After dinner on Barbara's first evening at the ranch, Ben accompanied her out to the porch to enjoy the cool evening air. They stood looking out over the horizon watching the last bits of sunlight disappear over the mountains.
"Hop Sing is a magnificent cook. What a delightful meal!" Then Barbara grew thoughtful. "Ben, your sons are fine men...a tribute to you. It couldn't have been easy for you all those years with no wife to help shoulder the burden." There was a sadness in Barbara's voice as it trailed away.
"No it wasn't easy, but it possibly made us closer than many fathers and sons. We had to pull together to build the Ponderosa and I am very blessed..….I imagine life wasn't easy for you, either, in many respects. Your husband probably poured himself into his law practice and ….."
"And left me at home alone with no family to focus my attentions on. That is what you were hesitating to say, wasn't it?" She turned away from him.
Ben wished he could do something, anything, to bring her some joy. "Barbara, these past few weeks have been a horrible time for you. I'm sure the void created by James' death, friendships lost, and the family you were never able to have has been crushing at times…" Barbara's head dropped and he took hold of her by the arms to turn her toward him. "I know we didn't have much time before things fell apart, that's why I wanted you to come here and not just go off traveling by yourself looking for solace…." Barbara shivered both from the cool air and because of her emotions. "You're chilled. Shall I get your shawl?"
"No, thank you. It's upstairs. I'll be fine. It's probably time for me to turn in anyway. I'm feeling tired."
There was a twinkle in Ben's eyes. "I think I have a better solution than a shawl." He pulled her close and wrapped his arms tightly around her. A contented smile came to his face when he felt her relax in his hold. He spoke softly near her ear. "Tomorrow I want to take you to a special place. It's my favorite spot on the Ponderosa. We'll take a picnic lunch. I think you'll like it."
Barbara pushed her sadness aside long enough to look up to offer him a smile. "That sounds wonderful. I will look forward to it."
Unable to let the moment pass, Ben leaned down and kissed her softly. They walked together back into the house where she said goodnight to Ben and the boys. Ben filled his pipe with tobacco and lit it with a stick from the fireplace, then he returned to the porch. A few minutes later Adam came out carrying his cup of coffee. Father and son stood in comfortable silence for a time.
"A beautiful night…" Ben puffed on his pipe as Adam continued. "Barbara is a lovely lady. I'm glad you were able to convince her to come for a visit. She seems to be well read. Makes for good conversation."
Ben nodded. "Yes, warm and engaging. I do enjoy that about her."
Adam looked thoughtfully at his father. "Hoss, Joe and I were just talking. Do you think she'll stay? That is what you want, isn't, Pa?"
Ben paused mid draw and cocked his dark brows. "Do my sons think that their father is too old to want to experience love and companionship again at this stage of his life?"
Adam reached up to uncharacteristically grip his father's shoulder. "Not at all, Pa. We just want you to be happy." After a moment, he dropped his arm and smirked. "Besides, it would be a relief for us if you found someone so that we could get a reprieve from your constant harping about our inability to settle down and produce a passel of grandchildren for you." Adam heard Ben's frustrated huff as he made a hasty retreat back into the house.
Despite Adam's attempt to get under his skin, Ben's eyes grew soft, thankful for his sons' encouragement. Now he just hoped that the majestic vista at Tahoe would free Barbara's aching soul and open her heart and mind to making the Ponderosa her home.
Supplied with one of Hop Sing's delicious picnic lunches, Ben and Barbara took the buggy and ventured out to Lake Tahoe. It was a lovely, warm Indian summer day for mid November. Ben pulled the buggy to a stop at his favorite spot to view the lake with the backdrop of the Sierras.
Barbara drew in a breath. "Oh it's magnificent, Ben! I would never imagined anything so beautiful as this here!"
Ben smiled broadly, so pleased with her reaction. "I'm glad that you like it. I call this place my little piece of heaven on earth."
"And I can see why. Thank you for sharing this with me! What a treasure!"
"Yes, a treasure." Ben was gazing intently at Barbara as she took it all in.
She flushed when she realized his meaning and turned back toward the lake. Ben got down to help her from the buggy. He collected the basket and a blanket. Barbara took Ben's arm as they strolled to a comfortable, shady spot.
They thoroughly enjoyed sharing the lunch during which Ben also shared some of his sons' misadventures at the lake. He explained how he and his two older sons ended up here. Barbara marveled at Ben's resiliency and determination to follow through and see his dream come to fruition. It suddenly made her realize how needy she was and how little she felt that she had to offer. Ben sensed the change and suggested a walk.
They walked for a time in silence and then Ben stopped to tip her chin up toward his face. "Barbara, please let me help bear your burden. I believe that we connected that first evening we met and if you will have me I would love for you to be my wife." His dark eyes burned into her sad blue ones.
"You are such a gallant, caring, compassionate man, Ben, but I would not be able to bear it if I thought you were asking to marry me out of pity." She was blinking back tears as she pulled away no longer able to look at him.
Ben moved close, gently placing his hands on Barbara's upper arms and whispered softly in her ear. "Nothing could be further from the truth. We are lonely people, you and I, and you have with good reason kept a guard on your heart….but maybe it's time to let it down. You are an amazing woman, Barbara. You captured me that first evening on the dance floor. It would be my privilege and honor to be your husband and companion for the rest of our days. I want to share this and so much more with you. Nothing would bring me more joy than to make you happy. I love you, Barbara." He tenderly kissed the side of her neck and felt her rigid frame melt into his. Ben slipped his hands around her waist and pulled her back into his chest, then he placed a string of light kisses from below her ear to her shoulder.
This was the tender, intimate touch she had been craving for months. Barbara turned in his arms and looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "You are a dear, sweet, wonderful man, Ben Cartwright. You know, you've made me fall in love with you." She put her hand on his cheek before pressing her lips to his. Ben closed his eyes and drank in the precious moment. His eyes were still closed when Barbara pulled back and whispered. "Yes."
Ben's eyes popped open to her beautiful smile. "Yes?"
She took in the joy and wonder in Ben's eyes and laughed. "Yes. I will marry you. You are a very persuasive man."
There was a deep rumble in Ben's chest before he cupped her face in his hands and kissed his bride to be.
Epilogue:
Ben and Barbara were married in an intimate ceremony at the church in Virginia City. His sons were all smiles as they watched their father lead his bride in their celebratory first dance in the ballroom at the Palace Hotel. A few years down the road, Barbara and Ben did experience the delight of having grandchildren. So despite their previously painful life experiences, they enjoyed years of love and companionship, and Ben was forever grateful for their encounter in San Francisco.
