Chapter 26

Hi all,

Welcome to the final chapter of this story! A huge thank you to each of you who took the time to read and also reviewed. I have already completed the sequel to this story that I'll upload if there's any interest.

Anyway, enjoy!

Five riders rode into Virgina City as the citizens went about their day, Missie riding happily between Adam and Ben on the mare she'd been lent. They came to a stop at an empty hitching post, dismounting to wait for the arrival of the stage the circuit judge was on. Hope sat contentedly on the girls shoulder after she'd been taken from the saddlebag, purring loudly.

Adam chuckled as he tied up Sport, watching the girl. 'I've never seen a cat take to someone like that kitten has to you.'

She giggled, holding tight to the lead she'd made as a precaution so the kitten couldn't get away if she got frrightened. 'I've never seen it happen either, she's defiantly a little shadow.'

'You waiting for someone on the stage?' Roy asked as he joined the group on the boardwalk.

Ben nodded. 'The circuit judge, we're organizing Missie's adoption.'

'Your adopting Missie?' They nodded and he turned to the girl. 'Congratulations young lady, you'd never find a finer family.'

'Thank you Sir. It still sounds too good to be true.'

He chuckled then gave the little kitten on her shoulder a pat. 'And who's this?'

'Hope, Adam gave her to me a couple days ago.'

'Think it's the best present I've ever given a girl.' Adam added in amusement. 'Hope put a smile on her face from the first moment she saw her.'

'I am glad to hear you're doing better child and you've been right lucky to have take you into their family. I guess that makes me Uncle Roy then, since I think of these boys as nephews.'

Missie smiled. She quite liked the old sheriff. 'And I'd be happy to call you uncle then Sheriff.'

Roy turned to Ben, remembering the reason for coming to speak with them in the first place. 'Ben, when you've got a chance would you mind stepping over to the office please? I've got some things for you.'

'Sure, no problem Roy. I'll be over once I've spoken with the judge.'

Hoss heard the sound of hoofbeats coming in fast and glanced over as the stage rolled around the corner. 'Here comes the stage.'

A nervous shudder ran up the girls spine as the driver brought the team's to a stop. What if the judge refused to let Ben adopt her? She kept back as the passenger's began to exit the coach, a couple men standing around helping the women get down. There were quite a few passengers, the stage had been rather packed.

'Judge Jackson, good to see you again.' Ben greeted warmly, shaking the man's hand. 'How was your trip?'

'Hot, long and dusty Cartwright.' The drivers helper handed him his lugage and he noticed Ben's son and a girl standing back on the boardwalk. 'Who's the girl?'

'That's Missie, she's able to be up and around now that she's healed up. I was actually hoping to speak with you about her. I'd like to file for her adoption.'

A smile came across the old man's face as he nodded and clapped him on the shoulder. 'Of course Ben, I'd be happy to officiate her adoption. It's going to be rather different for you all having a young girl about the place.'

'For the better my friend, for the better.'

'Right now though I'm hot and thirsty. I'll go get settled in at the hotel and meet you in the restaurant in say, an hour or so. We can arrange the required paperwork then.'

'Alright, thank you judge.'

'No problem Cartwright and congratulations.'

Ben headed back to the boardwalk as the passenger's for next trip started to board the stage. 'It's all set Missie. In an hour you'll be Missie Cartwright.'

'Really?' She grinned widely and he nodded. 'So he's happy for you to adopt me then?'

'We wouldn't be meeting him at the hotel in an hour to arrange it if he wasn't.'

'Oh thank you Pa.' The girl gave him a hug, her new brothers having a slight chuckle at her excitement.

'Your welcome Missie.' He turned to Adam. 'I'm going to head over to the sheriff's and see what Roy wants while we wait. Would you mind taking Missie to the seamstress in the meantime to arrange a dress for the party?'

'Sure Pa.'

'Well, in the meantime brother.' Joe elbowed him, nodding in the direction of the saloon. 'I'd say its time for a little celebrating.'

Hoss chuckled. 'I'd say your right. We'll meet you back later at the hotel.'

They parted ways, Ben heading to the sheriff's office, Hoss and Joe making their way to the saloon and Adam and Missie starting towards Mrs. O'Dell's house. The girl ignored the glances of the folks as she walked with Adam, holding tightly onto his hand so they didn't get separated in the crowd. 'I hate being around a lot of people.'

'I kinda noticed that.' It hadn't slipped past him the way the girl was clinging to him like glue whenever they came into town. 'You'll get used to it soon.'

'I don't know Adam, I think I prefer just staying home with this lil girl.' She smiled as the kitten rubbed her head against her. 'And you guys of course.'

'That might change you know as you get older, a girl like you should get to travel and see the sights-'

'I did plenty of that with my family Adam. Most of the time running from people my father cheated. Nope, I'm quite happy to stay home thank you very much.'

He chuckled, the girl had quite a lot of self assurance that was what she wanted in life. 'Well, what about coming with me to San Francisco or Sacramento sometime when I go there next? You and I could spend some quality brother sister time together.'

'Now that might be tempting enough to consider.' She replied with a grin. It would never get old him calling her his sister. 'But you gotta make sure to protect me, there might be some young handsome gentlemen who want to sweap me off my feet.'

He laughed heartily. 'You my dear wont be having men call on you until your at least thirty.'

She slapped his arm playfully. 'Well, with you three and Pa with his ol scater gun I'm sure they wouldn't dare even look at me till I'm old and grey. You know though, that goes two ways. I'll be keeping an eye out on any ladies that have their eye on you.'

'Oh you will, will you?'

'Adam, sometimes you men can't see what we girls can see, just like you can see things I can't when it comes to men. That's just the plain truth of it. Men and women are just different.'

'Well if I need someone looking out for me I'll let you know.'

'I'll keep that in mind.' She grinned cheekily as they finally arrived at the seamstresses house and they walked up the path to the porch.

Adam knocked on the door, a woman calling out from inside that she was coming. Cathy opened the door, grinning when she saw who it was. 'Adam, Missie, nice to see you. Come in.'

'Thank you.'

'What brings you by here?'

'Mr. Cartwright is planning a party for the weekend and he was hoping you might be able to make me a fancy dress for the occasion.' Missie offered an explanation.

'I can do that, definitely. What's the occasion?'

'Mr. Cartwright wants to introduce me to some people he knows, he's going to adopt me.'

'Oh that's great news.' She looked up at Adam. 'You four are going to have your hands full with this one.'

He chuckled. 'I imagine so, she's already been quite a handful.'

'Hey-' Missie protested with a grin. 'I've been very well behaved.'

'Alright, alright, yes, you have been but back to business now shall we?'

'Yes.' Cathy agreed, looking at the girl. 'I think a light pink would suit you nicely for a party dress, I've got some lovely fabric in my sewing room I can show you. Adam, why don't you take a seat and we'll go get her dress sorted out.'

'Here.' She handed the kitten to him. 'You can mind Hope for me.'

'Gee, thanks.'

'Adam Cartwright with a kitten, I never thought I'd live to see the day.' The grey haired woman teased good naturedly then turned back to the girl. 'This way my dear.'

'I think you're going to like my dress.' Missie spoke happily as her and Adam headed for the hotel a little while later. 'It's going to be light pink with a little lace and-'

'Hey, don't tell me everything. Why don't you keep it as a secret and surprise us on Saturday?'

'I guess so.' She replied as she shrugged her shoulders. 'Did you and Hope have a nice time?'

'She was very well behaved.' He glanced at the kitten perched on the girls shoulder again. It was almost hard to believe this was the same girl, the kitten had worked a pure miracle with her. They all had a lot to thank that little kitten for. They continued on down the boardwalk in silence for a few moments then he looked down at Missie again. 'How are you doing Missie?'

The girls face sobered, scratching the kitten under the chin. 'A little better I think. I mean, Hope's taking my mind off things. I had a nightmare last night but she woke me up from it before it got too bad. I'm really thankful you got her for me, she's been such a help.'

'It's been nice seeing a smile on your face again.'

'I've got more to smile about now. Hope, you guys adopting me. I know it's going to take time for me to work through everything but it sure feels good that I've got people to rely on. And this lil girl.' She added, scratching the kittens chin. 'Thank you for being patient with me, I know it's not been easy for you all.'

He placed his arm around her as they walked into the hotel. 'You'll get there, bit by bit.'

'I know.' She spotted Ben with the judge and his two other sons at a table in the corner. 'There they are.'

Ben stood up, pulling out a chair for the girl and she sat down. 'How'd it go at the seamsttess?'

'Good, Mrs. O'Dell said my dress would be ready Friday to pick up. I hope we didn't keep you waiting for us long.'

'No, not at all.'

'The papers have already been drawn up.' The judge exclaimed after a moment, looking at the girl. 'All they require now Ben is your signature.'

Ben took the fountain pen he handed him and signed neatly on the line. 'Thank you for this judge.'

'Your more then welcome Ben.' He added his own signature to the document then looked at the girl. 'Congratulations young lady, you are now officially Missie Cartwright.'

Saturday finally arrived, the girl trying to contain her apprehension about the party as evening approached. Hop Sing had been hard at work cooking food and the house was a flurry of activity. She could hear furniture being moved downstairs from where she was resting on her bed, Hope curled up happily on her chest.

'Knock knock.'

'Come in.' She glanced over as the door opened, Adam walking in and took a seat beside her on the bed.

'Pa wanted me to come check on you, your not feeling poorly are you?'

'No, I just needed a rest for a little bit, that's all. You could say I'm getting just a little nervous.'

He chuckled as he gave her an encouraging smile. 'I'm sure you'll do just fine my girl, after all, you're a Cartwright now.

'I'll sure to never get tired of hearing you say that, brother.' She stroked the kitten gently. 'If only Ma could see me now.'

'I'm sure she'd be very proud.' He tucked her hair back behind her ear. 'You best start getting ready our guests will be arriving soon.'

'Can you give me a hand with my buttons? I can't quite reach them all still.'

'Sure. I'll go wait outside until your ready.'

She nodded and he left, the girl staring up at the ceiling for a moment. She was nervous about meeting these people but knew she couldn't keep putting it off. Adam was right, they would be arriving soon.

Gently she placed the kitten aside and stood up, going over to the chair where her box with her dress was. She opened it, running her fingers over the soft material then pulled it out and laid it across the bed. It was fancier then any dress she'd ever known but still at the same time was modest and beautiful.

It took her a few minutes to change from the day dress she was wearing and to put on her extra underthings then she slipped the new dress over her head. She smiled, looking in the mirror. The seamstress was right, the light pink really did suit her. The dress had a built in cape that covered her shoulders and upper arms so her scars were hidden. It really was a gorgeous dress, the girl smiling as she did up what buttons she could reach. She didn't have full movement of her shoulders yet because of the scar tissue but slowly it was starting to improve.

'Okay Adam, can you come help now?'

He opened the door again, the girl turning to him. She looked absolutely stunning in the dress. 'Missie, you look beautiful.'

She blushed as he came over. 'Thank you Sir. You really like it?'

'I hardly recognize you. You're going to be the bell of the ball tonight.'

'I hope so, I hate to think how much this cost Pa.' The girl turned around so he could button up the back of the dress.

'It's worth it for you.' He did up the last button then smoothed the dress and cape down for her. 'There we go. Pretty as a picture.'

'I just hope I don't go making a fool of myself tonight.'

'I'm sure you won't. Besides, you'll have us here.'

'I hope you're right.' She ran her fingers through her braid to undo it then picked up a brush off the dressing table. 'Adam, when I finish fixing up my hair can you give me another dancing lesson? I don't want to go trippin on your toes or Pa's with people watching.'

He chuckled, watching as the girl's fingers deftly worked into putting her hair into a neat half up and half down fancy hair style. As she worked he began to recognise the kind of hairstyle she was doing, he remembered seeing other women wear it at balls at San Fransisco but had never seen women here wear it. 'Where'd you learn to do your hair like that?'

'Ma used to get magazines and they had pictures of hairstyles like this in them. She couldn't read them, neither could I but Pa would read them for her on occasion. I remember him reading this one I'm doing was quite popular.' She opened up another bobby pin with her teeth and poked it through her hair to hold a curl in place. 'Do you think I'm going to fit in Adam? Do you think people will like me?'

'In that dress with that hairstyle you'll look right at home I'm sure. As for people liking you, well, all that matters is that we like you and think you to be pretty special.'

She blushed again, checking her reflection in the mirror. 'I ain't never had friends before, are there going to be any girls my age coming?'

'There'll be a few I expect, I know Pa invited the mayor and his family. He's got two daughters who are about your age.'

'What are they like?'

'Well I haven't had much to do with them but I'm sure they're nice.'

'I hope so.' Missie checked her reflection once again to make sure she was pleased with her hairstyle then nodded with satisfaction. 'Alright, that'll do. How about that dancing lesson?'

Adam smiled, offering the girl his hand. 'May I have this dance my lady?'

'You may kind Sir.' She smiled back, taking his hand. Adam placed one hand around her waist and she did the same as she looked up at him. 'I apologise in advance if I happen to step on your toes.'

'If you think you're going to step on my feet then you will. Just look up at me and follow my lead, your feet will follow. Ready?' She nodded. 'Alright, let's begin.'

Hope stirred from her sleep, padding softly across the quilt to sit at the end of the bed and watch as Adam taught Missie how to waltz. Missie's face was radiant with happiness, looking up at her brother as she let him lead her around the room. Slowly she started to relax and really enjoy herself. Pa had tried to teach her yesterday how to waltz but it was much easier the way Adam was teaching her. 'I think I'm getting the hang of it.'

'You are my dear, I think we can say you know the waltz quite well.' He replied as they stopped dancing. 'Now, how about a two-step?'

'Oh I think I've done enough dancing for now. We should probably go check on how Pa and our brothers are getting on downstairs. They might need our assistance.'

'Well-' He offered her his arm. 'Shall we then?'

'We shall.'

Joe heard footsteps coming down the stairs as he and Hoss were moving the couch, letting out a whistle as he dropped his end. 'My word Adam, where'd you manage to find a pretty girl like that?'

'Thanks for the help Little Joe.' Hoss exclaimed as he finished moving the couch by himself then turned back to Missie and Adam. 'Is that the same little gal we found out in the forest?'

Missie blushed and Adam chuckled as they came over to them. 'The same.'

'You look lovely my girl.' Ben smiled, taking the girls hands in his. 'Beautiful as an angel.'

'Thank you Pa.' She replied and gave him a hug. He hugged her back, the girl breathing in his embrace to calm the nervousness that coursed through her body. 'You really think I look beautiful?'

'Oh you do Missie, you do.' He stroked her cheek gently. He'd never thought he'd have a daughter but though the circumstances that had lead to the girl coming here hadn't been how he'd expected to end up with one he knew he wouldn't have it any other way. 'And I am proud to call you my daughter. You are a special and beautiful girl, young lady. We are proud to have you be part of our family.'

Missie's eyes began to mist a little as she smiled. 'And I'm proud to be part of your family.'

'You scrub up real nice Little Miss. Almost didn't recognise you in that fancy dress and with that hair.'

She chuckled at Hoss's compliment. 'You don't scrub up so bad either big brother.' She elbowed him in the ribs playfully. All of them were wearing suits for the occasion and she had to admit they all looked jolly handsome too. 'That goes for all of you. A girl can be right proud to be in such handsome company as this.' They all had a little laugh then she looked around. 'Alright, what can I do to help?'

'Well I think we've got everything almost ready.' Ben replied with a glance about the room. The furniture that didn't need to be in the room had all been moved away to clear room for dancing. A couple tables had been set in preparation for the food and Hop Sing was bringing out the drinks. 'I don't think there's anything else that needs to be done.'

'Alright then.' Hope trotted down the stairs and over to her, purring around her ankles. She chuckled, picking the kitten up. 'I best go put this one in her cage.'

'Here-' Hoss offered. 'I'll put her away for you.'

'Thanks Hoss.' She handed her to him, standing back next to the fireplace as Ben went to greet the first of the guests arriving.

Little Joe went over to her, placing his hand on her shoulder. 'You'll do just fine Missie, I know you will. Will you save a dance for me?'

'Well Pa and Adam have already beat to it but I'll save a dance for you, if you don't mind me stepping on your toes now that is.'

'I think it should be you getting worried about getting stepped on, I have two left feet.'

'You can set up over there boys.' Ben exclaimed, motioning to the musicians where they could stand as another wagon rolled into the ranch yard. 'Looks like Miss Conners accepted your invitation Little Joe.'

Missie caught the look on his face as he left to go out to greet the guest and she chuckled. Hoss came back from putting her kitten away and she went over to him. 'Well, Pa, Adam and Little Joe have all asked for a dance with me. I was wondering if you might like to ask for one before another handsome gentleman requests the pleasure of my company.'

'I reckon I might just do that.' He smiled, pinching her cheek gently and she giggled. 'Would the prettiest little gal I ever set my eyes on want to have a dance with an old cahoot like me?'

'I reckon she just might.'

Ben spotted Missie standing over with Hoss as the guests continued to arrive and filter into the living room. He excused himself from the conversation he was having with a friend and went over to them. 'I hope I'm not interrupting anything.'

'No Pa, Hoss was just asking me to save him a dance.' Missie replied with a sweet smile. 'Looks like half of Virginia City is here.'

He chuckled, placing his hand on her shoulder. 'Missie, I'd like you to come meet the mayor.'

'Sure. You come find me Hoss when you want to have that dance.'

'I will Missie. You have fun now.'

She followed Ben over to where some people were standing, staying close to him. There were a lot of people here and still more arriving. She couldn't remember seeing so many people in the same room before.

'Albert, Mrs. Bailey. I'd like you to meet Missie.' Ben introduced. 'Missie, this is the mayor, his wife and their two daughters, Sophie and Lena.'

She smiled warmly. 'Pleasure to meet you.'

'Why don't you two get acquainted with Missie?' Celest encouraged and her daughters nodded.

'I believe Hop Sing has some doughnuts already brought out, why don't we go get some?'

Ben smiled as Missie led the way over to the table, turning back to his guests. 'I want to thank you for coming out, it's a pleasure to have you here.'

'Of course Ben. Anytime the Ponderosa puts on a party you know we're glad to come.' Albert replied. 'Charming girl you've got there Ben.'

'Where'd you get this dress?' Sophie asked as the three of them sat down, listening to the musicians tuning up. 'I haven't seen one like it before, not one with a cape attached to it.'

'Mrs. O'Dell made it for me, I helped with the design.' She replied politely, breaking off a small piece of her donut. 'Your dresses are very nice too.'

'Oh these old things.' Lena scoffed. 'I've worn it to three parties already. Pa's going to take Sophie and I to Sacramento in a couple weeks to get news ones.'

'I don't understand, they still look so nice.'

'After wearing them out in public more then once they become old, they don't hold the boys attention if they keep seeing you in the same old clothes.'

Missie raised her eyebrows. 'I see.'

'Say, are you the same Missie who was wearing a blue dress in the mercantile a couple weeks back?'

Of course. That's where she recognised the girls from. She sighed inwardly. 'The one and only I'm afraid. Look, I don't hold your teasing against you and I'd like to be friends with you.'

'I'm only here talking to you know because Ma said so.'

'Lena-' Sophie, the younger girl interjected. 'She's trying to be nice.'

'Hush it Sophie. I didn't ask for your opinion.' She snapped then looked back at her. 'Just because you got adopted doesn't mean you're in the same social class as us. Your still just a no account orphan.'

Missie sighed and stood up. 'I'm sorry you feel that way Lena, I truly am. I hope for your sake you don't end up one day in my position as being a 'no account orphan' because words once said have a way of coming back to haunt you. Excuse me.'

'Well I never-'

'You having a nice conversation with the girls?' Adam asked as Missie came over to the table where the drinks were to grab some punch.

'It was pleasant for the most part but I feel more like standing here with you.'

'They giving you trouble?'

'No Adam, it's just a matter of a difference of opinion. Nothing more.'

'May I have your attention everyone?' Ben's booming voice brought a quiet hush to the room and he waited for a moment before continuing. 'Thank you. I'd like to thank each of you for your attendance this evening to help us celebrate a special occasion. Missie, why don't you come up here and join me?'

Missie knew it wasn't a question, it was a statement and she felt Adam pat her back reassuringly before she stepped forward and joined Ben beside the fireplace. He smiled, placing his hand on her shoulder.

'I'd like you all to meet Miss Missie Cartwright, a Cartwright not by blood but by something just as strong. What we feel in our hearts. Missie is just as much my child as my sons and I trust that in time she'll become a strong part of our community. We are proud to have her in our family and we all thank you again for coming to celebrate her adoption with us. I hope you all get a chance this evening to come forward and introduce yourselves to Missie and make her feel welcome as part of Virginia City. Right now though before the boys start the music up and we dance the evening away I'd like to propose a toast.' He held up his glass as did everyone else then looked down at the girl. 'To Missie. A young girl with great beauty, a kind heart and a courage unparalleled. May you always have happiness and joy and make the most of every moment that you can.'

'To Missie.'