AN: I am so sorry it has taken me so long to update this story, due to unforeseen circumstances with my health problem I have not been able to use my right hand to type and write. I will try to keep up with the story now on regular basis.

Chapter 7

Around five in the morning Pa was getting up and making a fire for coffee and to make some bacon and eggs for every one. Hoss was the next one up, he smelled the coffee.

"Moren Pa."

"Good morning Hoss. Smell the coffee?"

"Sure did. Do ya know how Adam is this morning Pa?"

"No, there has been no movement in there. I imagine Rebecca is pretty tired after looking after Adam by herself for a couple of days."

"Ya, she's quite the little gal."

"Yes, she is. And very good for Adam."

"I think I hear something in there now."

"Just leave them Hoss, remember they're married now."

"Oh ya, some times I forget about that."

~0~

"Adam, how do you feel?"

"Oh sweetheart, I'm pretty sore, and I have a dozy of a headache when I move my head."

"It's going to be hard on you going home today then isn't it?"

"Ya, I guess so. I would really like to get home however."

"Yes, me to. I think some one has made coffee. Would you like to try some?'

"Yes please, thank you sweetheart."

"I'll be right back." after putting on her robe Rebecca went out and asked Pa for some coffee for Adam

~0~

"How is he this morning Rebecca?"

"He is very sore and has a terrible headache when he moves his head."

"Well let's hope this coffee helps a bit. We should start out soon."

"Yes alright, I'll let Adam know."

~0~

"Here you go Adam. I'll help you sit up."

"Oh, thank you."

"Adam, Pa said we should be leaving soon. They have a carrier made up for you. They're going to try to attach it to sport."

"Oh, well I hope it works."

"I'm sure it will. I will ride beside you."

"Oh Rebecca, you have been through a lot haven't you my dear wife?"

"Adam, I married you for better or worse, in sickness and in health. I also knew what it was going to be like when I married a Cartwright. You guys are always getting into some kind of trouble or getting hurt."

"You are a very smart lady Mrs. Cartwright. And I love you very much for staying by my side."

"Adam, I wouldn't have it any other way. Would you like some breakfast?"

"Ah ya, I'll try some."

"OK, I'll go and get both of us some."

~0~

"Hi, Adam said he would try some breakfast."

"Alright, here you go my dear. You take a plate for Adam and yourself, and have breakfast together. Then I'm afraid we will have to get things packed up and get Adam settled here and start heading out."

"Thank you Pa. I'll tell Adam and help him get dressed."

~0~

"Here Adam, try and eat. And then I have to help you get dressed, Pa wants to get going after we're finished."

"Oh alright."

~0~

With breakfast over and everything packed up and Adam dressed and being helped onto the carrier in back of sport, everyone was ready to head out for home. They were going slower because of Adam.

By mid morning they had reached the location where they left the cattle to find the two ranch hands back and waiting there with them. This just made every thing a little b it easier.

"Hi boss. How's Adam?"

"Look for yourself, not very good."

"Sorry Adam. Sheriff Coffee is holding those guys until you go in there and press charges against them."

"Oh good. Well you can help us start heading them out then."

"OK boss, come on Jake let's get em headed out we need to get Adam home as soon as possible."

They were well on they're way and after travelling for ab out five hours they needed to stop to give Adam a bit of rest.

"OK son, how are you feeling?"

"Oh, like I was when I first got beat up."

"Adam, here honey, have some water."

"Thank you sweetheart. Oh, that tasted good."

"Hey Pa, do we have time to make some coffee?"

"I think so Joe. Would you like to start it?"

"Ya sure."

"How about some grub there to little brother?"

"Just like you to think of your gut Hoss."

"I'm kind of hungry to Joe."

"Well then, for my injured brother, it will be worth it."

"How about if I make something for all of us?"

"Rebecca darlen, you got the job."

"Alright then, it won't take long and then I need to check Adam's wounds."

"I would like to get a couple more hours in before we camp for the night."

"Ya Pa, the further we can get the better for Adam."

~0~

"OK guys, come and get it. I'll see if Adam wants something."

"Hi honey, would you like something to eat?"

"Ah ya, I think so."

"Alright, I'll be right back."

"Rebecca? Come here for a second."

"Yes Adam, what is it?"

"I would like a kiss from you."

"Oh Adam, yes of course." Rebecca went down to Adam and gave him a big warm passionate kiss. "Will that hold you until we stop for the night?"

"It will be hard. However, I think it will."

"OK, I'll get you something to eat."

~0~

After two days of being on the trail and herding the cattle that were found again the Cartwright family finally rode into the yard of the main house. They were tired and hungry and Adam was being helped into the downstairs guest bedroom and settled into bed by Rebecca.

"Oh thank you my sweet woman."

"You're welcome my brave man. Now, would you like any thing before I go and bring our things in?"

"No sweetheart, I'm fine."

"Ok, I shouldn't be long. I love you."

~0~