Chapter 11

As Ben, Hoss and Joe walked over to find Adam they were a little skeptical about what they would encounter from Adam. Adam got up out of respect for his father and shook his hand.

"Adam, nice to see you again."

"Nice to see you again also ,sir."

"Adam, has it come to this, you calling me sir?"

"No I guess not. Pa, how are you?"

"Fine son. And you?"

"I would like for you to meet my wife Ann. Hoss, Joe, this is my wife Ann."

"Howdy Ann. Nice ta finally meet ya."

"You also Hoss. Mr. Cartwright. And Joe."

"Well hello there Ann. Nice to meet you."

"Please have a seat and join us for coffee or a drink."

"Thank you. Yes please, we'll have a beer please."

"Alright Mr. Cartwright."

"Joe, you haven't said much. How have you been?"

"A little over worked without you there big brother."

"Ha, ha, yes well, I'm sorry about that. So, did you get the price you were hoping for the cattle this year Pa?"

"Yes, yes we did very well Adam. And I take it you are here because of a cattle drive from the ranch you have been working on."

"Yes I am. And Ann is here because we are kind of on our honeymoon that I wasn't able to take her on after our marriage."

"Well, welcome to the family Ann. I was kind of hoping that my oldest son would get married on the Ponderosa however."

"Sorry it didn't work out that way Pa. But ah, Ann and I have talked this over and if you'll have us, we would like to possibly come back to the Ponderosa."

"Adam, ya mean that big brother?"

"Ya Adam, do you really mean this? Or are you just saying this to get on Pa's good side?"

"JOSEPH! That's enough. Adam, the Ponderosa has always been yours as well as ours. You don't have to ask to come back home. Now that you have a wife to take care of you most likely want to build your own home on your land."

"Yes, that was my plan. However I would love it to be all of your decision and not just the four of us."

"I believe he means you Joseph. What do you say, is your brother welcome back on the ranch?"

Joe lowered his head and then said "Of course you are Adam. I'm sorry, I was just so angry the way you left. Please come back and bring your beautiful wife with you. Ann welcome."

"Thank you ,Joe."

"Yes, thank you Joe." and the brothers shook hands

"Adam son. What about your work in Wells?"

"I have already talked to Walt about this and told him there was a chance that I might be leaving after this drive."

"Oh well then, do you have to go back to Wells first then?"

"Yes. Ann has to take care of businesses there and she has all of her things there."

"Of course. Well do you need any help with all of this you two?'

"I kind of think that's up to you Pa. However, Ann and I still have a little time left on our honeymoon."

"Pa, remember you promised we could take a week in Sacramento when the drive was done sorta like a vacation thing."

"Yes Hoss I remember. So do you think the ranch can run this long without us there if we take this much time and go to Wells and help Adam and Ann?"

"Of course it can Pa. After all you didn't hire Candy for nothing."

"Candy? Who is Candy?"

"Well Adam, after you left we needed a foreman too help around the ranch. So Candy came around and he had good references so I hired him."

"OH, I see. Well Ann, are you ready too go to our room for the evening my love?"

"Anytime you are Adam."

"Pa, Hoss, Joe, where are you staying?"

"OH, we have a room here Adam. Where are you two staying?"

"In the honeymoon suite. On the top floor."

"OH well then, may we meet you for breakfast then? My treat."

"Well in that case, we accept."

~0~