Sorry for the delay! I spilled Diet Pepsi on my laptop and fried it with all my stories but the computers gods have smiled on me and saved my hard drive. Thank you soooooooooooo much for all the kind and detailed comments you leave about my stories. Y'all ROCK!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Despite busy schedules, the Cartwright clan – which now totalled 23 people – found a way to gather together at least one day a month. This particular Sunday was one of those occasions and proved to be an excellent start to the summer season.

While the children played and the men conversed about business, the Cartwright women busied themselves setting out supper on the long tables that were set up in the front yard of the Ponderosa.

"I received the most exciting news yesterday," Charlotte began as she placed baskets of rolls on the tables, "Dorothea is finally getting married!"

"How exciting indeed, and about time too!" Rebecca exclaimed happily. "How old is your sister now, Charlotte? 27? 28?"

"She'll be turning 30 in a few months."

"30! I didn't know she was that old," Rebecca continued.

"Not everyone gets married at 19, Rebecca," Millie smirked. "I was far from 19 when I married Ben."

"True, but this is your second marriage, Millie," Rebecca reminded her. "You said you were 17 when you and your first husband were married."

"Yes, I did say that, however, I don't think it should be such a shock for a woman to be married when she is older," Millie countered.

Rebecca's cheeks began to flush. She felt as though a child would after being chided for misbehaving. "I'm sorry," she apologized, "it was not my intention to mock. I am truly happy for Dorothea. I know how she has longed to be a wife and mother."

Charlotte smiled and went and placed her arm around her sister-in-law's shoulders and gave her a little squeeze. "No harm done, Becca, dear. I know you only want the best for Dorothea."

Rebecca let out a small sigh of relief. "Is there anything I could do to assist with the wedding?" she enquired.

"As a matter of fact there is. Dorothea has asked me to go help sew her wedding dress next weekend and I was hoping the best sewer in the Cartwright family would accompany me."

"I would love to, Charlotte, but I will need to ask Joe first."

"Yes, of course," agreed Charlotte. "I have yet to discuss next weekend with Hoss, but I cannot foresee a problem. After all, we would be gone for only two days. I'm sure Hoss could handle the children for two days."

"Yes, Hoss could handle things, but I'm not so certain about Joe, Charlotte," Rebecca said, rather concerned. "Your children are older than mine. I think I would need to bring Asher along with us if I do go to Carson City."

"Rebecca, Asher is five years old; he's not a baby. Joseph is more than capable to care for Asher, Savannah and EJ," Millie stated matter-of-fact like.

"I'm sure you're right, Millie," Rebecca muttered with uncertainty in her voice.

"Of course I'm right. Why, Ben Cartwright has practically raised three boys on his own and would have done the same with Jamie if I hadn't come along. Don't you think he has instilled the same sense of responsibility in his sons?"

"When you put it that way, Millie, we should all go for the weekend," Evelyn joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Why don't we then?" Charlotte beamed.

"Why don't we what, Charlotte?" Evelyn questioned.

"Why don't we make this a women's weekend? Millie is right, the men can handle things for a couple of days and the more hands we have, the faster the work will go."

"That's a splendid idea! I'll go speak with Ben straight away," Millie declared then began to walk away only to be stopped by a rather apprehensive looking Evelyn.

"Hold on a moment, Millie. I can't just leave Adam with seven children; my house would be destroyed. Besides, the men have been busy on the ranch training the new hands."

"Evelyn, you have three teenagers who are responsible individuals and could definitely assist their father with the running of the house for two days. You and Adam have taught them well; give the children the opportunity to show you what they can do."

Evelyn gave Millie a little smile. "You are a very convincing woman, Millicent Cartwright."

"No argument with you there, my dear," she laughed. "So are we going?"

"If the men agree, then yes; it would be nice to get away with all of you. Plus, like Charlotte said, the more help there is, the dress will be finished in no time."

"This is wonderful!" Charlotte exclaimed. "Dorothea will be thrilled to have all of us come!"

"It's settled then, if the men agree, we will leave this coming Thursday afternoon. I suggest we ask them after they've eaten though. I'm sure they will be more amenable on full stomachs," grinned Evelyn.

The other women burst out with laughter. They knew Evelyn was right, the men would be more willing to say yes on full stomachs. Asking, however, was more of a formality than anything else. After all, how much mischief could their children get into in two days?

"And don't forget that the children are not to be playing outside after Saturday evening baths. I'll not have them looking like ragamuffins at church. Oh and…"

"Evelyn," Adam interrupted as he helped her into the surrey," we'll be fine. Go and have a good time with the ladies."

"Thank you, Adam," she replied more calmly, settling into her seat beside Rebecca. "We should be returning Sunday afternoon. We will be attending church in Carson City then set off for home."

"If you need any extra hands, Adam, feel free to call upon Jamie. I told him to make himself available this weekend," Millie added.

"Thank you, Millie, but I'm sure we will be fine, won't we children?" Adam said turning to his brood who were there seeing the women off.

"Yes Sir," Lizzie answered. "Don't worry, Ma, everyone will help out."

"I'm sure you will, Lizzie dear," Evelyn smiled nervously. "Good bye, I love you all, and please behave yourselves."

Millie clicked the team into motion and the surrey slowly made its way out of the front yard. Charlotte turned around in her seat and smiled at Evelyn. "Everything will be fine, Evelyn dear, just fine."

"So everyone keeps telling me," she sighed.

"Evelyn, you will not have a good time if you continue to worry about Adam and the children," Millie told her. "Sit back and enjoy the ride and company. It's not every day that a woman has a chance to relax."

"You're absolutely right, Millie," Evelyn replied more cheerfully. "Besides, like you said, I have three teenagers at home. What could there possibly be to worry about?"