Ben woke slowly as the new morning sunshine streamed in through the windows of his bedroom. For a few minutes, he lay still, thinking. Then stretching lazily, he rose and prepared for another challenging day. Over the last weeks, he was becoming used to doing ranch business without Adam's physical help but still the days had been longer while the adjustments were made in everyone's workload. Speaking of Adam, Ben frowned deeply as he pulled his pants on and buttoned his shirt. Strange to ride out with only two sons each day instead of all three, to not bump elbows with all of his boys while working in the hot sun. Not that Adam hadn't been incapacitated before from injury or been absent on one of his frequent business trips but...somehow Ben knew that the loss of company would be more permanent this time.

Adam would be busy building his own ranch, caring for his wife, raising his family...leading his own life, separate from his father and brothers. Ben knew this in his mind and accepted it readily but his heart was a different matter. On top of that lonely ache was the knowledge that, more than likely, his trip with his eldest the next day wouldn't be happening. He had so wanted to show his active interest in his eldest's dreams and future but Jody's precarious condition wouldn't allow for Adam to leave the house for a prolonged period. The trip to the north pasture to see the herd would just have to wait.

With a heavier heart than befitted such a glorious morning, Ben finished dressing and decided to check in Jody's room before leaving for town on business and a bit of relaxation. He resolved to get a breath of fresh air and break his mood of melancholy before treating himself to breakfast in the International.

I* * * * *I

Floating in a dream of white lace and wedding marches, Evangeline awoke with a start from her light slumber when she started to slide down in her chair. Rubbing her eyes and blinking to dispel the vestiges of slumber, she rose to check on Jody. The doctor's fears about influenza starting up again had seemed to have been proven wrong because the boy was sleeping soundly without any rasp in his rhythmic breathing. A gentle smile claiming her lips, Evangeline smoothed out imaginary wrinkles in the bedquilt. Then glancing to her right, her eyes softened further.

On a cot brought in the night before, Adam was succumbed into unconscious rest as well, lying on his stomach under a quilt and fully-clothed. Evangeline having had relieved him of his vigil hours earlier, he had taken her place on the small but comfortable bed while she had kept an eye on the patient. She now tip-toed over to check on her fiancé's well-being too.

Fatigued from his healing wound and the stress of the past days, Adam didn't stir when she lovingly ran the back of her fingers through the black curls at the side of his head. His face was relaxed and lineless, innocently preserved in sweet limbo. The massage that she had given his stiff shoulders the night before seemed to have knocked him out into complete relaxation for his breaths were full and deep. Both man and boy were sleeping so quietly and serenely that Evangeline sighed with contentment. The only sounds in the room being the sounds of their peace, her world felt right and whole. She pulled the red-patterned quilt up higher over Adam's back and shoulders and kissed his forehead, lingering as the masculine scent of his soft, black hair reached her nose.

From the door, Ben was observing his future daughter-in-law with meditative interest. He saw the tender display of love shown his unconscious son, the gentle smile that crossed her face, the love in her eyes. He saw the complete picture and his mood improved in realization that Adam wasn't disappearing never to be heard from again. Not into an out of sight and forgotten memory but he was going into a new life filled with new love and new promise. What he needed in life wasn't what Ben could give anymore and the older man knew it now as he got Evangeline's attention.

"Evangeline?"

Upon hearing Ben's whispered call, she gingerly came across the floor with a smile and joined him outside the room. Tucking the ends of her shawl tight around her shoulders, she crossed her arms and inquired what was wrong.

"Oh, nothing, nothing's wrong, my dear. I just wanted to see how our patient is doing."

"Both of them are doing fine, I'm happy to report," Evangeline intoned with a nod of her head.

Ben's face became concerned. "Is Adam alright?"

"Oh, yes, he was just tired but sleeping soundly now. Are you off to work?"

"To town, actually, after I check on Anne's welfare. I just wanted to check on you three before I leave. Tell Adam when he wakes up that I'll be back mid-afternoon and not to worry about Hoss and Joe either. They're going fishing for the day. We thought it might be best to keep the house quiet today for Jody."

Evangeline's pretty head inclined as she agreed, "I'll tell Adam." He moved to turn away, "Oh, and, Ben?"

Ben paused and looked her in the eye."Yes?"

Evangeline met his compassionate gaze with a sheepish one of her own. "I never got to apologize for the way I spoke to you last Saturday but I do now. I had no right, I'm not married to your son as of yet."

Chuckling into a deep, low laugh, Ben replied, "No, you were right and I was a fool that night. I want you to know that I did apologize to Adam, just as I said I would. I realized that I hadn't been treating Adam with the respect he deserves and you helped me see that. I, uh, wanted to tell you too what he told me yesterday. He said that he was open to doing something for his birthday other than the customary trip into town."

"Oh, really? That's wonderful, just wonderful! Everything seems to be falling into place..."

"Yes, it caught me by surprise too, let me tell you. I did have a question though...would you like to have your festivities carried out here, at the Ponderosa, instead of at your home? It might be better that way, what with Jody getting set back."

Evangeline's eyes danced with relief. "Thank you, Ben, so very much. I was wondering what I was going to do about the dinner and trying to get Adam there. I've got my hands full with the restaurant and he has more than enough on his mind to bother going all the way into town late at night. Should we say, having the meal here at seven o'clock tomorrow evening?"

Ben put a hand on her small shoulder in a fatherly gesture. "Sounds perfect, do you need anything special?"

She shook her head, sending a few wisps of brown hair loosening around her face. "No, nothing. I was going to do a more elaborate dinner but let's keep it simple. Hop Sing will have suggestions, I'm sure, and I have already picked out a special dessert that Adam mentioned he liked a long time ago but hasn't had since. I'll be here around five but he can't know I am...here, that is."

"Just leave that to me."

Evangeline walked with Ben down the stairs and to the door where he shrugged into his coat. He took his hat in hand and kissed her on the cheek. "You could stay the night again tomorrow if you'd like. You'll be tired after traveling and cooking for us ravenous Cartwrights."

The young woman giggled in a way that bore an uncanny resemblance to Elizabeth's tinkling laughter that had once filled Ben's ears. "Adam's already worried about my reputation so another night won't do any harm. If it's alright though, I'll bring Ellie with me as a proper chaperone."

"Of course, she is thoroughly charming, I look forward to welcoming you both," Ben placed his hat upon his silver hair and smiled. "Thank you for what you did for Jody. I know that Adam is grateful too. I am very impressed that you served in a hospital during the war. Tough work for a privileged young woman."

Evangeline's face grew sad in remembrance. "Down through the years, Momma had taught me how to care for those in need and her death made me mature in the ways of the world, a lot faster than I would have liked. I... felt...feel her near when I care for people. But looking after a special someone too, especially Adam brings me the most joy...she would have loved him too, as much as I do."

Ben opened the door and paused briefly on his way out. "I've said it more than once and I'll say it again, Evangeline. Adam is a lucky man to have you."

"I'm the lucky one, Ben," Evangeline patted his arm and smiled sweetly. "Have a good day, I'll take care of the two 'patients' until Adam wakes up, don't worry about them."

Ben's step was light as he walked through morning's light to reach the barn. Life was still the same, still plodding along the narrow road of time but now looking up too. That philosophical routine quieted Ben's anxieties on the future and encouraged him to enjoy the present. He was about to gain a daughter and, quite possibly, a grandson too. What could be better? He had chided his boys more than once for not marrying sooner but it seemed that Adam was unwittingly wanting to start off the first Cartwright-son marriage with a bang. Jody would make a proud Cartwright and would live up to the name if Adam so chose to bestow it upon him. Ben mounted up on his faithful buckskin, cantered around the bend by the barn and down the trail, contented with his lot in life despite still feeling that ever-present pressure of change.