From Two to Three, a Family - Part 1 - a Til Death do us Part Sequel

by MissjudyK

This final story in the Til Death Do Us Part starts in England, nearing the birth of their first child. Everything has gone so well that Adam forgets that things can go wrong, and must face old demons. The Cartwrights return home in Part 2 to surprises - some good, some very bad. Melinda and Ben must face that they have lost everything they love in one insane act.

1. Chapter 1

Til Death Do Us Part

From Two to Three, A Family

Part One – New Places: New Faces

(London)

One

A Mother Daughter Reunion

Melinda heard Adam's long yawn, indicating that he was waking up. She reached over to pat his cheek and asked, "Hey, love, can you take a look at the clock and tell me what time it is?"

Adam rolled over and kissed her before yawning again. "The clock's on your side of the bed, can't you roll over and look?"

"I could…but I'm comfortable for the first time all night and would like to remain this way a few minutes longer."

He pushed up on his elbow as he snickered, "Let me peak over Mount Melinda and report the hour."

"Ha…ha," She pouted, but then retaliated. "You just wait until you get old and have a belly like this. Then I'll tease you about clearing Cartwright Rise anytime I need to reach past you."

"It's 7:15," He reported as he fell back onto his pillow. "It's not too late, but I'm surprised Niles hasn't been knocking yet. And by the way; I don't intend to get a belly as I age."

"I believe you won't," she laughed as she poked his flat stomach. "Niles knocked a while ago, but I didn't respond. You were sleeping soundly and the baby had finally stopped kicking, so I decided we should indulge in an extra few minutes of rest."

Adam moved his hand across Melinda's very pregnant abdomen and felt a mighty kick ripple under his hand. He grinned as he always did when he felt his child move. "I think your rest is over. He's awake again."

"That's my life these days. If the baby isn't elbowing me in the ribs, then my stomach is burning or I have to use the chamber pot. I've heard that this is nature's way of preparing me for being up all night with a fussy infant." She drew her lips to the side as she thought. "I wonder why men don't go through any of these parenthood training phenomena."

"I suspect it's because we'd become whimpering babies ourselves if we had to endure what women do to have our children." He winked at her. "I was there to get things started, if you'll recall," he gave a toothy smile as his eyebrows danced, "and the rest of my job doesn't begin until after the baby is here."

"And just what job is that?"

He mulled over his answer. "I shall provide for him…you know…make a living to keep him fed, wearing the latest baby fashions, and supplied with toys."

"Hmmm… That's noble, but what about changing diapers and staying up at night when she has colic?"

"I think men really are useless until a child is about three years old, and we can start teaching them to be devious."

Melinda sighed deeply as she touched his cheek. "Well, I'll keep you around, even if your usefulness is limited. You are pretty cute, and maybe you'll lend a hand from time-to-time. After all, someone helped your father with Hoss and Joe." She grunted as she rolled toward her husband and took his hand. "Adam…you always talk about this baby as being a he. Will you be disappointed if he's a she?"

"We have this conversation every morning," he slid closer to her and held her gently. "I do think we'll have a boy. But since you come from a family of three girls, and mine has three boys, I figure it's pretty much even odds."

She nodded and grinned. "That sounds right."

"And I will be equally delighted with either. I don't know exactly what I'll do with a baby girl, since my experience has been with boys. But I promise that I'll adapt and make her the finest tomboy on the block."

They were still holding each other and talking when there was a light tap on the door. Adam called, "Yes?"

The middle-aged butler opened the door a crack and announced, "Mrs. Cartwright's mother and sister have arrived, sir."

Adam sat up and helped Melinda do the same before asking the man to come in.

"They weren't supposed to be here until late this morning," Melinda said aloud. She recalled her mother's fear of taking a ship across the ocean, before asking warily, "How do they seem, Niles?"

"Seem, Madam?" he asked with a tilt of his head.

Adam clarified. "I think Mrs. Cartwright is wondering if they had a pleasant trip. Are they in a good spirits?"

"Oh, I see. Their spirits are remarkable, sir." Niles stepped closer to the bed. "I set them to breakfast with Dr. Green, and they seemed most pleased about that. Mrs. Hayworth mentioned that their ship arrived sooner than expected, allowing them to catch an earlier train. They are happy to be here and ask that you not rush. One of the maids will help them unpack when they finish."

"Thank you Niles," Melinda said sincerely, "but I'll dress quickly, and head downstairs. I'm anxious to see them. That will leave you and Mr. Cartwright to get going. I'm afraid I allowed us to sleep too long this morning, and now we're both behind."

After Niles stepped from the room, she slipped into a loose fitting dress and slippers, getting Adam to help with the back buttons; took a look in the mirror, smoothing back some wisps that had escaped her heavy braid during the night, and pinched her cheeks to give them a pink glow, saying, "That'll have to do for now," before heading off to see Margaret and Miranda.

Niles re-entered the bedroom once she exited. As she closed the door, she heard the butler ask which suit of clothes Mr. Cartwright wished him to put out. Melinda chuckled, knowing that Adam still hadn't adjusted to having another man help him with his daily routines. He'd refused to hire his own "man" to dress him, so Niles went up each morning to assist with the little her husband allowed. She pictured her beloved biting his tongue to keep from telling the elegant, well-mannered man to mind his own business.

Adam's job had brought the Cartwrights to England five months ago, and they'd taken residence at Wadsworth Manor. The large London estate had been passed to Adam's boss, Frank Wadsworth, because he was the only living male heir of its previous owner. Since the large home and grounds were fully staffed, while seldom having anyone in residence, Frank had insisted that Adam and Melinda stay there for the year or two it took for Adam to complete his consulting work on a huge London harbor project.

Melinda had been ill during the voyage to England, and had remained so even after they'd settled into the London home. Adam's biggest fear had been that his wife had been experiencing a recurrence of the Cat Scratch Fever that had nearly taken her life when the couple had visited the Ponderosa a few months before the trip. It had come as a relief when their friend, and doctor, from Boston, Sam Green, had come to England to participate in a physician exchange program between Massachusetts General and London Hospital. Frank Wadsworth had heard of the trip and had told Sam to stay at the estate as well. The young doctor had diagnosed Melinda's "illness" the first night he'd arrived, as being nothing more serious than a baby on the way. It had left the Cartwrights overjoyed, yet stunned. When Melinda had experienced problems conceiving during the first year of their marriage, they'd decided not to worry about it, and had put the possibility so far from their minds that they had mistaken the normal signs of pregnancy for the symptoms of a serious malady.

The months since receiving the "blessed news" had passed quickly. Adam was deeply involved in his work and becoming well versed in the engineering marvel being built, and Melinda was working with local teachers to acquaint herself with their teaching methods. Her goal was to begin writing a book during the time after the baby came that would examine the ways that American and London school systems could learn from one another, and adapt some of the best ideas from both.

Their baby was due any day now, and Melinda had been looking forward to the arrival of her mother and sister. Becoming a new mother so far away from her family had made her more uneasy than she thought she'd be, and this had prompted Adam to wire his mother-in-law, suggesting she make the trip to England for her grandchild's birth. Margaret had fussed about sailing at first, but had managed to put her fears aside when Miranda had agreed to come with her.

Melinda squealed with excitement when she saw the two women in the dining room, and rushed to greet them.

Miranda was laughing so hard at barely being able to reach over her sister's expanded midsection that she went around behind her to give her a hug, explaining, "At least this way I can get close to you." She kissed her sister's cheek and turned Melinda over to her mother.

"Why are you crying?" Melinda asked as she took a napkin from the table to wipe her mother's tear-streaked face.

"I'm so happy to see you, dear," the older woman sobbed. Taking her daughter's hands she gave Melinda a good looking over. "You look so beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen a lovelier expectant mother."

Miranda laughed. "That's the same thing you told our little sister Marie when she was expecting."

Margaret dismissed her daughter's comment with a wink and a wave. "I did say that because it was true at the time. Now it's true of Melinda."

Sam Green watched the reunion from the far side of the table as he ate his breakfast. "Seems like you three know each other," he teased. Focusing on Melinda, he asked, "Is Adam about ready to come down? I'm feeling outnumbered."

"He's upstairs gritting his teeth over being 'dressed,'" she replied with a laugh. "You just go on eating and we'll pretend you're not here while we begin to catch up."

The women chattered while a maid brought Melinda a pot of tea and biscuits with Jam. Their conversation was so intense that they didn't see Adam enter the room.

Sam spoke loudly over their voices, "Come on in, Adam. They're ignoring me too."

Adam greeted Margaret and Miranda, giving each a kiss on the cheek. He gave Melinda a light kiss on the lips, and then winked at the women as he asked Sam, "Would you like me to kiss you too?"

"A handshake will suffice, dear man," the doctor laughed.

"I didn't want you to feel left out, old chap. You said you were being ignored."

Miranda giggled. "You two sound like real Englishmen with your, 'dear man,' and 'old chap.' I noticed a bit of an accent in Melinda's voice too."

"It's not hard to let it fall into your speech pattern after being here a while," Melinda confessed. "If you'll remember, I picked up a slight drawl while at school in Tennessee."

Adam and Sam worked at their breakfasts while listening to the details of Margaret and Miranda's voyage.

"The seas were rough, Margaret admitted, "but Miranda and I seemed to have iron stomachs."

"We sure did," her daughter enjoined. "In fact we started to get a little conceited about it. We'd walk past the row of seasick passengers hanging over the rails while talking about how wonderful the meal was." The young woman looked coyly at Sam. "I think we could have used your fine doctoring skills aboard that vessel. The infirmary was overwhelmed with those in agony."

"I'm sorry I have to work today," Adam told the women as he changed the subject when he noticed Sam blushing. "I'm thankful that you've arrived safely, but since I didn't expect you until later, I scheduled a full day of meetings that can't be put off." He received Margaret's understanding nod, and grinned as he added, "But I'm sure you ladies won't miss me." Turning toward Melinda, he cautioned, "You know what to do if anything happens."

Sam added his concern. "I've already told Niles that I'll be at the hospital all day."

Melinda gave them both a withering look, and then explained to her family, "My husband and physician have developed a plan for when I go into labor. Adam tells the footmen which site he'll be at each day, and has taken the young man on a tour of all the possibilities so that he'll know where to go. And Sam gives Niles his daily schedule so they can send for him."

Adam rose from the table, and announced, "I need to get going." He gave Sam a knowing look as he addressed his wife, "May I see you privately, please?"

When the couple cleared the dining room, he drew Melinda to him and rubbed her back. "Speaking for both Sam and myself, please don't overdo it today. I know you're excited to have your family here, but I worry that you'll push yourself."

She looked up at him with an amused grin. "Yes, Mother. I'll be good."

"Don't make fun of my concern." He held his wife at arm's length and looked directly at her. "I know you. You will want to keep up with Miranda, and I worry that you'll tire yourself. Please promise that you'll be careful."

Melinda didn't answer. She reached for his face instead and kissed him…deeply.

"Please don't," he whispered as he rested his forehead on hers. "You know what that kiss does to me. I also know that your motive in doing this is to make me lose focus on what I'm saying."

"Well, maybe that's not the only reason. I do like kissing you."

Her second kiss made him shudder. Adam sighed as he pulled back briefly and looked around to make sure they were still alone in the hall, and then chuckled as he pulled her close and returned her passionate kiss with one of his own. When he stepped away the second time, he gave her a half smile and said, "Don't think I won't hold you to taking care of yourself." He breathed deeply as he tugged his jacket and straightened his shirt. "Please give my regards to Margaret and Miranda and tell them I'll see them tonight. And let Sam know I'll meet him out front in five minutes so we can get going. We're going to share the ride to work so the larger carriage is available for the Hayworth ladies."

"You won't be coming back into the dining room?" She asked as a devilish smile played across her lips.

Shaking his head, he pulled her in for one last kiss, and whispered, "We're getting to be an old married couple, and you're nine months pregnant, but you still have the power to hoist my sail with a single kiss. So, no…I won't be going back in there right now. I'm going to grab my things and then walk in the garden until it's time to leave."

When Melinda entered the dining room alone, her mother asked, "Isn't Adam coming back to say goodbye?"

Melinda took her chair and swallowed a quick sip of tea while trying to compose herself. She fanned her face with her hand as she realized that Adam's kiss still had the power to set her sails fluttering too. Luckily, being pregnant gave her great cover for her flushed cheeks and breathlessness. After a few seconds, she smiled at her mother and said, "He sends his love…but something came up."

Once Sam had gone, Margaret gave her oldest daughter a worried look and asked, "Is Adam upset with our coming?"

"Absolutely not!" Melinda laughed at her mother's concern "He's relieved that I'll have familiar faces around me and someone to ask all those motherhood questions. Besides, he's the one who invited you."

"That's true. It made me uneasy that he asked to see you alone and then left so abruptly. I don't want to cause any friction between you two at a time like this."

"Don't worry; that was just my pre-scolding." Noting that both women were squinting at her, she explained further. "Sam and Adam are such mother hens. My husband got me alone to issue his insistence that I not overdo it today. I'm pretty sure he and Sam talked about that happening once you two arrived, and they felt it necessary to address it." She thought about her mother's main concern and added, "Adam didn't come back in here because he needed a few quiet moments before heading to work. It allows him to organize his thoughts and be ready to go when he arrives at the site."

"I can see him wanting to do that. He is a very precise man." Margaret laid a hand on her daughter's arm. "I'm glad he's worried about you. Has he been that way throughout your condition?"

"He's been wonderful, Mother." Melinda breathed deeply as she closed her eyes and smiled with the remembrance of all that her husband had done since finding out that they were expecting. "He's been my rock."

"How so?" The question was posed by her sister.

"He'd bring a tray up to our room, and even fed me when I didn't want to eat. Then he'd read to me until I fell asleep. Now that I'm getting more nervous, he holds me, and promises that everything will go well. He rubs my back when it hurts and leaves love notes tucked into my books, so I'll find them while he's gone. I know he'll be a wonderful father…even though he says that he doesn't know the first thing about babies."

Margaret tilted her head as she remembered a conversation with Adam's father before Melinda's wedding. "Ben said that Adam helped him with the other two boys, even when they were babies."

"I'm sure he changed many a diaper and watched after his brothers. He's just teasing me about his ineptitude. I can't wait to see him with our child."

All three women went silent for a moment until Margaret declared, "I always knew that Adam would be a good husband and father."

Miranda and Melinda looked at each other and began to laugh. The younger sister finally managed to choke out, "I don't think you 'always' knew that, mother. I do remember a particularly uncomfortable dinner…"

Margaret cut her off, "I may have been hard on him at first, but I always knew he was a good man."

"That he is," Melinda replied dreamily. Bringing her attention to her sister, she grinned knowingly. "That's enough about me." She looked at her mother and back to Miranda. "I think that my sister should have a lesson in how some things are done in an English household."

"What do you mean by that?" her sister asked as she squirmed in her chair.

"Things are very formal here. For instance, our mail, or 'post' arrives early in the morning. It's placed on the breakfast table for the master of the house to distribute. In this house, it's Adam's job. He doesn't pay attention to what's there, except when it's hard to miss the pastel envelopes, and highly-scented letters for Dr. Samuel Green…written in a very familiar hand."

Miranda blushed from pink to red, but offered nothing as her sister continued. "Adam was very firm in telling me that I was not to question our housemate. He feels that whatever is going on with these odorous notes is off limits for our teasing or prying. Sam has not been forthcoming about them…even though he turns about the same color that you are now when he receives one. But now that you're here, I'll ask you. What's going on between you and our good Dr. Green?"

The younger sister turned crimson as she sputtered, "I didn't realize that our correspondence would be public knowledge. I would have sent them in plain envelopes if I had."

Melinda drummed her fingers on the table. "That's all well and good, but you didn't answer my question. Why did you write them?"

Miranda smiled shyly. "I guess it doesn't matter if I tell you now. Sam and I were going to say something tonight at dinner…so you'll have to act surprised."

"Surprised about what?" Melinda prompted.

"You remember that I met Sam when he cared for you after you were kidnapped. We'd chat when he stopped by to see you, and we got to be friendly. I had just been through the trauma of what my husband had done to all of us, and while I knew I didn't want to married to Lloyd Samuels anymore, it took a lot to get through the divorce. During that time, I started to volunteer at the hospital, and helped Sam when he worked at clinics in the city. Once my divorce was final, he asked me out to dinner. We were keeping company regularly by the time you and Adam got back from Nevada. Mother and Father were aware, but I thought it was too soon to let others know. He asked me to marry him just before he left for England, and we've been carrying on our romance through letters."

Melinda's mouth and eyes were open wide with Miranda's news. It took a moment to think through what she'd heard, and then she blew her sister a kiss and wished her the best. "I'd come over there and hug, you, Manda," she giggled, "but it's too hard to stand up. I am so happy for both of you. Sam will make a wonderful husband…and brother-in-law!"

Two – The Nevadan Update

Ben and his sons sat down to breakfast just as the first pink of sunrise appeared in the east. Spring was making sporadic appearances in the Sierras, and that meant the Cartwrights had work to get done whenever the weather cooperated.

They talked about what needed to be done as they loaded their plates with Hops Sing's bacon, eggs and hotcakes. Between bites, Hoss offered to do a check on creek levels and flooding in the bottom land. Ben nodded his agreement, and suggested that he and Joe to ride to a few of the higher pastures to do an eyeball-estimate of the herds. If they seemed smaller than expected, they'd ride through to see if they found carcasses that would account for the reduced numbers. If not, they'd have the hands scour the canyons and nearby fields to look for strays. He ended their planning session with his normal spring admonition. "Make sure you watch for downed fences. There was a lot of snow and wind this winter so chances are there's plenty of damage."

The two brothers exchanged a knowing look and rolled their eyes, as Joe spoke for both of them, "Yes, Pa, we always do," before moving the subject away from work. "Hey," he began as his forehead wrinkled in thought, "isn't it almost time for Adam's baby to make an appearance?"

Ben grunted, "Hmm, I think you might be right," and then retrieved his oldest son's correspondence from the desk. He scanned through the top letter as he took his place again at the table. "You're right Joe. He confirms late March in this one. But babies tend to come when they want to regardless of what doctors predict."

"So da ya think we'll hear right when it happens?" Hoss asked with a growing grin. "I can't wait to be an uncle, but I suppose it might take a couple of weeks for us ta get the news."

Joe cut in, "He'll send a telegram, won't he, Pa?"

Ben pulled another letter from the stack he'd brought over to the table. "Of course he will, but this letter gives the entire rundown of what may or mayn't happen." He looked at his two younger sons and laughed. "You know Adam…"

"Whadaya mean?" Hoss asked as he stuffed his mouth with the last of his syrupy hotcakes.

"I'll just read it to you," Ben laughed. "It's too hard to explain.

"I will alert you to your grandchild's birth as soon as possible, Pa, but we can't always trust that the Trans-Atlantic telegraph cable will be functioning properly. Even if it is, I'd wonder if a wire from London can make it to Virginia City without getting derailed somewhere along the line. To work around that, I've arranged for Abel to send you a wire from Boston when he receives the news. It's better to hear twice than not at all."

Joe nodded. "That sounds like good thinking," and then laughed as he added, "and typical planning on our older brother's part."

His father chuckled. "Oh, I'm not even close to being done yet. No stone is left unturned or plan unplanned, when Adam's in charge. His letter continues: If a cable isn't possible, I will write to everyone. Since Abel will receive the notice long before your letter makes it across the country, he will telegraph you as soon as he gets his letter. But If all else fails, you'll receive your letter at some point."

All three men laughed heartily, with Hoss adding, "I'm glad that Adam is so determined to overcome every roadblock. I bet if he could, he'd make Melinda submit a schedule with an estimated time of arrival." He shook his head and grinned. "But havin' a baby oughtta get rid of some of that in old Adam. Young'uns are pretty unpredictable."

"That they are, son." Ben refilled his cup and sipped at his coffee as he thought about the unpredictable nature of children and birth. As he and Elizabeth had neared Adam's birth, Ben had never considered that he might soon be raising an infant on his own. He closed his eyes in prayer that his son would never know how that felt. He continued to petition the Almighty for a healthy grandchild, and for the welfare of his daughter-in-law, before standing to declare, "Well if we ever hope to return home, I suppose we'll need to get going first."

Three

A New Day, A New Disaster

Adam pulled his wife near as they settled into bed. "Thank you," he whispered as he kissed her.

"For what?"

"Taking it easy today. It seems like you and the ladies got a lot accomplished, but you didn't overdo it. You looked rested and happy at dinner tonight."

Melinda wound her fingers in the curls of hair near his ear. "What do you think of all the baby things we bought?"

He chuckled. "I'm not an expert in baby gear, but the pram looks to be functional and handy, and the diapers are a necessity."

"You're right about that." She yawned and breathed deeply. "It was a fun day. Thank you for inviting Mother and Miranda to come." Her eye popped open as her sleepiness was pushed aside. "What do you think of Sam and Miranda's announcement?"

"It wasn't a surprise."

"How can you say that? You told me that bringing up the topic of those letters was forbidden. Did you ask Sam about it after you said I couldn't?"

"Of course not. One only had to note the frequency and the increasing amount of scent over the last four months to know it wasn't a passing fancy. I also noted the color in Sam's cheeks whenever you spoke of your sister. I think it's a good match, and I'm happy for both of them."

"Aye, darlin', so am I." she giggled. "Miranda's right, you know. We have taken on the inflection of Londoners along with a little brogue thrown in for good measure." She snuggled up to Adam as best she could. "Would you recite that poem for me…you know the one about the fiery Irish woman?" She looked up at him. "It's so soothing, and will drop me off in a minute."

He kissed her head as he drew her nearer, and began reciting with his best Irish burr. "I am a wand'ring minstrel man, And Love my only theme, I've stray'd beside the pleasant Bann, And eke the Shannon's stream; I've piped and play'd to wife and maid By Barrow, Suir, and Nore, But never met a maiden yet Like Brighidin Ban Mo Store. My girl hath ringlets rich and rare, By Nature's fingers wove - Loch-Carra's swan is not so fair As is her breast of Love; And when she moves, in Sunday sheen, Beyond our cottage door, I'd scorn the high-born Saxon queen For Brighidin Ban Mo Store. It is not that thy smile is sweet, And soft thy voice of song - It is not that thou fleest to meet My comings lone and long; But that doth rest beneath thy breast A heart of purest core, Whose pulse is known to me alone, My Brighidin Ban Mo Store."1

Breakfast went much as it had the previous day with the Hayworth women making their plans while Sam and Adam chewed in silence.

Margaret broke free of the family conversation to inquire, "Melinda mentioned that you'll be working again today, Adam."

He nodded as he swallowed. "I'd like to get as much completed as possible before the baby comes. That way I'll be able to take a day or two off."

"That's a good plan." His mother-in-law clapped her hands together as she smiled at the group. "We've arranged to have carriage for a tour of London today, and Melinda will make sure we go near the area where you're working, Adam."

"Will you stop? I'd love to see you all, but it's a pretty rough site yet."

Melinda answered, "We'll drive by but I don't want to keep you from your work. You'll get home sooner that way."

Sam rose and helped his fiancée with her chair. Turning to Adam, he said, "I'll see you outside in five minutes?" Receiving Adam's nod, he bid farewell to Margaret and Melinda before leading his Miranda out of the room.

Margaret grinned. "Now what do you suppose that's all about?"

"They are officially engaged, now, so I suppose he wants to have a few minutes alone for a proper goodbye." Melinda turned to Adam and rolled her eyes. "But knowing the men in this house, I'd also assume that it's Sam's turn to give the warning to make sure I don't tire myself, and take a nap before dinner." She laughed as her husband's cheeks turned pink. "That was a nice touch enlisting Miranda. Whose idea was it, yours or Sam's?"

Adam stood as his wife and mother-in-law stared at him with expectant grins. "Remember, ladies; I had two brothers who constantly tried to get me to own up to things. I'm an expert at deflection, and I ain't sayin' a thing." After giving them each a kiss, he stood in the doorway and saluted. "Cheerio, you two. Have a grand day, and I'll see you around six."

The cab carrying Adam home from work stopped on the street in front of Wadsworth Manor instead of using the semi-circle entranceway. The driver called down in a rich cockney accent, "I can't get no closer, sir. There's not a way around them vehicles parked by the door. You'll have to walk the last bit."

Adam handed up the fare and exited, curious as to why there were rigs outside his residence. He began trotting to the house when he recognized them as being the Wadsworth carriage and buggy. The fact that they were there, ready for use didn't bode well to him.

He was reaching for the latch when Niles opened the door, saying, "Good evening, Mr. Cartwright."

"What's going on?" He looked anxiously at the butler while shedding his jacket and hat.

The normally composed servant closed his eyes as a fraught expression veiled his face. Drawing a deep breath, he resumed his stately air and led the way to a set of closed doors. "They're waiting for you in the parlor, sir."

Adam made a quick scan of the room's occupants as he entered, and saw Margaret and Sam huddled over a weeping Miranda. He wondered why his sister-in-law was so distraught, but he continued to peruse the room and stopped as he saw two men he didn't know, standing by the fireplace. His heart was pounding in his ears as he asked the same question he'd asked Niles. "What's going on?"

Miranda rose and choked out between sobs, "I'm sorry, Adam… It's…my…fault."

"What's your fault?" Adam asked as his hands tightened into fists at his side. When no answer was given, he boomed, "Someone tell me what's going on!"

Margaret and Sam moved to stand on either side of him. His mother-in-law took his arm while Sam explained, "Melinda had an accident earlier."

Adam's eye locked on Miranda. "What kind of accident?"

The young woman pushed the heels of her hands against her eyes as she tried to stop her tears. "We'd been out most of the day." She gulped a breath before continuing, "When we got back, Melinda said she had to rest, and was going up the steps when I called after her, saying she only had to rest because she was getting old and fat. I was just teasing; she knew that. In fact, I think she was planning to make some smart reply when she turned around, and her foot slipped off the edge of the step."

Adam paled. "How far did she fall?"

The tears came harder again. "She…just…she managed to sit so she didn't fall. But she landed hard."

"How…" Adam thundered. His voice trailed off as his mind continued to scream the words that his mouth would not. How could you be so obtuse as to play childish games while Melinda was on the stairs? How dare you risk your sister's life to have a little fun! As his mind settled, he realized that everyone in the room was staring at him, waiting for him to complete his sentence. He released his anger in a breath as he finished, "…is she?" His volume dropped to a near whisper as he voiced the second part of his fear. "And the baby?"

One of the strangers spoke. "I'm Dr. Kingsley, Mr. Cartwright. Dr. Green sent for me to assess your wife's condition because my specialty is Obstetrics. Mrs. Cartwright and the child seemed unharmed, but since I couldn't be sure that there weren't other injuries to the mother," Dr. Kingsley gestured toward the man standing next to him, "I sent for Dr. Benedict. He specializes in internal maladies."

Dr. Benedict moved forward to shake Adam's hand. "I see no evidence of any sort of internal distress. Your wife's pulse is regular and strong. Her color is good; her breathing is normal, and aside from some bruising, discomfort, and stiffness, she's in good spirits."

Sam led Adam to the sofa and told him to sit as Niles delivered a small glass of brandy. The young doctor stood over him as he handed him the drink. "Breathe, Adam, and sip on this. You've had a shock, and need to steady yourself or you'll need a doctor."

Adam's hand shook as he brought the glass to his lips. He heard a conversation begin between the doctors and Margaret, and he heard Miranda still sniffling somewhere in the room, but he felt as though he was detached from all that was going on around him. He said nothing as he stared straight ahead and considered how normal this day had been up until he'd walked in the door. When Sam left him to comfort his fiancée again, Adam rose and strode from the room.

He'd reached the bottom of the stairs before Sam caught up and grabbed him. "Adam, wait!"

"What?" he snapped.

"You look like you've seen a ghost." Sam held tightly to his friend's arm. "I know you need to see Melinda and confirm that she's fine, but I don't want you going up there looking so haunted. You can't let her see you this way or she'll think that the doctors weren't being truthful. So far she's taking this in stride, and frankly, I think she's more worried about you than herself."

Adam sat on the bottom step and groaned. "That doctor said that Melinda and the baby are fine, Sam. How can he know that for sure?"

Sam dropped down next to him. "Kingsley and Benedict are the best in their fields. I was in the room during both examinations and what they told you is the truth. The baby's heartbeat was strong, and it was moving after the fall, just as it had been before it happened. I got home early today and it had just happened so I was able to do an immediate appraisal. Melinda's vital signs were good then, and have remained that way." He patted Adam on the back. "Melinda is healthy and strong and she'll be fine. Expectant mothers are very resilient."

"Not all of them are," Adam mumbled to himself. He looked over at Sam and tried to sound assured. "I'd like a few minutes alone. I promise I won't go up until I can smile without clenching my teeth."

Four

Ghosts

I look like I've seen a Ghost. Adam considered Sam's appraisal as he sat alone on the hard marble steps where Melinda had fallen. It's probably true; I do have a few of them. The spirit breathing into his heart at the moment was a woman he had never known. He wondered if her presence in his thoughts was an omen.

He rose stiffly and started up the steps while trying to shake the feeling of doom that had settled on his shoulders. His father had never told him that his mother had fallen shortly before his birth. That information had come out much later from another source. As a child he'd listened hungrily to his father's story about Elizabeth's loving gaze and tender words for her son before she was "taken by the angels." But as he'd grown older, he'd wanted to know more. His father had deflected the questions with the deftness of a bull fighter, saying that the past didn't matter because life always took its path, no matter how much we might wish otherwise.

By the time he'd gone to Boston, he'd set those queries aside as he'd begun to wonder more about his mother's life than about her death. A small etching of Elizabeth Stoddard-Cartwright and a few books were all he'd ever had of the woman who'd given him life. He'd often envisioned what his mother would have been like, and those imaginings had often comforted him during long nights of illness or uncertainty.

The first real information about Elizabeth's death had come out as he and Abel had chatted while making their way home from a pub when he'd been in Boston for school. His grandfather had indulged in one pint too many during the evening, and had let his emotions get the better of him. The older man had had sat on a bench overlooking the harbor, and had blurted out, "I killed her lad!"

Adam had chuckled at his grandfather's comment. "Who did you kill, Grandfather?"

"Your mother."

Adam had been taken off guard by Abel's avowal and had pressed him for more information. Even now he felt a pang of guilt as he remembered taking advantage of his grandfather's tipsy, maudlin state-of-mind.

"She died having me, didn't she?" he'd prodded.

"Aye, lad, that's so. But it was I who started it."

Adam had sat next to Abel, knowing he should defer this conversation until his grandfather was in control. But he had always blamed himself for his mother's death, and had lived with the guilt for so long, that he had to know why Abel had been living with a similar self-conviction. "Maybe you should tell me what happened?" he'd prompted.

Abel had told him a story of betraying his son-in-law, and how the argument with Ben had brought Elizabeth down the stairs to see what was wrong. She'd fallen near the bottom, and she'd been confined to bed after that. His grandfather had lamented that if he'd been a better man, his daughter would have lived.

The odd fact was that the story had left Adam feeling no less guilty for his mother's death. If what Abel had said was true, then he could push the theory even further back to say that if she hadn't been carrying a child, the fall would have made no difference. He'd concluded back then that his father's reluctance to talk about what happened probably stemmed from his own guilt in the matter.

Adam reached the hallway outside his room as his thoughts returned to the foolishness between Miranda and Melinda that had landed them in the current situation. He wanted to blame someone, but the truth was that the two women had only acted like the loving sisters they were. They were always poking at each other just as he and his brothers did. There was no harm intended. He made the decision to stop trying to assign culpability. After all the years of guilt born by him, his father, and his grandfather, there was no still no change in the outcome. His mother had died, and he realized that he didn't want to start another circle of blame and remorse.

He opened the door as he blew out his breath and forced a smile. The short trip up the stairs had helped him see that this was yet another test…just as they'd faced before, and were sure to face again. He raised his mind in prayer, begging for the safety of his wife and child.

Melinda opened her eyes as he approached the bed, and he rushed the final few steps to her side as she reached out for him.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered as she hugged him tightly.

Five

A Promise

Adam was still holding his wife, telling her about his day in an attempt to get both their minds off her fall, when there was a light rap at the door, followed by Niles opening it a crack to ask quietly if he could enter. "The physicians, along with the ladies are being served in the dining room, but I suspected Mr. Cartwright would prefer his meal up here with Mrs. Cartwright."

"You assumed correctly," Adam responded as he rose from the bed and helped Melinda to sit up. He saw her grimace as he arranged pillows behind her back, and spoke softly into her ear. "Are you really doing all right?"

A quick nod accompanied by a pained smile, communicated her willingness to try. "I don't know how hungry I am, but some tea would be nice."

Two maids entered carrying trays that they placed on a bed table for Melinda and a small folding unit that Niles set up for Adam. The butler lifted the silver dome from Adam's plate while reciting the menu. "Roast sirloin of beef with Yorkshire pudding, and glazed carrots for Mr. Cartwright."

Adam saw his wife's doubtful look when hearing the fare, and gave her a quick smile. "That looks very good, Niles, but I think it might be a bit heavy…" He stopped short when Niles turned back and winked at him.

"And for the lady," Niles lifted the other dome with a flourish, "chicken broth, Bent's soda crackers, custard cream and shortbread biscuits."

Melinda's pleased laughter filled the room. "This is wonderful! Are these really Bent's crackers…from Massachusetts?"

"One and the same, Mrs. Cartwright," the butler assured.

"This is the exact meal I always had when I was ill as a child. How did you know?" Melinda noted the cat-who-ate-the-canary look on Niles' face and she laughed again. "My mother told you, didn't she?"

"She did indeed, Madam. Those are her crackers. I think she told the cook that she'd brought them along to settle her stomach on the ship. After your…accident, she brought them down and asked the cook to put together a meal she thought you would prefer."

Both Cartwrights offered their thanks as Niles left them with instructions to pull the bell cord when they wished their trays removed.

Melinda sipped at her broth and nibbled a cracker while watching her husband devour his meal. She gave him a lopsided smile when he looked up. "Hungry?"

"Starving…haven't eaten since breakfast." He finished the last of his dinner, moved the tray out of the way, and sat on the bed next to his wife. "Can I bribe you into eating a little more? You've barely touched anything."

"I've had as much as I can handle right now. Let's just enjoy our time alone before the entourage from downstairs finishes their meal and heads up here."

"You're right. I imagine the fine doctors will want to head home once they check on you again." He removed the tray and helped Melinda lay back down.

After she wiggled into a comfortable position, she reached up to touch Adam's face. "You do look better now that you've had a little food. You were so pale when you came in."

"I admit that hearing you'd fallen left me a little weak-kneed."

"I didn't really fall, if that helps strengthen your leg joints. When I started to lose my balance, I just sat. I bruised my dignity far more than anything else."

He grinned. "I'm well acquainted with your, ah, dignity. It's outstanding, and gives me lustful thoughts, so I'd hate to see it bruised in any way." After a wink, his face settled back to seriousness. "Still, it had to be frightening for you. You must have been so worried for the baby after it happened."

She took his hands and brought them to her cheek. "That's why Sam called in the experts. I was terrified at first, but I believe what they told me. I'm sore, but I don't feel worse than before. The baby is still kicking like those broncos I saw on the Ponderosa, and all seems well. In fact, Dr. Kingsley told me that women have tried for centuries to bring on their labor by jostling themselves inside wagons being driven on rough roads, jumping up and down, or repeatedly sitting down hard. But he said that in all but a few cases, babies come when they're ready."

Adam nodded.

Melinda poked her husband in the shoulder as a wry smile crossed her lips. "Why there's even a story in the Bible about just such an occurrence." Noting his sidelong glance, she finished her story. "Mary had to take a bumpy donkey ride from Nazareth to Bethlehem when she was 'far along with child' and even with all that, her son was born when he was due."

He leaned to kiss her forehead. "Then we'll assume our child will be born in due time as well." Although he tried to look encouraging, he fell short, and sighed as he saw Melinda frown.

She took hold of his shirt and pulled him closer until they were nose to nose. "I know that everything has gone so well that we may have forgotten that bad things can happen. I remember being in your mother's room with you when we went to get a traveling case that was stored in there. You told me that you'd been born in that bed, and your mother had died there. I heard the pain in your voice as you told me that you'd always felt at fault." She took a deep breath as she pulled him into an embrace and whispered into his ear, "I don't intend to leave you or our baby. But…if something does happen, my love, I want you to promise that you will feel no guilt, and above all, you must promise that you will never let our child feel responsible."

"He wrapped his arms around her. "That's a big promise for something that won't happen."

"Maybe so, but I still need you to give it. You're an honorable man, so you will keep your promise. If something goes wrong…"

"Nothing will go wrong."

"You can't know that." She spoke softly as she kissed his cheek. "And while I pray all will go fine, if it doesn't, tell our child that they were born out of a love so strong that there can be no regrets."

A knock interrupted their conversation. "I assume that the troops have arrived," he said as he tried to pull away.

Melinda held firmly to his arms and looked directly into his eyes. "Promise me."

"It is a promise I will make," he said firmly before smiling and touching her face lovingly. "But it's not one I'll have to keep."

Six

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

"Sit down and eat, Pa, you're pacing like a caged cat," Hoss commented as he took a bite from the thick slice of ham on his plate. "Hop Sing outdone himself on this breakfast, and you're missing it."

Ben returned to the table and made an attempt to join his sons in the morning meal. His heart wasn't in it; he was restless. "What are you two doing today?" he finally asked as he sipped from his coffee cup.

Little Joe gave his itinerary first. "I'm going to pick up that plow we had at the blacksmith all winter. The road seems dry enough that I won't have trouble making it home with that heavy load. It'll take the better part of the day by the time we get it loaded and I head back."

The father nodded. "We'll need that plow soon, so it's a good thought to pick it up now before we get another round of rain or snow. Check if we need any feed, and see if Hop Sing needs any supplies before you go. You might as well make the most of the trip." He turned to Hoss. "How about you?"

The big man swallowed his last bite of breakfast before answering. "You remember I told you that Clyde and his men counted the cattle in the west section last week, and they came up a couple hundred short?"

"I do."

"We're going back today to search the canyons and look for downed fences where they might have gotten out and moved on a ways."

"I hope you find them, and a few calves as well. That's a lot of beef to lose." Ben stood and began pacing again.

"What's the matter, Pa?" It was Joe's question this time. "Hoss is right. You're wearing a path in the floor."

He stopped in the middle of the room and stood in a typical Ben Cartwright pose—an open stance with his hands on his hips—and looked back at his sons. A shrug preceded a chuckle as he relaxed and leaned on the back of the settee. "I honestly don't know. There's nothing I can put a finger on that should make me uneasy, and yet I can't settle down."

"If you don't have plans, why don't you ride into town with me?" his youngest suggested.

Ben's face brightened. "Maybe that's what exactly what I need. We've all been tied to the ranch over the winter, and now with spring chores. And I have to see John at the bank and Simon at the land office." He looked at his middle son who had pushed away from the table, and was sitting with his elbows braced on his knees while staring down at the floor. He walked behind him; put his hands on the man's shoulders, and said, "I suspect Clyde and his crew can find some stray cows without you, Hoss. Why don't we all grab a change of clothes and head into town. We'll get our business done during the day, and then invite Paul and Roy to join us for dinner at the International House. I saw a notice in the paper that there's a troupe performing at the theater, so I'll take that in, but what you two do this evening is your own business. We can meet for a nightcap, stay over, and then head home first thing in the morning. Does that sound good?"

The smiles radiating back from his boys were all the answer Ben needed. "Hop Sing," he shouted. The cook came running at the summons. "We're all going to town and won't be back until tomorrow, so you can take the day off too. You can even hitch a ride to town with us if you'd like and visit those cousins of yours."

Hoss had begun to climb the steps to gather his things when he stopped, and looked back. His toothy smile had been replaced by a look of melancholy.

Little Joe asked, "Something wrong, Hoss? You decide you'd rather stay home and track down critters after all?"

"Nah. I was just rememberin' that spring when we all went to town just like this."

"We go to town every spring. Were you 'rememberin' one in particular?" his brother prodded.

"You know, the year that guy, Milbank, came through. It was a real sloppy year and I kept gettin' the wagon stuck, and the three of us brothers was fightin' all the time. We tussled over the pole stackin', and then had a brawl in the mud before you threw that log and hit the feller in the foot."

"I sure remember," Ben offered. "Old Jedediah sent each of you off to do a job for him while he recovered, and then made me work while he pompously spouted one adage after another." He laughed as he shook his head. "And then you all came back after offering kindness to those you were supposed to evict, and the man looked like his head would explode. The sad part was that even though Jedediah professed all those sayings about hard work and success, he forgot one very important proverb: A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit."2

Hoss chewed his lip as he thought. "You're right, Pa. It didn't take much lookin' to see that them people didn't need nothin' more than an encouragin' word and a helpin' hand. I think maybe Mr. Milbank had spent so much time climbing towards being rich, that he forgot who he was climbing over to get there. I ended up with a puppy, Joe caught a fish, and Adam invested in a good family. Each of got far more back than the little we gave." He became quiet. "Can't you still see Adam snuggling that little pup I done brought back with me?"

"I sure can. And pretty soon he'll be snuggling his own little pup over in England." Joe laughed. "I'm betting it will be a boy, but I guess he could be snuggling a little girl instead."

"Whichever it is, he'll be a good father," Hoss added. "All this talkin' about him makes me miss him somethin' fierce, but it's still fun to remember the good times."

Ben and Little Joe nodded in unison, as Ben said, "That's the good thing about memories; they're always handy."

Seven

Special Delivery

Drs. Kingsley, Benedict and Green took Adam into the hall after examining Melinda again.

"The baby is active and I can hear the heart beating strong and regularly. Any injury within the womb would have begun to cause distress to the child by this time, so I can say with certainty that all is well. "

The assurance from Dr. Kingsley brought a sigh of relief from both Adam and Sam. They turned to the other expert for his opinion.

"I see no medical problems for your wife either. As Dr. Kingsley said, any evidence of internal damage would have manifested by now. The shock of the day has taken a toll on her though. She is exhausted. I'd assume it is as much from worry as injury." Dr. Benedict handed Sam a small packet of white powder. "I've spoken to Dr. Kingsley, and we both agree that Mrs. Cartwright should take a sleeping preparation tonight. I'm afraid that if she doesn't rest well, she will be worn out when it comes time to deliver. It won't harm the infant, and it will do her a world of good."

"I'll see that she takes it once her mother and sister finish in there." Sam took Adam's shoulder, steering him toward the stairs. "Let's leave the ladies do their work while we go have a little bracer before sending the fine doctors out into the chilly night."

Adam cast a longing look at his bedroom door, but finally followed the others.

"Is he mad at me?" Miranda asked her sister as she and her mother helped Melinda bathe and change into a fresh nightgown.

"Why would he be?" Melinda's eyebrow rose. "You didn't push me down the steps."

Margaret tucked the covers around her daughter and smoothed some loose wisps of hair away from her forehead. "You didn't see his face when he walked in that room and found out what happened, sweetheart."

"Mother's right. He looked like he could have pulled out his pistol and shot someone." Miranda added dramatically.

A tsk and head shake accompanied Margaret's disclaimer. "I'll admit that he did look angry at first, but then it settled into a look of fear. I don't think I've ever seen a man look so sad…or haunted."

"That's my Adam," Melinda smiled at her mother. "You already know that his mother died when he was born. What you don't know is that she fell on the steps shortly before his birth. I'm sure his mind went back to the circumstances of Elizabeth's death when he heard I'd had a similar accident."

"Oh my," Margaret said as she sniffed loudly to stifle the tears that threatened to escape. "I imagine that for a moment he feared he might lose both of you. We all knew that the accident wasn't serious, but he didn't. He must have been in absolute torment." She smiled then, and leaned to kiss her daughter's cheek. "It took a long time for you and Adam to realize that you were meant to be together, Melinda, but he was certainly worth the wait."

Sam went up to give Melinda the sleeping powder while Adam saw the doctors out, and then suggested that she be allowed to rest without anyone with her except Adam. He led his fiancée and her mother to the door after their farewells.

"You know where to find me," Sam teased, before exiting. "I'm on the other end of the house. But if you holler really loud, I should be able to hear you. It echoes well in these hallways."

"We'll pull the bell if we need you." Melinda yawned. "I'm surprised that you and Adam haven't worked something out where the bell chord is directly attached to your big toe, Sam."

The doctor laughed. "What makes you think we haven't?"

Adam sat on the bed while he and Melinda talked as the medicinal powder began to work. "You haven't forgotten your promise, have you?" she asked as she began to experience blinks that lingered in the closed position.

"No, darlin', I haven't forgotten. It's been given and sealed." He brought her hands to his lips. "Are you comfortable?"

"Unhuh," she said with a long, loud yawn. "My back still hurts; not all the time, but every few minutes it sort of cramps up."

"Rest now. Let that potion work and you'll be sound asleep in no time." He leaned down to kiss her, and then moved a comfortable chair to the bedside. "I'm going to change clothes, and then read here while you sleep.

Melinda watched as he shed his shirt and began to wash up. A sly smile formed as she roused out of her sleepiness for a moment. Her words were slurred as she said, "You're a fine cut of a man, Adam Cartwright. If I wasn't great with child and mostly asleep, I'd come over there and raid your forward deck."

He chuckled low and deep as he slipped into his robe and sat in the chair next to her. She was already asleep when he said softly, "Believe me, darlin', if the circumstances weren't as they are… I'd raise my flag of surrender and welcome you aboard." He adjusted the lamp to see better, grabbed spare pillows to prop the book up on his lap, and took her hand in his as he began to read.

"What?!" Adam hollered as he pulled his arm away from Melinda and examined the deep, red, half-moons that her nails had etched in his arm. He'd fallen asleep reading and had awakened when he'd heard his wife cry out as she'd grabbed his nearest limb. Fully awake now, he saw the grimace of pain distorting his wife's face. "What's wrong?" he asked as his panic rose.

"Baby…" She moaned as she bore down. Her face turned crimson as she finished, "Coming!"

He knelt at her side. "You're in labor?"

"No…yes!" she finally said between breathy pants as her face returned to a more normal color. "It's coming…now! Woke up in…puddle…in pain…and have to push."

Adam jumped up. "I'll get Sam." But she grabbed his hand in a steely grip. "Too late. I rang bell. Niles can get..."

She bore down again as Adam stood helplessly, looking like he'd been punched between the eyes. "What should I do?"

"Towels!" she screamed as she took a breath and pushed again. "Blankets to wrap," was delivered in a growl as she strained.

He grabbed the stack of clean towels from the wash stand, extra sheets and blankets from the linen cupboard, and rushed back to Melinda's side. "Now what?"

She was breathing rapidly to catch her breath between contractions. "Look!"

His eyes rounded as he raised his arms in desperation. "Look where?"

Her teeth clenched and her face bore an angry glare as she had a respite from pushing. She pointed to the foot of the bed. The pitch of her voice rose to near-shrieking levels with the next directive. "You seemed to be pretty sure about 'where' when you bragged about being at this child's conception." Melinda's eyes rolled back as she groaned and bore down again.

Adam's, "Oh, I'm sorry," was muffled by her moans of pain as she pushed. The cobwebs and uncertainty were gone now, and he quickly removed the covers and slid a clean sheet beneath her arching back and hips. His mouth hung open as he saw that Melinda's assessment had been correct; their baby was already well on its way into the world. There wasn't time to do anything more than drape a towel over his hands to form a sort of net to catch the child as it exited. Melinda took a deep breath and bore down one last time, sending their baby into Adam's waiting arms.

He quickly wrapped the towels around the pink-skinned, slippery bundle, and willed the babe to breathe—taking his own gulp of air as his child took a first breath, and then burst forth in a distinctive newborn's wail. Grabbing a blanket, he added that to the towels ensuring that the infant remain warm. He heard Melinda bearing down again, signaling that the final part of the birthing process had started. While she worked at that, he dried the baby's head—marveling at the mass of dark curls. That's all he could see about the child so far. He'd been so concerned with not dropping it that he'd decided he could wait to inspect the distinguishing characteristics once the child was safely landed. He was about to do that when the doors to the room burst open as Sam rushed in and took over. The doctor entrance was followed by maids, still in their robes with their nighttime braids swinging against their backs, and Niles—properly dressed as always, bearing a kettle of hot water and a stack of clean linens and towels. Margaret and Miranda were the last to arrive.

Adam had stepped back when Sam moved in, and his mother-in-law touched his arm, directing him to see to Melinda, while she assisted Dr. Green with the remainder of the delivery.

The new parents exchanged happy smiles as he said softly, "The baby is beautiful," before kissing her gently. One of the maids handed him a wet cloth that he used to dab away the perspiration on Melinda's face and neck.

Her eyelids were heavy with exhaustion but she fought to stay awake. "Do we have a son or a daughter?"

His cheeks turned red as he confessed, "I don't know. I just wanted to keep it warm, and when I wrapped it, its legs were pulled up and the cord was there…and…then Sam…"

She caressed his cheek lovingly as she had done since the first time they'd met, and placed her finger across his lips. "Don't worry about it; someone will tell us shortly." She sighed and smiled. "I know you were caught a little off guard, Adam, but isn't it wonderful that we were the only ones here for the birth. It seems like the perfect way to start our family."

"You did all the work. I just lassoed the little critter as it flew by."

Margaret laid a hand on Adam's shoulder telling him that he needed to leave so they could make Melinda comfortable.

He looked up at her and said, "I don't think she'll mind waiting a couple of minutes while we hold our baby first."

Melinda's rapid nod and longing look made Margaret hurry to bring the little bundle to the bedside. She handed it carefully to Adam, and he kissed the child's cheek before nestling it in its mother's arms. Once she had a good hold, he peeled back the blanket and they both peeked in at the fuzzy, wrinkly-skinned baby.

Tears were trickling down her cheeks as Melinda teased, "You said you'd be happy with either a boy or a girl. Does that still hold true?"

"I'm so happy that my face hurts from smiling so hard." The moment of family intimacy came to an end as Margaret leaned in and whispered in Adam's ear. He pulled the blankets back around the baby as he told his wife, "I'll be back in a minute, my love. Margaret has informed me that Niles is patiently waiting outside our door with the rest of the staff and they're anxious for a report. Apparently, it is an announcement that only the head of the house can make." He kissed his wife and child before exiting the room to address the assembly. "Thank you all for your quick response tonight, and for waiting up for the news. I'm sure your prayers have been with us."

"Is the babe well?" the cook asked timidly.

"Quite well, but I'm sure Dr. Green will give us a confirmation of that shortly."

"Wha' is it?" inquired a young footman. "Lad or lassie?"

Adam smiled, thinking to himself that his jaw really was beginning to hurt from the facial expression. "We have a…"

Ben waved to his sons as he walked into the Bucket of Blood and made his way to their table. "Have any luck at poker?" he asked the two.

"If by luck, you mean losing the money I was savin' for that new pistol, then my luck was outstandin'." Hoss laughed and added, "Joe did better, though. He just lost his shirt."

"Aren't you the funny man tonight," Joe snarled before laughing too. "How was the show, Pa?"

"It was very entertaining. The jugglers did some amazing things, and the woman singer had a lovely…voice."

Little Joe gave his father a poke as he sat down. "You sure that's all that was lovely about her?"

Ben smiled rakishly as his cheeks turned pink. "Can't blame a man for looking."

Paul Martin had attended the show with Ben, but had made a quick detour home to check for emergency notes that might have been left hanging on his door, before rejoining the Cartwrights. He'd entered the saloon along with Roy, who'd arrived at the same time. They'd all ordered a drink and were talking about their evening when they noticed Zeke, from telegraph office, looking into the saloon over the swinging doors. He saluted as he saw them, and came bounding over to their table.

"I heard you were in town, Mr. Cartwright, so I checked around until I found you." The man was grinning from ear-to-ear. "I thought you'd want to get this as soon as possible.

While Ben fished in his pocket for a tip, he mused at how Zeke had the unique job of finding out all the news—both good and bad—before anyone else. He was an honorable man though, and held his tongue about the information he received over the wire. From Zeke's demeanor, Ben figured this telegram held happy news. After the exchange of paper for coin, Ben expected that the young man would return to the telegraph office, but when Zeke didn't leave, Ben knew exactly what news the telegram held.

His hands trembled slightly as he opened the envelope and removed the sheet of paper inside. The room had quieted with Zeke's entrance into the saloon. Everyone knew that such communications brought important news, and they were waiting to find out how it would impact the Cartwright family.

"What's it about, Pa?" Hoss prodded.

The father's eyes moved across the message several times before he finally looked up. "It says: Baby arrived today 2 A.M. Melinda well. Baby healthy."

"That's it?" Joe's disappointment was shared as a sigh went up from the crowd. "Did he really forget to tell us what they had?"

Ben's eye's twinkled as he added, "I must have forgotten to read that part… The last line says, It's a boy!"

A whoop went up in the saloon as Ben called for a round to celebrate his new grandson. Not everyone in the room cared for the Cartwright family, but at that moment there were no enemies as Sam poured them each a free glass of good whisky.

Once the clamor died down, Roy asked, "Adam doesn't say what they named him in that wire?"

"Nope."

Paul drained his shot glass, wiped the back of his hand over his mouth and asked, "Did he ever mention possible names in his letters?"

Ben shook his head. "I always assumed that a daughter would be named Elizabeth, but I have no idea about a preference for a boy."

"Maybe Adam Junior?" Roy offered.

All three Cartwrights laughed loudly, as Hoss explained. "Our older brother said he'd never do that to his son. Said he'd seen too many families where it got too confusin' with two people having the same name, and the child ended up being called, Junior."

Joe added, "Yeah, Adam always cringed when he heard some mother yelling out for her boy that way."

Paul's eyebrows moved toward the bridge of his nose. "Did you feel the same way about that, Ben? I mean since you didn't name Adam, Ben Cartwright, Jr."

Ben sighed deeply as he thought back to the day he'd welcomed his own son. "I had thought about naming him after me, but Elizabeth had been reading Paradise Lost when Adam was born. She suggested the name, Adam, and it seemed like the right choice. Inger and Marie chose the names as well." His cheeks flushed with the remembrance, and the warming effect of the good alcohol. "I guess I figured that since they'd done most of the work, they should have first choice on what to call them."

The Sheriff chuckled as he laid a silver coin on the table. "Anyone care to join me in a friendly wager about the name? We each tell what we think it will be, and the winner takes the pot. I'll hold the money at the office until we find out."

Nods of agreement preceded the procurement of coins and predictions.

Joe went first. "I'm going with something fancy, like Byron, Austen, Socrates…or some form of those authors Adam and Melinda are quoting all the time."

"Socrates Cartwright!" Hoss laughed. "That would be somethin'. I'll go with Abel, after his granddaddy," Hoss added as he tossed his coin to Roy.

"I'm with you on that, Hoss," Ben agreed. "But I agree with Little Joe about them wanting something a little more impressive. I'll say, Stoddard, instead of Abel."

Paul slid his entry fee across the table. "Knowing Adam, he'll want to honor someone, so I'll choose Benjamin, with Abel as a middle name."

The others looked at the sheriff in expectation. Ben joked, "There's not much left to pick from, Roy. You should have gone sooner."

Roy sent the others a devilish grin. "You all forgot one. I'll go with Adam Cartwright…Junior."

Hoss and Joe snorted, while Hoss slapped Roy's back. "Didn't ya hear what we said? Ain't no way he'll choose that."

The grin returned. "But your Pa said that he let your mothers pick your names, so I suspect it doesn't matter what Adam wants. It all comes down to what Melinda wants, don't it? I heard all them stories about how long those two cared for each other before they finally got together, and I'm betting she'll want her son to carry his father's name."

Eight

A Wedding, a Baptism and Goodbyes

No one had returned to bed after the baby had made his impromptu arrival, but the pandemonium of the early morning hours at the Wadsworth estate in London had calmed, and the house had stilled as many of the occupants slipped away for an afternoon nap.

Adam finished writing notes to his engineering company, explaining his absence for the next few days. He'd sent telegrams to the families back in America soon after their baby arrived, and he leaned back in the desk chair, and smiled as he thought about them receiving the news. He knew that his father and brothers would celebrate in some way, but he was anxious to hear about where they were, and what they were doing when they got the news. He capped the ink and cleaned off the nib of the pen, before he stretched, and headed up to his wife and child.

As he entered the darkened room, he could hear his son making the typical grunts and snorts of new babies. He made his way over to the small crib, and smiled as he saw the boy's arms and legs jerking as he tried to get his hand to his mouth.

Melinda was sleeping soundly while the new nanny that Niles had added to the staff, kept watch. Adam spoke softly as he told her to take a break. Once she was gone, he pushed a chair over to the bed, returned to the small cradle to get his son, and sat at Melinda's side as he had done earlier. He propped the baby on a pillow and turned the lamp up a little to take a closer look.

Adam spoke in a whisper. "You really are a cute one, little man." He removed one of the crocheted booties, rolled his thumb across the baby's tiny toes, and chuckled quietly. "You have some mighty long feet, son. Looks like that part of you takes after me. Luckily you look like your mother." After replacing the footwear, Adam placed his finger by his son's hand and watched as the child wrapped his hand around it in a strong grip and tried to get it to his mouth. A memory of Hoss and Little Joe doing the same thing flooded over him.

Melinda awoke slowly and realized that Adam was singing softly, while their son hiccupped, squeaked, and snorted on the bed next to her. She opened one eye, enjoying the scene and finally reached for Adam's hand. "Is he perfect?"

The singing stopped as he winked at his wife. "I counted 8 fingers and 10 toes, so I think he's got everything."

"You'd better look again, mister. You're a couple short."

"I forgot the thumbs. That makes 10 of each."

"Much better." Melinda moved her hand across their son's curls. "He looks just like you."

"Now you better look again. I think he's lucky to resemble you."

She chuckled quietly. "I did all the work and our child is a miniature version of you…and I think that's perfect." She pushed herself up in the bed and took the baby when Adam lifted him into her arms. "There's something important we need to decide on now."

"I know," Adam agreed. "We can't call him, Baby, forever. What would his college roommate think if he shared space with someone named, Baby Boy Cartwright."

Melinda nodded. "Somehow, that's not what worries me the most. I'm thinking more about his baptism when they christen him as, Sweetie Pie." They both laughed, startling their son, who jerked as his eyes flew open. Melinda looked at her husband. "You already know what I want to name him."

He sighed and looked down at his child. "I do…but it might be a little stuffy, and I'd much rather name him after the important people in his life."

Her eyebrows arched as she rolled her eyes. "I understand that you want to honor the men who have made a difference in our lives, but he'd fail in school if we do that." When Adam squinted and shook his head, she explained, "By the time he'd get Benjamin William Abel Frank Hoss Joseph Cartwright printed at the top of his test paper, the exam period would be over and he wouldn't have answered a single question. The teachers would assume that he wasn't intelligent instead of realizing he was just over-named."

Adam responded with an eye roll of his own, and a grin. "You're sure you want to do this?"

"Absolutely!"

That evening, the staff and residents of Wadsworth Manor filled the sitting area of the Cartwright's suite for a brief celebration. Niles led his people in a toast to the health of the child, and Adam offered one of his own to thank everyone for their help. Just as Niles was about to dismiss the staff, Sam asked that everyone remain for an announcement.

"It grieves me to share this information," he said as he took Miranda's hand, "but I found out today that the physician who has been filling my position in Boston must return to England. Since it would take too long for them find a replacement, they've called me home."

Adam frowned. "How soon do you have to go?"

"I'll go home with Miranda and Margaret in a couple of weeks. But we have a request of all of you."

Miranda broke into a huge smile. "We'd like to marry before we leave, if you would all agree to having a wedding here."

The women of the household beamed as they began to giggle and whisper to one another. Niles turned his steady glare on them and they quieted. "We would be most happy to help in any way we can. It has been some time since this house has hosted a wedding," he turned toward Adam and Melinda, "or a christening, and you can see that such an opportunity is already causing a stir."

Once the household staff had gone, Miranda, Margaret and Melinda began chattering about wedding plans while Adam went to shake Sam's hand. "I'm sorry you have to leave, but we'll appreciate being at your wedding."

Sam led the way to the hallway where the women's laughter and chatter was less noticeable. "I knew Miranda would want to wait until you and Melinda got back to the states if we didn't do it now. We'll have another sort of ceremony and reception when we get back, but this way we'll be married for the trip home." The doctor grinned devilishly. "The thought of spending 12 days at sea with her so close and yet so far away, gave me the inspiration to suggest this compromise."

"Seems like the perfect answer." Adam looked over his shoulder at the women in his bedroom. "I'm sure they'll be planning for some time, so why don't we go down for a while and break out the good scotch in Frank's study."

Settled into the comfortable leather chairs with glasses of well-aged scotch, Adam said, "I've got a couple of questions for you."

"Such as?"

"Melinda was holding the baby when we left. Those women were loud enough that we could hear them in the hallway, and yet he slept right through it. Why is that?"

"Newborns sleep a lot." Sam swirled his glass and took a sip before adding, "I wish babies could talk right away and tell us what they're thinking. But I figure that his needs are pretty simple now. Since he's full, his diaper is clean, and he's in his mother's arms, he doesn't have a care in the world."

"That makes sense."

"Did you want to know something else?"

Adam pursed his lips and sighed. "If I was talking with anyone else but you, I wouldn't ask this. I thought women usually went through hours of labor before giving birth. It seemed like this went so fast."

"I don't think it really did. Melinda complained that her back was cramping when I gave her the medication to make her sleep, but I assumed that was from her accident. I think she was in labor then. And while it can go on for hours or even days, other times it goes fast. And in this case, I think it was going on while Melinda slept." Sam laughed. "It made for a rather dramatic ending, didn't it?"

Adam raised his glass in a toast, "Here's to quick deliveries, and the chance for me to make a contribution." They drained their glasses. "I have one more request. We want my brother, Hoss, to be our godfather and Miranda to be the godmother. Since Hoss can't be here, would you fill in for him?"

Sam retrieved the bottle and poured them each another two fingers of the fine alcohol. He raised his glass in a toast. "I'd be honored."

Three weeks later, there was a christening in the garden chapel of Wadsworth Manor, followed immediately by a wedding. The staff put on a beautiful double event that was attended by the doctors and hospital staff that Sam had become acquainted with at work, and the friends that Adam and Melinda had made since their arrival.

With the last guests were out the door and the house returned to normal, the two couples made their way down to the kitchen to offer their thanks. The group was gathered around the large table there, enjoying the bounty of leftovers from the party. The conversation stopped as they rose when Adam led the others into the room.

"Please, sit," he said with a smile as he motioned for them to take their seats. "We won't interrupt for long, but we wanted to let you know how much we appreciated this day."

Sam added, "It was more than we would have expected and we will always remember your kindness and hard work on our behalf."

Melinda stepped forward. "Everything was simply beautiful and the food was perfectly prepared and delicious. Thank you all."

Niles had remained standing and bowed slightly. "We appreciate hearing your compliments, but it is we who should thank you. This house has been quiet for so many years that having the opportunity to put on a celebration for two such wonderful events was a true pleasure."

A wink between Miranda and her sister preceded her statement. "I know this is probably not done, but we're Americans so we'll take liberties. Please don't hold it against us." With her warning completed, she and Melinda walked over and each gave Niles a peck on the cheek, causing him to blush.

The four Americans then made their way around the table, shaking hands and offering personal thanks to each of the staff before leaving them to their meal.

As they cleared the room, Adam snickered. "I'm not sure if that was allowable under the strict code of staff conduct, but I'm sure Niles will tell me about it if wasn't. He'll say something like, 'Sir, while we appreciate the gesture, such fraternization between staff and guests is not usual.'"

"And what will you respond?" Melinda asked.

"I'll tell him to keep his British bees under his bowler and take it in stride. And then I'll promise never to do it again."

Hoss maneuvered Chubby closer to his father as they rode into town. "I wonder how much longer we have to wait until we get a letter from Adam telling us the baby's name. It's nearly a month since we got the news."

"I imagine the mail has been delayed somewhere. I sent a wire, but as Adam had worried about, I think mine got lost somewhere on the way. I'll send another one if there's no letter today." Ben pulled Buck to the left to avoid bumping into his son. "You're pretty sure you got the baby's name right in our bet?"

"I am, but then you never know with Adam. He's surprised me more'n once with what he's decided on after I was sure I had it all figured out."

Father and son were joined by the youngest Cartwright who'd spurred Cochise to catch up. "What are you two talking about?"

"Your brother is getting anxious to hear what Adam named his son."

Joe nodded. "So am I. Maybe there'll be a letter today. We'll have time to check before the auction won't we?"

"There should be time." Ben gave his horse a nudge. "As long as we don't spend any more time out here gabbing like old ladies."

The three Cartwrights were heading into town for an auction. A few farms in the area had gone belly up in the previous year and the bank was selling out the property and implements, along with the livestock. Ben wasn't sure there'd be anything of value in the offerings but had decided it would be a nice break from the constant work since the last time they'd all been into town.

Once they arrived in Virginia City, Hoss and Joe made their way to the auction grounds while Ben did a little business and checked for correspondence. One particular envelope caught his attention and he leaned against the counter as he scanned the contents. He broke into a smile and shook his head as he refolded the letter, returned it to the envelope, and headed out to join his sons.

After a quick perusal of the equipment and livestock available, he asked, "Did you two see anything worth sticking around to bid on?"

Hoss shook his head. "Ain't a thing here that's better'n what we got, that's for sure."

"I agree. Maybe we can just get some lunch and head on back. There's a few things I could get done at the ranch yet this afternoon," Little Joe suggested.

"That sounds good. But first…Hoss, go see if Paul can join us at the jail for a minute or two." Ben said, while grinning at his boys.

"Ya got the letter, didn't ya?" Hoss saw his father nod. "It's about time. I'll get Paul over there if I have to fling him over my shoulder."

Fifteen minutes later the group who'd placed their bets on a name for the newest Cartwright was gathered in Roy's office. The sheriff pulled a tin box from a desk drawer and opened it to reveal the money they'd each contributed to the pot. "You'll notice that these are the very same silver pieces we anteed up for this little wager," he stated as he eyed each of those present. "So go ahead, Ben. What did Adam have to say?"

Ben read from the letter. "Dear Pa, Hoss and Little Joe,

You'd all be very proud of the newest member of our family. He's a big boy and cute as a bug's knee, as Hoss used to say. He arrived early in the morning and didn't wait for the fine doctors of England and America to assist, relying only on his mother and father to guide him into the world. I'm proud enough to bust my buttons.

Melinda had a scare after slipping on the staircase the day before he came, but everything went fine.

We're preparing for a wedding and a Baptism right now. Sam Green has been called back to Boston. You should have gotten the note I wrote about his engagement to Melinda's sister by now. He and Miranda have chosen to marry here before heading home.

I have a favor to ask of Hoss. Would you be our son's godfather?"

Ben stopped reading to look up at his middle son. The man was smiling from ear-to-ear. "Imagine that, I'm gonna be my nephew's godfather. Aint' that something!"

Little Joe sighed as his foot tapped impatiently. "Yeah, that's something alright, but we still don't know the name of this nephew of ours. Keep reading, Pa."

Ben resumed. "I know you're all wondering what this young man's name is, and I know you'll laugh when you hear it. I wanted to name him after all of you, but Melinda had her own ideas on that. In the end, she decided that our son should be named Adam Cartwright Jr."

Laughter broke out in the room as Roy put the cashbox back into his desk, and then hooked his thumbs in the pockets of his vest. "That was easy money."

Ben raised his hand and asked for quiet. "There's a little more." He returned to the letter. "To avoid the issue of this name turning into the Junior that I dislike so much, we're going to call him, AJ, for Adam Junior. Melinda convinced me that he could carry my name that way and still have one of his own. This would have been so much easier if he'd been a girl…but it suits him."

Ben congratulated Roy on his victory and then slipped outside while the other men continued talking. His mind returned to the sentence in the letter where Adam had revealed Melinda's fall. He suspected his son had downplayed the event, yet he knew that it must have caused his eldest some moments of uncertainty. Even now he could remember the day that Elizabeth had stumbled on the steps. But as bad as that had seemed, the fall hadn't caused her death. The doctor had told him later that Elizabeth had suffered from an affliction that affected some expectant women, and if the fall truly had hastened the birth, it had saved Adam's life, since the usual outcome with the condition was that both mother and child perished. Ben sighed in sadness with these memories, but then pushed them aside, and smiled with joy and thanksgiving that all had gone well for his son and daughter-in-law.

Ten

The Early Months of Master AJ

Melinda was experiencing the fullness associated with nursing a child, and went in search of her baby, knowing he'd be hungry. She'd been working on her manuscript for a few hours and was anxious to reclaim her infant from the nanny. Her trip to the nursery proved fruitless. The child was missing as usual. He was three months old now, smiled readily while babbling and cooing, and was a favorite with the household staff. When he wasn't with his parents or napping, Anna, his nanny, would take him to the kitchen. AJ loved being around the action and chatter, and the women of the house would include him in their conversations, making him kick and squeal with delight.

But since Adam was already home from work, Melinda knew exactly where to look next for her missing son. "Where's my baby?" She addressed the back of the office chair when she entered the study—the place where Adam spent his time when he got home early.

The chair swung around. "Who are you looking for?" he teased. "There's no baby in here, I assure you. It's just me and my associate, and we're going over the schematics for the next phase of the harbor."

Melinda shook her head as she laughed. "Are you telling me that you're reading blueprint specifications to our son?"

Adam laughed as he took the smiling AJ out of the crook of his crossed leg and sat him on his lap. "He seems to grasp the concepts quite well. And instead of board feet and piling depth, I substitute the terms ducklings and lambs to keep his interest. But I believe he's going to be a genius. In fact, he has helped me figure much of this out in the short time we've been working together." He looked down at his son. "I suppose that look on your mother's face means she's going to whisk you away for your dinner."

Melinda walked to the men in her life and leaned down to kiss AJ's head and then gave Adam a deep, long kiss that left him breathing hard.

He closed his eyes as she finished, and sighed. After a few more deep breaths, he added, "Please don't do that, Melinda. You know how much I want you, and I also know we have to wait until you're fully recovered. But when you kiss me like that, it leaves me…compromised."

"I'm sorry. It isn't fair of me to tease you that way. And in case you haven't noticed, I need you too." She touched his cheek before removing AJ from his lap. "By the way," she said turning back as she neared the door. "After I feed our little darlin', Anna will be taking him to his room for the night. I've given the staff the evening off, so we'll have a cold supper in our suite instead of in the dining room. I'll let you know when I'm ready." She smiled, noting that he'd already returned to his drawings as he grunted, "uhhuh."

Melinda's words had made it through the jumble of equations swirling in Adam's mind, but not enough to make him question her plans. After she was gone, the part about eating in their room hit him and he wondered if she was perhaps not feeling well. He shrugged, figuring he'd find out at some point, and concentrated on the work in front of him. With his months of experience in the harbor under his belt, he'd become adept at figuring out these plans, and had made the transition from being a greenhorn on the site to being the one others looked to for answers.

He had no idea how much time had passed while he was engrossed in the pages of the plan, and was startled when the study doors opened and two maids rushed in with their buckets full of cleaning supplies.

Niles followed them, clearing his throat to get Adam's attention. "Mr. Cartwright, you wife has sent word asking that you join her now in your suite. Your supper is waiting there."

Adam eyed the butler with a puzzled expression. "Oh, that's right. She said something about spending the evening up there. Let me grab a few of these things to take along up to work on later."

Niles nodded. "Whatever you wish sir."

The maids had already done a cursory dusting and were standing at the ready to straighten the mess he always left of his desk. Adam grinned at Niles. "It seems like people are in a hurry tonight. What's going on?"

The butler waved the girls back and replied. "Mrs. Cartwright has declared a holiday, giving us the night off, sir. She says we won't be needed once you've gone upstairs, and," he eyed the two young women sternly, "I think everyone's a little anxious to get to their respective activities as soon as their work is finished."

Adam smiled at the maids. "Are there big plans in store for you two tonight?"

They looked down at their feet, and swung their pails. "We'll be headin' to the pub with the others, sir," one finally answered.

"That sounds like fun." Adam thought again about something Melinda had said, and addressed Niles. "I think Mrs. Cartwright said that Anna was keeping an eye on AJ tonight. Isn't she allowed to go out with the rest?" His brows knit. "That hardly seems fair."

Niles nodded. "It's all been arranged sir. Anna will be staying with Master Cartwright until the others are finished with evening chores, and then my wife and I will be taking over in the nursery."

Adam's jaw dropped. "That seems most kind, Niles, but I'm sure we can watch our son so that you can have the night off as well."

The butler shook his head and redressed Adam's concern. "It is our pleasure, I assure you. We were never blessed with children, and for my wife, caring for your son is purest delight. The pubs have lost their appeal to a couple our age, and we find it far more satisfying spending an evening here. If young mister Cartwright is in fine fettle, I may entice my wife into a game of two-handed whist while he gives us pointers."

Adam shoved the door to their room open using his foot, and entered with his pile of charts and text books heaped in his arms. After managing to shut the door with his hip, he deposited his trove on the desk in the corner, and then looked around the fragrance-filled room. It took only a second to realize he must have missed some important clue in the short conversations he'd had with Melinda since arriving home. Several vases of colorful flowers were providing the sweetness in the air, and there was a small table, illuminated by candles, in the sitting area. A bucket of ice and champagne stood at attention next to it, and two crystal flutes sparkled in the flickering light.

I know it's not our anniversary. He assured himself as he did a quick recall of the calendar and breathed easier as he settled both the current date and the one in question in his mind. It's not for a couple of weeks yet, he concluded. "Melinda?" he called, as he wondered why she wasn't there.

"I'm in the dressing room," drifted out through the open door at the far end of the suite. "Why don't you pour the champagne, and I'll be right out."

He did as he was told and nearly dropped his glass when Melinda appeared a few seconds later wearing a form-fitting gown made of a satiny fabric. "He raised his glass in a toast. "I'm not sure what the occasion is, but may I say that I'm enjoying it so far."

She came over to him, took her glass from the table, and sipped before drawing him near for a kiss like the one she'd given him earlier.

"Does this mean what I think it does?" he asked breathlessly as he set his glass down and took her face in his hands, bringing her lips to his for another kiss.

"I saw the doctor today. He says I'm fine now and…" her words became a throaty groan as Adam breathed into her ear while unpinning her hair, allowing it to flow freely around her face and down her back.

He pushed the sleeves of the gown from her shoulders and the sheath slithered to the floor. "I've wanted you so much," he whispered as he lifted her and carried her to their bed. His lips and hands feathered across her body, leaving a kiss here, a caress there, teasing her passion back to life after so many weeks without intimacy. She responded with deep, contented moans and breathless gasps.

"It's been so long," she purred as she arched her back in answer to his touch. When she could wait no longer, she began pulling at his shirt; yanking at buttons, trying to shed him of the barrier between them. "Hurry," she demanded as he stood to disrobe.

Adam slipped his shirt over his head and lifted a leg to tug at his boot, realizing an instant too late that he should have sat to remove the tight-fitting footwear. His mighty pull threw him off balance sending him toppling like a felled tree. He listened closely to see if his fall might bring a flock of house staff upstairs to check on the situation, and breathed with relief when there was no knock at the door. Luckily this place is built like a fortress, he mused as he rubbed his hip and elbow where they had impacted with the floor. As he sat up he noticed his wife peering over the edge of the bed. Her eyes were round with concern, and yet he could tell that she was biting her upper lip, trying not to laugh.

"You all right?" she asked, unable to stifle her chuckle any longer. "I wondered what was happening when I saw your feet fly by and heard that clunk." The passion he had aroused in her had vanished with the accident. She quickly grabbed her robe from the chair by the bed, and set to helping her husband. He winced as he stood, and she ran her hand along his pants leg where he'd fallen, feeling a distinct welt forming even through the fabric. "I think you fell on something besides the floor," she said as she dug in his pocket and removed a large ring of house and work keys."

"Well that would explain why it felt like I landed on a mace." His grin was wry with a tinge of embarrassment. "I can't believe I was so clumsy."

She giggled. "I don't think you were thinking too well at the time, honey."

He winked as he drew her close. "I think you may be right about that. I'm sorry I ruined your surprise."

After a kiss to get things headed in the right direction again, she told him, "The night is just beginning and I've enjoyed every minute of it so far. And… unless you're too injured to try again, I think we'll do just fine."

"I injured my dignity the most," he confessed sheepishly.

Melinda laughed. "If memory serves me, I did that once myself. And if I might borrow your thoughts from back then, I'm very fond of your dignity, and once we get the rest of these clothes off you, I'll make sure it's in working order."

Adam and Melinda had indeed been able to resume where they'd left off, and later, after a quick repast, had done it all over again. As they lay in each other's arms, the relaxed and satisfied husband was struck by a thought. "Was I the only one who didn't know what was going on tonight?"

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"The staff had the night off, and you obviously had a little help getting our room prepared so beautifully. Even Niles seemed to roll his eyes just a bit when I said I was bringing work up for later." He turned onto his back and hit himself in the forehead. "Of course he knew."

She rolled over and rose onto her elbow to look down into his eyes. "No one knew what I had in mind…specifically. I simply told my maid that I wanted a romantic evening and she helped me set the scene. As far as Niles, you know nothing gets by him. He may be staid and proper, but deep down, I think our butler is a bit of a romantic."

"You're probably right. He said that he and his wife were going to watch AJ tonight. I wonder how they're doing."

Melinda was on her way to the dressing room as she called back over her shoulder. "Get dressed and we'll go peek in on them."

"You are an indecisive woman!" he hollered after her, knowing there was no one nearby to hear them. "First you wanted my clothes off, and now you want them on. Is there no pleasing you?"

Five minutes later they were peering into the half-open door of the nursery, while trying not to be seen. Niles and his wife were sitting on opposite sides of a small table, each holding a fan of cards. Master Cartwright was propped up in a small, padded seat that one of the maids had rigged up to hold him until he could sit on his own.

The couple in the doorway stood in silence, watching as the hand played out. When the cards in the older couple's hands had dwindled to one, Niles turned to the child who smiled back in response. "Well, young AJ, should we trump Mrs. Stratham's card and take this final trick?" AJ squealed happily, and Niles played the card. "We win again, lad! Our luck has been astounding tonight." he said triumphantly as he gathered the child onto his lap and bounced him gently.

His wife laughed. "With both of you playing your hand, Niles, I don't stand a chance."

Niles looked down at the infant. "Did you hear that, young man? I think she's accusing us of cheating, but I swear that I'm only doing what you're telling me to do. I have neither the brains nor the will to crush her at any other time."

"Then perhaps I shall hold the child for the next hand and he'll bring me luck." Niles' wife reached for the baby and gathered him to her as she kissed his head and then nestled him onto her ample lap. Once he was happily settled, she told her husband, "Now deal…and make sure we get good cards this time."

Adam brought his finger to his lips, giving the universal sign for silence, and nodded his head back toward their own room.

Once behind their closed doors, Melinda wiped away the tears that had escaped down her cheeks and said, "That was the sweetest scene. I really wanted to join them."

"Our son is clearly enjoying his time with them, so I say we should finish the champagne and have some of the fruit and cake we didn't touch earlier. It's not even eight yet, and I have something I'd like to tell you about before you get young Mr. Cartwright for his bedtime feeding."

"This yellowish cake with the brown frosting is really good," Adam commented as he dropped the last crumbs from the plate into his mouth. "It reminds me of something that Hop Sing used to make back home."

Melinda shook her head as she snorted. "Yellowish cake and brown frosting? That sounds unpalatable. It's sponge cake with browned-sugar icing, and it is the same one Hop Sing made. You may recall that he showed me how to do it when I was there, and I gave the cook here his recipe," she smiled demurely, "to please you, my lord."

"I am well-pleased, my lady. Thank you." He pulled her nearer to him on the couch and nibbled at her neck. "You are the only thing tonight doth please me more."

She snuggled up even closer and stroked his cheek. "Thou makest me blush, my lord." They both chuckled before Melinda asked, "What was it you wanted to talk about?"

"I had a letter from Frank today. He and Marian send their love, and told me about the projects they have going on now. Then he wrote about a ship building firm in Boston that wants to create an inner harbor like the one I'm working on here. Of course the scope won't be as big, but there are enough natural inlets along the rivers that could adapt to a nice-sized shipyard. Frank's sending the maps and customer needs so I can work on a quote. If we'd get the job, he thinks it would start in about eighteen months."

"A year and a half," Melinda said thoughtfully. "How soon does he want you back in Boston?"

"He's leaving that up to me, but I think eighteen months should be enough time to make sure everything is on its way to completion here in London."

She nodded. "It's hard to think about going home. We're having a wonderful time in England, and yet I'm looking forward to seeing what they're doing with our house, and to being with our families."

They were in mid-kiss when there was a tap on the door accompanied by the demanding cry of a hungry infant in the background. "Sounds like our romantic evening is over." He gave his wife one quick last kiss and said, "Thank you."

Her eyebrows rose in question.

"For the dinner and activity tonight," he said as his eyes sparkled in the candlelight, "and for that magnificent child waiting to be fed. But most of all, for loving me enough to wait for this granite-headed Yankee to figure out how much I needed you."