Holding a bouquet of red roses tied with a white ribbon, Ben stood peering down at the polished casket below. His family and a few friends had already expressed their sincere and in many cases tearful condolences before leaving him alone to say goodbye. Within the first few days after meeting Margaret Jensen, Ben knew that she was not long for this world. What he did not know then was how she would change his life forever.

Following the tumultuous meeting of Jamie's grandfather, Ben promised Callahan that he would someday bring the lad to Boston for a visit. Those plans became a reality in early June of 1871 and happily for Ben coincided with Adam and his family relocating from France to Boston. Jamie was to divide his summer between his grandfather and Adam and his family. While in Boston, Ben thoroughly enjoyed the weeks he spent with Adam's family; especially his grandchildren. But all too soon, it was time to head back to the Ponderosa.

As the train pulled out of the Boston station, a bit of melancholy settled over Ben. He was struggling to leave Adam's family and Jamie behind and make the trip home by himself. When Ben went to the dining car the following morning for breakfast, he noticed an attractive middle-aged woman seated alone. He guessed her to be a little younger than him for her thick dark hair had only faint highlights of gray in it. He gave her a warm smile and his greetings which she returned without hesitation. He took a seat at an empty table and the waiter soon brought him some food. Ben tried to focus on the passing New York scenery, but his eyes were inexplicably drawn to the solitary woman. Though not the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, she was still quite pleasing to him. It did strike him as curious that she appeared to be traveling alone.

When he returned for lunch, the mysterious woman was again seated by herself in the diner car, though at a different table than earlier. She looked his way as he closed the door to the car. He could not resist greeting her as he walked past to take a seat at an open table. Ben took note of how her green eyes sparkled when she smiled. He lingered over his lunch hoping that he might catch her and introduce himself when she got up to leave. However, he finally gave up when she seemed content to remain at her place. He nodded to her as he exited the car.

Since they were not traveling in the same car, Ben determined during the afternoon hours to go to the dining car early hoping to offer the woman an invitation to join him for dinner. He was satisfied with success when the woman came in for dinner a little while later.

Ben rose and flashed her a welcoming smile. "Excuse ma'am. My name is Ben Cartwright. I've noticed that you've been dining alone. I hope you don't think it inappropriate for me to ask you to join me for dinner this evening."

"Thank you very much for your kind invitation, Mr. Cartwright. Yes, I would be happy to join you. My name is Margaret Jensen. It's a pleasure to actually meet you." Ben motioned for her to take the seat opposite where he had been sitting, and pulled out the chair for her. "You are most kind. Tell me, did you take the train from Boston?"

"Yes, a few weeks ago I took my adopted son there to visit his grandfather, and I was also visiting my oldest son and his family. Now I am on my way back to Nevada. How about you?"

"I also departed from Boston. I am on my way to Chicago and will probably be there for an indefinite period of time."

"Visiting family?"

"No, I have other reasons for being there." Ben took note that Margaret was unwilling to reveal her plans. "Is Nevada your home?"

"Yes, I have a cattle ranch near Carson City."

Margaret eyed Ben with interest. "Well now, Mr. Cartwright, my opinion of ranchers just went up several notches." There was a glint of humor in her eyes.

He offered her a wry smile. "Please call me Ben, and I will take your words as a compliment."

"Please do, for that was my intention, and my friends call me Maggie. Only my mother used Margaret and that usually was not a good sign."

Ben chuckled at Maggie's ability to be candid in such short order. "I am familiar with such tactics. My youngest son by birth is affectionately known in our family as 'Little' Joe, but he more often than not was called Joseph by his father."

It was Maggie's turn to laugh. "You said Joseph", she said the name with emphasis, "was the youngest of your children by birth. So you have three sons?"

"Actually four. Adam, Eric, who we call Hoss, Joseph, and my recently adopted son, Jamie."

"Hoss. What an interesting nickname. Is he as big as his name sounds?"

"Yes, and strong as an ox! But more importantly, big hearted."

Maggie looked at Ben thinking that Hoss probably got some of his good nature honestly. "Are some of the others married as well?"

Ben chuckled, "I wish, but no. Only Adam. The other three live with me."

"That's quite a house full of men. Your wife must be a busy woman."

"I lost Joseph's mother over twenty years ago."

She took note of the specific reference, but chose not to press for more information. "I'm sorry to hear that and please excuse my remark. I should not have made any assumptions."

"It's only natural. I am used to such things. Well, enough about me. Is Boston your home?"

"Yes, born and raised there. I am on my own now. My husband passed away two years ago."

"I'm truly sorry for your loss, Mrs. Jensen."

She tipped head in scolding fashion. "Ah Ben, you've forgotten already, It's Maggie."

The almost playful, straight-forward way that she engaged him made him want to laugh despite the somber tone of the conversation. "Yes, Maggie, so I have."

Ben and Maggie talked late into the evening. Their waiter finally had to ask them to leave so that the car could be cleaned for the next morning; so they agreed to meet for breakfast. The following morning, Ben arrived early and slipped the waiter some money to allow them to remain at their table all day. They had no trouble filling their time together. Much as the landscape passed, the hours seemed to breeze by. In what felt like no time at all, it was late again. With an early afternoon arrival in Chicago the following day, Maggie knew they had little time left to be together. She had yet to tell Ben why that was her destination. In less than three days they had grown incredibly close. She bolstered the courage to break her disheartening news to him. She managed to stay focused and engaged in their conversation waiting until the last of the dinner patrons had vacated the car.

"Ben, I don't know how to thank you for making these past few days so pleasant. You've made me forget my troubles."

"Troubles? Funny, you act as if you haven't a care in the world." Lines of worry suddenly creased Ben's brow. "I hope it's nothing serious. The past days have been a special time for me as well. I will hate to see you leave the train tomorrow." Ben reached out and placed his hand over hers. "I hope you consider us friends. Will you write to me? I promise to write back."

Maggie sighed. "I'm just not sure that will be possible."

Ben thought he noticed the beginning of tears in her eyes. "Maggie? Something's wrong. Please tell me so that I can try to help you."

The sincere sadness and concern in Ben's dark eyes was melting away her strength and resolve. Placing her other hand on top of his as if to comfort him, she spoke in a solemn tone. "I'm going to be admitted to a hospital. I have Leukemia. A disease of the blood. There is no cure. It is a terminal condition. The doctors there may be able to give me a time frame, but my doctor in Boston said that it would most likely be less than a year."

Ben stared at her in disbelief, and then shook his head as if trying to dispel a bad dream. "It can't be true. You don't even look ill."

Maggie gave him a knowing smile. "A woman's secret - tinted powder - it helps a good deal."

Ben could find no humor in her words. His heart was aching for her and he did not know how to help. "I just don't understand. You've sat here with me for days. You seem fine. You didn't even hint that anything was wrong."

"I have had a few good days of late, but I can also tire quickly with exertion. Sometimes there are headaches and bone pain. I have some powders for that as well." She shrugged knowing it was a poor joke.

Ben kept shaking his head not wanting to accept what she was saying. "I want to go with you. Please let me go with you. There's nothing pressing for me at home. You shouldn't be alone at a time like this."

"No Ben. You are a dear, sweet man, but I can't let you do that. I care too much for the friendship we have developed to put you through - God only knows what?"

Just then the waiter bashfully came up to ask them to leave. Ben pulled a bill from his pocket and stuffed it into the man's hand promising that they would leave shortly. Ben got up and moved around the table to help Maggie with her chair.

Fearful that she would refuse an embrace, Ben took both of her hands before speaking. "This discussion isn't finished. We must talk again in the morning."

Now that she was on her feet and looking up into his eyes, Maggie did not have the desire or gumption to argue. She pulled one hand away from his and placed it on his cheek. "Thank you for being my friend."

After a restless night, Ben went to the dining car early the next morning. He kept checking his pocket watch as the minutes ticked by. He worried that what he had feared was coming to pass, and that Maggie would refuse to see him before leaving the train. She, also, had slept little, woke with a headache and was greatly fatigued. She was torn about encountering Ben. If ever there was a man who at this stage of her life she could allow herself fall in love with, she was confident Ben was that man. Truthfully, she had fallen for him already and was now doing her best to keep him from making a grave mistake. Despite having taken one of her powders, Maggie was in desperate need of a cup of tea and some toast to settle her stomach. She finally gave up and went to the dining car certain that he would be waiting for her, and he was.

Even her tinted powder could not completely hide how Maggie felt. It was confirmed by the look on Ben's face when she came toward his table. He stood to greet her and lightly caressed her arm. Maggie grimaced, not from pain but from the emotional turmoil she was experiencing.

After helping her with her chair, Ben leaned down to whisper in her ear. "I'm so glad that you came. I couldn't bear the thought of not seeing you again."

Maggie blinked several times trying to hold in check the tears that were on the brink of bursting forth. The effects of her disease, lack of sleep, and Ben's charm and sincere desire to help had put a significant chink in her armor. Maggie had thought that she had everything in perfect order, her plans were all set, until the day she met Ben Cartwright. His gentle, caring spirit made the prospect facing the next months alone unimaginable.

Ben's eyes went soft when he saw how much Maggie was struggling. He desperately wanted to take her hand, but she had hands pressed into her lap. "Maggie you are a strong woman. I admire that and your forthright nature, but sometimes even the strongest need help when facing uncharted waters. My offer still stands. We can take this one day at a time. Let me be with you when you meet with the doctor. I just don't want you to face this alone."

Ben laid his open hand on the table and searched Maggie's eyes for a clue as to how she would respond. Unable to handle the intensity of his gaze, she looked away momentarily before beginning her explanation.

"Ben, the reason I decided to go to Mercy Hospital in Chicago is because there is a medical school associated with it. No one dislikes the idea of having a terminal illness more than I do. It leaves me feeling like a helpless victim and questioning my existence. I want to make the rest of my life count for something. I want to allow the doctors at Mercy to monitor the progress of the Leukemia so that they can learn more about it and hopefully someday be able to help others who have it."

Ben nodded his understanding. "That is noble and generous of you and I can truly understand why you would feel that way. And so by telling me this, I'm just supposed to say goodbye and let you venture off into Chicago on your own."

"I am a woman of means and my health is currently stable enough that I'm quite capable of traveling on my own."

"Yes, you are currently more than able to carry out your plan. My question to you is this: haven't the past few days meant anything to you?"

"Of course they have, but Ben you're not being reasonable. You have a family to consider. You should not be taking up a lost cause."

There was obvious frustration on Ben's face, but then his expression changed. "Maggie, I never view helping someone I care about as pursuing a lost cause." He moved his open hand closer to her. "Please let me at least accompany you to your initial appointments. Once you have a prognosis, then we will talk about what happens next. In the meantime, you won't have to face this by yourself."

Despite her attempt at being in complete control, one lone tear escaped down Maggie's cheek. She swiped at it with her hand. Truth be told, she did not want to face her uncertain future alone. Tentatively, Maggie placed her hand in Ben's and looked fully into his eyes. She gave him a hint of a smile. "Are all Nevadan ranchers as - persistent and persuasive as you are?"

"Well, I'm not sure about all, but I've been told that this one can be down right stubborn at times - especially when he knows he's right." Ben gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

Three days later after a thorough examination and the taking of blood samples, Maggie and Ben sat in the office of Dr. Nathan Davis. He held his notes in front of him as he spoke. "Mrs. Jensen, our findings are consistent with your doctor's diagnosis. You have Leukemia and I'm sorry to say that you appear to be in an advanced stage based on what we know about the disease."

Maggie nodded, but otherwise remained unmoving. "How long do you think that I have?"

"Comparing the blood samples that we have taken from other patients, my best guess would be some months, possibly a year." Ben reached over to take hold of Maggie's hand that was resting in her lap. The doctor went on, "It is my understanding that you would be interested in helping us study Leukemia by allowing us to follow the progress of your disease." Dr. Davis paused and looked directly at Ben and then back to Maggie. "But if you have changed your mind, I totally understand. This is entirely your decision and you must do what is best for you."

"I - I -" Normally decisive in her speech, Maggie hesitated.

Ben picked up when she was unable to continue. "Would it be possible for Mrs. Jensen to have a few days to make her final decision?"

The doctor gave Maggie a look of understanding. "Of course."

Ben went on. "Also, it would be helpful if you could confirm for her that families of someone with Leukemia are not in danger of contracting the disease."

Though fairly certain where Ben's line of thinking was leading, the doctor kept a professional demeanor. "There is no evidence that Leukemia is contagious. If so; just traveling here from Boston would have been a problem. People who handled your dishes could have been at risk of contracting it, but I believe there was none."

Ben kept his tone business-like, as well, "Thank you, doctor."

"If there is anything else I can do to be of service, please don't hesitate to ask. You can set up a time with my secretary to meet again." Dr. Davis stood and offered his hand to both Maggie and Ben in parting.

Maggie was more quiet than usual on the ride from the hospital back to hotel. Ben recommended that they get some lunch and that she take the afternoon to relax in her room. If she felt up to it later, they would go out to dinner and to the theater. For Maggie, Ben's presence was a source of both comfort and concern. She would have been lying to say that having a strong man at her side to support and encourage her was not a wonderful help. However, it worried her immensely that they were becoming emotionally involved to the point that neither of them were thinking clearly about the future.

While Maggie rested, Ben went out to see what eating and theater establishments were near the hotel. This also gave him time to think as he roamed the area. Though he would not have been able to thoroughly explain it to anyone, because he was not entirely certain he understood it himself, he was in love with Maggie Jensen. It was not the first time in his life that something like this had happened. He had known within days of meeting both Inger and Marie that he wanted to marry them, but this was different. Maggie's death was imminent where his wives' deaths had blindsided him. Ben asked himself why he would even consider marrying a woman with whom he would have so little time. He also wondered whether Maggie would accept a proposal of marriage, and if she did, what would his sons think. Feeling that he needed to get away from the clatter of traffic and all the stone and mortar, Ben hired a cab to take him to a park. There he felt more able to think and pray. When it came time for him to head back to the hotel, it was all settled in his mind. He had an overwhelming sense that something greater than their two lives had brought them together at this specific time.

It was after four by the time Ben returned to check on Maggie. She appeared refreshed and in good spirits when she answered his knock. "Come in. Did you have a good afternoon?" Maggie eyed Ben cautiously when she noticed that he was keeping something tucked behind his back.

Ben stepped into the room. "Yes I did and I'm happy to see you looking well rested."

Maggie's eyebrows rose with curiosity. "So just what have you got there?"

With the look of a young boy presenting a gift to his best girl, Ben gave her the bouquet of red roses that he had been hiding. "Thought you might enjoy a little something to brighten your room." He planted a light kiss on her cheek as he handed over the beautiful flowers to her.

"Thank you, They are lovely. How thoughtful."

Ben gave her a faint bow happy that Maggie approved of his gift. "Your welcome. The front desk is sending up a vase for them shortly."

Maggie motioned for him to have a seat in one of the two wing chairs in the room and took the other chair. She was impressed with Ben's attention to detail even when it came to such a simple thing as ordering a vase to be sent to her room.

After a few moments, Ben became uncomfortable watching her stare at the flowers lying in her lap while lost in her own thoughts. "Is there something wrong?"

Her head bobbed up, and she gave him a look of embarrassment. "Oh no, quite the contrary. I was just wondering what I've done to deserve the attention of a man like you."

Ben scooted forward in his chair and reached out to take her hand and bring it to his lips. "I wish that I could make you understand just how fortunate I feel that our paths crossed on the trip from Boston." He continued to stroke the back of her hand with his thumb. Afraid that any discussion of future plans might be too heavy for the moment, Ben brightened his expression and tone. "So how are you feeling about a night on the town? There's a good looking restaurant on the next block and I saw a marquee for a show that looks interesting across the street."

The look on Ben's face energized Maggie's spirit. "Sounds marvelous! Give me an hour to get ready, and then look out Chicago!"

Ben practically jumped out of his chair. "See you in an hour!"

Without pausing to think about Maggie's reaction, he planted a quick kiss on her lips and headed out the door. He was smacking his hat against his leg as he strode with enthusiasm down the hallway toward his room. Meanwhile, Maggie sat frozen in her chair. Ben had caught her by surprise with the kiss. She so much wanted to let go and follow his lead wherever that might take her, but the pain that she knew she would cause him possibly only a few months from now filled her with guilt and fear. For this evening, though, she determined that she must put on a good face and got up to prepare for their dinner date and the show.

Despite Maggie's fears about her growing involvement with Ben, the two of them had a wonderful evening together. Ben made a request for some brandy to be sent up to her room upon their return from the theater. Having heard that Chicago was even larger than Boston, Maggie pulled back the drapes to look out over the night-time skyline while Ben poured two snifters of brandy. He dimmed the lamps so that they could better see the lights of the city.

Ben handed Maggie her glass and rested his against it. Looking directly into her eyes, he spoke, "I'm so glad you felt up to going out this evening and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Cheers."

They each took a sip of their drinks. Maggie closed her eyes briefly with pleasure. "I did enjoy this evening, very much, and I have you to thank for making it possible." She turned back to look out the window. "That's an impressive sight, isn't it?"

"Yes it is, but city life is all you've ever known." Ben slipped his arm around Maggie's waist. "What if I told you that I could take to a spot on my ranch that would absolutely take your breath away. Would you come with me?" Her body stiffened in anticipation of Ben's next words. He took their glasses and set them aside. Ben turned her toward himself and pulled her stiff body into his chest. "I know you are afraid - afraid for yourself and afraid for me - but I need you to trust me on this Maggie. Look me in the eyes and tell me that this wasn't meant to be." Loosening his hold, Ben gently tilted her chin up so that she would have to deliberately turn away to avoid looking at him. "I love you, Maggie, but if you can honestly say that you don't love me, I will walk out the door and not look back."

Tears were coursing down her cheeks as she gazed up into his dark eyes. "You know I can't do that. I do love you, Ben. That's what makes this so difficult. If I didn't care, it would all be so easy. We would have our little fling and then you'd be on your merry way back to Nevada. But I know that's not the kind of man you are."

"Then marry me. Let's not waste another minute talking about it. We'll fill our days with as much as you are able to do, squeeze every bit of life out of whatever time you have. Say 'yes' and marry me, Maggie Jensen."

"But what about your sons? They may not approve and they most certainly won't want to see you suffer another loss."

"Adam has his own life and family to be concerned about. Hoss and Joe have been in love many times. And though Jamie is young, he is plenty old enough to get his mind around this. I have strong sons. I am confident that they will all understand when I explain the circumstances."

Maggie shook her head in disagreement, but Ben continued to pursue his point. "How would you answer my proposal if your health was not an issue?"

Maggie knew she was fighting a losing battle. "Of course I would say yes - but-"

"Then I will ask you once more." Ben held her hand and dropped down on one knee. "Margaret Jensen will you do me the great honor of accepting my proposal of marriage?"

Maggie laughed through her tears. "You don't give up, do you? I'm beginning to think that I will have absolutely no say about anything in this marriage, but yes! Yes, Ben Cartwright, I will marry you!"

Ben was beaming as he rose and pulled Maggie into a tight embrace. He spoke softly into her ear. "I promise that I will do everything in my power to make you happy all the days that the Good Lord gives us together."

He cradled her face in his hands and pressed his lips to hers. Again, Ben hugged Maggie against his chest placing light kisses in her hair. "Tomorrow we will find a Justice of the Peace to marry us."

"You don't waste any time, do you?

"Just as I said, we've not one moment to spare." Again he pressed his lips to hers. He released a great sigh after breaking the kiss. "As much as I want to keep holding you like this, I am afraid I'm going to need to leave. A part of me doesn't want to wait until tomorrow to show you just how much I love you."

"Then I guess it's a good thing that it's dark in here. Otherwise it might be obvious just what part that is."

Pushing her away, Ben looked at his betrothed with surprise. A huge smile broke onto his face and he snorted as Maggie began to giggle. She threw her arms around his neck and buried her head in his shoulder. They laughed hysterically until suddenly her laughter changed over to sobs.

Placing a comforting hand on her hair, Ben whispered. "Let it out. Let it all out. You've been so brave, but I'm here now." He continued to stroke her hair and press her body tightly to his. Once Maggie regained her composure, Ben queried, "Better now?"

"Yes, just embarrassed for losing control like that. Are you still sure you want to go through with this? I can't promise there won't be more of this to come in the months ahead."

"Maggie, laughter and tears are all a part of this life." Ben let out a low chuckle. "Frankly, it's your wit that has me worried."

"Yes, well I've been told that before. My tongue frequently got me into trouble when I was young, and I guess certain things never change. You still have time to back out."

"Not a chance! I am a man of my word."

She reached up to finger his sideburns. "And of great compassion, you dear, dear man." Maggie placed a tender kiss on his lips.

Ben groaned in frustration. "But I am a man and now I really must go. Shall I come get you around eight for breakfast?"

"That will be fine." Maggie slipped her arm through Ben's as they walked toward the door.

Ben paused to give her one last kiss. "Rest well, my love."

After breakfast the next morning, the hotel clerk helped Ben to locate a Justice of the Peace. Maggie and Ben were married in a brief civil ceremony just before noon. They enjoyed a celebratory lunch at a restaurant that looked out over Lake Michigan. By mid afternoon, they were back at the hotel. The hotel staff had moved Ben's things into Maggie's room and there was a bottle of champagne waiting for them. As they toasted their nuptials, Ben sensed some apprehension in Maggie and reined in his desires. He removed his jacket and tie and undid a couple of buttons on his shirt to get more comfortable. Taking his wife by the hand, they moved to the sofa. He slipped his arm around Maggie so that she was leaning heavily into his chest and began toying with the soft tendrils of graying hair around her face. He pulled the combs from her tresses and fingered them loose to fall onto her shoulders. He could feel her relax as he tenderly caressed her cheek and neck.

A little while later, they stood by the bed in the underthings facing each other with hands clasped. It was now obvious to Maggie where Ben's powerful voice emanated from as she looked at his full chest. She watched his eyes as he took in her body. She was feeling inadequate and less feminine than in her younger years because of her age and the toll that the disease had taken. "I hope you're not disappointed. My body is not what it used to be."

"Maggie, at this stage of our lives, with or without other factors, neither of us have the bodies we used to have. Nothing about you disappoints me. I just want to bring you pleasure, but I don't want to cause -"

Maggie pulled her hand free to place a finger to his lips. "You have already proved yourself patient and gentle. I'm ready, Ben. Make love to me."

As the daylight dwindled, they enjoyed times of intense physical satisfaction and the joy of merely lying next to the one that you love. They eventually rose and moved to look out over the cityscape. Wrapped together in a blanket, Maggie's naked back was pressed against Ben's bare chest with his arms encircling her.

Ben nuzzled her neck and chuckled. "What a difference a day makes. I think I prefer this attire for viewing the night sky. What do you think?"

She turned in his arms to run her hands up his middle and around Ben's back. Emotion choked her words. The thought of losing so soon the love she had only just found weighed heavily on her heart and mind. "You've made me - happy - so very happy."