Five Men and a Baby Girl

by smp4ever

It had been a little more than five months since Alice passed away. Joe had been making progress. He had begun enjoying getting back into a regular work routine and being with friends again. But the past two weeks especially, Joseph had been a caution. Jamie, Candy, and I sat down for dinner. Joe was nowhere to be found. 

 Candy, “What do you think is wrong with Joe? He seemed to be adjusting well after you found the men who committed the heinous crime against Alice. He was more at peace after his time away, and after apprehending the murderers and bringing them to justice. What could be going on with him now? I know he’s drinking heavily which is making him more obnoxious and me more concerned!”

Candy shook his head, being just as perplexed as Ben. 

“I’ve tried talking with him when we’re riding fence or going into town for a beer. He just tells me to mind my own business and either rides away or walks away. The other night at the Silver Dollar, he got into a brawl with a miner because the guy accidentally bumped into him. That’s how I got this shiner. I couldn’t let Joe take on the miner and his friends alone! I’m sure you’ll be getting the bill from that free-for-all! Joe’s been looking for trouble. He’s even short tempered with the Hands. They’ve just about had it with him. I give the guys a menacing look and they back off, for how long I don’t know.” 

“Candy, you’ve proven yourself over and over to be such a good and true friend to Joe. Thank you!”

Jamie, who had been listening to the conversation, quietly interjected, “Pa?” Ben looked over at Jamie. “Isn’t this the time when Alice would have had the baby?”

Both Ben and Candy looked aghast! “Of course,” Ben said. “Alice was due at the end of March!” How could I have been so stupid?”

Ben got up from the table. “I’m going to look for Joe!” 

“Do you want us to go with you?” Jamie asked.

“No, this is something I need to do alone.”

Ben abruptly left the table and headed out the door.

Thinking of places Joe might be, Ben first headed to where Alice was buried. From a distance Ben could see a figure kneeling down with his hand touching the cross. Riding up quietly, Ben dismounted and approached Joe. It was obvious he had been drinking. 

Joe didn’t look up, but in almost a whisper said, “Do you know, Pa, I’ll never know if I was going to be the father of a boy or girl? Elizabeth, Ingrid, and Mama left you a piece of themselves through Adam, Hoss, and me. All I have is this stone cross! I feel so broken and angry. How much more am I supposed to take? I should be holding my son or daughter in my arms right now, but instead all I hold is Alice’s tombstone.” Joe looked up at Ben with tears streaming down his face. “I feel like I’m losing my mind!” 

Ben gently lifted Joe up from the ground and wrapped his strong arms around him. Joe struggled to break free! He yelled and cursed, but Ben wouldn’t release him. Finally, Joe’s body stopped fighting and sobs from deep within his soul resounded in the open field. Ben’s heart broke for Joe. All Ben could do was hold him and gently rub his back, the same way he did when Alice died.

Ben said, “Joseph, I have no words. There’s nothing I can say to ease your pain. I can’t explain why you have experienced so much sadness and loss. However you still have so much more life to live. I know you can’t even think about that now. Let’s just take it one step at a time. We’ll do this together and with other people who love you.”

 Joe’s sobs subsided. He was so exhausted. 

“Let’s go home, Son.” 

Joe followed Ben like a lost puppy dog over to their horses. As they rode home, Ben thought, “I’ve never heard silence quite this loud.”

Ben had Hop Sing draw a nice, hot bath for Joe since Ben knew Joe had been chilled by the early spring evening air. Ben brought Joe a hot cup of broth while he relaxed in the tub. Joe was grateful to his father. Pa knew his son so well and was aware he could never handle a complete meal tonight. Ben kept Joe company while he sipped his soup and soaked in the tub. His fatherly instincts told him that Joe was desperate for his presence right now. Age had nothing to do with needing a parent. It was circumstances that determined the need. This was one of those times. Finished with his bath, Joe stood up and stepped out of the tub.  Ben wrapped a large, warmed towel around him. While Joe dried off, Ben got a nightshirt from the bureau. He handed it to Joe and then guided him into bed. As soon as Joe’s head touched the pillow, he was out!  Ben caressed Joe’s face and kissed him, something he hadn’t done since he found Joe in the desert being hunted by Sam Wolf.  He prayed that Joe’s life would bring him happiness soon. He said, “Goodnight, Son,” and closed the door.

The next morning, Joe’s head and stomach weren’t a hundred percent so Pa took pity on Joe and gave him light chores for the day. He sent Joe into town to pick up the mail, some supplies, and make a deposit at the bank. As he walked along the streets of Virginia City, Joe politely tipped his hat to all the ladies he passed on the way to the mercantile. A young lady was being bothered by a drunken cowboy. Joe, being the gallant gentleman he was, went over to the cowboy and got him to back off. Perhaps it was the trip into the horses’ trough that convinced the man to stop harassing the young woman. Little did Joe know that a pair of peering eyes from the alley had been watching his every move. After loading the supplies, Joe meandered over to the salon to pay for damages from the other night. 

“Bruno, I’m really sorry for the ruckus I caused on Saturday.” Here’s $50. to cover the damages. If it’s not enough…”

Bruno stopped Joe mid sentence. 

“Joe, I explained to the miner what you’ve been going through. Keep your money. He and his friends already paid me.”

Joe was rendered speechless. 

After he found his voice , Joe said, “If you see them again, Bruno, please tell them I’d like to buy them a round of drinks.”

“Sure, Joe!”

With that, Joe headed to the bank, and made a last stop to pick up the mail. He walked back over to the mercantile, secured the tarp on the wagon, hopped up on the seat, and left town.

The ride home was uneventful. Spring was a time of hope and renewal.The weather was warming. Flowers were blooming. Joe was enjoying the fragrance and sweet smells around him and the greenery that surrounded him. The sky was an azure blue and…Joe’s peace was disturbed by what sounded like a crying kitten in the back of the wagon. He pulled to a stop to investigate. 

“Okay, Kitty, come on out. Don’t you go trying to eat some of our supplies.” The sound got louder. Joe pulled the tarp back and lifted the towel covering one of the boxes.

“ Oh Lordy, it’s a BABY!” 

Hoss’s saying was perfect for this moment.

 A note was attached to the baby’s blanket. 

“I’ve chosen you to take care of my baby. Her name is Jessica and she’s six weeks old. I am unable to care for her now. I know you will love her as your own.” 

Joe’s mouth was agape. Since he was almost at the ranch he chose to go home instead of going back to town. 

As Joe neared the front door he started screaming and yelling for his father.! 

Joe carefully lifted Baby Jessica from the box along with her blanket. As Pa came running out of the house thinking Joe had been injured, he stopped short seeing the vision before him. 

“Joe, that wasn’t on the supply list!”

Joe gave his father an incredulous look. “Seriously Pa? I found her tucked inside one of the boxes in the back of the wagon with this note attached.” 

Pa read the note. 

“Joe, she’s only six weeks old.

She needs a mother’s milk!”

“Don’t look at me! I can do a lot of things, but that ain’t one of them!”

“I’m being serious, Son!”

“So am I!” What are we going to do?” 

“I’ll send one of the Hands into town to get Doc Martin and tell him to bring a wet nurse with him. In the meantime let’s get Jessica into the house!”

Jamie was just coming in from school. 

Ben ran over to him and said, “Get into the wagon and go to the mercantile. Pick up a bolt of linen, a bolt of flannel, and a dozen safety pins. Also get a few long tube feeding bottles and baby clothes for a 6 week old girl. Just tell Nelly. She’ll know what to gather.”

 Jamie looked totally befuddled!  “What do you need them for?”

“Jamie, no questions now. Just get going! I have to get back to the baby before Joe starts panicking!”

“BABY!” Now Jamie was really confused, but he snapped the reins and off he went! 

As Ben walked back into the house he saw Joe holding the baby with his arms outstretched in front of him. He was yelling for Hop Sing in-between gagging. 

“I think she did something. Take her Pa before I throw up!” 

Joe handed off Jessica to Ben and made a mad dash out the front door.

“He has a lot to learn, Jessica. We’re going to have to be very patient with him!”

Ben grabbed a couple of napkins from the sideboard and headed into the kitchen. Hop Sing had water boiling on the stove top. Ben told him to wet one of the napkins. 

“Water for vegetables Hop Sing cooking!”

“Don’t argue, please. Just put water on one of the napkins!”

Ben laid Jessica on a towel on the kitchen table and proceeded to remove her diaper. Just then Joe walked in, not realizing the offensive operation was about to begin. He immediately turned on his heels and exited as quickly as he could! 

Ben yelled, “Joseph, get back in here right now!”

Ben chuckled quietly when he looked at Joe and saw him turning a bluish pale color. Joe was trying not to breathe, but Ben warned that he’d pass out if he didn’t take a breath soon. Joe inhaled deeply, just as Ben handed him the soiled diaper. Joe and the diaper, at high speed, ran out the door. Not being able to control his laughter any longer, Ben guffawed loudly! Jessica also must have found Joe’s antics comical and started smiling and cooing. Ben gently cleaned Jessica and placed the other napkin on her. He secured the diaper with a safety pin Hop Sing had found. Ben picked up the baby and cradled and rocked her. She was asleep instantly. 

Ben thought, “Guess I haven’t lost my magic touch!”

While holding sleeping Baby Jessica, Ben walked outside looking for Joe. He didn’t have to go far. Joe had just come up from soaking his head in the trough! A concerned Candy was standing next to Joe who was now sitting on the edge of the trough. Ben asked where the diaper was and without saying a word Joe pointed to the bucket. 

“Are you okay now, Son? Candy, did Joe tell you what’s going on?”

“No! Joe’s just been speaking in monosyllabic words and gagging! Could the baby in your arms have something to do with Joe’s behavior?”

Ben explained to Candy everything he and Joe knew so far.  Joe got up from the trough and gently took the baby from Ben’s arms. Jessica opened her eyes and smiled up at Joe. His heart melted at that moment and Joe realized not even a dirty diaper could keep him away. Candy, Ben, and Joe were entertaining Jessica with talking baby talk and making baby sounds. Just then, Doc Martin pulled up with the wet nurse. Doc introduced Hanna Townsend to them.

Joe and Ben led the doctor and wet nurse into the house. Joe showed Hanna to the guest room downstairs and then quickly went over to where the doctor was examining Jessica. Joe refused to leave the baby’s side. Doc Martin was amused by Jessica’s antics of using her grasping reflex and opening and closing her little hands. She was giving the doctor big smiles when he smiled at her. Jessica kept cooing and making gurgling sounds. Upon completing the examination, Paul Martin declared Jessica to be a healthy, happy baby. The wet nurse, who had come out of her room, picked up the baby, and walked back to the room to breastfeed Jessica. Joe started to follow her but Ben pulled him back. 

“Oh yeah!” is all Joe could say with a sly look on his face.

Doc Martin went over instructions with Ben and Joe. The doctor felt confident since Ben had already raised 3 babies.

Ben offered Paul some coffee, but he refused since he had to get back into town to see other patients.

The three men walked out the door just as Jamie pulled in with the supplies. Paul went on his way and the rest of them started unloading everything. When that was done, Ben, Hop Sing, and Jamie set up a station in the Great Room to begin the task of making diapers using the linen and flannel materials. They cut the fabric into squares and folded them into rectangular shapes. The neat piles they made were stored in several convenient places.

Hop Sing was mumbling something under his breath. All Ben could make out was, “So much foolishment, not wash dirty diapers since Little Joe was baby, and going back to China!” 

Ben ignored the tirades knowing Hop Sing wasn’t going anywhere. 

Meanwhile, Joe and Candy had gotten the cradle from the attic that Adam had made. They cleaned it up and began making the padding and pillow. The bedding was made from soft animal skins, downy feathers from birds, and blankets. The cradle was ready. Joe started to carry it up to his room but Ben stopped him. He explained that the cradle would have to go into Mrs. Townsend’s room for obvious reasons. Ben could tell by Joe’s expression, he was not happy, but he knew Joe understood. Joe had bonded with Jessica and had already become very possessive of this precious baby.

After supper, Jamie was playing with Jessica and was shaking the rattle Ben had put away about 28 years ago when Joe was two. Jessica and Jamie hit it off really well!

Jamie was laughing as much as the baby was making all kinds of gurgling sounds.

Ben had to interrupt the fun by asking Jamie if his homework was done. 

“No, Sir,” came the reply with a downtrodden face! Jamie said goodnight and headed upstairs to get his work finished. 

Candy had already left since he was going to be assuming some of Joe’s responsibilities until they all got into a steady routine with the baby. 

Mrs.Townsend was in her room reading, Hop Sing was still cleaning up after supper. That left Ben, Joe, and Jessica in the Great Room. 

Joe looked over at Ben, “Pa, will you show me how to diaper Jessica?” 

Ben never thought he would hear a question like that from one of his sons. 

“Of course, Joe.” 

Ben went through the whole explanation from start to finish. Now it was Joe’s turn to try. He picked up Jessica, laid her on a towel on the wooden table next to the settee. Joe checked the diaper which was only slightly wet, removed it, wiped Jessica, and put a clean diaper on her. Pa was very proud of Joe. He went back to sit in his red chair and told Joe to bring the baby over to him so he could hold her for a while. Joe did as Pa asked. Just as Joe started to hand her to his father, the diaper slipped off and Jessica began peeing all over Ben’s lap. 

Expressionless, Ben stood up and handed the baby back to Joe. In a monotone voice he said, “We’ll have another lesson, Son, after I change my pants!” 

Joe had to stifle a giggle! 

He looked at Jessica and said, “Back to the drawing board!” 

This time Joe secured the diaper properly. 

Mrs. Townsend came out of her room to take Jessica and feed her before retiring. As Joe leaned down to kiss the baby and wish her sweet dreams. Jessica grabbed his nose and started cooing. As difficult as it was, Joe gave Jessica to the wet nurse. 

Ben came back downstairs, this time wearing his nightshirt and maroon velvet robe. Joe snickered and Ben gave Joe a sideways glance! Joe explained what transpired over the last ten minutes, including Hop Sing washing Pa’s chair. Father and son sat down on the settee, since the red chair was still drying. It was a good time to discuss their plans and schedules. Ben thought it would also be a good idea to show the note to Roy. Joe agreed but had no intention of giving up the baby. Ben reassured Joe that that wouldn’t happen since the mother entrusted the baby’s care to him. It had been a long day, but Ben could see such a contented look on his son’s face. 

“I’m heading to bed, Son. How about you turn in too?”

“I will, Pa. I just want to sit here a little while longer.” 

“Do you want company?”

“No, Pa. You go to bed. I’ll be up shortly.

Pa? Ben turned and looked at Joe. “Thanks!”

Ben smiled at Joe and continued upstairs.

The next day Joe went out to the barn right before sunup to do several chores before Jessica woke up. Joe had gotten all sweaty so he removed his shirt. After finishing up what he wanted to accomplish, Joe went over to the water pump and washed off his face and chest.  He then headed back to the house so he could go upstairs and put on a clean shirt. As he walked through the door he saw the cradle in the Great Room. There was Baby Jessica cooing and making gurgling sounds. Mrs. Townsend was nowhere in sight so Joe decided to pick up the baby and have some special time with her. He nestled her against his bare chest.

Ben was coming out of the kitchen sipping his cup of coffee just as Jessica began sucking on Joe’s nipple! With eyes bulging and a horrified look on his face Joe yelled,  “Pa!” 

Ben sprayed his coffee all over the place as he burst out laughing!

Mrs. Townsend came running out of her room. 

Joe was in distress! Ben was still laughing! Mrs. Townsend was too embarrassed to disconnect Jessica from Joe’s nipple!

The baby was sucking extra hard since no milk was coming out! Joe was moaning! Just then Candy walked through the front door! 

“Joe, or should I call you Mama, aren’t you taking this caring for Jessica a little too far?”

“Sh sh shut up and g g get out!” Joe stuttered and hissed in a sharp whisper.

Jamie was coming down the stairs when his eyes caught this amazing sight. 

“Joe, men can breastfeed?” Jamie asked innocently. 

Candy motioned for Jamie to quickly leave the house with him. 

Jamie, looking baffled and confused, said, “But I haven’t had breakfast!” 

“Pick up something in town before school!” Candy suggested. 

With that said, both of them exited the house.

Joe was now making little groaning sounds, while Ben was still choking from laughter.

Hop Sing heard all the commotion and realized what was happening. He came running into the Great Room with butter.

“Hop Song put butter! Slide nipple out!” 

“Somebody, do something,” Joe yelled in between making ooh, ahh, eeeh sounds.

Ben finally pulled himself together and came over to help. Joe was grimacing! All Ben could do was rub Joe’s back and tell him to take it easy. Joe just glared at Ben.

Mrs.Townsend, thankfully put her embarrassment aside and walked over to Joe. She gently eased a clean finger inside the corner of Jessica’s mouth between the gums to break the suction. She continued along the side of Joe’s nipple to protect it. If Jessica tried to keep sucking, it would be on Mrs. Townsend’s finger and not on Joe’s nipple. She pressed down on Joe’s breast and broke the suction. Joe let out a tiny gasp!

Mrs. Townsend, who was a lovely shade of deep scarlett, quickly, but gently yanked a screaming Jessica away from Joe and carried her into the room for proper breastfeeding. 

Joe, who was as red as a tomato, straightened up, gave his father his best flared nostril look, and made a quick exit up to his room. Hop Sing came running after Joe carrying ice and lineament. Joe was grateful. His nipple was so tender and sore. 

Joe stayed in his room icing and soothing his aching, painful breast. Since he didn’t have breakfast, Joe was hungry.

Ben and Candy were already seated at the table for lunch. As soon as Joe began to descend the stairs, the snickering ceased.

Not a word was ever said about the morning incident, well at least not in front of Joe!

Mrs. Townsend moved out after a month and Joe moved the cradle up to his room. Jessica could now drink cow’s milk mixed with a little water, sugar, and cream. Joe loved feeding the baby from a bottle. He learned to burp her, and he became a masterful diaper changer. Bath time was special too. Jessica loved splashing!  Joe would get soaked and water would run down his face. Of course, that would make Joe giggle! Jessica was such a joy, even with the spitting up and soiled diapers! Day after day, the Cartwrights, Candy, and Hop Sing took turns watching the baby and playing with her. When it was Joe’s turn he’d put her in a big, soft basket lined with a blanket. She would accompany him to the barn or to feed the chickens.

 One day, Joe needed to go into the tack room to check on a couple of bridles.The room was so disorganized. He didn’t want to bring Jessica into that dirty place, so he left her right outside the barn, knowing he would only be gone for several minutes. When Joe came out, the basket was gone! Joe went running into the house to see if Pa brought Jessica back inside. 

“She’s gone!” I don’t know where she went!”

“Joseph, calm down. Jessica is too little to walk away. She can’t even crawl!”

“Then she was kidnapped!” Go get the sheriff, Pa. Tell him to form a posse!”

“Joseph, take a breath. Let’s go outside and look for her!”

They checked the bunkhouse but all the men were out either rounding up strays, riding fence, or busting broncs at the coral. Ben assured Joe they would find her. They walked the perimeter of the house. Listening carefully they heard Hop Sing singing and a baby making all kinds of gurgling sounds. As Ben and Joe rounded the house there the two were in the garden. Hop Sing was picking vegetables as Jessica was watching. 

Hop Sing looked up. 

“Bad boy, Little Joe. Never leave baby alone. Now learn lesson, hmph!”

Two more months had passed. Jessica could not have gotten more love than she did from these five men. She was developing more skills and behaviors. Jessica was now giggling. She and Joe competed for the best giggler. When they’d lay her on the floor she was beginning to roll from her tummy to her back. All of their lives had become richer because of Jessica. Joe couldn’t have been happier. 

Hop Sing had just served supper. Jessica had been sitting on Joe’s lap but he put her in the cradle next to him while they ate. Candy was talking about the string of horses that were now ready to be sold to the army. Jamie shared gossip at school between Big Josh Bell and shapely Melanie Holmes. Ben gave Jamie a crossed look but everyone enjoyed the story of how they were both caught in the outhouse sparking! 

Joe smirked, recalling a similar situation. Ben flashed a smile at Joe which reminded him about how Pa handled that! 

A loud knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Joe got up to answer the door. A young couple was standing in front of him. Joe invited them in. He felt a sinking feeling inside his stomach. 

The young lady introduced herself as Jennifer Jenkins. She saw Jessica and asked if she could pick her up. Immediately everyone knew who Jennifer was. 

Joe felt like he had been stabbed in the heart. While Jennifer held Jessica everyone moved to the settee and chairs. The young man introduced himself as Jonathan Burns. Jennifer explained that she had run away from home after she realized she was pregnant. Knowing her parents they’d never be able to accept this scandal. 

“You see, Mr. Cartwright I come from a very well to do and prestigious family, as does Jonathan. I didn’t even tell Jonathan I was leaving. We had planned to wed. Our engagement had already been announced but I couldn’t face the shame I’d bring to both our families.

I made it to a relay station outside of Virginia City. A very lovely, older woman at the station realized I was in distress. The baby was coming. She birthed my baby and took care of me for weeks until I regained my strength. I knew I couldn’t stay there forever and I needed to make money. I got a ride into Virginia City and planned to get a job at the saloon.”

Jennifer turned toward Joe, “I was heading toward the Silver Dollar when I saw you from an alleyway, Joe. Jessica was carefully hidden in the alley. My idea was to observe people and see to whom I could give Jessica. You were so polite, kind, and gallant. After you left the mercantile, I went inside to inquire about you. Only positive and glowing remarks were made about you and your family. I knew I couldn’t take care of my baby anymore so I put her in the back of your wagon.”

Jennifer looked at Jessica and said, “I know I made the right choice! I’ll never be able to thank you enough for loving and caring for my baby!”

Jennifer returned to telling her story. 

“Jonathan came into Virginia City several days ago. He has been searching for me for months. We got married yesterday and are now ready to take Jessica and return home to St. Louis. Jonathan said both our families want us to come home. They are eagerly awaiting meeting their granddaughter.”

Ben suggested they spend the night and leave in the morning. The young couple was very grateful. After Jennifer finished her story, everyone returned to the table for dessert. 

Joe excused himself and went upstairs to gather all of Jessica’s things. As Joe picked up one of her little dresses he buried his face in it and cried softly. Joe washed his face, gathered all the items, and headed back downstairs. No one, except Ben knew how heartbroken Joe was at that moment because Joe concealed his real feelings with a smile on his face and by joking around. 

Jonathan and Jennifer turned to Joe and asked if he and his family would come to St. Louis in a month to attend the baby’s christening. 

Then Jennifer looked at Joe and added, “We’d like you to be Jessica’s Godfather!” 

Joe could only shake his head in the affirmative. He was too choked up to speak.

The next morning Jennifer, Jonathan, and Jessica got ready to leave. There were multiple goodbyes, hugs and kisses for baby Jessica, a million thank yous from Jennifer and Jonathan, and then finally the wave goodbye as the buggy pulled away. 

The mood in the Cartwright home was very somber. Joe, Ben, and Candy headed out to work, while Jamie left for school. Hop Sing wiped the tears from his eyes as he cleaned up after breakfast. A special love and joy that had been absent from the Cartwright home for so long had filled the house again. Hop Sing hoped they could all survive this latest loss, especially Joe. 

That night everyone gathered for supper. Everyone that is except Joe. Ben asked Candy and Jamie if Joe had told them about other plans he had. Neither had a clue. Once again Ben felt compelled to find Joe. Ben got up and headed to the same place he had looked for Joe more than three months ago. As Alice’s cross came into view, Ben could see Joe kneeling next to her grave. Ben dismounted, took a deep breath and approached Joe. Expecting to find him totally distraught, Ben braced himself. 

Instead, Joe looked up at Ben and said, “You know, Pa, I’ve had a nice, long talk with Alice. I told her I’m ready to meet someone and start a family. Jessica taught me so much and I want to get going producing little Cartwrights. It’s time to bring more love and joy into our home again.”

“Joe, you amaze me!  Come on, Son, how about heading home for supper?”

“Sounds good to me, Pa!” 

This time Ben and Joe walked back over to their horses with their arms around each other’s shoulders.

Spring had truly been a time of hope and renewal!

The End

Susan Pitch August 10, 2024

Author’s notes: 

The breastfeeding scene with Joe was inspired by something similar that happened with my older brother and my niece when she was an infant. My brother was bare chested and when he cradled her, my niece did what came naturally. Of course I embellished, elaborated, and made Joe’s experience much more dramatic. What Mrs.Townsend did to break the suction is exactly what is done between mother and baby if breastfeeding becomes too painful for her while the baby is sucking.

Episode Referenced:

Forever written by Michael Landon

The Gift written by Thomas Thompson and Denne Bart Petitclerc