I'd like to thank everyone for following this story of Adam and Emily. This is the last chapter, but the story is not over yet. There is Christmas Love, and then a sequel that will complete their romance (and finally allow them to deal with Jason).
Chapter 11
Since it was after nine in the morning, Adam's first stop was Theodore's law office. He knew it wasn't the best place to surprise Emily but at least he knew she would be there. He paid the cab driver and walked up the steps. He couldn't believe how nervous he was.
When he opened the door, Adam noticed a change in the front room. The receptionist, Carla, appeared to be away from her desk but there was a different woman sitting at Emily's desk. She looked up at the man who had entered. She was rather ill at ease by his attire. He was all in black with a gun belt set low on his hip. She wasn't sure what to expect from him, but she tried her best to be cordial.
"Hello. I'm Miss Donely, assistant to Mr. Thompson. May I help you, sir?" She hoped she didn't sound as nervous as she felt.
Adam managed to find his voice. "Hello. I'm Adam Cartwright. I'm looking for Miss Carter. Is she here today?"
Miss Donely hesitated for a second. She had been instructed not to let anyone know where Miss Carter was. However, in her nervousness, she forgot that if a Mr. Adam Cartwright showed up she was to alert Mr. Watkins or Carla immediately.
"I'm sorry, she is not here today. Would you like leave a message for her?"
Adam had had enough of leaving messages and missing Emily. He walked over to the desk and spoke very quietly to Miss Donely.
"No, I would not like to leave a message for her. A month ago this was her desk. I have not heard from her in that month. Something is not right here and I want to know what it is. Perhaps Mr. Watkins is in and can see me? He knows who I am."
Miss Donely had gathered her courage and was not going to let this man intimidate her into not doing her job.
"I'm sorry sir but Mr. Watkins is only available by appointment. I could schedule you for…"
"NO! " Adam looked up to the ceiling, took a deep breath, and began again. Why was this not going smoothly?! He growled to himself.
"No thank you, Miss Donely. I will speak to Mr. Watkins immediately." He stepped around her and walked down the hall toward Theodore's office.
Miss Donely called out to him which brought Carla and another man out to the hallway.
Carla gasped. "Mr. Cartwright. I, uh.. It's good to see you, sir. This is Mr. Thompson. Mr. Watkins hired him a few weeks ago to help out." She looked passed Adam and spoke to Miss Donely. "It's alright, Ann. I'll see to Mr. Cartwright's request."
She took his arm and pulled him into Theodore's office. "Please excuse us Mr. Thompson, I'll just be a moment."
She spoke in a low voice and with a sense of urgency. "Mr. Cartwright. I'm sorry you have to hear this from me but Emily and Mr. Watkins aren't here. Emily has been, um, sick for the last month. Mr. Watkins has been caring for her. Mr. Watkins left word that if you should come here, we were to tell you to go to his home. Miss Donely is new and I guess she forgot those instructions. Do you know where Mr. Watkins lives?"
Adam's thoughts and emotions were in a whirlwind. He couldn't even begin to process what Carla had just said. Finally he found his voice. "Carla, what exactly has happened to Emily? Please tell me now."
"I can't Mr. Cartwright. I truly don't know. Please go and see Mr. Watkins. You'll get the full story from him and be able to see Emily. Shall I write down the address for you?"
Barely controlling his temper, Adam responded, "No. That won't be necessary. I know where he lives. Thank you, Carla. I'll see myself out."
Adam turned and stormed out of the office, without so much as a backward glance at the bewildered Mr. Thompson and Miss Donely. He hailed a cab and rode the twenty minutes to the outskirts of town to Theodore's house. During the ride he kept trying to figure out what Carla didn't tell him, but he was unsuccessful. His mind and heart were in turmoil. He couldn't lose Emily. What kind of illness could she have that had kept her sick for a month? Why hadn't Theodore try to contact Adam in some way? By the time he arrived at his destination, Adam was in a near panic. The stress of the last month and being separated from Emily had taken its toll.
The cab stopped. Adam paid the driver and climbed the front steps three at a time. Before he reached the door, Theodore had come out to the front porch. "Adam stop. I'm relieved you are finally here but we need to talk before you see Emily." He grabbed Adam's arm so tightly, Adam had no choice but to follow Theodore out to the carriage house behind the house.
Once inside Adam shook his arm loose and turned on Theodore. "What in the hell is going on Theodore? I want to see Emily now! What can you possibly tell me that she can't?" Adam tried to leave but Theodore blocked his way.
"Adam. Please, if you really care for Emily you'll listen to me."
Adam froze in place. He allowed his breathing to slow but his face still showed his fury at being kept from his beloved Emily. "Of course I care for her. Okay, Theodore I'll listen, but make it quick. I've been gone too long and I want to see Emily."
Theodore spoke gently to Adam. "I know you do. Have a seat and I'll tell you what happened."
Both men ended up standing as Theodore told Adam all that had happened to Emily thanks to Jason Landry –his attack on her, the cuts on her arms, how Landry promised to kill Adam and then Emily if she made any kind of contact with Adam at all. He said the police were pursuing Landry but he had gone east. As Theodore continued to describe Emily's emotional condition, Adam nearly fell onto a storage box as he sought a place to sit. He didn't know how much more he could take. He was shocked, enraged at Landry and furious with himself for leaving Emily at all. He should have stayed until Landry was in jail, or dead.
"You see Adam, Emily has shut out any connection to you to protect herself and you. She still cares about you but she fears Landry more. I'm hoping you can help her come back to us. But you will have to be very careful how you treat her. She can't see any anger or negative emotions from you. She will probably retreat from you and fight you at first. Please don't give up. I feel you're her only hope to get her passed this nightmare."
Theodore now waited for Adam to process all of this and see what he wanted to do next.
Adam could barely find his voice but had to ask the next question. "What of Landry? Have the police found him yet?"
"Not yet. They've sent word to most of the major cities to the east. The detective wanted to speak with you as soon as you arrived in town. I'll send word that you're here. Oh, by the way, if you are able to build a rapport with Emily, then you're welcome to stay here. But until then it might be best to stay at your hotel and see Emily on a limited basis."
Adam took a deep breath. He was trying to calm himself down. "Give me a few minutes, and then I'd like to see Emily."
"Take as much time as you need. I'll be on the front porch when you're ready." Theodore laid a hand on Adam's shoulder. "Let your heart guide you on this one, son, not your head."
Adam stared at Theodore for a moment then nodded once. That advice sounded just like something his own father would say to him.
Adam waited impatiently in the hallway outside Emily's room. He was trying hard to calm himself down. He wanted to present a warm, loving image to Emily. That's what Theodore said she needed to see. Why was it so difficult for him to do that? He truly loved her. She had filled a hole in his heart and brought his soul back to life. After this last month he knew he couldn't live without her any more than he could live without his own physical heart. He was trying to draw that love to the surface now but the hatred and fury toward Landry and his own guilt for leaving Emily alone was blocking it. While he waited for Theodore to prepare Emily to see him, he did his best to focus on all the good Emily brought to his life.
Before Adam was ready, Theodore stepped out of the room. He whispered to Adam, "I've done about all I can to prepare her. As we discussed, I didn't tell her it was you. Believe me, it will be easier on both of you this way." He laid his hand on Adam's shoulder and gently squeezed it. "I'll be down the hall if you need anything."
Adam watched him walk away; a strange memory of his father, using the same motion of his hand on the shoulder, filled his thoughts. Turning around he took a slow deep breath and opened the door to Emily's room. Adam stood in the shadow of the doorway. He could see Emily standing in front of the window. When she turned to see who had entered her room, Adam's heart fell. Her beautiful, sparkling eyes looked cloudy and dull. The joy and mischief were gone. Resolve claimed him and he took a cautious step into her room.
Emily heard her door open again. She really didn't feel like any visitors but Theodore said this one was special, so she agreed. She turned and looked at the silhouette standing in the door, backlit by the hall lamps. She cocked her head. It was a man, a shape that looked very familiar, someone she knew, someone important to her. He stepped further into the room and the light from the window shown on his dark, handsome face. The room spun, she closed her eyes, she couldn't breathe, it wasn't real. A sound escaped her; she had no control over anything. She backed into the corner, wrapped her arms around her, and slid down the wall into a puddle onto the floor. She tried saying all manner of horrid words to make him go away. Didn't he know how much danger he was in? She couldn't let him die. He had to stay away so he could be safe.
Her eyes were closed tight. If I don't look he won't be there. She heard his soft voice. Oh how she had missed that voice. It spoke love to her, daring her to trust him, believe in him, in their love. No, go away. He'll kill you.I can't lose you, Adam. Oh I've said his name, that wonderful, vibrant name. How I've missed saying it. Gentle hands touched her hand. They were warm, soft, strong, yet so tender. Caressing her hand, rubbing her arm; a healing touch for those awful scars. His touch would make them go away. A hand brushed her hair from her face. Touched her cheek, wiped a tear from her eye. The voice continued, drawing her closer to it. She leaned her head toward the hand on her cheek, letting it rest there.
She felt him shift his body, he was sitting beside her. Amazing what you can sense when you don't want to see. The voice was encouraging her to open her eyes. Trust herself, trust him. She slowly opened them, she saw those warm hazel eyes, so full of love and compassion, drawing her toward him. The love from those eyes enveloped her, wrapped her in warmth, security. The fear melted away. There was only love, only the two of them, Adam and Emily. No one else. She reached for his face. Adam, you're really, truly here. She felt his smooth skin, his thick wavy hair, the softness of his shirt. Her head fell to his chest and she wept. Relief, hope, love. This is where she needed to be. This is what was missing to bring peace to her turbulent world. His strong arms wrapped around her, placing her into a protective cocoon. She finally felt safe, she could think, she could feel again. His voice whispered to her as he kissed the top of her head.
"I love you Emily."
"I love you Adam."
A few days later in Nevada, Hoss, Candy and the ranch hands returned to the Ponderosa. Ben had just come from town and turned to see his son ride in.
"Afternoon Pa."
"Hello son. Have a good trip home?"
"Yeah, Pa. Real good, 'cept for the food. Thanks for taking care of Chubb, Candy, so's I can get somethin' to eat."
Hoss grabbed his gear off his horse and walked with Ben into the house. Ben turned around at the door and looked into the yard, suddenly realizing someone was missing.
"Hoss, where's Adam? Didn't he come back with you?"
Hoss walked into the house and dropped his gear by the door. He was trying to figure how to tell his Pa about Adam without telling him about Adam.
Ben was worried now. Something was wrong. Adam was injured, or worse. Hoss saw the worry on his father's face and spoke quickly.
"Pa, Adam's fine. He stayed in Sacramento to see a friend. Said he'd be home next week. I'm goin' to the kitchen to get some food. I'm plum famished after three days of beans. We couldn't even snare a rabbit for stew."
Ben followed his hungry son into the kitchen. Hop Sing already had something prepared for Hoss. Hoss took his meal to the dining room. Ben couldn't wait any longer.
"Hoss, who's he seeing? Is it the girl we suspect he's found? He needs to be here to help you take those cattle to Reno."
Hoss looked up from his food with a calm look; he remembered his promise to Adam not to say anymore. "Pa, Adam said he'd explain everything when he gets home next week. I dun talked to Candy and he's gonna help me get them cattle to Reno. Now, iffn ya don't mind I'd like to finish my meal afore I pass out on the floor." He took another huge bite of the sandwich which made talking impossible. Ben just sighed and left his son to finish eating.
In Sacramento, Adam and Emily had been spending their time talking and just relaxing at Theodore's home. He lived on the outskirts of the city so he had more land and kept a couple of horses for his riding pleasure. Adam had brought Sport out there when he moved into the house. Emily was finally beginning to open up about what Jason had done. Adam was able to help her talk more about it and to see how Landry was controlling her with fear. She finally understood that he only wanted to hurt her and control her life. He never cared for her in any way. Adam also helped her regain her confidence and self-worth. She began to see that none of the problems with Jason were her fault.
Emily was making such good progress Adam didn't want to leave her until he was sure she was fully recovered. He wired his father to tell him he was staying in Sacramento until the end of October and that a letter was coming with more information. The detective was keeping them up to date on Landry's whereabouts. Extradition from other states was difficult at best but Landry made it more difficult. As soon as they found him and began the arrest and extradition process he would move to another state for more fights. The detective just decided to keep an eye on him and be ready if he ever came back to California or Nevada.
Over the next several weeks, Emily had regained most of her cheerful and confident demeanor. She had returned to work, and she and Adam had begun going out for evening activities. Adam had also been able to teach Emily to ride. That was one of the activities they loved the best. They would ride for hours in the countryside outside the city.
On one such ride, the weather had created a beautiful October day. The sky was clear and the air had just a touch of coolness. Adam and Emily found a place near the river to have their picnic. After they had eaten, she noticed Adam had gone quiet and was staring into the distance. She had noticed he was doing this more and more. She knelt beside him and rested her hand on his arm.
"Where are your thoughts today Adam? You've been so quiet since we left the house. What's bothering you?"
Adam didn't speak but rose and walked a few feet away. Emily followed and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind him. "Adam?"
He shook her off and turned to look at her. Emily was frightened now. "Adam what's wrong? You're scaring me. Has there been some news about Jason that you haven't told me? Have I done something to offend you?"
Then she saw an expression on Adam's face she hadn't seen before. Pity? Sorrow? No, it was guilt. She walked up to him slowly and took his hand in hers. "Adam, something is troubling you and I want to know what it is. We promised to be honest with each other. Please tell me."
Adam looked beyond Emily toward the hills. "I should never have left you in San Francisco back in July. When I kept missing you I should have just stayed at your hotel until you came back. I could have prevented all that Landry did to you, to us. It's my fault you were hurt, that he got to you. I didn't protect you, Emily, like I promised I would. I'm sorry." He turned and walked away.
Emily stood stunned for a moment, and then ran after him. She grabbed his arm and pulled him around. "Adam Cartwright, how dare you claim it's your fault? What have you been teaching me all these weeks? Not to blame myself! I knew Jason would be in San Francisco. I knew he might find me. But I went anyway. I should have stayed with Theodore that afternoon but I didn't. We can say a lot of what we could or should have done, but that doesn't make it anyone's fault. It happened, I was attacked and now I'm getting better. Better, because of you." She poked him in the chest rather hard for emphasis. "You helped me see what Jason was doing; controlling me with fear even when he wasn't around. Thanks to you, Adam, I don't fear him anymore. I love you and I don't blame you for anything that you did or didn't do. So you had better quit blaming yourself or I'm going to push you into that river just behind you! Maybe that will bring you to your senses." She crossed her arms and glared at him.
Adam turned and realized just how close he was to the edge. Somehow he knew she'd do it too. He sat down on a log and ran his hands through his hair. "Emily, I was going crazy through August when I didn't hear from you. When I found out what had happened to you I wanted to kill Landry then and there. I was so afraid I had lost you and it would have been my fault."
Emily pushed his head up forcing him to look at her. "Adam, you've been distant and quiet for the last week. Is this what's been bothering you? I'm feeling much better about everything and now you're turning sullen and quiet. Please don't do this to yourself or me. Do you believe me when I say I don't blame you? It's not your fault."
Adam saw the fire in her eyes. He suddenly realized he was doing the same thing he had just helped Emily learn not to do – blame himself. She was right. Landry was the only one at fault. He was guilty of bringing this turmoil into their lives. Adam smiled and took Emily into his arms. "You are a special woman Emily Carter. You understand me too well. And I don't know if that is a good thing or not."
She wrapped her arms around Adam and laid her head against his chest. "If I'm to spend a lot more time with you, Adam Cartwright, it better be a good thing." She looked up into his face with mischief in her eyes. Adam could only smile and leaned down to kiss her. Hours later, as the sun set, they rode back to Theodore's home, two hearts finally healed.
One evening in late October, Adam and Emily sat at a small table on the edge of a ballroom. He had taken her dancing for her birthday. He laid a small package on the table in front of her.
"Happy Birthday Emily." He smiled broadly at her shining blue eyes.
"Oh Adam. You didn't have to buy me a gift. The dancing is enough. I've had so much fun with you tonight." She smiled and opened the gift. Inside the box was a small silver heart pendant with two sapphires mounted in the center. Emily gasped and took it out to see it in the light. The deep blue gemstones sparkled brightly in the candle light. Adam watched every reaction cross her face.
"Adam it's beautiful. I love it. It's small enough I can wear it every day. Will you help me put it on, please?"
Adam put the necklace on Emily, then took her hands in his. "Emily, I'd like for you to consider the necklace as a promise from me for my love to you. Since I'll be leaving in a few days I wanted you to have something to help you remember that I love you and I will come back for you in December. I'm pleased that you will spend Christmas with me and my family."
Emily was stunned but felt the love that Adam spoke of. "Adam I love you with all my heart." She fingered the necklace, feeling the two sapphires. "The jewels represent you and me, right?"
Adam nodded and kissed her cheek. "Yes, so you'll know that I'm never far away."
Adam cocked his head noticing the music had changed to a waltz. Glancing at the clock, he knew it would be the last dance of the evening. He stood and took Emily's hand.
"May I have the pleasure of this last dance with you, Miss Carter?"
"Yes, it would be my pleasure, Mr. Cartwright." She smiled as he led her onto the dance floor. As the music played the couple floated over the floor, Emily in her deep blue satin dress and Adam in his black formal suit. For them no one else existed as they looked into each other's eyes and danced the night away.
Epilogue
By early November, Emily had fully recovered from her attack from Jason Landry. He was still on the loose but an undercover officer had joined his fighting team so the law could keep an eye on him. They'd know if he ever chose to head west again.
Adam and Emily's farewell in November went much better than the last time they said goodbye. Both of them looked forward to Adam's return in mid-December to escort Emily to Nevada. Theodore promised to come for the week between Christmas and New Year's.
As the conductor made the last call for passengers, Adam swept Emily into his arms and gave her a deep passionate kiss. When he stepped away, she smiled and fingered her necklace. "Never far away, Adam."
He smiled and brushed her cheek with the tips of his fingers. "You are my heart and soul, Emily. You're never far away."
With one last kiss he boarded the train. Emily sighed as she continued to finger the two stones and watch the train leave the station. She hoped these few weeks would go by quickly.
The End