The entire Cartwright family was assembled in front of the stage office sharing tearful goodbyes as Adam, Cecille, and their little ones prepared to board the stage for the first leg of their very long journey back to Boston. Hoss held little two-year old Elizabeth, as Jamie showed four-year old Benji the toy soldiers his uncles had given him.
"Uncle Joe, Jamie, and me gotcha a little somethin' for your trip darlin'." Hoss pulled from behind his back a cloth doll with dark hair and rosy cheeks that resembled Elizabeth and Joe held out a doll blanket and bottle.
Elizabeth's eyes lit up and she reached with glee for the doll. "Dowee! Dowee!"
"That's right, sweetheart. She'll keep you company on your trip." Joe leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"You'll probably be full growed next time we see ya." Hoss kissed her on the forehead and then handed her off to his father.
Cecille was trying to smile through her tears. "Thank you, all. How thoughtful!"
"Pawpaw, dowee...Wook, Pawpaw, dowee!"
"Yes, my sweet girl, you've got a dolly." With misty eyes, Ben whispered in her ear. "Oh how I will miss you!" He turned to her mother. "Cecille you are a wonderful mother. Thank you for making the long trek to see us."
"It's been a marvelous two weeks; especially for the children. You've all been so good to us." Cecille held up the picture books Ben and Kate had given the children, and hugged Kate. Ben gave his daughter-in-law a warm embrace and a kiss on the cheek.
There were hugs and kisses all around before Adam helped his wife into the coach, then Ben handed Elizabeth to her mother. Benji was shaking hands with his uncles like a grown man, but when he extended his hand to his grandfather, Ben grabbed it and swept him up into his arms.
"You're a fine young man, Benjamin Cartwright, but your grandfather needs more than just a handshake." Ben hugged him tightly and tousled his dark hair. "You keep a good eye on your sister, you hear." Benji nodded, and Ben kissed his dark head of curls before helping the boy into the coach.
With handshakes, hugs and slaps on the arms, Adam said goodbye to his brothers before turning to his stepmother. "Kate, I want to thank you for making my father a very happy man. My best to you." Adam leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"Thank you, Adam. It's been a pleasure to spend time with you, Cecille, and the children. Godspeed."
"Pa, it was great to be back home at the Ponderosa. The children had quite a time. Thanks for everything. Take care, Pa." His jaw tightened as he struggled not to show his emotions. Adam grabbed his father's hand.
"Words cannot adequately express what these past two weeks have meant to all of us. You have a beautiful family, Adam. Thank you making the trip. Safe travels to you all." He hugged his son tightly.
The stage pulled out promptly after Adam was seated. The remaining Cartwrights stood waving their goodbyes.
Ben pulled Kate in close and kissed her temple. "I am so thankful we are leaving for San Francisco tomorrow. The ranch would seem much too quiet without Benji and Elizabeth. I'm not sure I could bear it."
Kate just nodded, her heart full of emotion. She had fallen in love with Benji and Elizabeth, and was acutely aware of Ben's pain.