I'd like to thank all of you who have kept up with the Emily series and this particular story. Your reading and commenting is much appreciated. Now without further delay, here is the final chapter. Enjoy the wedding!

Chapter 9

In the great room turned wedding chapel, Adam and his family chatted with their guests. Best wishes were offered by Roy Coffee, Paul Martin, and several good friends and neighbors. Precisely at two o'clock, Pastor Dave Calhoun quietly brought the family and friends together to face the foot of the stairs and indicated their places to stand. Adam stood by Dave at the bottom of the stairs. Ben was closest to Adam with Joe and Hoss beside him. Seeing the young ladies at the top of the stairs, Dave signaled to the musicians to begin playing. Elsa descended first and stood near the fireplace, next to Theodore and Cora. Carla walked down second and stood beside Elsa. The music swelled and everyone turned to look toward the stairs. With her left arm resting in the crook of her father's elbow, Emily slowly descended the steps. When she saw Adam she blushed as she noted how handsome he looked. Adam's breath was taken away as he beheld the beauty of his bride. At the bottom of the stairs, Henry turned Emily around to stand beside Adam facing the Pastor who was now standing on the bottom step. She stole a glance at Adam to her right who returned it with a smile.

The Pastor waited for the music to finish then looked up to address the guests, "Dear guests, friends and neighbors. On behalf of the Carter and Cartwright families it is my pleasure to welcome you to the wedding celebration of Emily Louise Carter and Adam Stoddard Cartwright."

Glancing toward Henry Carter, the Pastor asked, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man in holy matrimony?"

Henry answered, "I do." He took Emily's right hand and joined it with Adam's right hand. He then kissed his daughter on the cheek and took a step back.

Turning to Adam, Pastor Dave spoke, "Adam, do you take Emily for your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health, until death do you part?

Adam looked at Emily. He winked and replied in a strong voice, "I do."

Turning to Emily, Pastor Dave spoke, "Emily, do you take Adam to be your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Emily smiled at Adam and replied in a quiet voice, "I do."

"Adam and Emily, you have declared your consent before God. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessings."

"Adam and Emily have chosen to exchange rings as a symbol of their love for each other." As Ben and Carla handed the rings to the Pastor, Adam cocked an eyebrow in question about the number of rings. Holding the rings in his open hand Pastor Dave spoke, "May the Lord bless these rings which you give to each other as the sign of your love and fidelity."

He held his hand out to Adam who took Emily's ring and placed it on her left finger saying, "Emily, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Pastor Dave held his hand out to Emily who picked up Adam's ring. She placed it on his left finger and looked into his perplexed face. She smiled and spoke in a stronger, more certain voice, "Adam, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

The Pastor held his right hand out over the couple and prayed, "Our Father in Heaven, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon this man and this woman, whom we bless in your Name; so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant they have made between themselves, and may they ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to your laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

He took both their right hands in his, saying, "Those whom God has joined together let no man put asunder."

Speaking to the guests, "Forasmuch as Adam and Emily have consented to be together in Holy matrimony, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto declared the same by giving and receiving a ring, and by joining hands; I pronounce they are Man and Wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

He paused for a moment, the spoke again, with a grin, "You may kiss the bride."

Adam immediately took Emily in his arms and gave her a long, deep kiss. After a proper moment Ben, who was right behind Adam, quietly cleared his throat. Adam broke the embrace and he and Emily looked around a bit sheepishly.

Pastor Dave quickly recovered and quietly congratulated the newly married couple, then asked them to turn to face the guests.

"It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you, Mister and Missus Adam Cartwright."

The guests erupted with shouts of great joy and quite a few "It's about time" comments, and everyone rushed to welcome and congratulate the newlyweds. Hop Sing discreetly brushed a lone tear from his eye and grinned as he instructed his helpers to go to their stations and prepare for serving the guests.

After the guests had had a chance to greet the newlyweds, Ben stepped up on the hearth and tapped a glass with a knife. Everyone quieted down and turned to listen to their host.

"Adam and Emily will you please join me up front? Champagne is being brought out for everyone so we may offer toasts to Adam and Emily. Afterward please enjoy the offerings of food and drink as well as dancing."

After everyone had received their champagne Ben offered the first toast. He looked at his son and new daughter-in-law and began to speak but suddenly couldn't. Clearing his throat he began again in a more husky voice. "Adam and Emily, I had a toast all prepared but I suddenly find myself speechless."

There was some light laughter from the guests and Roy called out. "First time I've known Ben Cartwright to be at a loss for words." Everyone had to laugh at that, even Ben. "Thank you Roy for that observation."

Ben turned back to his son. "Adam I've already told you how proud I am of the man you've grown to be and now you have made me even more so by choosing this lovely, strong, gentle woman for your wife. To Adam and Emily, may God bless your love and make it grow every day. And hopefully, into some grandchildren! "As Adam lovingly glared at his father for that last comment, Ben held his glass up and everyone joined in the toast.

After several more toasts, the couple moved to the table to cut the wedding cake and shared pieces of it with each other. The musicians began to play a waltz. Adam took Emily's hand. "May I have the pleasure of this dance with my lovely wife?" Emily nodded and curtsied slightly; afraid to speak with all the emotions she was feeling. Adam led her onto the dance floor and together they floated around the room as husband and wife.

A couple of hours later, Emily was sitting near the steps waiting for Adam to bring her some food and punch. He arrived and together they ate quietly. After he set the dishes aside he noticed she was fingering her rings, one on each hand. Adam touched her arm and Emily looked up into his soft hazel eyes. Her blue eyes were misty.

"Are you alright Emily?"

"Yes, Adam, I just…I guess…oh Adam I'm sorry about the ring. I should have told you ahead of time. I wanted to surprise you. I …."

Adam quickly put his arm around her and drew her near. "Shh, my love. I was surprised but I have to admit I like the idea." He put his left hand over hers where she could see the ring. "It's growing on me. To me it means you and I are even more bonded. We both have made the same vows and why not let the world know that we belong to each other." He gave her a big dimpled grin.

Emily couldn't help but smile back. "You're sure? Really?"

He kissed her cheek. "Really."

"And you don't mind if I move my engagement ring to my right hand? Both rings are so lovely I think they should be worn separately."

"I don't mind. You do what you are comfortable with." Adam heard the music change and new the party was drawing to a close. He and Emily stood. He escorted her to the dance floor for one last dance.

After the guests had departed, Ben called everyone into the room. Chairs had been placed in a semi-circle so everyone could sit after a long afternoon of socializing and dancing. Ben stood by the fireplace and announced that Adam and Emily would be receiving a couple of wedding gifts at that moment. He nodded to Henry.

Stepping up, Henry offered an envelope to Emily. She opened it and shared the contents of the letter with Adam. It was a letter written by her mother before she died. In the letter her mother mentioned that on Emily's wedding day she was to receive a special hope chest of linens that had belonged to Emily's mother and grandmother. They included bedding, quilts and table coverings. Emily covered her mouth in shock as tears began to flow. She stood and hugged her father until she calmed down. She nodded to Adam who stood and told everyone about the letter.

Henry addressed his daughter with an emotion filled voice, "I have waited for this day for so long, my child. When I return to New York I will arrange to have the trunk shipped out here."

Emily looked at her father then Adam. Adam nodded his agreement. "Papa, Adam and I are taking our honeymoon in March. We'll be in Boston and New York. Why don't you wait and we can bring the trunk back with us then."

"My dear that is a wonderful surprise and a good plan." He kissed her on the top of her head and shook hands with Adam.

Ben stood again and held a small box in his hands. "Adam and Emily, this is a gift from your brothers and myself." He handed the box to Adam.

Adam opened it and pulled out a key. Puzzled he held it up and asked, "A key? What does it go to?"

"After you told us you were getting married, Joe had an idea and Hoss and I agreed. Do you remember our old cabin, the first house we built here on the Ponderosa?" Adam nodded but had a frown on his face as he recalled the long ago memories. "Well, Joe suggested we fix it up for you and Emily to use on your wedding night and longer if you wish."

Adam looked at Joe with raised eyebrows. "It was your idea?"

Joe grinned, "You don't own the market on good ideas, older brother."

Ben continued, "So for the last three weeks your brothers, the hands and some friends from town have been repairing and decorating the cabin. Hop Sing has stocked it full of easy to fix meals and supplies, and there is a proper shelter for your horses, so you can go riding."

Adam was speechless. He looked at each of his bothers who grinned back, and at his father whose smile reached clear to his deep brown eyes. "Thank you. All three of you. I can't believe it's still standing. I haven't seen it in years."

Hoss chimed in, "Oh it's still there big brother. You may have lost interest in it but Joe and I have been keepin' it up pretty well over the years."

Emily laid her hand on Adam's arm to get his attention. "Adam what is this cabin you all are talking about? Is it where we will be tonight? How far away is it?"

"Emily, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you. Of course you wouldn't know the story. Hoss would you do the honors? I don't think I can speak right now." He tried to clear his throat of all the emotions and memories.

"Sure Adam." Hoss stood and put his foot on the hearth as he thought back all those years ago. "Miss Emily the cabin is only about three or four miles from here. Now about the story, let me think a bit. If I recall Adam, you told me it was when the wagon train stopped in the area and was restockin' for the trip over the mountains to California. I was just a toddler and Adam you were about seven or so." Hoss' eyes met Ben's, "Pa, you told us you fell in love with the land here and said we was home. We left the wagon train 'cause you were able to buy a little spit of land to call our own."

Ben nodded, "That's right, Hoss. With our wagon we camped on the land for a long time but I knew winter was coming so I found some men willing to help me and with Adam's ideas we built a little two-room cabin. Just big enough to give us shelter for the winter." Ben chuckled, "Little did I know we'd be in that cabin for a few years.

Hoss looked at Adam and Joe. "Anyways, Pa finally got this house built, married Marie and Joe came along. Adam and I would go up to the cabin from time to time to play and later to hunt. When Joe got big enough we took him too. It was a great place to play, camp, and use as a base for huntin'. Adam started doing repairs on it and when Joe and I got big enough we helped to keep it up."

Joe joined in, "Yeah I remember after one brutal winter we found part of the roof caved in, but none of us had the heart to tear it down. Pa, you said it was part of who we were so Adam came up with new ideas to make the roof stronger. We fixed it that summer and never had a problem since."

"Yeah, and after Adam came back from college we spent our first weekend up there together in four years. Adam, that's when you came up with some of them other ideas to make the cabin stronger and easier to live in. Well when you got busy with the ranch and all them trips you been taken, Joe and I agreed to keep the cabin in good shape. So you see we didn't have to do too much to get it ready fer you two." Hoss looked away blushing a bit.

Smiling, Ben put his hands on the couple's shoulders. "So it is our gift to you. Enjoy it for as long as you like and anytime you like."

Adam cleared his throat and took Emily's hand. He studied her face. It held excitement and understanding at all the memories. Smiling at his family he spoke clearly, "Thank you Pa, Joe, Hoss. You can be assured it will be well, used….um…taken care of."

Hop Sing entered at that time to tell everyone that food was available if anyone was hungry. He had also made a basket for Adam and Emily to take with them when they were ready to leave.

The sky behind the house was glowing with fiery oranges and yellows as the sun made its final decent on a joyous day. Most everyone had moved to the table to eat. Adam whispered to Emily, "Are you ready to see the cabin?"

She blushed and nodded, absentmindedly stroking his hand. Adam went to his father to let him know they would be leaving as soon as he could hitch up the buggy. Joe overhead and mentioned that he and Hoss would see to it. They agreed to bring the riding horses up the next day about lunch time and pick up the buggy.

Adam then escorted Emily upstairs to gather what they would need for the next few days.

As the sky glowed in shades of rose, scarlet and amethyst against the billowing clouds, Adam pulled the buggy up to the front of the cabin. For a moment he was seventeen years old again. It was the last time he, Hoss and Joe would be together for four years. They had decided to spend one more night at the cabin before Adam left for Boston a few days later. A warm hand rested on his arm and Adam saw not his brothers' faces but his wife's loving face looking back at him.

He smiled warmly and jumped out of the buggy. Reaching for Emily, he helped her to the ground. Arm in arm they strolled up to the door. Adam put the key in the lock and unlocked the door. It swung silently open to reveal an inviting sitting area and modest fireplace. With no forethought of his injury he lifted Emily into his arms and carried her over the threshold. She squealed with delight. Once inside he set her back on her feet gently and took her into his arms. He kissed the top of her head, her cheek, her neck and her shoulder. She ran her hands through his dark, wavy hair and down his back. Adam took her face in his hands and let his eyes drink in her angelic features.

He whispered, not wanting to break the mood. "I'll bring in the bags and take care of the horse and buggy. Why don't you change into something more comfortable then we'll relax for a while." He began to unfasten the buttons on the back of her wedding dress so she could slip out of it while he was outside.

The fireplace was prepared for them so Adam lit a fire and let it begin to warm the small cabin while he took care of the bags and rig.

When he finally locked the door behind him for the night, he was stunned by the transformation of the room. Emily had lit some lamps and unpacked the food basket. She had laid out food and wine on a table cloth which she spread on the floor by the fire. She had also changed into a lacy rose-colored gown and robe. Her hair was hanging in soft tresses over her shoulders as she reclined on the floor. Adam noticed she was still wearing her pearl necklace.

Adam moved toward her as his body began to react to the scene, but she stopped him with a gentle voice, "You need to change too. I've laid everything out on the bed. I'll wait for you here."

Adam moved smoothly into the back room and changed into soft pants and a robe. He also took a moment to pull the covers back on the bed, for later.

Upon re-entering the living room Adam joined Emily on the floor. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and turned her face to his. He kissed her gently then turned his attention to the 'picnic' before them.

"I seem to recall another indoor picnic we had except it was raining outside. If I remember correctly it too was a Sunday."

Emily giggled as she nestled her head against his shoulder, "You recall correctly. That was when you were going to teach me to ride a horse, except the weather didn't cooperate very well." She handed him a wine glass and stared into his golden hazel eyes.

For the next hour or so they nibbled on cheese, crackers, peaches, and wine. When they had their fill, Adam helped Emily put everything away and they sat on the sofa and watched the fire dance in the darkened room.

As the fire burned lower, Adam stood and took his wife's hand in his. He led her to the bedroom. Fingering the pearls around her neck he gently kissed her lips. She responded to his kiss as her hands slowly slipped inside his robe and caressed his back and shoulders. As the kisses became more passionate Adam slowly untied the bow on Emily's robe and slipped the robe off her shoulders. She untied his sash and he let his robe slide off his arms and to the floor. After a few more moments, Adam lastly removed Emily's pearl necklace and laid it gently on the bedside table. He eased her onto the bed and gave her the most wonderful night of her life.

Emily awoke with the sound of a gentle rhythm beating in her ear. She took in a deep breath and slowly moved her hand. She felt Adam's soft, dark chest hair and smiled. Slowly shifting her head to look at him she saw a pair of warm golden brown eyes smiling at her. She shifted her body to move closer to him as he tightened his arm around her and pulled the covers higher. Adam whispered into her hair, "Emily, you are my heart and soul." She tenderly caressed his brow and cheek. "And our love is now sealed with a kiss." Their lips gently came together. She laid her head back on his chest to hear his heart beating. Neither one noticed the golden tendrils of dawn reaching out to touch the soft blanket of snow that had fallen during the night.

The End