Chapter 10
Ann was very busy taking care of all of her establishments that she had however she was missing Adam terribly. It had only been a week since he had been gone and she had three more weeks to go before she would meet him in Sacramento.
~0~
On the trail Adam was thinking of nothing but Ann. His love ran deep for her and he missed her. Adam was working hard on the cattle drive and trying to keep his mind busy. Around the campfires at night Adam would be very quiet and only spoke when asked a question. He had a lot on his mind and a lot of decisions to make also.
He decides he was going to talk to Walt about the possibility of leaving at the end of the cattle drive, he had to discus this with Ann first however.
~0~
"Adam, you wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes i do. Walt, I just wanted to let you know that there is a possibility that i might be heading back to Virginia City after the drive is over."
"Ya, I kinda expected that at some point."
"I have to talk to Ann first before I make that finale decision."
"Of course. Well Adam, I'll honor what ever you decide. You will be missed however."
"Thank you."
"Well you better get some sleep we head out again bright and early. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Walt."
~0~
The next three weeks went well without incident on the cattle drive. Adam sent a wire to Ann a week before telling her where to meet him in Sacramento. When they arrived at the corrals Walt paid Adam and the drovers and sent them to the hotel to celebrate and get some rooms. Adam of course went to the hotel he was to meet Ann at. He went to the front desk to ask if Ann Cartwright had checked in yet.
"Yes Mr. Cartwright. I put you in room 202."
"Thank you."
Adam went up to the room and knocked on the door. When Ann answered she ran into his arms and kissed him long and hard.
"Adam, I've missed you so much."
"I can see that. May I come in?"
"Of course you can silly."
"Did you have a good trip here sweetheart?"
"Yes very pleasant Adam. You look so tired Adam."
"Yes i am. But not to tired for you."
"Well then handsome, how about a nice long hot bath and then a bit of love followed by a wonderful dinner in the dinning room?"
"That sounds like about the order it should be in."
"I will go and order the bath if you want to go in the bedroom and get these dusty clothes off and rest for awhile."
"Alright my dear, as you wish."
"I'll be right back."
~0~
After Adam's bath with the help of his loving wife, and then a lot of time spent making up for lost time in their intimate life Adam and Ann headed down to the dinning room. Adam asked for a private table near the back of the room. When they were seated Adam ordered a bottle of wine and gave their orders for dinner. After they were half way into their meal Adam heard a very familiar voice in a laughter that was unmistakably the voice of his oldest little brother, Hoss.
"Adam, what's wrong?"
"Nothing really. It's just that I figured I had a little more time before I had to face what is coming."
"What is coming Adam? what is it?"
"That voice of laughter you just heard."
"Yes, what about it? He sounds delightful."
"He can be. That my dear Ann, is my big loveable brother Hoss. And no doubt, my younger brother and father are with him."
"Adam, that's wonderful. But why are they here?"
"The cattle drive. They must have just gotten in. Ann sweetheart, I need to talk to you about something before I see them."
"Yes of course Adam. What is it?'
"Ann, what would you say about going to Virginia city, to the Ponderosa?"
"Adam, I'd love to go for a visit."
"Hah hah, no sweetheart, not just for a visit. I mean move there."
"Oh well Adam. I don't know. What about my businesses in Wells? what do I do about them?"
"You could keep them and get someone you trust to manage them for you. Or you can sell them and use the money to start up something in Virginia City or Carson City."
"Well yes i guess i could do that. What about Walt and the ranch Adam?"
"I have spoken to Walt already and told him that I might be leaving after this. I told him i had to talk to you first."
"Well then I guess we could talk more about this tonight and tomorrow Adam. You really miss your family don't you Adam?"
"After hearing Hoss's voice I guess I didn't realize how much I missed them. We were a very close family Ann."
"Adam just because of one little argument that doesn't mean you still aren't a close family. He's your father Adam. I only wish i still had my family. You do, so please don't throw that away because of that."
"Ann you are so good for me. I love you very much. Well, are you ready to meet my family?"
"I would love nothing more than to meet your family Adam."
"Alright. Do you have a pencil and paper by any chance?'
"No, but our waitress most likely does."
"Oh yes. Excuse me, can I borrow a pencil and a paper please?'
"Yes sir, here you go."
"Thank you. Ah, can you take this to the table where the big guy is sitting with an older man and a younger one?"
"Yes, the Cartwright's."
"Yes thank you."
~0~
"Mr. Cartwright, I was asked to give this to you."
"Oh thank you."
"What is it Pa?"
"I don't know Joseph, I'm going to read it."-"OH-Ah, miss where is this man sitting?"
"Just over there sir in the back."
"Alright thank you."
"Pa, what is it?"
"It seems your brother is here and wants us to go over to him."
"OH Lordy."
~0~