A/N: This story will be a sequel to my Adam and Cecily family universe started in 'A Waterlily From Inger'. Please note again: This story will contain some scenes of corporal punishment. It will not be in every chapter nor will it be the focus of the story, but it will still be there nonetheless. If this isn't your cup of tea, feel free to read one of the thousands of other wonderful stories on here.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, setting, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

It was an unusually warm late spring day in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. After being cooped up all winter, the entire family was taking full advantage of the nice day.

Cecily was sitting out on the porch doing some much-needed alterations on both her children and her husband's clothes. It was taking her longer than usual as she got distracted every few minutes. Of course, there was always the distraction of the beautiful nature that surrounded the house, pulling her thoughts far away from the Ponderosa.

And then there were her children adding an extra distraction. Since it was one of the first nice days, they all seemed to have extra built-up energy they needed to wear off.

Their youngest children were twin four-and-a-half-year-old girls, Helen and Clara. When they were born, Cecily let out a sigh of relief at the thought that at least they were girls. She couldn't even start to imagine all the mischief they would get into and worry they would cause Adam and herself if they were twin boys.

Adam however wasn't as relieved. He told Cecily that they would still be Cartwrights and even though they're girls, he was very confident that they would still keep them on their toes. Maybe Adam was right, or maybe it's because they're twins, but with those two around, there never was a dull moment.

Cecily looked up from her sewing as she heard the front door open and smiled as she saw Adam stepping out onto the porch to join her.

"Have you finished fixing that chair inside?" Cecily had noticed that one of the kitchen chairs had become a bit wobbly over the last couple weeks and Adam decided now was as good of a time as any to fix it before it got much worse.

"Yes, I have. It's only a temporary fix. Eventually, we'll have to get a new chair. For now, though, it's as steady as a rock." Adam cast his wife a smile as he lowered himself into the empty porch chair next to her. He then smiled to himself as he watched his daughters playing in the front yard.

"Honey, I was thinking it might be time for some refreshments. I believe there are some leftover cookies in the jar in the kitchen as well as some milk in the pantry. I know you just came out and sat down, but would you mind getting them for us and bringing them out here?"

"Not a problem."

Adam had just stood up and was heading for the door when he heard a squabble near the side of the house. He headed down the stairs and over to where he could hear an argument taking place. He arrived just in time to see Clara give her sister a light shove sending her to the ground.

"Clara Ann! Come here this instant!"

Clara's head snapped up as she heard her father's stern voice. She forced herself to walk over to where Adam was standing. Helen by now had righted herself and followed close behind her sister.

Adam crossed his arms over his chest and waited until Clara was standing in front of him before addressing her. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Umm…" She knew her father expected an answer, but she knew the excuse would only get her in trouble more. Instead, she dropped her gaze to the ground and remained silent.

"I'm waiting for an answer, Clara." Adam was trying very hard to keep his temper under control, but this refusal to answer him was making his patience wear thin.

She looked back up at Adam and after seeing the disappointment and hint of frustration on his face, quickly gave her explanation before she made things even worse. "Me and Helen were playing ball. She said she wanted to play with our dolls now, but I wanted to continue playing with the ball."

Adam nodded at the explanation before turning to Helen who was standing a few feet behind her sister. "Is this true, Helen?"

"Yes, Pa. She said that we would get to play dolls after we played with the ball. We've been playing ball this whole time." Helen was more reserved than her sister and liked to play quieter games if given the chance. She didn't mind playing the rough and tumble games sometimes with her sister or older brother, but in the end, she'd always pick more girly games and toys to play with. And if she was promised something, she made sure that person held up their end of the deal.

"Did you promise your sister Clara?" A nod was received in reply. "But you were upset when your sister wanted to stop playing with the ball and then decided to push her down?" Another nod. "I'm sure we taught you that we don't push people when we get mad."

"Yes, Papa."

Adam knelt down on one knee to be eye level with Clara. "I see. Well, sweetheart. The way I see it is you made a promise to Helen and in this family, we don't go back on our promises. So you have two choices. Either you can say you're sorry to your sister and play with what she wants to play now. Or you and I can go inside the house for a discussion and time in the corner. Which one do you choose?"

A pout formed on Clara's face as she thought over her choices for a few long moments. Neither one was very desirable in her eyes, but she knew one would definitely make life much easier on her. "I'll say sorry."

"Wise choice."

Adam stood back up as Clara turned to face Helen. Adam watched the exchange to make sure she properly apologized. "Sorry, Helen. We can play with our dolls now."

"Thanks! I'll go get them now and bring them outside!"

As Helen ran off towards the front door and into the house to go find their dolls, Clara turned to follow her but was stopped short as Adam lightly grabbed her arm. He quickly turned her to the side and landed one firm swat to her backside before turning her back around.

At Clara's hurt look, Adam explained. "That was for pushing your sister. You know better than to behave that way. You're very lucky you aren't getting any more than that."

"Yes, Pa."

"Go on now. It looks like Helen is ready and waiting for you."

Adam watched as Clara joined Helen and started playing, then he headed back to the front steps and inside to get the refreshments.

Several minutes later, Adam returned outside with a tray with a plate full of cookies and a pitcher of milk with some empty glasses. He placed the tray on the little table in front of the chairs on the front porch before calling his children for a break.

It was no surprise that Clara and Helen came running up immediately. Not seeing his oldest, Nathan, he called out to him again. Finally, a small head was seen in the barn opening calling out that he would be there soon.

Nathan was very much like his father. Quite studious and hardworking. He was only nine-years-old, but he helped as much as he could with his younger sisters. However, like Adam, he did have a stubborn streak which got him into trouble sometimes. Overall, though, he was a great help around the ranch and a wonderful older brother.

And it was a good thing he was such a good older brother because he was about to become one again. Cecily is expecting and should be giving birth to a new Cartwright in a month or so.

While the entire family was very excited about this new addition, the twins seemed extremely excited. For them, it would be just like have another doll that they could play with, and it could play with them. Adam only hoped that the twins would adjust quickly to no longer being the youngest in the family anymore. He knew he could count on Nathan to give them pointers and help to occupy their time and keep them busy when both Cecily and himself were busy with the new baby.

Time would tell though. If problems arose, they would face them one day at a time. For now, sitting with his family, drinking some cold milk with cookies was all he had to worry about.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the first chapter. I'm going to try to update this at least once a month, but I work full time and life sometimes gets in the way, so I can't make any guarantees. Also, feel free to let me know if there are any scenes or situations you'd like to see this family encounter. I have a general outline and plot up to about 15 chapters, but can adjust/add as needed or wanted. I'm also open to writing any prequels or sequel one-shots to this story (similar to my story Eternal Legacy that takes place in the future).