The Story Of How Buck Got His Fancy Bridle

by smp4ever

After the good luck wishes and waves goodbye, another cattle drive was on its way.  Adam, Hoss, and ten cowhands were herding fifteen hundred head of cattle to Sacramento. Joe, who was still recuperating from pneumonia, wasn’t going to be able to join his brothers this time around. As much as he loved the adventure of the drive, and enjoyed being with Hoss and Adam, Joe secretly couldn’t even imagine dealing with river crossings, storms, stampedes, and the like. The best image he could conjure up in his mind was of a deflated balloon to describe how he felt. Of course, Joe would never admit to it, but even with this realization, it didn’t prevent him from being annoyed that the drive had begun without him. Joe was already missing his brothers since they had moved into the bunkhouse when he first got sick. Adam and Hoss had to stay healthy since they were leading the cattle drive. Ben knew his nineteen year old son so well and was aware of his disappointment. However, given how gravely ill Joe had been, Ben remained firm in his decision to keep his son home. 

“Joe, for weeks you fought a raging fever, a forceful cough, chest pains. Shall I go on? Do you have any idea of how deathly ill you really were? You’re still not a hundred percent!” 

“I know I was half dead! It’s a good thing, too, otherwise, I never would have allowed the torture treatments you and Doc Martin made me endure!  What I’m trying to tell you is that I’m feeling better, so maybe in a few days I can join Adam and Hoss!”

Ben gave Joe an exasperated look!

“Joseph, the answer is no!”

Ben was not surprised to see Joe’s pouting face which he perfected as a toddler. It was still comical, but Ben was unwavering. The pneumonia had left Joe weak. He could barely walk, let alone set a horse.

Joe knew his Pa was right. He had already admitted to himself that he felt like a newborn calf, but for whatever the reason, Joe never liked being told no. He was nineteen, not a little kid!

After assisting Joe in cleaning up, and keeping him company while he ate a light breakfast, Ben now wanted him to rest. He felt Joe’s head and was relieved that his fever was down. In fact, Ben was almost certain his temperature was normal. However, he still insisted on Joe staying in bed since fevers tend to spike later in the day. More importantly, Paul Martin ordered it!  Another pout was produced, but Joe complied. Ben left the window open slightly to bring in fresh, outdoor air. He told Joe that Hop Sing would be upstairs in a few moments to tidy up. 

 Joe couldn’t wait to regain his strength so he could be independent again. How he longed for a cold beer, a game of poker with his friends, and Millie sitting on his lap at the Silver Dollar. Sadly, for now, all Joe could do was dream about it!

Joe settled back in bed, and Ben headed downstairs.

A minute later, there stood the loyal and caring Chinaman in Joe’s doorway.

“Hop Sing freshen room and make my Little Joe feel better!” 

He was so glad Joe was improving. Hop Sing had been very worried about Number Three Son. The only other time he was this troubled was when Little Joe had been beaten up by John C. Regan.

While cleaning up, Hop Sing explained that he’d be gone for a few days to care for his sick cousin in Virginia City. 

 “Not be concerned. Hop Sing prepare food for Mr.Ben and Little Joe that will suffice until I return! I even bake one of your favorite desserts, dried apple pie, to help you get well faster.  I not far away!

Meanwhile, downstairs in the alcove, Ben got started looking for an important paper he needed for his lawyer, Hiram.  He searched all the drawers in his desk plus two boxes of papers. It took a couple of hours to carefully comb through everything.  The third and final box was all that was left. Exhausted from being the one to care for Joe, since he needed Adam and Hoss to stay healthy for the cattle drive, and also from preparing for the drive, it wasn’t any wonder that Ben couldn’t think straight!  He took the last box, removed the papers, and started to sort through them. There it was, the illusive paper!  Ben was so excited he almost began a whoopin’ and a hollering, but controlled his urge since Joe probably had fallen asleep after Hop Sing left. As Ben was putting the documents back into the box, he noticed a note written in a child’s hand. Ben recognized it immediately. He got up and sat in his red, leather chair. He read the note and remembered how nine years ago his ten year old son planned a special birthday party.  Ben closed his eyes and began to reminisce.

********

Ben’s birthday was in about 4 weeks. Hoss had just left on a cattle drive. At sixteen, given his size and strength, he was more than capable of handling the job. Adam was in his fourth and final year of college. He wouldn’t be home until four months after Ben’s birthday. That left a ten year old Little Joe to develop a plan to celebrate his father’s special day. Paying Adam’s tuition left little money for any extras. They were barely able to purchase necessities. Most sacrifices Ben made involved himself. He would either do without or would make due. Joe noticed that his Pa had been admiring a fancy bridle for Buck that one of the Morman traders had brought by wagon to the trading post at Eagle Station. The bridle was hanging from a hook in the small wooden structure owned by Mr. Simon. Although Ben had been looking at it for quite awhile, he wouldn’t dare buy it for himself. The wheels in Joe’s head started turning. A plan was beginning to form.

The next day after school, Joe stopped by Mr. Davis’s ranch which was just outside of the settlement. Jim Davis and his wife Sarah had moved in a little over a year ago. They had taken over a deserted mill and were trying to build up a business. Jim and Sarah were hard workers. The mill took up the bulk of their day, leaving little time for much else to do. The Davises weren’t in a position yet to hire full-time help, so Joe got an idea as to how he could make some money to buy his Pa the fancy bridle he had been admiring. 

Joe rode up to the ranch. 

“Hey, Mr. Davis.”

“Hey yourself, Little Joe!” 

 “Gotta minute, Sir?”

“For you, I have two minutes! What’s on your mind?” 

“Well, Sir, I need to earn some money to buy a special gift for my Pa’s birthday. It’s in four weeks and both my brothers are away. I heard you talking to Pa at the tent after the church meetin’ last week and telling him there ain’t enough hours in the day for you to get everything done.”

Jim started to catch on as to where Joe was going with this conversation.

“So you see, Sir, I thought we could help each other out. I know I’m small for my age but I’m really strong. I can clean up your horses’ stalls, the barn, tack room, and whatever else you need me to do. If you’re able, I’d take a dollar a week.”

“Well, Little Joe, that’s very reasonable. 

What are you going to tell your Pa?” 

Looking a little sheepish, Joe said, “Um, I’ll have to tell Pa a little white lie! I’m gonna say that Miss Jones wants me to stay after school everyday for a few weeks helping her with some projects. That big, old abandoned house that’s been used for our school for the past couple of years always needs work done. Then on Pa’s birthday I’ll fess up. He won’t be angry when he finds out why I fibbed.”

“How about if your father runs into Miss Jones when he’s in the settlement?”

“Pa’s been sending Hop Sing for supplies at the trading post about once a week or so. That’s his job for the next few weeks until he joins Hoss and the cattle drivers on their way home. Pa’s too busy right now going up to the lumber camps  and working on bids for contracts. He told Hop Sing to take care of the business at Eagle Station.  Our cook likes to pull out after breakfast to handle those responsibilities, so there shouldn’t be any problems. Miss Jones don’t leave the school very often anyway. Ya see, she lives there, too!” 

Jim tried to hide a little smile thinking about how clever this youngest Cartwright was! 

“Just make sure you’re ready to tell your father what projects you’re doing for Miss Jones and why you’re coming home smelling like a barn! How about your own chores and your homework?” Are you sure you’ll be able to keep up with everything?” 

“I can do it, Mr. Davis!”

“Ok, Little Joe, it’s a deal!”

Jim and Joe shook on it.

“You can start tomorrow!”

“Thanks, Sir. See you tomorrow​. Bye!”

Jim waved as Joe rode away. He smiled broadly and shook his head in disbelief over this kid’s grit.  He also thought about how much Joe loved his Pa! 

Ben was a very lucky man!

*********

That night, after supper as Ben sat down in his favorite red chair Joe walked over and sat on the arm of the chair.  

OK, Joe. You’d better pull this off!

“Pa? Miss Jones asked if I could stay after school for the next few weeks to help her do some projects.”

“Joseph, tell me the truth! Are you in trouble, Young Man?” Ben asked seriously. 

Looking hurt, Joe said, “No Pa! I really think she asked me because she wants to hear about Adam. She gets all funny looking when she asks me when Adam is coming home! Her breathing is even weird! It’s like she’s panting!”

With that Ben grabbed his baby boy, pulled him down on his lap, and started tickling him!”

Trying to catch his breath all Joe could say was, “Pa, if you don’t stop, I’m gonna pee!”

Ben quickly released Joe who made a mad dash for the outhouse!  Ben had to chuckle!

When Joe returned, Ben told him he could help as long as he was able to keep up with his own chores and homework. 

Joe gave Ben a big hug and then scurried off to bed. He would need all the sleep he could get to do all his jobs.

 As Joe was falling off to sleep he thought, at least my description of Miss Jones’ reaction to Adam wasn’t a fib!

Day after day Joe worked really hard raking out the two horses’ stalls and filling them with clean hay. Sometimes he polished the saddles, fixed the gate, cleaned up and organized the tack room, and did other odd jobs in the barn or around the house. Joe never stayed longer than ninety minutes. He had to get home before his father so he could wash up after doing his own chores. Joe and Pa had supper together and would share their day’s activities. Of course Joe had to keep up with his little white lie about helping Miss Jones. Joe was very convincing. He told his Pa that he cleaned out the stove, chopped wood, polished the small wooden benches, and helped his teacher fix a couple of bookcases, jobs like that.

Ben asked, “So, has Miss Jones been looking starry-eyed and asking you more questions about Adam?”

“Oh Pa, I don’t want to talk about that yucky stuff!”

Honestly, Joe just didn’t want to have to add to his fibbing. 

Ben smirked and thought, You may not realize it now, My Little Man, but with your good looks, the girls are going to be chasing you down, and I don’t think you’re gonna be fighting too hard to run away!

After supper, Joe would move to the coffee table to begin his homework. Ben would plop himself into his favorite chair, smoke his pipe, and drink a cup of coffee. 

Hopefully, one day I’ll be able to afford brandy! Ben thought. 

The routine was the same every night. Joe did his homework and upon completion, Ben checked it. Joe fixed mistakes, if any, and then he’d hug his Pa goodnight and would start to run up the stairs. Ben would call Joe and remind him to use the outhouse before going up to bed. Joe would roll his eyes and give his father his best irritated look!  Once upstairs Joe would wash up, get into bed, and just about pass out!

This pattern continued for two more weeks. 

During this time period, Roy came out to the Ponderosa to speak with Ben and Joe. 

 “Howdy Ben, Joe!”

“Howdy, Sheriff!” said Joe. 

“What brings you out here, all the way from Genoa, Roy?

 Do you think Joe robbed a bank?” Ben said kiddingly as he looked at Joe.

Roy smiled, but then said, “This is pretty serious, Ben. Some of the traders from the settlement came to see me about some trouble they’ve been having, and asked for my help. I’ll be staying at the boarding house until the problem is resolved. 

So Ben, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask Little Joe some questions.”

Ben shook his head in the affirmative.

Roy turned to Joe, “Son, do you know anything about a group of boys who have been causing trouble around the settlement?”

Joe had heard some boys boasting of pranks they had pulled off but nothing more than that.

He didn’t want to tattle on other kids so Joe told Roy, “Not really, Sheriff. Nothing more than what boys do!” 

This way it’s not a total lie, Joe thought. 

Before leaving, Roy said, “Little Joe, if you hear something, please tell your Pa or me. These kids are now vandalizing and robbing!” 

Joe sincerely looked shocked! He just thought several of his classmates were doing kid stuff, nothing as serious as robbing!

******

Finally, it was the day before Ben’s birthday. Joe was so excited. Jim had given Joe an extra dollar for doing such a great job. He was going to miss his little Hand. Joe said that maybe he could help one day a week until Jim was able to hire a permanent worker. Jim was sorry he couldn’t hire Joe!

Sarah surprised Joe by telling him she would bake a cake for Ben’s birthday tomorrow since Hop Sing had left to meet the cattle drive. 

Joe was thrilled. 

Jim let Joe leave early so he could get to the settlement to buy the fancy bridle that had been on display. Joe didn’t have much time. He had to get home before his Pa arrived.

Joe greeted Mr. Simon when he walked into the structure. The shopkeeper acknowledged Joe, then Mr. Simon disappeared and was nowhere to be found. 

Joe couldn’t waste another minute, so he wrote a note and folded the four dollars, the cost of the bridle, inside the note. He left it on the counter, took the fancy bridle, and headed home. 

Mr. Simon returned five minutes later carrying boxes that were stacked up in front of his face. He put the boxes down on the counter covering Joe’s note since he couldn’t see what he was doing.

Mr. Simon was beginning to unpack the contents of the top box and set the items up in his room.  Something seemed out of order! Horrified, he realized the ornamented bridle that had been hanging in a prominent place was now missing!

Hearing about what had been happening with other vendors in the settlement getting vandalized and robbed, by whom everyone believed was a gang of boys, Simon ran to find the sheriff.  Roy was speaking to one of the miners who had come to Eagle Station for supplies.  Simon spotted the sheriff and interrupted the conversation. 

“Sheriff, Sheriff, one of my bridles was stolen!  The last time I saw the ornate bridle was just before Little Joe Cartwright came into my shop. I had to go over to unload items from the Morman’s wagon that I had ordered.  When I returned, Little Joe and the bridle were both gone!”

Simon told Roy he had to go home and rest after he locked up.  He wouldn’t reopen until tomorrow afternoon. 

Roy shook his head in disbelief both because of Simon’s reaction to just being robbed, and also because Roy had known Joe since he was just a little tyke. 

Could Joe be a member of this menacing gang? 

As much as Roy didn’t want to believe what Mr. Simon told him, the evidence seemed to be pretty strong. 

Ben’s not going to like hearing this news. 

*******

Joe got home before his Pa and ran up to his room to hide the bridle. Joe almost couldn’t wait until tomorrow to surprise his father. He was so proud of himself. 

As Joe started to head toward the barn to do his chores, Ben came riding in. 

“Hey Pa!”

“Hi Son!”

“I’ll take care of your horse, Pa!”

“Thanks Little Joe. I’m dog tired! I’ll go wash up and get the stew heated up that Hop Sing left for us.”

Joe took care of Buck and told him, “You’re gonna get a real nice surprise tomorrow from Pa. All of our horses are going to be real jealous of you, Buck!”

Chores all done, Joe headed back to the house and washed up. The stew smelled so good. He and his father enjoyed supper and each other’s company. Joe told Ben Miss Jones’ projects were done. Ben was grateful because his son was looking very tired lately. They both went to bed early! 

The next morning, Joe never let on that he knew it was his father’s birthday. Although a little disappointed, Ben didn’t say a word about it.

 After breakfast, Joe grabbed his books, gave his Pa an extra big hug, and yelled goodbye as he rode away. Ben smiled thinking that Joe was such an affectionate son. He knew one day that would change, but for now he would enjoy Joe being his very tactile child.

*******

The school day dragged on.  However, since it was Friday, Miss Jones released the class early. Joe couldn’t wait to get home and start setting up everything for his father’s birthday surprise. Ben wouldn’t be home until supper so Joe knew he had time. 

Since it was his birthday, Ben decided to give himself a present and quit working a couple of hours early. He figured he’d surprise Joe and pick him up after school. Then they’d go over to Mrs. Malone’s boarding house for dinner. 

As it turned out, Ben was the one who was surprised when he walked into the big house and only Miss Jones was there. 

She looked up to greet Ben.

“Hello, Mr. Cartwright. Guess you’re looking for Little Joseph. I released the class early since it’s Friday, and I have a good deal of paperwork to do.”

“I hope Little Joe was more of a help than a hindrance to you,” Ben said jokingly.

Miss Jones looked completely baffled. 

“What do you mean, Mr. Cartwright?”

“You know, helping you after school for the past four weeks with your projects.”

“Mr. Cartwright, I can assure you, Little Joseph has not been staying after school and I haven’t had any special projects.”

Now it was Ben’s turn to look confused. He bid Miss Jones goodbye and was about to head home to talk with his little scamp and get an explanation when Roy rode up.  Roy had planned to speak with Miss Jones again to see if she had any additional information about the group of boys suspected of wreaking havoc.  

Seeing Ben, saved Roy a trip out to the Ponderosa. He explained to his friend what had happened late yesterday afternoon at Mr. Simon’s place. Now Ben wasn’t just confused, he was angry!

“Ben, is it possible that Little Joe could be running around with this gang?”

“Roy, I would have vehemently denied it up until now. I just found out he’s been lying to me. I’ll get to the bottom of this and Little Joe’s bottom won’t forget it!”

******

Joe was so happy. He just finished writing his father a birthday note. It was so loving and heartfelt.

Dear Pa,

You are my hero!

I admire you and want to be just like you. 

But I’m still a kid, so sometimes it doesn’t work out!

Since Adam and Hoss aren’t home for your birthday I wanted to try to make it extra special for you. 

Happy Birthday!

I love you, Papa

Your loving son, 

Little Joe

Sarah had stopped over earlier with the cake, and set the table so beautifully. She even brought flowers and candles. Sarah surprised Joe by making homemade biscuits and a chicken dinner that just needed to be reheated. Joe was so grateful since he was only going to heat up beans for supper. The chicken dinner was much better! Joe couldn’t thank Sarah enough. Jim and Sarah had really taken to Little Joe. He was so charming and adorable. Sarah wanted to make this night extra special for Little Joe and his father. 

With everything set up, Joe went upstairs to change into his good shirt and string tie. He wrapped the fancy bridle in a small blanket and headed downstairs.

Joe had made a Happy Birthday sign and attached it to the front door. The party was ready to begin. 

About five minutes later Ben came through the front door. Joe was grinning from ear to ear. That is until he got a good look at his father’s face. Joe’s smile quickly disappeared. 

Ben bellowed,  “You lied to me!  What else have you been doing? Seeing the sign on the door I see you know it’s my birthday!  Joseph, I want you to know you’ve made this the worst birthday I’ve ever had!”

Ben saw the blanket and took out its contents!

 “Oh, the fancy bridle that’s missing from Mr. Simon’s building! So you did steal it!”

Ben stared at Joe and said, “I am so ashamed of you, more ashamed than I’ve ever been of anyone in my life!”

Joe stood in front of his father shaking and in shock. He fought to keep his tears from falling! Joe didn’t want to add to the disgust his father felt for him right now by letting Ben see him cry! He couldn’t believe how harshly his father was speaking to him. 

 How could Pa accuse me of stealing? I left the money with the note right on the counter. 

Little Joe was so hurt and confused.

Joe tried to explain, but his father dismissed him. 

The final insult was his father saying, “Get out of my sight. I can’t even stand to look at you right now! I’ll deal with you later!”

Joe ran up the stairs feeling completely crushed. He threw himself across his bed and let the tears flow. He lay there sobbing his little heart out, hearing his father’s words repeat in his head over and over. Joe was so distraught that he started feeling physically ill. 

Downstairs, Ben too, was miserable. 

“How could Little Joe lie and steal, and do it so innocently?” Ben said, shaking his head.

There was a knock on the door. Ben walked over to open it.  Roy and Mr. Simon stood before Ben looking very contrite. 

Roy couldn’t get the words out fast enough.

“Ben, I hope it’s not too late. Simon told me when he reopened his shop late this afternoon, he went to put away boxes he had left on the counter yesterday. Under the boxes was a note from Little Joe along with four dollars which was the cost of the bridle.”

“I’m so sorry I accused your son. I should have known better,” Simon confessed.

Ben was still confused. 

“Where did Joe get the money?”

Roy spoke up again.

“I met Jim and Sarah Davis in the settlement. They told me how Little Joe had this clever plan to work for them after school to earn money and buy you the bridle you had been admiring.”

Roy looked directly at his friend. 

“He’s some boy, Ben!”

“Again, please accept our apology and tell Joe the same,“ said Mr. Simon.

“By the way, Ben, Ammon and his brother Eden, a couple of the Morman traders, encountered three boys who attempted to rob their wagon. You know the brothers’ sizes. This little gang didn’t stand a chance. Ammon and Eden brought the boys to the settlement. These kids, as it turns out, are not from this area. They live a pretty good distance from Eagle Station. Thankfully, they’re not Little Joe’s classmates and friends.  I have them locked in a storage room and will deal with them tomorrow. They will be punished. Things should be peaceful around here now, and I’ll be heading back to Genoa shortly!” Roy said.

“Ben, again I am so sorry for the accusations I made against Joe. Please bring him to my place and I’ll give him some candy and apologize in person,” Mr. Simon said.

Ben thanked both men but didn’t invite them in. He just wanted to get upstairs to his son and explain the whole misunderstanding. 

As Ben neared Joe’s door he could hear retching and sobbing. Ben opened the door to see Joe desperately trying to clean up the mess. 

Stuttering and crying, Joe barely got out,  “I I I I’m  s s o    s orry.   I I I l I’ll   cl cl cl clean  it   u u u up!   Pl  pl  pl ease d d don’t be m m mad at me, P p a  Pa?” 

Joe’ s breathing was erratic. He was trying desperately to clean up the vomit.

Tears welled up in Ben‘s eyes at seeing the pitiful sight before him. He lifted Joe up and cradled him in his arms. He grabbed a towel, wet it, sat down on the chair, and wiped Joe’s face. Ben kept rocking Joe while stroking his hair with the dampened cloth and pushing his curls off his forehead.

Ben had not seen Joe this upset since his mother died a little over five years ago. When Joe was eight, he fell out of a tree and broke his arm.  Ben’s tough little boy gritted his teeth and only slightly whimpered while Doc Martin set the broken bone. Joe could handle physical pain, but he was a very sensitive child. Unkind and unfair words were much more painful for him than broken bones. Words like that caused a broken heart!

Ben repeatedly told Joe he was sorry.

“Son, please forgive me for not giving you a chance to explain. I’m very sorry I upset you so badly. I should have listened to you, Joe. I do believe in you, Son, even though I failed you tonight!”

Ben kept rocking Joe trying to calm him down. A combination of exhaustion from the past four weeks of working so hard, and then being incredibly hurt by his father’s unjustified words, left Joe feeling like his energy was sucked right out of him. Ben carried Joe downstairs, heated water, and poured it into the first floor tub. He helped Joe remove his offensive clothing, and gently assisted Joe in the bath water. While Joe soaked,  Ben told him how Roy explained the circumstances that led them to believe Joe had stolen the bridle. 

“Son, the sheriff and Mr. Simon both feel awful for accusing you. They wanted you to know they apologize. They said they should have known you would never do anything like that. Joseph, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive all of us!”

Then Ben said, “Do you want to tell me about the plan you came up with to celebrate my birthday and how you did all this work?” 

Joe, who was just sniveling a little bit now, looked up at his father with red rimmed eyes. The bath was finally calming Joe down. With just a few catches in his voice, Joe was able to tell Ben about the deal he made with Jim Davis. Joe didn’t leave out any details. Ben was so amazed at Joe’s ability to scheme and execute such an elaborate plan. He had to smile thinking about the potential his boy had!. He also was so touched by the reason Joe did it. Joe truly owned Ben’s heart. 

Considering everything Joe had been through this evening, Ben didn’t know if his child was up for the birthday celebration. 

 Ben asked Joe, “Son, do you still want to have the party and get dressed up, or do you just want  to put on your nightshirt and rest?”

Giving his father a smile that lit up his face, Joe said, “Get dressed up for the party!” 

Ben’s heart melted because Joe’s heart was so forgiving!

Ben went upstairs to get Joe an outfit to wear, while Joe dried off.  Upon entering the room, reality smacked Ben right in the face. His heart broke when he fully realized how unjustly and cruelly he had treated his sensitive, ten year old son. It hit him like a charging bull.

My poor, sweet boy. How could I have distrusted you and spoken to you the way I did? 

Ben didn’t want to leave Joe alone for too long so he gathered Joe’s clothing and a change for himself. Ben returned to the Great Room. While Joe dressed, Ben went into the kitchen to get himself washed up and changed.

Ben heated up the chicken dinner Sarah had made. He lit the candles on the table, then father and son sat down to share a delicious supper at a beautifully set table. Pa told stories about Adam and Hoss when they were little. Ben and Joe laughed and had a genuinely good time. Ben promised Joe they would do whatever he chose to do tomorrow. Joe loved spending special time with his father. They both cleared the dishes off the table and cleaned up. 

While Joe was still in the kitchen, Ben came into the Great Room and rewrapped his bridle. Then Joe walked into the room to join his father. 

Ben said, “Son, would you like to give me my birthday gift now?”

Joe flashed his beautiful smile at his father.

“Sure, Pa! Here, read your birthday note first.”

Ben read the note aloud. He both chuckled and also swiped at the tears in his eyes.

Joseph had such a tender and loving heart! 

Joe then handed Ben the gift. This time Ben opened the blanket and looked at the bridle through new eyes. The bridle had so much more meaning now. 

Ben looked at Joe, “Buck’s going to be the best looking horse in the whole territory! Thank you, Son!”

Joe hugged his Pa. Ben tenderly kissed his son on his head.

Ben said, “How about that cake now?”

Ben thanked Joe, again and again for making his birthday so special. 

He said, “It’s the best birthday I’ve ever had! You planned it so well and made me and Buck so happy!” 

That night, Ben got Joe settled in Hoss’s room since his room was still airing out. Father and Son said good night and went to bed happy and at peace. 

*******

Joe was standing in front of his father shaking him, “Pa, Pa!”

Ben finally opened his eyes. 

“Joe, what are you doing out of bed?” 

“Well after calling you ten times, and not getting an answer, I decided to come downstairs and find out what was going on.”

“I’m sorry, Son. I was looking for the paper I needed for Hiram. Mixed in with the legal documents was my birthday note from you when you were ten.”

“You kept that thing, Pa?”

“Of course, Joseph. It’s one of my most prized possessions! I sat down and read your note and started reminiscing about that time. I must have fallen asleep. 

Do you know, Joe, I still feel badly about how unfairly I treated you? I…”

Joe stopped his father and just touched his arm affectionately.

“Pa, remember, I forgave you nine years ago? There’s no need to bring it up again.”

Father and son smiled at each other.

“By the way, Joe, why were you calling me?”

“I needed more water.”

“Why don’t you get back into bed and I’ll get the water for your pitcher?”

“Since I’m up, why don’t we have some of that dried apple pie Hop Sing made before he left to visit his cousin?”

“How about supper before dessert, Joseph?”

Joe gave his father an annoyed look.

“Okay, Son, a small piece of pie, then back upstairs you go. I’ll heat up the soup and bring it up to you after you get back into bed.”

“Oh Pa, I’m developing bed sores from lying in bed, plus those four walls are closing in on me!”

“You are definitely getting better!” Ben said.

“How do you know?”

“You’re complaining more than usual!”

Joe started laughing, the laugh that made his face light up. 

Ben got up from his chair to feel Joe’s head. Thankfully, he felt cool.

“Since you just said I’m definitely getting better, and my fever seems to be gone, I think I should be able to stay downstairs to eat.”

Ben couldn’t help smiling. Joe still excelled in grit and charm!

“And how ‘bout we play one game of checkers after we finish eating?”

“Don’t push your luck, Son! This is your first day without a fever. I don’t want you getting a relapse!”

“Pa, I didn’t ask to go out dancing! Stop showing the overprotective, mothering side of yourself!”

“You’re right, Son. You’re not that ten year old anymore!”

Ben smiled to himself and thought, After my ten year old son worked so hard to buy the bridle for Buck and make my birthday so special,  I wasn’t going to say no to eating downstairs and playing a game of checkers with my nineteen year old son!

As promised, Ben and Joe played one game of checkers after they ate. Ben, being the very wise father he was, let Joe win. Otherwise, he knew his son would have insisted on playing another game. 

Satisfied with the win, and honestly feeling a bit tired, Joe said goodnight. 

From the top of the stairs, a giggling Joe called down to his father, “Don’t forget to go to the outhouse before you go to bed, Pa!”

“Very funny, Young Man!” Ben chuckled remembering the same request he used to make of his ten year old son before he went to bed. 

Then Ben retaliated, as only Ben could. 

“I’ll be in early tomorrow with the castor oil!” Ben tried to say seriously. 

“You’re very funny, too, Pa! I’m cured! You and Doc Martin can keep your torture treatments. Why don’t you just sleep in? I have my own plans for tomorrow. Trust me! They don’t include castor oil! The only thing I’ll be drinking has a foam top!

Before Ben could open his mouth, Joe escaped into his room and slammed the door shut! 

Ben laughed, “Welcome back, Joseph!”

Then Ben got real serious and quietly said, “I don’t know what I would have done if I had lost you. Adam and Hoss both know how I always am about you! I do worry, but you’re right, Joe! I have to stop being such a mother hen!”

Sitting down in his red chair, Ben closed his eyes. 

He pictured all three sons and thought, 

 I am the luckiest man on earth with the best sons, plus I have the most meaningful and the fanciest bridle for Buck!

The End

Susan Pitch- August 26, 2024, my birthday!

Author’s notes:

At the end of the story when Ben says, “ Adam and Hoss both know how I always am about you,” comes from Adam saying it to Hoss in Showdown.

Treatment for pneumonia at the time centered on removing excess fluid that was believed to be causing the disease. Remedies included castor oil, chloroform, poultices of linseed or turpentine, cold water, brandy, whiskey, opium typically in the form of morphine for pain.

I’d like to extend a special thank you to June Baker for giving me great advice about being historically accurate in the flashback portion of the story and for steering me in the correct  direction for the cattle drive! Thank  you also to Pat Grubb for adding insight! 

Story referenced:

The Magnificent Adah written by Donald S. Sanford

Showdown written by Halsted Welles