New Beginnings

By Bakerj

PART I  –  THE RETURN

Chapter One

The buggy wheel was stuck fast, and the woman trying to free it had no hope of doing so.  The two small children with her were doing their best to help, but Joe recognized futility when he saw it.  “C’mon, Cooch.  Good Samaritan duty calls.”  Tipping his hat, he asked, “Ma’am, can I help?” 

Fine grey eyes the color of moonlight flashed his way before he heard the firm reply, “No, thank you.  I can manage.”

Joe shrugged and gathered his reins to move on, but her continued exertions pricked at his conscience.  Besides, Pa had raised gentlemen.  “Ma’am, if you don’t mind me saying, I think you could do with some.”

“I told you.  I don’t need help, and I haven’t any money.”

“I wasn’t asking for any.” Failing to keep the anger from his tone, Joe sucked in a breath.

The lady stopped her hopeless shoving of the wheel and turned.  “I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have said that.”

Dismounting, Joe extended a hand.  “Shall we start again?  My name’s Joe Cartwright.”

“Cartwright?  Oh.  You wouldn’t be after money.”  He raised an eyebrow, and she rushed on, “I mean, I’ve heard of the Cartwrights.  You’ve plenty of money.  At least … what I mean to say is … you wouldn’t want payment … but, oh, dear.” 

Joe’s smile widened at her confusion.  “Ma’am.  Let me help.  I daren’t go home and tell my pa I didn’t help a lady in distress.”

“A man like you afraid of his pa?”

“You don’t know my pa.”

When she laughed, it took years off her.

“All right, Mr. Cartwright, have it your way.  My name’s Mrs. Boyd, and this is Sarah and Billy.”

Joe winked at the youngsters and went to the buggy.  The back wheel had sunk deep into the mud.  After a quick appraisal, he assured her it wouldn’t take long to free.  Joe set the children to gather brushwood and spread it over the ground in front of the stuck wheel before cutting a stout branch.  When he was ready, Joe had her climb into the buggy.  He then positioned the bough under the stuck wheel.

“‘Kay, get them going!”

Joe jammed his shoulder under the limb and prepared to help the vehicle ease out of the rut.  The nervy horse had other ideas.  It leaped forward, and Joe hit the mud with a loud splat!  Hands braced, he pushed.  The cloying liquid sucked away from his face.  He opened tacky eyelashes to see the buggy a few feet ahead and Mrs. Boyd clambering down. 

“Are you all right?  Children, don’t laugh,” their mama admonished when they began to giggle, but Joe could see her struggle to keep the smile from her face.

He squelched, bow-legged, out of the mud bath.  His wicked smirk dawned.  Spreading his arms wide, he lurched toward them.  “How about a hug?”

Squealing, the children ran, and Mrs. Boyd backed away, laughing.  “Don’t you dare!”  

The ice between them broken, they chatted while Joe cleaned himself off with the help of his canteen and the tablecloth Mrs. Boyd provided.  It came from the basket that contained their picnic, which had fallen from the buggy.  

She pulled a face at the scattered contents.  “I’m sorry, children. No picnic today.  We may as well head back home.”

“You live in Virginia City?”

As he spoke, Joe slipped off his jacket, revealing the lower portion of one arm encased in a cast.  It was the remnant of his ordeal with a madman named Tanner and would be coming off in a few days.  But it got an instant reaction.

“Mr. Cartwright, your arm!”

“It’s fine.”

“But you might’ve hurt it again.”

“No, really. It’s fine. Look, let me drive you home.  I’m on my way into Virginia City, and it will save my horse and saddle from getting covered in mud.”

Of course, she hesitated.  Joe would’ve been surprised if she hadn’t.  But she did agree. They rode in silence for a while, then Mrs. Boyd said, “Mr. Cartwright.  I really can’t thank you enough for your help.”

“The name’s Joe.  My pa’s, Mr. Cartwright.”

“My name’s Kathryne, although everyone calls me Kate.”

Joe shot her a cheeky grin.  “Perhaps I should still call you Mrs. Boyd.  At least until I’ve met Mr. Boyd.”  Instead of laughing, she stiffened.  “Did I say something wrong?”

“My husband’s been away for almost two years now.”

“I’m sorry.  It can’t be easy for you.”  It was an inadequate response, although the situation wasn’t uncommon.  Men often went away to work, leaving their wives and families for long periods.  “What does your husband do?”

“He’s a mining engineer.”

“He’s found work elsewhere than Virginia City?”

“You could say that.”  He gave a sideways glance at her taut profile.  He wondered at her response but didn’t press.  After a beat, she asked, “What about you, Joe? Are you married?”

Joe flinched.  The question still stung like a raw open wound.  “No.  It’s just me, Pa, and my brothers – I mean brother.”  Kate didn’t question his slip.  Of course, she could know about Hoss and Alice.  The Virginia City gossips kept everyone informed of their business.  “Hop Sing takes care of us.”

“Hop Sing?”

“He’s our cook.  Well, he’s more than that.  He takes care of about everything.”

Kate laughed.  From the back, Billy asked, “Ma, can we have the picnic next week?”

“No, dear.  We’ll have to wait a while now.”

A flush mantled Kate’s cheeks when Sarah hissed in a loud whisper.  “You know Ma has to save up to hire the buggy.”

“I tell you what.  Let me take the buggy back.” Joe proposed.  “I’ll need to apologize to old Mr. Jessop for the mud all over the seat anyway.”

“I couldn’t let you do that.”

“It’s no problem.”

“Mr. Cartwright, thank you, but no.”

Joe cut a look at the now prim lady by his side.  “I put the mud all over the seat.  I should be the one to return the buggy.”

Her jaw clenched, betraying her internal struggle.  She gave way.  “If you insist.  I’ll let you have the money to pay before you go.”

“Certainly, ma’am, whatever you say.”

*****

One glimpse of Kate’s house told Joe the place missed the presence of a man.  Missing shingles, broken shutters, and fences betrayed the neglect.  However, the small kitchen and parlor shone clean and neat.  He balked when she offered him a seat at the kitchen table.

“I don’t wanna make a mess.”

“Nonsense!  I’m not bothered by a little mud.  Sit down.” 

Joe did as he was told. 

In between admiring Billy’s carved horse and Sarah’s needlework, Joe watched Kate struggle to fill the coffee pot from the broken kitchen pump. 

“I can fix that for you.”

“You needn’t bother.  I can manage.”

“It’s no bother.”

He went to the sink to take a better look.  When he reached her, she whirled to face him. The anger on her face made him take a step back. 

“Why do you want to help?”

“What?”

“You think because my husband isn’t here, you can expect something in return?”

Joe could’ve kicked himself for being a fool.  He stepped back, his hands raised. “Sorry. I should’ve thought how that would look. That wasn’t what I meant.”

She turned her flushed face away.  “No.  I’m sorry.  Seems like I’m always reading you wrong.”

“Forget it.”  Joe’s gaze returned to the cause of the misunderstanding.  “I don’t mind fixing it.”

“I really don’t need the help.”

“This place could do with some fixing.”

“I won’t be beholden- ”

“One broken pump won’t make you beholden.” 

“Are you always this stubborn?” 

“I could ask you the same.”

She gave him a begrudging smile and reached for a cup.  “Do you take cream with your coffee?”

“No, ma’am.  Black is just fine.” 

Saying his goodbyes, Joe got to the door when she called.  He turned back.  She ran to him, holding out her hand. 

“You forgot the money.”  He looked down at the few dollars held in her hand.  “To pay for the buggy.”

When he rode away, Joe pondered on the stubbornness of women and determined to go back to fix that pump, and soon.  He couldn’t keep the smirk off his face seeing the shock on hers when he did. 

Joe sat on the back stoop.  With the fixed pump and mended window latch under his belt, he could relax and enjoy the glass of lemonade and sandwich Kate had fixed for him.  In the tiny yard, Billy and Sarah played, and his daydreams drifted to another child.  Kate joined him, breaking into his thoughts of what might have been.

She tucked her skirts around her knees and watched the children for a while before asking, “Why did you come back and help?”

“Just being neighborly.”  The doubt in her eyes made him add, “I’ve no other motive, honest.”

Her bottom lip began to quiver.  A hand fluttered across her face.  Jumping up, she rushed back into the house.  Concerned, he followed. 

“Kate?”

“Don’t, please, I’m fine.”  She wiped her eyes with the corner of her apron.  “You see how foolish I am?  I’m just not used to anyone helping for the sake of kindness and nothing else.”

“I’m sorry.” His words were soft but held no pity. She didn’t need that from anyone. “I hope I can come again.”

The expression in her eyes when she looked at him made him frown. Did she still doubt his intentions? She took a breath and sat down at her small table.  With one hand, she indicated that he sat too. He eased himself into the chair opposite her.  “I need to tell you the truth.  I haven’t been entirely honest with you.”

“All right, I’m listening.”

“My husband isn’t away working.  The truth is, I don’t know where he is.  He left me.  I’m the bad wife who can’t keep her husband.  Now you know.  I thank you for your kindness, and I understand if you want to leave.”

Instinct led him to reach across the table and lay his hand over her tense, shaking ones, giving her comfort and reassurance.  It made him angry that people blamed the wives because their husbands ran out on them.  He burned to think how people would’ve snubbed Kate as a result.  Her husband could be dead, gone for good, or even taken up with a new woman and started a family.  Kate may never know, but she had to carry the burden of his leaving.

“I would say it’s more of a bad husband leaving a good wife, and I don’t want to go.”

The spill of the first tear took Joe to her side.  His sympathy roused. He didn’t hesitate to drop to one knee and hug her while she sobbed.  Sensitive to her every movement, he released her the minute her body tightened to move away. 

“I can’t think what’s wrong with me.  I don’t normally cry like this.”  Getting up, she wiped her face and shook out her skirts.  “Would you like some pie?”

Joe leaned on the doorjamb and watched while Kate bustled about the kitchen, laying out plates and cutting the pie.  It must be hard taking care of herself and two kids alone.  He admired her courage.  That drew him to her, maybe because she was suffering loss in a way worse than him.  At least he could bury his and move on. However long that took.

Gathering up Cochise’s reins, Joe turned back to the little family.  “Y’know, it’s a shame you missed out on your picnic.  How about I take you on one next Sunday after church?”

Billy and Sarah looked up at their mother.  “Can we, Ma, please?”

Their eager faces won the day.  He gave Billy and Sarah a wink.  With a wave, he set Cooch into a trot and headed home.  The warmth spreading across his chest birthed a spontaneous smile.  That hadn’t happened in quite a while.  Maybe it was true?  Kindness was its own reward.

*****

Chapter Two

“Joe, don’t forget to pick up the mail.”

He gave Pa a salute to acknowledge the request and set Cochise into a canter.  He knew why Pa was asking.  The annual letter from Adam was overdue.  They hadn’t had any news from Older Brother since the wire acknowledging Hoss’ death.

Joe still ached at the thought of losing Hoss.  How can you get over the loss of your right arm? Your best friend?

Getting to Virginia City required no conscious thought.  Joe eased Cooch into a lope.  The crisp, sharp air vibrated through his lungs, heavy with the smell of the pines, a sharp tang on his nostrils.  The feel of the leather in his hands was both familiar and reassuring.  It was a good day to be alive.  Six months ago, he hadn’t thought that way.  The death of Hoss, Alice, and his unborn child had sent the world into never-ending grey. It had taken an encounter with a crazy man named Tanner to restore his will to live.  Wake him up to what he risked losing.  Bring him back into a world of color and hope. It was sometimes a slow process, but every day, the colors got that little bit brighter.

Joe set Cochise into a canter once he reached the top of the steep road into Virginia City and made for Kate’s house.  He’d been back a few times to carry out more repairs.  The picnic had been a success, making him keen to invite her to another, and that was his errand today.  Drawing Cooch up at the little house, he found her hanging out her washing.

Kate gave him a wave.  “What brings you here?”

“Chores, including collecting the mail.  We’re hoping there’s a letter from my brother, Adam.  He lives in Australia.”

“Heavens!  How did he end up there?”

“The long way.  He visited about every place in between.  London, Paris, Vienna, Rome, even India, and China.”

Kate stuck a peg in another sheet corner.  “My husband and I traveled a lot before we came to Virginia City.  I prefer staying in one place.”

“Yeah.  I couldn’t leave the Ponderosa.  Y’know, we have a fine fishing pond right next to a pretty little meadow.  The perfect spot for a picnic.  How about this Sunday?”  Kate pulled down the washing line and the sheet she had pegged so she could see him.  He tilted his head and put his hands on his hips.  “Now you aren’t gonna give me an argument, are you?”

She laughed.  “No.  We’d love to.”

“Great.  See you then.”

Satisfied, he climbed back on Cochise and went to finish the rest of his business.  

Joe recognized his eldest brother’s neat handwriting on the envelope.  So different from his left-handed fist, which Adam used to call indecipherable.  Delighted, he tucked the small bundle into his inside pocket.  Once he’d lifted out of his deep grief, Joe had been shocked to see how events of the past year had left their mark on his father.  This was just what Pa needed. 

*****

Chapter Three

Joe opened the door and wasn’t surprised to see his father walk around to greet him.  Pa still needed to reassure himself he was back safe.  He handed over the mail.  “There’s a letter from Adam.”

His father discarded the rest of the mail and tore open the letter he’d been so anxious to receive before he settled into his chair.  Joe left him to read in peace and returned a few minutes later, having wheedled some sandwiches and coffee out of Hop Sing.

“Joe!”

The sandwich dropped from Joe’s fingers.  “Dadburnit, Pa.  What’s the matter?”

The letter was waved under his nose.  “Adam’s coming home!”

“What?”

“Wait, there’s more.  Let me read it to you.”

“ ‘I have momentous news.  I’m writing this letter as I prepare to depart for America.  I’ve met a wonderful woman.  Her name’s Sophia Downlow, and we’re married.’  Shush!  There’s more.”  His father hissed when Joe gave a whoop.  “ ‘I’ve realized I want our children to grow up on the Ponderosa.  I want them to know their grandpa and receive the kindness and wisdom from him I received.’  I’ll skip that bit.  ‘I want them to know their Uncle Joe and Jamie and learn about their Uncle Hoss.’”  He goes on to say they should arrive at the end of May.”  Slapping the paper with his free hand, he declared, “Adam will be home next month.  What do you think of that?”

“Adam married and coming home?  Heck, that’s great!”  Then Joe frowned and asked, “When did Adam send the letter?”  His father read the date and looked back at Joe in dismay.  “He won’t know, will he?”

“Joe ….”

“It’s okay.  We can tell him when he gets here.”

Ben announced the news to Jamie, Candy, and Hop Sing at supper.  A smile lingered deep in Joe’s eyes.  Pa had got back the spring in his step since he’d received the news.

Knowing his eldest would want to get started on a house of his own right away, Ben arranged for the timber mill to lay in wood.  Hop Sing cleaned the house from top to bottom and then did it again.  They waited in eager anticipation.  April slipped into May, and May crept toward June, and still, no news came.  Aware of the dangers of sea travel, Ben was ripe for firing off wires to every shipping agent in the country, and it took all Joe’s persuasion to prevent him. 

Meanwhile, Joe continued to see Kate.  The second picnic was a great success.  He drove them to the pretty pond he’d promised.  Set free, the children ran along the bank, skimmed stones, and paddled while Kate and Joe watched. 

They talked and laughed, and he had time to study her.  Relaxed, the tense, wary look that clung to her vanished, allowing her face to show its natural beauty.  She was the sort of woman that hung in a man’s memory.  Full of pride and spunk that showed in the set of her jaw and the spark in her eyes.  How could any man walk out on a woman like this?

She told him about her husband and how they’d met.  He’d passed through her community on his way to the goldfields.  “Imagine a foolish girl of sixteen swept away by a handsome young man looking for adventure and fortune.  I don’t think he even wanted a wife or the responsibility.  Sometimes I wonder why he asked me to marry him.”

Joe didn’t wonder.  He knew.  Standing on the verge of womanhood and just beginning to unfurl those glorious petals, how she must have dazzled him.  No wonder Boyd couldn’t resist.  What man could?  “What happened between you two?”

“After he couldn’t get work in California, we settled in Virginia City.  He got a good job, but he wasn’t happy when I fell pregnant again with Billy.  He hadn’t wanted Sarah, and Billy was just another mouth to feed.  We argued.  Then, he started to leave for days at a time.

“He began to drink more and stay away longer.  We had no money coming in, so I got a job in the dress shop.  I could at least support myself and the children.  The last time he came back was over two years ago.”

His admiration grew when she told him how she’d practiced her sewing every evening to get promoted to seamstress.  He suspected John Boyd was more than just a drunk and a deserter and her marriage harder than she let on.  He found her remarkable.  Her strength, courage, and determination captivated him.

*****

“Where’re you off to?”

Joe halted and turned to his father, who had come out of the house.  “Virginia City.  I’m taking Kate and the children fishing.”

“You’re seeing a great deal of Mrs. Boyd, aren’t you?”

He loaded the basket he was carrying into the buggy and, over his shoulder, replied, “I’m just being neighborly.”

“Is that all it is?”

“Yes. Why?”

“No reason.  Only when a man spends a lot of time with a woman, it tends to mean something.”

Joe fought down the heat filling his chest.  “Can’t a man just be a good friend?”

“Of course, he can.  Just remember, one man giving this much attention to a woman can lead to unwelcome speculation in others.”

“She’s a married woman.”

“I know that, son.  I’m glad you do, too.  Have a good time.”

He couldn’t keep the glare out of his eyes when he told Pa he’d see him later and snapped up the horse a bit too hard.  He and Kate were friends.  What was wrong with that?  She was struggling, and he helped out around her place, and okay, they’d gone on a few picnics.  If they both benefited from that, so what?  In Kate, he found a person he could be comfortable with without any emotional entanglement.  But then, why was he angry?

The realization of his physical attraction to Kate doubled him over like a punch to the gut.  The sense of betrayal to Alice speared him to the heart.  He’d been happy and content in Kate’s company.  He sensed in her a kindred spirit.  Another soul who needed friendship but wanted nothing more.  When did that change?  When did he start wanting — what?  He was sure it wasn’t just sex.  A trip to one of the establishments on ‘D’ Street would provide that.  No, it was more than that.  He needed to connect physically with a person he could love, not ‘love’, love, but the warmth and comfort two people were able to share and experience together.  To have that union with another who needed it as much as he would be special.  He cursed himself for a fool.

His first reaction, to never see Kate again, he quickly quashed.  It wouldn’t be fair to her or the children.  How could he explain his reasons?  These were his feelings, not hers.  He had no right to any expectation of anything else, and she and the children didn’t deserve to be punished for his stupidity.  She was a married woman, and that was the end of it.  He’d never make her uncomfortable or put that friendship in jeopardy. 

Joe came up with a cunning plan.  Determined to throw dust in the eyes of those who were a little too interested, he dragged Jamie along the next time he visited. 

“Tell me again, why am I doing this?”

Joe looked across at his guileless younger brother, “She’s a nice lady who needs some help.”

“But weren’t you helping?  Why do I hav’ta?”

“Don’t you wanna give the lady a hand?”

“Sure, sure, I do.  I wasn’t saying that I didn’t.”

Joe grinned.  He was a good kid.  The addition of his younger brother would confound the nosy.  Plus, there was safety in numbers.  Jamie’s presence would alleviate any likelihood of him and Kate finding themselves in too intimate a situation. 

*****

Chapter Four

The contract negotiations had gone well, but they finished late.  Joe considered the long ride home and dismissed the idea.  Pa knew he might choose to stay in town if the meeting ran on, so he had no qualms in making his decision.  Handed his usual room key by the hotel clerk, he headed straight out to satisfy his other reason for staying – to visit Kate.  She’d have finished work by now.  Maybe he could persuade her to come out to dinner?

He snuck through the back streets to avoid the eyes of any gossipy neighbors and found her in the small backyard, chopping some kindling.

Joe leaned on the fence, grinning at her.  “Howdy, ma’am, can I be of assistance?” 

“Where have you sprung from?”

“A long and boring contract negotiation.”  He vaulted the fence and swaggered over.  “I thought I could persuade you to have dinner with me.”

Kate sighed.  “I worked late tonight.  Mrs. O’Keefe has already fed the children, and they’re in bed.  My dinner’s on the stove.”  The dusk cast shadows over her face, but he could still see the gleam in her eyes and her smile.  “There’s plenty.  Why don’t you join me?”

A thrill ran through him, but he held his eagerness in check and forced himself to ask, “You sure?”

“Of course.”

He relieved her of the basket of wood with practiced ease and followed her into the house.  He couldn’t deny the chance for them to be alone was better than dinner in a crowded restaurant. “Remember, she’s married,” he told himself for the millionth time, and another part of his brain admonished, You’re crazy! Why torture yourself?  He ignored it.

They told each other about their day and afterward took their coffee to the small settee in the parlor.  The comfortable companionship they slipped into over dinner allowed Joe to relax.  They sat shoulder to shoulder, allowing him to admire the curve of her throat and elegant slope of her shoulders.  When his gaze trailed lower, he shut his eyes and forced himself to look elsewhere.

“This is nice.  Having someone to talk to about my day,” Kate remarked.

Joe dared to lay his arm along the back of the settee.  “It must be lonely at times.”

“Yes.  I have the children, but that’s not the same.  Do you understand?”

“I do.”  Joe reached for the loose hair hanging down her neck and wound and unwound it around his fingers.  “A woman needs a man, and a man needs a woman.”

“It depends on the man.”  She turned and looked up at him.  “A man like you, a woman could easily want.”

He answered the expectation in her eyes without thinking.  His stomach muscles tightened, and heat exploded through him at the feel of her lips on his.  He broke off, flustered.  “I’m sorry.  I’d no right to do that.“

Her hands captured his face.  “You don’t know how long I wanted you to.” 

She drew him down to her again, and he went.  The kiss was longer and deeper, and Joe’s body stirred in response.  Every nerve wanted to continue and lose himself within this wonderful creature, but he broke the kiss again. 

“I’d better go.”  Instead of letting him move away, Kate followed him up and stepped closer.  He saw something in her he’d never seen before — desire.  She lifted her head in mute invitation.  This time, he answered it by pressing his lips on hers.  Fire burned through him, and an intensity that demanded to be met forced its way up his body.  He had to stop and leave before he couldn’t.  His words were a desperate plea, “I have to go.”

He heard the answering plea in her whisper, “Stay with me tonight.”

“I can’t.  It wouldn’t be right.  If people knew.”

“No one will know.  Please, Joe. I need you.”

The longing in her voice was oxygen to his flame. His hands encircled and crushed her to him.  Her warmth and shape thrilling against his.  The kiss this time was hungry, eager, and they both plunged deep into each other.  Even as the intoxication of her flooded his being, doubt rose, and he pushed them apart.

“I can’t.  It would be under false pretenses.  I can’t give you anything in return or promise that might change.  After my wife … I’ve got nothing left ….” he trailed off, hoping she’d understand.

“I’m not asking for promises.  I’m married, Joe, remember?  I can’t give you those either.”  He searched her face, questioning her with his eyes.  Hers never wavered.  “I’m not asking you to love me.  I’m asking you to make love to me.  It can’t be wrong for two people to get the physical comfort they need from each other.”  His heart pounded in his chest, hearing his thoughts repeated back to him. 

“Joe, you’re a good man and a good friend.  I like you, trust you, and yes, I’m attracted to you.  I wouldn’t ask this of anyone else.  I want to be with you, just you.  But if you can’t ….”

When she began to pull away, his hand tightened.  He drew her close.  Their kiss, deep and sensuous, awoke all his suppressed needs.  But again, he asked, “You’re sure?”

She nodded and moved toward her bedroom door.  He stepped ahead to open it first.  Placing his hand on the small of her back, he guided her through and closed the door behind them.

*****

Joe rolled over and buried his nose deep in the sheet that smelled of her.  He luxuriated in the intoxication of her scent, sighing in his contentment.  His stomach muscles tightened in a reflex action.  He stretched involuntarily at the memory of their lovemaking.  Every time with Kate became more pleasurable than the last.  The passion he’d unleashed in her startled him at first, but, by God, he’d embraced it.

Cocking one eye open, he could see the first sign of predawn filter through the curtains.  He’d need to leave soon.  Creeping back to his hotel room before the children and too many ‘good’ citizens of Virginia City were about their business.  No one knew about them.  For the sake of Kate’s reputation, of course.  But also, what they had was something private, between them and no one else.  They wanted to hang on to that.  They saw each other as often as possible.  Joe found an excuse to stay in Virginia City overnight whenever he could, and when he couldn’t, he stayed anyway. 

The door creaked, and Kate slid herself back into bed.  “I’ve made you coffee.”

Joe took the cup, placed it on the small bedside table, and caught her in his arms, drawing her close.  Her soft skin against his sent ripples of excitement through him.  “I need something sweeter first.” 

The gurgling laugh caught in her throat and changed to an expectant groan under his kiss.  The sound drove him wild.  To hell with coffee.

*****

“You’ve been spending a lot of nights in Virginia City.”  Joe’s eyes lifted from his book at his father’s words.  “And I hear you’re paying for a room at The International you never use.”

Caught unaware, Joe cursed, “Damn that Otis, he should mind his own business.”

Pa’s coffee cup clanked back in its saucer.  “I didn’t hear it from Otis.  You don’t have to worry about him.  He’ll keep your secrets.  If you can still call them that.”

Annoyance crept up Joe’s spine.  He wondered who in Virginia City had been busy.  “Y’know, I’m a bit old for a necessary talk.”  His heart sank when his father’s brows drew down into a frown.  Since losing Hoss, Joe had tried to deflect most of Pa’s ‘mother hen’ instinct onto Jamie, but he was in line for both barrels this time.  “All right, Pa, say what you got to say.”

“I hear you’re spending your nights with Kathryne Boyd.”

“Where did you hear that?”

“Does it matter?  Is it true?”

Rankled, Joe answered more sharply than he intended, “Yes, it’s true.”

“Joseph!  She’s a married woman.”

The shock in his father’s voice enflamed him.  “In name only!”

“For Heaven’s sake.  That’s where it counts.”

“Not to me.  Not to us.” 

“She’s married!”

Joe jerked out of his chair and walked over to the stairs.  Hand on hips, he lashed out, flinging the words over his shoulder, “I know that!  If we don’t care, why should anyone else?”

“Are you being fair to Kathryne?”

Joe started at this change of tack.  “What does that mean?”

“The gossip has already started about the two of you.”

“Virginia City has talked about us Cartwrights ever since they put up the first tents.  I don’t care what they say, and neither does Kate.” 

“You may be able to ignore it, but the situation is different for her.  The talk must hurt her.  What about her reputation, her children, and what will happen when her husband comes back?”

“He’s not coming back.”

“Joe— ”

“Look, I appreciate your concern, but I know what I’m doing, and so does she.  We’re not in love, Pa, if that’s what’s bothering you.  We’re just getting what we need.  That’s all.”

Although incensed by the gossip’s tattling, his father’s words found a target and sank in like a thorn Joe couldn’t dig out.  Had he been selfish and taken advantage of Kate?  Was it just easy on his part to think it suited them both to make no promises or be under any obligations?  Whatever he believed, there was no denying any damage from their affair would be far greater for her than for him.  Pa was right.  It would be easy for him to walk away, while Kate could never recover a ruined reputation.  It ripped him apart, but he had to give her the chance to end the relationship.

Those fine eyes burned deep from anger.  “You don’t want to see me anymore, is that it?”

Joe gripped the back of the chair.  This wasn’t going well at all.  “No, of course not.  But I have to think of you.  I don’t have the right to risk your reputation like this.  I thought the best decision would be—”

The coffee pot Kate held crashed down.  “Oh!  You men!  Always making decisions for us poor women.  Don’t I have a say?”

“Yes, of course, you do, but—”

“But?  What, but?  I’m too stupid to realize what it means if people suspect us?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then let me decide.  It’s my life, Joe Cartwright.  If I don’t care about what people think or say behind my back, why should you?”

“Do you know how beautiful you are when you’re angry?”  Kate gasped.  He crossed the distance between them in two eager strides to take her in his arms.  “I’m sorry.  I don’t want us to end.  Pa, just – well, he got to me.”

Her hands played with the top button on his shirt.  He closed his eyes, fighting the sparks this set off inside him.  His jaw clenched at her sigh. 

“He did it for the best, I suppose.”  She tilted her head to look up at him.  He saw her satisfied smile when she recognized the look in his eyes.  “We have an hour until the children get home.”

He didn’t need any more of an invitation.

*****

Chapter Five

The end of May approached, and they still had no word from Adam until the day when a vehicle drew up to the house. Turning his head at the sound, Jamie asked, “You expecting someone, Pa?”

“Paul.  He said he might drop by today.”

Joe stayed put while Jamie went to the door.  But instead of his pa’s friend, he found a well-dressed man helping a woman down from a buggy.  Jamie held the door wide and called over his shoulder, “It ain’t him, Pa.”

“Oh?”

Two people filled the threshold.  Ben gazed across into the eyes of his beloved oldest son.

“Hi, Pa.”

“Adam,” Ben breathed.  He pulled himself together and rushed toward his son.  Hands held out in welcome.  “It’s so wonderful to see you.”

Ben grasped Adam’s hand, pumping it while he looked his son over.  Time had filled him out, added lines to his face, put grey in his hair, and silver at his temples.  But it was the same face he’d always known. Greeting his brother, Joe slapped him on the back. 

When he let go of his son’s hand, Adam put an arm around the lady next to him, “May I introduce my wife, Sophia.”

“My dear, it’s so good to meet you, Sophia.  Welcome to the Ponderosa.”

“Sophy, Mr. Cartwright, please, Sophia’s much too formal.”

“Sophy, you must call me Ben,” he responded, smiling at his new daughter-in-law.  He flung up his hands.  “Where are my manners? Let me take your coat, and I will introduce you to everyone.”

When she removed her coat, Sophy revealed her current condition.  Dumbstruck, everyone stood and stared.  Adam’s smile slipped into a proud grin, and Sophy began to giggle.  Sophy was with child. 

Joe reacted first.  “Adam, you old dog you!  Sophy, congratulations.”

Ben led her to the settee.  “When’s the baby due?”

“In about three months.” Adam sat down next to his wife.  “How does it feel, Pa, to know you’re going to be a grandpa at last?”

A strained silence fell.  Ben flicked a glance at Joe, who got up a little too fast and filled the silence.  “Hey, I’d better tell Hop Sing you’re here, or he’ll never forgive us.”

Always one to catch on fast, Ben wasn’t surprised when Adam asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I did write to you, but I think my letter arrived after you left.  Joe was married.  Alice, his wife, fell pregnant.”  Ben paused to gather himself, and he noticed how Sophy slipped her hand into Adam’s, who held it tight. “There was trouble.  We found out later Alice’s brother had gotten himself into debt.  The men went to get the money he owed them out of her.  Joe came home to find their house on fire.  He tried to get inside ….”  Ben ran his hands together.  He saw again the burns on Joe’s hands from his desperate struggles to reach his wife.  “They’d murdered Alice and her brother and burned the house to hide the evidence.”

“Dear God.”

“So, you see, the baby … is just.  Adam, it’s not that he’s not happy for you both.”

“It’s all right.  I understand.”

A crash from the kitchen turned everyone’s head to see Hop Sing appear around the corner.  Adam smiled at the sight of the Chinaman, older and more bent than he remembered but still with a spring in his step. 

“Mister Adam, you get home at last!  I clean house many times before you come.”

Adam got up and shook the faithful servant’s hand. “I’m sorry, Hop Sing, we spent longer in New York than we planned, and the journey home needed to be taken slow, too.”

Once introduced to Sophy, Hop Sing understood the meaning of Adam’s words.  His excitement racked up another notch.  “We have baby on Ponderosa?  Wonderful.  I fetch coffee quick.  Then Missy Cartwright can rest until dinner ready.”

“Good heavens,” Ben exclaimed.  “Where are my manners today?  Of course, you will want to rest.”

Sophy laughed.  “Would it be possible for me to have a cup of tea, Hop Sing?  That would be lovely.  Then, I should like to rest.”

Delighted to please this new addition to the family, Hop Sing disappeared back to the kitchen.

Joe didn’t return with the refreshments.  After a few minutes, Adam excused himself.  He found his brother feeding the horses and sucked in his cheeks when he saw the big chestnut in one of the stalls. “What’s he doing here?”

“Pa had him brought back in.  After nine years back on the range, he needed a bit of gentling.”

“I bet.  Well, it’s good to see him.  Thanks.”

“For what?”

“For working on him.  It was you?”

Joe winked.  “My pleasure, Older Brother.”

Adam drew a breath.  “Joe— ”

“Pa told you.”

“Yes, he told us.  I’m so sorry you had to go through that.  I wish I’d been here.”

“It wouldn’t have changed anything.”

Adam’s keen gaze rested on his brother.  Of them all, Joe had changed the most.  He hardly recognized this broad-chested, thirty-two-year-old with greying hair.  Perhaps his father’s early greyness wasn’t due entirely to Joe’s escapades after all?  Adam placed a hand on his shoulder.  “I know.  But I still wish I had.”  

Joe smiled.  It wasn’t the brilliant, carefree smile Adam recalled, but it was a smile, nonetheless. 

They returned to the house together.  The tired expression on his wife’s face told Adam she was ready for a rest.  Jamie and Joe whipped their luggage up to Adam’s old room.  Ben linked Sophy’s arm through his and escorted her upstairs.  Adam could see the Cartwright charm at work already.  Hop Sing brought up hot water and fresh towels before returning with their lunch on a tray.  With imperial decision, he informed them they must eat and then rest until supper.

*****

Ben looked up when he heard footsteps on the stairs.  His heart gave a joyful lurch seeing Adam.  It would take a while to get used to having him back home.

“How’s Sophy?”

“She’s fine.  She’ll be down in a few minutes.”

Getting up, Ben walked around his desk to meet him and couldn’t resist putting a hand on his son’s shoulder to feel his physical presence.  “I can’t tell you how good it is to have you home.”

“Thanks.  I’m sorry I didn’t return sooner.  That I wasn’t here for Hoss and Joe.”

They both sank back into their old, familiar, favorite chairs. 

“You can’t blame yourself for that.  Life is what it is.  Without the bad times, we wouldn’t appreciate the good.”  Ben grimaced at the familiar probing look he hadn’t seen for so long.  Serve you right for raising no fool.  “All right, I won’t pretend it hasn’t been hard.  In fact, it’s been a hellish year.” 

“I can’t imagine how terrible it was.”

“I admit I was worried about Joe.  He was okay on the face of it, and yet, I couldn’t seem to reach him.  Losing Alice was bad enough, but the baby .…” Ben’s voice broke.  Adam held his peace, giving Ben time to gather himself and continue.  “Then, suddenly, he came back to us.  He’d gone on a business trip and ran into a madman who tried to kill him.”

“What?” Adam interrupted, startled.  “After everything else?”

“I know.  But I believed that saved him.  He returned to us alive again.  He’s still grieving, we all are, but he’s stopped drifting away.”

A noise from the stairs drew their attention.  Before Adam could rise, Ben sprang up and went to Sophy.

“How’re you feeling, my dear?  Did you get enough rest?”

“Yes.  Thank you.”

Slipping her arm once more through his, he guided her to the settee.  As he settled her down, Ben complimented, “You certainly look wonderful.”

“Still got that silver tongue, Pa.”

“Adam, what a thing to say?” Ben reproved.

Sophy chuckled.  “It’s quite true.  I can see Adam got all his charm from you.”

Ben laughed, but underneath, it pleased him.  It was nice to think he could still charm the ladies even at sixty-four.

The front door flung open.  Adam turned, expecting to see Joe.  Instead, Jamie bounced through.  He tossed a laughing comment to the dark-haired man behind, whom Adam assumed was their foreman, Candy.  Joe followed them in and shut the door.

“Oh, good, boys, right on time.  Go wash up for supper.”

When they returned, Ben introduced Adam and Sophy to Candy.  It surprised Adam when the foreman joined them at the table for supper.  This hadn’t been the practice before he’d left, but he soon realized this man was more than just a hired hand, especially to Joe.  He found himself drawn to the laid-back foreman with his broad, easy smile.

Adam liked Jamie right away.  Nervous around his oldest brother and a bit overawed, Adam took the time to draw the boy out about his studies at school and identified a mutual interest in engineering.

“Hey, Pa, Adam says he can help me with my science project.”

“If anyone can, it’s brainy, older brother,” Joe pointed out.

Adam grinned back across the table in response to the teasing.  Once the family had settled around the fireplace, the conversation turned to how Adam and Sophy met. 

Sophy rested her head against her husband’s shoulder.  “Why don’t you tell them.”

Adam eased an arm around her and began.  “The day I met Sophy, she was in a battle for a life.”

“What?” Joe exclaimed.

“I’m not joking.”

“Oh, Adam.  Such nonsense,” Sophy admonished.  “It was a dog.  I’d come upon four boys abusing the poor creature.  I was shooing them away.  That’s when Adam arrived and thought I needed help.”

“They had pushed you to the ground.”

“That is true.  You were very gallant.  Your brother rescued me like a knight from a fairy tale.”

“So that was it.  Love at first sight?” Joe asked.

Sophy and Adam’s smiles answered Joe’s question.  His happiness for his brother pushed aside the pang that shot through his heart.  Right now was a time for joy.  He could do that.

After everyone retired, Ben found himself alone with Joe.  Ben watched his son.  In the firelight, the lines of Joe’s face were thrown into shadow, highlighting his cheekbones.  Ben could almost believe he was twenty-one again. 

After a few minutes sitting in silence, Ben said.  “It’s good to have him home.”

“Yeah.  It’ll be great to have a new Cartwright on the Ponderosa, too.”

Ben smiled, proud of his youngest’s generosity of heart, even after all he’d lost.  “Well, I’m beat.” 

Going past Joe to the stairs, he put his hand on Joe’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. They needed no words.  Both understood the unspoken gesture. 

*****

Chapter Six

The site Adam had picked for his new home along the eastern boundary of the Ponderosa, near Carson City, surprised Ben.

Adam explained his thinking, “I want to be part of the Ponderosa, but I need to use my other skills.  Carson City can better sustain an architect’s business.  I want to split my time between the two.  When I need to travel to San Francisco, Salt Lake, and other places, I’ll coordinate those with Ponderosa work as much as possible.”

Ben hid his disappointment.  His eldest had always been his own man.  If this made him happy, that was good enough.  “If it’s what you want, that’s fine with me.”

“Joe’s doing a fine job without me anyway.”

“Your brother stepped up in ways you can’t imagine after Hoss ….”  Ben paused, and his thoughts went to his two sons, the spirit and the heart of his life.  Ben smiled.  He was proud of all his sons.  “You’ll make it work, Adam.  I know you will.”

*****

Once the house building was in full swing and everything on track, Adam took the opportunity to seek out his brother.  He found him working through a pile of paperwork.  Could this be the same man who’d always complained about doing the books?  In an old familiar move, he hitched a thigh onto the edge of the desk and asked, “Busy?”

“Just catching up on bills and stuff.”

“Is this mine baby brother I see before me?”

“One of your writers?”

“Shakespeare, which I mangled.”  He crossed his arms to get down to business.  “I’ve been meaning to ask you.  Are you okay with my being back?”

“What the heck kind of question is that?”

Adam pursed his lips at his clumsiness.  “What I mean is … back on the Ponderosa, working it with you.  From what I’ve seen, you can run the ranch fine without me.”

Joe’s mobile eyebrows shot up his forehead.  “Don’t let Pa hear you say that.  He’s still ‘bull of the woods’ around here.”

Adam smiled.  The words brought back memories.  Distant, long ago, fond memories.  “Maybe, but I don’t want to muscle in on you.”

“Have you forgotten how much work this place takes to run?  Pa and I could do with the help, especially since Jamie’s set on college next year.  ‘Sides, Pa told me how you plan to run your own business and coordinate your trips with ranch business. That would be great.  It would take a weight off me.”

“Thanks, Joe.  If you’re sure.”

“Sure, I’m sure.”

Adam dipped his head and slid a look at Joe.  He was still getting used to the changes in his brother’s face.  He could see the fine lines where tragedy had left its mark. 

“Pa’s also told me about your relationship with Kathryne Boyd. “  He saw Joe stiffen.  His eyes shifted to a darker hue, letting his brother know he was on thin ice.  Adam hurried on, “I’m not here to judge.  I’ve not been a celibate in the past nine years, you know.  Does she make you happy?”

“Yeah, she does.”

“Then, I’m glad.”  Adam took a breath.  “Y’know, you’ve done a great job here.”

Joe laughed.  He got up and slapped Adam on the shoulder with the paper he’d carried.  Turning off the compliment, he joked, “You just caught me on a good day.  Have you seen Pa?”

“Yeah, he and Jamie are out in the back corral working that little filly.”

“Thanks. I need to speak to him about this contract.”

“Mind if I join you?”

“Not at all, Older Brother.  Might as well start teaching you the ropes again.”

Joe ducked away from Adam’s playful swipe and laughed.

*****

A hushed silence filled the house.  Joe came down the stairs, running the lists of tasks for that day through his head.  Gone were the mornings when he needed to be rousted out of bed.  Now, he was often the first up, like today.  He unlocked the front door on his way to the kitchen, then stoked the stove and put the coffee on.  Cup in hand, he wandered back into the large room in time to hear the front door open and close.  He pondered who it was and what problem there could be already.  Rounding the corner, he froze.

The cup slipped unnoticed from nerveless fingers.  China and liquid smashed and skittered unheeded.  All but the apparition in front of him spun out of focus.  He dared not move, blink, or even breathe in case the vision faded.  A hand reached out, shaking from hope.  Mesmerized, he spoke out loud, “Oh, God, be real.”  His fingers trembled.  But they didn’t pass through the specter before him.  Instead, they came to rest on the course material of his coat.  Bewildered hazel eyes lifted to the crystal blue ones he’d known all his life. 

“Hi, Little Brother.  I’m home.” 

*****

PART II – MIRACLES

Chapter Seven

Tears swam and blurred his vision.  His hands wrapped tight around his brother’s arms, clinging on while he continued to gaze up at him. “We thought you were dead.”  Choking on his words, Joe pulled his brother into a hug.  His heart expanded in his chest until he thought it might burst.  Finally, he dared release him and stepped back.  Hoss didn’t vanish but stayed solid and real.  Joe blinked away tears, letting the reality sink in.  Hoss was alive!  “Wait here.  I hav’ta tell Pa, Adam – everyone!”

“Joe, wait.  I wanna- ” 

But Joe was already tumbling up the stairs, and then pandemonium erupted. 

Ben yanked open his door in response to the banging.  “Joseph!  What on earth is going on?  Can’t it wait ‘till I’m dressed?”  Then he saw his son’s tear-filled eyes and demanded, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Hoss.  He’s alive. He’s downstairs.”

“What?!” 

Joe led the way while Ben followed, dragging his shirt on as he went.  Joe hit the top of the stairs and stopped.  Panic slammed him.  Hoss no longer stood in front of the door.  Dear God!  He hadn’t imagined it.  He hadn’t!  At Pa’s sharp intake of breath, Joe turned his head.  His brother had moved to the settee.  The relief made him giddy.  Pushing past him, Ben ran down the stairs.

Behind Joe, the rest of the household clustered, shocked and awed.  They moved down the stairs in perfect, slow unison and watched father and son reunite. 

Seeing the others, Hoss put up a large hand.  “Just a minute.  I need for you all to meet some special people.”  For the first time, Joe saw the young woman on the settee behind Hoss.  She stood when Hoss put out his hand and drew her forward.  “Everyone, this here’s my wife Hannah, an’ that little bit of a thing she’s holding is our son, Benjamin.”

“You’re married, and this is my grandchild?”

“That’s right.  You’re a grandpappy.”

Breaking free of their amazement, everyone surged toward Hoss.  Congratulations, exclamations, and joyful hellos rang out in unison.

When introduced to Sophy, Hoss guffawed, “Older Brother, you sly dog, you done got yourself hitched too!”

An angry voice interrupted all the excitement, “What all this noise?  What you all yell for?”

Everyone turned.  Hop Sing’s eyes fixed on Hoss.  Frozen in astonishment, Ben went to him.  “Yes, Hop Sing, it’s Hoss.  He’s home, and he has a wife and baby.”

“Hop Sing very happy Hoss is home.” 

Joe blinked back a tear when Hop Sing gazed up at his brother.  His face a mirror of what his own must have been.

“Thanks, Hop Sing.  This is Hannah and Little Benji.”

Bowing, Hop Sing beamed a smile.  “Missy Hannah and number one baby very pretty.  You wait while I get room ready.”

Ben patted the Chinaman on the back.  “Thank you, Hop Sing.  You two must be exhausted.”

“A rest sounds mighty fine, but we could sure do with something good to eat first.”

Joe frowned.  He hadn’t noticed before how much thinner and pale Hoss was under the long hair and beard he’d grown.  Worry flickered across his heart.  He could see it reflected in Pa, who nodded and turned to Hop Sing.

Delighted, Hop Sing dashed off to the kitchen, telling Hoss as he went, “You have mighty fine breakfast lickety-split.  Then Hop Sing get room ready an’ Missy Hannah and Number One baby can rest.”

Joe perched himself on the hearth next to Pa, who slumped down in his favorite red chair.  Together, they continued to gaze on the miraculous family.

Ben said, “I still can’t believe you’re here.  We believed you were dead.  How could that happen?  Where have you been all this time?”

“Hannah and me, we got quite a story.  I wanna tell it, but we done traveled a real long way and through the night.  Can it wait until after we’ve eaten and then rested a piece?”

“Of course, food, coffee, and rest.  Anything else can wait.”

Adam spent breakfast telling Hoss about Sophy to keep their state of eager curiosity in check.  But as soon as they’d eaten, the exhausted little family made for their bed.

“Hoss, d’you need a crib?  You can use ours?”

“Nah.  Thanks, Adam, we’re kinda used to Benji sleeping tucked in with us.”

Ben followed them upstairs and wiped away tears to see his son in his room again.  The ever-capable Hop Sing had provided clean linen, fresh towels, and warm water.  Ben noticed he’d even laid out a nightshirt for Hannah, donated by Sophy.

“Pa, we’re fine.  You can go now.”

Ben blushed.  “Sorry, son.”  But he couldn’t resist retaking Hoss’ hand when he told him, “It’s good to have you back, boy.”

“Thanks, I’m glad to be home.”

Hoss closed the door.  Ben stood in the hall and shed more tears.

No member of the Cartwright family left the ranch that day to pursue any work.  Like a magnet, Hoss kept them close.  None of them prepared to venture far from his presence.  Reassured by Candy that he’d take care of business, they settled down to await their emergence.

Hop Sing took up a tray with lunch.  This was followed by the bath, with Joe, Adam, and Jamie carrying cans and cans of hot water.  Sophy also handed over a complete change of clothes for Hannah’s use.  However, it wasn’t until the aroma of Hop Sing’s supper wafted around the house that they saw them again.

“Boy, something sure smells good,” Hoss announced when the family came down the stairs.

“It looks like you could do with feeding up,” Ben remarked.

“It’s true I’ve done dropped a few pounds.”

In Ben’s eyes, this was a massive understatement.  What had his son been through to end up so gaunt? 

Once they’d all sat down at the table, Ben turned to Hannah.  “My dear, would you mind if I held the baby while you ate?”

He sat the babe on his knee and looked down at the chubby face.  Overwhelming love and pride washed over him.  He put out a finger to touch this miracle bundle to be delighted when the babe gripped it tight and gurgled at him.

“Well, young man, I’m your grandpa Ben, and I’m pleased to meet you.”

The baby’s big blue eyes stared up into his and never wavered.  Ben’s smile widened.  He thanked his maker again for the blessings of the day.

After dinner, everyone settled around the fireplace.  Coffee and brandy in hands, Hoss could begin his tale.

*****

Chapter Eight

Joe watched the changes in his brother’s expression as he unfolded his story.  He looked pained when he explained that Hanna was the daughter of Fulton McGraw, the rancher he’d gone to buy seed bulls from.  The same man who wired them with the news Hoss had been drowned and returned what they thought was their brother’s body in a casket.  Why would the man have done that?

When he asked the question, the reply he got sent a chill through him.  “So you wouldn’t come looking for me, I guess.”

A hundred more questions bubbled up, but he held his tongue and let Hoss tell his tale his way.

Joe recognized and understood the emotions that crossed his brother’s face, that subtle change to the tone of his voice and the sparkle in his eyes.  He knew that feeling well.  The knowledge that you’ve found someone who could change your whole life.

“I was a gonna from the moment I clapped eyes on her.  She were the daintiest little darlin’ I’d ever seen.”

Hoss enveloped his wife’s hand in his.  The look in her eyes flipped Joe’s stomach.  How many times had Alice looked at him that way?

The tension in the room rose when Hoss told how unwelcoming McGraw was and the growing feeling Hoss got that all was not well in that household. 

“He sure didn’t want me talking to Hanna.  It made no sense to me.  She was a woman grown and a widow— ”

“Widow?” Ben asked.

“My husband died eighteen months ago.”

“I’m so sorry.”

Joe backed up the sentiment.  Familiar with that particular loss, he assessed Hanna anew.  It also explained how a pretty woman could be single at her age. 

Her blue eyes darkened when she explained, “I had nothing left after Samuel died, so I went to stay with Pa.  We lived in St. Louis.  So did Pa until Ma died four years ago.  He decided he wanted to try something new, so he sold his business and moved to California.”

“And that’s where he met Trent Wilson,” Hoss added.

“Who’s he?” Joe asked.

“Fulton’s partner.  When he turned up, I understood what was going on with Hanna.  The man acted like he owned her.  I would’ve been as miserable as a naked man in a snowstorm if I hadn’t seen how unhappy Hanna was with him fawning all over her.  I knew something weren’t right, but to find out, I needed to speak to Hanna alone.”

Hanna turned to Ben. “I assure you.  I never gave Trent any encouragement.  When I first arrived, he was nice to me, nothing more.  He hardly paid me any attention.  But when I came out of mourning, things changed.  He started to talk about our getting married.  It was difficult because he was Pa’s partner and friend, but I let him know I wasn’t interested.  It didn’t make any difference.  I spoke to my father, but he told me it was a good match.”

“Course, I didn’t know any of that.  I could only see how miserable Hanna looked.  I was downright determined to talk to her.”

“What did you do?” Joe asked.  The grin that spread over his brother’s face was one Joe had seen many times when Hoss was plotting something.

“You ain’t the only one who can be sneaky, Little Brother.  Hanna’s pa thought I were the most indecisive fella ever.  I just couldn’t make up my mind which bulls to choose.  He near had a conniption fit when I asked if he had any others since it would take two days to bring them in off the range.”

The guffaw of laughter Hoss let rip was the best sound in the world to Joe, and he couldn’t stop the laughter that rippled through him in response.

Ben cut them off.  “All right, so you delayed things.  What happened then?”  

“Hanna and me got the chance to talk.  We realized we both felt the same way about each other.”

“I knew right away I loved Hoss.  I know that seems fast.”

“Not at all.  It was the same way with Joe’s mother and me,” Ben assured her.

“Heck!  The only way we Cartwright’s fall is hard and fast,” Joe quipped and received a grin from Hoss.

“After that, I wasted no time,” Hoss continued.  “I made the deal for the bulls, packed Hank and Tom back off home with them to the railhead, and wired you.  Then I went back to see Fulton.

“He were surprised to see me.  He figured I’d left town by then.  I explained the situation.  I knew he might take some convincing.  Seeing as I only just met Hanna and he’d all but promised her to Trent. But this were his daughter.  Once he knew she felt the same way, I thought he’d understand.  I was wrong.  He kicked me out quicker than I could wink.

“I didn’t blame him for that.  He probably thought I was crazy.  I figured to give him a couple of days to calm down, then go back and prove I weren’t some snake oil salesman but a man who meant what he said.

“While I waited, I found out just how Fulton and Trent got their property.  There’d been a terrible drought.  Folks struggled to buy food and replace stock.  They loaned them money and then foreclosed and took the land.”

“It’s legal.”

Joe grimaced at his father’s statement.  It might be legal, but it was a poor way to buy land.  He’d lost count of the times Pa had helped friends in hard times to keep their homes.  If that’s how they went about their business, Joe’s low opinion of the two men dropped even more.  When Hoss explained how Trent’s hired gunmen convinced the owners of other property he wanted to sell, Joe’s thoughts switched to concern.

“They owned half the valley and the town, which they name Grawson after themselves.  Everyone in the territory was scared of them,” Hoss explained.

“Why didn’t you wire us for help?” Joe asked

“I couldn’t risk it.  They owned everything and everyone in the town.  Including the sheriff and the telegraph office.  I was pretty sure any message I sent would be in one of their hands within hours.”

“You could’ve come home.  We’d have backed you up.  Gone back with you to fetch Hanna.”

“That idea crossed my mind, Little Brother.  Right up until Trent came calling on me.”  Hoss paused and took a moment to form his words.  “I ain’t ever met a man like him.  I reckon there are snakes with more warmth than Trent Wilson.”

Hoss was about the best judge of character of any man Joe knew.  He had a way of seeing right into a fella.  Deep enough to glimpse his very soul.  Joe had never seen Hoss look so disturbed as he did now thinking about Wilson. 

“He threatened you?”

“Oh no, Pa.  Trent didn’t make threats.  He made promises.  If I didn’t leave Grawson the next day, there was only one way I would leave.  In a pine box.  I can’t say that kind of talk bothered me none but what he told me next.  That scared me.  He was gonna send to Hickman for the preacher, and I’d better hope Hanna would marry him ‘cause he hated to be disappointed.”

Hoss tightened the arm around Hanna to draw her closer.  The muscles in Joe’s jaw locked.  Threatening someone a Cartwright cared about got one reaction.  “You decided to get Hanna out of there.”

“I figured the sooner I got my ring on her finger, the better.  Trent was helpful there.”

“You went to Hickman?” Joe guessed. 

“That’s where the preacher was.” 

Amazed by his brother’s audacity, Joe couldn’t help laughing. 

“Whoa.  Back up there.  How did you get there and with Hanna?”  Ben asked.

“I didn’t want to take the chance Trent was having me watched.  Once it was dark, I snuck out of the hotel and took a couple of horses from the stable.  Don’t worry, Pa, I left some money for them.  Then I rode out to Fulton’s place.  I admit I was a bit stumped on how to find Hanna’s room.  That’s when I saw someone creeping out of the house.”

All eyes turned to Hanna, who blushed under their admiring gaze.  “I’d overheard Pa and Trent talking.  I wasn’t going to hang around to be married off to anyone.”

“Ain’t she somethin’?”

Joe laughed.  “She sure is.  You two got hitched?”

“Soon as we found the preacher.  We stayed the night.  Deciding to head for Stockton the next day.  It weren’t much of a honeymoon, but we made the best of it.”

Joe ducked his head to hide his smile at the blush that covered Hanna’s face when Hoss kissed her cheek.  Big Brother was surprising them all.

Ben frowned and asked, “If you intended to catch the train at Stockton, why didn’t you?”

“We ran into one of Trent’s gunmen.  I’d hired a buggy in Hickman.  We reached the bridge at Knight’s Crossing when he appeared.  I told him he were too late and he should go tell his boss we were married.  He got the biggest grin on his face and told us if that were the case, his orders were to make Hanna a widow.

“I didn’t see no choice but to jump him.  I took him off his horse, and we fell in the river.  He got caught by the current and couldn’t swim.  I tried to help, but he’d gotten off a shot when I dove at him.  It was all I could do to make it onto the bank and back in the buggy.”

“He hit you.  How bad?”

“Bad,” Hoss admitted.  “The bullet got me in the gut.”

Joe wasn’t the only one who blanched at the news.  It was a miracle Hoss had survived.  A stomach wound usually meant certain death.  His brother’s pale color and gauntness began to make sense.  Joe wondered at his new sister-in-law.  How had she coped with a wounded and bleeding husband?  He admired her presence of mind in driving Hoss to Knight’s Crossing to the doctor.

“I were lucky.  There were two doctors.  Doc William’s son had just qualified from the Philadelphia School of Medicine as a surgeon.  He had a head stuffed full of new techniques.”

“Why didn’t you contact me?”

Joe’s eyes flicked to his father.  His words were a demand.  It was the same with all of them.  If they were in trouble, Pa wanted to know, to be there and help them. 

“You hav’ta understand.  We were still in the middle of the territory controlled by Wilson and Hannah’s pa.  As soon as Hanna told them who we were, the doc saw the danger.  Not just to us but to anyone who helped us.  We couldn’t risk it. 

“The doc and his family saved my life.  Staying there put them at risk.  Wilson’s men were crawling all over the roads.  They had us trapped, but the doc knew of a deserted cabin up in the hills.  He kept us hidden for as long as he could, leastways, until he was sure I was in the clear, and he could risk moving me.  I’m mighty grateful to him.”

“But with your injury?”

Joe understood Pa’s distress.  However much the doctor must’ve patched Hoss up, he would’ve been in poor shape.  Hearing how his brother had organized the purchase of a wagon, team, and supplies from his sickbed made him shake his head. 

“The doc drove us up there.  The cabin was just what we needed.  Tucked away where no one would find us, which were a good job since my recovery took longer than we hoped.” 

Joe’s teeth set on edge.  How bad must it have been for Hoss?  His gaze searched his brother’s face.  The lines etched there told their own story of the suffering he must have endured for months.  “Must’ve been tough.”

Hoss shrugged the comment off.  “By the time I were on my feet, the snow was beginning to fly.  We couldn’t risk the pass, not with Hanna carrying Benji.”

Ben exclaimed, “Do you mean to tell me you spent the winter in that cabin, and Hannah had her baby there?”  

“We didn’t have much choice.  I knew what to do.  I’d been around births before.  I ain’t saying we weren’t scared- ”

“But we had each other,” Hannah told them.

The couple shared a smile.  From the way they clung to each other, Joe guessed there was a lot more to their time in that cabin than they told them.  How close had they come to losing Hoss?  Joe leaned forward and gave him a gentle punch on the arm. 

Adam asked, “Do you think they’re still looking for you?”

Joe caught the look of alarm that flickered through Hanna’s eyes.  Hoss told Adam he doubted it, with a heartiness designed to allay any fears.  Before adding, “I wasn’t about to take the chance.  That’s why we traveled through the night to get here.”

Ben gripped his son’s knee.  “I’m just glad to have you home safe.  Wait ‘till people know you’re alive.”

“Can that wait a few days?  Hannah and me, we’d kinda like time to get used to being home first.”

Ben agreed, but Joe wasn’t surprised at the one exception his father insisted upon.  He sent for Paul Martin.

After getting over his shock at seeing Hoss, Paul carried out a thorough examination.  “That young surgeon did an amazing job.  There’s no doubt in my mind he saved his life.  I certainly couldn’t have done what he did.”

“Is he going to be all right?”

“Considering the trauma to his abdomen, he’s made a remarkable recovery.  I don’t think he’ll ever regain the strength he once had, but other than that, he should be fine.”  Paul looked his friend straight in the eye, and it touched Ben to see the tears in them.  “This is certainly the biggest miracle you Cartwrights have pulled off yet, and you’ve pulled off some good ones.”

Assured Paul would keep Hoss’ presence a secret, Ben waved his friend off and returned to the house.  His thoughts turned to that grave on the bluff.  He had an exhumation to organize.

*****

Chapter Nine

They sat shoulder to shoulder in companionable silence, gazing out over the magnificent vista of mountains and lake.  Their first time alone together since Hoss’ resurrection, without thought or discussion, they’d come to their happy place.

“You brought her here, didn’t you?”

“Yeah.  She loved it.  She’d have loved you too.”

“I’m sorry I weren’t here for you.  Iffin, I’d known I’d have come back, no matter what.”

“Yeah, and if I’d known about you – well, y’know.”

They fell silent for a long moment until Joe added, “We didn’t have long together, but I wouldn’t have missed any of it.”

“She must’ve been real special to have wrangled you down the aisle.”

“She was.  You know, she reminded me of you.”

Hoss chuckled, “I thought you said she were pretty.”

Joe smiled but went on, “There was a kindness and gentleness to her that … well ….”  Rolling his eyes up to the sky, he looked away to hide the tears that threatened to fall.  Could he make a bigger fool of himself?  “Guess that sounds kinda dumb.” 

“Nah. Not dumb.”

Hoss wound an arm around his shoulders.  The hand pressed into his flesh.  How he’d missed the strength Hoss gave him.  Joe pulled himself together.  He hadn’t come there to spill his guts.  A hand wiped across his face.  He straightened his back.

“You’ve not told us much about what happened after you and Hanna got to the cabin.”

Hoss pulled a grass stalk and stripped it.  “It ain’t something I like to think on.”

“That bad?”

“Aww, I don’t rightly know how to tell you.”  Hoss fell silent, and Joe waited.  He just needed time to work around to talking.  “The pain, Joe.  At times, I could hardly stand it.  I hate to remember what it did to me.  The weeks and weeks of it.  It seemed like it were never to end, and I’m ashamed to say sometimes I begged to die.” 

The words twisted Joe’s heart.  How close had he come to giving up after Alice’s death?  He couldn’t let his brother carry any shame for what he’d felt.  “You shouldn’t.  Not with that injury.”

“All my life, I’ve been considered a strong man, one of the strongest, and I weren’t.  I were weak and scared.  I should’ve been taking care of Hannah.  Instead, she was looking after me.”  This time, Joe placed the hand on his brother’s shoulder, pressing his fingers into it for comfort.  “It was her that got me through it.  She kept me going.  Talking about Pa, you, and Jamie.  The Ponderosa, the house.  That’s what kept me breathing in and out, thinking of home. Getting back here.  Then she told me about the baby, and everything changed.  Finding out I was gonna be a pa … it were ….”

Joe drew in a breath and shook off the physical ache from understanding how much pain Hoss had endured.  His reaction to becoming a father brought back memories of different emotions.  “The best feeling there is.”

Hoss nodded, then bowed his head.  “I’m sorry, Joe.”

“Don’t be.  I couldn’t be happier for you and Hannah.”

“What about that little gal of yours?”

“What gal?”

Hoss nudged him with his shoulder and smirked.  “You didn’t think I wouldn’t wheedle out of Pa where you go to most evenings.”

“You mean Kate?  It’s not like that between us.”

A low rumble of laughter bubbled up out of his brother and built to a roar.  Between the guffaws, he slapped Joe on the back and managed to say, “Iffin, you say so.”

Joe pursed his lips.  The sound too beautiful for him to get cross at the cause.

*****

The door slammed.  Adam tossed his hat down on the small table behind the settee with a vehemence that betrayed his annoyance.

“Something wrong?” Ben asked.

Joining the rest of the family at the dining table, he groused, “Yes, two of the men I hired have just up and left.”

“Oh?”  Ben replaced his coffee cup.  Curious to know more.  “Which two?”

“Baines and Smith.  The last two I hired.  They left without even collecting the pay they had coming.”

Anxiety flickered over Sophy’s face.  “Will it delay the house?”

Adam slapped a mound of potatoes on his plate.  “Not by much.  I can pick up the slack for them.”

Joe looked up from his plate.  “If you need any help.”

“Thanks.  I’ll let you know.”

“Odd, ain’t it?” Hoss added.  “That they’d leave without getting what they were owed.  When did you hire them?”

“Around six weeks ago.” 

Ben met Joe’s gaze.  He caught on quick.  It was two weeks since Hoss had returned, but they’d only announced that to the world two days ago. 

Joe asked Hoss, “You think they worked for Trent and Wilson?”

“Ain’t likely.  Seems strange, is all.”

Ben reached across and laid a firm hand on his middle son’s arm.  It still surprised him how he could encompass it so easily.  “It doesn’t matter.  You’re home now and safe.  No one is going to hurt you or Hannah.  We’ll see to that.”

Joe added, “If they show up, we’ll take care of them.”

The look in Joe’s eyes had Ben hoping they didn’t.  It was too close to the one he’d seen when Joe left to track down the men responsible for Alice’s death.  He cleared his throat and pinned Joe with a look.  It didn’t work the way it used to, but it was worth a shot.  “If he shows up and makes threats, we’ll get the law involved.”

Joe gave him back a sheepish smile.  “Sure, Pa.”

Satisfied, Ben looked at Hoss.  “I wish you’d reconsider speaking to Clem.  What those two did, trying to kill you.”

“I know.  But I can’t arrest Hanna’s Pa.”

He wasn’t happy, but he could see Hoss’ point.  He let the matter drop and turned his attention back to Adam.  “If you need any more men, I’m sure we can spare some.”

“No, I’ve taken enough men from their work.”

Sophy sighed, “It will be wonderful when it’s ready.”

“I reckon another two weeks, we should be finished.”

Ben beamed at the couple.  He enjoyed having them at home, but the Ponderosa had begun to fill up.  Crates stuffed with furniture, boxes of tableware, lamps, and linens were crammed everywhere.  Even Hop Sing’s cousin, who was to be their cook, had arrived two days ago.  The happy couple wasn’t the only ones looking forward to their move.

Joe laughed, “It will have all the latest do-dads, that’s for sure.  Pa, we should get one of those indoor water closets.  No more trips outside in the snow sounds pretty good to me, and Hop Sing hasn’t stopped grumbling since he saw your new stove. We’re gonna hav’ta buy one.”

Their laughter was interrupted when Hannah came down the stairs.

“Baby sleeping?” Hoss asked.

“Yes, at last.  I thought I’d take the chance to eat in peace.”

“And then you can take a rest.”  Hoss kissed his wife’s cheek and looked around the group of faces.  “Sorry if he’s keeping you awake.  He’s a mite restless.”

Ben smiled at his son.  Restless was an understatement. 

Joe winked at Hoss and Hannah.  “Don’t worry.  Besides, good practice for you.  Right, Adam?”

Hiding a shudder, Adam smiled and nodded.

“Ben, did you manage to speak to the preacher this morning?” Hanna asked.

“Yes, I did.  The twelfth will be fine.”

“Good, it will be wonderful to have Benji christened.”

“And, now the dates settled, we can start arrangements for the party.”

“Aw Pa, we don’t hav’ta go to all that trouble.”

Ben waggled a finger at the couple.  “If you think I’m not going to celebrate your return, the blessing of a daughter-in-law and grandson, you’re wrong.  We got almost three weeks.  I promise.  This will be the biggest party the Ponderosa has ever seen.”

*****

Chapter Ten

Ben let out a sigh and rested his coffee cup on the knee of the leg, crossed over the other.  Joe had never seen his father look so content.  Although Joe knew Pa would never admit it, having Adam and Sophy in their new home and all their stuff gone was a relief.

Across from Joe on the sofa, Hoss and Hannah snuggled.  Hoss had begun to put back some of the weight he’d lost, but he was still shy a lot of pounds.  His clothes hung on him.  Hanna, wearing another dress borrowed from Sophy, didn’t fare much better.  It seemed Joe wasn’t the only one to notice.

“Hoss,” Ben announced.  “You’ve been walking around the place looking like a scarecrow long enough.  Why don’t the two of you take yourselves to Virginia City?  Buy Hanna some clothes, and don’t forget a new suit for the party.”

“I guess it’s time we took care of that.  Don’t reckon I’ve been this skinny since I was a young un.”

“I know somebody who’s real happy about that.”

Hoss turned to look at Joe, his face all innocent expectation.  “Yeah, who?”

A devilish smile crept over Joe’s face, and his eyes lit with pure mischief.  “Chubb.”

Joe tried to dodge the cushion Hoss threw and ended up falling backward off his perch on the table.  Hoss burst into laughter.  Everyone laughed.  The room rang with joy, and Joe drank in the sound.  It was good to hear the house filling with merriment again.

Jamie jerked to a halt when he walked into the house to find his father, brothers, and Hanna doubled over with mirth.  “I miss all the fun around here,” he grumbled.

*****

Joe and Candy accompanied Hoss and Hanna to Virginia City.  If Hoss thought of them as an armed escort, he didn’t say so.  Hoss left Hannah reveling in dresses, hats, and material and ducked out to go to their tailors.  Candy and Joe split between the two.  Joe elected to stick with Hoss while Candy waited outside the dress shop.  Hoss had to admit the comfort their presence gave him.  The big man didn’t know why, but the minute they’d rode into Virginia City, he had the feeling they were being watched.  Many people came up and shook his hand.  Telling him they were glad he was alive and well.  Others just saw him as a curiosity.  The man returned from the dead.  Hoss didn’t like to think about that, knowing what it did to Pa and his brothers.  He could see part of that pain in Joe’s vigilance now. 

Shops visited, lunch enjoyed at their favorite café, and packages loaded, Hoss tooled the buggy out of town.  Joe and Candy rode behind.  The figure who stood in the shadows and followed them with intent eyes went unnoticed.  Hoss rubbed the back of his neck from the sudden sensation that prickled but didn’t look back.

*****

Joe asked again, “Please come.”

Kate scrubbed harder at the dish in her hand.  “It’s a family party.  Ben won’t want me there.”

“Of course, Pa wants you there.  He reminded me to ask you.”

“It will cause more gossip.”

“Half the territory’s invited.  You’re a friend of mine and the family.  It’ll look odd if you’re not there.”  Waiting for her to reach for another dish, Joe swooped in and caught her hand.  Raising it to his lips, he nibbled her damp fingers.  Green eyes twinkled.  “It won’t be a party without you.”

“It’s too far, and the children will get back too late.”

Joe huffed out a breath that sent the curls on his forehead fluttering.  “You and the kids can stay overnight.  Adam and Sophy are staying.  We’ve plenty of room.”

Another dish clattered into the washbowl.  “It’s too risky.  We don’t want people to guess about us.”

“I promise.  I’ll only ask you for one dance.  No kissing or cuddling.  Now, have you done with the excuses?”

The scrubbing stopped.  “Well, maybe two dances.”

“You’ll come?”

“Yes, all right.  I’ll come.  You’ve worn me down, Joe Cartwright.” 

Kate wiped her hands and swept back the strands of hair that had worked loose from her bun.  Joe tilted his head.  He adored the way she did that. 

“Good.  It’ll be fun.  I promise.”  His fingers found her hairpin and pulled it free, allowing a cascade to tumble down her back.  His hand ran through the silky tresses.  “Do you think they’re asleep yet?”

Kate turned into him.  His lips found her neck, and she arched it, giving him access to her skin.  Deft fingers undid the buttons of her blouse and glided to her full round breast.  She groaned at his touch.  He wrapped a hand around her hips and pulled her closer so she could feel how the sound excited him.  Pushing away, she took hold of Joe’s hand and led him to the bedroom.

*****

The big day dawned.  Joe, Adam, and Sophy stood up as godparents, and young Benjamin behaved beautifully throughout the ceremony.

Joe stood on the porch.  In the yard were trellis tables groaning with food.  To one side was the pit where Hoss was basting the roasting beef.

Adam came to stand beside him.  “Pa wasn’t kidding when he said this would be the biggest party the Ponderosa has ever seen.”

Joe’s lips curved into a smile, but his eyes didn’t turn from Hoss.  “Why not?  Pa’s always thrown a party at the slightest excuse.  This time, we’ve got something worth celebrating.”

Kate and Hannah came out from the kitchen, each carrying jugs of lemonade. 

Adam said, “I’m glad you invited her.”

Joe gave an amused snort.  “I’m glad she came.”

“Was it in doubt?”

“Brother, it sure was.  Kate’s one independent lady.  She doesn’t do anything she doesn’t want to.  But I managed to persuade her.”  Joe caught the rise of Adam’s eyebrows and the odd look in his eyes.  “What?”

Before Adam could say anything, a buggy swung into view. 

Ben appeared out of the house.  “Here are our guests.”

Adam, Hoss, and Joe joined Ben to greet them.  The four Cartwright men standing shoulder to shoulder once again.

Jamie threw himself into a chair and blew out his cheeks.  “Phew!  That was one great party.”

Ben gave him an indulgent look.  “I’m glad you liked it.  Now it’s time for bed, young man.”

He pulled a face and dragged reluctant feet up the stairs.

Kate got up, telling Joe, “I’ll just go check on the children.” 

Hannah followed.  “I’ll come with you.” 

“Do you want to go to bed?”  Adam asked his pregnant wife.

Sophy rolled one hand down her bump and put out the other to catch Adam’s.  “In a minute.”

Ben poured out sherry and handed it around.  He heaved in a breath and puffed out his chest.  “It’s been quite a day.”

As they’d done all their lives, the three brothers exchanged looks that communicated so much without speaking.  Joe slipped a hand around his father’s shoulder.

Hop Sing trotted in with a tray and started to gather up glasses.  Ben waved a hand.  “Leave that, Hop Sing.  We’ll all help tidy up in the morning.  Come and share a toast to my grandson.”

The cook laid down his tray and took the glass proffered.  Ben raised his and intoned, “To Benjamin Eric Cartwright.”

The five men drank.

Down the stairs came Kate and Hanna, who carried Benjamin.  Drawn like a magnet, Joe went to Kate’s side. 

“Everything all right?”

“Yep.  Fast asleep.”

To Hoss’ unspoken question, Hanna told him.  “He’s a little restless.  I thought I’d bring him down just for a little while.”

The sound of horses pulling up outside drew their attention.  Ben frowned.  Could one of his guests be returning?  The door crashed open. Five armed men filled the room.  Caught unaware and unarmed, the Cartwrights froze. 

Another man strolled through the door.  Hannah’s breath caught in her throat.  Her arms tightened around her baby.  Hoss’ blue eyes darkened and sparked with inner hatred and fixed on the man who’d hunted them.  “Wilson.”

*****

Chapter Eleven

Trent Wilson had one philosophy in life.  Take what you want.  Nothing got in the way of that goal.  If anything did, he removed it.  Why not?  If it was an obstacle to his desires, he had a right to remove it. 

He wanted Hanna.  Marrying her would place the property Fulton would leave in his hands, and she was attractive enough to spark his interest. Convention called for a period of mourning.  It irritated him, but he’d waited to tell her his decision.  Anxious to get her wed and into the marriage bed, her lack of enthusiasm baffled him.  But he’d been generous and overlooked her reluctance.  When he received the news of her departure, he had to admit generosity had always been his failing.  If he hadn’t been so considerate, he’d have had his ring already on the bitch, and Cartwright couldn’t have run off with her.

Nobody took what was his.  When Fulton refused to support him, the truth about his partner became clear.  The lure of marriage to a Cartwright and all their wealth trumped his.  No matter.  Fulton was no longer needed.  The marriage license would give him his due.

Trent dispatched his men.  They spread through the land like a wolf pack hunting down their prey.  When they dragged Hank’s corpse from the river, they’d pulled apart every town for ten miles without any sign of the fugitives.  The body he put to good use.  Sending it back to Cartwright’s family left him free to keep searching.  He sat up night after night, garnering perverse pleasure from the thought of Hoss’ family burying a stranger.  He laughed at the idea of their grief, although he didn’t fully understand the emotion. 

The runaways remained free, and the knowledge the pair could evade him gnawed deep and began to consume his thoughts.  Certain Hoss would return home; he dispatched two men to the Ponderosa.  He’d been right.

When Hoss spoke the name, Ben flashed a look at his son’s face, which told him all he needed, and he turned to the intruder.  “You’re the man who tried to have my son killed.  What do you want here?”

Trent looked astonished at the question.  “I want what’s mine.  Hannah.”

Hoss encircled Hannah and Benji in his big arms.  “She ain’t goin’ nowhere with you.  She’s my wife.”

The gun Trent held quivered.  “Not for long.”

“Trent, please, Hoss and I are married.  We have a child.  Tell father I don’t want the land.  He can give it to you.”

“Your father’s in no position to give anyone anything.”

Understanding flooded Hannah, and she pressed her face into her husband’s chest and moaned, “Oh, no, Pa.”

Joe’s eyes flicked around the room.  Candy could be relied upon, and their eyes met for an instant.  Taut and ready for action, Joe summed up the opposition.  Five gunmen aside from Wilson, and they weren’t even armed.  Tall odds, but to back down wasn’t in Joe Cartwright’s vocabulary.  Having them invade his home made him sick to his stomach.  Memories of his late wife flooded his mind.  She’d died afraid and alone when men had broken into their home.  He hadn’t been there to protect her, save her.  This time would be different. 

“This is crazy,” Ben told Wilson.  “You can’t take her out of here.  They’re legally married.” 

“Then I’ll make her a widow.”

Hoss pushed Hannah behind him.  The grin on Wilson’s face widened.  He cocked his gun. The world crystallized for Joe.  The nightmare wouldn’t happen again.  No one got to harm a member of his family, not while he drew a breath.  They’d gotten Hoss back.  No way was this man going to tear him away.  He shook off the fingers that clawed at his arm.  For the first time in his life, his big brother didn’t have the strength to hold him back.  With deliberate steps, Joe put himself between Hoss and the gun.

Wilson’s grip tightened.  “Back off!  Don’t think I won’t put a bullet through you first to get to him?” 

Joe launched himself at Wilson.  The explosion deafened him.  His side jerked, but this didn’t halt his momentum.  He took Wilson to the floor.  Now began the desperate struggle for the weapon.  Joe’s muscles strained as they writhed and thrashed.  The second shot startled him.  He pulled back to see the bloom of blood across his opponent’s chest.  Wilson had pulled the trigger and shot himself.  Joe looked into the eyes of the dead man.  Then he folded and hit the floor.

Joe’s collapse triggered a surge toward him. 

“Hold it!” 

Everyone halted.  Ben stared at Trent’s man.  “I need to get to my son.”

Wilson’s men looked at each other – stumped.  Their boss was dead.  There would be no more orders or the chance of payment. The man who’d shouted spoke again, “Look, we don’t wanna get involved in this.  We’re leavin’.  Anyone gonna try and stop us?”

Ben didn’t even look their way as he told them, “Get out!” The men scurried out the door.  A tide of people descended on Joe. “Adam, ride and fetch Paul back.”

“Pa!” 

Ben swung around to see Jamie at the top of the stairs — Kate’s white-faced children by his side.  Kate moved across the room.  “I’ll take care of them.”

“Thank you.”

“ADAM.”

Adam turned from the credenza to see Sophy clutching her bump.  He ran to her side.  “What’s wrong?”

“The baby.  It’s … coming.”

“It can’t be.  You’re not due for two weeks.”

“I think we … forgot to tell the baby.”

“Adam, the doctor.”

Adam turned with impatience to his father.  “Sophy’s having the baby.”

Sizing up the situation, Candy spoke up, “I’ll fetch the doc.”

The front door closed behind the foreman.  Hannah looked at Sophy, took a breath, and took control.  “Adam, help get Sophy upstairs.  Hop Sing, put hot water on to boil.  Hoss, Ben, you need to pack that wound and get Joe to bed.”

Galvanized to action, everyone obeyed.  Knelt next to Joe and still applying pressure to his wound, Hoss watched his wife organize the household.  He wouldn’t have thought it possible, but his pride and love for her deepened even more. 

*****

He was awake.  At least, he thought he was, but he couldn’t say anything.  The words wouldn’t stay in his head long enough to get them out.  Around him was noise, terrible noise.  People yelled, although the words were beyond his understanding.  He let himself drift.  That was easier than dealing with the pain.  He floated, letting the haze take him further away.  Now’s the time.  He’d done his job right.  Protected his family.  It would be okay to go. 

Shadows passed over him in a blur.  Then, a hand pressed down hard, too hard.  My God, the pain.  Did he scream?  He might have, but it didn’t matter.  If he let go, it wouldn’t hurt anymore.  The voice cut through the haze, “Joe, dadburnit, don’t you go giving up now.  Y’hear me?  I ain’t losing you.  You fight now.  C’mon, you gotta promise me you’ll fight.” 

Hoss was right.  It wasn’t time.  He hadn’t done with living, not yet.  “‘Kay.”

*****

Chapter Twelve

“Y’know, I wish you’d find easier ways of getting out of roundup.”

Joe grinned at Hoss.   “You getting to go?”

“Yep.”

It had been three weeks since Wilson’s invasion of the Ponderosa, and Joe still lay in bed.  A simple recovery from the wound in his side became complicated when infection set in, which gave them an anxious three days of fever and set back Joe’s recuperation.

“Make sure you take it easy out there.  Hop Sing doesn’t need another one of us to nurse.”

“Pa’s already got that covered,” Hoss chuckled and then gave him a wink.  “Now you’re feeling a mite better.  I think we can improve your nursemaid.  Someone’s here to see you.”

Joe’s eyes darted to the doorway where Kate stood.  His smile widened.  A warmth filled his eyes, and he gave a breathless “Hi.”

Hoss’ blue eyes flicked between them.  The two were now oblivious to his presence.  With a wicked smirk, he dared to shut the door.

“Good to see you’re looking better.”

Joe’s heart sank.  The look in her eyes told him everything.  He’d seen it in every one of his family once his senses had straightened enough.  Their reproaches had come thick and fast.  The accusation ‘What were you thinking?’ got used a lot.  He realized how crazy he’d been.  How could he explain to them his compulsion to protect Hoss and his family?  In the middle of his fumbled excuses, his eyes met Pa’s.  Understanding passed between them.  He’d been there after Alice and seen him at his most raw and vulnerable.  He’d held him while he’d raged his anguish to the world.  And Pa reined in the others in now.  

“Well, never mind.  It’s all over, and Joe’s all right.  That’s all that matters.” 

God, he loved Pa. 

He wasn’t here, though, to help deal with Kate.  She took the seat next to the bed and gazed at him.  He smiled and took the bull by the horns.  “I’m sorry for the scare I gave you.”  The look of unhappiness that crossed her face shook him.  “What’s wrong?”

She looked down at her hands, fumbling with her skirt.  Concern growing, he pushed himself upright against the bed’s headboard. 

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think we should see each other anymore.”

“What!  Kate, why?”

“I can’t explain.  It’s for the best.  Goodbye.”

“No!”  He snagged her wrist.  He wouldn’t allow her to go, not like this.  “What’s happened?  What’s changed?”

The eyes that met his were a blaze of dark ferocity.  “What happened?  You, Joe Cartwright, you happened!  You came into my life and made me believe someone could care for me.  You made me feel I could matter.  Mean something to someone.  But then I saw you.  You walked right at that man as if you didn’t care if you lived or died.   I can’t love a man who’d throw away his life like that.”

“Wait … did you say … love?”

“Oh!  This is your fault.  I promised myself I wouldn’t say anything.  I know I’ve no right to say those things and – Joe!  Your stitches!”

Catching Kate’s arm, Joe yanked her onto the bed to face him.   His hand came up to rest on her cheek.  An inner fire burned in his eyes as he searched her face. 

“No.  You can’t take it back now.  I won’t let you.”  He gazed at this beautiful woman before him.  The truth of his feelings plowed through him.  How could he have been so blind all this time?  “You can’t take it back because I love you too.”  Tears welled in Kate’s eyes, and his thumb came up to wipe them away.  “I love you, Kathryn Boyd.”

“Joe … why… ?”

“I know what I did, and I can’t promise I wouldn’t do everything in my power to protect you and the children from harm.   But, I promise, I’ll never do anything that stupid again.”  Kate stared at him.  He held his breath.  When she smiled, he drew her forward to kiss her.  She sighed his name.  The next kiss was long and intense. He cupped her face with his hands, and his smile turned devilish.  “Why don’t you lock the door?  We’ll continue this without being interrupted.”

Her eyes flared open, and after removing his hands, she went back to her chair.  “That will be enough of that.  What would your father think?”

“Oh, Pa raised no fools.”

“I think I’d better leave before you get carried away.”

Joe laughed.  “I’ll be good.”  He took her hand and raised it to his lips.  “I do love you.”

Kate smiled, but it was sad.  “It doesn’t change anything, though, does it?  I’m still married.”

“There’s always divorce.”

“Divorce?”  The color drained from her face.  “I … I suppose so.  If there’s no other option.”

“Don’t worry.  It’ll be okay.  We’ll find a way.”

*****

Two weeks passed before Joe was permitted to get out of bed.  Turning to the mirror while he buttoned his shirt, he paused.  He reached up and removed the gold chain from around his neck.  His thumb caressed the circular object strung through it.  All this time, he’d kept Alice’s wedding band close to him.  After a moment’s debate, Joe opened a small velvet box.  Inside was a miniature portrait of his mother, given to him years before by a man named Kyle.  The only picture he now had of her.  He slipped the ring off the chain to lay it in the box.  It felt right, Ma and Alice together. 

Alice would always be with him, carried forever in his heart, but he was ready to embrace a new future.

*****

Part III – BETRAYALS

Chapter Thirteen

Joe stepped out of their lawyers’ office, blew out a breath, and twitched his gloves through his hands before slapping them against his thigh.  Now, he had to break the news to Kate.

“Six years?” The disappointment in Kate’s voice made him flinch.  He tried to keep his depression out of his. 

“Yeah.  Then, you can file for divorce under abandonment.  Woodrow thinks that’s our best option.”

“Nothing else?”

“Adultery or physical abuse.  But Woodrow told me there was this case where a man almost beat his wife to death with a lump of wood.  The judge said it wasn’t enough to divorce.”  His eyes met hers.  He could see the dejection in them.  “We can count the two years he’s been gone.”

Kate poured coffee into Joe’s cup.  The liquid was dark, like the bleakness in his heart.  “That’s a long time.”

When she sat down, he reached across the table and captured her hands in his.  “Come to the Ponderosa.  We can live as man and wife.  We don’t need to care what people think.”

“People wouldn’t just be thinking then.  They’d know.  If it were just me — but it isn’t.  I hav’ta think about Sarah and Billy.  I’m sorry, I can’t do that to them.”

“Then, we’ll go away, where nobody knows— ”  His head jerked from the sting of the slap.

“You’re not putting me between you and the Ponderosa.  You could never leave here and be happy, and you know it!”

Joe put a hand to his smarting cheek.  A sheepish smile crept out.  “No, would’ve worked just as good.”

Instead of smiling at his joke, Kate’s face dropped.  “I’m sorry.”  She gathered up the coffee pot and went back to the stove.  His gaze followed her.  Worry flickered in his eyes.  She stood with her back to him.  The words came out slow and forced.  He wondered what it cost her, but she managed to say them.  “If four years is too long to wait, I’ll understand.” 

This wasn’t the proud, strong Kate he knew.  Fear curled up inside Joe.  Fear of losing something tremendous before it even had a chance to begin.  “What are you talking about?”

She turned.  The tears that coursed down her face horrified him.  “I’m so sorry, Joe.  This is all my fault.”  His chair scraped the wood floor.  By her side, he wrapped strong arms around her.  Her tears wet his shirt.  “I did this.  I was the one who said there’d be no attachments.  I broke my word.  I ruined everything.  I’m so sorry.”

He wrenched her from him.  His hands caught either side of her face, forcing her to look at him.  Her fingers wrapped around his wrists, her eyes wide and startled.  His anger made his words shake, “Don’t you say that.  Don’t you ever say that!  Don’t you understand, woman?  I was done.  I didn’t think I could ever love again.  But you crept up on me, and I did, and it made me whole again.  You did that.  You!  Don’t ever tell me you’re sorry because I’ll never be.”  He crushed her to him again.  Her body convulsed against his while she sobbed.  One arm encircled her, while the other twined deep into her hair, holding them cheek to cheek.  “I love you so much.  I don’t care if it’s four years or forty.  I’ll wait.  As long as it takes, I’ll wait.”

*****

Ben leaned on the corral and watched Joe work one of the new horses.  Although aware of his son’s situation, Joe hadn’t felt the need to discuss it with him.  Ben wasn’t worried by his silence anymore.  Gone were the days when Joe used to bottle up his feelings and brood over them, making life difficult for everyone.  When Joe was ready and needed it, he’d talk.  Besides, Joe had his brothers to confide in.  Ben paused and looked across at Hoss, watching his younger brother’s deft handling of the green mount.  He still liked to stop now and then just to breathe in the blessing of his return.

Joe deserved to be happy, and Ben liked Kate.  She was a fine woman.  Certain Joe had tried to convince her to live with him.  Ben couldn’t help but be grateful she’d turned him down.  The repercussions of them living openly together in sin would have been unpleasant.  He didn’t know where waiting those four years would lead either, and it chaffed that he didn’t have the answers to Joe’s difficulties.  All he could offer was prayer.

*****

Chapter Fourteen

Joe drew the team to a halt, handed over the list of needed supplies, and hurried to Kate’s house.  Branding had kept him out of Virginia City for the past month, and the anticipation of seeing her again made his heart beat faster.  Flipping open the gate with a joy reminiscent of his seventeen-year-old self, Joe rapped on the door before looking around and taking note of a broken piece of fencing. He’d take care of that later.  When the door opened, he turned.  The smile on his face died.  A man stood in the doorway.

“Who are you?  Where’s Kate?”

The man leaned on the door frame.  “I could ask you the same thing, but let me guess.  You’re Joe Cartwright.”

Cold fear coiled around Joe’s insides.  “That’s right, and you’re?”

“I’m her lawful wedded husband.”

The questions, how, why, when, slammed his mind, stunning him with their force.  Before he could pull himself together to speak, Kate appeared in the doorway.

“Joe.  It’s good to see you.  You’ve met John?”  The warning in Kate’s eyes was unmistakable. 

“Yeah.  We’ve met.”

“I’ve been telling John how kind you and your family have been.”

“I’m back now.  My wife don’t need your kind of help no more.”

“John, please, Joe’s a friend.”

“Friend?  I’ve heard what kind of friend he is.”

Alarm gripped Joe.  He could smell the whisky on Boyd from four feet away.  He shot a look at Kate.  “If you need anything?”

Boyd reached over and put his arm across the door space in front of Kate.  “Like I said.  We don’t need nothin’ from you.”

“Thank you,” Kate added.  “We’re fine.” 

It took everything Joe had to step back.  “All right, I’ll see you in church Sunday?”

Kate nodded.  Boyd smirked and shut the door.

Joe didn’t remember walking back to the mercantile or loading the supplies.  He knew he’d signed the receipt and said something to Mr. Evans, but he couldn’t recall what. 

How could Boyd return after all this time?  What kind of son of a bitch does that?  What could he do?  He saw the hard look in Boyd’s eyes.  The cruel twist of his mouth.  The way he looked at Kate.  Oh, God.  He shouldn’t have left. He turned the team with more haste than precision and whipped them up.  The urgency in his gut twisted it into knots.

Joe hauled the sweating and blowing horses to a stop and flew from the seat.  This time, he didn’t knock but crashed through the door.  He stood with his legs braced wide in the middle of the parlor, ready to face Boyd.  No one was there.

“Kate!  Kate!”  Fear clawed its way into his throat when no answer came.  Then the door to Sarah and Billy’s bedroom opened a crack.  “Billy?”

The door flew open.  The children tumbled through.  Down on one knee, he gathered them into his arms.  Billy began to sob, and Sarah clung to his jacket.

“Oh, Joe.  Pa was so mad.  He was dragging Ma to her bedroom.  Billy started to cry, and he said he’d whup us good if we didn’t shut up.  Ma put us in our room and told us to stay and not come out no matter what.  There was shouting and then horrible sounds.  We were scared.  But we did like she told us.  I think he hurt her.”

Bile rose into Joe’s throat.  His eyes went to Kate’s bedroom.  What lay behind that door?  He looked down at the two heads buried into his chest.  He needed to get them out of there.  Whatever happened, they couldn’t be here to see.  He placed the children in the back of the buckboard and flung the supplies about to make more room.  Then he looked at the children huddled in the corner.  “Stay here.  I’ll be back in a minute.” 

Joe wrapped his hand on the doorknob of the room that meant so much to him.  Here, he’d known love, closeness, and pleasure.  Would this now be the place to tear him apart?  Could he face going through that again?  Pulling together his courage, he opened the door.  His gaze shot around the wrecked room until he found Kate.  By her side in an instant, the hand that reached to move the bloody, matted hair from her face shook.

“Kate?”  He touched her skin.  Relief flooded him at the warmth of it under his fingertips.  “Kate?  Can you hear me?”

A soft moan escaped the swelling lips.  He dropped his head to them in time to make out the words, “Children?”

“They’re okay.  I’m gonna get you to the doctor.”

“No … take us … Ponderosa … safe.”

Joe wrapped Kate in blankets.  The pitiful whimper she made when he picked up her made him wince.  When he met the children’s eyes, he fought down his fear for their sake.  “She’ll be all right, don’t worry.  I’m taking you home with me.”

The note hanging on Doc Martin’s door told Joe he would be back soon.  He dragged a hand down his face, pulled out his tally book to scratch his own, and fixed it behind the door knocker. 

Once past the city limits, he shook the team into a trot.  He’d padded Kate as much as possible.  She’d be shaken about, no matter what, and his urge to get her home pressed on him.

*****

The shouts brought Ben out of the house at a run.  Shocked at the lathered horses, he went to his son.  Joe leaped into the back of the wagon.  Ben’s throat constricted when he saw the bundle Joe gathered into his arms. 

“What happened?

“Her husband came back.”

“I’ll send for the doctor.”

“I left a note.”

Hanna and Hop Sing arrived.  Joe asked Hanna, “Can you take care of the kids?”

Without waiting for an answer, he walked into the house.  Ben followed.

Hop Sing jumped into action.  “I get medicine chest and hot water.”

Joe lay Kate down on the bed and drew back the blankets.  Ben’s sharp intake of breath filled the room. 

“Look what he did to her, Pa,” Joe begged him, his voice guttural with despair.  “Look what he did.”

Heartbreak cried out from the eyes that lifted to Ben’s appalled ones.  But it was stone-cold murder Ben saw when Joe flung away from the bed toward the door.  Ben caught his arm.

“Where’re you going?”

“I’m gonna find that bastard.” 

“No! You’re not.  You’re staying right here.  That woman needs you.”

The muscles under his arm tensed.  “He’s not gettin’ away with that.”

“What does that mean?  You gonna kill him?  What good would that do Kate?”

“Look what he did!  How he hurt her.  I gotta find him.”

Raw agony rolled off his son.  It tore at Ben, but Joe needed to listen to reason.  “Joseph.  This isn’t about you.  It’s about Kate.  She needs you.”

“Pa … I don’t think I can.”

Ben understood how hard this was for his son.  To face losing someone again.  But he couldn’t let him run away.  He tightened his grasp and pulled Joe close, nose to nose.  “So what?  This is too difficult for you?”  Ben pointed to the bed.  “That woman needs you.  To comfort her and tell her everything will be all right.  To tell her you love her.  Do you love her?”

Joe’s chest swelled.  “Yes.”

“Then prove it.  Put aside your pain and do what’s best for her.”

Wills conjoined in battle.  Their eyes locked.  Ben held on, determined he wouldn’t lose this fight. Joe’s dropped his gaze.  Ben drew a breath of relief and let go. 

“All right.”  Joe walked to the bed.  He turned to face Ben.  “But, Pa, he’s not getting near her again.”

Ben didn’t argue.

*****

After helping clean Kate up, Ben went downstairs for a stiff drink and awaited the doctor’s arrival.  He’d just come from taking Paul to her when Hoss charged through the door. 

“Why’s the doc here?  What’s wrong?  It’s not Benji or Hannah?”

“No.  It’s Kate.  Her husband came back.  He’s beaten her.”

Adam followed behind Hoss and asked, “How is she?”

“I don’t know.  It was bad.  Her face ….”  Ben broke off and took a long breath.  “I’m worried about internal damage.  If she dies, I don’t know what Joe will do.”

Adam turned to look up the stairs.  He weighed in his mind the man his youngest brother had become.  He turned back to his father.  “He’ll be okay, don’t worry.”

*****

Paul didn’t even bother trying to eject Joe from the room while he carried out his examination.  “Who did this?”

Joe’s reply was blunt, “Her husband.”  Paul’s gaze dropped to their entwined hands.  “It’s exactly what you think,” Joe told him.

“I’m not here to judge.”

The sandwiches and coffee lay on the table when the doctor came down the stairs.

“How is she?”

“Pretty banged up.  The brute broke her nose and left wrist.  I’ve wrapped her ribs.  It looks like he kicked as well as punched her.  But there’s no sign of internal injury yet.  If that doesn’t change, she’ll recover.”

The good host in Ben broke him out of his horrified silence.  “There’s coffee, Paul.”  He glanced at Hoss and Adam, who both looked sick.  “Boys, have some too.  I’ll take a cup up to Joe.”

*****

In the doorway, Ben watched his son.  Joe sat next to the bed, holding Kate’s hand in his.  He told her everything would be all right.  That the children were safe and how much he loved her.  When tears formed and spilled under swelling eyelids, he wiped them away, kissing the back of her hand, for there was nowhere else that wasn’t bruised or swollen.  Then he told it all to her again.

The tenderness of his son’s words and touch brought a lump to Ben’s throat.  Moving forward, he laid the cup and plate on the bedside table.  Kate’s bruised and swollen face looked grotesque where it wasn’t bandaged.

“The doctor says she should be all right.”  Joe’s voice was tight, and Ben saw his jaw clench as he added, “Provided there’s no internal damage.”

Laying a hand on Joe’s shoulder, Ben gave it a squeeze.  “I’m praying for her.”

His son’s hand came up to cover his and returned the pressure.  Joe’s head bowed.  Ben didn’t need to see his face to know tears filled his eyes.

*****

Doctor Martin gave a grunt of satisfaction, readjusted the nightdress, and drew the covers back.  “So far, so good.  The bruising isn’t spreading, and your stomach is nice and soft, Mrs. Boyd.  You’re coming on nicely.”

Joe, who’d moved to the window while the medical man conducted his examination, looked around with relief.  Any good news was welcome.  He flexed his back, aching from the night spent in the chair.  The sound of horses returned his attention to the window.  He frowned.  Four men rode into the yard.  He could see Sheriff Foster and behind him — John Boyd.

Ben stepped out onto the porch to meet the men.  Clem Foster leaned on his saddlebow and adjusted his hat.  This wasn’t a call he wanted to make or relished, but the man behind him had made a legitimate complaint.  “Ben, I’m sorry to disturb you.  Is Joe around?”

“What’s this about, Sheriff?”

“This here’s Mr. Boyd.  He’s laid a complaint Joe ran off with his wife.  If she’s here, Ben, I need to come in and take her off your hands.”

“She’s here because that man almost beat her to death.”

Clem’s head swung ‘round to look at Boyd.  “This true?”

“I had a right to punish her.  She’s been fucking that Joe Cartwright.”

Clem shifted in his saddle.  He’d heard rumors, but they were none of his business until now. 

Joe stepped onto the porch carrying a rifle.  “Kate’s staying here.  No one’s stepping foot in the house.”

“Joe,” Ben cautioned.

Joe cocked the weapon.  “You may as well ride on out of here, Sheriff.” 

Hoss and Adam appeared and flanked him on either side.  Clem considered the three men.  The deep green in Joe’s eyes leaped and curled like the flames of a furnace, the only life in his emotionless face.

“Joe, Mrs. Boyd’s husband’s laid a complaint you’ve taken her.  As her husband, he’s got a right to– ” 

“She’s not leaving.”

Clem dismounted and pulled himself up to his full height.  He didn’t like doing this, but he’d learned from the best.  The law was the law.  “The law says different.” 

When he took a step forward, the rifle swung to bear. 

“I said no one steps foot in the house.”

Ben put himself between Clem and his son.  “Joe, this is no way to handle this.”

“I told you.  He’s not getting near her.”

“And he won’t, but pointing a rifle at Clem isn’t helping.”

Clem tried again.  “You can’t keep a man’s wife from him.  He’s got a legal right to take her back.”

“Not right now, he hasn’t.”  Everyone except Joe turned to look at Paul, who’d come out of the house.  “I’m sorry, Sheriff, law or not, Mrs. Boyd isn’t going anywhere.  Bad enough she was moved here, but since she has, here she stays.”

“He’s lyin’!  He’s their pal.  He’d say anything they told him to say.”

“Shut up!”  Clem and Joe chorused. 

Clem scratched his chin.  “I reckon I oughta take a look, Ben.”

After a glance at Joe, Ben nodded.  “All right.”

The two men followed the doctor into the house.  The tableau in the yard didn’t move.  The two deputies flanking Boyd threw nervous glances at each other.  The three Cartwright men stood silent and unmoving, an implacable wall between them and the house.  Joe’s eyes never left Boyd’s.  The man shifted in his saddle under their intense glare.

Clem marched out of the house.  His mouth was white around the edges.  Whatever he’d expected to see, it hadn’t been that.  He barked his order, “We’re heading back.”

Boyd exploded, “What about my wife?”

“Shut up!  You’re a real piece of shit, Boyd.  I mightn’t be able to do anything under the law for what you did to that woman, but she’s sure as hell staying where she is.  Now you do as your told and get back to town.  And I’m telling you this.  You set one foot on the Ponderosa, and I’ll arrest you for trespass.  That, I can do.”

“You’re in their pockets too!  You can’t stop me coming back for her.”

“But I can,” Joe told him.  “You come anywhere near Kate.  I’ll kill you.”

“Get him outta here,” Clem told his deputies.  The two men wheeled about, leading the furious Boyd away.  Clem turned to Joe.  “I’m sorry.  I wish I could arrest him, but there’s nothing I can do.”

Joe strode to Clem and extended his hand.  “Thanks.”

Clem accepted the gesture.  “I hope the lady gets better soon.”

The Cartwrights watched the men ride out.  When they moved out of sight, Hoss said, “He didn’t even ask about his kids.”

*****

Chapter Fifteen

“What are we going to do about this mess?” Adam asked.  He put down his glass of brandy and looked around the room.  The family made a comforting sight spread around the fireplace.  Joe was upstairs supervising Sarah and Billy’s daily visit to see their mother.  It had been a week since the attack.  They’d all been relieved that no internal injuries had manifested, but her recovery would be slow.  “We all know as soon as Kate’s well enough, that brute will demand her back, and there’s nothing any of us can do to stop him.”

“It ain’t right that a man can get away with beating a woman just ‘cause she’s his wife.”

Ben had heard that mantra from Hoss maybe a hundred times since it happened.  “No, it’s not, and we all know Joe won’t stand by and let her go.”

“I’ve made some inquiries about Boyd,” Adam told them.  “He’s a mining engineer of sorts.  The get-rich-quick type and doesn’t do well at that.  He’s not popular with his neighbors.  The man’s a mean drunk and takes it out on anyone near him.  Since he and Hannah came to Virginia City, he’s left several times, and no one was sorry to see him go.”  Adam glanced down at his fingers before adding, “It seems it’s not the first time he’s hit Kate.  I heard a few tales of black eyes and bruises.”

“Knowing what he was like, you think they’d have kept quiet about Kate and Joe?” Hoss said.

“There’s always a malicious person ready to repeat gossip.  Kate’s the one who’s kept the roof over their heads, not Boyd.  He doesn’t seem to have contributed a dime to that family.  I also found out he’s got a partner.  A man called Pat Hanley.  They’ve moved into the house.”

Sophy demanded.  “Can’t Kate divorce him now, after what he’s done?”

Ben exchanged a look with Adam.  Joseph had told them about the cases Woodrow related to him to illustrate divorce due to battery was nigh on impossible.  “It won’t be easy.  But we can try.”

Both women moved closer to their husbands, grateful fate had blessed them with good men.

Ben chucked the babe in his arms under the chin while he wove a plan.  “If Boyd’s keen on getting rich quick, I might have an idea.”

*****

Boyd yanked open the door and started at the imposing presence of the man standing there. 

“I want to talk to you?”

A smirk spread over the man’s face as he turned and walked back into the house, leaving the door open for Ben to follow. Flinging himself back into a kitchen chair, Boyd reached for the glass of whisky in front of him.  The kitchen was a mess.  Dirty pots and dishes filled the sink.  Leftover food lay scattered about the surfaces and floor.  Boyd was no housekeeper. 

“Tell me, why has the great Ben Cartwright come to visit me?”

Ben pulled out a chair and sat down.  “I think you know.  I’m here to talk about your wife.” 

“That whore.”

Ben kept his voice calm.  “We’re both men of the world.  You don’t want the burden of your wife and children.  My son does.  How much will it take?”

“Huh?”

Ben reached into his jacket and pulled forth a folded document.  He dropped it on the table.  “How much to sign the divorce papers?  They’re cited for adultery between Kate and Joseph.”

Boyd stared at the papers, then looked at Ben.  His mouth contorted into a snarl.  He leaned across the table and spat the words in Ben’s face.  “He wants her, does he?  Well, that’s too bad.  That cheating bitch fucked your son for all of Virginia City to see.  Betrayed me!  Humiliated me!  D’you think I’ll sign a paper and let her walk away?  She’s my wife!  I’m gonna get her back, and your son will hav’ta live with that.  Knowing, I get to do her anytime I like, an’ if she gives me any trouble.  I’ll teach her another lesson.”

Ben’s face stiffened into a hard mask.  He understood Joe’s antipathy toward this scum.  “Ten thousand.”

The glass halfway to Boyd’s mouth halted.  “You’d pay me ten thousand dollars?”

“That’s right.  To get Kate free of you and out of her life.”

Boyd’s eyes gleamed.  He downed the whisky.  “I tell you what.  Why don’t we just double that and make it twenty.” 

“Done.  Sign the papers.  We’ll go to the bank, and I’ll make you out a draft right now.”

To Ben’s shock, Boyd burst into laughter.  “You Cartwright’s, you think you can buy anything.”  Boyd slammed his glass back down on the table.  “Well, I ain’t selling!  The whore stays with me.  I’m her husband, and I own every bit of her.  You got that, Cartwright? Your son can lie awake at night thinking about what I’m doing to her.”

Unable to stand the man any longer, Ben picked up the papers and stuffed them back in his vest.  He stood and regarded the piece of dirt in front of him.

“You talk about your rights and how Kate betrayed you.  What about you?  Didn’t you betray your marriage vows when you left her with no money and two children to raise?  What about your vow to love and cherish her?  When did you ever do that?  The offer stays for forty-eight hours.  Then it’ll be gone.”  Placing his palms on the table, he leaned toward Boyd.  “Get this through your thick skull.  I am a wealthy man, and I’ll use all that money to fight you in court to keep Kate out of your clutches.”

Boyd’s harsh laughter followed Ben to the door.  “She’ll still be my wife, though, won’t she?  She’ll always belong to me.  How’s Joe gonna live with that?”

The laughter burned in Ben’s ears, along with the fury deep in his chest.  Whatever happened, he’d do all he could to thwart that loathsome creature.

*****

“Twenty thousand?” Joe exclaimed.  “How could you?  Can the ranch even sustain that kind of loss?”

“You can answer that better than me.”

“Why didn’t you talk to me first?  What would Adam and Hoss think?”  Joe broke off.  He might’ve known.  “You’ve already spoken to them.”

“We talked it over before I went.  They want your happiness just as much as I do.”

Joe’s head dropped to hide the wobble in his chin.  “Thanks.”

“Not that it did much good.  But he’d been drinking.  Hopefully, once he’s sobered up, the offer will be too good to refuse.  I’ll go and see him again in a couple of days.”  Joe reached over and placed a hand on his knee.  His father covered it with his own.  “It’ll be all right.”

Ben stared into the fire.  Joe had returned to Kate’s room.  He hoped and prayed he’d spoken the truth and everything would work out.  At least things couldn’t get any worse.  Or so he thought.

*****

“Clem, good to see you.”  The man took Ben’s hand but looked embarrassed.  Was he here to try and get Kate again?  “What can I do for you?”

“It’s Joe I’ve come to see.  Is he around?”

“He’s upstairs with Kate.”  Ben turned to Jamie, who’d stopped his task of sawing wood to watch.  “Go tell Joe the sheriff wants to see him.  Come inside, Sheriff.”

Hoss turned on the sofa when they went into the house.  “Howdy, Clem.  What brings you out this way?”

Before Clem could answer, Joe came down the stairs.

“If this is about Kate?“ he began.

“It’s not.  Can you tell me your whereabouts this morning?”

Joe frowned, surprised by the question.  “I rode over to the lower forty to check on a report of some broken fences.”

“When did you get back?” 

“About an hour ago.  What’s this about?”

Clem turned his hat in his hand and ignored the question.  “Did anyone see you?”

“No.”

Hoss said, “We all know that’s where he was, Clem.”

“Were you with him?”

Hoss looked at Joe and then Ben.  He sensed trouble.  “No, I weren’t with him.”

Joe put his hands on his hips.  “What’s this about?”

“John Boyd was shot dead this morning.”

A surprised laugh escaped Joe.  The man couldn’t be serious?  “What, you think I killed him?  I haven’t been to Virginia City since I brought Kate home.”

“I have a witness who saw you there.”

“Then he’s lying.”

“Who said they saw Joe?” Ben demanded. 

“Boyd’s partner.  Pat Hanley.   When he left the house this morning, he saw a man go in the back door.  The description he gives fits Joe perfectly.  He says he heard a shot and ran back to find Boyd dead and the man running away.”

Joe turned to his father.  “I swear— ” 

Ben cut him off.  “I know.  Clem, he’s either lying or mistaken.”

“You’re probably right, Ben, but I’ve still gotta take Joe in.”

Tension rippled through Joe.  This man’s death wasn’t bad news, but he sure as hell hadn’t killed him.  His father’s hand on his shoulder tightened.  He already knew what he would say.

“I think it best if you go.  I’ll come with you.”

“And me.” 

Hoss added his protective presence.  Despite it all, Joe smiled to have his big brother there.  Damn, that felt good.

*****

The ride through Virginia City told him the gossip mongers had been at work.  People stopped on the sidewalk to gawp, and he saw several shake their heads and look away.  Joe clenched his jaw.  Some things never change.

He’d seen Kate before he left. Her fine eyes still shone, brave and defiant, and his intention to lie was forgotten when he gazed down at her. This woman deserved to know the truth.  She shed tears when he told her of Boyd’s death.  Not of sorrow but of relief in the knowledge she was free of him.  When he told her why he had to go, those eyes flashed with anger.  Her belief in him almost proved too much.  He couldn’t take her in his arms, so he settled for a kiss.  Whispering his goodbyes, he left. 

Joe clasped his hands between his knees.  He never enjoyed the experience of being behind bars.  His place was with Kate, not here.  He fought the overwhelming urge to smash every stick of furniture in the damn cell.  His faith lay with his family.  He hoped they’d get him out soon.

*****

Chapter Sixteen

It took time for Ben to quell the uproar in his lawyers’ office.  Hoss was all for breaking Joe out of jail.  Adam and Candy, who’d ridden in when they got the news, didn’t seem far behind helping him. 

Woodrow’s supposition that with it being one man’s word against Joe’s, the case against him was flimsy, shattered when Hoss insisted, “Yeah, except, if folks didn’t know about Kate and Joe before, they sure as heck will now.  If that ain’t reason enough for Joe to kill him, I don’t know what is.  If we know that, you can bet a jury would too.”

Then Job’s comforter chipped in, “And Clem and the deputies were witnesses when Joe threatened the man.”

Ben glared at Adam, but he couldn’t deny the truth of what he and Hoss said.  The situation looked bleak.  Deciding to stay in town, he sent them home once he talked them out of doing anything reckless.   

He did his best to raise Joe’s spirits during dinner in the jail and it was late when he left him and made his way back to the hotel.  Reaching the alley next to the building, he stopped dead when the tip of a gun pressed into his back.

A voice hissed in his ear, “Back up, Cartwright.  I wanna talk.”  Ben did as he was told.  “I’m Pat Hanley.  I’m the one who told the sheriff I saw your son at Boyd’s place this morning.”

“What do you want?”

“You offered Boyd twenty thousand dollars to divorce his wife.  That right?”

“It is.”

“Would it be worth the same to you if I was to tell the sheriff I made a mistake about seeing your boy?”

Ben glanced over his shoulder.  “Why would you do that if he killed your friend?”

“He were my partner, not my friend.”  The tip of the gun pressed harder.  “Do you want me to clear your son or not?”

“If I pay you twenty thousand, you’ll tell the sheriff you didn’t see Joe?”

“I’ll write you a letter to give to him.  Say I made a mistake.”

“He’d rather hear it from you.”

“It’s the letter or nuthin’.”

“All right.  I’ll get a bank draft tomorrow.”

“No!  I don’t want no piece of paper.  I want cash money.”

“All right.  Cash.”

“Good.  Bring the money to Boyd’s place tomorrow at noon.  I’ll give you the letter then.  And you better not be carrying a gun.”

The tip removed, Ben spun to see a figure scurrying away.  This was what they needed to clear Joe.

*****

Ben stepped out of the bank with his saddlebag slung over one shoulder.  He glanced up at the sky.  It was almost noon. He needed to hurry.

The door to Kate’s little house stood open. 

“Hanley?”

“I’m here.”  From the kitchen, the man appeared.  Ben saw Boyd’s partner for the first time.  Not much to look at, he heard the eagerness when he demanded, “You got the money?”

Slapping the saddlebag on the table, he undid one pocket to spread it open. 

“Twenty thousand, just as you asked.  Where’s the letter?”

Hanley reached into his grubby coat and pulled out a piece of paper. Ben took it.  With one hand still on his saddlebag, he flicked open the document to read.  When he finished, he grunted and took his hand away. 

Hanley snatched the bag and began to fumble with the strap to look inside at the bundles of notes.  He picked one out and ran it through his fingers as if to make sure it was real.  The avarice in his face made Ben grimace.

“Boyd didn’t change his mind about accepting my offer?”

“No.  The fool,” Hanley replied.  He didn’t look up.  His interest consumed by the greenbacks in his hands.  “He wanted that bitch back so he could screw her and rub your son’s face in it.  I told him.  He could buy dozens of women with that kind of money.  He didn’t care.  Can you figure that?”

“No.  I can’t.  You could’ve done a lot with the money.”

“I know.  We’d be living high on the hog.  For two years, we’d been partners, and he couldn’t do that for me.”

“Is that when you came up with the idea?  Kill Boyd and tell the sheriff Joe did it.  Then get the money for yourself.”

“So what?  I did you a favor, killing him.  You should be grateful.”

“I am.  Did you hear all that, Sheriff?” 

Startled, Hanley turned to see one of the bedroom doors open to reveal Sheriff Foster.

“Yeah, I heard him.  Hanley, you’re under arrest.”

“You tricked me!”

“That’s right,” Ben told him.

Hanley let loose a scream of fury.  Snatching up the lamp from the table, he flung it at Clem before drawing on Ben.  An explosion filled the room, drowning out the man’s cry.  Hanley clutched his injured arm and moaned.  Ben turned.  Gun still smoking, Adam stood in the doorway. 

“Glad you haven’t lost your touch.”

Adam holstered his weapon.  “I need to practice.  I was aiming for his chest.”

“Did you get him?” Hoss asked, coming in behind Adam.

“We did,” Ben replied.

Clem handed Ben back his saddlebag.  Ben asked, “Well, Sheriff?”

“I’m satisfied.”

Ben smiled.  “Boys, let’s go get your brother out of jail.”

*****

The four Cartwright men stepped out onto the boardwalk.  Joe took a long draft of fresh air.

“Good to be out, son?”

“Yeah, Pa, always.”

“We’d better get this money back to the bank.”

Joe looked toward the horses lined up behind the hitching post.  “D’you mind if I head straight home.  I’d like to see Kate and tell her the good news.”

“I’ll come— ”  Ben put a hand on his middle son, which silenced him.

“Sure, Joe, you go on ahead.  We’ll follow.”  The brilliant smile that never failed to light Ben’s heart swept across Joe’s face.  Ben grinned when Joe did a swing mount into the saddle.  He hadn’t seen him do that for a long while.  Turning Cochise, they galloped off down the street.  “I think that’s one reunion Joe needs to do on his own.”

Grasping the shoulders of his two older sons, they stood and watched his youngest ride out of town toward his future.

*****

Epilogue

The latest member of the Cartwright family played at Ben’s feet with the well-worn group of wooden animals borrowed from her cousins.  Five years had passed since John Boyd’s death, and a lot had changed.  His sons were certainly making up for lost time. 

Ben smiled when Joe’s buggy rolled into the yard.  Getting up, he went to meet them.

“Sorry, we’re late, Pa.”

Jumping down, Joe ran around to take his youngest child from Kate before giving her his arm.  With a tut and a reprimand that she wasn’t an invalid, she accepted.

Ben waved aside Joe’s apology.  “You’re right on time.”

Kate smoothed her dress, and Joe ran a tender hand over her midriff.  Ben’s eyebrows rose.  He recognized that glow on Kate’s skin and hid a smile.  It must be early days since the couple hadn’t announced anything.  Well, he’d keep their secret. 

While Kate greeted Ben, Joe retrieved the basket filled with Kate’s goodies for the picnic.  Taking it from her husband, she swept away to join Hanna, Sophy, and Hop Sing in the kitchen.  Ben strolled to the buggy and said hello to his other three grandchildren sitting in the back. 

“You made it then,” Hoss said.  Joe turned and laughed.  In one arm, Hoss carried his youngest, and under the other, he’d managed to tuck his two older sons, who squirmed and wriggled to be released.  “I’m just keeping these little varmints out from under their ma’s feet, or she’ll likely skin ‘em alive.”

Once the children were out of the buggy, Ben suggested, “The barn cats had a litter.   Why don’t you all take a look?  Sarah, Billy, you’re in charge.”

Sarah and Billy puffed out their chests and chorused, “Yes, Grandpa!”

Hoss put down Benji, and his younger brothers, and the flock scampered toward the barn. 

“Hey!  Wait for me!”  Running after them, Adam’s eldest son caught up with his cousins.  The chattering brood disappeared into the building.

Seeing Jamie, Joe greeted him with a slap on the back. Adam sauntered out and took Joe’s hand. Scooping up his little one from the porch, Adam said,  “Let’s get you inside, Miss.”

Hoss, Jamie, and Joe were about to follow when Ben asked, “Joe, could I have a word?”

“Sure.”  Passing off his youngest to Hoss.  Joe joined his father, and they strolled to the fence.

“I wanted to tell you.  Adam spoke to Hoss and me this morning.  He wants to spend all his time on his business.”  Seeing the look on Joe’s face, he said, “You knew?”

Joe shrugged a shoulder.  “Jamie’s been talking non-stop about how well the business is doing.  I figured it was on the cards.”

“It’ll be just the three of us again.”

“Just like old times.”  Ben smiled.  Joe and Hoss did a stand-up job of taking care of the ranch.  There were no more roundups, cattle drives, and grueling long days in the saddle for himself.  He still oversaw the operation, but the Ponderosa was a partnership, and he was content to let his sons take care of the hands-on running.  Ben caught the look Joe leveled at him.  He expected Joe’s question.  “How do you feel about it?”

Ben couldn’t avoid Joe’s intense gaze.  “Adam’s heart was never in the Ponderosa the way Hoss and yours are.  I’m proud of what he’s achieved, and he has Jamie working for him too.”

“Speaking of Jamie ….”

Ben pulled a face when Joe trailed off.  “Yes.  He’s told me he wants to move to Carson City.  I understand.  It makes sense.”

The grin on Joe’s face made Ben raise his eyebrows.  “For the business, sure.  But I think that pretty little gal he’s stepping out with has more to do with it.  I reckon it won’t be long before we’ll all be needing our dress suits.”

“Well, let’s see what happens.” Ben couldn’t help smiling at the prospect.  To have his youngest married would be wonderful, but he wasn’t about to count his chickens.

“Not that the house will be any quieter.”

“Who wants quiet?” Ben snorted.  After Joe moved into his own home, Ben kept open the option for Hoss and Hannah to build their own, but they were more than content to remain in the big house. Ben was glad to have them.

From the door, Hoss called, “Hey, Joe.  Come see this new do-dah of Adam’s.  You ain’t seen nothing like it.”

“This should be good.”  Joe laughed.

The two walked toward the house, but while Joe went in, Ben hung back.  The children’s laughter drifted from the barn.  His three daughters-in-law and cook worked on the picnic lunch in the kitchen.  He could see his four sons standing in front of the fireplace through the open door.  Four strong men.  Family men.  Hoss hawed out a laugh at something Jamie said, and Joe’s unique giggle rose above them all.  That sound of his sons laughing together meant so much to Ben.  They were a source of never-ending pride. 

His gaze came to rest on the one who had been his youngest for so long.  The tempestuous, life-embracing, compassionate, fearless son that he’d sometimes despaired on getting to manhood had achieved that and more.  He watched Joe battle through tragedy to take on the mantle of husband again and then father.  The way he embraced and loved Sarah and Billy had been a wonderful thing to watch.  Joe would never forget Alice or his lost child.  There were days when Ben still saw that heartbreak in his eyes, but Joe didn’t carry his loss like a burden anymore.  His future with Kate and their children looked brighter than any Ben could have wished. 

Ben drew in a breath that threw out his chest.  Around him, the green meadows were lush and sweet.  Towering Ponderosa pines climbed towards the heavens, beaten only by the mountains in the distance.  This majestic land gave them a home and livelihood but so much more.  It provided the spirit to their souls and the legacy for his bonanza — his family — the Cartwrights.

***  The End  ***

June 2020

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Author’s Notes:
The divorce case referred to was real.  Divorce was a terrible scandal and rarely granted by a judge at that time.  In 1861, a woman filed for divorce after her husband beat her unconscious with a piece of wood over the fight they had. She wanted their pet dog to sleep in their bed, and he didn’t. The judge claimed that one or two violent incidents were not enough to get a divorce and forced them to stay married.

Episodes referenced:

A House Divided  Written by Al C. Ward

Badge Without Honor  Written by John Twist

Bank Run  Written by N. B. Stone Jnr

The Prime of Life  Written by Peter Packer

Joe Cartwright, Detective  Written by William F. Claxton

Forever  Written by Michael Landon

The Hunter  Written by Michael Landon