Author's Note: This is the last chapter. I hope you enjoyed reading it as I did writing it.
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"Well, my dear Mandy, I better be going." Mr. McCarthy said as he walked from the Ponderosa ranch house.
After the last three days, he was satisfied that his daughter was being taken care of. Everyone that lived on the Ponderosa was always busy doing some sort of work. He had been really impressed with the way Wolf busted broncs and the fact that she juggled work with family life. She was a good mother, wife and friend.
He was also impressed with the rest of the Cartwright family. They really cared about each other and that showed with the way they bickered and laughed at each other or with each other. They were all very nice and very secure in their lives and as a family.
Amanda frowned as they stopped by the horses. "Do you have to, Papa? It's only been three days."
"Mandy, I fear I've overstayed my welcome." He laughed.
"Nonsense. You're family."
"Look around. Your husband and the others aren't even around to see me off."
"They're out on the range. They said they'd be back." The sound of multiple horses came on the wind. "Here they come."
All five people in question stopped. Ben and Adam dismounted but the other three stayed where they were. Mr. McCarthy looked over the black stallion Wolf was riding and whistled appreciatively.
"That's some animal you have there, Mrs. Canaday." He had started calling her by her name instead of the Indian insult.
Wolf smiled. "That he is."
"Are you sure you don't want to sell him?"
"Do you know Sioux?"
"No."
"Sorry, he's not for sell."
"If I learned your language would you consider selling him?"
Candy laughed. "Mr. McCarthy, the Sioux language is very hard to master."
"I think what the Canadays are saying in very uncertain terms is the horse is not for sale at all." Adam said as he looked at his family with amusement.
Mr. McCarthy turned to his son-in-law. "You take care of my daughter or I will be back."
"Don't worry, Mr. McCarthy. She's in good hands."
"Did you say goodbye to the children?" Ben asked.
"I did. I hated to leave the little ones."
"I'm sure they're fine."
"I believe you." Once again, Mr. McCarthy turned to Wolf. "Mrs. Canaday, I want to apologize to you personally. I'm afraid my prejudice must have made my daughter's and my first impressions a little rocky."
Wolf shifted on Wind's back. "It wasn't that bad."
"From what I heard it was."
Both women looked at the same man at the same time. "Adam."
The man looked sheepish as he shook his father-in-law's hand. "Have a good trip to Boston."
"I will, son. I will." He turned and hugged his daughter. "Goodbye, my dear."
Amanda hugged him tightly. "Goodbye, Papa. Write often."
"I will." He stepped into the buggy and waved as it pulled away.
"Nice man." Joe said.
"Yes, he is." Ben looked around at the others standing around doing nothing. "Why are you all standing around here for? There's work to be done!"
Adam ducked his head, kissed his wife, and ran back to his horse. He looked at Wolf as she handed him the reins.
"We're going to have a little talk about your problem with telling information." She said.
Candy and Joe laughed as they turned their horses. They rode back to the pastures they'd been working as Amanda went back into the house to check on the children.
The war of the wives was over and a new beginning was ushered in.
END