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stepped onto the porch, and when he turned to close the door, Shiloh stood with her fists clenched beside her and her face so stormy Adam imagined the thunderclap he\u2019d greet when he came back in would be deafening.<\/p>\n

Shiloh had moved to the parlor, and was pacing back and forth across the room when she heard the click of the front door closing followed by footsteps on the wood floor.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t have to turn around to feel his presence in the room.\u00a0 She heard him close the parlor doors.<\/p>\n

She straightened, the set of her back and shoulders so stiff, Adam thought she might be in physical pain.\u00a0 When she turned, he could tell that her teeth were clenched by the set of her jaw, and her eyes contained that unmistakable fire he knew went with her need to command her own life.<\/p>\n

He stood calmly with his hands clasped in front of him, waiting for the barely controlled shouting to start.\u00a0 To his surprise, she just stood there glaring at him.\u00a0 When she folded her lips into a thin line and blew heavily out of her nose, Adam realized she was trying to calm herself, though he wasn\u2019t convinced she would be successful.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Hoss had walked into the house, peering into the parlor first.\u00a0 He recognized the battle postures there, and backed up, heading for the kitchen where he expected to find Annie staying out of the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on in there?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Annie had been standing at the door of the kitchen, watching uneasily.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u00a0 Someone was at the door, and Adam stepped out to speak to him.\u00a0 Next thing I knew she was in there looking like a wet hen.\u201d\u00a0 She slowly stepped away from the kitchen doorway.\u00a0 \u201cAll we can do is wait and see how it turns out.\u201d\u00a0 Annie poured him a cup of coffee.\u00a0 \u201cCookie?\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was no reason for you to have excluded me from that conversation,\u201d Shiloh snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, there was a stranger at your door with an even stranger tale.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t about to let you walk into what might have been a ruse to get you away from the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have had to handle it if you weren\u2019t here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking a step toward her, he said softly, \u201cBut I am here, and you have only two things on your list to do.\u00a0 You\u2019ve already answered the performance inquiries.\u00a0 The only thing left is the wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this all I have left\u2026that I can\u2019t even handle my own business now?\u201d she shouted and spun around, leaving him to look at her back again.<\/p>\n

He walked forward and grasped her shoulders, and when she tried to step out of his hands, he held her.\u00a0 \u201cNot when it might get you killed,\u201d he bit back.\u00a0 Taking a deep breath, he dropped his hands to his sides.\u00a0 \u201cIt won\u2019t always be like this, Sweetheart.\u00a0 When Will and Sam and the other man are taken care of, you can do whatever you like, but until then,\u201d\u00a0 he turned her around to face him, \u201cI\u2019m not taking a chance with your life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it is not as serious as that.\u00a0 If someone had wanted to kill me they could\u2019ve already done it.\u00a0 They\u2019ve had plenty of chances.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pulled a folded newspaper out of his back pocket and handed it to her.\u00a0 \u201cDo you recognize this?\u201d<\/p>\n

She glared up at him, then grudgingly unfolded the paper.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s Sam Clemens\u2019 article.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the story of your life, Shiloh.\u00a0 I had no idea you were going to tell him everything\u2026all the things you didn\u2019t want people to know.\u00a0 You have no more privacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour point?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou told Clemens about your association with Will Stewart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her shoulders slumped as she stepped away, staring at the newspaper.\u00a0 \u201cHe said the only way I would have any future privacy would be to tell the story\u2026so there was no longer a story to tell.\u00a0 He said reporters would leave me alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReporters, true.\u00a0 But look at the top of that newspaper.\u201d<\/p>\n

She glanced down at it. \u201cWe both knew he was going to send the article to the Boston Herald<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now Will is going to face his embarrassment where you\u2019re concerned all over again.\u00a0 His political peers and his constituents are all going to see it in black and white.\u201d<\/p>\n

She froze.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Smith, the man at the door, said that a broker received a letter that said you were interested in selling the ranch, not for the purposes of ranching, but for mining the silver.\u00a0 The original letter was accompanied by a sample of ore and an assay report.\u201d<\/p>\n

She spun around toward him again.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d she whispered.\u00a0 \u201cWho sent it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t know.\u00a0 He\u2019s going to try to find out and let me know.\u201d\u00a0 He took her arms, bringing her to him.\u00a0 \u201cThis isn\u2019t just an annoyance, Shiloh.\u00a0\u00a0 People have been killed for a lot less.\u201d\u00a0 He watched her anger change to fear.\u00a0 \u201cThe man who\u2019s following you could easily be here to see that the ranch gets sold, one way or another.\u201d<\/p>\n

She withered in his hands.\u00a0 \u201cAlright,\u201d she said weakly, shivering at a sudden chill that coursed through her body.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll do whatever you say.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 60 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

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

When they arrived in Virginia City, Adam pulled the buggy to a stop near the international House, then sat back studying Shiloh, who had taken on a somber mood.\u00a0 Hoss drove his buggy carrying Annie up behind them.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, you\u2019re here to try on your wedding dress, but you look like you\u2019re about to attend a funeral.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should postpone the wedding until we find who\u2019s doing this to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning back and putting his arm around her, he said, \u201cThis is all the more reason for us to get married.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you figure?\u201d she said, looking up at him skeptically.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause coming after you won\u2019t do them any good once we\u2019re married.\u00a0 And getting land from a Cartwright will be next to impossible.\u00a0 They\u2019ll know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen they might come after you,\u201d she said, sitting up, looking back at him with a troubled look on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomehow, I doubt it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens if they kill both of us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s nostrils flared. Turning, he touched her cheek.\u00a0 \u201cStop.\u00a0\u00a0 I know this visit from Mr. Smith has upset you, but nothing has changed.\u00a0 I want you to forget about it and enjoy the day.\u201d\u00a0 Stepping out of the buggy, he held his hands out to her and helped her down.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going to walk you over to the dress shop, and then I\u2019ll go over and get the mail.\u00a0 I want you to wait for me if you finish with Mrs. Lewis.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Turning to Annie, he said, \u201cMake sure she waits.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once the ladies were dropped off at the dress shop, Adam and Hoss made their way toward the post office.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam stood sorting out all the envelopes, handing Ponderosa mail to Hoss and keeping any letters or telegrams that belonged to him or Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what is all that?\u00a0 You got more mail than Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see,\u201d he said, flipping through them. \u201cThat\u2019s reservations at the Lick House, those are confirmations for tickets, and these are letters for Shiloh.\u201d He turned them over one by one.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about those you skipped?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing important,\u201d answered Adam.\u00a0 He hurriedly changed the subject and started walking down the sidewalk with Hoss following.\u00a0 \u201cI need to talk to Sam Clemens, and then to Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they arrived at the Territorial Enterprise<\/em>, Sam was at the front, looking over the forme for a sample article that had been printed with errors.\u00a0 Upon seeing the Cartwrights enter, he laid the forme down and extended his hand.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, Hoss, what can the Enterprise <\/em>do for you today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSam, I need an announcement, and I\u2019d like it placed in the Enterprise<\/em>, the Alta<\/em> and the Union<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what announcement would that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh and I are getting married March first.\u201d<\/p>\n

A surprised smile appeared on Sam\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cWell, congratulations.\u00a0 I can tell you that the ladies of Virginia City will be disappointed.\u00a0 The singles ones all hoped they\u2019d be the end of the Cartwright curse.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe reason none of Ben Cartwright\u2019s sons have ever made it down the aisle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSam, would you just run the announcement?\u201d said Adam unamused.\u00a0 \u201cThe wedding and the reception will be at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you found out anything about the man following Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I\u2019m hoping these announcements will end his presence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause whoever this is will know he\u2019s dealing with Cartwrights now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam turned to take out a piece of paper and pencil.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure life will never be dull for you.\u00a0 That young woman could march an army into the ground.\u00a0 Just remember what the original Adam said about his Eve.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Looking up and out the window, Sam squinted.\u00a0 \u201cHe said \u2018it is better to live outside the Garden with her than inside it without her.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed as he turned toward the door and waved on his way to his next stop\u2026the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Adam, you ever heard anything like that before?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss swallowed.\u00a0 \u201cAbout a curse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, come on, Hoss.\u00a0 You don\u2019t believe that, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, when you think about it\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Adam furrowed his brow, and Hoss looked down, then quickly glanced back up.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 I reckon not.\u00a0 What did you wanna see Roy about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat caller this morning.\u00a0 Not that Roy can do anything about it, but he should know if anything else comes up.\u201d<\/p>\n

While they were talking to Roy, Annie ran through the door.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, you\u2019re here!\u00a0 You need to come quick!\u201d<\/p>\n

All three men followed her out of Roy\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

When Shiloh and Annie walked into the dress shop, no other customers were there.\u00a0 Mrs. Lewis took them to the back straight away for Shiloh to try on her dress.\u00a0 By the time she came out of the back, several women had wandered in, having seen the two arrive earlier, anxious to see Mrs. Lewis\u2019 latest wedding creation.\u00a0 They were all lined up in front of the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful,\u201d said Ellen Burgess, one of the last young ladies Adam had taken to a dance prior to Shiloh\u2019s performance in San Francisco.\u00a0 Mrs. Gables, Miss Watkins and Mrs. Hawkins were there as well, commenting.<\/p>\n

Putting her hands together in front of her, Mrs. Gables said, \u201cOh, it\u2019s going to be such a lovely wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight it is,\u201d said the Widow Hawkins.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s about time some of those Cartwright men committed to a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie looked curiously at Shiloh, who rolled her eyes and shook her head. She had turned around while Mrs. Lewis placed some pins, and didn\u2019t notice that Natalie Peterson was standing outside, peering in the window. \u201cNow, I\u2019ll sew on a few more pearls and finish the lace work.\u00a0 I also ordered some nicer under things for you and a nightgown and robe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNicer?\u201d asked Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cLighter\u2026lacier.\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh raised her eyebrows, questioning.\u00a0 \u201cPrettier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Shiloh said modestly with wide eyes and turning several shades of red.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Lewis held up the nightgown, and Shiloh\u2019s jaw dropped.\u00a0 When she shrank, unable to look her in the eye, Mrs. Lewis smiled and patted her hand.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry dear. It\u2019s no secret among the married women.\u00a0 Now, let\u2019s get you out of this dress,\u201d she said, guiding Shiloh to the back.<\/p>\n

When they were finished in Mrs. Lewis shop, Shiloh convinced Annie that it would be alright to wait outside in the warm sunlight, especially since they hadn\u2019t seen the sun in over a week.\u00a0 Here the boardwalk was raised above the street about three feet.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Gables and Mrs. Hawkins stepped outside the shop while Miss Watkins checked on a dress Mrs. Lewis was letting out for her.\u00a0 The two women stood at the corner of the shop.<\/p>\n

At first, Shiloh didn\u2019t notice Natalie standing at the opposite corner, and when Natalie turned around and spoke, she startled the girls.\u00a0 \u201cI see you\u2019re getting married.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Peterson, I thought you\u2019d be traveling back to Boston by now.\u00a0 Yes, I\u2019m getting married\u2026to Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Natalie stepped closer, taking on a fiendish look. Her eyebrows where arched into points, her lips were drawn, and she held her head so that her nose looked like it jutted out. \u201cYou know Senator Stewart won\u2019t be pleased.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh took a deep breath. \u201cFrankly, Miss Peterson, I don\u2019t really care what the Senator\u2019s disposition is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning in to Shiloh\u2019s face, Natalie said in a threatening voice.\u00a0 \u201cLeading a man on, then breaking his heart and cavorting with another man makes you nothing more than a harlot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Shiloh knew what she was doing, she slapped Natalie across the face, while Mrs. Gables and Mrs. Hawkins stood, looking dumbfounded first, then angry.\u00a0 Annie\u2019s jaw dropped, and then her face turned stormy.<\/p>\n

Natalie\u2019s hand went up to her cheek, but only for a moment.\u00a0 She reached out and pushed Shiloh backwards, sending her off the boardwalk and into the slushy street.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 61 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Sixty-One<\/strong><\/p>\n

A man ran through the batwing doors of the Bucket of Blood and yelled, \u201cCatfight!\u201d almost immediately clearing the saloon.\u00a0 A throng of men were also coming out of the Sazerac and the Silver Dollar, making a deep circle around two mud-covered women.<\/p>\n

Shiloh had stood in the street, the back of her dress covered in muddy slush and fire in her eyes. Reaching up she grabbed the skirt of Natalie\u2019s dress, pulling her face first into the muck.\u00a0 Natalie stood and faced Shiloh who was standing ready, removing her cape, then clenching her fists with a look on her face akin to an angry badger, teeth bared.<\/p>\n

The two women charged, Natalie going for hair and Shiloh going for the neck.\u00a0 When Shiloh punched her in the face, Natalie staggered back, feeling warm blood at the side of her mouth.\u00a0 Realizing she was no match for Shiloh in a fight with hands, she lowered her head and hurtled forward, taking Shiloh back down to the ground.\u00a0 The women grabbed at each other, rolling in the slush until Shiloh came out on top, shoving Natalie\u2019s head deeper into the sludge with her muddy hand.\u00a0 She scooped up a handful of muck, and just as she was about to deliver it, she suddenly felt herself being snatched up into the air.\u00a0 Two hands wrapped around her arms, and she struggled against them, as Hoss lifted Natalie out of the icy mire.<\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee stepped in the middle of the melee, and addressed Shiloh first.\u00a0 \u201cWhat in the name of all that is good are you doin\u2019 in a fracas in the middle of the street?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh stopped struggling and tried to shrug her arms away from whoever had pulled her off of Natalie, but he held on tightly.\u00a0 She looked over her shoulder to see Adam glaring down at her like an angry bull.<\/p>\n

Clementine Hawkins stepped forward on the boardwalk.\u00a0 \u201cNow, Sheriff Coffee.\u00a0 Miss Whitney was defendin\u2019 \u2018erself, that she was.\u00a0 Miss Peterson \u2018ere should be run out of town on a rail, she should.\u00a0 She\u2019s good for nothin\u2019 but stirrin\u2019 up trouble.\u201d\u00a0 Holding her hand out toward Shiloh, she said, \u201cCome on, love.\u00a0 We\u2019ll get you cleaned up over at my \u2018ouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked back over her shoulder at Adam with furrowed brows and pursed lips. He let her go, and she walked toward the crowd that parted to let her by.\u00a0 Annie picked up her cape and followed.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy,\u201d started Adam, as they watched Shiloh walk away.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Hawkins is right.\u00a0 Miss Peterson\u2019s only reason for being here is to stir up trouble.\u00a0 If you\u2019ll put her on the next stage out, I\u2019ll pay for the ticket.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a good idea to me.\u00a0 Now, Miss Peterson, I\u2019m gonna escort you to your hotel.\u00a0 You\u2019re gonna get cleaned up, get packed and whether you\u2019re ready or not, you\u2019ll be on the noon stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Sheriff\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy took her arm.\u00a0 \u201cNo buts.\u00a0 Virginia City\u2019s seen about enough of you to last at least until I retire.\u00a0 And that won\u2019t be anytime soon.\u00a0 Now let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, please let me explain,\u201d she shouted as Roy pulled her down the street.<\/p>\n

He smiled and tipped his hat.\u00a0 \u201cGoodbye, Natalie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took his bandana out of his pocket and wiped his hands, then offered it to Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cWhat d\u2019you think that was about?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re about to find out.\u00a0 Come on,\u201d answered Adam, walking toward Mrs. Hawkins\u2019 house.<\/p>\n

By the time they arrived, Shiloh had already been stripped down and shuffled up the stairs.\u00a0 Annie was collecting her clothes.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take her things over to the laundry. We have to pick up laundry today anyway, so she\u2019ll have a clean dress to wear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on then,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cWell take the buggy so we don\u2019t have to carry the clean laundry back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Hawkins came down the stairs and made sure Adam was comfortable waiting while Shiloh bathed.\u00a0 \u201cPoor child.\u00a0 Chilled to the bone, she is. I was just goin\u2019 to put on a pot for tea.\u00a0 Would you like some tea, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mrs. Hawkins. Tea would be nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

By the time Annie and Hoss returned with the laundry, Shiloh was ready for her dress.\u00a0 When she and Annie came down the stairs, Shiloh looked as if nothing had happened.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Hawkins, thank you so much for letting me clean up here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re quite welcome, love.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t want that woman anywhere near this place with your nuptials coming up.\u00a0 When are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh smiled, knowing how Ben avoided Clementine Hawkins, but under the circumstances, she felt she had no choice but to personally invite her to the wedding.\u00a0 \u201cIt will be at the Ponderosa on March first.\u00a0 We\u2019d be delighted if you could come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face went from a slight smile to blank, knowing that somehow his father would find a way to blame him for Mrs. Hawkins\u2019 presence at the wedding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 62 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Sixty-Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

Standing outside Mrs. Hawkins house, the four looked up into the bright sunlight, wary of the clouds forming back over the mountains. \u201cOne nice day in all this bad weather and Natalie has to try and ruin it,\u201d said Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cTry?\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

Stepping into him and reaching down for his fingers, she looked up into his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cThis doesn\u2019t have to ruin the whole day, does it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat depends on what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard Mrs. Hawkins.\u00a0 Natalie started it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took her hand and wrapped it over his arm as he walked her down the boardwalk with Annie and Hoss following. \u201cYou know better than to let her talk you into a rage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe didn\u2019t talk<\/em> me into a rage,\u201d snapped Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe pushed Shiloh backwards off the sidewalk, Adam,\u201d said Annie defensively.<\/p>\n

Their walk was interrupted by a man, apparently drunk, who stepped in front of them with a friend, also drunk, as they passed a saloon.\u00a0 The man quickly removed his hat, elbowing his partner in the stomach to do the same.\u00a0 \u201cM\u2026Miss Whit\u2026Whitney, I would be h\u2026honored to buy you a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cClyde, go back in the saloon,\u201d said Adam.\u00a0 Clyde wasn\u2019t a typical old, pot-bellied sot.\u00a0 He was as tall as Adam, perhaps a little younger and lean.\u00a0 He was capable of an honest day\u2019s work.\u00a0 But when he was paid his wages, it was a good bet he\u2019d be drinking them at one of Virginia City\u2019s many saloons at his earliest convenience.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook Cartwright, you might a missed it, but your girl here is quite a little f\u2026f\u2026fighter.\u00a0 She\u2019s the k\u2026kind of girl we need in here.\u00a0 She can s\u2026sing some, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning to Shiloh, Adam gently removed her hand from his arm.\u00a0 \u201cExcuse me for a moment,\u201d he said, smiling.\u00a0 He grabbed Clyde by his shirt and dragged him through the batwing doors of the saloon.<\/p>\n

Shiloh took a step forward to look over the doors, but Hoss took her arm.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, you best be standin\u2019 back here with me and Annie.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t long before they heard a smack, and a rumble like someone falling to the wood floor.\u00a0 That was followed by another smack that preceded a body flying through the batwings and into the street.\u00a0 Clyde\u2019s friend had pressed himself as flat against the wall as he could get with his hands raised at his sides, cringing when Adam looked at him.<\/p>\n

Brushing off his sleeve and adjusting his hat, Adam offered his arm to Shiloh again, and the foursome made their way on down the boardwalk toward the International House.\u00a0 Clyde\u2019s friend waited until they were well away before he ran out to help Clyde back into the saloon.<\/p>\n

After they were seated at a table in the restaurant, and their drinks were served, Adam broached the subject of the fight.\u00a0 \u201cYou want to tell me the whole story?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh sat back in her chair, looked at Annie, then back at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cYou know better than to let someone talk you into a rage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh uh.\u00a0 Not this time.\u00a0 You don\u2019t get to use my own words against me.\u00a0 Men fight all the time.\u00a0 There are certain expectations of a lady, and one of those is not to involve herself in a catfight.\u201d<\/p>\n

She snorted.\u00a0 \u201cWhile that may be the expectation that a male dominated society has placed on women\u2026\u201d she cut her eyes to his and raised an eyebrow, making sure he got her point, then took a deep breath before she finished, \u201cI was already muddy, and Natalie had that coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie sat back and crossed her arms, looking at Adam, daring him to argue that point.\u00a0 Hoss looked away and smiled, knowing that Adam had been backed into a proverbial corner.<\/p>\n

There was a quiet stalemate at the table until Shiloh eased the tension.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, there\u2019s no one in Virginia City who would ever inspire me to roll in the mud, except for Natalie, and she\u2019s leaving.\u201d Covering his hand with hers, she said, \u201cI would never initiate a fight, even over scandalous words, but if I\u2019m attacked, I will defend myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised his chin and an eyebrow, considering her for a moment, then waited while the waiter delivered their lunch.\u00a0\u00a0 Just as the waiter left, Mr. Hennessy, a banker, and his wife stopped by their table.\u00a0 \u201cMy apologies for disturbing your luncheon, but my wife insisted on speaking to Miss Whitney.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Mrs. Hennessy stepped forward, Adam and Hoss stood.\u00a0 \u201cPlease gentlemen, don\u2019t get up.\u00a0 What I have to say will only take a moment.\u201d\u00a0 Adam glared at Shiloh who nervously smiled, bracing herself for the utter disdain that Mrs. Hennessy would surely heap upon her.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Whitney, I spoke to Mrs. Gables earlier regarding the incident in front of the dress shop.\u00a0 I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you had to be dragged into the mud, literally, by that awful, haughty woman from Boston.\u00a0 We all agree she had a lesson coming to her, and you delivered it well.\u00a0 We\u2019re all very happy that Sheriff Coffee is sending her back to Boston, and may they will all just stay on their side of the country.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie raised her hand to cover her smile, while Hoss suddenly looked out the window because Adam and Shiloh were looking at each other dumbfounded.\u00a0 Shiloh turned to Mrs. Hennessy, wearing that same stunned look, but managed a smile.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Mrs. Hennessy, for that vote of confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the Hennessys left, Adam and Shiloh were both searching their minds, trying to figure out how a woman of Mrs. Hennessy\u2019s stature in Virginia City could possibly compliment Shiloh for what amounted to a brawl in the street.\u00a0 Shiloh settled into a proud smile while Adam looked at her from under his brow.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t let that go to your head.\u00a0 It\u2019s one thing to defend yourself.\u00a0 It\u2019s another thing to sit on top of another woman and force feed her mud pies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but you were about to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie and Hoss couldn\u2019t contain themselves any longer and burst out laughing.\u00a0 \u201cWould you listen to yourselves?\u00a0 Shiloh just got complimented by one of the \u2018high and mighty\u2019 and you\u2019re still upset with her,\u201d said Annie.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Adam.\u00a0 The whole thing turned out pretty funny if you ask me,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

Adam turned his glare to Hoss.\u00a0 Shiloh placed her napkin on her lap and picked up her fork, glancing up at Adam with a salacious smile that caused him to swallow hard, his muscles tightening to quell a typically male reaction to a beautiful woman looking lustily at him.\u00a0 He opened his mouth slightly and crooked his jaw, filing away the same look he had used with her more than once.\u00a0 He\u2019d finish his discussion with her later when they were alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 63 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Sixty-Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss had promised Annie a view of another example of the Ponderosa\u2019s stunning beauty, so the two couples went their separate ways out of Virginia City.\u00a0 While Adam drove Shiloh home, he picked up the conversation he had dropped at lunch.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, before you and Natalie came to blows, did you think about what that would do to your reputation as Isabella?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh sat back and smiled at him.\u00a0 \u201cDidn\u2019t you read Sam\u2019s article?\u201d<\/p>\n

Puzzled, Adam answered, \u201cYou know I read it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what does the context of that article tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you told Sam everything, and I know what Sam told you, but what does your privacy have to do with your reputation?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m tired of being either Isabella or Shiloh.\u00a0 I am not two people.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing wrong with me defending myself against a bully, even if she\u2019s a verbal bully.\u00a0 What was I supposed to do\u2026stand there covered in mud and tell her \u2018thank you\u2019 because an operatic singer wouldn\u2019t do anything to defend herself?\u00a0 I\u2019m not gonna do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked ahead in thought.\u00a0 I am not two people.<\/em>\u00a0 Smiling, he asked, \u201cDoes that mean you won\u2019t be performing when you\u2019re not performing?\u201d\u00a0 She looked at him quizzically. \u201cYou become Isabella in social situations.\u00a0 Your smile, your laugh, the way you move\u2026it\u2019s all Isabella.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you could never possibly believe that Shiloh could set people at ease?\u00a0 Adam, don\u2019t you act differently among acquaintances or total strangers than you do your close friends?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I do.\u00a0 Maybe a little more polite, a little more formal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere you have it.\u00a0 When I\u2019m speaking with people I barely know, I don\u2019t start spewing the technical aspects of singing or writing.\u00a0 I talk about the ranch, about cattle, about whatever is happening in Virginia City at the time.\u201d\u00a0 She turned to him.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve heard me talk about my music.\u00a0 You\u2019ve seen me at rehearsals.\u00a0 Is it really that different from when I talk to you or Hank about work at the ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat quietly comparing the two in his head.\u00a0 She was right.\u00a0 She was just as driven at her ranch as she was on a stage.\u00a0 The real difference was in the way she dressed, and the way she spoke to the two disparately different audiences.\u00a0 In social situations, he had seen her act elegantly, but he had never been privy to one of her conversations.\u00a0 Could it be that the woman who looked and moved like Isabella was actually Shiloh talking about cattle and horses?<\/p>\n

Adam was suddenly brought out of his thoughts by a tree in the road, lying just around the bend of a curve. The horses almost rode right into it, but pulling back on the reins, he said \u201cWhoa,\u201d in a calm voice, hoping to prevent the horses from spooking.\u00a0 When he got them under control, he looked at the tree, then took Shiloh\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cCome on.\u00a0 You\u2019re an easy target out here.\u201d<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t argue, and jumped down from the buggy, following him to a stand of trees along the side of the road.\u00a0 He looked down at the bottom of the tree that had fallen, and seeing that it had been cut with an ax, he pulled out his gun and squatted, looking around.<\/p>\n

He saw movement to his left, but before he could adjust, gunfire rang out from his right.\u00a0 For a few minutes, shots were exchanged between the two separate parties, and soon the gunmen to his left abandoned their perch and made for their horses.\u00a0 More gunfire came from the right until the horsemen were out of sight.\u00a0 Then Adam and Shiloh heard another horse heading away from them.<\/p>\n

Shiloh came from behind the tree to stand next to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is going on?\u201d she said, exasperated.<\/p>\n

Adam stood with his mouth open for a moment looking first in one direction, then in the other.\u00a0 \u201cCome on.\u00a0 We\u2019ll go around to the Ponderosa, and then to the Flying W.\u00a0 I\u2019ll send some men back to move this tree.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll talk about it when we get to the house,\u201d he said, hurrying her into the buggy. \u201cI\u2019m not taking any chances that those men will circle back.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Hoss coaxed the horses over a snow-slick rise, craned his neck to see beyond the horses, then tied the reins to the buggy.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re here,\u201d he said as he walked around the buggy to help Annie down.\u00a0 \u201cWatch your step.\u00a0 The snow can be mighty slippery, \u2018specially after it\u2019s been melted in the sun and froze back up again.\u201d Helping her up the hill and then over the rise to boulders, he spread a blanket he had brought with them and motioned for her to take a seat, sitting down next to her. \u201cNow look down there between the trees.\u00a0 You see?\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie looked and couldn\u2019t believe her eyes.\u00a0 Up on this mountain in all this snow, she was looking down on a small, green oasis inhabited by deer in the midst of all the white.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou see all that steam?\u00a0 That\u2019s a hot spring down there, and all the animals come here to get warm and find forage.\u201d\u00a0 He looked over at the smile on her face as she watched the deer come and go, then looked down at his hands.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie, I sure am gonna miss you when you go off to school.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, look at me, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Hoss raised his head, she looked into eyes that were as blue and open as the sky, and seeing a heart there to match, she said softly, \u201cI\u2019m gonna miss you, too, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly leaning close, Hoss kissed her tenderly.\u00a0 She smiled sweetly at him, then leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him.\u00a0 He moved his arm around her shoulders, and the two sat, enjoying the warmth of their own little oasis.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam pulled the buggy in front of the barn, then helped Shiloh down.\u00a0 \u201cWould you like some coffee, Adam?\u201d she asked as they walked to the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, smiling, and opened the front door, stepping back for her to walk into the house.<\/p>\n

While Adam waited at the table, Shiloh put on the coffee pot, and then placed a plate of cookies in front of him.\u00a0 She turned back toward the stove, but Adam grabbed her arm and pulled her down into his lap.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re going to talk about that look you gave me at the restaurant this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat look?\u201d\u00a0 Adam gave her the same lecherous smile.\u00a0 \u201cOh, that one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t look at me that way, and then complain about my hands\u2026or the way I kiss you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright, don\u2019t you think for one minute that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He ended her objection with a kiss that made her toes curl.\u00a0\u00a0 Taking a long, contented breath, he looked into her eyes and said softly, \u201cI can\u2019t wait to start our life together; to fall asleep at night holding you; to wake up every morning next to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe started our lives together over twenty years ago.\u00a0 You\u2019ve always been coming to my rescue.\u00a0\u00a0 I was just too young or too angry or too ambitious to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe weren\u2019t in love then.\u201d<\/p>\n

She raised her hand to his face, tracing his eyebrow, then his ear.\u00a0 \u201cBut I always knew that if I needed you, you\u2019d be here.\u00a0 Even when I was angry with you, I knew.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never thanked you for taking care of me, even when I was pushing you away.\u201d\u00a0 She wrapped her arms around his neck, and they both held on in a tight, comforting hug.<\/p>\n

Kissing her one more time, Adam lifted her back to her feet.\u00a0 She retrieved the coffee from the stove and poured both cups.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you think about the tree?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good bet that the men to the left of us were the ones that felled that tree.\u00a0 I think they\u2019re behind the silver, but this whole game of selling the ranch\u2026it feels like there\u2019s someone behind it who\u2019s got connections to people much bigger than men who would have associated themselves with Sam King.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the one to the right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne?\u00a0 What makes you think it was one?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly one horse rode away from the right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam twisted his mouth while he thought.\u00a0 He knew it was one man.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t anticipated her knowing that as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was the same man who\u2019s been following me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you say that?\u201d<\/p>\n

She studied his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, he\u2019s been watching me for a long time.\u00a0 He\u2019s not here to hurt me.\u00a0 You know that.\u201d\u00a0 She held his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWill you do something for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you include me in your thoughts while you sort through these things?\u00a0 I don\u2019t need or want to be kept in the dark.\u00a0 I know you want to protect me, but I don\u2019t need to be protected that way.\u00a0 I need to be a part of that.\u201d\u00a0 He frowned.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, did you ever consider that we might be able to figure things out quicker working together?\u201d<\/p>\n

Winking, he took a bite of a cookie.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 64 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Sixty-Four\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Winter on the Ponderosa was usually unbearably slow and boring.\u00a0 This winter was an exception to the norm, but not because of a Cartwright problem.\u00a0 Well, perhaps it was a Cartwright problem.\u00a0 After all, the Whitney ranch was Adam\u2019s responsibility, and the last remaining Whitney was Adam\u2019s fianc\u00e9.<\/p>\n

The end of February turned out to be a challenge for everyone in the Sierra.\u00a0 The snow had come unusually early this winter, and it appeared that it would hold on to what remained of its season with a vengeance.\u00a0 There was as much fresh snow on the ground now as there had been at the changing of the year.<\/p>\n

Hoss stood at the bottom of the stairs deciding whether to interrupt Adam, who was sitting on the coffee table staring into the fire.\u00a0 It was easy to understand Adam\u2019s pensiveness with the wedding only a week away.\u00a0 Walking into the sitting area, Hoss sat on the table next to him, joining in his contemplation of the flames.<\/p>\n

Adam sat with his elbows on his knees, and his clasped hands propped on his chin.\u00a0 Without moving his hands, he turned his head slightly.\u00a0 \u201cSomething on your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Adam, it ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 like what you got on your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 I\u2019ll bet it\u2019s in the same neighborhood.\u201d\u00a0 He sat up, putting a hand on his thigh and turned to Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019ll be leaving in a week, Hoss.\u00a0 You should tell her how you feel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI done told her how I feel.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that she\u2019s gonna be away for four years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you ask her to stay?\u00a0 I\u2019m sure Paul Martin would be happy to have her help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do that.\u00a0 She\u2019s worked too hard for this.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want her to give it up.\u00a0 I just hope she wants to come back when she\u2019s done.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss faced his brother.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, did you have a girl in Boston you didn\u2019t wanna leave behind when you came home?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThere were some special girls, but none that made me want to stay, and none that wanted to come out here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if she meets someone\u2026special?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if you meet someone while she\u2019s gone?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss looked down, and Adam bent his head, looking up to see Hoss\u2019 eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWhat you need to do is make sure she doesn\u2019t forget you.\u00a0 Write to her.\u00a0 Send her something for her birthday.\u00a0 And if she has a break at Christmas, maybe you should go see her.\u00a0 Then again, she may not be gone four years.\u00a0 She already knows a good bit.\u00a0 She may be able to graduate early.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u00a0 I never thought about that,\u201d said Hoss, his face brightening.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about you?\u00a0 You nervous?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam answered, pushing his bottom lip up and shaking his head.\u00a0 \u201cAs a matter of fact, I think it will be a relief.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow you figure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, first because we\u2019ll be away for a month.\u00a0 I\u2019m counting on the problems she\u2019s having staying here.\u00a0 And once we get back I\u2019ll be there, so the chances that someone will try something won\u2019t be as good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy ain\u2019t you over there now instead of sittin\u2019 here starin\u2019 at the fire?\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing, Adam walked around the table, heading toward the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cBecause Shiloh and Annie are packing.\u00a0 Annie\u2019s packing is easy, but Shiloh\u2019s only going away for a month, so I\u2019m sure she\u2019s got clothes scattered all over the house trying to decide what she\u2019s taking to San Francisco.\u00a0 Come on.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Shiloh and Annie sat on the lid of a trunk trying to get it closed enough that Annie could close the latch.\u00a0 \u201cI had no idea I had bought that many more clothes,\u201d complained Annie.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have another trunk you can take,\u201d said Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no idea if you\u2019ll need that trunk in the next four years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHand me those two bags.\u00a0 Maybe a little extra weight will do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFinally!\u00a0 Latched!\u00a0 I\u2019ll have to take all this with us to town tomorrow and get it shipped.\u00a0 Now, have you decided what you\u2019re taking to San Francisco?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy trunk is already packed.\u00a0 I only have a bag left to pack to get me to San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that mean everything\u2019s done?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost.\u00a0 I need to speak with Hank and Johnny about ranch business, and Mr. Cartwright is taking care of payroll while we\u2019re gone, so I need to give him the books.\u00a0 Other than that, all we need to do is pick up the dresses.\u00a0 Mrs. Hennessy said she\u2019ll arrange to have the Ponderosa decorated, and Hop Sing is taking care of all the food.\u201d\u00a0 She took Annie\u2019s hand and led her down the stairs to the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I almost forgot.\u00a0 I need to hire a cook.\u201d\u00a0 Spinning around, she looked at Annie suddenly panicked.\u00a0 \u201cHow am I going to find a cook before the wedding?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d said Annie, taking Shiloh by the arms.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t have to find a cook before the wedding.\u00a0 You just need to find a cook before you get back from San Francisco.\u00a0 You can interview people there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if they don\u2019t work out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can buy them a ticket back to San Francisco.\u00a0 Relax.\u00a0 Come on.\u00a0 We\u2019ll try some bread again.\u00a0 Just don\u2019t drop the flour.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Annie gathered ingredients, Shiloh lit the stove.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie, you\u2019ve been spending some time with Hoss.\u00a0 Has he asked you to stay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie put the wheat flour, the cleaned brewer\u2019s yeast, salt, water and eggs between two wooden bowls.\u00a0 \u201cHe won\u2019t ask me to stay.\u00a0 He knows how much this means to me.\u201d She looked quickly at Shiloh, pointing to the bowl, and the two starting making dough.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you planning to come back?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat depends on Hoss.\u00a0 If he wants me to come back after four years, I\u2019ll come back.\u00a0 But he might find someone else by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh leaned into her and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cNo\u2026he won\u2019t.\u00a0 He\u2019ll wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you be so sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause when Hoss spends as much time with someone as he\u2019s spent with you\u2026well, you have a place in his heart.\u00a0 He\u2019s probably the most gentle, most loyal person I know.\u00a0 In a way, even more so than Adam.\u00a0 I think Hoss is more open when he decides to share that part of him.\u00a0 If he said he\u2019ll wait, he\u2019ll wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright now stir an egg and mix it in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat will an egg do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll take the bitterness out of the yeast and make the bread lighter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes Hoss know?\u00a0 Did you tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, not in so many words, but yes, I think he knows.\u201d<\/p>\n

A gleam appeared in Shiloh\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cSo\u2026did he kiss you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie smirked at her.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not going to kiss and tell!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, so he did kiss you,\u201d said Shiloh, laughing.<\/p>\n

Annie harrumphed.\u00a0 \u201cJust\u2026just knead your dough.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/a>Chapter 65 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Sixty-Five<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam sat on the side of the bed, looking at the portrait in his hand.\u00a0 He knew he could sit all day and imagine what it must have been like, living in Boston, engaged to a man of the sea.\u00a0 He\u2019d imagined it before.\u00a0 But it was only his imagination.\u00a0 His father never talked about his mother much; a tidbit here and there, a relevant memory, a story about a keepsake.\u00a0 He could have known his mother if his father had been able to share her.\u00a0 It would have been nice to know\u2026really know\u2026that his mother would have liked his choice for a wife.<\/p>\n

Pulling out a box from the bottom drawer of his night table, he started moving his keepsakes from the drawer to a box sitting at his side.\u00a0 He stopped at the container that had belonged to his father, a remnant of a prior life.\u00a0 He wondered if his pa missed that life.<\/p>\n

Funny how you reminisce about things you had forgotten when you pack or unpack.<\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath then began to load the box in earnest.\u00a0 He had to get to the Flying W, get everything of his unloaded and all of Shiloh and Annie\u2019s things loaded in plenty of time to get back for supper.\u00a0 There was still work to be done before tomorrow arrived; tomorrow, when life would change forever\u2026for both of them.<\/p>\n

Was he doing right by Shiloh?\u00a0 He had a hand in every aspect of her life beginning with Micah\u2019s death.\u00a0 He had sent her away from school into a misunderstanding that made her withdraw from children her own age.\u00a0 And of all the colleges for women he could have picked, he sent her to the one school where the Headmistress championed the legal advancement and moral eye-opening of women.\u00a0 He had affected the direction of her life. Even before she returned home, he was still making decisions that led her down a specific path and not necessarily one of her own choosing.\u00a0 But she loved him.\u00a0 He had no doubt that she loved him.\u00a0 He hoped that would be enough for her.\u00a0 Picking up the box and the clothes he had laid out on the bed, he walked to the door of his bedroom, and stopping and looking back, he thought, I won\u2019t be sleeping in this room again<\/em>.\u00a0 The changes had already begun.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s all this?\u201d asked Ben of his oldest son, coming down the stairs with his arms full.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m taking this over to the Flying W.\u201d\u00a0 Ben took a deep breath, and looked away.\u00a0 Slowing down at the bottom of the stairs, Adam paused when he looked at his father, then put the boxes he had been carrying on the coffee table.\u00a0 \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a bit strange seeing you move out\u2026on your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe won\u2019t be that far away.\u00a0 And if she likes what I have for her, we\u2019ll be back on the Ponderosa in another year.\u201d\u00a0 Ben looked back with a furrowed brow.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve drawn plans for a new house.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to build it on the property you gave me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t she like it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it might be hard for her to leave her house.\u00a0 It\u2019s the only home she remembers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true, Adam, but that house carries some bad memories for her.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure she remembers much of her mother, and after she died, there wasn\u2019t much laughter.\u00a0 It\u2019s hard for a little girl without her mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMicah made sure she laughed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but then Micah died.\u00a0 And we both know the way he died was hard for her to deal with.\u00a0 Then she came home again because Amos died.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see.\u00a0 I\u2019m taking the plans with us to San Francisco.\u00a0 I\u2019ll show them to her there,\u201d he said, bending to pick up the boxes.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh?\u00a0\u00a0 Hello?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, is that you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m here.\u00a0 I\u2019m coming upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, help me get the dress in the box.\u00a0 He can\u2019t see it.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Adam knocked at the bedroom door.\u00a0 \u201cOne second.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHurry, I\u2019m about to drop this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Opening the door, Shiloh asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMostly clothes, but some other things\u2026pictures, cologne\u2026keepsakes.\u00a0 I thought I\u2019d bring some things over so I\u2019ll have what I need for few days when we get back from San Francisco.\u00a0 Then we\u2019ll have time to find places for the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

The corners of Shiloh\u2019s mouth turned up as she watched him put the box on the bed, then hang his shirts and trousers in the closet.\u00a0 Looking into the box, she picked up a portrait of his mother and looked around the room.\u00a0 \u201cWhat side of the bed do you want?\u201d she asked, blushing.<\/p>\n

Adam turned and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThis side.\u00a0 That way if someone comes through the door, they have to get through me before they can get to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a timid smile, she took a deep breath, placing the picture on the bed table.\u00a0 \u201cIs this alright here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Still smiling, he answered.\u00a0 \u201cMm hm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can put the bottles on my dressing table for now.\u201d\u00a0 Taking a small package out of the box on the bed, she asked. \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat belonged to Pa.\u00a0 He used it at sea, then gave it to me after we were settled here.\u201d\u00a0 He slid a spyglass out of its container.\u00a0 \u201cI made a stand for it, but I didn\u2019t have the space in my room to put it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we find a place in the study or the parlor?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam carefully laid the spyglass on the bed, and taking Shiloh\u2019s hand, he pulled her to him.\u00a0 \u201cThat would be perfect,\u201d he said as he bent to kiss her.<\/p>\n

Annie walked into the room, clearing her throat.\u00a0 \u201cI took my bag out to the wagon, and I brought up more clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Annie,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll leave the rest of it stacked downstairs, and there\u2019s some food Hop Sing sent\u2026just enough for tomorrow evening and then breakfast before we leave for Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

They walked down the stairs together, Adam carrying the box that held Shiloh\u2019s wedding dress.\u00a0 All of them were staying the night at the Ponderosa so that Shiloh could relax before she dressed for the wedding.<\/p>\n

While Adam brought in the rest of his belongings from the wagon, Shiloh and Annie carried the food Hop Sing sent into the kitchen and put it away in the icebox.\u00a0 \u201cFood for tomorrow evening?\u201d said Annie.\u00a0 \u201cSomehow I don\u2019t think either of you are going to be hungry.\u201d\u00a0 Shiloh\u2019s jaw dropped, and Annie stepped forward to hug her.\u00a0 \u201cIt just wouldn\u2019t be complete without a little teasing, now would it?\u201d she said as the girls stood in a warm embrace.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so happy you\u2019re here, Annie.\u00a0 I\u2019d be all alone without you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood in the kitchen door, watching the two women; glad that Shiloh had Annie to help keep her calm during what he knew could have been utter chaos.\u00a0 \u201cAlright.\u00a0 My things are inside,\u201d said Adam as he walked into the kitchen. \u201cI put the box at the front door on the wagon, and your bag, Shiloh, from the bedroom.\u00a0 What else is going to the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust the ledgers.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get them.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

It was almost suppertime when Annie and Shiloh walked into the Ponderosa house.\u00a0 Tom Maguire had offered to bring chairs for the wedding guests in addition to providing the musicians.\u00a0 Ben had gotten some of his men to unload the chairs and stack them in the bunkhouse, and he and Tom had decided that the musicians would sit in the far corner of the dining room.\u00a0 For the wedding, the dining table would be turned and pushed back toward the window, and the aisle would go from the bottom of the stairs to the dining room where the minister would be standing in front of the table flanked by candelabras on loan from the church.<\/p>\n

Adam came in carrying the boxes.\u00a0 \u201cYou girls will be upstairs tomorrow,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be staying in the bedroom down here.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know which is which so I\u2019ll just put these in one of your rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, we\u2019ll be staying in the same room tonight.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t matter which one,\u201d said Shiloh.\u00a0 Smiling, Adam headed up the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Isabella, it looks like things are coming together for your big day,\u201d said Tom as Ben walked him toward the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you think so, Tom, because I have no idea.\u00a0 Everyone else has made most of the plans for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took her hand and bowed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see you tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Tom and his men were driving away, Hoss drove up in another wagon.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Pa. This is the last of the supplies that Hop Sing needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s get \u2018em in there.\u00a0 He\u2019s already starting to fuss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking back inside, Ben put his arm around both girls and walked them into the sitting area.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, you are to do absolutely nothing except enjoy yourself.\u00a0 Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, Captain,\u201d she said, saluting.\u00a0 Ben raised his eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cAdam showed me your spyglass.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I thought he\u2019d packed that away and forgotten about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can assure you, he did not forget about it.\u00a0 He brought it over to the Flying W today with his picture of his mother.\u201d\u00a0 Ben looked up and smiled, watching Adam trot down the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Mrs. Hennessy stopped by earlier to look around.\u00a0 She said she\u2019d be here early with help to decorate tomorrow morning and asked that the chairs be put out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll rearrange the furniture after supper tonight then,\u201d said Ben.\u00a0 \u201cHoss just got back from town.\u00a0 All we need now is Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The front door opened and Joe came in carrying the girl\u2019s bags.\u00a0 \u201cHoss and I unhitched the wagons and turned the horses out.\u00a0 What room do these go in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe room at the end of the hall,\u201d answered Adam.\u00a0 \u201cAnd come straight back, it\u2019s time for supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Shiloh watched the activity in the house, she slumped and let her mouth fall open.\u00a0 \u201cHow did I miss all this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting his arm around her and walking her into the dining room, Adam explained, \u201cThe last woman I saw get married had run herself into a frenzy getting her wedding planned, and by the time the wedding day arrived, she was in tears, her eyes were swollen, and it took a lot of convincing to get her to come out of her room for the ceremony.\u201d<\/p>\n

When everyone was seated, Ben said grace.\u00a0 Afterwards, he covered Annie\u2019s hand with his.\u00a0 \u201cYou have quite a journey ahead of you.\u00a0 Do you have all your tickets?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u00a0 Adam arranged for all of my transfers and picked up the tickets.\u00a0 I\u2019ve already shipped everything except what I\u2019ll need for travel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at Adam and Shiloh, he said, \u201cYou two make sure she gets on her ship safely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce the steamer docks from Sacramento, we\u2019ll be able to walk her straight to her ship to Panama,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Mr. Cartwright, I brought the Flying W ledgers with me, and I let Mr. Sawyer at the bank know you\u2019re taking care of payroll while we\u2019re gone,\u201d said Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d he said, patting her hand.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, what did you find out down in the south pasture.\u00a0 Shorty said it was real muddy down there, and they were having to pull cattle out of the muck.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s as bad as he says, Pa.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got too many cattle down there, and they\u2019re tearing up the pasture.\u00a0 We need to move \u2018em up, even if we have to haul more hay to feed \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Hoss take care of that after we see the stagecoach off Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh sat quietly during the rest of dinner while everyone talked about plans for the next day, making only an occasional comment or asking a short question.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFlowers?\u00a0 Where is Mrs. Hennessy going to find flowers this time of year?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart, I have no idea, but you are not to worry about it.\u00a0 It\u2019s being taken care of,\u201d said Adam.\u00a0 She smiled hesitantly and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes Hop Sing have everything he needs?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just took the last load to the kitchen before supper,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cYou oughta see it.\u00a0 There\u2019s all those fancy little things you eat with your fingers all over the place in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone laughed except Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing is cooking alone?\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t he have some help?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Shiloh,\u201d said Annie.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going to help him this evening and tomorrow during the reception.\u201d<\/p>\n

She inhaled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I wouldn\u2019t do him any good anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam leaned over to her as the discussion at the table continued.\u00a0 \u201cNervous?\u201d\u00a0 All he got out of her was a slight smile.<\/p>\n

After dinner, she disappeared into the bunkhouse while the men rearranged furniture to make room for the chairs, and soon, Beethoven serenaded them as they worked.\u00a0 Adam excused himself and took a glass of brandy into the bunkhouse, leaning on the piano, sipping his brandy, and patiently listening and watching Shiloh play.\u00a0 She smiled up at him as she played, and he remarked, \u201cBeethoven again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Path\u00e9tique\u2026second movement.\u201d<\/p>\n

When she had finished the piece, Adam silently asked for her hand and brought her up off the piano bench.\u00a0 Raising his hands to her face, he kissed her tenderly, then leaned back against the piano, holding her to him.\u00a0 \u201cYou didn\u2019t answer me at the dinner table.\u201d\u00a0 She glanced up at his eyes, then looked at her hands resting on his chest.\u00a0 \u201cAs a matter of fact, you haven\u2019t said more than two sentences all evening.\u00a0 Are you nervous?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFour, but who\u2019s counting.\u00a0 Oh, that\u2019s right, you are,\u201d she said, teasing.\u00a0 He arched an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not sure nervous is the right word.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not having second thoughts are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 Are you nervous?\u201d<\/p>\n

The corner of Adam\u2019s mouth turned up.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not sure nervous is the right word.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shifted in his arms so she could lean into him.\u00a0 \u201cWhy is it that we always repeat each other\u2019s words?\u201d\u00a0 Raising her hand, she gently touched the cleft of his chin with a finger.\u00a0 \u201cDoes nervously excited make sense?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thought for a moment, pushing his bottom lip up.\u00a0 \u201cI think that might be the right description.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s almost like going to a country where you\u2019ve never been, and you have no idea what to expect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that different, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m used to making all the decisions.\u201d Adam cocked his head and pursed his lips. \u201cAlright, not all of the decisions.\u00a0 I\u2019m used to getting up when I want\u2026but usually at the crack of dawn\u2026and going to bed very late after I play myself to sleep\u2026though lately, I haven\u2019t been able to do that either.\u00a0 I\u2019m used to eating whenever I\u2019m hungry instead of set times.\u201d\u00a0 She cut her eyes up to his.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I\u2019m used to waking up\u2026alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfamiliar territory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I look terrible in the morning?\u201d she giggled, then became serious again.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a whole different\u2026life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss rushed through the door.\u00a0 \u201cOh, sorry.\u00a0 I thought you were\u2026I mean I didn\u2019t hear the piano, so\u2026\u201d\u00a0 He grimaced.\u00a0 \u201cPa sent me in here to get the chairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Hoss.\u00a0 Get the chairs.\u00a0 They\u2019re over there.\u201d\u00a0 Straightening, he took Shiloh\u2019s hand and raised it to his lips.\u00a0 \u201cYou go on back inside.\u00a0 I\u2019ll help Hoss with the chairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh sat on the stairs with her elbow propped on her leg and her chin in her hand, watching while the men set up the chairs in straight rows with a space wide enough for her to walk from the stairs to the dining room.\u00a0 The room had been neatly transformed into the place where her life would change, forever entwined with his.<\/p>\n

She stood up.\u00a0 \u201cGentlemen, I think I\u2019m going to go on to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you feeling alright?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

Standing on the second step with Adam standing in front of her, she caressed his face with her hand.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u00a0 I just feel useless.\u00a0 No one\u2019s letting me do anything.\u00a0 Anyway, the sooner I fall asleep the sooner tomorrow will be here, and then I\u2019ll be busy all morning.\u00a0 Do you know where Annie is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s in the kitchen helping Hop sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you tell her I\u2019ve gone up to bed?\u00a0 But make sure she knows I\u2019m alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised his hands to her cheeks and pressed his lips to hers, lingering there.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see you tomorrow at one o\u2019clock sharp,\u201d he whispered and kissed her again\u2026and again.\u00a0 \u201cSleep well, my love.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/a>Chapter 66 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Sixty-Six<\/strong><\/p>\n

When Shiloh woke, she lay still for a while, reflecting on the last few days of being a single woman.\u00a0 If only she had a crystal ball to know that this was what she was supposed to do.\u00a0 She turned expecting to see Annie next to her, but Annie was nowhere to be seen.<\/p>\n

Rising from the bed, she tied her robe around her and walked to the window, looking down into the yard.\u00a0 She must have lain awake in the bed for a good half hour because the yard was in full light, though a ghostly gray light, the only illumination allowed by the snow clouds above. She snorted.\u00a0 It was going to snow on her wedding day, so there would be no one drifting outside during the reception.\u00a0 There would be a mob in the house.<\/p>\n

She jumped when Annie pushed open the door of the bedroom, holding a tray with two breakfast plates.\u00a0 Hurrying into the room, she placed the tray on a table, then went back to the door where Hop Sing was waiting with the coffee service. \u201cYou must\u2019ve slept well.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think you moved all night,\u201d said Annie.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing is preparing a hot bath for you after we have breakfast.\u00a0 Oh, there\u2019s a note on the tray for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh snatched up the note and opened it.<\/p>\n

In a few hours, I will have everything a man could possibly want in life.\u00a0 Thank you for the most wonderful gift I could ever receive\u2026you.<\/em><\/p>\n

My love always, Adam<\/p>\n

She wiped a tear from her eye. \u201cAnd to think I was starting to question if this is what I\u2019m supposed to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie smiled.\u00a0 \u201cSit down and eat your breakfast.\u00a0 We still have to wash your hair and get it dried, and by then, it will be time to get you into your dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is it when I rarely eat much for breakfast, I\u2019m ravenous this morning?\u201d\u00a0 She picked up a piece of bacon.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re nervous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not really.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you are.\u00a0 In Boston you always ate like a pig just before a performance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked up austerely.\u00a0 \u201cThis isn\u2019t a performance.\u00a0 This is\u2026\u201d\u00a0 She sat back, looking a little lost.\u00a0 \u201cfrightening.\u00a0 Not because of Adam, but\u2026everything changes today.\u201d\u00a0 She sat back up and sipped her coffee.\u00a0 \u201cDo you remember when Lucy and Susan came for dinner at the college?\u00a0\u00a0 I always thought after those talks that I wouldn\u2019t have the time or inclination to get married.\u00a0 But having time means something entirely different now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause all the time in the world doesn\u2019t mean much when you do everything alone\u2026when you don\u2019t have someone to share it with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie straightened.\u00a0 \u201cI never thought I\u2019d hear you say that.\u00a0 You were always alright alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, the time I\u2019ve had without a piano forced me to think about being alone.\u00a0 I used to sit on the hearth and stare at the space where Mama\u2019s piano sat.\u00a0 Then you start hearing all the creaks and bumps in the house, and if you talk to yourself, your voice sort of echoes back at you.\u00a0 Nights without a piano were very long, especially in that big house.\u00a0\u00a0 What about you?\u00a0 Had you ever thought about marriage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI always wanted to get married at some point, but never until after I graduated from medical school.\u00a0 Shiloh, Lucy and Susan never excluded marriage when working for women\u2019s rights.\u00a0 The fight isn\u2019t against men, per se.\u00a0 It\u2019s against men making rules for women when they have no idea what it\u2019s like to be a woman.\u00a0 I really don\u2019t think you have that problem with Adam.\u00a0 He respects your intelligence.\u00a0 He\u2019s told you he\u2019s proud of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know he\u2019s not like that.\u00a0 But I have to admit that when I first came home, I didn\u2019t really give him a chance to be any different.\u00a0 I think that\u2019s what scared me most about Will.\u00a0 He always told me that I would have everything I wanted; that he would give it to me which implied that I couldn\u2019t earn it for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop right now.\u00a0 We are not going to talk about Will Stewart on the day you\u2019re marrying Adam.\u00a0 Now, finish your breakfast.\u00a0 We still have to wash and dry your hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam walked into the dining room from the kitchen and stutter-stepped before he came to a complete stop.\u00a0 Mrs. Hennessy was standing in front of him, directing a handful of women who were decorating everything\u2026the banister of the stairs, the chairs on the ends of each row, the mantel and hearth, the entryway cabinet and the candelabras.\u00a0 Moments before, she had delivered a nosegay made of white roses from her greenhouse to the kitchen to be kept in the icebox and given to Shiloh just before she came down the stairs.\u00a0 Incense cedar and white manzanita with its deep red branches were the base for a myriad of wildflowers native to the Sierra in all the decorations and included purple rock fringe, blue meadow lupines, and white larkspur and mariposa lilies.<\/p>\n

Ben came in behind Adam and stopped beside him, a slow smile taking over his face.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Hennessy, how did you manage to find flowers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe roses came from my greenhouse, but everything else is wildflowers we brought up from the foothills.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve done a remarkable job,\u201d said Ben, taking her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my pleasure, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 After all, Miss Whitney has done Virginia City quite a favor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d hardly call running Miss Peterson out of town a favor worthy of this,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Hennessy chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, though many of us didn\u2019t care for Miss Peterson, I\u2019m really talking about Miss Whitney\u2019s performance at Maguire\u2019s and the publicity the city has received because of it.\u00a0 Now, if you\u2019ll excuse me, we\u2019ll just get this finished up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you nervous, Son?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Adam answered, \u201cNot nervous\u2026anxious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss walked by eating a sandwich.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s the Cartwright curse, Pa.\u00a0 The quicker he\u2019s married, the easier it\u2019ll be for him to believe there ain\u2019t no such thing,\u201d he said, laughing.<\/p>\n

Rolling his eyes at Hoss, Adam headed for the door.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going to have some of the hands watch the house\u2026make sure we don\u2019t have any unwelcome visitors today.\u00a0 After that, I have an errand to run.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back in about an hour.\u201d\u00a0 Pulling on his jacket, he left for the bunkhouse.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 67 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Sixty-Seven<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shiloh sat at the dressing table in her new lacy drawers, camisole and chemise while Annie fussed with her hair.\u00a0 \u201cYou know, Shiloh, the only problem with curly hair is that it never curls the way you want it to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking back at Annie in the mirror, she answered, \u201cThe trick is to stop fighting it.\u00a0 Put it up the way you want it and let the curls fall where they may.\u00a0 Then adjust.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both girls jumped at a light tap on the door.\u00a0 \u201cWho is it?\u201d called Annie.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Ben.\u00a0 I have something for Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a minute,\u201d said Annie as she scooped up Shiloh\u2019s robe from the bed.\u00a0 She watched until Shiloh tied the belt, then opened the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought she\u2019d be ready by now.\u00a0 It\u2019s half past noon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said Annie.\u00a0 All we have left is to slip on the dress and attach the veil.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, this package came for you.\u00a0 We already have a house full of guests, so I need to get back down there.\u00a0 Is there anything you need before I go?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh smiled. \u201cNo, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 We\u2019re fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHank will be waiting at the top of the stairs promptly at one,\u201d said Ben as he closed the door.<\/p>\n

Shiloh blew her cheeks out.\u00a0 \u201cHalf an hour.\u00a0 Where did the time go?\u201d she asked as she removed the robe.\u00a0 Sitting back down in front of the mirror, Shiloh looked at the package while Annie worked on her hair.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s from Edwin.\u201d\u00a0 She ripped open the package and gasped at the manuscript that lay in the box.<\/p>\n

\u201cRead the letter,\u201d said Annie excitedly.<\/p>\n

Shiloh read and grinned, handing Annie the letter, then lifted the manuscript and discarded the box.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s given me Genevieve<\/em>.\u00a0 He said he\u2019s tried actress after actress and none of them do it justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wants you to try it with\u2026Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think that will ever happen.\u201d\u00a0 Laying the manuscript on the bed next to her bag, she stood and stepped into her corset.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think I could ever do it with anyone but Edwin or Adam, and I\u2019m sure Adam\u2019s not willing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on to the bed while I tie this.\u00a0 Alright, hold in,\u201d said Annie, straining and pulling.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you pull it too tight, the dress will be too big.\u00a0 Besides, I need to breathe during my wedding.\u00a0\u00a0 The last thing I want to do is faint.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, turn around.\u00a0 Mrs. Lewis said to make sure your bust was up.<\/p>\n

With little time left, Annie clasped Shiloh\u2019s mother\u2019s pearls around her neck.\u00a0 \u201cSo you have something old.\u00a0 Something new is the dress and everything you have on underneath.\u00a0 I used my mother\u2019s pearl combs in your hair to hold the veil for something borrowed, and I have something blue right here,\u201d she said as she tied a blue garter just below Shiloh\u2019s right knee.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s low enough that it won\u2019t be confused with the garters holding up your stockings.\u00a0 And here\u2019s a silver coin for your shoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill that work?\u00a0 It\u2019s supposed to be a sixpence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019re all out of sixpences, so it will have to do.\u00a0 You\u2019re not superstitious anyway, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the one giving me a coin for my shoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStand up straight and let me look at you,\u201d ordered Annie, just as someone knocked on the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in,\u201d said Annie.<\/p>\n

Hank stuck his head in.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh turned around to Annie as her stomach twisted into a knot.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie?\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie put her arm in Shiloh\u2019s and led her to the door and down the hall to Hank, who was waiting at the top of the stairs.\u00a0 The bridal march, played on violins, viola, and cello, had already begun.\u00a0 \u201cWhen you get to the landing, just look at Adam.\u00a0 I think once you see him, you\u2019ll be alright.\u201d\u00a0 Annie kissed her cheek, took the nosegay from Hank and placed it in Shiloh\u2019s hand, then hurried down the stairs to take her place across from Hoss and Adam.<\/p>\n

Hank beamed with pride when he took her hand.\u00a0 Kissing her cheek, he said, \u201cYour mama and daddy would be right proud of you.\u00a0 I think they would both be real happy that it\u2019s Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

She bit her lip when he wiped away a tear from her cheek.\u00a0 \u201cNow don\u2019t go startin\u2019 that.\u00a0 You\u2019ll have us both bawlin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning the corner from the hall, they headed down the stairs.\u00a0 There were faces looking up at her from beyond the stairs, standing all the way back to the bunkhouse door, making her think about the multitude of people that must be in the room.\u00a0 At the landing, she turned to take the last few stairs and looked into the dining room where Adam was standing, waiting for her, wearing the big, beautiful smile she had come to adore.\u00a0 Today, he wore a black suit with a white, silk waistcoat and a white cravat with an emerald tack.\u00a0 Annie had been right.\u00a0 Shiloh looked at Adam, and the rest of the room faded away.<\/p>\n

Adam caught his breath.\u00a0 He had seen her in elegant gowns at her performances, but somehow this time her appearance seemed almost magical, the difference being that in her performances she gave herself to her audience, where now she was giving herself to him alone.\u00a0 She glowed, she floated, and her bright, blue eyes seemed to pierce his soul.<\/p>\n

As Hank escorted her down the aisle, she kept her eyes on Adam.\u00a0 Today, his eyes were sparkling as he watched every step she took, until finally, he was right in front of her.\u00a0 The minister started the ceremony, but to her he seemed so far away.\u00a0 She was mesmerized by Adam\u2019s countenance.<\/p>\n

Stepping forward, Hank said, \u201cI do,\u201d then gave her hand to Adam, who gently guided her forward to him.\u00a0 The warmth of his hand holding hers brought her back into the moment as the minister began with a prayer, then turned to the bride and groom to repeat their vows.<\/p>\n

Adam looked into her eyes, saying each phrase as if he were reciting poetry to her.\u00a0 He smiled at the goose bumps that had risen on her neck and shoulders as he finished his vows.<\/p>\n

When Shiloh said her vows, she gazed into his eyes with every word until the minister said, \u201cand to obey.\u201d\u00a0 She had forgotten about that word in her vows, and now she stood wide-eyed in front of Adam. Now she was feeling the eyes of everyone in the crowd on her.\u00a0 She swallowed, said the words, and watched as Adam\u2019s eyes took on a humored gleam.\u00a0 In reality, her hesitation happened in a heartbeat, but to her it seemed like everything stopped, waiting for her to say that one word.<\/p>\n

Taking her hand, Adam slipped the ring on her finger.\u00a0 The minister pronounced them man and wife, and Adam took Shiloh in his arms, holding her eyes with his until their lips met, kissing her long and ardently.<\/p>\n

Shiloh let the heat of his kiss course through her until it got to her knees.\u00a0 Knees. Don\u2019t lose the knees.<\/em><\/p>\n

The single women in the audience watched dreamily, imagining themselves standing in Shiloh\u2019s place.\u00a0 The reception party would be bittersweet for them as the object of their hopes and dreams slipped away.<\/p>\n

Adam held Shiloh close, smiling contentedly and whispered, \u201cFrom this day forward\u2026together,\u201d then kissed away the single tear that escaped her eyes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 68 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Sixty-Eight<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stepping forward, Ben stood in front of Adam and Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cLadies and gentlemen, if you\u2019ll give us a few minutes, we\u2019ll clear the chairs.\u00a0 Some of you boys come up here and help take these chairs out to the bunkhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Hoss and Joe left to move chairs, both gave a handshake to Adam and a hug to Shiloh.\u00a0 Annie stood in a hug with Shiloh for several minutes before she let go. \u201cWill you do something for me, please?\u201d asked Annie.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything for you, Annie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you try not to be so stubborn?\u00a0 You\u2019re not one person anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, my goodness!\u00a0 Does that mean I\u2019m three people now?\u201d Annie looked confused.\u00a0 \u201cWell, there\u2019s Shiloh and Isabella.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise I\u2019ll try,\u201d Shiloh said, laughing.<\/p>\n

Annie stepped over to Adam, whispering in his ear.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I\u2019m so glad you\u2019re a patient man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Adam whispered back.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie, you don\u2019t have to worry.\u00a0 My eyes are wide open.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the furniture had been rearranged, leaving as much open space in the room as possible, Adam and Shiloh were shepherded to the center of the hearth and a line was formed for well-wishers.\u00a0 As the line was moving past Shiloh and Adam, Hop Sing and Annie brought out trays of refreshments, and while Ben and Hoss made sure everyone had champagne or wine, Hop Sing and Joe moved the wedding cake to the dining room table.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Hawkins came by early, giving both Adam and Shiloh a hug.\u00a0 \u201cYou make such a lovely couple,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cI remember when \u2018arry and I were married.\u00a0 It was a cold winter day, just like today it was, but we didn\u2019t \u2018ave a problem stayin\u2019 warm,\u201d she said, bringing her hand up to her mouth.\u00a0 \u201cNow, where might your father be \u2018iding, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t say, Mrs. Hawkins.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure he\u2019s out there somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the line slowly ended, Adam had a chance to watch Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re awfully quiet,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cIs it the crowd?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s getting a little warm, but I\u2019ll be fine,\u201d she said, smiling weakly up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI probably shouldn\u2019t have put an announcement in the Sacramento and San Francisco newspapers, but I wanted whoever\u2019s trying to sell the ranch to know who they\u2019re dealing with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just about to say that I don\u2019t recognize some of these people.\u00a0 Look, some of the men are going outside\u2026probably to smoke their cigars.\u00a0 There\u2019ll be more room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two need to come over and cut the cake.\u00a0 Then you can dance, and then the formalities are over,\u201d said Annie.<\/p>\n

As Shiloh and Adam made ready to cut the cake, Ben stood in the middle of the crowd, smiling as he watched them.\u00a0 Feeling an arm slip into his, he looked down, and swallowed hard.\u00a0 \u201cClementine, how nice to see you,\u201d he said hoarsely.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, it was such a lovely wedding.\u00a0 It\u2019s about time you Cartwright men thought about gettin\u2019 married.\u201d\u00a0 Looking up at him, she wrinkled her nose.\u00a0 \u201cWhich one of you is goin\u2019 to be next?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took Shiloh\u2019s hand, then placed her hand on the handle of the knife, drawing the knife through the cake.\u00a0 She put the piece she had cut on a plate, then they each took a chunk, taking turns at feeding each other.\u00a0 Holding his piece at Shiloh\u2019s mouth, and just before he put it in her mouth, he tipped it, leaving icing on her nose.\u00a0 She gasped and looked cross-eyed at her nose, sending Adam and those close enough to see into fits of laughter, including Ben and Mrs. Hawkins.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey do make a lovely couple, don\u2019t they, Ducky?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, they do.\u00a0 Now, if you\u2019ll excuse me, I should go speak with the musicians.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam leaned forward so Shiloh could hear him above the laughter of the crowd.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t take anything seriously, can you?\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is anyone going to take me seriously with icing on my nose,\u201d she giggled.\u00a0 He kissed her nose, removing the icing, then kissed her mouth.\u00a0 Both of them stepped out of the way for Hop Sing and Annie to cut the rest of the cake for the guests at the same time Ben asked the musicians to play a slow waltz.<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Cartwright,\u201d he said as he motioned for Adam to take Shiloh to the middle of the floor to start the dancing.<\/p>\n

Adam took Shiloh by the elbow and walked her to the middle of the clearing. Putting his hand on her back, and holding her tightly against him, he took her other hand and held it at his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, a waltz is a round dance,\u201d she whispered.\u00a0 \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t be dancing this close.\u201d<\/p>\n

He chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI think everyone here knows we\u2019re married.\u00a0 Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but then I haven\u2019t told you how handsome you look, so we\u2019re even.\u201d<\/p>\n

They smiled blissfully at each other for a few moments in silence as they danced until Hoss brought Annie out to the dance area, prompting others to join them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure look pretty tonight,\u201d said Hoss, as he held Annie.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hoss.\u00a0 And you look quite handsome.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello wife,\u201d said Adam softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello\u2026man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, after our vows, we were pronounced man and wife.\u00a0 You get to stay a man.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been transformed into something\u2026different.\u201d<\/p>\n

His smile disappeared.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She stopped him with a finger on his lips.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m teasing\u2026sort of.\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t it be man and woman or more appropriately husband and wife?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t write the vows.\u00a0 And speaking of vows, did you hiccup during yours?\u201d\u00a0 She looked away.\u00a0 \u201cYou have a problem with that word, don\u2019t you?\u00a0 But you said it.\u00a0 You promised, and I expect you to keep that promise.\u201d\u00a0 By the look on her face, he knew that was going to be a challenge.<\/p>\n

When the dance ended, there was applause for the newly married couple. Then Ben approached them. \u201cExcuse me.\u00a0 May I have this dance?\u201d\u00a0 Smiling, Adam passed Shiloh\u2019s hand to his father, and stepped back to watch.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, you are a very beautiful bride.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blushing, she said, \u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow Shiloh, I\u2019ve been Mr. Cartwright long enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t call you Ben.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t feel right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about Pa, like all my other children.\u201d\u00a0 Her eyes turned misty.\u00a0 \u201cShiloh, I would never presume to take your father\u2019s place.\u00a0 But you\u2019re part of our family now more than ever.\u00a0 You bear the Cartwright name.\u00a0 And you\u2019re just as important to me as my sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not that I don\u2019t\u2026\u201d\u00a0 She took a quick, deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cMr.\u2026Pa\u2026even before I left for school, I knew that you and my father spoke about me\u2026about how to raise a daughter without a mother.\u00a0 Daddy always told me that if I couldn\u2019t get to him, that I was to go to you if I needed help; that you always treated me like one of your own.\u201d\u00a0 She raised her hand to her mouth while a tear rolled down her cheek.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s not that,\u201d she said, wrapping her arms around him and laying her head on his chest.\u00a0 \u201cI know you\u2019re here.\u00a0 I just\u2026I wish Daddy was here today.\u00a0 I wish all of them could have been here today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam suddenly appeared at their sides. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling down at Shiloh, Ben said, \u201cNothing\u2019s wrong, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh raised her head, looking toward the desk, then spun around facing it.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, what are you looking at over there?\u201d Adam asked, first looking at his father then looking where she was.<\/p>\n

She searched all the faces at the desk, then turned and looked all around the room, letting out a disappointed breath.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s nothing.\u00a0 I just thought I saw\u2026\u201d She didn\u2019t finish and bowed her head.<\/p>\n

Adam turned her around to face him. \u201cWho, Sweetheart?\u00a0 Who do you think you saw?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one, Adam,\u201d she said, smiling.\u00a0 \u201cIt was just wishful thinking, I\u2019m sure.\u201d\u00a0 Looking in a different direction, she said, \u201cWould you excuse me.\u00a0 I see Mrs. Hennessy, and I\u2019d like to thank her for decorations.\u00a0 They\u2019re beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what was that all about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s just missing her family, Adam.\u00a0 Other than Annie and us, she has no family here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere you are,\u201d said Annie with Hoss in tow.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked around. \u201cWhere\u2019d Shiloh go?\u00a0 I was gonna ask for the next dance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe went that way,\u201d said Adam, pointing across the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile he goes to find Shiloh, is anyone else allowed to dance with the groom?\u201d asked Annie.<\/p>\n

Adam grinned, moved a hand to Annie\u2019s waist and raised her other hand, then twirled her onto the dance floor.<\/p>\n

After a long evening of dancing, Adam pulled Shiloh into the corner in front of the gun cabinet, backing her into the wall of the stairs.\u00a0 He teased her lips, then bent to her neck and shoulders, planting small kisses on the way.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go home,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a couple of things to do before we go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d he said, running the back of his fingers down her cheek and pushing a curl out of her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have to give away my bouquet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking her hand, he led her back into the room to his father.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re getting ready to leave, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Son.\u00a0 Let me just let everyone know.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you two go up on the landing of the stairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Adam reached for Shiloh\u2019s hand, he realized she was no longer beside him.\u00a0 He turned to look for her and found her heading for the front door.\u00a0 She opened it, looked out, then closed it again, leaning back on it with a troubled expression. Excusing himself through the crowd, he asked, \u201cWhat is it this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI swear I\u2019m seeing things tonight, Adam.\u00a0 The first time, I thought I saw Micah, and we both know that\u2019s impossible.\u00a0 Then just a few minutes ago, I saw\u2026\u201d Looking seriously up at him, she finished. \u201cI thought I saw Will leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pulled her away from the door and opened it, stepping out onto the porch.\u00a0 When he stepped back in, he looked down, thinking.\u00a0 Smiling, he said, \u201cThe first one was because you wish they were here.\u00a0 The second one is nerves.\u00a0 Come on.\u00a0 We have one more thing to do before we go.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Taking her hand and leading her toward the stairs, he made a mental note to take Edwin\u2019s telegram seriously about Will leaving Boston.<\/p>\n

By the time the newlyweds got through the crowd, Ben was standing in the middle of the floor.\u00a0 \u201cLadies and gentlemen, may I have your attention.\u00a0 Adam and Shiloh will be taking their leave of us in a few moments.\u00a0 But we still have cake and refreshments and music, so you\u2019re welcome to stay and dance.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young ladies gathered on one side of the room while the young men stood on the other until the crowd in front of the stairs was split between men and women.\u00a0 Annie and Hoss had found a place together in front of the desk, Hoss with his arm around Annie, and Annie leaning comfortably into him.<\/p>\n

Shiloh stepped forward with her bouquet, but when she threw it, she didn\u2019t throw it forward.\u00a0 She threw it straight over the landing banister toward the desk with the bouquet landing almost perfectly in Annie\u2019s hands. Annie narrowed her eyes and tilted her head, smiling.<\/p>\n

Adam knelt next to Shiloh\u2019s right, and reaching up under her gown amid hoots and hollers from the young men in the crowd, he grasped her ankle, making Shiloh hold her breath and tense while he slowly moved his hand up her leg to the garter tied just below her knee.\u00a0 He looked up at her puckishly, then pulled the blue garter out from under her dress.\u00a0 Standing, he looked out at the crowd, specifically at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cNow Joe, somehow you always come up with these garters.\u00a0 You\u2019d think you\u2019d be married by now.\u201d\u00a0 Then he flung the garter at Hoss, landing it on Hoss\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Hoss cut his eyes up at the garter hanging down in his face, then turned red and pulled it off.\u00a0 Annie hurried to the stairs with Hoss reluctantly following.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, take that with you and keep it,\u201d said Shiloh as they hugged.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019ll make all your wishes come true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam shook hands, each grasping the other\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cYou know, Older Brother, if there ever was a deliberate throw you just made it, and everyone in the room knows it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe people who were supposed to catch these caught them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go upstairs and get Shiloh\u2019s bag.\u00a0 Joe can get yours out of your room, and we\u2019ll get \u2018em in the buggy.\u00a0 Do you need me to bring anything else tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, everything I need from here is in the bag.\u00a0 Shiloh\u2019s things are already packed at the Flying W, so get there a little early tomorrow so we can load the trunk on the wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded to Joe, and while Hoss trotted up the stairs, Joe went to the downstairs bedroom.\u00a0 By the time Adam and Shiloh made it to the door, the bags were in the buggy, and it was right at the front porch waiting.<\/p>\n

Walking back in from the buggy, and blocking their way, Joe said, \u201cWait, I haven\u2019t had a chance to kiss the bride.\u201d\u00a0 He took her in his arms and dipped her backwards, planting a kiss right on her lips.<\/p>\n

When Joe brought her upright, her eyes were like saucers while Joe wore a mischievous smile.\u00a0 Creasing his brows, Adam slapped him on the back of his head.\u00a0 \u201cGet your own,\u201d he said indignantly, taking Shiloh\u2019s hand, but winking at Joe as everyone around them laughed.<\/p>\n

Hugging both the groom and the bride, Ben said, \u201cWe\u2019ll see you tomorrow bright and early.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot too early, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stepped aside out of the way of the rice that had begun to rain down on them and continued to sprinkle them until Adam lifted Shiloh into the buggy and climbed up behind her.\u00a0 Rice gave way to snow as Adam drove the buggy out of the yard toward home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 69 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Sixty-Nine<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re home,\u201d said Adam as he pulled the buggy up to the front porch, then jumped down.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t move.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d He took their bags and set them just inside the front door, then stepped behind the buggy and called for Johnny, who came running over from the bunkhouse.\u00a0 \u201cJohnny, is everything all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Sir, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 It\u2019s been quiet all evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you take care of the fire and the snow?\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning, he said, \u201cYes Sir.\u00a0 Just a few minutes ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good.\u00a0 Would you take care of the buggy?\u201d asked Adam, turning back to Shiloh.\u00a0 \u201cNow, Mrs. Cartwright, let\u2019s get you inside out of the cold.\u201d\u00a0 He carried her from the buggy to the front door, pushed it open and entered the house.\u00a0 The moment he was inside, he kissed her, pushing the door closed with the toe of his boot.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can put me down now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 Maybe we should give it another minute to make sure none of the demons got in.\u201d\u00a0 He pressed his lips to hers again, enjoying the softness of her lips and the sweetness of her mouth.<\/p>\n

Shiloh laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s worse; Annie\u2019s coin or your demons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCoin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have a coin in my shoe\u2026and it\u2019s starting to annoy me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam lowered her feet to the floor and walked around her to take her cape. He reached around, unfastening the clasp, removing the cape from her shoulders, and hanging it on the coat tree. When he returned, he wrapped his arms around her, pressing into her back, then whispered in her ear, his breath tickling, \u201cAlone at last.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh relaxed into him as he moved down her neck to her shoulders, his warm lips placing gentle kisses on her skin, the tickle of his breath delightfully tantalizing. With her eyes closed, she leaned her head backwards on his chest, enjoying his exquisitely delicate seduction of her.<\/p>\n

She opened her eyes, noticing for the first time an inviting orange glow coming from the parlor.\u00a0 \u201cSomeone built a fire,\u201d she said distractedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMm hm.\u00a0 Someone built a fire in the bedroom as well.\u201d\u00a0 With a finger under her chin, he turned her face up to his, kissing her mouth as he turned her around to hold her against him.\u00a0 Soon her hands were around on his back, both of them holding on tightly.\u00a0 Then they stopped\u2026and just looked at each other.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you see?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see a light, flickering happily.\u00a0 I see\u2026hope.\u00a0 I see a peace I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve seen before, and I see a love that reaches down deep and clutches the very core of your being.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think\u2026that what you\u2019re seeing\u2026is your reflection.\u201d\u00a0 Taking a step toward the stairs, he turned back, holding his hand out to her.\u00a0 She took it and followed him up the stairs where he lifted her again at the door of the bedroom.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou already did this,\u201d she said, giggling.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well that was to confuse the demons.\u00a0 This is to satisfy polite society who believes you\u2019re supposed to be a bit reticent about entering the bedchamber.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am, am I?\u201d\u00a0 She lowered her eyes, blushing, and said, \u201cMaybe I am\u2026at least a little.\u00a0 Never let it be said that I wasn\u2019t a proper bride.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed and carried her into the bedroom.\u00a0 With her feet firmly planted on the floor, she stood in silent wonder at the changes in the room.\u00a0 A fire was burning, making the room warm and cozy against the wintry scene outside the window, and scenting it with the delectable fragrance of lilac drifting up from the lilac branches in the fire. On her dressing table was a bottle of champagne cooling in a bucket filled with snow with two flutes sitting next to it. The bedding had been turned back, and white rose petals had been strewn all over the sheets and pillows.<\/p>\n

Adam watched her stand completely still, speechless and doe-eyed, while he walked over to the champagne, pouring both flutes.\u00a0 Handing her a flute, he touched hers with his, making a quiet ringing.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTo the first of many nights\u2026and days.\u201d<\/p>\n

After taking a sip, she moved her eyes around the room and asked softly, \u201cYou did all this for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

His smile settled into a libidinous gaze.\u00a0 \u201cMm hm.\u00a0 Take another sip.\u201d\u00a0 When she had, he took her flute, sitting both on the night table.\u00a0 He removed his jacket, carefully laying it over the chair at the dressing table.<\/p>\n

Shiloh took his hands, removing his cufflinks, an emerald set that matched his tie tack.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I help you with your dress?\u201d\u00a0 Turning her back to him, she closed her eyes as she felt his fingers work their way down her back, gently releasing each button from its loop.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll need to pack it,\u201d he said, bending to kiss her neck, then turning to remove his tie tack and untie his cravat.<\/p>\n

She stepped out of the dress, and turned to him, holding the dress up in front of her.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we\u2019re going to have a wedding portrait made.\u00a0 There\u2019s a photographer in San Francisco that uses what\u2019s called a wet plate to create a negative image.\u00a0 From that, he can make copies of the original photograph without taking more than one photograph.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you say so.\u00a0 Only one problem\u2026I don\u2019t have room for this dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI brought another small trunk we can use for my suit and your dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hanging her dress, she began to remove her petticoats and her corset while Adam hung his jacket and removed his waistcoat, leaving his cravat and tie tack with the cufflinks on the dressing table.\u00a0 By the time they looked back up, Shiloh was down to her drawers and camisole, and her hair fell loosely over her shoulders and down her back, reminding him of her as a medieval maiden.\u00a0 Adam had just begun to unbutton his shirt.<\/p>\n

She stood with her feet together and her hands clasped in front of her, glancing up as he worked his way down the front of his shirt, and watching her watch him, the corner of his mouth turned up. When he slipped off the shirt and tossed it over the chair, she sucked in a breath, and looked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, you\u2019ve seen me with my shirt unbuttoned.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019ve never seen you shirtless.\u00a0 Your\u2026your shoulders are\u2026big.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuckling, he bent and pulled off his boots, then walked toward her, but when he reached for her she took a small step back. He dropped his hands to his sides and studied her, looking at her affectionately. She looked\u2026delicate\u2026standing there in her under things, even though he knew she wasn\u2019t really that fragile. \u201cI don\u2019t want you to be afraid of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She quickly glanced up and looked back down.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not afraid of you.\u00a0 I\u2026I don\u2019t know\u2026what to do,” she said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright,\u201d he said, smiling tenderly, taking her hands and bringing her to him.\u00a0 \u201cI do.\u201d\u00a0 He turned and blew out the lamp, then caressed her face, kissing her forehead, her nose, then her lips, and surrounding her with his arms, he kissed her with all the passion within him.\u00a0 He felt her hands move up his chest and up over his shoulders, and when she tiptoed to wrap her arms around his neck he stooped, picking her straight up against him, and carried her to the bed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 70 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

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

\u201cHey Pa, did you know all those people?\u201d asked Hoss as he and Annie, his father and Joe walked back into the house after the last of the guests said goodnight.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost of \u2018em.\u00a0 The ones I didn\u2019t know, I think Adam or Shiloh did.\u00a0 Why do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there was two men and a woman\u2026I overheard they were out from San Francisco, but I never seen \u2018em before.\u00a0 They were talking to Adam like they were old friends or somethin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Adam has friends and business acquaintances of his own in San Francisco.\u00a0 That shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa, it don\u2019t normally, but they were talkin\u2019 about a new courthouse in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was an article in the newspaper about the city settling on plans to build a new courthouse,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cFunny thing was Adam didn\u2019t introduce \u2018em to Shiloh.\u00a0 As a matter of fact, when she walked over to \u2018em, they all turned away like they hadn\u2019t even been speakin\u2019 to Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grunted. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you ask Adam about it tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do just that,\u201d said Hoss, nodding.\u00a0 Turning to Annie, he said, \u201cYou must be real tired, runnin\u2019 all over the place, handin\u2019 out drinks and food all night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am, but I promised Hop Sing I\u2019d help put it all away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry about that none,\u201d said Hoss, shoving his hands in his pockets. \u201cMe and Joe\u2019ll help him get things cleaned up.\u00a0 You gotta big trip ahead of you.\u00a0 You need to go on up and get some rest.\u201d Annie took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you go arguin\u2019 with me.\u00a0 You go on up or dadburnit, I\u2019ll carry you up them stairs myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled affectionately at Hoss, who took a quick look over his shoulder before he gave her a kiss goodnight.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see you in the mornin,\u201d he said, smiling.<\/p>\n

Touching his cheek with her hand, she said, \u201cThank you, Hoss.\u00a0 Good night,\u201d then turned and ascended the stairs.<\/p>\n

He watched her until she disappeared around the corner at the top of the stairs, then turned to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Shortshanks, we got kitchen duty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow wait a minute, I didn\u2019t promise Hop Sing I\u2019d help clean up the food,\u201d complained Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m tired and I ain\u2019t in no mood for your lip, now come on,\u201d ordered Hoss, planting a huge paw right in the middle of Joe\u2019s back and giving him a push.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t do nothin\u2019 but tease the girls tonight, and that little gal upstairs just about worked herself to death.\u00a0 Now git.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNow Joseph, Hoss is right.\u00a0 You had a good time tonight.\u00a0 It\u2019s time for you to do some of the work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not doin\u2019 it alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right behind you,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/a>Chapter 71 by MonicaSJ<\/div>\n
\n

Chapter Seventy-One<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shiloh slowly slipped out of Adam\u2019s arms, quietly moving to the side of the bed.\u00a0 She carefully stood, trying not to wake him, then tiptoed to the window.\u00a0 The full moon shone in, giving her enough light to avoid his trousers and socks and her drawers and camisole that had been tossed here and there on the floor.\u00a0\u00a0 She looked out the window into the cold stillness; no night birds were singing, no gentle breeze was blowing through the tree branches.\u00a0 Focusing on the glass of the window behind the condensation in the corners of the panes, she examined the reflection of her own body, looking for a difference.\u00a0 There was none, at least not a visible difference, but she felt <\/em>different.\u00a0 She worked her way through an almost overwhelming cacophony of thought\u2026her hatred of him in her youth, her efforts to push him away when she returned home, and finally, that feeling of standing on a cliff and falling\u2026right into his arms.\u00a0 If she had any doubts left before the wedding, she certainly had none now after the crush of overpowering emotion when they became one.\u00a0 A tear rolled down her cheek.\u00a0 She had never understood the meaning of loving someone so much it hurt\u2026until now.<\/p>\n

Adam rolled to his side, reaching for her and opening his eyes when he realized she was no longer beside him.\u00a0 He found her standing at the window, and admired the gentle angle of her back from her shoulders to her waist, the soft curve of her hips, the two dimples on either side of the small of her back, and below that the upside-down heart shape above two\u00a0 shapely legs.\u00a0 He wondered if it was possible for him to be in lust at the same time he was in love.\u00a0 It had to be\u2026or was it all just part of being in love the way he was in love with her.\u00a0 She had cried, though not out of fear or pain, but rather from the deep emotions they both felt.\u00a0 He knew she was a woman in love by how tightly she held on to him; how she whispered through her tears that she loved him more than anything.\u00a0 Quietly moving to the window behind her, he gently laid his hands on her arms.<\/p>\n

Focusing again on their reflections in the window, she let the warmth of his body sink into her back, noticing the contrast of his tanned skin against her light, creamy tone, his broad shoulders making hers look small and delicate, his muscular arms and his hands, so powerful, yet so gentle, touching her.\u00a0 Closing her eyes, she relished the feel of his caress on her skin as he drew his fingers down her arms to her hands, holding them and bringing her arms up, wrapping them with his around her.<\/p>\n

He moved into her, his cheek against hers, whispering, not wanting to disturb the quiet stillness, the only sound the occasional crackle and hiss of the fire. \u201cTell me what you\u2019re thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at his image in the window and meeting his eyes, she lightly pressed her cheek against his.\u00a0 \u201cI was just\u2026thinking\u2026wondering\u2026how we got here from where we started.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned in his arms, and as he bent to meet her lips, she moved her hands around to the back of his neck, running her fingers into his thick, soft curls.\u00a0 Wrapping his arms around her body, he lifted her feet off the floor, and carried her back to the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you come to any conclusions?\u201d<\/p>\n

She snorted.\u00a0 \u201cNo, not really.\u00a0 Well, yes, I guess I have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what would that be?\u201d he asked as his lips found the smooth skin of her neck.<\/p>\n

She lifted his face to hers, brushing her thumb over his lips.\u00a0 \u201cThat it doesn\u2019t matter how we got here.\u00a0 We\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The End<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
Next Story in the <\/strong><\/strong>To Everything, There is a Season Series:<\/strong><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Togetherness
\n<\/a>Growing Pains
\n<\/a>Family Ties
\n<\/a><\/em>Life\u2019s Demands<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 This is a sequel to Reacquaintance.\u00a0 The Cartwrights welcomed the daughter of a good friend back from college after her father died.\u00a0 She had a long, adversarial history with Adam, but since she\u2019s been back, old wounds have healed.\u00a0 The pressures of her dual life of running a ranch with Adam as trustee and the possibility of singing abroad forced her to make a choice. Did she ultimately make a sacrifice?\u00a0 Or will she make a different choice? \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T \u00a0WC 78,000<\/p>\n

To Everything, There is a Season Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":217,"featured_media":1242,"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":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3769,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7809,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7809","url_meta":{"origin":7842,"position":0},"title":"To Everything, There is a Season #1 \u2013 Reacquaintance (by MonicaSJ)","author":"MonicaSJ","date":"December 6, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The Cartwrights welcome the daughter of a good friend back from college after her father dies. She studied for seven years and became a successful singer back east and comes home to her father\u2019s ranch and horse business which is held in trust with Adam and Ben as the\u2026","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\/05\/Adams-English-Scenic2.jpg?fit=450%2C436&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":48047,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48047","url_meta":{"origin":7842,"position":1},"title":"The Fair – an Adam and Emma Story (by AH83)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"July 14, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Summary:\u00a0 The Cartwrights plan a visit to the Virginia City Fair. Rating: K, Word Count: 1491","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":64091,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=64091","url_meta":{"origin":7842,"position":2},"title":"Face Down in the Dust — A Ballad for the Broken (by JC)","author":"JC","date":"September 22, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Adam's friend Ed Payson learns too late that you can hang up your gun, but it won't let you go. (A \"Broken Ballad\" recap in rhyme) Rating T Word Count 250","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/bb.jpg?fit=308%2C302&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":18324,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18324","url_meta":{"origin":7842,"position":3},"title":"The Road Not Yet Taken (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"September 14, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A crossover story (Bonanza and High Chaparral) for the August 2018 challenge. The Cartwright brothers head to Mexico on a cattle-buying trip. While there Adam meets someone who will change the path of his life, but will it be a path he desires? Rating - K Word count -\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Crossover"","block_context":{"text":"Crossover","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=24"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Adam-perfection.png?fit=481%2C793&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":35292,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=35292","url_meta":{"origin":7842,"position":4},"title":"Knitted Memories (by wx4rmk)","author":"wx4rmk","date":"December 25, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Mrs. Jones is at a loss for a gift for her daughter, Abigail.\u00a0 However, a memory from Adam sparks her imagination. Rating:\u00a0 G 1,215 words Note:\u00a0 This story was written for the Bonanza Brand 2020 Advent Calendar, originated in the Forums.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"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":9748,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=9748","url_meta":{"origin":7842,"position":5},"title":"Shadow Enemy (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"September 20, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 After leaving the Ponderosa, Adam has an enlightening \u00a0encounter with someone from the past. rating:\u00a0PG\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 word\u00a0 count: 1,999\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0warning: mention of corporal punishment","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\/2015\/01\/Untitled5.jpg?fit=275%2C342&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/217"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7842"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7842\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7842"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7842"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}