{"id":7899,"date":"2013-07-20T10:12:16","date_gmt":"2013-07-20T14:12:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7899"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:13:47","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:13:47","slug":"to-everything-there-is-a-season-3-togetherness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7899","title":{"rendered":"To Everything, There Is A Season #3 – Togetherness (by MonicaSJ)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 This is third of the To Everything <\/em>series, the first, Re-acquaintance <\/em>and the second Falling.\u00a0 <\/em>Shiloh and Adam are married and are embarking on a new life together discovering that fitting all their desires in can make for trouble as her past keeps creeping in, and as they balance the opportunities that come their way.<\/p>\n

Feedback:<\/em><\/strong>I like all feedback, good or bad. If bad, constructive.<\/em><\/p>\n

Rating: <\/em><\/strong>T \u00a0Reader Alert: <\/strong>Some violence, mild adult situations<\/em><\/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 \u00a0Togetherness\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Special thanks to sklamb; my beta, my friend<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam opened his eyes just as the dim light of morning pushed its way in through the windows. This bedroom has two windows. I\u2019ll be waking up earlier now. Before he moved a muscle, he let his mental fog clear, then smiled, remembering he was a married man now. He thought about their talks before the wedding; her insecurities slowly answered one by one. It all came down to the Whitney name for her; honoring her long passed mother and father\u2026and her brother, Micah, for all their hard work building the Flying W ranch. The Flying W was their home now. Then there was her singing; making it fit in with running a ranch, and lastly, her trust of him that started with none whatsoever, and after a long, sometimes painful journey for both of them ended with an \u2018I do\u2019 that said to him she finally completely trusted him. They were starting a new life today\u2026together\u2026and he was excited about their future.<\/p>\n

Turning on his side, he slowly removed the blanket covering her\u2026Shiloh\u2026his wife, lying on her stomach, her hair spread like a wave over her pillow. Laying his hand on her shoulder, he slowly drew it down her silky, soft skin all the way to her knees.<\/p>\n

Goose bumps covered her, and without opening her eyes or stirring, except for a smile, she said softly, \u201cI promise you I will never complain about your hands again.\u201d He chuckled, then proceeded to kiss the goose bumps on her back, bringing on another round just as the former were beginning to fade. \u201cYour kisses either.\u201d<\/p>\n

She rolled over into his arms, smiling sleepily. \u201cI didn\u2019t get enough sleep, and it\u2019s all your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe pleasure was all mine,\u201d he said, tenderly kissing her. \u201cGood morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Snuggling happily into him with her head laying on his arm, she asked, \u201cWho needs San Francisco when we could stay right here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat might last the morning; maybe even the day, but after that, you\u2019ll want something to do, and I told you weeks ago that you were taking some time off. Now, as much as I\u2019d like to spend the morning in bed with you, we can\u2019t. We have to finish our last minute packing before the rest of the Cartwrights get here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I have time to take a bath?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA quick one\u2026if we get up now.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up into his eyes and smirked. \u201cI guess the honeymoon\u2019s over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rolling her onto her back with his arms around her, he said, \u201cnot even close,\u201d just before he took her breath away with a long, toe-curling kiss. He swung his leg over her, rising up off the bed, pulling her up with him. \u201cNow, get going. And make it quick.\u201d Before she could step away, he caught her arm. \u201cWait. You don\u2019t have a wash basin in here. Where should I shave?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a wash basin in the bath house off the kitchen,\u201d she said, pulling on her robe. \u201cGet your things and come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

While water was boiling, Shiloh pulled the food out of the icebox. \u201cLet\u2019s see, there\u2019s bacon, biscuits, ham, apricot preserves\u2026\u201d Adam reached across her, taking the biscuits and preserves to the table. \u201c\u2026fruit and milk. Oh, and I have something else.\u201d Reaching over to the work table she uncovered a loaf of bread and took it to the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this? This didn\u2019t come from the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou made bread?\u201d he asked, skeptically looking sideways at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look at me that way\u2026at least until you try it. Annie taught me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He snorted. Annie was Shiloh\u2019s best friend from college as well as her stabilizing force and as luck would have it, a woman who his brother, Hoss, had a soft spot for.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen did you make this?\u201d he asked, smelling it.<\/p>\n

\u201cDay before yesterday\u2026in the morning. Annie said it looked good, so I thought I\u2019d let you try it to tell me if it is good since you\u2019re used to Hop Sing\u2019s bread.\u201d Sitting on the chair next to him, she looked at him with nervous anticipation.<\/p>\n

He cut a slice, pinched a piece off, and hesitantly put it in his mouth. Creasing his brows, he said, \u201cThis is\u2026soft\u2026fluffy\u2026not bitter.\u201d He smiled. \u201cCan you do it again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, now that I\u2019ve learned not to knead it to death, yes, I think I can do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pulled one of the pots of boiling water off the stove and went into the bath house, then came back for the second pot of water. Pumping cold water into the tub, she tested the water until it was just warm, then filled a pitcher with the warm water and poured it into the basin. \u201cAdam, come shave while the water is warm.\u201d She dropped her robe and stepped into the tub, reaching up to the shelf where she kept her toiletries. Uncorking a bottle of rose oil, she poured some into the water, releasing a strong aroma of roses into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo that\u2019s why I always smell roses when I\u2019m around you.\u201d Adam stood in front of the mirror in his drawers, placing the cup for his shaving cream, his shaving brush and his straight-edge next to the basin.<\/p>\n

When he had lathered up his face and started shaving, she propped her arms on the side of tub and laid her chin on them, watching. \u201cDoes it hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly when I cut myself\u2026or when the blade is dull.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow often do you shave?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt depends on what I\u2019m doing. While we\u2019re San Francisco I\u2019ll have to shave a couple of times a day. When I\u2019m on a cattle drive, I don\u2019t shave for days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you just grow a beard? Then you wouldn\u2019t have to shave every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause keeping a beard trimmed and neat is worse that shaving. Besides, when I grew a beard for your performance in Virginia City, you didn\u2019t like kissing me, and I intend to do that on a regular basis now that we\u2019re married.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning back in the tub, she giggled, \u201cMarried\u2026to you. I wonder what Micah would think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may not remember, but Micah was very protective of you. We don\u2019t have time to discuss it now, but if you want to talk about Micah, we\u2019ll do that when we get to San Francisco. Right now, you need to dress and get your wedding gown packed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you hand me a towel, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam wiped the leftover lather from his face, looked at himself, making sure he didn\u2019t miss anything, then took a towel off the wall hook and walked to the tub as Shiloh stood. Taking a slow, deep breath and flaring his nostrils, he looked fervidly at her from under his brow, then wrapped the towel around her when she stepped out of the tub. She leaned against him, and he moaned when they kissed, Shiloh answering with a moan of her own. Turning around and taking her with him, he backed her toward the door. \u201cGo get dressed. I\u2019ll be up in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they came back down the stairs, Adam was carrying the small trunk that held their wedding clothes. Shiloh carried a small bag that had things both of them had added at the last minute. Both were added to the trunks and bags waiting at the front door at about the same time the wagon drove up in the yard with Ben and Joe following on their horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile you\u2019re loading, I\u2019m going to pack a basket from the kitchen,\u201d said Shiloh, disappearing around the corner. Adam opened the door before the family even stepped up on the porch. His broad smile told them all was well.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, where\u2019s Shiloh?\u201d asked Annie.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s in the kitchen packing a basket.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well Hop Sing sent a basket.\u201d Taking the basket from the wagon, Annie hurried into the kitchen where the girls combined everything into one.<\/p>\n

Heading out the door, Shiloh stopped. \u201cAnnie go on out, I need to get something off the desk.\u201d She grabbed a small gift wrapped box, and ran out the door with Adam closing it behind her and locking it. She slipped the box into one of Annie\u2019s bags, before she climbed into the back seat of the wagon.<\/p>\n

Hank was there to see them off, and after Adam went over instructions one more time, he climbed into the back seat next to Shiloh, and they were off to Virginia City.<\/p>\n

They arrived with only a few minutes to spare to board the stage, and while the driver was loading and tying the trunks in the rear boot, Annie and Hoss were saying their restrained goodbyes.<\/p>\n

Shiloh stood watching them and leaned into Adam. \u201cDo you remember when I was going to Europe with Edwin, and I got off the stage?\u201d<\/p>\n

Twisting his mouth, Adam looked behind them. \u201cGive me a minute, then grab Annie and follow me,\u201d he said, winking. Walking over to Hoss, he cleared his throat. \u201cExcuse me, but I need to talk to you\u2026over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow?\u201d asked Hoss, grimacing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, now. It\u2019s important.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wait right here. I\u2019ll be right back,\u201d Hoss said, looking apologetically at Annie.<\/p>\n

Adam took Hoss to the alley next to the stage office and pushed Hoss against the wall of the building. \u201cDon\u2019t move.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grabbing Annie, Shiloh said, \u201cCome with me. Don\u2019t ask questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie obediently followed and was promptly shoved into the alley behind Adam while he and Shiloh stood blocking the entrance with their hands clasped in front of them, looking around as if they were just waiting to board. Standing further down on the boardwalk, Joe and Ben watched, turning away and laughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam said you might not be gone for the whole four years, Annie. I\u2019d be mighty happy if you decide to come back to Virginia City,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, write her a letter,\u201d said Adam over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

Grinning from ear to ear, Annie tiptoed into Hoss and wrapped her arms around his neck. He looked confused for a minute, but a smile suddenly appeared on his face, and then he surrounded her with his arms and kissed her long and tenderly.<\/p>\n

When the stagecoach driver yelled for everyone to board, Shiloh took Annie\u2019s hand, and dragged her away toward the stagecoach. Hoss gave Adam a half smile and looked away. \u201cThanks, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d Adam answered, grinning and walking back to the stage with a hand on Hoss\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

Once the ladies were in the coach, Adam turned back. \u201cPa, we\u2019re staying at the Lick House if you need anything from me. Hank has all the information for the ranch and knows what to do. Johnny\u2019s taking care of the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want you to worry about thing, Adam. Hank\u2019s been taking care of the Flying W for a long time, and Shiloh has Johnny trained pretty well to take care of the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, try to stay out of trouble,\u201d Adam said, smiling.<\/p>\n

Joe took his hand, grinning. \u201cJust don\u2019t get to liking San Francisco too much. And don\u2019t worry. We\u2019ll have all the problems waiting for you when you get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took Hoss\u2019s hand. \u201cAdam, you make sure she gets on that ship alright, you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of her, Hoss. Don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slapping Adam on the arm, Hoss nodded. \u201cI know you will.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Adam climbed into the coach, he stopped in the door. Shiloh and Annie were sitting next to each other on a seat with another man in business attire. The other seat was occupied by a man in a ratty, moth-eaten coat and a well-dressed, expecting young woman sitting next to the window. Smiling his most diplomatic smile, Adam said, \u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse me, I fully intend to sit next to my wife and her sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at Annie sitting next to him, she smiled and nodded, and the man took the middle of the other seat. Before Adam was seated, the stagecoach lurched forward, and almost sent him into the man\u2019s lap, but Annie and Shiloh each grabbed an arm and pulled him into the middle of their seat. Taking each one\u2019s hand, Adam smiled and said, \u201cWell, ladies, we\u2019re off.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Only an hour into the trip, Shiloh was fighting sleep. Adam watched as her head bounced forward, then jerked up. Passing the basket she was holding in her lap over to Annie, he put his arm around her and turned her into him so she could lay her head on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam. This wobbling is putting me to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright, Sweetheart. I nap on stagecoaches all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

She closed her eyes. \u201cHow long will it take to get to Sacramento?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNine or ten hours if the road is clear. But there was snow last night, so we may have to wait at one of the stops until they can clear it.\u201d Adam looked down, realizing she hadn\u2019t heard that last part. She was already asleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how much time will I have to make my connection?\u201d asked Annie.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d he said, squeezing her hand. \u201cI made arrangements for them to wait if you were late.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting back, she looked at him disbelievingly. \u201cHow did you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not important. I want you to relax and enjoy your trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have you done?\u201d<\/p>\n

He winked at her. \u201cJust consider it thanks for taking such good care of Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three waited in the stagecoach at the first three stops, Shiloh barely waking up. It might have felt good to stretch their legs, but the warmth they shared under the blanket the driver sent into the coach was worth more to them than the stretch. In the end, they were able to straighten their legs when the other three passengers opted to step out of the coach.<\/p>\n

At the fourth stop, exiting the coach was not an option. They were just below Echo Summit, and with the extra load of trunks and baggage, the horses couldn\u2019t make it up the steep grade even with ropes tied to the harnesses and the coach to pull it up. The passengers would have to walk up to the top of the grade.<\/p>\n

The driver and the pull station master waited until the passengers were up before they began to pull the stagecoach. Adam made sure Annie and Shiloh\u2019s capes where clasped tightly with their hoods up, then flipped up the collar of his overcoat, put on his gloves, and pushed his hat down firmly on his head. Another storm was upon them and the wind whipped fresh snow around them, making it almost impossible to see the road ahead. Standing in the middle of the road, Adam had the girls stand on either side of him and wrap an arm around his, but Shiloh took the other woman\u2019s hand and put her arm around Adam\u2019s, going over to the other side with Annie. Taking the rope that had been tied to the harness, Adam walked them up the slope using the rope as a guide.<\/p>\n

When they arrived at the top of the slope, there was nowhere for them to wait out of the storm. The pull station wasn\u2019t a way station, its only purpose being to pull the stagecoach up the grade. It amounted to no more than a one room cabin. Still, the station master felt sorry for the women, and asked them to wait inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s very kind of you, but no thank you. I\u2019ll wait out here with my husband.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo you don\u2019t. Go inside,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t argue. I have a jacket underneath my coat. I\u2019m fine,\u201d he said, as he herded her to the door. \u201cIt\u2019ll only be few minutes, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Inside, Shiloh introduced herself to the woman travelling with them. \u201cMy name is Shiloh Cartwright, and this is Annie Walters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPhoebe Hearst. Thank you for helping me up the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh smiled. \u201cYour time must be very near.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sometime toward the end of next month. George, my husband, wanted me to be at home in San Francisco for the birth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour husband is George Hearst\u2026of the Ophir Mine?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. He had some business to finish before he joins me at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must tell him that Shiloh Whitney sends her regards and apologies for any misunderstanding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he know you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve never met, but he was interested in purchasing my ranch, the Flying W.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Hearst\u2019s eyes brightened with recognition. \u201cOh, I thought George would never settle down after that. He was so eager to purchase the property. Why did you decide not to sell?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh snorted. \u201cWell, it was never really for sell, but that\u2019s a long story.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were the other man\u2019s wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am. We were married yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations then. Cartwright\u2026of the Ponderosa?\u201d Shiloh nodded. \u201cPerhaps we\u2019ll meet again while you\u2019re in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three men stood next to the shack, using it to block the wind while they watched the stagecoach slowly ascend the grade. The stage driver held onto the harnesses as the horses walked up the slope, but he slipped in the snow, agitating the horses. Adam hurried down and grabbed both harnesses, calming the horses while the driver regained his footing.<\/p>\n

\u201cSlim, you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking one of the harnesses, Slim answered, \u201cThanks for the help, Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019m fine. I think it\u2019s the wind that\u2019s got the horses spooked a bit.\u201d Both men walked up the grade on either side of the horses, and once they were at the top and the ropes were released, the passengers were hurried back into the coach.<\/p>\n

Slim handed Adam another blanket. \u201cThanks again for the help, Mr. Cartwright. We should be outta this snow in another hour, and then we\u2019ll be able to make up some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam doubled the blanket, then climbed in, closing the door behind him. Moving Shiloh to the center of the seat, he said, \u201cI know this is uncomfortable, but it won\u2019t make that much difference with the curtain closed. You\u2019ll be warmer in the middle.\u201d Sitting across from the woman on the other side, he handed her the blanket. \u201cMa\u2019am, tuck one side of this between you and the window. It\u2019ll be warmer that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded and glanced over at Shiloh, who smiled and nodded back. \u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at her thoughtfully and tipped his hat, then tucked their blanket around Annie to block some of the cold from the window. He tucked the other side around Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, there\u2019s plenty of blanket for all of us. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have another jacket on, remember?\u201d She frowned, and he turned sideways and pulled her into him. \u201cSlim said another hour and we\u2019ll be out of the snow. It\u2019ll get warmer as we get closer to the valley.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie uncovered the basket and offered food to the other passengers, who were all hesitant to take any. \u201cPlease, take something. We won\u2019t be able to eat it all,\u201d said Annie. The food at the way station hadn\u2019t been very appetizing, and they all had barely touched their meal. By the time the stagecoach arrived in Placerville, everyone had eaten something from the basket. They all stepped out now comfortably warm in their coats and capes.<\/p>\n

Once on the way again, Shiloh asked, \u201cAdam, how far behind are we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not really behind. We\u2019re booked on the late steamer in Sacramento, and Annie\u2019s ship doesn\u2019t leave for Panama until early in the morning, so we\u2019re fine. You look a little pale.\u201d When he tried to remove her cape from her gloved hands, he realized that her hands were clenched and probably had been for most of the trip. Flattening one hand on her lap and holding the other, he looked at her ruefully. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Sweetheart. I know this part of the trip is hard for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie took her other hand and smiled sympathetically. \u201cWe\u2019ll be in Sacramento in just a few hours. Adam, will we be separated on the steamer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve arranged for a late dinner in our cabin for all of us. Your cabin adjoins ours, so you can change into something more comfortable before we eat if you like. We\u2019ll be able to get a little sleep before we arrive in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the men seated across from them had been watching Shiloh the entire trip. He\u2019d occasionally glance over, and at times, Adam caught him staring at her. This particular time, Adam gave him a severe look, prompting the man to explain himself. \u201cI apologize for staring, but have we met before?\u201d he asked, addressing Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t believe we have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know I\u2019ve seen you before,\u201d he said, casting his eyes upward in thought. Shiloh looked warily up at Adam, who slightly shook his head. \u201cYou say you\u2019re going to San Francisco? I\u2019m sure it was in San Francisco that I\u2019ve seen you.\u201d He smiled. \u201cWell, perhaps it will come to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

From that point, the trip went according to schedule. The three enjoyed dinner on the steamer, then slept until the porter knocked to tell them they would be arriving at the San Francisco wharf in a few minutes.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Adam made arrangements for their baggage to be delivered to the Lick House and Annie\u2019s baggage transferred to the S.S. Nebraska for her passage to Panama. \u201cAnnie, a porter is waiting to show you to your cabin at the top of the gangplank.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hugging him, she said, \u201cThank you for all your help, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you get to Panama, you are to meet a Mr. Pepper, who will ride with you on the train across the isthmus, and then make sure you and your baggage are safely on board the ship that will take you to New York. Here are the tickets for the train between New York and Philadelphia.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annie and Shiloh stood looking at each other, both becoming misty-eyed, neither having to say a word for their feelings to be known. They hugged for a long moment, then withdrew with tears flowing. \u201cPromise me you\u2019ll send me a telegram as soon as you arrive to let me know you\u2019re safe,\u201d said Shiloh, sniffling. \u201cWe\u2019re staying at the Lick House.\u201d Annie nodded and both smiled through their tears. Turning, she walked up the gangplank, waved, then disappeared on board the ship.<\/p>\n

Once Annie was aboard, the gangplank was removed, and in only a few minutes, the ship slowly began to float away from the wharf. Morning light hadn\u2019t appeared as yet, and all Shiloh could see was a dark spot moving away in inky blackness.<\/p>\n

Adam turned her away from the dock and walked her to their waiting coach. \u201cWe have just a short ride to the hotel, and this coach is all ours.\u201d Helping her into the coach, he told the driver, \u201cThe Lick House on Montgomery.\u201d He held her close on the ride to the hotel, and raising her chin with a finger he kissed her softly, hoping to chase her tears away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI miss her already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you do, but I promise you, you\u2019ll be busy enough not to think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d she began, sitting up and pulling a handkerchief from her reticule. \u201cI should look presentable when we get to the hotel.\u201d She dabbed her eyes, smiling back at him.<\/p>\n

When they arrived at the Lick House, a doorman opened the coach door, and Adam stepped out. \u201cYour name, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door man stopped writing and looked up. \u201cWelcome to the Lick house, Mr. Cartwright. Your baggage has already arrived and has been taken to your suite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d replied Adam, turning to help Shiloh out of the coach.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. and Mrs. Cartwright, if you will come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked up at the building in front of her and imagined she was entering a French palace. As Adam guided her inside by her elbow, her eyes were constantly drawn up to the high arched ceilings, the chandeliers and the lush interior. Realizing that she must have looked like a schoolgirl walking for the first time into a cathedral, she looked back at Adam, who had been watching her with amusement. \u201cYou\u2019ve seen this in Boston, haven\u2019t you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes, but\u2026no, not really. Not like this\u2026in a hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. and Mrs. Cartwright, welcome to the Lick House. I\u2019m Mr. Shelby, the manager. You\u2019ll be in our Presidential Suite as you requested, Mr. Cartwright, with all the amenities provided normally with the Honeymoon Suite, plus a private washroom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHas anyone made any inquiries about us?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Sir, a fellow from Maguire\u2019s Opera House delivered flowers, a Mr. Frederick Stanton also sent flowers, and a Mr. James Fischer left a card as well as Mr. Slater. There was one man who came in earlier today and refused to identify himself. We did not acknowledge that you would be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNow, if you\u2019ll follow me, I\u2019ll show you to your suite. Our lifts are manned at all hours. No unauthorized parties are allowed on your floor.\u201d<\/p>\n

While they were standing in the lift, Shiloh creased her eyebrows and cut her eyes up toward Adam. He had mentioned where they were staying, but had left out that she would be housed in a fortress.<\/p>\n

Arriving on their floor, they stepped out of the lift and were escorted down the hall. \u201cThis is Mr. Eaton, the concierge for your floor. His desk is just down the hall to the right. Your suite is 301.\u201d Unlocking their door, and stepping aside for them to enter, Mr. Shelby followed them inside. \u201cYour bedroom is to the right. Your wash room is on the right off your bedroom. Mr. Cartwright, you will find a small office area behind the French doors to the left. Here is your liquor cabinet, and here next to the door is your call button. Your annunciator is specific to your floor. When you push the call button, Mr. Eaton will dispatch an attendant to your door for room service or to arrange travel or theater tickets.\u201d Mr. Shelby handed Adam the door keys. \u201cOne more matter, Mr. Cartwright. The newspaper has announced that Isabella Whitney is back in the city. What would you like us to do if there are inquiries?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell them she\u2019s not here. And please instruct your staff to address her as Mrs. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good, Sir. If you would like, I can arrange for breakfast to be brought to your room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned to Shiloh. \u201cSweetheart, what would you like for breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not very hungry. Fruit maybe, coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have a standard breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Sir. I can assure you it is quite filling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn attendant will be by several times a day to replenish your refreshments. He will also make sure your flowers are watered and will tend your fire in the evenings. The maid will arrive at approximately nine in the morning to make up your bed, refresh your other linens and tidy the suite. We also provide a copy of the newspaper each morning. Will there be anything else, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. Good day, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the door had closed, Shiloh turned to Adam. \u201cAdam, what have you done?\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking to her, he took her cape and hung it along with his coat in a coat closet. He went back to her and took her by the waist, drawing her into him. \u201cWe can relax today\u2026let you rest after the trip, and a little later we\u2019ll discuss the rest of our time here.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stepped away from him and turned to face the fire already burning in the main room\u2019s fireplace. \u201cAdam, this is how silver and gold mine owners live.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking her arm, he turned her back around and pulled her close again, but this time, she wasn\u2019t going to get away from him. \u201cShiloh, this is our honeymoon. I want it to be special. I want you to stop for awhile and enjoy life without the ranch or the horses or the performances or the trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the parts of my life I enjoy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy new piano for one,\u201d she said with the corner of her mouth turned up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a piano here you can play. I don\u2019t know that anyone really knows that Isabella plays the piano like you do, so I\u2019m sure it\u2019s safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSafe? Why wouldn\u2019t I be safe whether I\u2019m known as Isabella Whitney or Shiloh Cartwright?<\/p>\n

\u201cNo performances. That\u2019s the deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI brought mail with me to answer. Is that alright?\u201d Adam raised his chin. \u201cI received schedules a few days before the wedding. I was hoping to answer them fairly quickly. Besides, if you\u2019re doing something that you need an office, what harm would there be for me to write a few letters? And why do you need an office?\u201d Adam took her face in his hands, and kissed her. \u201cAdam\u2026\u201d Surrounding her in his arms, he took her mouth with his and kissed her until her clenched hands released his jacket.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll in good time. Now, why don\u2019t we get out of these traveling clothes and get comfortable. We don\u2019t have to do anything today but rest.\u201d Taking her hand, he led her into the bedroom.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Adam removed his tie, then slipped his black jacket off and hung it in the large closet of the suite bedroom. Shiloh had removed her hat and dress jacket, and now stood in front of her trunk, pulling out dresses, blouses and skirts, hanging them in the closet. Next, she started unpacking one of her bags and pulled out the gown and robe Mrs. Lewis had ordered.<\/p>\n

Rolling up his sleeves, and unbuttoning the top buttons of his white shirt, Adam watched her unpack. \u201cThat\u2019s very pretty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh snorted. \u201cI was supposed to wear this on our wedding night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you wear it now? We\u2019re not leaving, and you won\u2019t have to wear your corset all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know that I\u2019d be comfortable wearing nothing but this all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting down on the bed, he pulled her down in his lap. \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked away for a moment, deciding whether she should voice her uneasiness about the suite\u2026about the whole situation. \u201cAdam\u2026\u201d She paused, looking for the right words that wouldn\u2019t make him feel as if she didn\u2019t appreciate the time and effort he must have put into planning this trip. \u201cI don\u2019t generally wear a nightgown all day, even though this particular one is\u2026for that purpose in our specific\u2026situation.\u201d Charmed, Adam sat, listening and smiling. \u201cIn fact, Adam, I don\u2019t think I know how to just sit\u2026and do nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe won\u2019t be doing nothing. We do have plans. Just not today. What would you wear at home if you stayed in all day with nothing in particular to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI always have something to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took a deep breath. \u201cHumor me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably my britches.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me you didn\u2019t pack your britches,\u201d he said, frowning.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t. I know they wouldn\u2019t be appreciated among your friends and acquaintances here. But I did bring riding clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, because Jim Fischer wants us to spend a day or two at his ranch outside the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stood up. \u201cAdam, all this\u2026the suite, the service\u2026the call button. This is more opulence than I\u2019m used to. I don\u2019t need to be waited on hand and foot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grabbing her hand, he pulled her down to the bed on her back, then leaned over her, nuzzling her neck. \u201cI know it\u2019s not what you\u2019re used to, but try it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She closed her eyes and smiled at the touch of his lips playing with the lobe of her ear. Just as he rose up to kiss her, they heard a knock at the door. He gave her a quick kiss, and then stood. \u201cThat would be breakfast,\u201d he said, heading toward the bedroom door. \u201cChange. I want to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Winking, he closed the door behind him, leaving her lying on the bed, looking at the ceiling, grimacing with her mouth twisted as she tried to answer for herself why this was so uncomfortable. I\u2019m in a private suite. No one but Adam will ever see me, except for the occasional attendant and maid, and I\u2019m sure they\u2019ve seen women in their gowns and robes as a matter of the course of their day. Why is being waited on hand and foot so hard? Then it dawned on her. This was exactly the way she expected her life to be with Will. It was something she wanted no part of. But this isn\u2019t going to be life with Adam. It\u2019s just the honeymoon. \u201cI hope.\u201d She rose from the bed, removed and hung her travel clothes, removed and put away her underclothes, then slipped on the gown and robe. Listening at the bedroom door, she waited until she heard the suite door close, then quietly opened the bedroom door and stood, waiting for Adam to turn around.<\/p>\n

When he did, his mouth opened slightly, and his jaw crooked. The robe was made from the same fabrics as the gown, the solid fabric of the robe strategically placed to cover parts of the sheer fabric or lace of the gown. Both were white and covered with intricate embroidery. Smiling, he pulled out a chair at the table that had been rolled into the room. \u201cYour breakfast is served, my love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling timidly back, she accepted the seat, and waited for him to be seated on the other side. \u201cIt\u2019s as if we just got up,\u201d she said, looking toward the windows where the morning light was just making its appearance. The mantel clock chimed seven times.<\/p>\n

Shiloh studied the bowl of cut fruit on the table, while Adam poured the coffee. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you have some bacon and eggs before the fruit, Sweetheart?\u201d She distinctly remembered telling him that she wasn\u2019t hungry, but the aroma of the ham and bacon, and the look of the steaming, hot biscuits made her stomach growl. Smiling, she loaded her plate.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u201cI thought you weren\u2019t hungry. I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen you put that much food on your plate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019ve been fretting about all this,\u201d she said, waving her fork in a circle in the air, \u201cfrom the moment we stepped foot in the hotel. I realize the amount of time you spent planning this. I should at least try to enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my girl,\u201d he said, grinning.<\/p>\n

Standing, she went to each flower arrangement, pulling the cards out, then looked around, walked into the office and came back to the table with all the cards and notes. \u201cI know all these names except for this one,\u201d she said, handing an envelope to Adam. \u201cIt\u2019s addressed only to you.\u201d Adam took the envelope, glanced at it and laid it on the table. \u201cAren\u2019t you going to open it? Who is Mr. Slater?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not important. I\u2019ll open it later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut who is Mr. Slater?\u201d She put her fork down and looked adamantly at him. \u201cDoes this have something to do with whoever was trying to sell the Flying W?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped eating as well. \u201cI thought we were going to leave that behind for the next month.\u201d She withdrew and began to push her eggs around on her plate. \u201cShiloh, it has nothing to do with the Flying W.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s something you\u2026can\u2019t\u2026share with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Breathing loudly through his nose with his lips drawn into a tight line, he watched her play with her food, then said, \u201cIt\u2019s something I\u2019ve been working on that\u2019s not finalized, and I didn\u2019t want to tell you until it was, just to make sure it goes through.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded, and continued to eat, opening the envelope on the top of the pile. \u201cTom Maguire would like me to make a special appearance\u2026one night only\u2026to whet his patron\u2019s appetites for another appearance in the summer.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s only one or two songs on one night. What harm could that do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be easy. I\u2019ve already worked with his musicians at both of my performances. And they learned some music that we never performed. Besides that, Edwin gave me Genevieve as a wedding present. He wants me to perform it with you,\u201d she said, looking up at him without raising her head.<\/p>\n

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

Unable to hide her disappointment, she sighed. \u201cWell, it\u2019s likely never to be performed again then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing, she picked up the next envelope. \u201cMr. Stanton sends his well wishes and hopes to see us at\u2026\u201d She looked up at Adam. \u201c\u2026at the mayor\u2019s banquet to celebrate the ground breaking for the new city courthouse? Have we been invited to Mayor Teschemacher\u2019s banquet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he said, continuing to eat heartily.<\/p>\n

She propped her elbow on the table and rested her jaw in her hand, eyeing him suspiciously for a moment. All she could get out of him was a smile and a wink. Opening the next envelope, she read, \u201cMy dear Miss Whitney\u2026no, by this time, it is Mrs. Cartwright. I trust this finds you well and happy. Please accept my invitation to spend a few days at my ranch where I hope to show off the rest of my stable of horses and introduce you and Adam to friends who are interested not only in your horses, but also in Adam\u2019s skills as an architect, especially in light\u2026\u201d she glared at him, \u201c\u2026of his latest success?\u201d<\/p>\n

He stopped in mid-chew, avoiding her eyes, then said, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you put those away for right now and enjoy the morning?\u201d while raising his eyebrows and looking innocently at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate secrets,\u201d she said, mildly exasperated.<\/p>\n

\u201cTry some of the fruit, Sweetheart. There are pears and melons, strawberries, grapes and apples.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I at least get to know what we\u2019re doing tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not,\u201d he said, smiling. \u201cWe\u2019re having an early breakfast, and then we\u2019re taking a carriage ride to the Cliff House for lunch. After that, we\u2019ll spend the afternoon on the beach. That is, if it\u2019s not raining.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if it\u2019s raining?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll have lunch in the city and spend the evening at the theater.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat back, smiling. At least tomorrow, she\u2019d be occupied.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

After breakfast, Adam sat Shiloh down on the sofa. \u201cWait right here. I want to show you something.\u201d When he returned, he held a round tube. He sat next to Shiloh and pulled drawings from the tube and straightened them in their laps, putting his arm around her so that she was leaning into him, and he could hold both sides of the drawing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s not a barn,\u201d she said, looking into his eyes. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the front door. This is the kitchen\u2026dining room\u2026living area\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a house?\u201d He raised his eyebrows and smiled. \u201cAdam, we have a house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bowing his head, he pursed his lips. \u201cI thought we could start our lives in a house that wasn\u2019t my father\u2019s house and wasn\u2019t your father\u2019s house.\u201d She considered him, not wanting to question any further, seeing by the hopeful look in his eyes that this was important to him. \u201cShiloh, I understand that the Flying W house is the only home you\u2019ve ever known, but you live there with ghosts.\u201d She started to protest. \u201cHear me out. I\u2019m not saying that your memories of your family are like ghosts. But the sadness associated with the things that happened in that house are.\u201d He let one side of the drawings go so that they rolled back up, and then laid them on the floor as he pulled her to him. \u201cWe\u2019re starting a new life. I think it will do both of us good if we start in a house that\u2019s just ours without a past.\u201d Leaning into her, he rested his forehead on hers, looking deeply into her eyes until she smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere would you build it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa gave me some land on the Ponderosa. The house will sit on a hill with a view of the lake in the distance and overlook a valley where we can build a corral and barn for your horses. You\u2019ll be able to watch them from the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

She placed her hands on his cheeks, cocked her head, and kissed him, pushing him backward on the sofa, kissing his eyes, his nose, and his lips again. Adam enveloped her, and the two laughed as they teased each other\u2019s lips until Adam moved his hand to the back of her head and held her mouth to his. Sitting up, he slipped from underneath her, then picked her up and carried her to the bedroom.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam hurried into the main room and retrieved the drawings, making sure to close the bedroom door should the attendant come in. The two spent the rest of the morning in bed, talking about the plans for their new house.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have a wash room similar to the one here with a water closet\u2026maybe even two.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would we need two?\u201d asked Shiloh, leaning into him as he sat back against the headboard of the bed with an arm around her.<\/p>\n

Cupping her chin in his hand, he turned her face to his. \u201cFor the children,\u201d he said, gently caressing her lips with his. \u201cYou have goose bumps,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm, yes, I suppose I do. I hate to bring this up, but we have lunch coming up soon. We should get up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d He pulled his arm from around her and swung his legs off the bed, reaching for his trousers and shirt. \u201cYou, my love, will stay right there in the bed. I\u2019ll bring your lunch to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is inappropriate in so many ways, Adam. I should really\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been married for two days. Nothing has happened or is going to happen in this room that could possibly be considered inappropriate.\u201d Hearing a knock at the door, Shiloh giggled and slid under the sheet as Adam went to answer, leaving the bedroom door cracked.<\/p>\n

He returned, rolling the cart in front of him and pouring two flutes of champagne. Crawling to the edge of the bed with the sheet held up to cover her, she sat next to the cart with her legs folded under her. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat down next to her and named all the dishes. \u201cLobster croquets, scalloped oysters, asparagus, and fresh, hot bread.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a lot of food. I don\u2019t know that I\u2019ll be hungry for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll have a late dinner. If it\u2019s nice this afternoon, we can go for a walk, and then have dinner in the restaurant here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam prepared her plate, and when he spooned on the oysters, she drew back. \u201cEew.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t like oysters?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d she began, inspecting the plate he set in front of her, \u201cI don\u2019t like them raw.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOysters are good for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpoken like a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. \u201cI know exactly why you want me to eat the oysters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sucking in the sides of his mouth to suppress a grin, he replied. \u201cAnd how would you know about such a thing, young lady?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLiterature. Greek mythology. Aphrodite.\u201d Leaning into him with a bite of oyster on her fork, she said, \u201cI was of the opinion that I was doing just fine without the oysters,\u201d just before she put the oyster in her mouth.<\/p>\n

He grinned. \u201cI ordered oysters because I like them. Believe me; it had absolutely nothing to do with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finally, she pushed her plate back, and rolled backward on the bed, clutching her stomach. \u201cI can\u2019t eat another bite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t eat that much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Climbing back to her knees behind him, she wrapped her arms under his and kissed his neck. \u201cI ate everything you put on my plate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. So you did,\u201d he said, turning for a kiss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile you finish, I\u2019m going to take a nice, long, warm bath.\u201d She slid out of bed, letting the sheet fall behind her and went into the washroom. Adam stopped eating to watch her walk across the room.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Sitting back in the swivel chair of his desk, the newest resident of San Francisco admired the office of his new home, the rich cherry wood paneling on the walls matching the ornately carved wood of the furniture, the deep blood color of the carpet, the lush gold upholstery, and volumes of law references lining the floor to ceiling bookcases across the wall on the other side of the room. Turning in his chair, he looked out of the tall windows onto a courtyard with a view of the harbor in the distance.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, Senator.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning back around, he answered, \u201cMy dear, you must stop calling me Senator.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand they are here in the city, though the hotel where we were told they would be staying has denied their presence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMerely a ploy on his part. The newspaper has reported that she is here, and they are expected at the mayor\u2019s banquet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you hope to accomplish. The marriage has significantly changed things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps. The marriage did eliminate the possibility of driving her off that ranch\u2026for now. But next week, I will be the new city attorney. He\u2019ll be a new favorite of the mayor because of his new project, and with that, my dear, I\u2019m sure another opportunity will present itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what? She\u2019s married. And it\u2019s not as though she married into an ordinary family. They\u2019re well known and well liked.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not such a problem. After all these years, his time has come\u2026and will be gone.\u201d Rising from the chair, he walked forward, offering her his arm. \u201cNow, we have reservations for lunch at the Lick House. Time to make them nervous. Shall we go?\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, what\u2019s taking you so long?\u201d called Adam from the main room.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I hate these hats,\u201d she mumbled. \u201cBe right there,\u201d she answered cheerfully after which she growled, \u201cOne more pin.\u201d<\/p>\n

She jumped when she heard his voice behind her. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just pull your hair back and take a parasol,\u201d he said calmly.<\/p>\n

Taking one more look and deciding she was satisfied, she smiled at his reflection in the mirror. \u201cBecause I can\u2019t walk close to you with a parasol without poking your eye out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShall we go?\u201d Offering his hand as she rose from the chair, he guided her to the door with his hand other hand at her back.<\/p>\n

Just as he opened the door, Mr. Eaton was poised to knock. \u201cOh, I apologize, Mr. Cartwright. This note came for you. The clerk asked that it be delivered immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took the envelope and opened it, reading intently for a moment. \u201cShiloh, I need to answer this. It will only take a minute.\u201d He walked into the office and sat down to write a reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Eaton, while we\u2019re waiting, would you mind telling me if there is a piano I can play?\u201d<\/p>\n

“Why yes, Mrs. Cartwright. If you\u2019ll give me a moment, I\u2019ll have an attendant show you. If you\u2019re not familiar with the hotel, the directions can be a bit confusing.\u201d Mr. Eaton pushed the call button and an attendant quickly appeared. \u201cPlease show Mrs. Cartwright how to get to the piano in the banquet room.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Thank you. Would you tell Mr. Cartwright where I\u2019ve gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Mrs. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leading her to the lift, they exited at the lobby and walked down a hall past the front desk to a large room with a Lick grand piano. \u201cLick?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Lick made pianos while in South America. Will you be staying, Ma\u2019am?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I just wanted to know where it was. I\u2019ll come back later to play. Now, how do I get back to the lobby?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight down this hall, Ma\u2019am, if you\u2019ll follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n

When she arrived back in the lobby, Adam hadn\u2019t come down yet, so she waited near the lift, looking at the luxury around her. Her eyes followed the lines of the arches in the ceiling down the posts and then over to\u2026she froze. Not more than twenty feet in front of her stood Natalie Peterson, smiling wickedly.<\/p>\n

Answering with a livid gaze, Shiloh quickly turned around and gasped as she ran into a man standing behind her. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2026\u201d she sucked in a breath.<\/p>\n

A hand caressed her cheek. \u201cAs lovely as ever, I see.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shiloh felt familiar hands at her waist that pulled her backwards. Will was no longer looking at her, but rather at Adam, who was glaring back at him. Both men stood still, two dapper, imposing figures creating such an air of dislike and anger that a hush began to move across the lobby as patrons and employees slowly became aware of the standoff near the lift.<\/p>\n

The manager hurried over to them. \u201cMr. Cartwright, is there a problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

Continuing to glare at Will with an almost imperceptible snarl, Adam answered. \u201cNo, but I\u2019ve left something in our suite. We\u2019ll be leaving in a few minutes.\u201d With a hand on Shiloh\u2019s shoulder, and holding her other hand, he guided her back to the lift and boarded, continuing to glare at Will until the lift disappeared above the ceiling.<\/p>\n

While Adam looked angrily straight ahead, Shiloh\u2019s eyes were moving back and forth with her thoughts. Why isn\u2019t he in Boston? Why is he here with Natalie? Why is he here at this hotel?<\/p>\n

When they entered their hotel room, Shiloh walked to the fireplace. Adam stood in the middle of the room glaring at her back, waiting to speak until he could calm his anger. She could feel his eyes boring into her and asked without turning, \u201cWhy are you angry with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t wait for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned to face him. \u201cI didn\u2019t leave the hotel. Am I a prisoner in this suite?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t protect you if I\u2019m not with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it that you\u2019re protecting me from?\u201d Her eyebrows arched with sudden clarity. \u201cYou knew he was here,\u201d she accused, glaring back at him. She waited for an acknowledgement that didn\u2019t come, nor did she get a denial. \u201cKeeping secrets from me is not the best way to start a life together,\u201d she snapped, walking past him toward the bedroom.<\/p>\n

When he caught her by the arm, she looked defiantly at him. He relaxed his stance and his grip. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t a secret. I didn\u2019t know until Edwin sent you the package the day of our wedding. He sent a letter to me with it. He said Will resigned his seat in the Senate and was starting a law practice here. By that time, all the plans had been made, and I didn\u2019t see any reason to change them or to worry you. There was no reason to believe that we\u2019d run into Will\u2026or Natalie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about this other thing you\u2019re keeping from me?\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned her to face him, and answered calmly. \u201cThat\u2019s not a secret. It\u2019s a surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Holding her as she tried to walk away, he looked coolly at her, waiting for the turbulent blue squalls in her eyes to settle to the stillness of a mountain lake. She breathed in and exhaled slowly, letting her anger flow away on her breath. \u201cWhat do we do now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe do what we planned to do,\u201d he answered, walking toward the bedroom. \u201cI\u2019m sure if I\u2019m with you, neither Will nor Natalie will come near you,\u201d he finished, talking loudly as he moved around in the bedroom. He came back out, swinging his gun belt around his waist.<\/p>\n

She slumped. \u201cAdam, do you really need to wear that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not taking any chances. Will obviously knew you were here. Clemens didn\u2019t put in the announcement that we were coming to San Francisco. The hotel is known for their ability to be discreet, and I specifically asked Jim, Tom and the Slaters to keep it to themselves. There\u2019s no reason to think that they didn\u2019t.\u201d He looked away in thought after he had buckled his belt. \u201cThough the mayor knew we\u2019d be here for\u2026never mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ground breaking of the new courthouse? Though I really have no idea what that would have to do with you because you\u2019re keeping secrets from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He chuckled at the sight of her rising up on her toes as the volume of her voice rose, then dropping back down off her toes with the drop of her voice. He walked to her and kissed her. \u201cSurprises. Now let\u2019s go for that walk, shall we? If they\u2019re still here ignore them,\u201d said Adam as they waited for the lift to light on the first floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if they follow us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen they\u2019ll see us walking and having a good time while we peruse the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stepping out of the lift, they both stopped and looked around. Both of them spotted Will just outside the men\u2019s smoking parlor as they continued toward the door. While Adam kept an eye on Will, Shiloh continued to look around, expecting to see Natalie, but instead she saw a man she was sure she had seen in the hotel before, which wasn\u2019t unusual in itself, but this man didn\u2019t belong there. That was why she had noticed him the first time. He wore dusty tan trousers, a pale blue shirt, and a dark blue jacket. His hat matched his trousers, and his boots were weather-worn like they belonged to a cowboy. But what convinced her that he didn\u2019t belong there was the way he wore his gun; comfortably with the holster perfectly positioned for his hand. She looked back at Adam. It was same way Adam wore his gun. Shaking her head, she decided she was reading too much into him. But when he saw her watching he turned in the opposite direction. Despite that, she knew he had a mustache, a beard, and shoulder length, dark brown hair.<\/p>\n

Adam stopped and pulled her hand to catch her up to him as she looked in the opposite direction they were walking. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked, taking her arm and drawing her close to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nothing, Adam. I was just looking for Natalie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once out of the door on the sidewalk, they turned down Montgomery Street and walked arm in arm, looking in one shop after another from glass shops to exotic imports to book stores. They stopped at a small sidewalk caf\u00e9, and sat sipping coffee as they watched clipper ships and steamers come in and set out from the harbor. Taking her hand, Adam asked, \u201cHow would you like to experience a clipper ship?\u201d Her eyes suddenly sparkled as brightly as her smile. \u201cGood, because before we leave for home, you will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else do you have planned for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I made plans for this trip, I knew it would be difficult to get you to stop being the ranch lady, the horse lady and the singing lady. I have many plans for you, but I have no intention of revealing my entire arsenal.\u201d She pouted. \u201cThat won\u2019t work either.\u201d He took a quick look around then leaned in to kiss her poked out bottom lip. \u201cDid you see anything you wanted today?\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed. \u201cI am a woman; granted, not typical, but female. I saw some lovely china and some beautiful jade carvings. But they can wait because we have no room for them right now.\u201d She had made arrangements to have a model clipper ship delivered to the ranch for Adam\u2019s birthday, but wasn\u2019t about to tell him. \u201cYou bought something at the book store?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSolitude by Zimmerman. They\u2019re delivering it to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled adoringly at him, but her face changed slowly into a distressed frown as she looked past him. Sitting up straight, Adam\u2019s face changed with hers. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a man behind you that I\u2019ve seen at the hotel several times. I think he\u2019s following us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDescribe him,\u201d he said without turning around.<\/p>\n

\u201cTan trousers, dark blue jacket, long brown hair, beard, mustache. He\u2019s wearing a gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood, knowing exactly the man to whom she was referring. Taking her hand, he led her into the caf\u00e9. \u201cStay here and wait for me.\u201d Stepping back out on the sidewalk, he walked casually toward the man, knowing he wouldn\u2019t get very close before the man realized he\u2019d been spotted. After only a few steps down the sidewalk, the man stood from his leaning position against a lamppost and quickly walked in the other direction. The man walked as fast as Adam until both men broke into a run, dodging through the crowded sidewalk. Adam followed him into an alley and stopped. His quarry seemed to have disappeared. Walking slowly down the alley with his gun drawn, Adam looked behind trash piles and boxes. He had walked almost to the end when he was pulled into the shadows and thrown against a building, his gun clattering on the ground. He turned and was greeted by a fist that knocked him back into the building, and when the other man tried to run, Adam scrambled after him, bringing him to the ground. They wrestled, turning over and over until they heard the whistle of a police officer. The other man got to his feet and kicked Adam in the side, then ran and disappeared around the corner. Adam stayed down on his hands and knees, catching his breath, holding his side where the kick landed until hands grabbed him and brought him to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, are you alright?\u201d asked the officer. Adam nodded and wiped blood from his lip with the back of his hand. \u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright. Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know who that man was?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea. I didn\u2019t get a good look at his face.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another officer came up behind him. \u201cIs this your gun?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is,\u201d said Adam, taking the gun and holstering it.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, most gentlemen in the city don\u2019t wear a gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at the ground, then stuck his thumbs in his belt and leaned on one leg. \u201cMy wife and I are visiting from Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you should come with us,\u201d said the officer, putting his hand on Adam\u2019s back. \u201cWe\u2019ll have someone take a look at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing up straight and adjusting his jacket, Adam replied, \u201cOfficer, I\u2019m alright. I left my wife in a caf\u00e9 down the street. I need to get to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should take a report, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to report. I can\u2019t even tell you what the man looked like. Now, please, I need to get back to my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

The officers walked him out of the alley and reluctantly let him walk away. When he got back to the caf\u00e9, Shiloh rushed out the door. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m alright, Sweetheart. It looks worse than it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did the other fellow look like?\u201d she asked, dabbing the corner of his mouth with her handkerchief.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know other than he has a fat lip.\u201d Putting his arm around her, he turned her up the sidewalk toward the hotel. \u201cI could use a good, hot soak about now.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Leaning back in the bathtub, Adam finally let out long breath and relaxed. He had told Shiloh that he was alright, and that was mostly true, but what he didn\u2019t tell her was that the stranger had kicked him in the ribs. He also didn\u2019t tell her that his knees were killing him because he had brought the man down in an alley paved with setts. He finished bathing, and wrapping his robe around himself, he went in search of Shiloh. Stepping into the main room, he looked around and found her sitting at the desk behind the French doors.<\/p>\n

When she saw him, she covered the ink well and put away the pen, then came into the main room. \u201cDid you have a nice soak?\u201d she asked, putting her arms around his torso.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, as a matter of fact, I did. What were you doing in there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing over the opera and theater schedules I received before we left Virginia City. I need to pick the dates I want and send them back. There aren\u2019t many openings left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t that wait a few days?<\/p>\n

She drew back. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a small change of plans,\u201d he said, pulling her back into him. You\u2019ll be meeting Robert Slater tonight at dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I thought we could have dinner here after your little adventure this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

He bent and kissed her. \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why were you limping when you came into the room?\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, he said, \u201cBecause I banged my knee.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stepped in close, looking up into his eyes. \u201cYou\u2019re not telling me everything about your encounter with my shadow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think he\u2019s the same man?\u201d he asked, furrowing his brow.<\/p>\n

Moving away, she said glumly, \u201cIt\u2019s just a feeling.\u201d She walked to the bedroom, leaving him standing in the main room.<\/p>\n

He twisted his mouth. As much as he had tried to leave everything behind, the worst part was following her; first Will and Natalie and now, the man who had been trailing her.<\/p>\n

When he walked into the bedroom, she was standing in front of the closet with two dresses, holding one against her in front of the mirror, and then the other. \u201cI understand the attire in the dining room in the evening is formal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm hm.\u201d Dropping his robe on the bed, he walked behind her, taking down his gray suit, a white shirt and a light gray waist coat. \u201cCravat or tie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think a tie should be sufficient.\u201d<\/p>\n

She laid her dress on the bed and sat down beside it, removing her shoes. Before she took them to the closet and changed into her evening clothes, she sat for a moment looking at the floor.<\/p>\n

As Adam buttoned his shirt, he walked over and sat next to her. \u201cSweetheart, I know it\u2019s a disappointment for you that the worst side of life has followed us here, but I need you to be the woman who sets everyone at ease when you meet Robert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is important to you, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is. It\u2019s an opportunity I had all but given up on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling and leaning into him, she said, \u201cDon\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll be fine. But tell me, does he know me as Isabella Whitney or as Shiloh Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last time I spoke to him, he referred to you as Miss Whitney. He knows we\u2019re married, but if he calls you Miss Whitney again, I shall correct him. What name would you prefer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich name do you like better?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve always been Shiloh to me. And if further explanation is required, you are Shiloh Isabella Whitney Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a mouthful,\u201d she laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if all goes as I expect, the Slaters will be friends and will call you Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes Robert Slater have a wife?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but I haven\u2019t met her. Her name is Evelyn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d she said, patting his leg before she stood. \u201cWe should get dressed.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the Cartwrights arrived at the dining hall, the host recognized the name. \u201cMr. Cartwright, you and your wife will be seated in one of our private alcoves.\u201d As he led them to their table, he explained. \u201cYou\u2019ll be able to see across the entire dining room, but you\u2019ll be afforded a bit of privacy. When Mr. Slater made the reservation he mentioned that you would be discussing business, so I took the liberty of reserving your table there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Arriving at the table, Adam pulled Shiloh\u2019s chair out for her while the host called for the Maitre d\u2019, who came to the table bearing wine. Pouring wine into the glass in front of Adam, Adam picked it up, swirled it and smelled it. He glanced up at the Maitre d\u2019, who said, \u201cMr. Slater\u2019s choice, Sir.\u201d Adam nodded, and the waiter poured Shiloh\u2019s glass, and then filled Adam\u2019s glass, bowed and left.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what was that about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Chateau Lafite.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh had just lifted her glass, but when Adam said the name of the wine, her eyes widened and she said, \u201cOh,\u201d as she replaced the glass on the table.<\/p>\n

Chuckling, Adam said, \u201cIt\u2019s alright. Drink the wine.\u201d<\/p>\n

After only a few minutes, Robert Slater and his wife were escorted to the table. Standing, Adam held out his hand. \u201cRobert, good to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m happy you were able to make it. I felt we should meet ahead of time to discuss any concerns you might have before we sign the papers. This is my wife, Evelyn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Slater,\u201d said Adam, taking her hand. Turning to Shiloh, he said, \u201cMy wife, Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you do, Mr. Slater\u2026Mrs. Slater,\u201d she said nodding.<\/p>\n

\u201cForgive me, Mrs. Cartwright, but my wife and I saw your performance here last year. When Adam told us he would be here with his new wife, he told us your name was Shiloh, and we didn\u2019t make the connection until your presence was announced in the newspaper.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam answered. \u201cWe have no idea who knew Isabella would be here. We don\u2019t intend for Shiloh to perform while we\u2019re here.\u201d She snapped her head toward him, but maintained a calm expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstandable, Adam. After all, this is your honeymoon, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuckling, Adam answered, \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mrs. Cartwright, hopefully, we\u2019ll be able to get this business wrapped up so you can enjoy the rest of your time here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, call me Shiloh. And having a nice dinner with my husband\u2019s friends is a wonderful way to spend our evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Shiloh. Now, why don\u2019t we go ahead and order. Adam, the steak here is mouthwatering if you haven\u2019t tired of it, having Ponderosa beef available to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRobert, I would never pass up a good cut of beef.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Slater looked to the side, getting the attention of the Maitre d\u2019, who hurried over to take their dinner orders.<\/p>\n

Seated next to Shiloh, Evelyn turned to address her. \u201c\u2018Robert tells me that you ran the Flying W ranch as well as trained horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I still do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRun the ranch or train horses?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Adam and I haven\u2019t sat down and talked about the ranch, but our foreman takes care of most of the day to day business with cattle and the work associated with them. I will still train horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, have you told her anything about why you\u2019re here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m here for my honeymoon, but no, I haven\u2019t told her yet about\u2026you. I planned to tell her tonight as a surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, why don\u2019t you tell me?\u201d asked Shiloh with raised eyebrows and a curious smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we start at the beginning, we\u2019ll have to start with plans for the new city courthouse.\u201d Shiloh met Robert\u2019s eyes, giving him her full attention. \u201cAdam submitted plans that the city chose, but they required that the plans have a firm behind them. We also submitted plans that weren\u2019t chosen, but knowing that Adam wasn\u2019t part of a firm, we checked his credentials and decided to offer him a partnership. It\u2019s really not just about the courthouse plans. My brother and I have had to turn work away that the two of us just didn\u2019t have time to handle. We were already planning to add a partner, and when Adam\u2019s plans were chosen, it made sense to offer the partnership to him.\u201d Looking back at Adam, Shiloh\u2019s lower jaw dropped.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cAfter tomorrow evening, it will be Slater, Slater and Cartwright Architecture and Engineering.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh laughed. \u201cI don\u2019t know what to say.\u201d Looking at Robert, and then Evelyn, she said, \u201cI was about to be upset with him because we were receiving cards and flowers from friends here mentioning his latest success, and one that mentioned the mayor\u2019s banquet for the ground breaking at the courthouse, but he wouldn\u2019t tell me anything. I guessed that it was his plans chosen for the courthouse, but I had never imagined a partnership. He\u2019s always seemed happy with life on the Ponderosa.\u201d She held her hand out to Adam, who took it and kissed it. \u201cCongratulations, Adam. You and I have a great deal to discuss, don\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what would that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSchedules, living on and running a ranch\u2026no, two ranches in Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got an idea of how we\u2019re going to handle everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait to hear,\u201d she said, giving him her sweet smile that he knew was just a little too sweet.<\/p>\n

When dinner was delivered to their table, the chef accompanied it, serving each one at the table personally. He spoke in broken English and was very hard to understand until Shiloh spoke up. \u201cExcusez-moi, mais vous n’avez pas \u00e9t\u00e9 en Am\u00e9rique du tr\u00e8s long, vous avez? Peut-\u00eatre que je peux aider.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, mademoiselle, vous parlez fran\u00e7ais. J’ai bien peur que non. Je viens d’arriver de France.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking around the table, Shiloh explained. \u201cI asked if he had been in America very long, and he replied that he just arrived from France.\u201d Shiloh continued to translate as the chef introduced each part of their meal.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you didn\u2019t mention that Shiloh was cosmopolitan,\u201d said Robert.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, goodness, I\u2019m not,\u201d said Shiloh, laughing. \u201cI\u2019ve never been abroad. French and Italian were required as part of my musical education. I\u2019m afraid I only know enough Italian to sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have thought that with your success you would have trained abroad,\u201d said Evelyn.<\/p>\n

Adam squeezed her hand. \u201cNo, Shiloh spent two years at the Peabody Institute where visiting European singers offer their time to train the few that are accepted. She continued her musical training at the Boston Academy of Music.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you went to college back East?\u201d asked Evelyn.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNow that is unusual,\u201d said Robert. \u201cOh, not that you went to college, Shiloh, but rather being a married couple out here in the West, both of whom are college educated. I imagine that lends itself to some stimulating discussions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cutting his eyes back toward Shiloh, Adam answered, \u201cYou could say that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Adam, have you had a chance to read through the partnership agreement, and do you have any concerns?\u201d asked Robert.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked our attorney, Jim Fischer, to take a look at a few points, but nothing major. I\u2019m sure we can discuss those tomorrow evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robert creased his brow, considering the name. \u201cJim Fischer\u2026I don\u2019t believe I know him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJim has only recently moved to San Francisco from Boston. I know him from college,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n

After a dessert consisting of poached pears, baked in a deliciously light and flaky pastry drizzled with chocolate sauce, the Slaters and Cartwrights parted company until the next evening.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Cartwrights arrived at the Slater\u2019s home promptly at seven in the evening and were escorted to a well-appointed parlor where they met Robert and Evelyn, Daniel Slater, Robert\u2019s younger brother and the other half of Slater and Slater, and the Slater\u2019s attorney, Mr. Childers. Adam\u2019s own attorney, Jim Fischer, had already arrived and was discussing the paperwork that Adam had already seen. At dinner, conversation quickly turned to Adam and Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cCurious, Adam,\u201d said Daniel. \u201cHow does a rancher raise a son who wants to be an architect?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the idea originally wasn\u2019t architecture. It was engineering. Being in the Sierra, there were some situations that had to be overcome\u2026irrigation, moving timber. And then there was the mining that had begun and the conditions in the mines. Those were mostly gold mines\u2026this was before the Comstock discovery. I had ideas, but didn\u2019t have the knowledge to apply them. Before I left college, I worked on a design for the house at the Ponderosa, a sort of gift to my father for my education. One of my professors saw the drawings and suggested that I also take the architecture curriculum.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and your father are well-known here for your business ventures, and, of course, we\u2019ve all heard of the Ponderosa. Are you still involved with the cattle and timber?\u201d asked Evelyn.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m still involved with all of it, and now on the Flying W as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen how do you expect to have time for this?\u201d ask Daniel guardedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a foreman at the Flying W who takes care of the day to day work with cattle. The horses belong to Shiloh,\u201d said Adam, covering her hand. \u201cShe manages those quite well on her own. Besides that, she ran the Flying W on her own before we were married, and she brought it back to a profitable state after her father\u2019s illness and death. My father runs the Ponderosa, and he has the help of my two brothers. I can be involved as little or as much as I need to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that a large responsibility to leave with your wife?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh sat up straight, but maintained a cool expression as Adam squeezed her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cDaniel, that\u2019s enough,\u201d said Robert. \u201cI apologize, Shiloh. Daniel has no idea who he\u2019s speaking of.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, Robert. How can the woman run a ranch, train horses and perform?\u201d<\/p>\n

An uncomfortable silence settled across the table as Robert and Daniel glared at one another until Evelyn spoke up. \u201cDaniel, you really have put your foot in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I just don\u2019t see how this could possibly benefit an already successful company.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDaniel, Adam can do more work in one third of his day than you do in a week,\u201d said Robert.<\/p>\n

Rising abruptly from the table, Daniel dabbed his mouth with his napkin, threw it on the chair and stormed out of the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, Adam, I must apologize for my brother\u2019s behavior. My father spoiled him, and he, unfortunately, stayed that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRobert, if this is a bad night, we can do this another time. We\u2019ll be here for a month,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we don\u2019t need Daniel. I hold the majority of the partnership. Why don\u2019t we go to the study and get the formalities out of the way? I assume you brought the drawings with you. We\u2019ll want to register them first thing tomorrow. Mr. Childers can handle that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone rose from the table, and Evelyn walked around to Shiloh. \u201cDon\u2019t worry Adam. I\u2019ll take good care of her,\u201d she said, smiling reassuringly, walking toward the parlor. \u201cShiloh, please let me apologize for Daniel again. He\u2019s afraid of Adam. Robert has already begun to take control of the company, and frankly, he\u2019s wanted to find someone else to help him carry the business forward. He was very impressed by what he found about Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean\u2026what he found?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he did have Adam investigated.\u201d Shiloh stiffened. \u201cPlease don\u2019t misunderstand. When a company offers someone a place in a successful partnership this type if inquiry is the normal course of business. And just to make sure everything is disclosed, he had you investigated. The conclusion is that he\u2019s convinced that Adam can only improve the company. And at least some of that is because of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvelyn, I don\u2019t understand. What difference could I possibly make?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam has strong support at home. You\u2019re intelligent enough to understand his passion for his work, and you\u2019re strong enough to take care of yourself and your home without Adam having to rescue you. That leaves him available to deal with the company when necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

Evelyn led Shiloh back to the parlor where coffee was waiting for them. Pouring a cup and offering it to Shiloh, she continued. \u201cRobert is also happy that you have an established name in horse training and performing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see how that makes a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe people we deal with in this business are those that would appreciate your horses and attend your performances. You will be associated by name with the business, and that can only make the business better known.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh smiled wearily. \u201cEvelyn, I\u2019m going to be very honest with you. I\u2019ve been fighting for my privacy since I came home from college, and now I\u2019m seeing it slip through my fingers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShould we interrupt the meeting?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked toward the hearth and sighed heavily. \u201cNo. This partnership is important to Adam. I won\u2019t ruin it for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cRobert, I won\u2019t agree to one-third,\u201d said Adam. \u201cNot after Daniel\u2019s performance at dinner. I can make a bigger investment, but I won\u2019t throw good money after bad. Daniel is loose cannon, and I won\u2019t risk my investment with him ahead of me. If I invest in this partnership, I\u2019m coming in second, not third.\u201d<\/p>\n

Childers whispered in Robert\u2019s ear, and after a moment of thought, Robert agreed. \u201cDaniel is my brother. But I can\u2019t in all good conscience deny that he could bring this company to its knees. Second it is then,\u201d said Robert, extending his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s another thing, Robert. I want our compensation based on performance. We should set a minimum performance level with subsequent levels after that. That way Daniel can\u2019t sit back, watching the two of us build this company and expect more out of it than he puts into it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you be disturbed if the minimum is enough for him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cNo. If that\u2019s all he wants, it\u2019s all he\u2019ll ever get. If you and I build the company, we reap the rewards. Daniel can have his part of that if he wants it. This puts it entirely in his hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Robert said, \u201cI like the way you think, Adam.\u201d He bent over the desk and signed the agreement, pushing it over to Adam, who also signed. \u201cChilders, make the changes in the partnership bylaws with Mr. Fischer. Adam and I will sign them as soon as they\u2019re available.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about children?\u201d asked Evelyn. \u201cRobert and I would love to have children. Unfortunately, we haven\u2019t yet been blessed with them.<\/p>\n

Shiloh shook her head. \u201cWe want children, but honestly, I haven\u2019t thought about them seriously. We left Virginia City the morning after the wedding, and we\u2019ve only been here a few days. Adam and I haven\u2019t had time to discuss how we\u2019re going to handle anything yet. So this comes at a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be part of the whole discussion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies, we have good news,\u201d said Robert, walking into the parlor with Adam and the attorneys. \u201cEvelyn, break out the brandy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both women rose, Evelyn heading for the liquor cabinet with Robert and Shiloh going to stand beside Adam, who was smiling confidently. When he winked at her, she knew they had reached an agreement.<\/p>\n

Once everyone had a glass, Robert lifted his. \u201cTo a profitable future\u2026Slater, Cartwright and Slater Architecture and Engineering.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed when Shiloh looked at him wide-eyed. Robert moved behind her and leaned to her ear. \u201cYour husband drives a hard bargain. This is going to be profitable for all of us, starting with the courthouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned and smiled. \u201cThat\u2019s good to hear.\u201d When she turned back, looking down at the drink in her hands, Adam watched her smile slowly fade.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d said Adam, \u201cit\u2019s getting late. We should be going.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the way out the door, Daniel reappeared. \u201cBefore you go, I would like to apologize for my behavior at dinner. Taking Shiloh\u2019s hand, he raised it to his lips while looking into her eyes, causing her to look away uncomfortably. When she pulled her hand away, Adam\u2019s nostrils flared, and he glared at Daniel even as he felt Shiloh\u2019s hand slip into his.<\/p>\n

\u201cRobert,\u201d Adam said, shaking Robert\u2019s hand. He took Evelyn\u2019s hand and bowed. \u201cEvelyn, thank you both for your hospitality. As soon as Jim lets me know the paperwork is ready, I\u2019ll be in touch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Evelyn walked Shiloh out the door ahead of the men. \u201cYou have no idea how happy I am to have another woman involved in this partnership. One bit of advice.\u201d She leaned in to whisper. \u201cStay as far away from Daniel as you possibly can. He has no respect for the institution of marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they were walking to their coach, Jim walked with them. \u201cAdam, you are bringing Shiloh out to the ranch while you\u2019re here, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen would you like us to be there? The only thing we have set in stone is the mayor\u2019s banquet next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about next weekend? You can come out Friday morning and stay until Monday when I have to be back in the office. Shiloh, I can\u2019t wait for you to see my stable, and I know a few people who would like to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI look forward to it, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can give you copies of those performance contracts while you\u2019re there. If we have time, we can go over them and decide which one to use.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking up at Adam, she snickered. \u201cJim, I\u2019ve been forbidden to do anything that might look like ranch work, horse work or performance work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I can make one more exception; if we have time,\u201d said Adam with his chin raised.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. I\u2019ll send directions to the ranch over to your hotel before the end of the week. Congratulations, Adam. You made one heck of a deal in there tonight,\u201d said Jim, shaking Adam\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Jim.\u201d Once Jim was in his buggy, Adam helped Shiloh into the carriage, climbed in behind her and pulled the carriage blanket up over their laps. \u201cThe Lick House, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Robert and Daniel went back into the study after Evelyn said good night. \u201cWell, Robert, did you give away the company?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Daniel. I just doubled the company\u2019s profitability by accepting Adam as second partner.\u201d Daniel spun around to face his brother, seething. \u201cIt\u2019s Slater, Cartwright and Slater now. Get used to it. We\u2019re also instituting compensation based on performance. So Daniel, you\u2019ll have to work for your money now or you\u2019ll get none.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t do that without my approval.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t been paying attention. Your laziness has cost you an equal share. You\u2019re less than a third now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of this one way or another,\u201d spat Daniel, turning toward the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be careful if I were you. Not only is Adam smart, he carries himself well. While you and I sit behind a desk and go soft, he works a ranch. You\u2019re no match for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Daniel walked away, he thought about the easiest way to bring Adam Cartwright to his knees\u2026his wife.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam unlocked the suite door, and stepped back to let Shiloh enter. She hadn\u2019t said a word the entire ride home, and she wasn\u2019t speaking to him now. She was off in that cavernous head of hers\u2026not indicating that her skull was empty, but rather quite the opposite. It was full of intricate pathways leading from one set of thoughts to another, working furiously to try to connect each one and organize it into something manageable.<\/p>\n

She walked to the door next to the fireplace and stepped out onto the balcony, looking up at the stars. Finding the North Star, she gazed at it, willing it to lead her in the right direction. The answer she kept coming back to came in the form of a man\u2026an intelligent man that had nine more years of experience in work schedules and problem solving and finding ways to make sure things happened when they needed to. She wondered if he was including her ambitions in his plans.<\/p>\n

His warm hands gently eased onto her shoulders, and she raised an ice-cold hand to touch his. \u201cShiloh, your hands are freezing,\u201d he said quietly. Bending to her ear, he said, \u201cCome inside, please,\u201d as he softly kissed her neck.<\/p>\n

Turning and smiling up at him, she stepped past him into the room and stood in front of the fireplace. \u201cThe attendant just brought in hot coffee. Would you like a cup,\u201d Adam asked, pouring a cup for himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be nice,\u201d she answered, almost whispering. He poured another cup, and sat it on the table in front of the sofa, waiting patiently for her to join him.<\/p>\n

When she sat down next to him and retrieved her coffee, he crossed his legs and turned to her. \u201cAre you ready to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat for a moment, staring into her cup, then took a sip. \u201cAdam, how much of this can you do from home?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the beginning, most of it. I\u2019ll be drawing plans. Robert will be initiating contacts for proposals.\u201d<\/p>\n

She chuckled. \u201cI don\u2019t know why I\u2019m laughing. I was just thinking how much you and I both have to do with my horses and singing, and you taking care of two ranches, and now a partnership. This is frightening. What if we fall flat on our faces?\u201d<\/p>\n

He took her coffee cup, placing it on the table, and then pulled her into him, moving her arms to either side of his neck. \u201cThen we\u2019ll pick each other up, brush each other off, and start over. This doesn\u2019t have to be hard, Shiloh. We can hire more help at both ranches, and you can teach others to train the horses.\u201d He kissed her, and for a moment, they looked into each other\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled herself closer to him, kissing him, and again, they looked into each other\u2019s eyes. \u201cWhatever you do, Adam, please don\u2019t leave me behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll never do that.\u201d He moved his eyes to her mouth, to her eyes, and back to her mouth, and she knew he was about to kiss her, but before he could she leaned into him, pressing her lips to his. He chuckled as they kissed. \u201cHm. Not\u2026hm\u2026that I\u2019m\u2026complaining, but why don\u2019t we get out of these clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a lovely idea,\u201d she said, planting small kisses on his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that there are no more surprises or secrets, why don\u2019t you write those letters you need to write so we can post them tomorrow on our way out?\u201d<\/p>\n

She backed away, frowning. \u201cAre you turning me down?\u201d<\/p>\n

He pulled her back into him. \u201cOh no,\u201d he said, kissing her again. \u201cI just want the work out of the way of the rest of our honeymoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

After each of them changed out of their evening clothes, Shiloh sat at the desk, writing while Adam picked up the newspaper and sat in the chair by the fireplace, reading. \u201cAdam,\u201d she called from the office.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDon\u2019t you think you should tell your father about the partnership before he reads it in the newspaper? I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll have some concerns.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right. I\u2019ll send a telegram tomorrow on the way out to the Cliff House.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking in from the office, she stood behind him, leaning down next to his ear with her hand moving down his shoulder and across his chest. \u201cI\u2019m going to get ready for bed.\u201d He watched her walk away, letting her robe drop below her shoulders just as she entered the bedroom. Rising from the chair with a smile on his face, he dropped the newspaper on the seat, turned down the lamps in the main room, and went to the bedroom, closing the door quietly behind him.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Both of them must have been tired because they awoke in the last place they each remembered\u2026wrapped up in a tangle of arms and legs. When Shiloh opened her eyes, Adam was already awake, watching her sleep. She closed her eyes again and smiled. \u201cDo I snore?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but you do talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? What do I talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I could understand much of it, but from the little I could, I would assume you were either talking to Micah or about Micah to someone else.\u201d She opened her eyes and looked past him. \u201dYou\u2019ve been thinking about Micah a lot lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore we left home, you said that Micah was very protective of me and that we could talk about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can, but why don\u2019t we do that on the way to the Cliff House. It\u2019s a long ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne question. Would Micah have been angry at you for marrying me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyebrows, not expecting that question. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t know. I used to tease him when we were younger\u2026when he was being too protective of you\u2026that as soon as you were sixteen, I was going to\u2026\u201d He twisted his mouth and looked away. \u201cMaybe I shouldn\u2019t tell you this.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gave him a fierce look, pushing her bottom lip up into a scowl. \u201cDid he punch you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe most certainly did. That was about the only way I could get him to fight me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait. Why did you want him to fight you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause at sixteen, he wasn\u2019t very good at defending himself. Micah was a man who would rather talk around a fight than actually fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with that? You do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed. \u201cAt the time, I thought he needed to learn to fight, and I had a pretty short fuse. I didn\u2019t realize until I was older that Micah had the right idea from the beginning.\u201d He rolled her all the way over to the other side of the bed and kissed her. \u201cAre you ready to get out of bed, Mrs. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

She moved her eyes up to the ceiling. \u201cOh, I don\u2019t know. There\u2019s something to be said for spending the day in bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, there is. But then you wouldn\u2019t get to see the Cliff House. Up you go,\u201d he said, lifting her out of the bed as he stood.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

She cut her eyes over to him with a sated smile on her face. \u201cI\u2019ve been well-bedded, well-fed, and I have the most handsome and loving man in the world to snuggle up to under this blanket. I\u2019m in a private open carriage so that I can see the city and the countryside, as well as the ocean, and I\u2019m on my way to an extraordinary place for an amazing lunch with a spectacular view, or so you say. What more could a girl ask for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m glad, finally, that I\u2019ve completely satisfied your appetite. And I\u2019m not talking about food.\u201d<\/p>\n

She was leaning into him with her head on his shoulder and his arm around her, smiling up at a man she knew wanted to give her everything. Why was it so hard to just let him? \u201cAdam, am I wrong in wanting to do the things I do?\u201d<\/p>\n

He tightened his arm around her. \u201cOf course not. Why would you ask that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes it just seems that\u2026I don\u2019t know\u2026people seem to ask more questions when they find out a woman trains the horses, and a woman signs all the agreements and negotiates cattle prices, and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He leaned down and kissed her. \u201cSweetheart, there will always be\u2026men\u2026who will give you trouble. I\u2019m not one of them. I\u2019m proud of what you\u2019ve accomplished, and I\u2019m proud that you\u2019re good at what you do, and I don\u2019t expect anything less out of you because you\u2019re a wife now. There is one thing, though, that I want you to think about. Men will expect to deal with me with the cattle and timber, and even the silver if we decide we\u2019re going to mine it. You need to let me deal with it. They won\u2019t have a choice with the horses, except for signatures. The horses will always be yours. Your singing contracts will be the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if you\u2019re not there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t I be there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you might be traveling for Slater, Cartwright and Slater or off on a cattle drive.\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled down at her. \u201cYou just explained to me how completely happy you are right now. Stop working and start enjoying our time together. Our honeymoon will be over much too soon, and you\u2019ll wonder where the time went.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not realizing that she had stiffened, she let the tension flow out of her body with a long, slow breath, and settled back in beside him. \u201cAdam, did you know that Robert had both of us investigated?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t surprise me. I had Jim ask questions about him and his company.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, when you\u2019re making that kind of business deal, you have to know who you\u2019re dealing with. It\u2019s good business.\u201d Adam knew fairly well what to expect from the Slaters. He had Jim find what he could about the brothers and their company, and the report came back glowing. The brothers had been working in engineering and architecture for a number of years for their father\u2019s company, and when their father sold the business, Robert and Daniel started their own, taking advantage of the already established Slater name. The company had been around for two years, taking on as much work as they could handle and turning what they couldn\u2019t handle between them away. Jim also reported that Daniel had been indulging in other interests outside the business. Apparently, while working for his father, such behavior wasn\u2019t tolerated, but as a full partner with his brother, there was no one to rein him in\u2026until now. Adam knew he\u2019d made an enemy of Daniel, but doubted Daniel would do anything, considering he didn\u2019t have to change much to continue living as he had been. However, once the company started growing, Adam would be prepared for the problem he knew Daniel would become.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo how was Micah protective of me?\u201d she asked, looking up at him with sparkling eyes and an adorably sweet smile that Adam had come to love.<\/p>\n

The corner of Adam\u2019s mouth turned up as he fondly remembered his time with Micah. They had been as close as Adam had been to his brothers, but Micah was his equal, the same age, the same build and height, learning everything about ranching right along with him. And Micah defended his little sister as fiercely as Adam defended his brothers; maybe a little more so because she was\u2026well, a girl. \u201cHe was always reminding me that you were a girl, not Joe and Hoss who I could roughhouse with. So if you fell and skinned your knee or you got a splinter in your finger everything stopped until the knee was bandaged or the splinter was removed and your tears were wiped away. I sometimes wonder if Tom Baker would be alive today if Micah had been there when he was picking on you at school.\u201d He looked down at her. \u201cIt was obvious how much you loved each other. Then after he died, I tried to keep you included, but you found out that I was with him when he died, and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Tears filled her eyes, and she bowed her head. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam. I know what Micah meant to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He raised her face to his, wiping her tears away. \u201cDon\u2019t apologize. You were too young to understand.\u201d Taking a deep breath, he looked up over her head. \u201cThere it is.\u201d She turned to see where he was looking. \u201cSmell it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I do. I can taste it, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pointing in front of them, he said, \u201cLook there, up on the cliff.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once they arrived at the Cliff House, Adam took her right in for lunch, requesting seating at one of the windows overlooking the ocean. While they waited for their lunch to arrive, Adam watched her eyes follow the waves in until they crashed on the rocks below. \u201cWe\u2019ll go downstairs to the balcony before we walk to the beach.\u201d<\/p>\n

After lunch, he stood back and watched her walk to the balustrade of the balcony as the wind whipped her hair, her skirt, and her cape back toward him. Walking behind her, he put his arms around her, holding her cape closed while propping his chin on her shoulder. \u201cDo you like it here?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

She turned her head to look into his exquisite eyes. \u201cI think it would be hard to choose between this and the Sierra. I imagine that nature can be just as fickle here as in the mountains; just a different form of fickle.\u201d She was silent for a moment, looking down off the balcony at the water crashing into the rocks below them. \u201cAdam, have you ever been in the Pacific Ocean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve waded on the beach, but I\u2019ve never swam in it. It\u2019s cold,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

She looked at him doubtfully. \u201cIt can\u2019t be colder than Lake Tahoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the difference is that the lake doesn\u2019t rush up to meet you. You go in on your own terms.\u201d Tilting her head back, she laughed warmly. He watched her. He loved her laugh and that smile of hers that took over her eyes. She turned her face back toward him, and the smile slowly changed into contented bliss; a look that begged for a response. They kissed tenderly, turning and holding on to each other. Brushing her dancing hair back, he looked at her with the same satisfied happiness, then looked around them to see if anyone had witnessed their momentary unseemly behavior. \u201cHere,\u201d he said, handing her a spyglass. \u201cI\u2019ll bet you can find some urchins and starfish on the rocks down there.\u201d<\/p>\n

She expanded the spyglass, smiling back at him, then looked through it at the rocks below. Sweeping it back up at the path, she stopped when she saw a man in a dark blue jacket looking back up at her. Refocusing the spyglass on the man\u2019s face, she froze for a moment, then stepped backward into Adam, dropping the spyglass over the banister.<\/p>\n

Catching her before she fell to the ground, Adam brought her back up to her feet. When he looked into her eyes, he caught his breath. She was white as a ghost, her eyes were darting back and forth, and she was breathing in short gasps. He looked over the banister, and his mouth drew into a tight line, his nostrils flared and his eyes flashed sparks when the man in the dark blue jacket tipped his hat and trotted down the path away from the Cliff House.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh?\u201d She didn\u2019t hear or see him, but her fingers dug into his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, is something wrong?\u201d asked a clerk from inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething has frightened her. Would you get a glass of water, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Bring her inside out of the wind.\u201d<\/p>\n

It took Adam almost a half hour to bring her out of her panicked state. He knelt in front of her, gently slapping her face, trying to get her to look at him rather than through him. When she finally focused on his face, she said softly, \u201cI\u2019m sorry I dropped the spyglass.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about the spyglass. I picked it up from a box of them just inside the door of the balcony. Shiloh, what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure. I thought\u2026I don\u2019t know what I thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam studied her. She wouldn\u2019t look him in the eye and now, she was trembling noticeably. She had seen something or someone more than just the man in the dark blue jacket. \u201cI\u2019m taking you back to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, please.\u201d Her eyes focused on his. \u201cI\u2019m alright now. I just\u2026I don\u2019t know.\u201d She looked away, but then looked right back at his eyes. \u201cI\u2019d like to walk on the beach. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart, something happened to you. I think we should go back to the hotel. Maybe have a doctor take a look at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d she shouted, standing and stepping away from him. Still trembling, she swallowed hard, and attempted a smile that didn\u2019t quite make it. \u201cF-four w-walls\u2026\u201d she took a long, slow breath, \u201c\u2026is the l-last th-thing I n-need right now.\u201d Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply again, trying to calm herself. \u201cPlease. A walk will do me good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking her hand, Adam left the Cliff House and walked her down the path to the beach. They walked in silence, stopped to watch the waves roll onto the beach, then walked a little further. Adam squatted to pick up a sand dollar, and when he stood and looked for her, she had taken a few steps back to dry sand and sat down with her knees pulled up in front of her, staring out over the ocean.<\/p>\n

Sitting next to her, he gave her the sand dollar. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen one like this,\u201d she said, calmly. \u201cThey\u2019re much smaller off the coast of Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat frightened you so badly?\u201d<\/p>\n

She drew her finger through the sand. \u201cDid you see him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I saw him. But you\u2019ve seen him before. Why did he frighten you this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we stay and watch the sunset?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the carriages don\u2019t come out here after dark, but I promise, before we leave I\u2019ll arrange a sunset on a beach for you.\u201d He didn\u2019t ask again. He knew she wouldn\u2019t talk about it until she was ready to talk about it.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Several days had passed. They had been to the theater, they had seen the sunset from a beach, they had attended an opera, and still Shiloh hadn\u2019t told Adam what had frightened her so badly at the Cliff House.<\/p>\n

Now, as they were dressing for the mayor\u2019s banquet, Adam stood watching her from the bedroom door. She had gotten quiet over the last few days and just went along with whatever Adam had planned. Oh, she smiled and laughed, though reservedly so and without that warm sparkle in her eyes. Adam was beginning to think that San Francisco hadn\u2019t been such a good idea for their honeymoon. If he had taken her somewhere farther away, surely her troubles wouldn\u2019t have followed her.<\/p>\n

She turned back toward the bed to lay her dress out, and noticing he was watching her, she said, \u201cYou should start getting ready. We should probably arrive a little early. I\u2019m sure Robert will want us all together when the official announcement is made.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took her hands and led her to the sofa in the main room of the suite, sitting down and bidding her sit next to him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Sweetheart. I should have taken you somewhere all this trouble couldn\u2019t follow us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling and looking at their hands, she said, \u201cI\u2019m not sure there is such a place. It appears that Will is bound and determined to be a part of my life which, in turn, now makes him part of your life. I\u2019m worried that you and he could come to blows. Then there\u2019s this man that\u2019s following me\u2026it seems he would follow wherever you took me. You and he have already come to blows. And now I worry what trouble Daniel Slater will cause you. Evelyn said something to me as we were leaving\u2026that I was to watch out for Daniel\u2026that he had no respect for marriage.\u201d Adam raised his head and looked anxiously at her. He hadn\u2019t heard that, nor had he considered it. \u201cAdam, I\u2019m not as worried for me as I am for you. By marrying me, you\u2019ve put yourself in the middle of all this. I used to think that Will was just after me, but now he has to go through you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stood and walked to the fireplace, and he followed. \u201cIs this all you\u2019ve been thinking about the last few days?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard not to think about it,\u201d she snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright then. After tonight, the rest of our plans take us out of the city. We\u2019ll spend the weekend at Jim\u2019s ranch, and after that, we\u2019ll be taking a clipper ship down to Santa Cruz. There\u2019s a ranch I want to visit near Pescadero owned by an old friend of Pa\u2019s, Moses Meder. He\u2019s turned it into a successful creamery and dairy farm, and he has some impressive fields of crops\u2026right next to the ocean. We won\u2019t be anywhere near Will Stewart or Natalie Peterson, and your shadow will have a hard time following us. I\u2019ve already spoken to the Captain of the clipper, and I\u2019ll be dealing directly with him for our passage. By the time this man following you knows what we\u2019re doing, we\u2019ll be aboard, and he won\u2019t have time to arrange his own passage. Besides, the area around Santa Cruz is wide open. There are very few trees where we\u2019ll be and even fewer people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we stay near the ocean, Adam? The sound of the waves is so soothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if we set up camp for a few days?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes lit up for the first time in several days. \u201cI\u2019d like that. The smell of the ocean and a campfire and the sound of the waves would be wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll take a couple of days to camp before we come back. I know we can borrow horses from Moses, and I\u2019m sure he can give us an idea where we can go.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tiptoed and wrapped her arms around his neck. \u201cAdam, it\u2019s been so long since I\u2019ve slept under the stars.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed. \u201cIf I had known how you feel about making camp, I think this honeymoon would have been a bit different.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pulled her arms back. \u201cAdam, I didn\u2019t mean that this hasn\u2019t been a good honeymoon,\u201d she said apologetically. \u201cWhat we\u2019ve done has been wonderful. It just would have been so much better without my\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Touching his finger to her lips, he said, \u201cSsh,\u201d and just before he met her lips, he whispered, \u201cI know what you mean.\u201d This time she pressed her body against his and opened her mouth, enjoying the caress of his lips on hers. \u201cI\u2019ve missed that these last few days,\u201d he said, kissing her again as he held her tightly in his arms. \u201cYour goose bumps are back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. I hate to tell you this, but you have them, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

With one arm still wrapped around her, he led her into the bedroom. \u201cI don\u2019t get goose bumps for just anyone. Now, we should get dressed or we\u2019ll be late.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the Cartwrights arrived at the mayor\u2019s mansion, the mayor\u2019s footman opened the carriage door. Adam stepped out and turned for Shiloh\u2019s hand, placing it on his arm with his closed hand at the button of his black tailed coat. Tonight he wore his white silk waistcoat and white cravat with the emerald tack, and Shiloh wore an ivory gown with the neck cut low and sleeves that crossed her upper arm, leaving her shoulders bare. She wore a diamond and emerald tiara necklace that Adam had given her just before they left the hotel.<\/p>\n

Upon entering, a maid took Shiloh\u2019s wrap, and the butler led them into a large room where he announced, \u201cMr. and Mrs. Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Teschemacher welcomed them as well as Robert Slater, who introduced Shiloh as Isabella Whitney to the mayor\u2019s wife. \u201cWell then, we have two honored guests,\u201d she said loudly enough to be heard over the entire gathering; the man who has given the city a magnificent piece of architecture that will surely be admired across the country and the woman who has graced our city with her angelic voice. May I steal your wife, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she said, leading Shiloh over to a group of women. Adam was left standing with Robert, but it wasn\u2019t long before a number of men had gathered around, asking questions about the plans and what other projects Adam was working on.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me, Mr. Cartwright, I understand you\u2019ve signed on with a firm in the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone reached forward from beyond the circle that had formed. \u201cGive the man a drink,\u201d said a voice that accompanied the arm bearing a flute of champagne.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright has joined the partnership of Slater and Slater, gentlemen,\u201d said Robert proudly. \u201cWe are now Slater, Cartwright and Slater.\u201d Mumbles passed through the crowd, all of them wondering how this young Cartwright fellow had managed to get his name in the middle of that firm.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright,\u201d said someone behind him.<\/p>\n

When he turned around, he was surprised to see George Hearst. \u201cMr. Hearst,\u201d said Adam, taking his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to thank you for taking care of my wife on the stagecoach from Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, she was the expecting young woman you escorted up the grade. She said your wife was very gracious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome. Is your wife here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m afraid her time is much to close. She\u2019s resting at home. She mentioned that your wife is Shiloh Whitney of the Flying W. I was wondering why she decided not to sell her ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ranch was never for sale. It would seem there was someone who wanted her off the property\u2026probably for the silver.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw the assay. It appears you have a very rich deposit on that property. If it\u2019s not too presumptuous of me, are you planning to mine it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled and looked down. \u201cNot at the present time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well, I know how you Cartwrights covet your trees. But based on that sample, you could own Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking over at Shiloh, Adam caught her eye for a moment, making her blush. \u201cMr. Hearst, I have no desire to own Virginia City. I already have all the riches I need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies, look who we have with us tonight,\u201d said Mrs. Teschemacher.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you\u2019re Isabella Whitney,\u201d said one of the women. \u201cI saw you perform last year here in the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh smiled. \u201cYes, I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you be performing while you\u2019re here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m afraid. Not this trip, but I will be performing sometime this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Teschemacher had entwined her arm in Shiloh\u2019s. \u201cMiss Whitney, would you do us the honor of singing something tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Mrs. Cartwright now,\u201d she said, maintaining a sweet smile. \u201cBut I\u2019ve not prepared anything.\u201d From behind her, Shiloh heard the next name announced by the butler. \u201cMr. William Stewart and his guest, Miss Natalie Peterson.\u201d She suddenly felt like slowly sinking to the floor and hiding, though none of the ladies saw her discomfort.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, my dear, I\u2019m sure you have something that you don\u2019t have to prepare for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps a little later, Mrs. Teschmacher. After all, this is my husband\u2019s night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m sure he\u2019d want to show his lovely new bride off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone turned around when the mayor was announced. \u201cLadies and gentlemen, Mayor Teschemacher.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning to the ladies, Mrs. Teschemacher said, \u201cPlease excuse us for a moment. I\u2019m sure the mayor would like to meet Miss Whitney.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam observed Mrs. Teschemacher\u2019s iron grip on Shiloh\u2019s arm as she led Shiloh back to the entry of the room. And even though the others in attendance couldn\u2019t see it, he recognized the uneasiness in her eyes. Holding out his arm to her, the mayor\u2019s wife had no choice but to release her. He looked into her eyes and saw a barely controlled fire there.<\/p>\n

\u201cDear, have you met Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright,\u201d said Mrs. Teschmacher.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mr. Cartwright, we finally meet. And Mrs.\u2026Oh my, do my eyes deceive me?\u201d Shiloh blushed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMayor, may I present my wife, Shiloh Isabella Whitney Cartwright,\u201d said Adam, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, my dear,\u201d said the Mayor. \u201cIt is indeed an honor to have you both in my home tonight. Tell me, Cartwright, how did you manage both feats?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWinning the most coveted building contract in the city and convincing this lovely young woman to marry you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Adam answered, \u201cNeither one was easy, I assure you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRobert, I\u2019m glad you\u2019re here. I want to introduce you and Mr. Cartwright to the new city attorney who you\u2019ll be working with for permits and filings.\u201d He reached over and tapped a shoulder. When the man turned around, Adam and Shiloh were standing face to face with Will Stewart and Natalie Peterson.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Shiloh\u2019s hand found Adam\u2019s, and they each clasped the other tightly as if reminding each other to remain calm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill, this is Mr. Cartwright, the architect chosen for the new courthouse, and his wife,\u201d said Mayor Teschemacher. He looked from Will to Adam, noticing an absence of cordiality in their demeanor.<\/p>\n

Will spoke first. \u201cMayor, Adam and I know each other from college.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, old friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Miss Whitney\u2026oh, excuse me,\u201d said Will. \u201cIt\u2019s Mrs. Cartwright now, isn\u2019t it? We know each other from her college days. Miss Peterson knows both of them as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be working closely again then,\u201d said the mayor.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Mayor. Mr. Slater will be handling the permits and licensing. I\u2019ll be available if the builder has questions,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ladies and gentlemen, if you\u2019ll excuse me, I should say hello to the other guests before dinner.\u201d Bowing, the mayor left their company, and at the same time, Adam took Shiloh\u2019s arm, both turning their backs on Will and Natalie.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow rude of them,\u201d hissed Natalie.<\/p>\n

Will patted her hand. \u201cCalm down, my dear. The evening is still young. Now remember, we\u2019re not here to cause Isabella any embarrassment. What we want to do is goad Adam into taking some physical action. Once he does, his popularity won\u2019t last long. There, you see, he\u2019s left her with Mrs. Teschemacher again. Why don\u2019t you go see if you can make him uncomfortable?\u201d<\/p>\n

Halfway across the room, Adam told his new partner in a low voice, \u201cRobert, we may have a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, what\u2019s this about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a long story, but Will and I are not friends. As a matter of fact, someone looking from the outside in would call us enemies.\u201d Adam smiled and nodded as a couple walked by.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is serious, Adam,\u201d said Robert, leaning in. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be good for the chief architect of the city courthouse and the city attorney to be at odds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why you need to represent this project at the mayor\u2019s office. I\u2019ll deal with the builder.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robert smiled and nodded at another passerby. \u201cBefore the night is out, Adam, I want to know the whole story.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh needs to be part of the conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Adam looked at Robert from under his brow. \u201cYou need to hear it from her, so it won\u2019t seem one-sided; not from Will or me. She\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s nice to see you,\u201d said Natalie, wrapping her arm around his. \u201cI do hope Shiloh can keep things civil tonight. I don\u2019t think the ladies here would appreciate the fact that she attacked me in the streets of Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gently removed Natalie\u2019s hand from his arm. \u201cAny accusations you make about that can be easily disputed. You didn\u2019t exactly leave any friends behind in Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat might be true, but it can\u2019t be verified tonight. First impressions, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNatalie, you need to be careful. I can hold Shiloh in check, but that doesn\u2019t mean I will.\u201d He began to walk away and turned back. \u201cNext time, I just might let her feed you a mud pie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please.\u201d The crowd quieted down and all eyes turned toward the mayor\u2019s wife and the piano. \u201cMrs. Cartwright has graciously agreed to sing for us tonight.\u201d A low muttering began spreading through the room. \u201cNow, before you start thinking that you have to endure a pitiful performance let me introduce her as if she were performing on stage. I give you Isabella Whitney.\u201d The crowd perked up, talking excitedly as Shiloh positioned herself on the bench.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be singing a fairly new arrangement of an old song. This was performed for the first time several months ago at the new opera house in Virginia City. The accompaniment was originally stringed instruments. I\u2019ll attempt to do it justice with the piano.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robert and Evelyn found Adam and stood next to him, Evelyn leaning in to whisper, \u201cThis is a treat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh began to play the guitar notes along with a delicate bass line, lightly touching the keys. Her voice was soft and sultry as were her eyes fixed on Adam. As she sang, the music slowly became more intricate until she reached the break where she played all the parts, her fingers gliding over the keys in a succession of runs, harmony and melody. Adam lowered his head, gazing up at her, his chest filled with pride and the deep desire she aroused within him.<\/p>\n

Robert and Evelyn, each standing on either side of Adam, leaned slightly forward, both glancing up at his face, and then smiling at each other.<\/p>\n

Shiloh reached the verse the chorus would have sung, and singing alone she filled the room with a perfect blend of voice and music, dropping to the lightness of the guitar line, playing the individual notes again and singing the last verse in a soft, wispy voice, coming to a quiet, elegant conclusion.<\/p>\n

The attendees smiled, politely clapped and whispered their approvals.<\/p>\n

Will moved his attention from Shiloh to Adam and back, his lip unknowingly curled.<\/p>\n

Natalie saw him; saw the loathing on his face as he looked at Adam and the obsession as he looked at her. As long as she\u2019s alive, he\u2019ll never be mine. Taking a flute of champagne from the tray being served in the room, Natalie headed toward the piano, but Will caught her movement out of the corner of his eye and swiftly intercepted her, taking her out of the room and down a hall. \u201cDon\u2019t you dare,\u201d he spat through clenched teeth. \u201cIf you do anything to embarrass her here, I\u2019ll leave you standing on the docks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Natalie\u2019s answering smile was more like a scowl. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t. You need me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNatalie, let me make one thing perfectly clear. You provide me with the same commodity I can get from a common whore off the wharf. Your advantage is a guarantee of cleanliness. Nothing more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Natalie\u2019s breaths rattled in her chest and her chin quivered, not from the need to cry, but from barely controlled rage. She straightened, set her jaw, and stormed to the front door, asking the butler to send for a carriage to take her home. Yes, she would go to their home, and both of them would eventually calm down. He needed her, if only to be his eyes and ears. She would no longer give him anything else so willingly.<\/p>\n

The banquet itself was surprisingly pleasant for Adam and Shiloh. She held the attention of the women and Adam, the attention of the men. Will only drifted in and out of conversations, barely paying attention as he watched Shiloh, glowering as he saw how Adam doted on her, their quiet whispers and winks, his gentle caresses of her arms and shoulders, and her loving glances back, promising him a pleasant end to the night. In one evening, Adam won the confidence of the mayor and his peers along with the admiration of the women, and Shiloh\u2019s talent and grace would be a subject of discussion for months to come. They had become San Francisco\u2019s favorite couple.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As they left Mayor Teschemacher\u2019s home, Adam invited the Slaters to their suite at the Lick House, and the two couples shared a coach. Noticing Shiloh\u2019s sudden edginess, Evelyn asked, \u201cMy dear, are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh cleared her throat as she gripped Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cI apologize, Evelyn. I don\u2019t do well in confined spaces.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe clenches her hands so tightly in the lift at the hotel, I almost have to peel her fingers back once we\u2019re in our suite,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s not that bad. The lift is just a short ride. I\u2019m afraid coaches are the worst for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you deal with crowds?\u201d asked Robert.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t. That\u2019s why I have a reputation for not being very\u2026open\u2026to the public after a performance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you appeared fine tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had my moments, but for the most part, that crowd was tolerable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam uncurled her fingers that were clenching in his hand. \u201cIf you\u2019ll remember, Robert, she stayed at the edge of the crowd the majority of the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh yes, so she did.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they arrived at the Lick House, they headed for the lift, but were interrupted by Mr. Shelby. \u201cExcuse me, Mrs. Cartwright, but there\u2019s a gentleman from the Metropolitan Theatre who would like to speak to you about an engagement there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s there, sitting in the chair facing the doors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Shelby.\u201d Looking at Robert and Evelyn, she said, \u201cWould you excuse me? This should only take a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grabbed her hand. \u201cShiloh, you don\u2019t even know who it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suspect Tom Maguire sent him.\u201d Adam flared his nostrils, and she answered in kind. \u201cAdam, we\u2019re in the middle of the hotel lobby, and you are right here. Nothing\u2019s going to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not wanting the Slaters to think that she couldn\u2019t handle her performance business, Adam reluctantly let her go. When she approached the man, he stood, but still had his back to Adam, who watched carefully, ready to intervene. He hadn\u2019t seen Shiloh take a deep breath. He didn\u2019t know that Shiloh was struggling to remain calm.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you want to run, Isabella, but please wait. I may not get the chance to see you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ve made myself clear. There\u2019s really no point in saying anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reaching for her, he took her arms, saying her name loud enough for the people around them to hear and watch. \u201cIsabella, I miss our time in Boston when you told me you loved me. I gave up my seat in the Senate for you, and now I find that Adam Cartwright has alienated you from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once Shiloh recovered her jaw in the midst of Will\u2019s well-played dejected lover story, she realized that Adam was dashing over to her rescue. As she struggled to free herself, she said as loudly as he, \u201cWill, this little trick of yours to discredit Adam won\u2019t work. When will you finally leave me alone?\u201d<\/p>\n

Breaking free of his grip, Shiloh stepped in front of Adam, just as he was about to step in front of Will. Grabbing his arms, she pleaded quietly. \u201cAdam, don\u2019t. This is exactly what he wants you to do.\u201d He picked her up by her waist and set her aside, but she held on to his arms. \u201cAdam, think. Nothing good can come of you punching him. He won\u2019t fight back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robert had reached them by that time, and grabbed Adam by the shoulders. \u201cAdam, Shiloh\u2019s right. We\u2019ll handle this by legal means.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Cartwright?\u201d said Will, looking sure of himself. \u201cDoes your wife decide who you assault? Is she worth it? She\u2019s an actress. She fooled me. And apparently she\u2019s fooled you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh stiffened, looked at Robert who had a good grip on Adam\u2019s shoulders, and said, \u201cI, on the other hand, don\u2019t have as much at stake.\u201d Before any of them knew what was happening, she spun around gaining momentum for the slap that sent the new city attorney staggering backwards. \u201cFor the last time, Will; leave me alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking so only she could hear, he answered, \u201cIsabella, you\u2019ll never be rid of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I shall file a formal complaint with your employer,\u201d she said loudly, turning back to Adam, who was still fighting mad, but settled enough to walk away. The lobby was filled with people, but was so quiet you could have heard a feather drop.<\/p>\n

As the Cartwrights and Slaters headed for the lift, Mr. Shelby approached the straight, stiff figure left behind. \u201cSir, do you have accommodations at this hotel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I must request that you leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Will picked up his hat that had fallen to the floor when Shiloh slapped him, straightened his jacket, and walked out the door.<\/p>\n

Walking through the door of their suite, Shiloh turned to the Slaters. \u201cEvelyn, Robert, I don\u2019t know what to say,\u201d she said, looking as if she was about the cry.<\/p>\n

Evelyn stood beside her and put her arm around her, holding the other arm with her hand. \u201cShiloh, this wasn\u2019t your fault. He drew you over there under false pretenses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you were right. I need to hear the whole story,\u201d said Robert.<\/p>\n

Adam went to the liquor cabinet, taking out the brandy and the whiskey. \u201cRobert?\u201d he asked, turning so that Robert could see his choices.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhiskey, Adam. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

After serving the ladies brandy, Adam delivered Robert\u2019s whiskey along with a glass for himself. Everyone turned their attention to Shiloh. She took a sip of brandy, then a deep breath. \u201cWhere do I start?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the beginning, Shiloh. I need to hear it all,\u201d said Robert.<\/p>\n

Shiloh began to tell the Slaters about her time in Boston, how she met Will, how the courtship began, and then that he asked for her hand. \u201cThe mistake I made was telling him that I\u2019d think about it, even though part of me already knew the answer was no. I didn\u2019t want the life of a senator\u2019s wife, I didn\u2019t want to be a decoration, and in the end, I knew I just didn\u2019t love him. I was never engaged to him, and I never told him I loved him. It all plummeted when he came to San Francisco on behalf of the President. He came to Virginia City to see me. Until then, he didn\u2019t know that Adam and I knew each other, and to tell you the truth at the time, Adam and I were\u2026\u201d She looked at Adam, apologizing with her eyes before she continued. \u201cWe were\u2026at odds.\u201d Sitting down in a chair, she continued. \u201cI made a mistake. I gave a reporter an interview, and I told him everything about my life as Isabella, including my time in Boston, and including my time with Senator Stewart. I knew the reporter intended to send it to the Boston Herald. Will Stewart resigned his senate seat and came here because of that article.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m missing a piece of this. Why is he after Adam now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose. \u201cWill and I knew each other in college. He was always competitive, and when he saw something he wanted, he was almost unstoppable. We were\u2026politely competitive at the time. Now he\u2019s obsessed with Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re in his way,\u201d said Robert, nodding. \u201cAdam, is there anyone else who can corroborate this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEdwin Booth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEdwin Booth, the actor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEdwin\u2019s an old friend, and he had a part in guiding Shiloh\u2019s musical education in Boston. He\u2019s the one who warned me of Will\u2019s obsession with her not long after she came home\u2026before she and I\u2026settled our differences. I found out Will was here the day of our wedding from a telegram Edwin sent, but I had no idea he would know we were spending our honeymoon here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was at the wedding,\u201d said Shiloh. \u201cI told you I saw him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now he\u2019s the city attorney, and you\u2019re the chief architect of the city courthouse,\u201d said Robert. \u201cYou\u2019re right, Adam. I will be dealing with the mayor\u2019s office on this one. And if Mr. Stewart gives us trouble, we\u2019ll go after his job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRobert, under the circumstances, maybe we should nullify our agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh bent her head into her hand. \u201cThis is my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robert stood behind Shiloh\u2019s chair with his hand on her shoulder. \u201cNow Shiloh, none of us could have known this would happen. And I can guarantee you that the city wants Adam\u2019s courthouse more than they will want the trouble that Will Stewart is bound to bring to them, especially if this obsession of his can be corroborated. Adam, do you think Mr. Booth will have a problem if it comes to that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen the partnership is going forward. But I might suggest that you two find a way to spend the rest of your time here where Stewart can\u2019t bother you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Adam said, \u201cWe\u2019ll be spending the weekend with Jim Fischer on his ranch outside the city, and then we\u2019ll be taking a clipper ship down to Santa Cruz.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Now Shiloh, I don\u2019t want you to worry about this. We can handle Will Stewart.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gave Robert a reserved smile. \u201cPlease don\u2019t underestimate him. I\u2019m sure he has other\u2019s working for or with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you think that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause someone was trying to sell my ranch out from under me before Adam and I were married. We suspect Will had something to do with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the property for the courthouse hasn\u2019t been cleared yet, so we have some time before construction begins. Both of you need to forget about this for now and enjoy the rest of your honeymoon.\u201d He held his hand out to Evelyn.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, if I don\u2019t see you before you leave for home, it\u2019s been a pleasure meeting you, and I\u2019m looking forward to spending time together,\u201d said Evelyn, taking Shiloh\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

After the Slaters said goodbye, Shiloh and Adam stood, looking at each other. \u201cAdam, I\u2019m so sorry. I brought all this down on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took her hand, and she pulled it back. Looking at it, he gently took her hand again and opened it. It was beginning to bruise from the slap she delivered to Will. \u201cSweetheart, this isn\u2019t your fault. When are you going to stop trying to take responsibility for Will? He was this way before you met him. He just hadn\u2019t found an obsession before he found you.\u201d He kissed the bruise on the heel of her hand and stepped closer to her, caressing her cheek. \u201cI can understand why,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

He bent to kiss her, but she turned and stepped away from him. \u201cI don\u2019t want to be anyone\u2019s obsession. Not even yours.\u201d She left him standing there, went into the bedroom and closed the door.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

It was Adam\u2019s turn to walk out to the balcony of their hotel suite and look up at the stars. The only problem was that the stars were hiding tonight behind a marine layer of fog, and the only light was a silvery hint of the moon trying to break free of it. Looking down on Montgomery Street, he wondered if there was ever a time in San Francisco when everyone was tucked safely in their beds sound asleep. He knew the answer. San Francisco never slept. If he had a mind to, he knew he could find a place with music, whiskey, and women to pass the time, but he was a married man now, and even though some men believed that was a right regardless of man\u2019s state with a woman, he didn\u2019t agree. His place was here with his wife.<\/p>\n

Whether Will realized it or not, he was beginning to create a small rift between them, even if that rift was just guilt on Shiloh\u2019s part. It angered him that she would feel that way when she should feel nothing but disgust. He wondered if some part of her cared for Will, but then he remembered her face contorted in something more than anger\u2026maybe it was disgust\u2026just before she slapped him. No, he decided, she didn\u2019t care for him. That only left the guilt, but not guilt for Will. She felt guilty that this had followed her into her life with him. It was him she loved, more than anyone or anything. He was sure of it.<\/p>\n

What he wanted most in the world was to make her life easier without all these ghosts following her everywhere she went. Will, he could fight; her privacy, he could buy, but Micah\u2026. Why had Micah suddenly become so prevalent in her thoughts? How could he fight a memory? And should he?<\/p>\n

He walked quietly into the bedroom, glad that Shiloh had left a light burning low. Standing next to the bed, looking over at her, he smiled. He thought this night might be a bit colder than he\u2019d recently gotten used to, but her hair was loose, and with an arm outside the blanket, he could see her bare shoulder. He stepped into the washroom to undress, and came out carrying his clothes which he gently laid on a chair; his boots, he set on the floor next to them. Slipping under the covers, he slid next to her, snuggling into her back. She stirred, but quickly settled back down. Laying his arm on her side, he dropped his head to the pillow behind hers, breathing in the scent of roses from her hair. He closed his eyes, thinking that nothing in the world could possibly feel better than her warm, soft skin against his just before he fell asleep.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam awoke on his back, chilled with his chest uncovered. He pulled the blanket up and rolled onto his side, his hands searching, reaching. Finding her pillow empty, he raised his head and groggily looked around. A piece of paper was lying where she should have been. He grabbed it and studied it, waiting for his eyes to focus. Come get me from the banquet room, and we\u2019ll have breakfast in the dining room. All my love, Shiloh. Sniffing the paper, he closed his eyes, enjoying the faint scent of roses\u2026her scent.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe banquet room,\u201d he said aloud. He jumped out of bed, dressed in slacks and a white shirt, no tie, and hurriedly left the room. When he stepped out of the lift at the lobby, he stopped, listening. In the distance, he heard a piano being played though the piece was nothing he had heard before. Following the flourish of notes down the hall past the front desk, he stopped at the door of the banquet hall and peered in through a crack. A man standing at the door blocked his view, so he opened the door and cleared his throat quietly. \u201cExcuse me,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Sir, but no one is allowed in the banquet hall while Mrs. Cartwright is playing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just who might you be?\u201d asked Adam, smiling tactfully.<\/p>\n

The man turned and stepped through the door, physically backing Adam out with him. \u201cI\u2019m with the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t matter how much Adam thrust his chest out, he\u2019d never be able to match the thickness or the height of the brute standing in front of him. \u201cYour mother must have fed you well as a child,\u201d he said, smiling impudently. \u201cI\u2019m Mr. Cartwright; the lady\u2019s husband.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the cook\u2019s name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Cartwright said not to let anyone in who didn\u2019t know the cook\u2019s name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stepping to one side, the man swung the door open with a paw that rivaled Hoss\u2019s. Adam stepped through the door with a hand on his chest, looking back as he walked further into the room. He stood quietly next to the piano while Shiloh played.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d she said as she continued to play.<\/p>\n

Creasing his eyebrows, he asked, \u201cHow do you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo what?\u201d she asked, looking up at him, still playing.<\/p>\n

\u201cTalk and play at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled. \u201cYou get to a point when your fingers know their own way after you\u2019ve played a piece thousands of times. Excuse me for a moment,\u201d she said as she finished the piece with several runs up and down the keys and ending with a resounding \u2018ta da\u2019. \u201cReady for breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cocking his head and narrowing his eyes, he said, \u201cShiloh, where did you find\u2026?\u201d He pointed to the man standing at the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I called Mr. Eaton to see if it would be alright to play this morning, he said Mr. Shelby had arranged for an escort if I needed one. At first I was going to tell him that it wasn\u2019t necessary, but then I thought of you and decided I needed one,\u201d she said, smiling cheekily.<\/p>\n

Adam tilted his head with a pleased smile and offered her his arm. When they walked out of the banquet hall, the escort followed at a discreet distance. \u201cHe\u2019s not going to have breakfast with us, is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh stopped at the front desk where Mr. Shelby was posted. \u201cMr. Shelby, thank you so much for the escort. I\u2019ll be quite safe with my husband.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Shelby clicked his heels and nodded smartly. \u201cYou\u2019re quite welcome, Mrs. Cartwright. Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he added, nodding again.<\/p>\n

Once they were seated and their coffee was served, Adam sat, looking at Shiloh with a rather subdued smile. \u201cShiloh, about last night\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She quickly covered his hand, looking back at him with such affection that he smiled, lifted his fingers and held hers, and forgot what he was about to say. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we spend a day without anyone else on our minds but us?\u201d she asked with amorous eyes. His face transformed into a carefree blend of gleaming eyes, brilliant white teeth, and dimples. \u201cDid you happen to notice the weather outside?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have two days before we go to Jim\u2019s. I hope it stops raining by then, but this storm\u2026it looks pretty fierce. I really don\u2019t know how you didn\u2019t hear it this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw the note,\u201d he said, raising his chin. \u201cI was worried, so I left the room pretty quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled wickedly. \u201cAnd what did you find for all your worry?\u201d<\/p>\n

Narrowing his eyes, he said, \u201cDo not mock me. It\u2019s about time you obeyed your husband as, I recall, you promised,\u201d ending with a roguish smile.<\/p>\n

She moved her hands to her lap and took a deep breath, causing her breasts to swell above the neckline of her dress that was low enough to show some cleavage. Her creamy, soft skin called to him as she demurely cut her eyes up to his, wearing a slight, provocative smile.<\/p>\n

His tongue touched his top teeth, and he made a low growl just as the waiter brought their breakfast to the table. Looking at her from under his brow, he thanked the waiter as she blushed and stifled a smile, looking away.<\/p>\n

\u201cBehave,\u201d he said, chuckling. She opened her mouth as if in shock, but the look slowly melted into a coy smile. \u201cHas anyone ever accused you of being naughty?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s absolutely nothing I could have done to get that kind of response from you if your own naughty thoughts hadn\u2019t already been there,\u201d she teased, picking up her fork.<\/p>\n

\u201cSsh. Someone might think we just got married,\u201d he said, glancing around, then laughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026since it\u2019s raining, what are we going to do today?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I know this little caf\u00e9 just outside the Presidio where the coffee is good, the food is better and the view, especially during a storm, is spectacular. That is, unless you\u2019re opposed to getting a little wet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI take a bath every day. Water does not bother me in the slightest,\u201d she said, laughing.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

After breakfast, they changed into clothes that could take getting wet, and set out for the Presidio, arriving at the caf\u00e9 just after noon. They stepped out of the coach into the wind and pelting rain to the sound of the waves crashing against the seawall and ran to the door of the caf\u00e9, stomping and flinging their hands inside the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, get in,\u201d said a woman, sputtering around them to close the door. \u201cNow, get out of those wraps and hand them here. I\u2019ll hang them close to the fire to dry.\u201d Adam took Shiloh\u2019s cape, then shrugged his coat off and turned around with a smile. \u201cOh, if it ain\u2019t my knight in shinin\u2019 armor!\u201d Flinging her arms around him, she called, \u201cHarold! Harold! Come quick! It\u2019s Adam Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh stood back and brought her hand over her mouth in surprise just as a man came in from a room behind the counter. \u201cAdam Cartwright,\u201d the man said, shaking Adam\u2019s hand warmly. \u201cWhat big deal brings you away from the Ponderosa this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest deal of my life. Mary, Harold, I\u2019d like you to meet my wife, Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary\u2019s hands went up to her face as she looked at Shiloh. \u201cOh my, Adam, such a lovely little thing.\u201d She held her hands out to Shiloh, who smiled and gave Mary hers. \u201cYou come on in with me now, and I\u2019ll make you a nice hot cup of coffee and some lunch. Or would you prefer tea?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t had a good hot cup of tea in a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow \u2018bout with some cream and honey?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harold elbowed Adam in the side as they watched the women walk toward the windows to a table near another fireplace. \u201cI\u2019ll bet you didn\u2019t find that one on the ranch, did ya? She looks like a city girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Adam shook his head. \u201cYou know better than that. Any girl of mine has to be comfortable around cows and smelly men.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking Adam toward the table, Harold asked, \u201cWell, where\u2019d you get her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe owned the spread right next to the Ponderosa,\u201d answered Adam, sitting next to Shiloh and putting his arm around her. \u201cI\u2019ve known her all her life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harold\u2019s grizzled face smiled. \u201cAin\u2019t if funny how sometimes you don\u2019t see what you\u2019re lookin\u2019 for when it\u2019s been standin\u2019 right in front of you the whole time?\u201d Turning to Shiloh, he said, \u201cSo you\u2019re a rancher. I\u2019d never have known it just lookin\u2019 at ya. But then, you clean up pretty good yourself, Adam. Mrs. Cartwright, it\u2019s very nice to make your acquaintance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. Please, call me Shiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary returned with coffee and tea. \u201cNow don\u2019t say anythin\u2019 important until I get back with lunch. It\u2019ll just be us today. Not many people will brave this storm to come all the way out here, and the boys at the Presidio will sleep in since they don\u2019t have to work. I won\u2019t be long,\u201d she said, shuffling off to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam is what they\u2019re sayin\u2019 in the newspaper true? About you joinin\u2019 up with a company out here? You the one that came up with that fancy new courthouse?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam mentally cringed at the topic of the newspaper. He had found their copy in the room after breakfast and hid it in a desk drawer, hoping to leave its contents, whatever they happened to be, behind them for the day. \u201cYes, it\u2019s true, Harold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that means that your wife is that opera singer, don\u2019t it?\u201d Shiloh bowed her head and cut her eyes back up at Adam, biting her lip. \u201cBut you said her name was Shiloh.\u201d Adam looked down and let out a deep breath. \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Adam. We don\u2019t have to talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Placing a hand on Harold\u2019s shoulder, Adam smiled. \u201cShe is that opera singer, Harold. Shiloh\u2019s middle name is Isabella. Shiloh Isabella Whitney.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell fancy that,\u201d said Harold, slapping his hand down on the table. \u201cIsabella Whitney right here in our caf\u00e9. Hey, Mama, you ain\u2019t never gonna believe this,\u201d yelled Harold, turning toward the kitchen. Putting his finger to his mouth and slumping just a little, he said quietly, \u201cMary don\u2019t read, so she don\u2019t know about the article, but she\u2019ll recognize the name. Some of the folks who come here for lunch have spoken of you,\u201d he said, looking at Shiloh. \u201cSaid you have a right pretty voice.\u201d<\/p>\n

The corner of Shiloh\u2019s mouth turned up as she looked at Adam, thinking how could she not be enamored at the charming innocence of these two people. She reached out for Harold\u2019s hand. \u201cMr?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, darlin\u2019, it\u2019s just Harold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHarold,\u201d she said, smiling. \u201cI would be honored if you would bring Mary to my next performance here. I\u2019ll make sure the tickets are waiting for you at the opera house, and you can sit in a box seat with Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harold looked back at Adam with his mouth open. \u201cWell, I never. She ain\u2019t joshin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she\u2019s serious. But maybe you better keep it to yourself for now. We don\u2019t want Mary falling in the floor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harold chuckled. \u201cYou\u2019re right about that, Adam. That she would. You two make yourself to home. I\u2019ll go see what\u2019s keepin\u2019 Mary.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking out the window, Shiloh took a sip of her tea. \u201cNice people. How did you happen upon them? Mary said you were her knight in shining armor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI met Mary on the wharf. She had gone to purchase fish for the caf\u00e9 and had stayed too late. The wharf is no place for a woman\u2026or an able-bodied man\u2026to be after dark. She had been attacked and was being dragged into a brothel when I heard her screaming for help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh smiled. \u201cAnd you were her knight in shining armor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, only partially. I delayed the inevitable until the police arrived. If they hadn\u2019t, she\u2019d still be in the brothel, and you probably would have never seen me again, at least until I was old and no longer useful on a ship. She\u2019ll tell you a slightly different story that excludes the police.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook at the waves, Adam. Think about what might be if you could somehow harness the raw power of those waves. Oh, look\u2026do you see?\u201d she said, jamming her finger against the glass. \u201cWhy is that ship not tipping over? It rights itself every time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a rough ride, but the waves in the bay aren\u2019t big enough to capsize a ship that size,\u201d he said, smiling, watching her marvel at the angry sea.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019d like to be on that ship. What happens when you fall off?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the bay here, you have a chance to make it to shore, though a small one. In the open water\u2026\u201d he shook his head and pushed his bottom lip up. \u201cYou\u2019re not likely to make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shuddered. \u201cThen I would drown.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not you. You\u2019re too stubborn to drown. You\u2019d swim long after you were worn out.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned her head slightly toward where he was sitting behind her. \u201cNo, I wouldn\u2019t. Even though I\u2019m comfortable in a bath, and even in a rainstorm, I\u2019m afraid I wouldn\u2019t do well in the ocean.\u201d She took a deep breath. \u201cI never learned how to swim.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at the back of her head, his jaw dropped slightly. Then he realized that would have been something Micah would have taught her had he been there. \u201cWell then, young lady, you\u2019re long past due. This summer, I shall teach you to swim.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harold and Mary came in, setting a steaming pot in the middle of the table. \u201cShiloh, come over and sit next to your husband so you can see out the window. Now this is fish chowder. And the way we eat our fish chowder is out of one of these.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling curiously, Shiloh glanced at Adam, and then back to the round loaf of bread Mary was holding. When she looked back at Mary, both Mary and Harold laughed. \u201cI get this from Mr. Boudin, the baker,\u201d she said as she took the top off the bread revealing the hollowed-out middle. Shiloh\u2019s smile turned into delight as Mary spooned chowder into the bread bowls, placing one in front of each of them while Harold poured wine. \u201cCareful now, it\u2019s hot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh watched as Adam filled a spoon with chowder and blew it before he took a bite. Smiling at Mary, he said, \u201cIt\u2019s as good as I remember it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Expectant eyes turned to Shiloh who, after taking a bite, closed her eyes and savored the flavor. \u201cMary, it\u2019s wonderful and perfect for a day like today.\u201d<\/p>\n

The four dined and laughed and watched the sea spray from within the cozy, warm little caf\u00e9 with the spectacular view. By the time they were ready to leave, Shiloh\u2019s cape and Adam\u2019s coat had all but dried. It didn\u2019t matter because Harold had to know if the woman his friend had chosen was, indeed, the right woman for him. \u201cNow Shiloh, it\u2019s said out here by the sea, if a woman won\u2019t stand at the seawall with her man, she\u2019s not worth having.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so significant about standing at the seawall?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cA fisherman makes his livin\u2019 from the sea in good weather or bad. He has to know that his woman will stand by his side through the worst of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve run through the rain with him, and I\u2019ve even sailed into a mud puddle, though that was before we\u2026never mind.\u201d She turned to Adam. \u201cWell, don\u2019t just stand there, let\u2019s go stand by the seawall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cocking his head, he narrowed his eyes at her. \u201cAre you sure you want to do this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what harm could come of it? Besides, I don\u2019t want to disappoint Harold,\u201d she said, looking back at Harold and winking.<\/p>\n

Taking her hand, he led her out the door to the front of the caf\u00e9 and down the shore to where the seawall rose to her waist. Mary and Harold stood at the window of the caf\u00e9, watching as Adam turned Shiloh so they could see her face. \u201cAdam,\u201d Shiloh yelled to be heard over the noise of the storm. \u201cI don\u2019t understand. What\u2019s so difficult about standing at the seawall?\u201d He didn\u2019t answer but rather watched a wave come in, and just before it hit the seawall, he grabbed her arms to steady her. For a moment, the two almost disappeared as the tip of the wave came over the seawall, bathing them in ice cold salt water. Shiloh\u2019s hands clamped down on Adam\u2019s arms, and when the wave had withdrawn, her eyes were like saucers as she blinked and sputtered, looking up at Adam who had thrown his head back in laughter. Looking in the caf\u00e9 window at Mary and Harold, who were both excitedly clapping their hands, Shiloh shook her head to clear the water out of her face, then threw her arms around Adam\u2019s neck and kissed him, just as another wave hit the seawall. They were still kissing when the wave receded, and Harold and Mary settled into a happy embrace, then watched as the two young people laughed and waved goodbye, making their way back to the street and to the Presidio where they would hire a coach back to their hotel.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Mr. Shelby saw Adam and Shiloh coming and rushed to the door to meet them. \u201cMr. and Mrs. Cartwright, welcome back. May I take your coat and cape?\u201d They each handed their wraps to Mr. Shelby who held them away from him as they dripped, looking back at the couple. He ventured a smell. \u201cSalt water?\u201d Opening his mouth to ask, he thought better. \u201cPerhaps I can send these to the laundry for you. They\u2019ll start smelling like fish in a little while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Shelby. That would be fine,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked back behind them as they walked across the lobby, their boots making squishing noises as they walked. \u201cWe\u2019re leaving a trail,\u201d she said, shivering.<\/p>\n

In the lift, it was quiet enough for Adam to hear her teeth chattering. Putting his arm around her, he said, \u201cMore hot tea for you\u2026and a warm bath.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they arrived at their room, they both went straight to the bedroom to remove their wet clothes. It was like peeling fruit; they were soaked to the skin. Having fewer layers to peel, Adam drew a hot bath, while Shiloh continued to undress, and when she came into the washroom naked, he held her hand as she stepped into the tub and sank down into the hot water. \u201cHow does that feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

She slowly moved her shoulders back and forth, wearing a relieved smile. \u201cWhat about you? Aren\u2019t you cold? And your hair\u2026it will smell like fish.\u201d<\/p>\n

He chuckled. \u201cI\u2019ll be back in a few minutes. I\u2019m going to order that hot tea first and see if there were any messages while we were out.\u201d He bent low next to the tub and gave her a quick kiss before he left her.<\/p>\n

There was a message waiting on the desk for him from Robert. Adam, we have some trouble. Mr. Stewart has filed a formal complaint against you with the mayor\u2019s office. I don\u2019t know on what grounds, considering you did nothing in the hotel lobby. Send a telegram to Mr. Booth asking for his information concerning Will Stewart and Shiloh, and have him send the response to me at the mayor\u2019s office. Then leave and enjoy the rest of your time here. Mr. Childers and I will take care of this. As I said before, the city wants your courthouse. There\u2019s nothing to worry about. Robert.<\/p>\n

Adam wrote a quick note to Robert, then wrote the telegram for Edwin, placing it in an envelope with enough money to cover the fee. He walked to the suite door and pressed the call button, and before he had walked back to the office, there was a knock at the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou called, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was fast. Please deliver this note to Robert Slater at Slater and Slater Architecture and Engineering, and send this telegram. It\u2019s urgent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of this at once, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Adam, closing the door and walking back to the office. Taking the newspaper out of the desk drawer where he had hidden it from Shiloh, he unfolded it and searched the front page. The front page headline read COLD WEATHER AHEAD FOR NEW CITY COURTHOUSE. Adam read the article.<\/p>\n

San Francisco is apparently in store for one of the coldest years on record if what a source has informed this reporter is true. It appears that the city\u2019s new attorney, William Stewart, the former Massachusetts State Senator, has an age old rivalry with the chief architect of the new city courthouse, Adam Cartwright of the Ponderosa Ranch in Nevada Territory. The rivalry\u2026a woman. The source says that Mrs. Cartwright, also known as Shiloh Whitney of the Flying W Ranch in Nevada Territory; the same Flying W Ranch that produces fine riding animals, had been acquainted with then Senator Stewart while at college back East. From what we have been able to determine, Miss Whitney, at that time, had been the senator\u2019s fianc\u00e9. And here it becomes even more interesting. Miss Shiloh Whitney, from the Nevada Territory, is none other than the newest singing sensation to arrive on the West coast, Miss Isabella Whitney.<\/p>\n

The latest news on this triangle is that Mr. Stewart has filed a formal complaint against Mr. Cartwright with Mayor Teschemacher\u2019s office. Details are not yet known, but will be reported as soon as they are made public.<\/p>\n

Adam folded the newspaper and slipped it back into the desk drawer, then leaned back in the desk chair, hands clasped in his lap, lips pursed. He had an almost overpowering urge to go to the mayor\u2019s office himself, but knew that doing so would only upset Shiloh. He had promised a peaceful end to her honeymoon, and rising from his chair to answer another knock at the door, he was bound and determined to keep that promise.<\/p>\n

He entered the wash room bearing hot tea, delighted with the smile that she bestowed upon him.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Daniel Slater sat in the parlor of his home, nursing a glass of whiskey. The newspaper lay open on his crossed knee as he stared out the window, watching huge drops of rain splatter and form into teardrop shaped puddles that slowly oozed down the window pane like slugs. What started as a quiet chuckle ended as a malevolent laugh. Perhaps Adam Cartwright\u2019s wife will be his undoing without any help from me. He was perfectly happy to sit and wait it out.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you better read this,\u201d said Hoss, rushing in the front door, holding a copy of the Alta California. \u201cI know Adam said everything was fine in his telegram, but it sure don\u2019t sound like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben propped his pipe on the stand next to his chair and righted the newspaper so he could read the front page article. He grunted, laid the paper on his lap and reached for his pipe, looking off into the room. \u201cAdam didn\u2019t say that Will Stewart was in San Francisco in his telegram. Sounds like he\u2019s got his hands full.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa, shouldn\u2019t we do something?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Hoss with his brow furrowed. \u201cWhat would you have us do? We have no idea what\u2019s going on. There\u2019s really nothing we can do until he decides to tell us.\u201d Adjusting in his chair, he bit down on the mouthpiece of the pipe. \u201cThat young man has a lot of talking to do when he gets home.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Adam stood in the sunshine as the buggy from the livery was loaded with everything he and Shiloh would need for their long weekend at the Fischer Ranch, except the food which Shiloh was procuring at that moment in the hotel dining room.<\/p>\n

Extending his arms out, he stretched, glad to be out of dress trousers, jackets and ties. Today, he wore his comfortable black cotton trousers and his black shirt along with the black hat he wore around the ranch. The sunshine felt warm enough on his dark clothes that he removed his yellow barn jacket and tucked it securely between the small trunk and bags in the buggy.<\/p>\n

Shiloh frowned when she stepped out of the hotel bearing a rather large picnic basket. Rushing over to her, he took it from her and found a place for it in the back of the buggy. \u201cSweetheart, it\u2019s turning out to be a beautiful day. Why the frown?\u201d he asked, smiling, unwilling to allow anything to spoil the trip he had been looking forward to.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you need to wear that?\u201d she asked, pointing to his gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he said, stealing a quick kiss before he guided her to the buggy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d she asked just as he was about to lift her to the seat.<\/p>\n

Bouncing his head side to side, he answered, \u201cBecause we\u2019ll be out of the city and in the country. There are no police there. In fact, there\u2019s no sheriff either.\u201d He smiled, hoping that answer satisfied her and waited for her permission to help her into the buggy. She acquiesced, and he swept her up to the seat, making her squeal with laughter. \u201cThat\u2019s what I want to hear,\u201d he said, sitting beside her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re really looking forward to this, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, my love, are about to see some of the most beautiful country on the West coast,\u201d he said, flicking the reins.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow far is Jim\u2019s ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s five or six hours away. But I promise you, the ride will not be boring,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Their travel might have been hampered by mud and puddles from the last two day\u2019s downpours, but the ground consisted of sandy loam that sucked up the moisture quickly. In fact, the road out of town and through the countryside was remarkably free of ruts and holes.<\/p>\n

Shiloh reached behind them and pulled a bonnet out of one of the bags. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen you wear one of those,\u201d commented Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI usually wear my hat, but I think it would look odd with this dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they left the tall buildings and stately homes of the city, they began to pass small homes, barns, and livestock from cattle to goats, pigs and chickens. Soon, the green, lupine covered pastures gave way to rows and rows of vegetables with clusters of trees with peeling bark here and there. Shiloh had been contentedly breathing in all the different aromas, but suddenly coughed. \u201cAdam, what is that pungent smell?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pointing to his right, he said, \u201cSee those tall trees over there? They\u2019re eucalyptus trees. They were brought from Australia because they grow quickly, but lumber from them twists and cracks too easily. People here on the coast use them as windbreaks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we stop for a minute?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

Adam pulled back on the reins, stopping the buggy. \u201cIs something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed. \u201cNo silly,\u201d she said, putting her hands on his cheeks and giving him a loud smack on the lips. \u201cI want to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting still for a moment, he watched her climb down from the buggy as he savored the memory of the joyful look that had been in her eyes when she kissed him; a carefree, childlike look he hadn\u2019t seen in a very long time. \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d he asked, turning on the seat to watch as she ran behind the buggy to the other side of the road.<\/p>\n

She pointed up a steep hill to their left. \u201cUp there,\u201d she said, giggling. \u201cI want to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stepped down and leaned back against the buggy, watching with a disbelieving look as she climbed, sometimes leaning so far forward she had to put her hands on the ground to steady herself. Her floral dress fluttered in the breeze, and her long hair below her bonnet danced as she climbed, balancing herself with her hands out to her side. She looked innocent, na\u00efve, uncomplicated\u2026like a child. When she reached the top and turned, her face showed the wonder of a child seeing the ocean for the first time, giggling, clapping, and jumping lightly on her toes. This wasn\u2019t his wife. This was Shiloh as a child\u2026before her world came crashing down around her. This was the childhood she had missed.<\/p>\n

Looking out over the expanse in front of them, she marvel at row after row of textures and greens of all shades spread out before her as far as she could see, all neat and uniform and glistening in the sun. It was like some far away land from a storybook, only this was real, and she couldn\u2019t wait to touch it, to taste it, to stand in the middle of it and breathe it in. She laughed as she scrambled down the hill. The road they were on would take them right through the middle of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, slow down.\u201d<\/p>\n

She hurried until her foot slipped, and she caught herself on her hands before her backside hit the ground, sliding. Adam rushed over and up the hill part way to catch her. \u201cDidn\u2019t I tell you to slow down?\u201d<\/p>\n

He held her hands the rest of the way down, and when she jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck, planting another kiss on his lips, he took her arms and pushed her back. Suddenly, all that joy disappeared from her eyes. \u201cAdam, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

His brow furrowed, and he looked at her disquietedly. \u201cMicah might have every right to punch me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Adam, what are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s still\u2026a child\u2026in you,\u201d he said, hoarsely.<\/p>\n

She looked behind her up at the hill she had climbed, realizing she had let the serious, responsible adult in herself go. And even though it felt good in that moment, she knew it must have made him feel\u2026irresponsible\u2026and crude. Kneeling, she wiped the mud from her hands in the tall green grass next to the road. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam, I didn\u2019t mean to make you feel that way,\u201d she said with her head bowed. She glanced back up at him, and he still wore the same uncertain look. Stepping into him, she took his hands, placing them on her hips, and looking unflinchingly into his eyes, she said in an assured voice, \u201cI am not a child.\u201d She tiptoed and teased his lips with hers, drawing her hands from his waist all the way up his back.<\/p>\n

As she pressed her body into his, he felt the curve of her hips under his hands, the generous roundness of her breasts smashed into him and finally, the sweetness of her mouth as he gave into her. He lifted her off the ground, and she broke away from his kiss, still delectably close, and breathing sensually, saying softly again, \u201cI am not a child.\u201d<\/p>\n

They kissed fervently, and Adam slowly let her body slide down him until her feet were back on the ground. \u201cWe should go,\u201d he said, and still, they stood in an embrace, two lovers taking in each other\u2019s essence. Finally, he bent and scooped her up, sitting her on the seat of the buggy, climbing in after her, and urging the horses down the road.<\/p>\n

When they reached what she imagined would have been the center of the landscape she had seen, she sat still with her hands clasped in her lap, quietly enjoying the lush, green scenery that had made her feel so alive on top of the hill.<\/p>\n

After a few hours of silently watching the countryside go by, Adam pulled the buggy into a grove of trees. The two spread a blanket on the ground, and Shiloh started unloading the picnic basket of its sandwiches, grapes and wine. They ate in silence for a few minutes, until Adam stopped eating. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to spoil the ride for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t\u2026exactly\u2026spoiled the ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

He picked up his sandwich and took another bite, chewing thoughtfully. \u201cIt was\u2026an odd feeling\u2026watching you act the way I remembered you\u2026before Micah died.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, didn\u2019t you have childish moments when you were younger? I\u2019m twenty-four\u2026well, next month. Didn\u2019t you have those moments when you were my age?\u201d<\/p>\n

He snorted. \u201cI was much too serious for that at twenty-four. People expected me to behave like an adult, and along with that came a lot of responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s how I feel now, and I have to admit it felt good not to feel like an adult with responsibilities for a moment. Didn\u2019t you feel that\u2026just a little\u2026when we had that snowball fight at Christmas?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Not that indestructible, light-hearted, not-a-care-in-the-world feeling. I learned early on that people aren\u2019t indestructible, that light-heartedness led to not paying attention and could get you killed, and that not having a care in the world was a dream that you can\u2019t quite reach.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sniffed. \u201cYou\u2019ve always been responsible, haven\u2019t you; traveling across the country with your father, building a home on the Ponderosa, and taking care of your brothers when your father couldn\u2019t. I never thought about you missing your childhood\u2026for different reasons than me, but still, you missed it. I had enough to occasionally find that spark, but you\u2026you never had that spark, did you?\u201d She picked up both plates and set them aside, sliding over beside him, and leaning into him. \u201cI want to share my spark with you,\u201d she said, her eyes twinkling like stars.<\/p>\n

A playful grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. \u201cI\u2019ll spark you,\u201d he said, pulling her down next to him on the blanket, digging his fingers in her side to tickle her despite her corset. He moved his hands up under her arms to find actual flesh, and she squirmed and squealed, batting his hands, so he moved them below the corset, which made her twitch like her skirt was on fire, and in the end, he slowly stopped laughing as he gazed into eyes that had regained their joy. He held her and buried his face in her hair at her neck, taking in her scent.
\n\u201cIt will always come back to this, won\u2019t it?\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

He raised his head and looked into her eyes before he kissed her. \u201cAlways.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Will Stewart sat down in front of Mayor Teschemacher\u2019s desk just as the mayor\u2019s clerk announced the arrival of Robert Slater.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does he want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is regarding Mr. Stewart\u2019s complaint.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mayor thought for a moment. \u201cSend him in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMayor, I would appreciate the chance to air my grievances in private.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Stewart, the ground hasn\u2019t been cleared for the new courthouse, and you expect me to sit here and listen to grievances before the work has even started. Mr. Slater, if you will take a seat, I\u2019ll get this matter settled once and for all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robert started, \u201cMayor, whatever Mr. Stewart has told you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Mayor Teschemacher held up his hand. \u201cMr. Stewart has told me nothing, and unless it\u2019s of a legal matter, Mr. Stewart will not be registering his grievance. Gentlemen\u2026\u201d The mayor stood and looked out the window behind his desk with his hands clasped behind his back. \u201cLet me make this perfectly clear,\u201d he said, turning around. \u201cOur builder has gone over those plans and renderings with a magnifying glass and tells me they meet every requirement of our specification and then some. So there can be no complaint about the plans. As far as Adam Cartwright is concerned, as the last act of our recently retired city attorney, he was investigated and found to be so clean he squeaks. Our only requirement of him was to join a local firm, and he has done that, has he not, Mr. Slater?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, Mr. Stewart, if you have a personal issue with Mr. Cartwright, I suggest you take it up with him. We conduct business in this office. We cannot afford to bring your personal complaints into the most scrutinized office in the city. You are here as an attorney. And I\u2019ve references that say you\u2019re a damn fine one. If you find any legal concerns, I expect to hear about them. Other than that, keep your concerns to yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have thought that a scandal could be the undoing of this administration, Sir,\u201d said Will.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the scandal occurs within the confines of this administration it could, Mr. Stewart. But I don\u2019t care if Mr. Cartwright has two heads or four wives. I want his courthouse.\u201d Leaning over the desk, he finished, \u201cDo I make myself clear?<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir. Perfectly,\u201d answered Will.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow get out of my office. I have work to do.\u201d Both men rose. \u201cMr. Slater, a moment, please.\u201d Will looked at Robert with narrowed eyes before he turned and left the office. \u201cRobert, I don\u2019t want to lose Stewart. He may be a shark, but sometimes in politics that is exactly what is needed. He did well in the Senate. If Stewart tries to make trouble for young Cartwright, can you handle it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRest assured, Henry, I can handle it. I suggested they get out of the city a bit so that he and his bride can enjoy the rest of their honeymoon. They left this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. I like those two. Their association with the city can only be good for us. Good day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robert bowed. \u201cMayor,\u201d he said, then turned and left the office.<\/p>\n

Will stood waiting in the lobby for him. \u201cSlater\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStewart, before you say a word, I\u2019ve had a long conversation with Isabella as you call her, and I have information from Edwin Booth to corroborate what she told me. Now unless you want the worst to happen with this information, I suggest you drop this campaign of yours to discredit Adam; unless, of course, you want San Francisco to know just how obsessive the new city attorney can be.\u201d Robert didn\u2019t wait for a response. He turned and left the building.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Jim Fischer was standing in the yard of his ranch as Adam and Shiloh\u2019s buggy came up the long drive to the house. The house was a sprawling old adobe left over from the original Rancho San Benito that Jim had cleaned up and repaired. To the right of the house stood the stable and corrals. Fields of grapes grew alongside the road that led to the house, and beyond those were fields of corn, cabbage, greens, strawberries and an apple orchard.<\/p>\n

Jim had been grooming Spec, and tied her when the buggy came to a stop in the yard. \u201cAdam, Shiloh, welcome,\u201d he said, reaching for Adam\u2019s hand before he could step out of the buggy.<\/p>\n

Adam turned and helped Shiloh down, and Jim held out his arms. \u201cMay I hug the bride?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Adam said, \u201cGo right ahead, but I warn you. Don\u2019t do anything foolish.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr you\u2019ll do what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it won\u2019t be me that does it,\u201d said Adam, laughing.<\/p>\n

Jim motioned for some of his men to take care of the bags and buggy, and walked his guests over toward the stable. \u201cI trust you remember Spec.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, how could I forget Spec,\u201d said Shiloh. \u201cJim, you led us to believe this was a small ranch.\u201d Shiloh turned all the way around. \u201cIs all this yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs far as the eye can see, and then some. I even own part of the beach.\u201d<\/p>\n

No one had been paying attention to Spec as she untied herself, and was slowly making her way toward them. Adam caught her out of the corner of his eye, and moved Shiloh out of her path. Spec kept coming, and when she lowered her head to Adam\u2019s chest, he stepped back, and with a little help from Spec, fell backward into a watering trough. Jim and Shiloh jumped back away from the splash, both looking with their mouths wide open at Adam who was holding his hat up in the air.<\/p>\n

Shiloh covered her mouth with her hand to stop the urge to laugh, and she ended up snickering loudly while Spec made her way around, coming up next to Shiloh and standing. Shiloh slowly turned her head to the horse. She couldn\u2019t hold back the laughter any longer, and when she howled, Jim howled right along with her. Bending double and with tears streaming down her face, she barely managed to get out the words amidst her laughter, \u201cHell hath no fury like a woman scorned,\u201d sending Jim into fits of laughter again. They both went to help Adam up out of the trough, and when Adam glared at them, they laughed some more.<\/p>\n

Adam had to smile when Spec walked up to join them. \u201cA woman scorned, huh?\u201d Spec lifted her head, and licked his face, leaving a wide swath of green. Standing there in the trough with a disgusted frown, he wiped his face with his hand then wiped his hand on his shirt. \u201cThat\u2019s just great; a horse that licks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d Jim laughed. \u201cLet\u2019s get you dried off,\u201d he said, laughing all the way inside. \u201cShiloh, if you\u2019ll change into some riding clothes, we still have time to take a ride around the property. Then we can go out to the cliffs to watch the sunset.\u201d Still laughing, she nodded. \u201cYour room is at the end of the hall.\u201d She waved back at him as she and Adam disappeared down the hall.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Adam emerged from the house wearing a dry pair of black trousers and a deep red shirt. He had replaced his own gun, which he\u2019d taken apart and left in pieces in the bedroom to dry, with a similar one borrowed from Jim.<\/p>\n

Shiloh was inspecting the horses in the stable, choosing which one she\u2019d like to ride. Jim had asked her to look at them herself, rather than deciding for her. He wanted to know what she thought about the rest of his stable of horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got all types here, Jim. But I gravitate to length in the back and the legs. How about this one?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve picked the most expensive horse of the lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a Thoroughbred, isn\u2019t he? And he\u2019s a race horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how do you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed at Jim testing her. \u201cHe\u2019s long and lean with a well-rounded hindquarter and a solid chest. He also carries himself upright\u2026he doesn\u2019t slump. He\u2019s used to being ridden and ridden fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good. So you\u2019re riding him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, though Adam might enjoy him. I want the Arabian. I like the Arabian attitude.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. I remember now. You ride a white Arabian.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGray,\u201d she corrected.<\/p>\n

Adam had been standing in the door, watching, and now walked up behind them. \u201cYou, young lady,\u201d he said with his hands on her shoulders, \u201care not supposed to be working.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t working. I was just picking out your horse,\u201d she said, handing him the reins.<\/p>\n

Once the horses were saddled, they were on their way across the fields. Adam reached down and plucked a handful of grapes. \u201cThese are sweet. Table grapes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThese in the front here are. We have more farther out that we sell to a local winery.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three rode all over the property, tasting the vegetables and breathing in the fresh salt air. From a cliff above the beach, they watched the sun slowly sink on the horizon, the bright yellow emblazoned across the sky that slowly changed to orange as the sun dipped down below the horizon leaving a small sliver at the ocean\u2019s edge until it disappeared and almost immediately released orangy-pinks into the feathered clouds, making the sky look like it was smoldering from an enormous fire. Once it had faded to a pale pink, the riders turned back toward the house, good food and good wine.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you two. Has the trip been all you hoped it would be?\u201d asked Jim. Shiloh raised her eyebrows, looking at Adam, who looked back at Jim as he scratched his head. \u201cUh oh, I know that look. Is there a problem with the partnership?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot exactly,\u201d said Adam, \u201cbut you probably need to know what\u2019s going on just in case you somehow get drawn in. It\u2019s a long shot, but I may need to call on your services again.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWill Stewart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim leaned back in his chair. \u201cOh yes. I read not too long ago that he was being appointed the city attorney. I have some clients that work for the city, and I\u2019ll have to deal with him. Not something I look forward to. Do you remember Rachel?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cYes, well, this has to do with Shiloh. And Natalie is still his henchwoman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh sat back and crossed her arms. \u201cShiloh, if this is uncomfortable, Adam and I can discuss it later,\u201d said Jim.<\/p>\n

She twisted her mouth and took a deep breath. \u201cThere is no good time to talk about Will Stewart as far as I\u2019m concerned, but having said that, it\u2019s always better to know what Will has been up to, especially if you have to deal with him. In a nutshell, he will try his best to destroy Adam because he married me. He may also try to destroy you, Jim, simply because you and he were at odds at some point in the past, and you know Adam.\u201d She took a sip of wine. \u201cYou know, it would serve him right if he was dismissed, and you were appointed city attorney in his stead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019ll never happen. I prefer to stay out of politics.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven so, it would be worth it to see his head explode.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took her hand. \u201cMaybe we shouldn\u2019t talk about it. This was supposed to be a relaxing weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, really it\u2019s alright. Jim needs to know. And maybe it will do both of us some good to get it off our chests.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Shiloh finished their account of the last few days over dessert\u2026hot apple pie and coffee served in the courtyard near a gurgling fountain surrounded by paper lanterns and basking in the warmth of a kiva fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith Will as the city attorney, we expect to have trouble from him with the new courthouse. It was Robert who sent us away\u2026said he\u2019d handle it, but I have to admit, I\u2019m anxious to see what Will might do,\u201d said Adam. \u201cRobert was confident that Childers can handle anything that he might try.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about Shiloh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reached for her hand again. \u201cI don\u2019t think Will wants to hurt her, at least, not physically. But I have no idea how far he\u2019ll go to satisfy his obsession.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, my advice right now is to let me send a letter to his office, telling him specifically that he is to stay off the Flying W and Ponderosa property, that if he comes on the property for any reason you will charge him with trespassing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy send it to his office?\u201d asked Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he\u2019ll have a clerk that works for the city whose job is to open and log every piece of mail that goes into the city attorney\u2019s office. There will be a record of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d said Shiloh. \u201cThis could make things worse. There\u2019s no reason for him to come to the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam squeezed her hand. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t mean he won\u2019t. Jim, go ahead and send the letter.\u201d Shiloh looked at Adam to protest and met an arched eyebrow. She looked away and exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we have a full day tomorrow. And we won\u2019t be talking about Will Stewart. There\u2019s a nice little town just down the coast. They just recently renamed it Spanishtown. It\u2019s unique in that there are people from almost everywhere\u2026German, Irish, English, Chinese, Mexican, Italian\u2026just about anyone you can think of, and they all get along. Some are fisherman, some are farmers. There\u2019s a woman named Consuela who does the most amazing things with crab.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds interesting,\u201d said Shiloh, finally smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, you should do that more often?\u201d She raised her eyebrows. \u201cSmile. Tomorrow evening, I\u2019ve invited some people here I want you to meet. They\u2019ve all ridden at least one of the horses I brought back with me, and they\u2019re all interested.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you interested in my horses, when you have access to something like the horse Adam rode today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat horse is one in a million. Besides that, he\u2019s a racer. He\u2019s really not that nice to ride when he does nothing but run all out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Shiloh said, \u201cI see your point. I should probably go to bed. It\u2019s been a long day.\u201d She rose from her chair, asking for Jim\u2019s hand, and squeezed it. \u201cThank you for having us here. It\u2019s a relief to get out of the city for a while\u2026away from the unexpected\u2026and unpleasant.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim stood, still holding her hand and kissed her cheek. \u201cAdam watched my back in college. I\u2019m more than happy to return the favor. Good night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood and took both of her hands, bending and kissing her. \u201cI\u2019ll be there in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

When she had disappeared down the hall, Adam turned back to Jim. \u201cAfter we leave for home, I need to know if Will or Natalie leaves the city. Can you take care of that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it that bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe came to the hotel and tried to start a fight in a crowded lobby, and the only reason he didn\u2019t is because Shiloh stepped in front of me and wouldn\u2019t let go. He\u2019s still using Natalie. I can\u2019t afford to underestimate his obsession. He could take her and disappear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen do you leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cApril fifth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cConsider it done.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In the morning Shiloh mounted the Arabian, Jim rode Spec and Adam had chosen one of the horses Jim had purchased from Shiloh. It was an easy ride into Spanishtown, and when they arrived on the outskirts, Jim slowed down and pointed out all the interesting spots. It was a small community; you could see from one end to the other. There were docks where fishing boats were moored and adobe buildings where the town merchants did business. In fact, most of the buildings were adobe, including the houses they could see perched on the hills where cattle were grazing in fenced pastures next to fields of crops. It was quiet, quaint, and as they watched the townspeople go about their day it was apparent that it was friendly as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI get most supplies that I need here at the general store. Anything I can\u2019t find here, I bring back from the city,\u201d said Jim as they slowly rode further in.<\/p>\n

They tied their horses almost right in the middle of town. Adam carefully looked around him, observing everything that moved, and even those few sleepy souls who didn\u2019t. He stopped with his body turned away from Shiloh, his legs spread at shoulder width, his hand resting over his gun. She had seen him like this before when he had sensed danger.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d she said, gently touching his back and dragging her hand around to his arm as she peered around him. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm? Oh, nothing. I was just looking around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go inside,\u201d said Jim. \u201cI want you to meet Consuela.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Adam followed Shiloh, he turned back for another glance. He had spotted Shiloh\u2019s shadow leaning against a building down and across the street. Now he was gone, but Adam knew he would be close by. He just hoped he could keep Shiloh from seeing him.<\/p>\n

\u201cConsuela, puedo presentar mis buenos amigos, el se\u00f1or y la se\u00f1ora Cartwright,\u201d said Jim.<\/p>\n

\u201cEs muy bueno conocerte,\u201d she replied, nodding to Adam and Shiloh. Por favor. De esta manera,\u201d she said, leading them out to the courtyard.<\/p>\n

\u201cTraiga todos los de mis favoritos y el pulque algunos,\u201d said Jim, ordering for everyone.<\/p>\n

Consuela looked incredulously at him. \u201cChapulines?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Jim said, \u201cS\u00ed, por favor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what would your favorites be?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

Jim smiled. \u201cYou speak Spanish?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome, but I don\u2019t think Shiloh does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, this will be a treat for her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you know what you\u2019re doing,\u201d said Adam, chuckling.<\/p>\n

Consuela delivered a jug and some glasses. \u201cGracias, Consuela. Now this is Mexico\u2019s favorite libation,\u201d said Jim, pouring three glasses. \u201cTo relaxing weekends, fine horses and friends,\u201d he said, holding his glass up. Adam and Shiloh both touched his glass with theirs. \u201cYou understand that you have to drink this now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took a sip, and looked at Jim with round eyes as he slowly sucked air into this mouth. He looked quickly at Shiloh, then back at Jim, who winked at him. They watched Shiloh as she drank, first sniffing, then sipping.<\/p>\n

She licked her lips and said, \u201cI haven\u2019t had pulque in awhile,\u201d then smacked her lips, sucked in a breath and took another drink.<\/p>\n

The two men looked at each other with their mouths open. \u201cThis is a woman who can\u2019t drink whiskey,\u201d said Adam disbelievingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I can drink whiskey. I just get drunk and fall asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m betting she won\u2019t get through the second glass,\u201d said Jim. \u201cLook at her. There\u2019s not enough of her to soak it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s what the food is for, isn\u2019t it?\u201d she said, laughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, here we go,\u201d said Jim just as Consuela brought several dishes in. She passed around plates, then placed platters and bowls along with salsa and frijoles in the center of the table. Next to each plate, she placed stacks of tortillas.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u00bfPerd\u00f3n, Consuela, pero tienes queso con chili?\u201d asked Shiloh.<\/p>\n

Consuela nodded and smiled, heading back into the kitchen. Jim\u2019s jaw dropped while Adam twisted his mouth. \u201cI guess we shouldn\u2019t assume anything about her,\u201d said Jim. \u201cShe\u2019s your wife. Why didn\u2019t you know she understood Spanish?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s mouth remained twisted as he looked at her smiling mockingly at him. \u201cMr. Cartwright, there\u2019s actually quite a lot about me you don\u2019t know.\u201d That remark raised his eyebrows. \u201cWhile he thinks about that, why don\u2019t you tell us what you\u2019ve ordered, Jim,\u201d said Shiloh, smiling teasingly at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s see. These are tomales pollo, this is carnitas with roasted peppers, onions, tomatillos and squash, and this, my dear\u2026\u201d He took Shiloh\u2019s plate and placed something on it that looked like a fried pie. \u201c\u2026is an empa\u00f1ada congrejo; my favorite of favorites.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed to another dish on the table that was piled into a mountain. \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim\u2019s eyes took on a mischievous gleam. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you try it and see if you like it?\u201d<\/p>\n

She reached for one and studied it, then suddenly threw it down on the table and jumped up, backing away. \u201cYou were going to let me eat that?\u201d she yelled in the midst of Jim and Adam\u2019s boisterous laughter. She glared at them. \u201cIt\u2019s a bug!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Adam, still laughing. \u201cIt\u2019s a delicacy,\u201d he said and popped a fried grasshopper in his mouth, crunching down on it loudly, making Shiloh\u2019s face turn to revulsion as she shuddered. He reached for her hand, and she pulled it away. \u201cCome here. Sit down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not if I have to eat a bug.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to eat it, though you really should get past that brain of yours and try it. They\u2019re good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Settling comfortably in their courtyard seats for the afternoon and sampling everything, they watched the fishing boats come to dock, carrying out their strings of fish and baskets of crabs, some quite impressive. Other villagers would come to purchase the seafood, and still others would trade vegetables or prepared meats. There were no disagreements that afternoon, just the joviality of friends from the small community.<\/p>\n

It was late afternoon before the three were ready to leave Spanishtown. Jim and Adam enjoyed everything that Jim had ordered. Shiloh tasted everything except the chapuline, but particularly appreciated the crab empanada. Shortly before they left after finishing her third glass of pulque, Adam placed a chapuline on her plate and winked at her after telling Jim to watch. \u201cYou can\u2019t eat that.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cBecause I said so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmf,\u201d she said, picking the grasshopper up and putting it in her mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think she\u2019ll make it home?\u201d asked Jim. \u201cWe do have dinner guests tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

They watched as she ate another chapuline. \u201cI might have to carry her. I wonder if she can walk,\u201d said Adam, smiling devilishly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course\u2026I\u2026\u201d she hiccupped, \u201c\u2026can walk.\u201d She giggled. \u201cI\u2019m eating bugs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on. Let\u2019s go,\u201d said Adam, dragging her chair out so he could help her to her feet just as she reached over and took a handful of grasshoppers.<\/p>\n

He pulled her to her feet as she popped one into her mouth, giggling, \u201cCrunchy little buggers, aren\u2019t they?\u201d making both men laugh. \u201cYou get it. Bug. Buggers,\u201d she said in a fit of the giggles as she tried to take a step toward the door and buckled in Adam\u2019s arms. The men were still laughing when Adam lifted her over his shoulder and walked out the door with Shiloh yelling, \u201cbring the buggers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJim, she\u2019d better ride with me,\u201d said Adam. \u201cEven if we can get her to sit on the horse, she\u2019s liable to fall off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was right. Before they were out of Spanishtown, Shiloh was sound asleep slumped in front of him on his horse. When they got back to Jim\u2019s ranch, he carried her to their bedroom, undressed her and tucked her in to sleep it off.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Adam quietly opened the door of the bedroom, but when he saw Shiloh sitting up in bed, he paused for a moment, then came in and closed the door. He removed his jacket, and sitting on the side of the bed, he pulled his boots off followed by his tie. \u201cShiloh, why are you wearing a flannel nightgown?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I got cold sitting up waiting for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you just lie down and cover up?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t want to fall asleep. I want to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He unbuttoned his shirt and stood, pulling it off his shoulders, and laying it across the back of a chair. Letting his trousers fall to the floor, he stepped out of them, and tossed them up to his hand with a foot, laying them with his shirt. \u201cWhat do you want to talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you saw this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought we agreed we wouldn\u2019t discuss that today.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you asked if we could talk about it tomorrow. I didn\u2019t answer you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blowing out the lamp, Adam slipped his long drawers off and slid under the sheet and blanket. \u201cWell, now that I\u2019m here are you going to remove that nightgown?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat depends.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat back up. \u201cOn what?\u201d he asked, mildly annoyed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind,\u201d she said as she slid under the covers and rolled onto her side away from him. \u201cI have a headache. I\u2019m sure it\u2019s the pulque. Good night.\u201d They had lain there for a few minutes when Shiloh mumbled, \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t keep things from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had gotten into the habit of reaching over for Shiloh in the morning, but when he reached for her this morning he found her flannel nightgown\u2026empty. He shaved and dressed and walked into the dining room where Jim was going over performance contracts with her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think this one is what I need, Jim, with those few changes. I\u2019ll want a suite where the bedroom is separate and meals for me and my escort. Then for the rates, leave blanks for time and rate for rehearsal, instruction and performance. I want one half of the total fee upon my booking and the second half upon completion.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make these changes and send you enough copies for this year,\u201d said Jim. Turning to Adam, he said, \u201cGood morning. We waited breakfast for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smiling, Adam walked around the table to Shiloh, bending to kiss her. She turned her cheek to him, but he took her chin and turned her head back to kiss her lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Jim. Performance contracts?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I think Shiloh and I have settled on one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJim, would you mind if I went for a ride this morning?\u201d asked Shiloh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not at all. I have some ranch business to attend to, but I think you know the property well enough. There should be no surprises. I\u2019ll have someone saddle your horse for you after breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going alone,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shiloh sipped her coffee. \u201cOf course not,\u201d she said flatly. She knew she wouldn\u2019t be able to go without him, and even though he would be riding along, that didn\u2019t mean that he would be riding right with her. She just needed to figure out how she was going to go after her shadow if she saw him without Adam trying to stop her. He wouldn\u2019t let her get too far away, and there weren\u2019t many opportunities to slip away. The whole area was wide open with very few trees for cover.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once breakfast was done and they had said their goodbyes to Jim, Adam walked with Shiloh to the stable where the wrangler had just begun to saddle the horses. He saddled the Arabian first, then went back for Adam\u2019s horse. She mounted and walked the horse out of the stable, looking back to see where Adam was. She didn\u2019t find him, but when she turned around, he was standing in front of her holding the bridle. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Adam? You don\u2019t trust me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot today.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wrangler walked Adam\u2019s horse out, he mounted, and the two rode away from the ranch house. \u201cYesterday is gone. Are you going to tell me what or who you saw yesterday?\u201d she asked curtly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to tell you. You know who I saw.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, this man who\u2019s following me; he\u2019s not out to hurt me. What is it you think you\u2019re protecting me from?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m protecting you from whatever it was that happened to you at the Cliff House. I don\u2019t think you realize how long it took to bring you out of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stopping, she looked out over the fields toward the ocean, then turned in her saddle and looked behind them at the hills. She turned her horse toward the corn field. Adam followed, looking around them as well. He knew she was looking for her shadow, but also knew that the man wouldn\u2019t let her get near him if he was with her. \u201cShiloh, if you try to get to him, he\u2019ll ride away, especially with both of us here. And don\u2019t even think about trying to lose me. You won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When she rode into the corn field, Adam was close behind her. Then she turned quickly and rode off at a trot. She new Adam would still be behind her, though he would be a little further away from her. She turned again, sending the horse down several rows and turning again, weaving an intricate pattern through the corn. She had ducked down on the horse so that Adam couldn\u2019t easily see her. He\u2019d have to stop to see where the corn was moving to know where she was. She stopped and looked around her, and not seeing or hearing any movement, she dismounted and ran between the rows until she was at the other end of the corn field where there was a stand of eucalyptus trees. She knew from their prior ride that there was a creek on the other side of those trees; a creek that had dug deep into the soft earth creating a ditch she could run through slightly crouched without being seen above the rim. She would follow the creek up to the base of the hills, then round one and make her way to the top. There she would be able to spot Adam. She would also be able to see her shadow if he was anywhere below her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There is no danger for her here. The danger is in San Francisco. Breaking camp, he tied his bed roll to his horse and headed back to San Francisco to watch the man who was a danger to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He won\u2019t be in his office today. It\u2019s Sunday. He rode straight to the house the man from Boston shared with the other woman he abused. It was late afternoon by the time he arrived, and he found a place just across the street to wait and watch. The woman came to the window and looked out, but didn\u2019t appear to be looking at anything in particular. This was the same woman Shiloh had fought in the streets of Virginia City. Smiling to himself, he knew she would never be a physical match for Shiloh. Shiloh had been raised around boys and learned how to defend herself against them. But women had other ways of dealing with each other, sometimes more devious than any man could be. He wasn\u2019t worried about her by herself. She was usually where he was, except that one time when she was sent ahead of him to see where things stood. Regardless of what he wanted her to do she had her own grudge to satisfy. Shiloh can handle her. She can\u2019t handle him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man from Boston appeared behind the woman he abused, caressing her shoulders and leaning in to her neck. She shrugged him away, and when she did, he spun her around. Words were exchanged; harsh, unkind words by the look on his face. She tried to walk away, but he took her by the arm and pulled her away from the window. In a few minutes, an upstairs light turned up, and in the silhouette of the curtain, she struggled against him until he pushed her backwards. He removed his jacket and turned down the lamp, and in the dim light, he went down as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were in for the night. No one would emerge from the house until the next morning. He left to find a place to sleep for a few hours, planning to be back early before he left the house for his office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam found her horse just by listening to the loud crunch of corn. Apparently, the horse had found a young ear just waiting to be munched. He stood looking at the ground with his lips pursed, aggravated more at himself than with her because he\u2019d let her get away from him. Her small footprints made her easy to track, and soon he was standing at the edge of the creek where the footprints disappeared into the shallow water. Looking both ways, he knew she wouldn\u2019t have gone right. That would have taken her toward the cliff where there was nowhere else to go. He turned the horses east, and slowly made his way up into the hills, following the creek. He saw her off in the distance, sitting on the ground with her knees up in front of her, looking out over the small valley below her. Occasionally, she\u2019d lay her head on her knees, and then look back up, searching. He left her alone, satisfied to sit and wait until he thought she was ready to stop looking for her shadow. Maybe then she\u2019d feel like telling him what she hadn\u2019t been able to at the Cliff House.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stepping out the front door on a brisk, sunny morning, Will Stewart made his way down the sidewalk toward the small restaurant at the end of his street where he had become a regular morning customer on weekdays. When the woman who owned the establishment saw him coming, she prepared what he ordered every morning; coffee with cream and sugar along with a fresh hot muffin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Alice,\u201d Will said, smiling and handing her a gold dollar. She no longer asked if he wanted change. He always told her to keep it. She handed him the newspaper, and he went to the table by the window where he always sat to read the paper in the natural light.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another man came into the restaurant; a stranger Alice had never seen before. \u201cCan I help you, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust a cup of coffee, please. Black.\u201d He handed her two bits and took his coffee to a table opposite the one occupied by the window. \u201cExcuse me for interrupting your morning, but aren\u2019t you the new city attorney?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Will responded, the stranger stood up, walking to the table. \u201cYes, I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Holding out his hand, he introduced himself. \u201cI\u2019m Daniel Slater. It\u2019s nice to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaking his hand, Will asked, \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t happen to be one of the Slaters with Slater, Cartwright and Slater, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, as a matter of fact, I am. I\u2019m not working on the courthouse project, but I\u2019m sure there are other\u2026projects\u2026that we\u2019ll be able to work on together. Unfortunately, I\u2019m afraid I must be going. I have an early appointment. Just needed my morning cup of coffee. It was nice meeting you\u2026Mr. Stewart, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is. Nice meeting you as well, Mr. Slater.\u201d Will watched as Daniel left and strode down the sidewalk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shiloh didn\u2019t flinch when she heard movement behind her. She knew it would have only been a matter of time before Adam had tracked her down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He ground tied the horses, then sat down next to her. \u201cDid you find what you were looking for?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not here anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked at the side of her face as she still searched out ahead of her. She was no longer looking over the landscape. She was searching for something else. He reached out, stroking her cheek with the back of his fingers. \u201cTell me what you saw at the Cliff House.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She snorted. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t believe me if I told you. In fact, you\u2019ll probably think I\u2019ve gone mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t. You have my word.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know at first. I hadn\u2019t been able to see his face before. But even with the beard and the mustache\u2026this time he smiled at me\u2026and his eyes\u2026they were just like mine.\u201d Adam watched her as she continued to look out toward the ocean. He watched as a clear drop slowly made its way down her cheek almost to her mouth before she wiped it away. \u201cMicah,\u201d she whispered. \u201cI saw Micah.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moving closer to her side, Adam put his arm around her and pulled her into him. \u201cSweetheart, you saw someone who looked remarkably like Micah. I know it\u2019s easy to believe that it could be since he doesn\u2019t seem to want to hurt you, but\u2026\u201d He turned her face to his. \u201cI was there when your brother died. Your father was with him when he died. Paul Martin is the one who pronounced him dead. Pa and your father went together to pick up the body from the undertaker. There is no doubt in my mind, Shiloh. This can\u2019t be Micah.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think I would know my own brother?\u201d She pushed away from him, got up, and walked back to her horse. \u201cI saw Micah,\u201d she said adamantly, \u201cand there\u2019s nothing you can do other than to stand that man in front of me that will convince me otherwise.\u201d She pulled herself up on her horse. \u201cIt was Micah,\u201d she said as she turned her horse down the hill toward the ranch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat for a moment with his head pitched back and his eyes closed, letting the warmth of the sun soak into him. If that was the only thing that would convince her, that\u2019s what he\u2019d have to do; find him and stand him in front of her. He got up and followed her back to the ranch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam arrived back at the ranch just as Jim was walking out of the barn toward the house. \u201cAdam, I thought you were already back. I saw Shiloh\u2019s horse inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she came back ahead of me,\u201d said Adam, stepping down from his horse and handing to reins to the wrangler.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mean to pry, but is everything alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lowered his head as the two men slowly walked toward the house. \u201cThe man I told you about\u2026who\u2019s following her. She thinks he\u2019s her brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought her brother was dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe is. That\u2019s the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they got to the house, Adam excused himself to the bedroom to find Shiloh who was repacking her bags for their ride back to San Francisco the next day. \u201cShiloh.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She continued flitting from the wardrobe to the dressing table to the bags on the bed, paying no attention to him. He finally went to her and took her hand, which she tried to pull back, but he held it, leading her over to the bed. He sat down holding both of her hands with her standing in front of him, and for a moment, he just looked up at her. \u201cI know you believe you saw Micah.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThink about it. We buried him fifteen years ago. If he\u2019s alive, why hasn\u2019t he contacted one of us? Why would he be following you now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I wasn\u2019t in any danger until recently. And what if he couldn\u2019t contact us? What if he\u2019s trying to protect me from something else that we don\u2019t even know about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at her left hand, brushing his thumb over her wedding band and remembering the day he slipped it on her finger\u2026not even a month ago. \u201cShiloh, I need to go to Santa Cruz. I\u2019ve already contacted the Meders, and they\u2019re expecting us. And Sweetheart, I still believe you need time away from all these problems, but if you want to go home, we\u2019ll go home. We\u2019ll get back to the hotel, get everything packed up, and leave the next day. I can come back later to see the Meders.\u201d As he spoke, he pulled her closer until his hands had moved from her hands to her waist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing will change whether we go home now or not. Everything will just follow me back there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s probably true. What do you want to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to find him. I want to know one way or the other.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pulling her into him, he lay back on the bed, then rolled over so that she was underneath him. He brushed her hair out of her face, moved to lie next to her, then laid his head next to hers so that his mouth was at her ear. \u201cHe\u2019s not here. You said so yourself. Go to Santa Cruz with me. He won\u2019t be able to follow us there. Then when we get back home, I\u2019ll try to find him and bring him to you, so you\u2019ll know once and for all.\u201d Taking her hand again, he raised it to his lips and waited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She turned toward him so that they were lying face to face. \u201cI\u2019ll go to Santa Cruz with you,\u201d she said softly. \u201cI\u2019ll go to the ends of the earth with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rising up, he looked into blue eyes full of a need for him to understand her. She gazed back, seeing such warmth in his deep hazel eyes that all the frustration in her life left her, if only for that moment. She felt safe there in his arms, and when he kissed her, she let his strength and his tenderness take her to a place where nothing mattered but that he loved her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked back to her eyes, and kissed her nose, brushing her cheek with his thumb. \u201cWe should spend our last evening here with Jim,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell me that our life will get easier.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll deal with all of this, Sweetheart. We just have to wait for the right time\u2026the right opportunity to put an end to all of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood up and held his hand out to her, pulling her to her feet and walking her to the bedroom door. They spent a quiet evening discussing everything from plans for the horses to plans for the ranches and how Adam was going to find time for both ranches and a partnership. The evening ended with wine and laughter with no consideration given to Will Stewart or Shiloh\u2019s shadow or any of the problems they would face when they returned to their lives at home. By the time they said good night, Shiloh was beginning to feel excited about their trip to Santa Cruz. All they had to do was go back to the city, repack the evening they arrived, and take a coach to the dock the next morning where they would board the clipper ship, leaving everything behind but the creamery and camping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Shiloh was aboard, she held on to Adam\u2019s arm and looked straight up at the main mast and riggings. \u201cAdam, have you ever sailed on a clipper ship?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, on the trip to and from college. You went on a ship, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but I was on a steamer; not a clipper. I always thought these were such graceful ships with their sails open. How long will it take to get to Santa Cruz?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf we have good weather all the way, about five or six hours. We\u2019ll have lunch on the Sovereign and dinner in Santa Cruz where we\u2019ll stay the night, then leave for the Meder Ranch tomorrow morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her smile suddenly changed to panic. \u201cDinner? Oh no.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned her to him. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Closing her eyes, she let out an exasperated breath. \u201cNothing serious.\u201d She opened her eyes and glanced up at him. \u201cI was supposed to hire a cook on this trip. I completely forgot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u201cYou\u2019re already thinking about home? We have a good week and a half before we\u2019re back in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll need a cook when we get home unless you intend to eat at the Ponderosa until we can find one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be easier to find one than you think. I\u2019ll send a telegram to Hop Sing when we get to Santa Cruz and ask if any of his cousins would be interested. If I know Hop Sing, someone will be waiting for us when we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shiloh noticed that Adam kept glancing down at the docks as if he was expecting someone. She took his hand and leaned into his chest, looking up at him. \u201cWhy are you looking?\u201d she asked quietly. \u201cYou said he wouldn\u2019t be able to follow us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t,\u201d he said, smiling down at her and putting an arm around her. \u201cI was just curious to see if he\u2019d show up. I haven\u2019t seen him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Look, they\u2019re removing the gangway.\u201d She watched as the ship moved away from the docks. Once they were away and the ship was in full sail, she pulled the hood of her cape over her head, and enjoyed the view of the ocean going by while Adam walked around the deck of the ship.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they had first gotten back to their room at the hotel, Adam went straight to the office where Mr. Eaton usually left the mail. As he expected, he found a letter from Robert Slater. He opened it and skimmed through it, but Shiloh was moving around the room asking questions about what he wanted to pack, so he put the letter back in the envelope and put it in his pocket. Now, while she was occupied elsewhere, he took the letter out and read it carefully. Apparently, the mayor had no interest in hearing Will\u2019s complaint, so nothing came of it. Now, it would be one day at a time as far as Will was concerned as the construction on the courthouse proceeded. The lot had yet to be cleared, and until that was done, there was nothing to do but wait.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, Mr. Cartwright; First Officer Bolger.\u201d Mr. Bolger extended his hand. \u201cCaptain Hotchkiss would be honored if you and your wife would join him for lunch today.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d be delighted,\u201d said Adam, smiling and shaking his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll come back up and get you when it\u2019s time then. Now, if you\u2019ll excuse me, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked around the deck for Shiloh and found her sitting on a crate, looking out at the coastline in the distance. \u201cHere you are,\u201d he said, sitting next to her. \u201cWe\u2019ve been invited to lunch with the Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if that\u2019s a good idea. I\u2019m afraid I didn\u2019t do very well on my trip to Boston when I was below deck. It\u2019s easier for me if I can see where we\u2019re going and smell fresh air.\u201d The wind was whipping her cape and hood to the point that her head was almost uncovered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll need to get out of his wind for a while and warm up. Will you try?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled affectionately. \u201cOf course, I\u2019ll try. Just be warned. I may have to excuse myself, and if I do, where should I go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re alright on deck, I\u2019d come back up. Your best bet if you get sick is the entry port right over there,\u201d he said, pointing. \u201cBut if you do have to leave, I\u2019ll come with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they arrived for lunch, Captain Hotchkiss greeted them by name. \u201cMr. Cartwright, it\u2019s good to see you again, and Mrs. Cartwright, it\u2019s a pleasure to have you aboard.\u201d Showing them to their seats at the dining table, he introduced them to other passengers that would be his guests for lunch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, as you requested, I have found that the Northern Light is scheduled to be returning to San Francisco at the time you indicated you would be leaving Santa Cruz. I\u2019ve sent word to her captain to confirm that you and your wife would be boarding enroute to San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t mind me asking, will you be staying in San Francisco or heading back to Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be going back home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI had thought you\u2019d be staying to oversee the construction of the courthouse.\u201d With that statement everyone stopped eating.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Shiloh regretfully before he answered. \u201cConstruction won\u2019t begin for several weeks. After that, Robert Slater will handle day to day inspections. I\u2019ll be in San Francisco several times during construction or when there are any major issues. In the meantime, I\u2019ll be working on another project.\u201d Shiloh looked over at him, and he patted her hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Cartwright, will you still be known as Miss Whitney for your performances?\u201d asked the captain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid I haven\u2019t given it much thought. I will probably go by Isabella Whitney in the beginning and slowly introduce the name Cartwright. Perhaps I\u2019ll ask a reporter friend of mine to write an article about the name change. Then again, after this initial excitement over my marriage has died down, perhaps leaving it Isabella Whitney will afford me a bit of privacy at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another gentleman from the table spoke up. \u201cMr. Cartwright, an article in the newspaper indicated that you were at odds with the new city attorney and that he filed a formal complaint.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat. \u201cThere was a complaint filed, but nothing came of it.\u201d Once again, Shiloh gave Adam a look, more glaring this time. Adam noticed that she had only eaten a few bites of her lunch and was starting to pale. \u201cCaptain, my apologies, but I believe my wife is taking ill. She doesn\u2019t do well below deck.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy dear,\u201d said the Captain, standing. \u201cPerhaps the doctor should see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smiling, she said, \u201cThank you, Captain, but all I need is wide open spaces and fresh air. Thank you for inviting us to your table, and I apologize for disrupting the meal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The captain took her hand. \u201cNo apologies are necessary, my dear. I\u2019ll come up to check on you shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaking the captain\u2019s hand, Adam bowed to the other passengers at the table, then took Shiloh\u2019s elbow, leading her out the door and up to the main deck. \u201cAre you really sick or was that an excuse to escape?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs it going to be this way everywhere we go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt anyone will be the wiser in Santa Cruz. I\u2019m sure it\u2019s limited to San Francisco for the most part\u2026and probably Virginia City since we live there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about this article in the newspaper; Will lodged a complaint against you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRobert took care of it. Apparently, the mayor had no interest in Will\u2019s complaint and nothing came of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him coldly, raised the hood of her cape over her head, and went to the same crate to sit, occasionally walking around the deck. The captain did indeed come up to see that she was well and offered her a glass of wine which she gratefully accepted. The rest of the trip, Adam stayed close, pointing out various types of ships as they passed and any landmarks along the coast though they weren\u2019t close enough to see them well. Shiloh simply nodded, never smiling, and when they approached the harbor at Santa Cruz, Adam knew she mumbled something, but was unable to understand it and wasn\u2019t going to ask her to repeat it.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Standing on the dock, Shiloh looked out at the little town of Santa Cruz. To her left, gray sandstone cliffs rose from the sea topped with fields of tall grass and wildflowers waving in the breeze. To her right, Monterey Bay, its white foam rushing to the beaches from the blue-green of its depths. In front of her lay a white sand beach littered with small skiffs and fishing nets laid out to dry. Purple flowered vines grew in every nook and cranny of pier or rock with tendrils grabbing, twisting and clinging to anything to avoid being blown away by the constant light wind.<\/p>\n

Further down the shore, she could see the remains of a shipwreck, the main mast the only one still attached to the ship and leaning at a frightening angle toward a row of small shacks. Two boys, with bare legs and hair bleached light from the sun, balanced on a mast lying from the broken hull to the beach, their arms outstretched as they balanced up the mast to the ship, putting one foot in front of the other.<\/p>\n

Looking above them at the town, rows of white adobe buildings lined the streets, and above those more neat white rows of homes clung to the terraces that rose to the mountain where a forest of tall, grand redwoods reminded her of the stately Ponderosa Pines from home.<\/p>\n

The weather was pleasant\u2026sunny, but windy with plenty of blue sky dotted with white puffy clouds. Santa Cruz was a clean town, quiet and sleepy.<\/p>\n

Adam stood behind her, watching her take it all in. It had been some time since he\u2019d been in Santa Cruz. He remembered how he had been taken with the peacefulness of the town, not only in its people, but in its fresh appearance. \u201cLook there, right in the center,\u201d he said, leaning down to her shoulder and pointing to the center of the town. \u201cThat\u2019s the old mission. And above that and further back is the Terrace Hotel where we\u2019ll be staying tonight and the night before we sail back to San Francisco.\u201d She smiled reticently and nodded.<\/p>\n

Once in the room of their hotel, she walked straight to their private arched terrace and looked out at the view of Santa Cruz below them, Monterey off in the distance to the left, and the Pacific Ocean from one side of the vista to the other.<\/p>\n

She heard Adam talking to the young boy who had helped with their bags, then heard the door close. Walking back inside the room, she removed her cape and began to look through her bags for another dress, something lighter than the heavy traveling skirt and jacket she was wearing. \u201cAdam, are we staying in or going out for dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you feel well enough to eat something substantial?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m famished. I could eat a whole side of beef.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Adam answered, \u201cI thought we could walk down the hill through the town. I remember a restaurant that serves fresh lobster, if you\u2019re up for that.\u201d She smiled coolly again, and busied herself with her bags. \u201cWhile you\u2019re doing that, I\u2019m going to send that telegram to Hop Sing. I\u2019ll be back in a few minutes.\u201d After she gave him a curt nod, he left.<\/p>\n

When he returned, she was on the terrace again looking out at Santa Cruz. She wore a pale yellow skirt and white blouse and had tied several yellow ribbons in her swept up hair. She looked as crisp and neat as the town. Walking up behind her, he put his arms around her underneath hers, causing her to raise her arms which she held up while looking down at his hands clasped in front of her. She tried to step out of his embrace, but he held her against him. When she lowered her arms onto his, he loosened his hold just a little.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did I do this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

She slumped in his arms. \u201cThis time? You make it sound like I blame you for the rain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you?\u201d he asked, smiling impishly, though she couldn\u2019t see his face to appreciate it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, why didn\u2019t you tell me about the article and the complaint? I thought we agreed you wouldn\u2019t keep things from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, I\u2019m not going to tell you about everything little thing that happens with the business of the partnership. You have enough to deal with and worry about without adding anything else on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot even when it affects me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how does that affect you? Will filed a complaint about me, probably in the hopes that the city would fire the company. Robert assured me that wouldn\u2019t happen, and I left it in his hands. There\u2019s really nothing to say about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt had to do with Will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it had nothing to do with you. I have no problem discussing the business of the ranch or the timber or even the horses if you want to discuss them, but you have no knowledge or experience in architectural engineering nor the business of it, and I\u2019m not about to bring that home to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not an idiot, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never said you were.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything you do concerning Will Stewart concerns me. The only reason he would give you trouble is because you married me. I don\u2019t need to be sheltered from that. I need to see it coming before it knocks me flat, whatever it happens to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I will tell you long before anything comes at you. This wasn\u2019t one of those things.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

He turned her around to face him, trapping her between him and the terrace handrail. He raised his chin and looked down at her, and she rolled her eyes and looked off to the side. \u201cI\u2019ve allowed you a wide berth when it comes to discussing everything that\u2019s been happening since we were married.\u201d She opened her mouth wide and furrowed her brow in dismay. \u201cI\u2019m drawing the line here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean \u2018you\u2019ve allowed?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely that. I appreciate that you\u2019re intelligent, that you have a good head for business, and that you tend to handle people well, but I have no intention of worrying you with every issue that comes up as a result of this new partnership, whether it has anything to do with Will Stewart or not. I\u2019ve left the horses and your performances to you. I expect you to leave the partnership to me. We\u2019ll deal with the ranch and timber together. And if we decide to pursue the mining, we\u2019ll discuss how that will be handled then.\u201d<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t know whether to be hurt or angry. Not that it had anything to do with what he said about the partnership, but rather that he allowed her to be involved with the rest.<\/p>\n

He watched her stew, knowing exactly why she was stewing. \u201cNow, shall we go for that walk?\u201d he asked, removing his arms from around her and stepping to one side so she could walk past him to the door.<\/p>\n

She mumbled as she went, \u201cIf I\u2019m allowed to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t hear you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d she muttered again, taking a shawl from the bed and walking out the door.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

After locking the door behind them, Adam trotted to catch up with her as she left the hotel and made her way to the long white stairway that went all the way down into the business terraces. She was taking the stairs at fairly quick pace, and when he caught her and took her hand, he pulled back, forcing her to slow down.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you in such a hurry? We have some time to kill. You should be enjoying this view.\u201d She stopped and breathed deeply. When she turned to start down the stairs again, he pulled her back. \u201cAre you going to sulk every time I tell you \u2018no?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. What are you going to do the first time I tell you \u2018no?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI left you alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cA few nights ago at Jim\u2019s, you turned away and said you had a headache.\u201d Her mouth twisted. \u201cShiloh, there are certain things I won\u2019t do because I know you wouldn\u2019t want me to. There are certain things I don\u2019t want you to do. And it has nothing to do with your ability or inability to do them. I don\u2019t want you to get hurt, and I don\u2019t want you to get overwhelmed. You told me the night I asked you to marry me that you can\u2019t do it all yet you\u2019re still involved with everything you were doing. I\u2019m not going to add to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you telling me there was nothing at all about me in that newspaper article?\u201d Adam winced. \u201cSee, it does have to do with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was nothing that you had to or could handle. What the article said was that there was a rivalry between Will and me over a woman, and that you, Mrs. Cartwright, are none other than the Shiloh Whitney that inherited the Flying W and Isabella Whitney, the singer. Now you tell me; what is there for you to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

She thought for a moment, started to speak, then didn\u2019t, but rather sighed.<\/p>\n

He put his arms around her waist and held her against him. \u201cNow, this is the last week and a half of our honeymoon, and then it\u2019s back to reality, and even though reality has somewhat followed us so far, it hasn\u2019t followed us here. We have no worries while we\u2019re here. Alright?\u201d he asked, raising his eyebrows. Her face took on a slightly lost expression while her arms hung limp at her sides. Raising her chin with a finger, he said, \u201cSweetheart, we will deal with it all when we get home. Can you forget about it for a little while?\u201d he asked, moving his face closer to hers as she backed away.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAttempting to help you forget it,\u201d he said, kissing her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d He kissed her again, and ended with a crooked smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone might see us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care,\u201d he whispered as he surrounded her with his arms, and kissed her again, long, slowly, deeply. \u201cForgotten?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost,\u201d she said as she moved her arms around his neck, and after the next kiss, she said, \u201cFor now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, he took her hand and they walked slowly down the stairway, then perused the shops along the main street. \u201cAdam, what is this?\u201d she asked, holding up a shell.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s abalone; the shell of a sea snail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis looks like mother of pearl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked into a shop, and looked around the shelves that held rosewood boxes, brushes, hand mirrors, trays, and all manner of items inlaid with mother of pearl. Next, she stopped at a counter behind which was a display of mother of pearl jewelry in addition to jewelry made from brightly colored corals. Adam watched her as she looked at the jewelry, asking the merchant to let her see a set of ear rings; tiny dangling roses carved in a pink-orange coral. She went back to the rosewood boxes and opened one, looking at the velvet lining, then running her hand over the smooth outside with intricate mother of pearl inlays.<\/p>\n

Turning to the merchant, she said, \u201cIt\u2019s all very beautiful. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took the rosewood box from the shelf and set it on the counter, then asked for the ear rings she had looked at. \u201cWould you ship these to the Flying W Ranch, Virginia City, Nevada Territory?\u201d he asked as he paid the merchant. When the transaction was completed, the merchant thanked him, then nodded to Shiloh, smiling.<\/p>\n

Adam held the door for her and she stepped out onto the sandy path. \u201cAdam, you didn\u2019t have to do that. I can do without them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to,\u201d he said, putting his arm around her shoulder, and continuing down the street.<\/p>\n

After browsing several shops, they ended up on the beach walking hand in hand toward the shipwreck. The keel of the ship was embedded in the sand and the surf broke over her decks. \u201cWhat was she?\u201d asked Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cA schooner. Look, there\u2019s part of her name\u2026A C T I V E. I can\u2019t make out the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s smaller than the Sovereign, isn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe only had two masts where a clipper ship has three.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder how long she\u2019s been here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHard to tell\u2026a year, maybe less. I\u2019m sure she was salvaged, though I don\u2019t know why she wasn\u2019t taken apart for the wood. She was probably a lumber ship.\u201d Looking up at the sky, he said, \u201cIt\u2019s probably around five, and you were famished as I recall. You ready for dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, she took his hand, and they walked back up the beach to the path that led to the street. In a few minutes, they were seated at an outdoor table with a view of the small harbor and the bay. Sipping white wine while waiting for their dinner, Adam watched as Shiloh looked out over Monterey Bay. He reached over and covered her hand. \u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. \u201cI like this little town. It\u2019s calm\u2026peaceful\u2026beautiful. It\u2019s what I imagine our home could be without\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d he said, squeezing her hand. \u201cJust imagine home like this\u2026for now.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked down at his hand on hers and smiled wistfully. \u201cTell me about the Meders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa met Moses Meder in San Francisco almost twenty years ago. At the time he was building lumber mills and shortly after that he bought part of a rancho. He turned it into a dairy about ten years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you want to see it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have an idea for the Ponderosa and the Flying W\u2026a dairy. We can make butter and cheese and sell it in Virginia City, Gold Hill, Carson City, and even Genoa. We have plenty of cows. We might as well use them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow in the world are you going to add anything else to what we already have?\u201d she asked, laughing. \u201cYou keep saying you have a plan up your sleeve. If you\u2019d share that with me, it would probably go a long way to ease my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s simple. We get out of the business of doing everything ourselves and become managers. For instance, you have Johnny and Billy taking care of the day to day chores with the horses, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAnd Hank takes care of the day to day chores dealing with the upkeep of the ranch and the cattle.\u201d She nodded. \u201cThere\u2019s no reason we can\u2019t apply that to the Ponderosa. Either Joe or Hoss can become a foreman or we can hire someone else as foreman and let the ranch hands do the work. We can do the same with the dairy\u2026hire a manager. That way we only have to oversee it, and that leaves us to do as much or as little of the physical work as we want.\u201d He lifted her hand to his lips. \u201cAnd that leaves me time to design buildings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the timber?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grimaced. \u201cI\u2019m not sure I want to give up the oversight of the cutting just yet. The crews aren\u2019t always the same men, and sometimes we have to stay on top of them. But there are four of us who can run a lumber camp.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I want to give up the physical work that I do,\u201d Shiloh said, thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you don\u2019t have to. But in reality, Sweetheart, that\u2019s exactly what you\u2019ve done with Hank. You meet with him in the morning and go over the day\u2019s work and leave it to him. That\u2019s the kind of thing I\u2019m talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing up at him with a timid smile, she asked, \u201cWould you promise me something?\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning forward and propping his elbow on the table with his chin in his hand, he looked at her with a loving smile. \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you make sure you carve out a little time for us\u2026just us?\u201d<\/p>\n

His smile turned into a wide grin. \u201cYou bet.\u201d<\/p>\n

After a dinner of succulent lobster, Adam moved his chair next to Shiloh\u2019s, and they sipped wine while enjoying another striking sunset. When Shiloh became giggly, Adam ordered coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy coffee?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s getting a little chilly, and I thought it might help keep you warm.\u201d<\/p>\n

She giggled. \u201cLiar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d he said with a satisfied smile. \u201cBecause I don\u2019t want to have to carry you up all those steps to the top of the hill.\u201d Taking her hand in both of his, he added, \u201cAnd I don\u2019t want you to fall asleep too soon tonight.\u201d A familiar feeling of titillation welled within her as she turned away, smiling shyly and blushing. The next thing she felt were his lips on her neck. \u201cHm\u2026there\u2019s those goose bumps,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

It was dark by the time they reached the top of the steps near the hotel. On the way up the stairs to their room, Adam started pulling ribbons, combs and pins out of her hair, one by one. \u201cStop it,\u201d she laughed when she turned to face him at the door. He stepped into her, pressing her up against the door as he kissed her, and at the same time, he searched for the key in his pocket, then fumbled with the lock of the door. Pushing it open, he wrapped an arm around her waist and swept her inside. Both started unbuttoning each other amid her giggles and his chuckles. He reached around unfastening her skirt, and moving his hands underneath the back of her blouse, he untied her corset. Soon they fell on the bed in each other\u2019s arms, rolling in order to remove the last of those garments that were in the way.<\/p>\n

Well into the night, they lay in each other\u2019s arms, their passions sated. As they basked in the afterglow, the moon bathed them in a soft white light through the French doors that led out to their terrace.<\/p>\n

Adam started to pull his arms from around her when she grabbed hold of him. \u201cI thought you were asleep,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you think that?\u201d she whispered back.<\/p>\n

He chuckled, and kissed her ear. \u201cBecause your eyes were closed. I\u2019m just going to pull the curtains closed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave them,\u201d she said, holding on and smiling contentedly. \u201cThis feels too good to move. Just close your eyes if the light is bothering you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nestled back up against her with his head next to hers, his nose against her cheek, placing tiny kisses on her jaw, and soon they both settled into a comfortably sound sleep.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

When Shiloh awoke, she opened her eyes to the dim morning light just coming in through the glass of the French door, and recalling the night before, she relaxed and smiled, closing her eyes and letting her head sink back into the pillow. She remembered\u2026him\u2026last night. Last night had been different from his normal slow, deliberate ways. Last night had been unplanned, urgent\u2026raw and unfettered by inhibitions or propriety.<\/p>\n

She reached over and felt\u2026nothing? Raising her head, she looked over and found his empty pillow, and just as she was about to sit up, he came through the door, his hair wet, his face clean shaven.<\/p>\n

He laid his brush, razor and toiletries on the end of the bed and looked at her. Her hair was puffed up, her eyes blinked rapidly to fend off sleep, and her lips slowly formed the shape of a deep, long yawn. She blinked again, then smiled, holding the sheet up in front of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cModesty? After last night?\u201d<\/p>\n

Letting the sheet go, she rose up on her knees, and made her way to the end of the bed where he was standing. She moved her hands up his chest and over his shoulders until they reached the back of his neck where she pulled him down to her, locking lips with him.<\/p>\n

He ran his hands all the way down her back and beyond, enjoying the coolness of her skin. \u201cHm,\u201d he groaned. \u201cAs much as\u2026\u201d he stole another kiss. \u201c\u2026I\u2019d like to continue this\u2026\u201d He cupped her chin in his hand, and kissed her again. \u201c\u2026we have to get going.\u201d He pulled her arms from around his neck, smiling, and reached over to the chair where her robe was laying over the back, then held the robe behind her for her to slip her arms into the sleeves. \u201cYour bath awaits, my love.\u201d She stepped off the bed, and he pulled her into him, his lips hovering over hers. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what?\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast night,\u201d he said, smiling. \u201cNow go take your bath.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Sitting at the desk, Ben looked up from his books and listened. Amid the howling of the wind outside, he herd hoof beats; a lot of hoof beats. He rose and walked quickly to the front door, and when he opened it, a gust of wind blew snow in. Closing it, he grabbed his coat from the hanger behind the door and stepped outside while he slid his arms into the sleeves. Joe, Hank and Johnny rode into the yard each leading four of Shiloh\u2019s tall, black horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I sent you to the Flying W to find out how they were doing. What the devil is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe hay shed for the corral next to the house collapsed in the wind. We salvaged as much hay as we could, but we can\u2019t keep it dry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, if this is too much trouble, I\u2019ll find another place for the horses,\u201d said Hank.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cIt\u2019s not too much trouble. We have plenty of hay here. I wouldn\u2019t want anything to happen to Shiloh\u2019s horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another gust of wind came up, and Joe raised his collar and shoved his hat down on this head. \u201cFour of the mares are expecting. I\u2019ll put them in the barn and put the rest in the corral next to the barn. The only stallion I\u2019m worried about is Satan.\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting his hands on his hips, Ben sighed and looked at the ground, then looked back up at Hank. \u201cSatan has been a problem for a long time, Hank. She hasn\u2019t gelded that animal?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Sir. She had planned to before Max was killed, but she thought she might need to breed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBreed him,\u201d said Ben under his breath in aggravation. \u201cWhat was she thinking?\u201d Hank opened his mouth to speak, but Ben raised a hand. \u201cPut Satan in the front paddock here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, Johnny came to stay to take care of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good idea. Johnny, there are extra beds in the bunkhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Sir, Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019ll throw my things in after we get the horses in the corral.\u201d Johnny and Hank turned away and started moving horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I didn\u2019t know what else to do. Shiloh\u2019s barn isn\u2019t big enough for all of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Joe. It would be quite a blow to Shiloh if something happened to these horses. The only one I\u2019m worried about is Satan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been calm enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I watched that animal corner a man and kill him. Amos should have gelded him a long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

By the time Shiloh was dressed with her hair pulled back in a pony tail, Adam had moved everything but her last bag to the lobby. He went back for her, and when they both got to the lobby their buggy had arrived at the front of the hotel from the hotel\u2019s own livery.<\/p>\n

While the doorman loaded the buggy, Adam helped Shiloh up into the seat, and she busied herself tying a wide-brimmed hat that matched her dress underneath her chin. Once the hat was secure, Adam drove the buggy away from the hotel, slowly winding down the street to the bottom of the hill, then out of town into the wide open country.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long will it take to get to the Meder\u2019s ranch?\u201d asked Shiloh, wrapping her arm around Adam\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, about an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

The white, purple, blue and yellow wildflowers all around them turned their faces to the morning sun shining warmly down on them. To the west, the ocean sparkled, and closer to the shore waves crashed into the rocks sending showers of sea water glistening into the air. The air was crisp and fresh in the light breeze and smelled faintly of the ocean. The sky was a cloudless azure. Spring had arrived on the coast, and Adam and Shiloh soaked it up like the sun.<\/p>\n

It was just before noon when Adam drove the buggy up to the ranch house. He stepped out, climbed the porch stairs and knocked on the door. When no one answered, he came back to the buggy, commenting, \u201cMaybe they\u2019re somewhere in the back.\u201d Reaching up to her waist, he lifted her out of the buggy. \u201cCome take a walk with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before they turned the corner of the house, they were met by a woman about Adam\u2019s age. She jumped, startled, and dropped the basket of vegetables she was carrying. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d said Adam, \u201cbut I was looking for Mr. Meder.\u201d All three of them stooped to pick up the scattered vegetables. \u201cI\u2019m Adam Cartwright, and this is my wife, Shiloh. Mr. Meder is expecting us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman stood up with the basket and considered Adam. \u201cI remember you. I was only about fourteen when we came out to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cocked his head and creased his eyebrow. \u201cAngeline? It can\u2019t be you. You had pig tails and freckles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting the basket on the ground next to her, she stepped into Adam, giving him a warm hug. \u201cOh, it\u2019s me. We all grow out of our pig tails and freckles. And look at you\u2026still the serious look, but you\u2019re\u2026well, you\u2019re not skinny anymore. It looks like ranch work agrees with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two stood, remembering for a moment while Shiloh stood rigid and cut her eyes up, first at Adam, then at Angeline. Adam turned to Shiloh. \u201cAngeline, I\u2019d like you to meet my wife, Shiloh.\u201d The two women nodded at each other. \u201cDo you remember Micah Whitney?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angeline laughed. \u201cHow could I forget Micah Whitney?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh is his little sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Micah\u2019s baby sister? I do remember you. Micah always doted on you.\u201d Turning to Adam, she asked, \u201cAnd what did Micah have to say about you marrying his little sister?\u201d<\/p>\n

When Shiloh looked away, Adam glanced at her solemnly. \u201cAngeline, Micah died two years later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m\u2026Shiloh, I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning back and smiling coolly, Shiloh said, \u201cIt\u2019s alright, really. You had no way of knowing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about your father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe died a little over a year ago. The doctor said it was an infection in his lungs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that. When my father worked with Mr. Cartwright and your father, we stayed for several months while they built a sawmill. All of us older kids spent quite a bit of time together, but you and\u2026what was your baby brother\u2019s name, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. You and Little Joe stayed with my mother and Mrs. Cartwright. Mama was so sorry to hear about Mrs. Cartwright\u2019s accident. They got on quite well while we were there. Well, look at me, keeping you two standing in the yard. I\u2019ll leave this basket on the porch, and we\u2019ll go see Papa and Mama out in the creamery. I\u2019ll have a ranch hand take your bags to your room and put away the buggy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before they got through the door, Angeline was already speaking. \u201cPapa, Mama, Adam and Shiloh Cartwright are here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moses looked up. \u201cAdam, we\u2019ll be with you in a minute. We need to finish pouring this butter into the molds. Come on over here and watch. You two are going to have to learn how to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked back at Adam, bewildered. \u201cWe\u2019re learning this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

After watching the Meders finish off the butter, then carry the trays into a room they referred to as their ice house, Adam and Shiloh were invited to the house where Mrs. Meder and her daughter prepared lunch.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how\u2019s your Pa? Is he still loud and bossy?\u201d asked Mr. Meder.<\/p>\n

Grinning, Adam said, \u201cHe\u2019s fine. Marie got him to soften his voice in the house, but when he\u2019s out directing work he\u2019s still just as loud and bossy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, good. You have to be that way for your men to respect you. And what about you, Adam? Your voice is deep as your Pa\u2019s.\u201d Shiloh chuckled. \u201cWell, missy, do you have an opinion?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh stiffened, wondering if she had done something to offend the man, but when she looked up and saw the sparkle in his eyes, she smiled warmly. \u201cHe can be just as loud and bossy as his father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Meder, do you remember Shiloh?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cShe was about seven when you were at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this Amos\u2019s daughter?\u201d Shiloh blushed. Looking back at Adam, Moses said, \u201cSo you were just waiting for her to grow up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey all do,\u201d said Adam, laughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay, did you ever get out to Boston to go to that college you were always talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. I studied architecture and engineering.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you were the one always coming up with ideas for the ranch. Were you able to do any of \u2018em?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite a few.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile you\u2019re learning how to run a creamery, maybe you can keep an eye out for things we can do to improve things around here. Sarah was the one with the idea to start all this. I was just getting too old to be building lumber mills, and this way, I\u2019m not away from home. It\u2019s not real hard work either. You just got to do it all at just the right time. And the way I hear Virginia City is growing, you should have all the customers you need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Meder and Angeline placed serving dishes on the table, and took their places. After grace was said, Angeline handed the bread and butter to Adam. \u201cYou and Shiloh should taste this. This is what you two will learn to make.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Meder set a plate of cheese next to Shiloh. \u201cThis, too. Shiloh, do you remember us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHonestly Mrs. Meder, I\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t remember many things that happened before Micah died.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Mama, Papa, I didn\u2019t tell you. Adam said he died about two years after we left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh child,\u201d said Mrs. Meder, taking Shiloh\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry to hear that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoping to get past the topic quickly, Adam added, \u201cAmos died a little over a year ago, just before Shiloh came home from college.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. and Mrs. Meder glanced at each other, then looked apologetically at Shiloh. \u201cDid I just hear Adam say you went to college, too?\u201d asked Mr. Meder.<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Shiloh forced a smile. \u201cYes, I did. It was Adam\u2019s idea for me to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd she did well. She took some business courses so she would be able to run the ranch, and she took music courses. She plays the piano beautifully,\u201d said Adam proudly.<\/p>\n

Shiloh cut her eyes toward him and gave him a half smile that had Adam smiling back in relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you want to start a creamery? Will this be for the Ponderosa or the Flying W?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, I was thinking of a partnership between the two ranches.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t merge them now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they\u2019ll stay separate. Shiloh built the Flying W ranch back up to where it was before Amos took ill. In fact, she increased the ranch holdings and revived the horse business. It will keep the Whitney name,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember how Amos fussed over those horses. I think he liked those horses more than he liked people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh is just as fussy, and sometimes I think she prefers her horses to most people,\u201d said Adam, looking over at Shiloh with an amused grin.<\/p>\n

When she looked back with raised eyebrows, Moses said, \u201cYou better watch out there, Adam. Doesn\u2019t look like she lets you get away with much.\u201d Shiloh laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she does try,\u201d said Adam, laughing with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAngeline is going to show you two how to make the butter and the cheese. We make butter and cheese from the same milk, and what\u2019s left, the whey, goes to the pigs, so nothing is wasted,\u201d said Moses. \u201cExcept for any of the buttermilk we don\u2019t use or give away. We only sell the buttermilk we make just before it\u2019s shipped. It doesn\u2019t keep long enough to hold it in the ice house from the early batches.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Meder took Shiloh\u2019s hand again. \u201cI hold a little of the whey back. If you use it when you make your bread in place of water, it will make your bread softer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh cocked her head and smiled. \u201cReally? I\u2019ll have to try that.\u201d<\/p>\n

After lunch, Angeline took Adam and Shiloh back to the cheese house where the skimmed milk from the morning\u2019s butter making was waiting. \u201cWe can only get this milk through part of the process. It will stand overnight, and then be used tomorrow. Today, we\u2019ll finish with the milk from yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

By the time Angeline had shown them how to go from making the curd to pressing and storing the cheese, it was early evening. \u201cNow when you do this a few times, it won\u2019t take as long. If you have someone doing this for you, you\u2019ll want to make sure they do all these steps properly or you won\u2019t have anything at the end but a pile of mush.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh looked around the part of the cheese house where the aging cheese was stored. \u201cThis is an awful lot of cheese. How do you know which is ready to sell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe use these numbered wooden blocks,\u201d she said, picking up one of the blocks off a shelf of cheese. \u201cThe high numbers go with the most recently made cheese. The lower numbers go with the older cheese. Every time we add a new batch of cheese, the blocks get moved. These bandages wrapped around the cheese get changed every day until they\u2019re dry, and then the cheese sits until a rind is formed, usually about two to three weeks. After that we dip them in wax. And that\u2019s how they\u2019re shipped,\u201d she added, finishing her explanation as she walked with them to the house.<\/p>\n

That evening at the dinner table, the subject was cheese. \u201cAdam, what do you think? Is cheese making something you think you\u2019ll want to do?\u201d asked Moses.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think learning the process will be the hard part. Designing the buildings we\u2019ll need with the right equipment and the correct temperatures might be a challenge. You have some fairly steady weather here on the coast, but we run hot and cold in the Sierra.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make sure you have a list of all the equipment we use here along with the holding temperatures you\u2019ll need for each building. Shiloh, what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh had been lost in thought, going over and over in her head what they had done so she wouldn\u2019t forget it before she could write it down. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, what did you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled. \u201cAnytime I get to learn something new is always a treat for me. But there\u2019s a lot to remember. I\u2019m going to write it down so I\u2019ll have it to refer to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you two will have a full day tomorrow again,\u201d said Angeline. \u201cI\u2019ll show you the first part of the process tomorrow morning\u2026making the butter. And I\u2019ll show you how to make the rennet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRennet?\u201d said Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what we added to the milk to make the curds. It\u2019s part of the stomach of a calf or kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh\u2019s face filled with concern. \u201cYou kill a calf for its stomach?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing the anxiety on her face, Moses answered. \u201cYes and no. We\u2019ve never had to kill a healthy animal just for its stomach. There\u2019s usually a few that just don\u2019t survive. They\u2019re weak from birth and never gain any strength. Those are the ones we use for the rennet.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the meal, Shiloh excused herself to the bedroom where she took out her journal and pencil and started writing everything she could remember about the day.<\/p>\n

Adam and Moses had retreated to the front porch for the evening, and were enjoying coffee that Mrs. Meder had brought out. \u201cAdam, I hope we didn\u2019t upset Shiloh too much about the calves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Meder, she\u2019s lived on a ranch all her life. She knows animals die and why. She\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, you\u2019re not a young boy anymore\u2026you\u2019re a man. Call me Moses,\u201d he said just before he blew a smoke ring from the last pull from his pipe.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cI noticed you only use a couple of breeds for the dairy cattle. Is there a reason for that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAmong our herd, we\u2019re finding that certain breeds produce milk longer than others. But I wouldn\u2019t worry about that until you get going. The milk of any breed will do. What do you run on the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuckling, Adam said, \u201cWe started with anything we could get our hands on, but in the last ten years or so we\u2019ve brought Longhorns and Herefords up from Texas. I don\u2019t see us using any of those for dairy cows. They\u2019re too valuable as beef.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, they\u2019ve started raising cattle just for dairy back East. Don\u2019t have any idea how long it\u2019ll take to come out here, but in the meantime, we\u2019re doing just fine with the ones we\u2019ve got. What about crops? Do you do any farming now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe grow enough to support the herd and ourselves and the ranch hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCorn?\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing where Moses was going, Adam smiled and answered, \u201cWe\u2019ve started adding some corn as feed. We grow around ten acres of corn right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Add that to the hay you give the dairy cows. Makes a difference in the milk. You\u2019ll have to keep \u2018em close to the dairy \u2018cause they\u2019ll have to be milked every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Shiloh worked the next day with Angeline, learning how to make butter and how to make rennet. Adam thought the rennet would be difficult for Shiloh; not because of the calf, but rather the hands on explanation of which of the stomachs would be used. When Angeline gave her the knife, and she went right to work separating and slicing, he laughed to himself. She had said at Jim\u2019s that there was a lot about her he didn\u2019t know. He was beginning to understand what she meant.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Shiloh and Adam spent the third day exploring the ranch, looking carefully at all the buildings of the dairy, then taking a ride with Moses to the herd, and out to the crops to see how the Meder\u2019s irrigated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Adam, do you see any room for improvement?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust one, but only if it\u2019s something you could use. You have a good supply of water coming from that creek in the mountains. You could use that water to run a mill without interrupting the water supply. Then if you have room to grow wheat, you can mill it and send it to San Francisco right along with your dairy products. Those people that buy your buttermilk can get their meal for flapjacks and biscuits at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou make your pa proud, don\u2019t you?\u201d said Moses, laughing. \u201cI\u2019d never have thought we\u2019d have a need for a mill, but you came up with the mill and the need right together. I don\u2019t suppose you\u2019d know how to install the millstones, now would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt just so happens that I have plans back home. I\u2019ll send them to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moses leaned into Shiloh. \u201cHe really does make his pa right proud, don\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, she winked at Mr. Meder, then looked over at Adam. \u201cMost of the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moses let out a high-pitched laugh as he turned his horse back toward the ranch house, then turned his head and said over his shoulder, \u201cAdam, you got yourself a handful with this one, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than you know,\u201d he said, laughing with him.<\/p>\n

They relaxed the rest of the afternoon while Moses gave Adam directions to Waddell Creek, a steady stream that flowed into the ocean, where he and Shiloh would camp for the next few nights. \u201cThere\u2019s no one but us in these parts, so you probably won\u2019t see a soul. The creek is good and deep where it flows out onto the beach. You just need to remember you need to go a little further up to get your canteen water. When the tide comes in, the salt water mixes with the fresh. You don\u2019t want to drink it. The upper part of the beach is above high tide, so you can camp right on the beach. There\u2019s a place on the right side of the creek where we built up a windbreak. There\u2019s some wood there we used for poles, and I\u2019ll make sure you have what else you\u2019ll need to catch bait and fish. We haven\u2019t been there for a while, but it should still be there. You make your camp inside that windbreak, and you\u2019ll stay warm enough at night.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the men were talking on the porch, Shiloh had wandered into the kitchen where the ladies were making dinner. Mrs. Meder called Moses and Adam to dinner, and when they walked into the kitchen, Mrs. Meder and Angeline were laughing to the point that tears were flowing. Shiloh was sitting at the table with her elbow propped up, her hand over her mouth, and her eyes gleaming with mischief.<\/p>\n

Adam stopped in the door. \u201cWhat have you done?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDone? I haven\u2019t done anything,\u201d she giggled.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Meder stepped around Adam and set the table. \u201cAdam, Shiloh tells the funniest stories.”<\/p>\n

Sitting at the table next to Shiloh, Adam asked, \u201cAnd what story would that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angeline came over with serving dishes. \u201cWas it true?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, every bit of it was true,\u201d said Shiloh, laughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa, you have to hear about this horse. Her name is Spec.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam let his head slowly tilt. \u201cNo, you don\u2019t need to hear about the horse,\u201d he said, cutting his eyes toward Shiloh with a smirk.<\/p>\n

\u201cMoses, come sit down,\u201d said Mrs. Meder, patting the table in front of his chair. She turned to Shiloh. \u201cAngeline was telling me how quickly you picked everything up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d said Adam, smiling, happy to pursue a new subject. \u201cThere\u2019s a reason for that. One of the reasons she did so well in school is because she remembers what she reads. She wrote it all down the last two nights and then read it. It\u2019s permanently etched in her memory.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rest of the evening, they talked about Spec and Shiloh\u2019s other horses, and Adam and Shiloh shared the things they had done in San Francisco, leaving out the bad parts. The evening was filled with good conversation and laughs.<\/p>\n

The next morning Shiloh and Adam were up early to prepare for their camping trip. Mrs. Meder had already prepared and packed the food and cooking utensils they would need, and Mr. Meder packed what they would need for fishing. That along with the things Adam and Shiloh brought for their trip would keep them for the next five nights. They said their thanks and goodbyes and mounted up, heading up the coast for Waddell Creek.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you looking forward to this?\u201d asked Adam as he and Shiloh rode side by side down the trail.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than you know. I\u2019m not sure I should admit this, but I\u2019m just more comfortable when I\u2019m outside without all the propriety. If I tell you something will you promise not to take it the wrong way?\u201d<\/p>\n

He gazed at her with a content smile. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes I wish you had never sent me to college.\u201d Adam twisted his mouth and looked forward. \u201cPlease don\u2019t take it like that, Adam. I appreciate the things I learned there, but it seems the bigger part of those things has caused me more grief that it\u2019s been worth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat part are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsabella. It was Isabella who Will was taken with. I don\u2019t think he would have even noticed me if it hadn\u2019t been for Isabella. And I\u2019ve been thinking, with everything you already handle and the partnership\u2026maybe I shouldn\u2019t pursue singing. It could take us away from the ranch a good bit. I just don\u2019t know if there will be time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cocking his head, he let his mouth fall open, looking a bit upset. \u201cBefore you make any decisions about your music and singing, I want you to give us a chance to get our lives organized. It might not be as bad as you think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMight? You don\u2019t sound as confident as you did in Santa Cruz.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, having a lot to organize is nothing unusual for either one of us. It just sounds bigger because there are two of us now, and we have to fit into each other\u2019s lives.\u201d He reached out and took the hand lying on her thigh. \u201cYou are supposed to forget all about horses and ranching and singing\u2026.and dairies while we\u2019re out here. So I want you to concentrate on how we\u2019re going to catch fish, how we\u2019re going to carry back your shell collection, and how many whales you think you might see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, let\u2019s talk about catching fish. What are we going to use for bait?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSand crabs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. What\u2019s a sand crab?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s very small crab that you dig out of the sand where the waves wash up on the shore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what do we catch them in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh jerked her head toward him. \u201cDo they bite?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u201cYou\u2019re not afraid of a little sand crab are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am if they have pinchers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still laughing, he said, \u201cThey don\u2019t have pinchers. The most they\u2019ll do is tickle your hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

They rode in silence for a few minutes until Shiloh looked at him apprehensively and asked, \u201cDo you know how to cook fish?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you what. I\u2019ll teach you to clean the fish and cook it over the fire. I\u2019ll even teach you how to clean a rabbit and cook it over the fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever camped on a beach?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope. This will be a first.\u201d He watched her face change from an amused look to a wide grin accompanied by a giggle and grinned back. \u201cThis is going to be the best part of our honeymoon. I can see it in your eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

They cut off the main trail and made their way down a narrow path through the cliffs, coming out on a wide expanse of white sand. \u201cIt should be just around that next cliff,\u201d Adam said, pointing to a distant rock face. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to go through a little water, but Moses said these horses are used to being ridden on the beach.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sand at the foot of the cliff was already covered by the waves, and the horses went right through. On the other side was a smaller beach cut off on the far side by large rocks that went out at least a hundred feet into the ocean. Adam turned back and looked at the way they had come in. \u201cTides coming in. In a few minutes that way will be impassable. This must be the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Riding on around to the side of the cliff, they spotted the creek, and further in, they found the windbreak. There were trees beyond the windbreak where the creek flowed out of a cypress forest.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s beautiful here. Look how deep the creek is when it comes out on the sand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had dismounted and stood next to her horse, and rather than stepping down, she slid down into his waiting hands. \u201cMrs. Cartwright,\u201d he said motioning to the windbreak, \u201cyour home for the next five nights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Cartwright. I wonder if I\u2019ll ever get used to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snorted. \u201cYou\u2019d better.\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed, shaking her head, and walked into a large square with sides about four feet high created by the trunks of fallen trees and limbs. Around the trailing end of the bank that rose up into the cliff, she could see a clearing where meadow grass was growing\u2026a small box canyon perfect for the horses.<\/p>\n

She turned back to Adam with delight in her eyes. \u201cIt\u2019ll be like being stranded on a deserted tropical island. You know\u2026like Robinson Crusoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he brought the horses closer to the windbreak, he looked at her with a smile that made her stomach flutter and said, \u201cAnd the best part is that it\u2019s just the two of us. No cannibals and no mutineers. We should have come here from the start.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh took the saddle bags and laid them on the sand inside the windbreak while Adam unsaddled the horses. He exchanged their bridles for halters, and walked them into the canyon. \u201cThere\u2019s water back there, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook. There\u2019s a fire pit here that the sand has blown over,\u201d said Shiloh as she brushed sand away from a ring of large rocks.<\/p>\n

Sitting down on one of the logs of the windbreak, Adam pulled off his boots and socks, then untucked his shirt and unbuttoned it down to his belt. He began pulling everything out of the saddlebags and gunnysack they would need for cooking and fishing, and by the time Shiloh had cleared the sand out of the fire pit, Adam had set up side and crossbars over it and placed the pot, pan, and coffee pot on the flat rocks around the pit. He had also tied fishing line to two of the poles he found stacked with the windbreak and tied hooks on the ends.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, dear lady, if you would kindly remove your boots and socks, we can take a stroll along the beach.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Shiloh had done as he requested, he took her hand and led her out from behind the windbreak, then wrapped an arm around her. The two walked out to survey their private slice of heaven.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s cold,\u201d said Shiloh, running back away from the wash of a wave.<\/p>\n

Standing in the water with his trouser legs rolled up, Adam made a humored frown. \u201cYou\u2019ll get used to it. Come back here.\u201d He trotted out of the water toward her, and stopped when she backed away, then raised his head and smiled playfully, walking toward her. She turned and walked away, smiling back at him over her shoulder, and soon they had both broken out in a run across the beach. When he caught her, both laughed. Adam paused and gazed at her. Her eyes twinkled, her hair glistened, and her skin glowed in the sun. Putting an arm around her waist, he her up on his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, no please,\u201d she squealed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are not going to be here for a week without going into the ocean. I\u2019ve never been in, you\u2019ve never been in, and we\u2019re going to remedy that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking into the water, he brought her around in front of him and set her down in the wash. Her mouth and eyes opened wide as her feet touched the cold water, and she jumped up, wrapping her arms around his neck, and pulling her feet up. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t want to,\u201d she whined.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t put your feet down, I\u2019ll carry you out into the water.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning back, she looked at him with big, round eyes. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t do that\u2026\u201d She raised her eyebrows. \u201cWould you?\u201d He raised his chin and an eyebrow\u2026something she had come to recognize as a sign that he was about to assert his masculine dominance, and rather than being tossed into the waves, she let herself slide down slowly, touching the water with her toes first. She grimaced, and he smiled at her compliance when she was standing flat on her feet in the water.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere, you see? It\u2019s not that bad once you get used to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pouting, she said quietly, \u201cIt\u2019s cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

He picked her up and began walking into the waves. \u201cAdam, no. I don\u2019t want to get my riding skirt wet. It\u2019s the only one I brought. And what about your trousers?\u201d<\/p>\n

He stopped and thought, then turned around and carried her back to the windbreak. \u201cRemove them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh stuttered, \u201cB\u2026but, Adam. I didn\u2019t bring anything to wear in the water.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to wear anything,\u201d he said as he dropped his shirt over the windbreak and began to unfasten his trousers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright, it\u2019s broad daylight and it\u2019s\u2026we\u2019re outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there\u2019s no one around for miles. If you don\u2019t feel comfortable taking everything off, strip down to your drawers and camisole.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t bring enough clothes to get some wet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll dry in the sun.\u201d She breathed heavily, and he said, \u201cYou have a choice. Either way, you are going in so you can tell our children you\u2019ve been in the ocean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how to swim, Adam. I\u2019m liable to drown in those waves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose waves aren\u2019t over your head,\u201d he said, rolling his eyes. \u201cAll you have to do is stand up.\u201d When she didn\u2019t move, he laid his trousers over the windbreak, and stood there naked with his hands on his hips. He raised his chin again and took a step toward her, and she quickly began to unbutton her blouse. Soon she was standing in nothing but her drawers and camisole. Taking her hand, he pulled her back down to the water, backing into the waves. He stopped and let go of her hand, looking back at her with a frown. \u201cYou\u2019re right, it is cold. There\u2019s only one way to go in.\u201d Standing in waist deep water, he waited for another wave to roll in and made a shallow dive into it, coming up on the other side of the breakers.<\/p>\n

She was still standing in ankle deep water. \u201cI can\u2019t do that. I don\u2019t know how to swim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, look at me. The water isn\u2019t over my head.\u201d She began to back away again, and he walked out of the water to get her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, really, I don\u2019t want to,\u201d she said, turning and walking back toward the windbreak.<\/p>\n

Hurrying out of the water after her, he scooped her up. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to dive in. I\u2019ll take you in. Besides, I seem to remember you saying that water doesn\u2019t bother you in the slightest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, please don\u2019t make me. I\u2019m\u2026I\u2019m scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what better way to get over your fear,\u201d he said tenderly as he carried her back to the water. She held onto him as if her life depended on it, and when he carried her through a wave, she tightened her grip, burying her face in his shoulder and whimpering. When they were beyond the waves, he dropped her feet, but kept his arms around her, holding her against him. She kept a firm grip around his neck, and when he looked into her face, she was crying. \u201cYou really are frightened, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease take me back,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re out here, and that\u2019s half the battle. Now, can you touch the bottom?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

He had tried not to smile, but the sight of this strong-willed woman reduced to a frightened child by water amused him. \u201cWell, try.\u201d He felt her foot slide down his leg, finding his foot, and slowly testing the sand. \u201cNow stand up,\u201d he said as he pried her arms from around his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let go of me!\u201d she cried out.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got you,\u201d he said, keeping hold of her arms. The water was only to the center of his chest, but it was lapping at her chin. \u201cNow, can you hold your breath?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cBecause we\u2019re going under.\u201d She began to protest, and he spoke loudly over her. \u201cWhen I say hold your breath, hold it or you\u2019ll get a nose full of salt water.\u201d She was still fussing when he said, \u201cHold it,\u201d and just as he pulled her under the water with him, she took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

When he looked at her face under water, her cheeks were blown out, her eyes were closed tightly, and her grip on his arm was so tight that her fingernails were digging into his flesh. He brought her up, and she sputtered and wiped her face, yelling at him, \u201cDon\u2019t do that again!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHold it. Here we go,\u201d he said has he pulled her under one more time. This time, she opened her eyes, then closed them tightly again as she fought against his hold. She got away from him and stood up, wiping her face and didn\u2019t see the larger wave that broke over her head, sending her under the water again and tumbling her in the surf.<\/p>\n

It was only a matter of seconds before Adam got to her, but it seemed much longer to Shiloh, and when he brought her up, she gasped for air, coughing and struggling to get away from him. \u201cLet me go!\u201d she yelled, pulling her arms back and trying to get out of the water. When she was standing in knee deep water, she shoved him back, crying. \u201cI told you I didn\u2019t want to go in. I told you I\u2019d drown.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite her protests, he put his arms around her, and held her to him until she stopped crying and pushing. \u201cYou didn\u2019t drown. And all you have to do is hold your breath until you can get your footing.\u201d She shoved against his chest harder. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what. I\u2019ll teach you to swim in the deep pool in the creek. Then we can try the ocean again.\u201d<\/p>\n

She whimpered, \u201cI\u2019m never going in the ocean again. I don\u2019t need to tell my children.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking her hand, he led her away from the water to dry sand. \u201cSit here and dry in the sun. I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat looking out at the surf, watching how the waves broke with an occasional wave that was much bigger than the others. Despite her tumble, she thought the ocean was magnificent, so vast and powerful a body of water that she was actually thinking about trying it again.<\/p>\n

When Adam returned, he handed her a brightly colored blanket, and placed apples, cheese, and his knife on her lap. He had put his white drawers on and now held his white shirt up behind her. \u201cPut your arms in the sleeves. I don\u2019t want you to burn in the sun.\u201d<\/p>\n

She complied and when he pulled the shirt over her shoulders, she pulled it the rest of the way around her, turning her face into the sleeve and taking a deep breath. She smiled and glanced up at him. \u201cIt smells like you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting down next to her, he took the apples, cheese and the knife and laid them on the blanket he had spread out in front of them. \u201cHere,\u201d he said, handing her the canteen. \u201cRinse the salt out of your mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

He cut the apples and cheese in slices, then leaned toward her, propping up on an elbow while he pulled her down with his other hand so that she was leaning against his stomach. The two talked about the ocean, fish and swimming while they ate a lunch of cheese and apples and lay in the sun, drying.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Adam opened his eyes and yawned, having dozed off in the warm afternoon sun. Shiloh\u2019s head was pitched forward with her chin on her chest. He lifted his arm resting on his side, and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, waking her. Reaching up, she stretched and yawned with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019m going to try and catch our dinner,\u201d said Adam, as he sat up and kissed her neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have any idea what time it is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s daytime,\u201d he said, laughing and walking back to the windbreak.<\/p>\n

She turned away from the ocean and shouted, \u201cI just thought I\u2019d make some coffee.\u201d She watched as he pulled on his trousers, making sure the legs were still rolled up, and then ducked down. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be there in a minute.\u201d She turned back toward the water and pulled her knees up in front of her, waiting. When he appeared at her side, he dropped his fishing pole and handed her a wine glass, then pulled the cork out of a bottle of wine and poured. \u201cWe can have coffee after dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know you brought wine,\u201d she said, smiling and taking a sip while he sat down in front of her.<\/p>\n

Taking the glass and sipping, he said, \u201cYou\u2019d be surprised what Mrs. Meder packed in that gunnysack. There\u2019s enough wine for the whole week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo that\u2019s the plan. You\u2019re going to get me drunk and have your way with me, is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n

He leaned into her, grinning. \u201cI don\u2019t have to get you drunk to have my way with you. I\u2019m just waiting for the moonlight,\u201d he teased, then stole a kiss. \u201cBesides, if I get you drunk you\u2019ll fall asleep, and then no one will be having anyone\u2019s way.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tossed her head back in laughter, then lifted her hand to his face, and stroked his cheek, her eyes sparkling happily. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what?\u201d he asked softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor bringing me here.\u201d Looking up at the sky and around at the cliffs bordering their own private beach, she said, \u201cIt\u2019s perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven though I almost drowned you,\u201d he said, smiling impishly.<\/p>\n

She puckered her lips and narrowed her eyes, then snorted, \u201cYou\u2019re forgiven.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting nose to nose, they gazed blissfully into each other\u2019s eyes, sharing small kisses until Adam moved his arm around her shoulders and held her to him, pressing his lips to hers. He sucked her bottom lip, then nipped it, and felt her shiver. Moving away slightly, he whispered, \u201cAre you cold?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm? No, warm\u2026very warm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finishing his kiss, he looked into her eyes. \u201cWell, we could do this all day, but then we wouldn\u2019t have any fish for dinner.\u201d She smiled when he kissed her nose, then rose, grabbing the fishing pole.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have any bait.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah,\u201d he said, walking down to the water. He looked down at the sand, then bent and started digging.<\/p>\n

When he brought something up in his hand, she shouted, \u201cWait, let me see,\u201d and got up and ran to him. \u201cEew! It looks like a big bug.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis, my love, is a sand crab.\u201d He turned it over in his hand and showed her the legs underneath. \u201cHere, hold it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She reluctantly opened her hand and let him drop the crab into it. When it started crawling, she yipped, dropping it on the sand, and it instantly began to dig. Adam scooped up a handful of sand and let it sift through is fingers, uncovering the crab. Unwrapping the line from the pole, he hooked the crab through its underside and stood up, holding the pole away from them.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s still alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFish won\u2019t bite dead crabs.\u201d Walking out into the low surf, he threw the line out beyond the small waves closest to the shore and waited.<\/p>\n

Shiloh walked back to the blanket and sat down, digging shells out of the sand. By the time Adam had his first fish, she had an impressive pile. As she sat by the creek rinsing her shells, Adam brought the fish over, tied a string to a rock, and dropped the fish into the creek. \u201cThat fish won\u2019t live very long will it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLong enough for me to catch another one. After that, I\u2019m going to teach you how to clean and cook them. He squatted down next to her, looking at her shells. \u201cYou\u2019ve got quite a collection there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you were counting on carrying them back, so I figured I\u2019d better collect some.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed as he walked back down to the water. Shiloh watched him dig into the sand and pull up a handful, then hook the sand crab he had found and throw his line back into the water.<\/p>\n

Once she had finished cleaning her shells in the creek, she laid them out to dry on a small rock ledge on the side of the cliff, then went back to the windbreak and dressed in a blouse and skirt. Walking back to the beach, she gathered everything they had taken out and carried it back to the windbreak, carefully putting everything where it wouldn\u2019t fall over in the light breeze that had begun to blow. She shook the canteen. It was only half full, so she walked up the beach toward the cypress trees, looking for a place deep enough to dip the canteen and fill it.<\/p>\n

Adam had been glancing back to check on her. He had caught another fish and busied himself bringing it in, and when he got to the string at the creek, he looked up for her. She wasn\u2019t at the windbreak where she had been the last time he looked, so he turned and looked back over the beach from one side to the other. He called for her and got no response. Dropping the string back in the creek with both fish attached, he went into the canyon where the horses were grazing, and came back, yelling louder for her. She shouldn\u2019t be anywhere she wouldn\u2019t be able to hear me. Panic began to set in, and he looked toward the cypress trees where the creek flowed onto the beach. Running into the forest, he looked for any sign of her. \u201cShiloh!\u201d Again she didn\u2019t answer, and he began to climb the rocks that lead up a steady slope next to the stream. When he topped a rise, he looked into the darkness created by high canyon walls and the canopy of the trees, and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her white blouse. He climbed to her. \u201cShiloh, didn\u2019t you hear me calling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? I can\u2019t hear you over the waterfall.\u201d She looked at his face, and stood. \u201cAdam, what\u2019s wrong? Are you alright?\u201d He brought his hand up over his mouth, and wiped his chin, then closed his eyes and took a deep breath. By this time, Shiloh had come down to him with the canteen. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pulling her into his arms, he hugged her tightly. \u201cWould you do me a favor while we\u2019re here, and tell me before you come back here? I had no idea where you were.\u201d<\/p>\n

She wrapped her arms around him. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to scare you,\u201d she said, looking up at him. \u201cCome see what I found,\u201d she said, taking his hand and leading him up to where she had been sitting. \u201cIt\u2019s so lovely here, I sat for awhile. I guess I didn\u2019t realize I was gone that long.\u201d Adam took in the waterfall coming down from above them, falling over a wall of lush, green fern, then splashing over mossy rocks as it meandered its way down the hill. \u201cIsn\u2019t this the most beautiful canyon you\u2019ve ever seen,\u201d she said, smiling and looking up, the filtered light from the canopy catching her bright, happy eyes.<\/p>\n

He chuckled and took her hand, turning back down the hill. \u201cCome on. We don\u2019t want to be back here when the sun begins to set. It\u2019ll get dark here long before it gets dark on the beach. Besides, we have fish to clean and cook.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d said Shiloh, jerking her hand away.<\/p>\n

Adam took it back. \u201cLet me see it.\u201d Opening her hand, he examined the cut. \u201cI\u2019ll need to clean it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith what?\u201d she asked uneasily.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t know yet,\u201d he answered as he sorted through the contents of the gunnysack. Pulling out a small bottle of whiskey and a rolled white strip of cloth, he said, \u201cIt would seem that Mrs. Meder thought of everything.\u201d He took her other arm and pulled her up off the sand. \u201cWe\u2019ll clean it in the creek.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the tide is in. It\u2019ll be salty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the idea.\u201d Taking his bandana out of his back pocket, he dipped her hand into the water and gently washed it. \u201cThis\u2019ll teach me to try to teach you to clean fish.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked pitifully at him. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to. My hands got slimy from the fish, and the knife slipped.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her from under his brow as he worked on her hand. \u201cThat\u2019s why I told you to hold the fish with the cloth.\u201d Drying her hand, he poured a little whiskey over the cut, and she quickly drew back and cringed. He didn\u2019t say anything, but rather raised his eyebrows and held out his hand. She slowly gave hers back to him. \u201cI know this burns, but we don\u2019t want it to get infected. If the skin around it turns red, we\u2019ll have to get you to a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a little bitty cut. I don\u2019t need a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a little bitty cut, and you don\u2019t want it to get infected. How would you feel if you lost a finger and couldn\u2019t play your piano anymore?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, now you\u2019re just being dramatic. I thought you didn\u2019t want to perform,\u201d she said sarcastically.<\/p>\n

Looking at her with flared nostrils, he bit, \u201cShiloh, an infection is nothing to mess around with. If it gets into your blood, it can spread all through you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just a little cut,\u201d she snapped back.<\/p>\n

Tightening his lips and glowering, he retorted, \u201cIt\u2019s a deep cut with fish slime in it.\u201d He took a deep breath and chuckled as he wrapped the strip of cloth around her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d she asked in aggravation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are. No, we are. I don\u2019t know why we\u2019re arguing about it. We both know it has to be cleaned.\u201d He put a finger under her chin and raised her face to his. \u201cYou just don\u2019t like being taken care of, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not angry at you. I just wanted to show you I could do it. And then I go and cut myself and look like an inept\u2026baby,\u201d she said, drawing one side of her mouth in. \u201cBesides that, I\u2019ve always been able to take care of myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart, you aren\u2019t by yourself anymore,\u201d he said, helping her to her feet, and putting his arms around her waist. \u201cGet used to it,\u201d he said softly, kissing her.<\/p>\n

She leaned into him. \u201cYou can have anything you want if you keep kissing me like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no moonlight yet,\u201d he said with a gleam in his eyes as he took her hand and led her back to the windbreak. He went into the woods and came back out with two strong sticks which he whittled down to clean, fresh wood.<\/p>\n

She pulled the coffee out of a saddlebag and prepared the pot, then put it on a rock that Adam had moved right next to the fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, sit right there and watch.\u201d He finished cleaning the fish, telling her everything he was doing as he went. Once he had them on the sticks lying across short sidebars, he sat back and watched the sunset with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur first night on the beach,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWill anything come up on the beach at night,\u201d Shiloh asked, moving into his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, maybe some crabs, but they\u2019ll stay near the surf. We\u2019re more likely to be visited from something in the woods back there,\u201d he said, pointing toward the cypress trees. \u201cBut nothing you wouldn\u2019t have seen at home.\u201d He looked down at her and grinned. \u201cLike skunks.\u201d She pinched him. \u201cOw! What was that for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor teasing me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not teasing you. There\u2019s probably skunks, raccoons\u2026rabbits\u2026among other things back there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine. Then I\u2019m sleeping next to the wall of the windbreak.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re going to let me take care of you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d she said, taking his hand. \u201cI know I fuss a lot, but\u2026it\u2019s nice\u2026to know that someone wants to take care of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wrapping his fingers around her hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed it. \u201cAre you ready for fish?\u201d She smiled and nodded. He took the fish off the fire and placed them on plates, handing the plates to Shiloh. Then he retrieved a blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders, leaving one side longer for him. Next, he retrieved the wine and glasses, and sat next to her. Holding his glass up, he toasted, \u201cHere\u2019s to life on the beach.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, here,\u201d she said, touching his glass with hers and drinking. She set her wine glass on a flat rock next to her and tasted her fish. \u201cThis is good. What did you season it with?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea. The seasoning came from\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Meder,\u201d she said, nodding.<\/p>\n

After dinner, the two took a walk to the other side of the beach where the rocks went out into the ocean. \u201cWe should come out here tomorrow morning when the tide is low and see what we can find,\u201d said Adam. They sat and watched as the moon appeared, casting a white light over the landscape. The foam of the waves looked as if it was glowing against the dark water it capped.<\/p>\n

\u201cMoonlight,\u201d she whispered, laying her head on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it is,\u201d he said, smiling and laying her back on the sand.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Adam taught Shiloh how to swim in the deep pool of the creek and coaxed her back into the ocean on the condition that he didn\u2019t let go of her. He had found a place just past the breakers where the water stayed fairly calm with the waves gently moving through just before they met land and curled over themselves. He had taken her out farther this time without telling her that he was no longer touching the bottom. When she turned to take a step away, she sank\u2026and panicked.<\/p>\n

Before he could calm her down, she had pushed him under several times until he finally turned her around and wrapped his arm around her shoulder and under the opposite arm. \u201cShiloh, before your drown us both, you have got to relax. You know how to swim. Just float.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stiffened and sank, and when he pulled her back up, she turned and wrapped herself around him, taking them both under. Swimming underwater, he got in close enough to touch the bottom and stood up, holding her as she coughed up the water she had swallowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease take me back to the beach,\u201d she cried, clinging to him and shaking.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I\u2019m not taking you in until you get over your fear of the water.\u201d He crouched down so that they were face to face. \u201cLook at me. If you can get comfortable in the ocean, you can swim anywhere in the Sierra. There\u2019s no reason for you to be afraid. All you have to do is relax, float, hold your breath and keep your mouth closed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m cold. Please take me back,\u201d she said, shivering and burying her face in his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you can get back by yourself, you can stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t touch the bottom here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The corner of Adam\u2019s mouth turned up. \u201cThen I guess you\u2019ll have to swim.\u201d<\/p>\n

She growled at him, then pushed off of him toward the shore, knowing that she\u2019d be able to touch bottom in only a few more feet. But that was where the breakers started, and when she got there, a wave took her in and deposited her on the beach in shallow water where she crawled out on her hands and knees and curled up in a ball, sobbing. \u201cYou hate me, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking out of the water, he sat beside her. \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why are you torturing me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not torturing you. I\u2019m teaching you how to swim in the ocean. You don\u2019t have to go back in today. We\u2019ll try it again tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo we won\u2019t,\u201d she whimpered, crawling away from him, and lying flat to warm up in the sun.<\/p>\n

Once she was warm, she calmed down, and the two had another pleasant evening. Adam had gone into the cypress forest and came out with a rabbit that he used to make stew.<\/p>\n

Their mornings were spent at the tide pool, early afternoons were spent in the water, though Shiloh never came to appreciate it, and intermingled were rides down the beach in from the direction they came, hikes up into the fern canyon, fishing, shell collecting, reading and discussing poetry, and generally being lazy, lying on the beach in the sun.<\/p>\n

Their last night on the beach, Shiloh lamented over a dinner of rockfish that Adam had filleted and fried. \u201cI wish we could stay. We could live off fish and rabbits, we have fresh water, and we could ride into Santa Cruz and sell shells to the travelers that go there. Then we could buy whatever we need. This fish is really good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t miss home? Just a little?\u201d<\/p>\n

She stopped eating and thought. \u201cIf you\u2019d asked me that five days ago, I would have given you a definitive \u2018yes\u2019. But being away from all the responsibility and obligations\u2026I\u2019ve never been away from that.\u201d She looked up at him with a wistful smile. \u201cAdam, I love it here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you admit you don\u2019t have to be doing anything in particular to be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re talking about the horses and the singing\u2026and the ranch. We\u2019re ranchers, Adam. That\u2019s what we do. I sing. That\u2019s what I do. But I have to admit, I don\u2019t remember a time when I\u2019ve been this\u2026\u201d she looked into his eyes, \u201c\u2026happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

He leaned toward her and kissed her tenderly. \u201cI don\u2019t either.\u201d<\/p>\n

They sat quietly finishing their dinner, and when Adam came back from rinsing the plates in the creek, he poured her a cup of coffee and sat down next to her. \u201cUh, Shiloh\u2026we\u2019ve been away for a month.\u201d She looked at him expectantly. \u201cYou haven\u2019t had your monthly, have you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She held her breath and looked away, saying quietly, \u201cHow do you know about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat you haven\u2019t or that you do?\u201d he asked, chuckling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the fact that you know that I haven\u2019t is obvious since you know that I do, so why don\u2019t we talk about how you know\u2026about women?\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed loudly. \u201cI could say I learned the same place you did\u2026at college, but that wouldn\u2019t be entirely true, although I learned much more about the biology of it there. You and I both have known since we were children. We grew up around animals. But Pa told me all about human babies when Hoss was born, and later Marie had to set me straight about girls\u2026because of an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn accident?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just say that I thought the girl was dying and leave it at that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh covered her mouth and giggled. \u201cWhen I started having a monthly, my father sent me to Mrs. Beadle, the woman who came by twice a week to cook and clean. But Adam, it\u2019s probably not what you\u2019re thinking. I am often late for my monthly. Sometimes I don\u2019t have one at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam creased his brow and gently placed his hand on the back of her neck. \u201cHave you seen a doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. While I was in New York, Miss Anderson, the headmistress sent me to a doctor who said he could find nothing wrong, except that I had increased the energy required by my brain by attending college, and that was causing my reproductive system to lose energy. He suggested that I stop learning immediately, and things would correct themselves. Miss Anderson said, \u201cRubbish,\u201d and told me many women are late for their monthly for no reason in particular, and that I was lucky that I didn\u2019t have to put up with it on a regular basis. I just have to carry my\u2026things\u2026everywhere I go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drawing her backward into him, he laid his chin on her shoulder. \u201cSo it could be either.\u201d<\/p>\n

She quickly glanced at him, and then looked forward, saying softly, \u201cI suppose so. But it\u2019s too soon to know.\u201d Standing, she said, \u201cWe should pack up what we don\u2019t need for the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once she had finished packing what she could, she walked out on the beach and sat, listening to the waves, watching the birds sail right over the top of the water. Adam stayed back behind her, watching, squatting and moving shells around in the sand. He had seen something in her eyes\u2026a sadness almost, and not the same sadness she felt in leaving. It had to do with the other possibility they had hinted at, but hadn\u2019t really discussed.<\/p>\n

When the sun sat low in the sky, he went to sit beside her and for awhile, they just sat, watching the sunset. After the last ribbon of color disappeared below the horizon, Adam moved in front of her. \u201cCan you talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking down at the sand next to her, she drew lines, turning up small shells that she set aside. \u201cWe already talked about it. There\u2019s not much left to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

He understood what she was feeling, but he wanted her to understand it as well. \u201cWe didn\u2019t talk about it. We talked around it.\u201d<\/p>\n

“If I am, I am. I don\u2019t know what you want me to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to tell me what you\u2019re thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raising her knees up in front of her, she wrapped her arms around them and clasped her hands. \u201cI\u2019m thinking that if I am, everything changes. I won\u2019t be able to continue to train the horses, and I won\u2019t be able to travel to sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow can I take care of a baby and train horses? There will be a point when I\u2019m too big to do anything, and after that, just feeding a baby will take up most of my time for at least a year. I won\u2019t be able to travel when I\u2019m big, and trying to take care of a child traveling or in a strange place\u2026how would I ever be able to rehearse with an orchestra if I have to leave every two hours?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, you must have thought about this when we\u2026\u201d He cleared his throat. \u201cDid you think you were immune because we were on our honeymoon?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smirked at him. \u201cOf course not.\u201d Taking a deep breath, she went on, \u201cI\u2026I just didn\u2019t think about it. That\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s time we did think about it. Why don\u2019t we think about if you\u2019re not? Because it\u2019s obvious you don\u2019t want to be\u2026right now. What do you have to do to get to a point when you\u2019re ready?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re ready now, aren\u2019t you?\u201d she asked hesitantly, glancing back up at him.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cYes, but we both should be ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would need a trained partner for the horses\u2026someone who could step in immediately and take over the training and the sales while I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have anyone in mind?\u201d She shook her head. \u201cWhat about Billy or Johnny?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny doesn\u2019t have the patience, and Billy\u2026Daddy tried to teach Billy, but he can only learn so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Hoss? He loves to work with animals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss has responsibilities on the Ponderosa. He\u2019ll have more with you taking on the Flying W.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that can be managed. Now, what about your singing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m about to have three performances scheduled this year. Those are the letters I sent out when we first came to San Francisco. I would have to take a break from singing for the last part\u2026while I\u2019m big\u2026and I\u2019d have to figure out a different schedule for rehearsals. I\u2019d probably need some help\u2026someone to take care of the baby while I\u2019m rehearsing or singing. And speaking of help, if I wanted to go back to training horses, I\u2019d need help with the baby anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we hire a nanny.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no way for a child to be raised.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh,\u201d he laughed, \u201cjust because we have a nanny doesn\u2019t mean we will be absent from our children\u2019s lives.\u201d He moved closer to her and lifted her into his lap. \u201cWe don\u2019t need to deal with any of this until we know there\u2019s a child. And just from the little we\u2019ve discussed, we both have an idea of how we can handle a baby and what we need to do. So I think,\u201d he said, as he gently kissed her, \u201cthat we should enjoy what\u2019s left of our honeymoon and wait and see. And if you\u2019re not with child, then we\u2019ll just have to be careful for awhile.\u201d The simple act of lifting her chin lifted her eyes, their bright blue still muted in grays. He pressed his lips to hers, and waited until she responded, then drew her closer.<\/p>\n

Her only thought at the moment was how easy it was for him to remove all worry from her mind as if he had swept her away to a place where fears weren\u2019t allowed. Looking into his deep, hazel eyes, she asked, \u201cWill things ever be easy for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll be as easy or hard as we allow them to be? The first thing you need to learn is to take one day at a time. It\u2019s alright to schedule performances and line up horses to be trained, but when it becomes a chore, maybe it\u2019s time to quit.\u201d As she lay in his arms across his lap, he twirled her hair around his fingers. \u201cMaybe you should consider a manager just for your singing. He could arrange everything according to the contracts you already have, and you wouldn\u2019t have to deal with that part.\u201d He had no idea if anything he said made a difference. She still seem preoccupied as if she was already home and planning her next sale or performance.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe a manager would be a good idea once we have children. That would certainly give me more time with them. Adam, I\u2019ve never even held a baby before. I wouldn\u2019t know what to do with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think once we have one, that will come naturally,\u201d he said laughing. \u201cI have experience from when Hoss and Joe were babies.\u201d Taking a deep breath and smiling warmly at her, he asked, \u201cWe have an early morning tomorrow. Are you ready to end the day?\u201d She smiled back and nodded, and the two walked back to their camp, hand and hand.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Shiloh sat back in a chair on the terrace of the hotel room\u2026the same hotel room where they had spent their first night in Santa Cruz.\u00a0 She reflected on the past week and the pleasant journey back, remembering the ride down the beach, stopping to take one more look at the ocean waves lapping at the white sand of the shore or at the meadows waiting for them after they climbed the narrow trail up the cliff, the wildflowers that seemed to smile and say, \u201cnice seeing you,\u201d as they waved goodbye in the breeze.\u00a0 She smiled even though she felt a bit of melancholy at the thought of leaving it behind because she knew spring would be waiting for her with the same warming sunshine and the Sierra\u2019s own unique wildflowers in the mountain meadows waving to welcome her home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood, leaning against the frame of the French doors that led from their room to the terrace, watching her\u2026the smile that had slowly appeared, the soft sighs, and even her hands that every now and again would explore the weave in the fabric of her skirt without her mind ever knowing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had just come back from ordering their dinner after she mentioned that she wanted to relax and enjoy the sunset over Santa Cruz one more time before they left.\u00a0 He walked behind her and bent down, kissing her cheek.\u00a0 \u201cDinner will be here soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking up at him, she smiled and touched the hand caressing her shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cAre you ready to go home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pulled a chair next to hers before he answered, and taking her hand, he replied, \u201cYes and no,\u201d just before he began to kiss between her knuckles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know that tickles, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMm hm.\u00a0 That\u2019s why I do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think I understand the \u2018no\u2019, but why the \u2018yes?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThough we added an introduction to some new things for us\u2026for me\u2026this isn\u2019t our life.\u00a0 Our life is back home at the Flying W and the Ponderosa.\u00a0 I think it will be nice trying to figure our lives\u2026our real lives\u2026out together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you had a chance to change your life to this, would you?\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked at her hand, spinning her wedding band around her finger, and then looked out at the late afternoon sky. \u201cWell, at least you had to think about it before you answered.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that mean that you would trade your life on the ranch for this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked you first,\u201d she said, smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you did.\u00a0 You said something on the beach.\u00a0 We\u2019re ranchers. \u00a0That\u2019s what we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, you can\u2019t use that as an excuse.\u00a0 You\u2019ve picked up something completely different.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut that doesn\u2019t mean I\u2019m giving up the ranch.\u00a0 And that was a stipulation from the beginning\u2026that I wouldn\u2019t have to.\u00a0 There\u2019s a lot to be said for building something tangible. That might have been a little true for the Ponderosa\u2026but it wasn\u2019t mine. We have the Flying W now that\u2019s ours, and we can do with it what we want.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shiloh sat up straight. \u201cBut the Ponderosa will be yours\u2026and Hoss\u2019s and Joe\u2019s. You worked longer than either one of them to help your father build it.\u00a0 I would think you would be more attached to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was my father\u2019s dream, and I was devoted to him.\u00a0 But when I came home from college\u2026\u201d\u00a0 He took a deep breath, and glanced up at her with a look that said \u2018shame\u2019.\u00a0 \u201cPa has been\u2026hesitant to make some of the changes I\u2019ve come up with\u2026to improve things\u2026to move us forward.\u00a0 Pa is an old-fashioned man.\u00a0 New ideas don\u2019t seem to interest him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you ashamed of that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not ashamed of my father.\u00a0 I\u2019m ashamed that I feel that way.\u00a0 But if we don\u2019t improve the ranch using the new ideas, by the time our children take it over, it will be so far behind in efficiency\u2026well, at some point, it just won\u2019t make it.\u00a0 Pa doesn\u2019t have to worry about that.\u00a0 His sons are grown.\u00a0 But our children will have to deal with progress; things we haven\u2019t even imagined.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She had turned to watch him as he spoke.\u00a0 This was the first time she noticed that he used his hands to reach for whatever ideas he was talking about.\u00a0 There was an excitement on his face and in his eyes and voice, and the more he spoke, the more she knew a lazy life on a beach might last a little while, but wouldn\u2019t be at all satisfying for him.\u00a0 He needed to use his brain and his ingenuity.\u00a0 He needed to continually build something bigger, better, and more efficient.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 I\u2019m your wife, and where you go, I go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now he turned toward her and took both of her hands, speaking with that same excitement. \u201cShiloh, it does matter.\u00a0 You have so much potential to learn.\u00a0 That\u2019s why I spoke to your father about college in the first place.\u00a0 The two of us could do some incredible things together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about a woman\u2019s place?\u00a0 I always knew you were more open-minded than most men, but still, you are a man of your times.\u00a0 You keep telling me you want to take care of me, and that hints of traditionalism.\u00a0 I\u2019m even afraid of what will happen when\u2026\u201d she sank back into the chair.\u00a0 \u201cNever mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you afraid of?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A knock at the door drew his attention, but before he went to answer it, he looked back at her.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t forget that question.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An attendant wheeled a cart in, and Adam directed him to the table on the terrace.\u00a0 Adam waited for him to move the food and dishes to the table, and just as he politely excused the attendant, Shiloh took his arm and wrapped hers around it.\u00a0 \u201cYou ordered lobster again,\u201d she said, smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you\u2019d like something besides beef since that\u2019s what you\u2019re going home to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there is chicken, duck, pork and fish at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrue, but most often, we eat beef,\u201d he said as he led her to the table, seating her, and then sitting across from her after he poured the wine.\u00a0 \u201cNow, about that last question.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, can we just enjoy our dinner?\u201d she said, covering his hand with hers and giving him a sweetly sincere smile. \u201cWe can talk about that later.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked at her from under his brow as he cracked open his lobster, but said nothing.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t like she was getting away with anything, but rather he would allow her to postpone it.\u00a0 Of course, he wasn\u2019t going to tell her that.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Shiloh lay in bed with her eyes closed, telling herself to relax. For some reason, she would slowly tense, then when she noticed her muscles begin to hurt, she forced herself to relax. She just couldn\u2019t figure out why she was on edge. Adam had gone down to the hotel desk to see if an answer to the telegram he had sent when they got back to Santa Cruz had arrived, so she was alone. They had a pleasant ride from the beach to the Meder\u2019s that morning and said goodbye to the Meder\u2019s with a promise of visits in the future and to stay in touch, and the ride into Santa Cruz was calm and peaceful. When they got up to their hotel room, she spent the afternoon looking out over Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay while Adam read. Their evening meal and banter was thoroughly enjoyable. So what was making her anxious?<\/p>\n

As quietly as possible, Adam slowly opened the door, and seeing that Shiloh had turned down the lamp and was lying in bed, he just as silently closed it, making his way to the dressing table where he began to undress.<\/p>\n

She watched him, observing his powerful shoulders and arms as he slipped his shirt off, thinking how he made her feel so delicate physically even though she knew she wasn\u2019t. His muscled chest was covered in soft, black, curly hair that she loved to run her fingers over, following the line that coalesced in the center all the way down to his navel. She had never seen a man without clothes before Adam, but based on the way he looked clothed and the way her stomach fluttered when she looked at him, she knew he was well-chiseled everywhere else.<\/p>\n

He crawled under the covers next to her and just as he reached out his hands to pull her into him, she turned to face him. \u201cI thought you were asleep,\u201d he chuckled, then proceeded to draw her to him.<\/p>\n

Settling her arm on his side, she asked, \u201cWhat did you find out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat based on communications from her last port, the Northern Light is on schedule and should be here tomorrow morning around ten. So we don\u2019t have to get up too early, and we don\u2019t have to rush to the harbor. The only difference is that they will be sending a dinghy for us instead of docking,\u201d he said, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how am I supposed to get on board in a dress?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have to climb a ladder, but I\u2019m sure there will be several sailors leaning over the side to assist you as soon as they can reach you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd where will you be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be right behind you making sure no one looks up your dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept you,\u201d she said, touching his nose with her finger. \u201cShame on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nothing I haven\u2019t seen before,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you haven\u2019t seen it from that angle,\u201d she responded, a remark that made him laugh even louder.<\/p>\n

Moving her hand to his face, she ran her thumb over his cheek and into his dimple. She moved her fingers to his lips, holding them there, willing the loveliness of his smile to last forever. \u201cDo me a favor and don\u2019t ever stop smiling.\u201d<\/p>\n

He kissed her fingers. \u201cEver? That\u2019s a tough promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright then, just don\u2019t forget to smile as often as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I can manage that,\u201d he said, moving into her, meeting her lips, and wrapping her up in his arms. When he rolled her over on her back, and shifted into a comfortable position for both of them, she moved her hands to the back of his neck and began running them through his hair. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes while Shiloh watched the goose bumps appear on his neck and shoulders. \u201cDo you have any idea how good that feels?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. That\u2019s why I do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked back down at her, gazing into her eyes. It was easy for him to tell when she was happy or content. Her eyes twinkled in bright blue against stark whiteness. He studied her nose, not too thin, not too wide, but rather soft ending in a round button that was perfectly balanced with her dainty nostrils. Her lips were full and supple with an elegant curve that called to him, and her skin was smooth, even-toned and as soft as the skin of her stomach that had never seen the light of day\u2026until the past week. Propped on his forearms resting beside her shoulders, he kissed her, gently teasing her lips before he moved his hand to her face, and as he opened his mouth to kiss her, she parted her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cMm\u2026Adam?\u201d He moved to her neck, enjoying the warm softness. \u201cMaybe we shouldn\u2019t do this.\u201d He said nothing and moved to her ear. \u201cWe\u2019re supposed to be careful,\u201d she said, closing her eyes as he nibbled her earlobe.<\/p>\n

He stopped and lifted his head to look at her. \u201cThe way I figure it is if you are with child, there\u2019s no danger, because,\u201d he said, bouncing his head slightly from side to side, \u201cyou already are. And because you\u2019re late, that means that you\u2019re probably ready for a monthly, which means it\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if everything is messed up, including the time when I can?\u201d<\/p>\n

Biting the inside of his cheek, and creasing his brows, he looked at her disappointedly, moving away and lying on his back next to her. \u201cThe first thing we are going to do when we get home is take you to the doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already seen a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you realize that unless we know something about what\u2019s going on with you, we might have to wait a month or more before we know for sure if it\u2019s safe? Maybe Paul can tell us that your timing is normal despite that fact that you don\u2019t always have a monthly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rolling to her side away from him, she wrapped her arms around herself, guilt taking over. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I had no idea my\u2026unusual timing\u2026was going to affect us this way.\u201d She felt his hands pushing her shoulder back down on the bed. Pulling the opposite shoulder toward him, he moved her to her side, facing him.<\/p>\n

He pulled her back into his arms until they were nose to nose. \u201cWe\u2019ll wait until we talk to Paul.\u201d When she moved her eyes away, he said, \u201cLook at me. We\u2019re going to see Paul first thing when we get back. Agreed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tears began to well in her eyes. \u201cAdam, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moving his arm underneath her, he pulled her over on him, laying her head on his shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019s alright. We\u2019ll figure it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam stood out on the terrace, watching the ocean ripple in the moonlight that made the fog rolling into the harbor take on an eerie glow. He had waited for Shiloh to fall asleep before he left the bed. Not only was he concerned for her, he was concerned for them\u2026would things ever be the same as they had been on this trip with the possibility of a baby foremost on her mind? And what if Paul did find something wrong? She said she wanted children, and he could understand why she wanted to get their lives on an even keel, but how will she react if she is carrying a child?<\/p>\n

He was rubbing his temples when he heard a noise behind him, and turning, he found her standing in the doorway, watching him, wearing his shirt with her arms wrapped around herself. \u201cHow long have you been watching me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLong enough to know that you\u2019re disappointed in me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling and turning, he held his hand out to her, and when she took it, he drew her toward him. \u201cI\u2019m not disappointed in you. I\u2019m concerned\u2026about what Paul will say. I\u2019m worried about how you\u2019ll feel if we find there is a baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stepped into him, wrapping her arms around him and laying her head on his chest. When he raised his hand to her head and gently stroked her hair, she closed her eyes and listened to his heartbeat\u2026strong, rhythmic, and calming. Looking back up into his eyes, she said, \u201cI never meant to hurt you, Adam. And maybe I\u2019m being selfish.\u201d She reached up and caressed his face, and then pulled him down to her and kissed him softly, waiting for him to respond. When he did, she pressed against him, whispering. \u201cI don\u2019t want to disappoint you. I\u2019ll do whatever you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lifting her into his arms, he carried her back to the bed and lay down with her, holding her against him. \u201cWhat I want most is for you to be happy. And if that means we wait until we can talk to Paul, then we\u2019ll wait.\u201d He drew his finger down her nose and gently touched her lips. \u201cWe\u2019ll be home day after tomorrow. Before we leave Virginia City for the ranch, we\u2019ll go see Paul.\u201d He kissed her again. \u201cNow get some sleep. We have a lot of traveling ahead of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Adam and Shiloh stepped off the steamer Chrysopolis onto the dock at Sacramento at eight o\u2019clock on the evening of Saturday, April 4, 1863. The steamer had an unanticipated extended stop at Rio Vista, causing it to be late to port in Sacramento. The Cartwrights had missed the last stagecoach, and the next on the schedule to Virginia City wouldn\u2019t leave until Monday morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks like we\u2019re spending Sunday in Sacramento City,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not so bad. I can walk over to the American Theatre with a new performance contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to see if the telegraph office is still open. Pa was expecting us tomorrow. But first, we need to find a hotel.\u201d Once their trunks and bags were loaded on a coach, Adam told the driver to take them to the Golden Eagle Hotel.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that where you usually stay when you\u2019re in Sacramento City?\u201d asked Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t stay in a hotel as opulent as the Golden Eagle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why are we staying there now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we are still on our honeymoon\u201d, he said, kissing her hand. \u201cBesides that, you need to keep up appearances since Isabella Whitney will be seen at the American Theatre tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t plan to be seen by anyone but the manager.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, the minute you walk into that theatre, people will know who you are. As a matter of fact, I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if someone recognizes you at the Golden Eagle. They are known for knowing who their guests are and announcing them in the newspaper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why are we staying there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I guarantee that you will be recognized before we leave for Virginia City, and you have a reputation to uphold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens when I come to Sacramento with you on other business\u2026like cattle or horses?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam twisted his mouth. \u201cWe\u2019ll deal with that when it happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not going to pander to the privileged. I\u2019m not a singer who owns a ranch. I\u2019m a rancher who sings.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam simply smiled when he helped her out of the coach in front of the hotel. He asked the coach driver to wait until he was sure there was a suite available, and he and Shiloh went into the hotel.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I help you, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have a suite available?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour name, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd where are you from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Ponderosa Ranch near Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, the Ponderosa.\u201d Looking at Shiloh, the desk clerk said, \u201cAnd you must be Miss Isabella Whitney.\u201d Shiloh looked at Adam with wide eyes. \u201cWe make it our business to know anyone who might be staying with us, and the manager at the American Theatre has mentioned that you might be singing there this year. Of course, Ponderosa beef is well known here as well. And the announcement of your marriage and subsequent stay in San Francisco still graces our society column in the Daily Union.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat. \u201cWhile we\u2019re here at the hotel, you are to address my wife as Mrs. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019ll have someone deliver your baggage to your room. You will be at the center of the hall in room 315. You can view the site of the new capitol building from your private balcony.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking the key, Adam nodded and said, \u201cThank you,\u201d then led Shiloh to the stairs.<\/p>\n

The clerk watched until they were out of sight, and then turned to a young boy who ran errands for the hotel. \u201cRun down to the Pacific Railroad office and tell Mr. Crocker that one of the Cartwrights from the Ponderosa is in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

After their trunks and bags were delivered to their room, Shiloh removed her dress jacket and walked out onto the balcony. Adam followed her and rubbed her shoulders. \u201cYou seem a little tense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot much of a view, is there? Especially with all the work to raise the streets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam answered, turning her around. \u201cFrom where I\u2019m standing, it\u2019s quite beautiful.\u201d He was rewarded with a timid smile. \u201cNow, tell me what\u2019s bothering you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be nice if I wasn\u2019t so readily recognized. And this time, it was because of my association with you. I guess that mess in San Francisco is ripe for the society pages.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you remember when you went to San Francisco the first time\u2026not long after you came home from Boston?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm,\u201d she grunted with a wide smile. \u201cYes, I do. You almost kissed me in my dressing room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, it was his turn to smile. \u201cI remember that. Anyway, you were worried about your privacy here, and had thought you wouldn\u2019t sing before that. Do you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, she conceded. \u201cI know what you\u2019re getting at. I knew this would happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just need to accept that people are going to recognize your name as well as your face\u2026and enjoy it. Now, are you hungry? It\u2019s been awhile since you\u2019ve eaten anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am hungry, but can we eat at the hotel restaurant tonight? I really don\u2019t feel like going far.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll go back downstairs when you\u2019re ready.\u201d He watched her walk to the bedroom of their suite. He could tell by the rigidness of her back that she was still tense.<\/p>\n

After they were seated for dinner and had ordered, Adam asked, \u201cIs something else bothering you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She gave him a half-smile. \u201cI might as well not even try to deny it. You\u2019ve gotten quite good at reading me.\u201d He gave her such an intense look that she felt a warm chill and blushed. \u201cAt dinner last night, the maitre d\u2019 asked you something very quietly as if I wasn\u2019t supposed to hear. You said \u2018no\u2019, and you looked\u2026angry. What did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat up straight, taking a deep breath, then moved his napkin to his lap, and looked back up at her. \u201cIf that\u2019s what\u2019s bothering you, I suspect you already know what that was about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot exactly, but I\u2019m pretty sure it had to do with Will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill asked the maitre d\u2019 to send a bottle of champagne over with his best wishes. The maitre d\u2019 remembered us and the altercation in the lobby and thought he should ask if we wanted it. I told him \u2018no.\u2019\u201d When Shiloh moved her hands to her lap and looked away, Adam leaned forward. \u201cShiloh there\u2019s no fault here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not true. I\u2019ve brought this down on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you haven\u2019t. Will is doing a good job of making a fool of himself all on his own.\u201d He reached across the table, holding his hand out, and she hesitantly took it. Just his touch, the warmth and strength of it, made her feel more at ease. \u201cHe\u2019s not here. He\u2019s seventy-five miles away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, Mr. Cartwright, but this was just delivered for you,\u201d said the hotel manager as he laid an envelope on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Adam, picking the envelope up and opening it.<\/p>\n

Shiloh turned away, propped her elbow on the table and cradled her chin in her hand, mumbling, \u201cIt can\u2019t be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snorted. \u201cNo, it can\u2019t. It\u2019s an invitation from Charles Crocker. He\u2019d like us to have dinner with him and his wife tomorrow evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it say why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure it has to do with the railroad. Crocker\u2019s in charge of construction from the west end.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRailroad ties?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe more, though I\u2019ve never had a railroad man seek us out. We\u2019re usually answering a bid request, and there weren\u2019t any that I hadn\u2019t seen when we left Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so it starts,\u201d she said, smiling.<\/p>\n

After dinner, they retired to their room. Shiloh went to bed, but Adam stayed up to read the newspaper, hoping he could glean something from it that would tell him why Charles Crocker might want to see him.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Standing in front of a mirror at the dressing table, Adam tied his tie, and then shrugged on his black jacket. Shiloh sat just below him, putting the final touches on her hair. \u201cAdam, are you sure the dates for my performance here are alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a little late to be asking me now,\u201d he replied, running a brush through his hair. \u201cWe already signed the contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that mean there\u2019s a problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laying the brush on the dressing table in front of her, he bent and kissed the back of her neck. \u201cNo, but you didn\u2019t seem too happy when we signed.\u201d She sat with her hands on the table, tapping her fingers and drawing in one side of her mouth. \u201cSpit it out,\u201d he said, looking at her in the mirror.<\/p>\n

She sighed loudly and cut her eyes up at him. \u201cThat\u2026that\u2026turtle of a man\u2026wouldn\u2019t accept it unless you signed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a contract, Sweetheart. You and I have already talked about legally binding contracts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing and turning to him, she asked, \u201cDo you even know what the contract said?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt stated what you wanted as far as your accommodations, meals, number of performances and pay. I would never sign a contract without knowing what it said.\u201d He gave her a quick smack on the lips, then turned to fetch her wrap, and bringing it up around her and laying it over her shoulders, he asked, \u201cAre you going to get upset with every contract you write? You\u2019ve known since you said \u2018yes\u2019 that I\u2019d have to sign all of them.\u201d When she pouted, he put his arms around her waist, cocked his head and smiled slightly. \u201cIt\u2019s just something that has to be done, and pouting about it isn\u2019t going to change it. Now, put on that irresistible smile of yours. It\u2019s time to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

A private coach was waiting for them when they got to the lobby. Once they were aboard, they were taken to the Crocker house, where a doorman was waiting at the street and a butler waited at the front door. \u201cMr. and Mrs. Cartwright, welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Adam while Shiloh smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n

Once they were inside the house, the butler asked Shiloh for her wrap, and then led them into a large parlor where Mr. and Mrs. Crocker were waiting. \u201cMr. Cartwright, I\u2019m pleased that you could come on such short notice. Mrs. Cartwright, it\u2019s a pleasure to meet you. May I present my wife?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took her hand and bowed. \u201cMrs. Crocker, it is a pleasure.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned to Shiloh. \u201cI\u2019m very glad to meet you, Mrs. Crocker.\u201d To Shiloh, she looked to be around Adam\u2019s age, a bit younger than her husband. She dressed conservatively and wore her hair in a bun that looked painfully taut. But her smile was so brilliant and relaxed, it immediately set Shiloh at ease.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, won\u2019t you come in and sit down,\u201d she said in a soft, lilting voice. \u201cDinner will be ready in only a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, you\u2019re probably wondering why I invited you for dinner tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTruthfully, I did wonder. I assumed it was about timber, but this is still highly unusual.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the reason I contacted you isn\u2019t just because of your family\u2019s reputation in timber. It\u2019s also because of your lovely wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh perked up. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, have we met?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a mutual friend\u2026Mr. Frederick Stanton.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking over at Adam, she breathed out when she smiled. \u201cAnd what did Mr. Stanton tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not what Mr. Stanton told me. It\u2019s what he did for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh creased her eyebrows. \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

The butler appeared at the parlor door and announced dinner.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we discuss this in the dining room,\u201d said Mr. Crocker, standing and offering his arm to his wife. Adam followed suit and escorted Shiloh to a table that was magnificently set with beautiful china, crystal and silver including multiple forks, spoons and knives. Each plate was prepared by an attendant, and when everyone was served, Mr. Crocker said grace.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand that you\u2019ve just been married,\u201d said Mr. Crocker.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we were married March first and have just returned from a month in San Francisco,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, call me Charles. I hope to be doing business with the Ponderosa for a very long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou and your father have won some of my timber contracts before. And you, Mrs. Cartwright\u2026Mr. Stanton referred to you as Miss Whitney back then, but of course, you weren\u2019t married at the time. You won the bid on some property in the Sierra with what Mr. Stanton described as a unique and impressive bid. He showed it to me, and I agreed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPardon my ignorance, Mr. Crocker\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, call me Charles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh held her breath for a moment, then, forced it out\u2026\u201dCharles\u2026that was a private bid. Why would Mr. Stanton show it to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s quite simple\u2026may I call you Shiloh\u2026or would you prefer Isabella?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh felt completely confused. At this point she didn\u2019t care what he called her, but decided since they were talking about timber\u2026\u201dShiloh, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, you bought the land from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh\u2019s mouth formed the word \u2018oh\u2019, even though she didn\u2019t say it. She looked over at Adam who wore the same expression, but quickly changed his to a reserved smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharles, I think you might be a bit confused,\u201d said Adam. \u201cThe Ponderosa doesn\u2019t own that land. The Flying W does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you and I both know it doesn\u2019t really matter who owns the land. I\u2019m dealing with Cartwrights either way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh moved her eyes toward Mrs. Crocker who was just listening, nodding and smiling. She caught Shiloh\u2019s look and said, \u201cPlease don\u2019t be concerned about my silence. I don\u2019t participate in Charles\u2019 business, but I must say, I\u2019m intrigued that you are knowledgeable in timber and land. I would never have imagined that Charles would agree to sell any of his holdings to a woman, so you must have impressed him greatly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh smiled, but said nothing. She didn\u2019t know whether she had been complimented or insulted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the time I sold the land, I was raising money to get the railroad started from this end. Now that I\u2019ve raised some capital, I\u2019d like to leverage our sales agreement to build it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He had both Adam and Shiloh\u2019s full attention. \u201cWhat did you have in mind?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe sales contract calls for fifty percent of the first five timber contracts. I\u2019d like to give you those five timber contracts and invest my fifty percent in the railroad. By providing you with the timber contracts, I can anticipate what that fifty percent will be and can guarantee future loans.\u201d<\/p>\n

The corner of Adam\u2019s mouth turned up. \u201cSo we figure the amount of the contract, and then execute it at fifty percent of the profit we anticipate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt reduces the line item costs on the railroad to levels where I can get those guarantees. I don\u2019t care if you use Ponderosa timber or Flying W timber, though I\u2019m sure since the sales agreement is with the Flying W, it will most likely be my former timber that you choose. I already know the quality of that wood. I also know the quality of Ponderosa timber.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it wasn\u2019t that my bid was particularly good,\u201d said Shiloh. \u201cIt gave you enough for capital when you needed it and left you with enough for a nest egg when you started purchasing materials.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Stanton was leaning toward Adam\u2019s bid, but when I told him what I wanted to do, he showed me yours. But Shiloh, your bid was brilliant, and exactly what I would expect from someone just getting into the timber business. It was a good risk on your part. The only reservation Mr. Stanton had was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat I\u2019m a woman. Well, I hope Mr. Stanton has learned his lesson about women.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen\u2026no,\u201d said Mr. Crocker. \u201cYou\u2026most definitely.\u201d<\/p>\n

After dinner, they drank brandy in the parlor while Mr. Crocker and Adam discussed the particulars of the railroad\u2019s needs. \u201cAdam, if you can deliver these five contracts on time, I will most likely name you as the primary contractor for the remainder of the timber we\u2019ll need. And I have no doubt that you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t think I have to tell you that this will be a joint effort by both ranches.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEither one or both is fine. I\u2019ll send you the specifications within the next two weeks. Most of it in the beginning will be ties until we can survey the line further into the Sierra. I already know we will be building some trestles, and there will be a need for water tanks and coal storage and perhaps several depots.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll look for them.\u201d The men stood and shook hands. \u201cWell, we should be getting back to the hotel. We have a stagecoach to catch tomorrow,\u201d said Adam, holding his hand out to Shiloh.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr\u2026.Charles,\u201d said Shiloh. \u201cMrs. Crocker, it\u2019s been a pleasant evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you decided when you will be performing in Sacramento?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

Again, she took Shiloh by surprise. \u201cYes, I have. I\u2019ll be back in August.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCharles and I didn\u2019t have the chance to see you perform in San Francisco. I\u2019m looking forward to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shiloh and Adam were quiet in the coach and all the way up to their room. They removed their evening clothes and repacked them, then took out the clothes they would wear for their trip home in total silence. When they got into bed, they lay on their backs staring up at the ceiling, and then at the same time, they both began to laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like I\u2019ve been taken advantage of,\u201d she laughed. \u201cI have no idea why that\u2019s so funny.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s gonna have to sit down for an entire evening when he hears this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning to face each other, they kissed as they laughed and slowly stopped, finally just enjoying each other\u2019s laughing eyes. \u201cAdam, can we handle all this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve already bid on some timber contracts. We won\u2019t get all of them, but it\u2019s going to be a busy season this year. We\u2019ll make it work. I don\u2019t want to turn down the business of the railroad. This could easily be a five or six year deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the courthouse\u2026and you said you have another project for Slater?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShiloh, if there\u2019s one thing that you and I have in common, it\u2019s our need to be busy. We\u2019ll be busy. But we\u2019ll always come home to each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Settling in each other\u2019s arms, they closed their eyes. The silence was broken by an occasional giggle or chuckle until they both fell asleep.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Next Story in theTo Everything, There is a Season Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Special thanks to sklamb; my beta, my friend<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0 This is third of the To Everything series, the first, Re-acquaintance and the second Falling.\u00a0 Shiloh and Adam are married and are embarking on a new life together discovering that fitting all their desires in can make for trouble as her past keeps creeping in, and as they balance the opportunities that come their way.<\/p>\n

Rating: T \u00a0Reader Alert: Some violence, mild adult situations<\/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":5758,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-7899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":7168,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adams-English-Scenic2.jpg?fit=450%2C436&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7912,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7912","url_meta":{"origin":7899,"position":0},"title":"To Everything, There Is A Season #4 – Growing Pains (by MonicaSJ)","author":"MonicaSJ","date":"October 11, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 This is fourth of the To Everything series. \u00a0Shiloh and Adam come home from their honeymoon and embark on a new life together discovering that fitting all their desires in can make for trouble as her past creeps in and as they balance the opportunities that come their way.\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":7842,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7842","url_meta":{"origin":7899,"position":1},"title":"To Everything, There is a Season #2 – Falling (by MonicaSJ)","author":"MonicaSJ","date":"December 6, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"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\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\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13554,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13554","url_meta":{"origin":7899,"position":2},"title":"To Everything, There is a Season #5 – Family Ties (by MonicaSJ)","author":"MonicaSJ","date":"January 12, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Adam and Shiloh are in their seventh month of marriage and have been busy learning the boundaries of married life and how to live with each of their busy schedules.\u00a0 They think the ghosts of the past are gone. \u00a0The worst is behind them, \u00a0In life, things can change\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"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":7809,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7809","url_meta":{"origin":7899,"position":3},"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":13711,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13711","url_meta":{"origin":7899,"position":4},"title":"To Everything, There is a Season #6 – Life’s Demands (by MonicaSJ)","author":"MonicaSJ","date":"September 19, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Even as Adam and Shiloh celebrate the birth of their first child, a son, trouble is eminent with Hoss still partially blind, Micah fighting for his life and more work than one man or woman can handle.\u00a0 This is a story about setting limits while raising Cartwrights. 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