BEING A FAMILY

This is the final story in The Children Series. We continue with Adam and Grace and the children moving into their new home. WARNING: There will also be some spanking involved along the way. Please do not read if this is not your to your liking.

DISCLAIMER:

All publicly recognisable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 1

Eight months have passed and Adam and Grace, with the children, are still living at the Ponderosa, awaiting the completion of their family home. Everyone is excited in anticipation of the move to the new ranch house, with Ben being the exception. Thoughts of one of his sons leaving the home hearth was both a sad and happy time for him. His eldest married and with children. May the Lord bless them for a safe pregnancy, which was announced only last week. The new grandchild is expected in March.

"Pa, we'll only been fifteen minutes away." Adam told Ben, as they sat together after everyone had gone to bed. "It's an important move for us as a family, you can understand that."

"Yes, of course, and I wish you all the happiness in the world. I'm just being silly, that's all. It'll be quiet here without you all."

"We'll be here more often than you'll wish, I'm sure. And you'll be with us too." Adam could sense the unease in his father.

"When do you think you'll move?"

"Probably in two weeks. The furniture arrives next week, then we'll have a full week to get the house in order and ready for habitation."

"We'll give you all the help you need."

"Thanks Pa. I think I'll hit the sack now, it's been a long day."

"Yes, me too." Ben said, as he stood and made his way up the stairs. Adam followed. As they each reached their bedroom doors, each said their goodnights.

Grace was waiting patiently for Adam.

"How did it go with your father, Adam?" She asked.

"As I expected. He has his own concerns about us moving out, but it's not going to stop us."

"Come to bed now, you need sleep, same as me. Let's just cuddle up and sleep. Tomorrow, I'll be at our home waiting to receive whatever comes, while you are out getting the cattle ready for the drive. Tell your father that while you're away I'll be spending more time here than at home."

"Yes, that will ease his mind I should think." By this time Adam had changed into his nightshirt, a habit he now had to tolerate, children can come in unannounced.

Breakfast a few days later was as usual with lots of children chatter, especially from Davy. It was his first day at school and he was excited.

"You'll have to be quiet and listen to Mrs Myers and do what she tells you." Adam told him.

"I know, Pa. Ma has already told me what to do."

"Just listen and learn and all will be well." Grace said.

"Let's hope so." Cathy added. "Sam Fletcher had better not have a go, that's all."

"Just make sure you ignore anything he says, Cathy," Adam instructed, "or you'll be in trouble."

"Yes, Pa. Am I allowed to answer back?"

"As long as it's only words. No fighting. Understand?"

"Yes, Pa."

Breakfast over and Ben wished the children well in school. Grace had done a marvellous job with Davy during the last months, and he was now caught up enough with his education as marked him as a suitable candidate for school.

Adam took the children to school that morning, giving encouragement the whole journey into Virginia City. They met with Abigail Myers, who welcomed Davy and hoped he would enjoy school. Cathy had already made her way to the school yard where she met up with Alice, her best friend.

"Thank you, Abigail, for that warm welcome. I know Davy will do well, as he's been looking forward to learning new things." Adam informed Abigail.

"That's right Misses." Davy added.

"Davy, this is Mrs Myers, and you will address her by that name, okay."

"Okay."

"Right. Let's go then Davy." She said, holding out her hand.

"Yes, Mrs Myers. Bye Pa." He said, taking her hand.

"Bye, Davy. Be a good boy and do what Mrs Myers tells you."

"Yes, Pa." And he immediately let go of Abigail's hand and ran off looking for Cathy.

"Thanks Abigail."

"You're welcome. Davy will be fine."

"One of my brothers will pick the children up. Bye Abigail."

"Goodbye, Adam." She watched him as he manoeuvered the wagon around and drove off. She still admired that man.

Adam and Grace were at their new home, looking around and making decisions.

"I'll bring in my goods and draughting equipment. I think my office will be just perfect. My 'inner sanctum'."

Grace was grinning. "You're as giddy as a schoolboy over your office. Will I have an 'inner sactum' too?"

Adam embraced her and kissed her.

"Let's get the books and other things from the wagon and start to make this home ours."

"No argument there."

It took a couple of hours to transfer all they had brought with them into the house.

"That's a good job done," Grace said, wearily.

"I think a sit down with coffee is adviseable."

"You're right, Grace. Perhaps you'd like to make us some using your new stove, which is all ready filled and ready to light."

"You think of everything."

"What did you think I was doing each time I came over here?"

"Taking a break from the Ponderosa and relaxing with a book."

"That bit of sass is going to get you into trouble. Come 'ere." Adam ordered, with a mocked angry expression on his face.

"No, I don't think so. I don't trust you."

Adam reached out and caught Grace by the wrist and gently pulled her to him and kissed her thoroughly.

"It's all part of you that I love." They kissed once more. Then Grace pushed herself away but still within his arms.

"Tell me exactly what you've been doing for me and the children?"

"Getting the barn stocked, ordering a cow, chickens, chopping wood, all things we'll need as we come to live here."

"Then I should be here with you helping."

"For the moment you need to take things easy due to your condition and besides I suspect you have been helping out at the Ponderosa."

"Of course I've helped out. Hop Sing mostly and getting Davy ready for school."

"Well, lets get that coffee and maybe a little extra I brought while we still have each other to ourselves." He said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Oh, naughty thoughts?" Grace was giggling.

"Are you going to question me all afternoon? Can we just get to that coffee and continue our discussion after that?" Adam smiled at her, lifting his left eyebrow.

"Lead on McDuff."

"You know that's a misquote, don't you? It's 'Lay on McDuff'."

"So what. Do I care?"

"You should." He gently pushed her through the kitchen door, giving her a playful slap as she passed.

"Hey." She exclaimed and rubbed her bottom to emphasize her hurt, but with a smile.

"I see I need to keep you in line, woman."

"It would seem so."