Father of Five
by Carolyn James
All recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of the respective owners. All original characters and plots are the property of the author. No copyright infringement is intended.
Warning: Some chapters in this story may contain 'Good 'Ol fashion Discipline': If this will hurt you more than it hurts me...don't turn the page. Sincerley~CJ
Chapter 1
In the bustling city of Boston, Adams success as an Architect grew along with the rise of business and population. Hours increased and days turned into nights, once thankful clients turned sour and competitive. Adams memories of his past began to fill his every thought; times when hard work brought a meaningful outcome. Relationships, family and friends once drove his heart to beat and voice to sing. Time had come, as father had predicted, when Adam's homeland would call him back.
Adam returned to the Ponderosa shortly after Hoss died. Ben and Adam strived to keep joy in the home despite the empty rooms and quiet evenings. Joe and wife Meg lived a few miles from the ranch.
Maturity improved Adam and Joe's working relationship as both grew to love and respect each other's differences. The brothers agreed to split the businesses between the two of them. Joe decided to take full responsibility for the mining properties and Adam and Ben managed the Horse and Cattle.
Ben did not completely retire from all affairs but chose to leave the decision making up to his sons.
Adam rather enjoyed a Ranchers life; craving familiar routine as much as his morning coffee. Daily challenges, working with his hands, fresh-clean air, all nourished his soul but every once in a while he missed the city of Boston and its people.
In Boston, Adam had one man he could trust fully and one man only. It had been two years since he last heard from his best friend and colleague, Will Scott.
"Mr. Adam, a telegram came for you today", noted Hopsing.
"Thanks Hopsing", Adam took the telegram and sat down for lunch.
"Hmm, it's from Boston… regarding …..Will Scott."
"I hope everything's okay son", Ben asked inquisitively.
"Afraid not Pa," Adam quietly stated. "Will's asked me to come to Boston right away, says his wife has fallen severely ill."
"I'm sorry, Adam. I know how close you were to Will and his family. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Can you handle the ranch while I'm gone?" I might be awhile Pa, it's hard to say until I get there."
"I'm sure we can handle things while you're gone, son. Now is the time to focus on your
Friend and leave the business to us".
"Sure Pa, I'll head out first thing in the morning." A deep haze began to loom and fill Adams mind with worry for his friend and family. He prayed that Karen's life be spared and would find them all in good spirits upon his arrival.
Adam began his long journey to Boston the following morning, enjoying the old familiar sights along the way. He thought of all the happy memories with the Scott family. Karen would insist that he come most Sundays after church service and Holidays. The couple had five beautiful children, John, Kate, twins Jack and Michael, and little Molly. Once thoughts of the children filled his head, worry for Will and the children increased.
"If they lost their mother? No, he couldn't begin to imagine it. But it was the way of the telegram…Yes, he could expect as much." Heavily sighing, Adam closed his eyes and tried to rest.
The stagecoach arrived right on time and Adam could see the children waving to him.
"Hello, Uncle Adam, we're so glad you could make it. Kate called out. Now Mama and Papa will for sure have something to be happy about."
"My goodness, look at all of you. How much you've grown and in just two short years?" Adam smiled with open arms reaching out to hug each one. He forgot how much he missed them all.
"Oh, my goodness", Adam sighed as he came down on one knee to greet the little girl.
"Little Miss Molly, look …at… you! You're not a baby anymore!"
"I Not a baby! I'm Five years old." Molly stomped with a good bit of sass.
The tallest boy gave his little sister a quick nudge.
"Molly, mind yourself", John firmly stated.
"Oh' she's alright John, I probably deserved that. Of' coarse she's not a baby nor more than you are a young boy I once knew." Adam stated with pride bringing the boy to a new height.
"Now, where's your Papa, I can't wait to see him?"
"Uncle Adam, he's not feelin too well today", 9 year old Jack sadly stated.
"I think he's just tired from takin care of mama, that's all", the eldest boy, John added as he picked up Adam's luggage. "Michael grab the other bag".
"Thanks Boys, that's very gentlemanlike of you. Lead the way"
Adam began to worry. Will did not say in his letter what his wife Karen was ill from. Could it be possible that Will was sick too? He tried to hide his intense fear and emotion running thru his veins. His strength is what this family needed. After all, that's why he came to Boston.
The children quickly walked Adam to their home.
He always appreciated the old historical home. It had been in the family for 3 generations. Will and Karen didn't have any family remaining other than their children. Karen's parent died just before she finished college. Being the only child of older parents left her with no living relatives. Karen embraced her education and worked independently before marrying Will.
Will's parents had died of a tragic accident when he was young leaving him with his only living grandfather to be raised in Boston. When his grandfather passed away he left the estate to Will.
Adam and Will worked closely at the Boston Architectural Firm and became quick friends. Will began to regard Adam as a brother; sharing common views and lifestyle as he and Karen. Adam was present for the twin's birth and for Molly's. Adam always made a special effort to play with the children and bring special treats when he visited. They especially loved his stories about the Ponderosa. John, Will's eldest boy, would beg Adam over and over to take him out west to be a rancher. He was fascinated with Adam's cowboy stories.
The House Butler waited for the children to pass through the hallway,
"Mr. Cartwright, Good to see you. Please come with me. I'll show you to your room." The elder man said with a deep heaviness in his voice.
"Children, your governess is waiting for you in the study". The man pointed directly.
"Aw, but Uncle Adam just got here, I don't want to go with Mrs. Clark, Jack whined."
"Go on Jack; do as you're told now." Adam said in a soft voice. " I'll catch up with you as soon as I see your Ma and Pa."
"Yes Sir, but be quick, I want to show you my new Yo-Yo". Jack quickly scampered off to the study. Adam smiled as he heard the Butler give a low growl to the wayward boy.
Adam loved Jack's spunk, just as he remembered him to be as a little guy. All five children were just as smart as their parents. The Scott's believed Education was truly important. They were tutored in Music, Art and Literature outside of their basic studies. Adam had great respect in their dedication to the children's learning. If he had a family, he believed to do the same. Adam gazed out his bedroom window as he continued to reflect on days spent with the Scott family in Boston.
The butler knocked on Adam's door, "Mr Cartwright, the Dr. would like to speak to you".
"Sure James, send him in."
After speaking to Dr. Kipp, Adam had to pull himself together.
His long trip gave him a chance to contemplate the loss of one friend but not two.
The Doctor informed Adam that Will and his Wife had a serious infection from a virus that they contracted from a recent trip up north. The children were not affected, as they stayed home to attend school.
"Adam, I've tried to talk with the children but they continue in disbelief. They are not accepting that their father is gravely ill along with the mother. Mr. Scott's infection settled in last week. This is all too much for them to handle, I understand. Poor children without any family…"
Adam grew frozen to the window as the Dr.'s news played over in his head.
"Mr. Cartwright, please Sir….We are so glad you made it in time. Mr. Scott wants' to see you. He's very weak. You must go to him now." The Butler stated.
"Yes of' course, I'll be right there". Adam washed his hands and put on a fresh shirt before entering the bedroom of his dearest friends.
"Adam, you came." Will cried weakly. "I knew you would. The children, they were happy to see you, Yes?"
"Oh' Yes Wil, and my how they have grown. I barely recognized John. He's so tall. He looks like a man", Adam said proudly.
Will smiled with a faint nod, "but only a boy of 12, Adam. He needs a man in his life to become one."
"A fine man he has to teach him."Adam reaffirmed.
"Adam, we've always been honest with each other. You know what's to become of us." Will struggled to look towards his wife.
"Karen and I have talked...we want you to take the children."
"Now Will, don't talk like that." Adam held his friends hand and closed in.
"Adam Cartwright, I have no time for your Charismatic ways, we know what the Doctor has said, I need to know, we must tell Karen, you will see to the children-Yes? You're the only one I could call on Adam. Financially, the children will be taken care of...but I need to know they will be loved and safe. I know you're busy and you have your own life but they are my children. Adam, you will see to them to be cared for. I couldn't trust anyone else."
Surrendering his resolve, Adam sighed "Absolutely, Will. I would not have it any other way. It is my honor. They are wonderful children. I will see to it that they have the best."Adam felt Wil's hand squeeze his tightly and then release completely.
"Go tell Karen, she needs to hear it from you Adam, tell her you will tend to our children", Will took in a slow breath and closed his eyes.
"He's exhausted Adam. He needs to rest." The doctor led Adam to Karen's bedside.
Adam went to Karen. The nurse sat beside her holding Karen's hand. With worried eyes Adam looked at the nurse, "Is she awake?"
"She can hear you", said the nurse.
"Karen, it's me Adam". Adam knelt down beside her bed a laid his head next to hers. He spoke to her softly, "I'm here for you and Will. I'm here for the children. You have no worries, Karen; the children will be just fine. They are beautiful. That Kate, she looks like her beautiful mother. Karen, I know how proud you must be."
Adam could not hold back his tears any longer. Karen's breaths were slow and shallow. He had seen many people at this stage before and he knew her time was near. Adam sat quietly beside her. Tears stream down his face.
"It's time to call in the children, Adam." the doctor murmured, "Mr. Scott has passed."
"Karen as well… They are together." Adam whispered holding his head in his hands.
"Nurse, get the children. It's time they say their goodbyes" The Doctor abruptly stated. "Mr. Cartwright, could you please,"
Adam couldn't believe his ears. He had only just arrived on the stagecoach 4 short hours ago, and both his friends were gone; leaving him with five children to answer to. Nothing in his life had ever prepared him for the next few months that followed the death of his closest friends.
This story has many chapters:If you have enjoyed it and would like to read more~Please send me a quick review...