Part two is here. Sorry for the delay, but didn't think anyone had wanted to read more. I hope you like it. There is a sequel to this. Years later.



Joe rode his horse into the yard, he had a angry look on his face. He looked back at Melissa, and he stuck out his tongue at her. She just smiled back at him. He rode up to the house, and jumped off. He reached up and took down the string of fish there. He had four small fish. All her fault, she had stolen his fish. Cause he knew he always caught a lot of fish for dinner.



Adam came out of the barn and walked over, he reached up and lifted Melissa off the horse. She gave him a bright smile, which he returned. He glanced at the fish she had caught. She had a good dozen, all good frying size. He reached up and took them down. "Well Melissa, looks like you caught all the fish in the lake."



"Well I tried Adam. Joe caught some too. He's a good fisherman." Adam turned and looked over at his baby brother. Who had his lower lip sticking out. Joe turned and went towards the kitchen, to give the fish to Hop Sing. "He doesn't like me."



"Well Melissa, he's young. In a few years, he will be chasing you around. Then you can ignore him."



"I would never do that." She said as she watched the boy walk away. Adam put his hand on the girls shoulder and lead her towards the house. That little brother of his sure did draw the girls. Even at his age. He could tell Melissa would grow up to be a beauty. Then look out little brother..



That evening after dinner, everyone sat around the fireplace, Ben and Gary talking, Adam reading, Hoss and Joe playing checkers. Melissa sat by the fireplace, watching. She felt left out. Joe had not talked to her, since she had begun catching fish today. Maybe she could bake him some cookies, if Hop Sing would let her in the kitchen. Joe was so cute. She thought he was the cutest boy around. Why when she grew up, she was going to marry him.



The next morning, Melissa was outside jumping rope, Joe came out of the barn, where he had been talking to his favorite indian pony. He turned and went over to the corral, and climbed up to sit by Adam who was watching one of the hands, leading a horse around the corral. Adam turned and smiled at him. Putting a hand out, to assure that his kid brother would not fall.



"Hey Adam, can you take me for a swim? I really like to go down to the lake and swim. Just you and me."



"That's not fair to our guest, she is all alone. Why don't you find something the two of you can do. I tell you what, I'll take you both to town for ice cream."



"Gee Adam, do we have to take a ole girl?" Adam put his hand on his brothers shoulder, and squeezed gently, and gave him a wink. Joe moved to get down, and looked up at his brother."Can we go now?" Adam jumped down, and began to move across the yard.



"You can help me saddle some horses."



An hour and half later, three riders rode into town. Adam slightly ahead of the two youngsters. He led them to the diner. There they dismounted, tied the horses and headed inside the shaded building.



Mary came up to Adam with a smile, wiping her hands on her aprin.She motioned them to the table over by the window. Adam pulled out Melissas chair, and Joe scowled at his oldest brother.



"What can I get for you?"



"Well I would like a cold lemonaid. These younguns would like some ice cream." Melissa smiled and nodded, and Joe looked out the window. He didn't want to talk to her.



Adam put his hat on, as they left the diner. He looked down the street, towards the blacksmiths. He needed to check on his order for horseshoes, and the bits. He glanced down at the kids."I have to go down to the blacksmiths for a moment, then we can go home. Come on."



"Adam can Melissa and I go to the Mercentile store? I could use some candy, and I know Hoss would like some. I have some money." Adam smiled and figured it would be safe enough. He reached into his pocket, and took out a dime and handed it to Melissa.



"Here, Melissa, get yourself some candy."



"Thank you Adam. I wish I had a big brother like you."

Joe grabbed her arm pulling her down the street. Adam turned and went the other direction.



The two kids walked down the boardwalks, in the shade. Pass the various businesses. They finally came to the barrels ouside, and the hanging lanterns, pots, pans, and other things from the porch. Joe lead the way inside. He knew just what he wanted.



Joe came outside and saw two boys outside, playing marbles. They looked up at them. They both got to their feet. They were a year older than Joe. They came up to them, and looked at Melissa. The blond one smiled down at her. "Well looky here, Joe has himself a girl." Joe bristled at the words.



" I do not, Melissa is just visiting. I don't like girls." The dark haired boy smiled.



"Joe and Melissa, sittin in a tree..." Joes fist bunched at his sides.



" Shut up David. Or I will make ya."



"I think she is kinda pretty, maybe I could get a kiss." Said Micky. Melissa took a step forward, and she struck him with her fist right across his nose, blood gushed, and Micky reached for her, angry now. Joe moved swiftly, David moving in as well.



Adam came up the street, wondering at what several men were watching. Probably a fight. He pushed through, and stopped. There was his kid brother, and Melissa, in the middle of it. Looked as though they were winning too. Adam moved forward, he voice calling out."Joe, Melissa! "