A SWEET ROMANCE

Chapter 1

"Miss Watters." I turned to see Adam Cartwright politely removing his hat.

I had only been in Virginia City for two weeks, and this was the first time someone had addressed me like this.

Well, I'd never actually seen Adam Cartwright – nor any other Cartwright, for that matter – but I felt sure it had to be him. I'd had an interesting conversation with an elderly lady not long after I arrived here, and she told me all about the Cartwrights, particularly Adam. I'd asked how I'd know if it was him, and she told me, "You'll know."

Right now, I felt sure it had to be him. "Yes, Mr. Cartwright?" I said shyly.

"Adam, if you please." I'd hit the target.

"Then you must call me Elizabeth." I blushed slightly.

"I was just wondering, ma'am, if you'd care to join my family and I for dinner tomorrow evening?"

"Thankyou, Mr. Car – er, Adam, for the invitation. I shall look forward to it."

"And I will look forward to your company." Adam bowed his head slightly, then, replacing his hat, walked into the bank.

When I reached my hotel room, I franticly rummaged through my wardrobe to find the perfect dress. I almost gave up, when I found a beautiful dress that I'd forgotten about. It was purple with some white lace around the cuffs and collar. Perfect! I thought, relieved that I didn't have to try to find the money to buy a new dress.

I arrived at the Ponderosa in a buggy around six o'clock. I was greeted by Adam, who offered me his arm. As we walked inside, an older man with silver-grey hair walked up.

Adam introduced us. "Elizabeth, this is my Pa, Ben Cartwright."

"How do you do, Miss - ?"

"Watters, Elizabeth Watters." I quickly supplied my name. "Please, call me Elizabeth."

"Pleased to meet you, Elizabeth."

I smiled as he kissed my hand.

I looked up as two more men, evidently younger than Adam, walked up. I first noticed a big man. Very tall and tough-looking, but he had a terribly sweet face.

"My brothers, Hoss" That had to be the taller one, I thought. "and Little Joe."

My attention turned to the other man. Actually, he was more like a boy compared to his brothers – he was about my age. Then I realized what a curiously cute face he had…Adam was good-looking in a handsome sort of way, whereas Joe was good-looking in a cute sort of way. Both of Adam's brothers greeted me politely, but Joe's eyes seemed to be almost popping out of his head!

As we sat down to dinner, we talked about Virginia City, the ranches and citizens of this area. I told them of my life in Oregon and my family.

After dinner, Ben said, "Adam, why don't you get your guitar and sing for us?"

Adam headed upstairs, and came back a few minutes later with a guitar in his hand. Sitting down, he strummed a few chords, then began to sing 'Early One Morning'. Ben, Hoss and Joe joined in, when I suddenly felt myself singing along, too. Suddenly, the Cartwrights dropped out, and I was singing solo. I stopped, but Adam urged me on. When I had finished the song, the Cartwrights applauded me loudly, Joe most of all. Blushing, I thanked them for their kindness and hospitality, saying I had better go. Joe offered me his arm and escorted me to the waiting buggy. As I turned around, they all waved goodnight, looking a little bit sad that I had to go.

When I reached my hotel room, I sat on my bed, glowing on the inside. On impulse, I put my hand on my cheek. It felt hot. I looked in the mirror, and my face was rather pink, but looked how I felt on the inside.