Title: Summer Love
By: Carolyn James
Summary: Story from The Adam Cartwright Father of Five Series.
A famous horse breeder and entrepreneur come to Virginia City accompanied by his eighteen year old son. Adam finds himself in a struggle to accept that his daughter Kate is growing up.
"Pa, I received a letter today from Mr. Ted Belmont stating he and his crew will be arriving at the beginning of the summer."
"Well Adam, that could be any day now. How many heads is he looking to purchase?"
"It's not exactly how many 'heads' but specific breeds of horses, particularly the Quarter Mile Horse."
"I'm not an expert in horse racing but I would agree that the Quarter Mile horses that we have are a strong animal and can pick up a fast speed when needed more so than any other breed we've had."
"Yes, and I believe Mr. Belmont is looking to breed our Palomino with some of his own for horse racing."
"So are you saying he doesn't want to buy these horses but only use them to breed?"
"I'm not really for certain what Mr. Belmont's plans are Pa, but I do know he is a shrewd business man from New York and has a way of getting what he wants."
"Why waste your time with him son? We don't necessarily need his business."
"True, but he's sparked my curiosity. Living in Boston I became interested in the sport and found it leisurely entertaining. I'd like to see what he thinks about some of our blood lines."
"Sure Son, I'll leave this horse business to you."
Ben pats his son on the back and walked into the kitchen. Adam noticed his father's swagger slowing a bit; he shook his head and grinned at the thought of Ben Cartwright ever slowing down.
He took the letter from Mr. Belmont and placed it on his desk before heading out to the south pasture to check on the ranch hands.
While Adam was away, eldest daughter Kate took notice of the piece of paper sitting out on her father's desk. She became very excited when she saw the letterhead naming a Mr. Belmont. Kate's new-found love for horses had recently grown into a strong interest for horse racing. Although her father and grandfather did not approve of the gambling and lifestyle brought on by the sport they encouraged her to research information as much as she wanted. Kate couldn't help herself as she picked up her father's letter and began reading.
"Coming here to the Ponderosa," she said out loud in excitement. "I can't believe it!"
"Young lady, what is that you're doing at your father's desk; reading his mail?" Ben questioned while walking into the great room. "I don't believe Adam has given his children permission to snoop about his business." He frowned pulling the letter out of Kate's hand.
"No, Granddad, I suppose you are right." Kate blushed caught in the act. "I didn't intend to read Daddy's mail. I just couldn't help myself when I glanced over and saw the letterhead from Mr. Belmont. Do you realize who he is Granddad? He's famous in the horse racing business."
"Yes, so I've heard." Ben folded the letter and laid it back on the desk.
Walking over to the bookcase, he grabbed his pipe and tobacco. "You're father has plans to meet this gentleman as early as next week." Ben sat down in his chair
"Oh' Granddad, school will be out next week. What perfect timing. Do you think Mr. Belmont is staying long? Is he bringing race horses of his own? Maybe we can host a race out here on the ponderosa!" Kate's excitement grew as she twirled around the room.
"Slow down sweetheart. We don't know what your father's business plans are with this man. Besides, you are a young Lady with a very protective father. I'm sure Adam will not allow his daughter freely socializing with this Belmont crew. We don't know what kind of men these are…"
Kate didn't hear a word her granddad said, as she continued to dream of what might be…
"Granddad, where's Daddy now?"
"You're father is out at the south pasture. I expect him home soon. Sounds like Hopsing has began preparations for dinner, shouldn't you be..., Kate?"
Ben raised his head from his pipe and realized the front door was open and Kate was gone. He just shook his head and smiled.
"Our little girl is turning into a feisty young lady Adam, ready to spread her wings." Ben said under his breath and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
"How could you say NO! I don't understand why you have to be soooo protective of me. I'm not a little girl anymore; I'm fifteen, Daddy!
A fitful Kate stomped into the house with Adam following cautiously behind her. He calmly pulled off his gun belt and set it on the credenza. Taking a few extra minutes to remind himself that he was dealing with a teenage girl, his daughter. This was the first time he had heard the words, 'I'm not a little girl anymore'. Shocking, yes, but not at all convincing. Still enough to feel a little shaky in his boots. He quietly wished as he turned around, an adult female would be standing in the great room ready to offer up her assistance. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
"Kate, come over and stand by me so that we may have a talk.", Adam requested in a most even tone.
Kate stayed a good 10 feet away from her father with her back turned and arms crossed.
"For someone who is trying to prove herself a young adult, you're current behavior is not very grown up?" Adam pressed gently.
"Daddy, you're not being fair. I was just so excited and now, UGH, so upset! You know how much I love the horse racing. This could be an opportunity of a lifetime for me. And you are not even listening." Kate turned her back and stomped her foot again, trying not to show her shedding tears.
"Kate I am listening and trying to be very patient with your present behavior. 'hmm', Adam grunted. "Turn around and look at me."
The child obliged her father.
"Now I'm very aware of your interest in horse racing. I like to encourage my children to broaden their education and learn about worldly things. But I do not intend on allowing my daughter to entertain Jockey's and ride about on Race horses. Do you understand, Katherine?"
Kate refused to answer. She stood before her father; arms crossed staring down at his feet.
"Kate, do not test me any further. Answer my question."
"Can't I even be introduced to Mr. Belmont?" Kate mumbled.
"I told you earlier that I will meet with Mr. Belmont and if I feel he is honorable enough to meet my daughter and family I will have him over for dinner."
As Kate stood forlorn, Adam pinched the bridge of his nose wondering how much further this conversation would go on. And as if fatherly wisdom hit him over the head like a brick, he made the next move.
"Katherine Elizabeth, I am through with this discussion. I am hot, hungry and dirty from a long afternoons work. I am going upstairs to freshen up and prepare for dinner. When I come back, I plan to join my family in peace and other topics of discussion. Am I making myself clear young lady." Adam emphasized firmly.
"Yes Sir." Katie grinned leaning in to kiss Adam on the cheek. "And Daddy, I'm sorry I read your mail."
"Yes, I am too." Adam took in a deep breath and sighed. Relieved the battle had ended...so he thought.
"I think I better go help Hopsing with dinner. I'm sure he is waiting on me." Kate said cheerfully as she skipped away lightly to the kitchen.
"Hem Hm."
"I thought you might be awake over there." Adam groaned as he took a seat next to his Pa. "Thanks for helping a guy out."
"What, are you kidding. I never raised a daughter. Had three wives, but never raised a fifteen year old daughter."
Adam rolled his eyes at his Pa and shook his head, "So that's it. Just sit back and observe, no help, no advice, huh?"
"Well, I did try to stay asleep but who could avoid all that noise."
Adam stood and gave a playful slap to his ol' mans knee..."See you at dinner, Pa."
"Looking forward to it son."
Okay all you Father of Five Fans...Please Please leave a review if you are following~let me know what you think and if you want more of this series. Ive had quite a few PM's to get me rollin again~SWAK~ thank you ~and I want to hear from others if you want more~please review...it just takes a minute1 Thanks...CJ
TBC