The Continuance
It was a late September morning, the temperature warmer than it normally was for that time of year. For most of the month, it had been brisk and cold. But today was different, and every Cartwright felt it when they walked out the front door to get started on their morning chores.
Ben Cartwright's mind however was not on the weather. He had been sitting at his desk for what seemed like hours, despite the fact it was only 7:00 am. He had been pondering the same question for the past two weeks but he was running out of time and knew that today was the day. The day he broke the news to his children. The day he told them he was getting married. He had just determined what he was going to say when he heard them coming in for breakfast. He didn't think meal time was the best time to approach the subject, but he was also afraid that if he lost his nerve, he'd never get it back.
"Pa!" His youngest seven year old Lou Anne called just as soon as she walked through the front door, followed by her four elder siblings.
"Over here," Ben called from his desk.
"Breakfast ready yet HopSing!" 15 year old Hoss was the one to think about food. "Something sure smells good," he said heading straight for the table.
"You weren't raised in a barn Hoss. Wash up," Ben reminded him.
Adam, Kate and Joe followed suit to the wash basin and in a few short minutes the Cartwright family took their places around the table.
Ben didn't eat much but he did manage to swallow several cups of coffee before the rest of the family finished their meal. They were just about to leave the table when Ben stopped them.
"Stay seated. We need to talk."
The three youngest Cartwright's exchanged glances, wondering which one of them had gotten them into trouble to bring about the lecture they were sure was coming.
Ben cleared his throat before starting and they were all equally surprised that when he did speak, instead of hearing indignation in his voice all they sensed was weariness.
"Do you remember two weeks ago when I went to San Francisco for that business trip?"
Neither of his offspring spoke but they did nod.
"Ther reason I ask. Is because while I was away I met someone."
Bens words, made all five look up and stare at him.
"Anyways," he continued. "Her name is Rachel and I asked her to marry me."
"What?" Joe was the first to speak or rather yell.
"Your getting married?!" Adam and Kate questioned simultaneously.
"Yes I am," Ben said flatly.
"Pa, you can't get married," Lou Anne complained loudly.
"Why not?"
"I'll tell you why not!" Kate shoved her chair away from the table roughly. "We don't need anyone else around here!"
Ben, who normally wasn't one to allow any show of disrespect from his children decided to give them some leeway at this time. Understanding that this was a shock to them and was going to cause quite a change for their lives. That being said, he knew he was going to have to take charge.
"You need a mother and Rachel will be a nice addition to the family."
Bens first four words were something neither of them wanted to hear, but especially his youngest. And it was Lou Anne who responded.
"We don't need a mother!" She shouted before running away from the table and out the door.
"It would help if the rest of you approached this open-minded. I want you to give her a chance."
Neither of the others responded and instead made excuses as to why they needed to leave the table.
"Come on Kate, we got wood to stack." Joe followed by his sister were quick to head out the door and follow Hoss out who muttered something about having chores to finish.
Ben didn't say it, but he knew Joe must have been really shook if he suggest he do chores.
"Adam," Ben looked at his eldest and the only one most likely to take the event in stride.
"Not now Pa," Adam shook his head and followed the same path his siblings took just moments ago.
Then again, he'd been wrong before, Ben returned to his desk and dropped his head in his hands.
The five young Cartwright's worked alone for several hours. Each needing some time with their own thoughts to process the news. Adam knew it wouldn't be long before Ben came out looking to talk again, and he as the oldest, at 19 took it upon himself to talk to his siblings where they could speak freely and discuss the sensitive subject of a new stepmother.
"Meeting in the barn," Adam called to his siblings.
Eleven year old Kate, the sibling most like Adam in more ways than one. Intelligent, a desire to read and write, brooding, yet had a stubborn streak to match. Was the first to drop the wood Joe was and go after her brother.
After landing his axe one last time in the log next in line, twelve year old Joe followed suit.
Followed closely by Hoss and Lou Anne.
Hoss didn't need anyone to tell him to close the barn door behind him, already knowing what they were going to discuss and knew that without a shadow of a doubt it was something they didn't want their father to overhear.
"Adam," Lou Anne whined. "Pa can't get married."
"What do you expect me to do about it?"
"Your the oldest," she wined again.
"What's that got to do with it?"
"I don't know," Lou Anne once again complained, only this time louder.
"Stop wining Lou Anne," Adam ordered, still trying to come to terms with the whole thing himself, and the last thing he needed was a bunch of nagging questions. But that's what happens when your the oldest.
"What are we going to do?" This time it was Joe to ask.
"I don't know," Kate was the one answer. "But I'm not happy about it and I'm not going to act like I am."
"Well you better not show it in any way that resembles disobedience or disrespect," Adam warned. "That will only get you a tanning."
"Oh come on Adam," Kate tried to get him to see reason. "You can't be happy about this?"
"What do you think?" Adam said sarcastically.
"I'm just older and know better. Learned from experience so to speak."
"So?" Kate said even more sarcastic. "What's that got to do with it?"
"It means I knew better than to yell at Pa."
"Oh," Kate clenched her teeth.
"But why does Pa want to get married anyway?" Lou Anne looked up at her eldest brother.
Adam sighed as he tried to come up with an explanation that would be suitable children. He wasn't quite sure if he had one but he decided to voice it anyways.
"Pa's still a relatively young and healthy man and I'm sure lonely."
"Lonely?! He's got five kids."
"For woman company Lou Anne," Adam rolled his eyes.
"What's that got to do with it?" Lou Anne repeated the same question her brother did moments ago.
"Nothing," Adam again rolled his eyes. Not about to forge a path to answer that question and get him into a conversation he didn't want to be involved in and get him into hot water with his father.
"So what are we going to do?" Hoss asked the same question his brother did just moments ago.
"There's nothing we can do. If Pa wants to get married, he's going to get married and there's nothing we can do about it."
"That's easy for you to say, you've been through this before." Joe crossed his arms in front of his chest while Lou Anne pouted.
"Getting a new stepmother is never easy," Adam pointed at her.
"Yeah but Rachel, or whatever her name is," Lou Anne grumbled. "Could be the one to break up our family."
"First of all, I suggest you don't say something like that in front of Pa.
Secondly, do you really think Pa would marry someone who wouldn't treat his children like she would her own?"
Hearing Adams last statement, made Joe, Kate and Lou Anne's mouths drop.
"Does she have kids?" Joe was the first one to ask.
Followed closely by Kate. "Are they going to move in with us?"
"Will Pa like them better than us?" Lou Anne being the youngest and her fathers baby was about in tears.
"I don't know," Adam answered Joe and Kate's questions first. "But I'm pretty sure he would have told us."
"And Pa will always love you Lou Anne, no matter how many kids he has," Hoss pulled his baby sister closer to him.
"I still don't like it," she hugged her middle brother tightly.
"It'll be fine," Adam cleared his throat, trying to assure his siblings even if he didn't fully believe it just yet.
XXXXXXXX
It was past the noon hour and no one came in for lunch and Ben was even more surprised when he didn't see Hoss.
He hadn't heard anything outside for awhile and decided to step out the front door to go in search of his children. It was odd not to see any of them about the yard. Especially considering many of their jobs he noticed we're halfway done. Usually he didn't tolerate chores being left undone but he knew they were a bit shaken and deserved more than a little leeway. Secondly, he noticed the barn doors closed, heard voices inside and knew they belonged to those of his children.
The voices ceased just as soon as Ben opened the barn doors and the second he stepped through those doors his children scattered. Kate and Joe back to the wood pile, Hoss tossing hay in the corral and Lou Anne back to the dreaded chicken pen that needed cleaning.
Adam was just passing his father on the way to the corral to help his brother when Ben stopped him.
"Adam."
Adam froze when he heard his name called, dreading the conversation he knew was coming.
"We need to talk son."
Adam slowly turned around to face him knowing he didn't have a choice but to listen to what his father had to say.
"Can't it wait? I have chores to do."
Ben shook his head no. "This is more important."
Adam again didn't say anything, but he was startled by the statement. Knowing it wasn't very often his father put anything above work.
"I know my announcement of marriage was a shock. But its important you understand and come to terms with it. I'm going to need you now more than ever.
"Pa?" Adam couldn't keep the shock from his voice. He knew he was always needed on the Ponderosa. And hearing that he was needed even more now took him by surprise and he wasn't quite sure how to respond.
"You remember what I said at the dinner table? About leaving in two days," Ben refreshed his memory.
"But Pa, two days."
"I know," Ben raised a hand to interrupt. "I should have said something sooner. But I was struggling a bit with it myself and I didn't know how to tell you."
"I can imagine," Adam muttered under his breath.
"I didn't go to San Francisco with intentions to find a wife. But I was having dinner at one of the restaurants near my hotel and there weren't anymore available tables when she arrived and since I was alone she asked if she could join me."
"Let me guess, you started talking and spent every day together after."
"That about sums it up," Ben nodded.
"Just please tell me she knows about us," Adam still wasn't happy about the whole thing but he knew things could get a lot worse if she didn't know her betrothed had five children at home. And it was that Adam wasn't ready to deal with.
"What kind of father do you think I am?" Ben was started by his sons assumption.
"You weren't gone very long Pa and I doubt you spent every minute together talking about your children. After all, you've been home for two weeks and your just now telling us. Two days from when your leaving again. That's not much time to get the kids used to the idea."
"That's where you come in," Ben pointed at him.
"Me?" Adam pointed at himself.
"I need you to help the kids adjust to the coming change. They are going to buck at the idea and chances are they won't give in easily. Especially Joe, Kate and Lou Anne. They've never been through something like this before."
"I know it took me awhile to adjust to Marie," Adam remembered.
"So you know I won't tolerate any disrespect?" Ben looked at him with a raised brow.
"No Sir," Adam shook his head.
"Awe, I'm not worried about you and Hoss," Ben clapped him on the back. "It's the other three I'm worried about," he said in all honesty. "Especially Lou Anne."
"I'll do what I can," Adam figured was the only thing left to say. "But you are going to talk to the others before you go right?" He sounded worried.
"Yes," Ben promised. "You were on the top of my list."
"Who's next?" He wondered curiously.
"Kate."
"Goodluck," Adam offered, obviously not expecting the conversation between father and daughter to go well.
Ben didn't say anything but he did turn up a raised brow.
"Be easy on her Pa," Adam tried to offer a few words of advice. "She's not happy about this."
"I'll handle your sister," Ben didn't sound concerned. "I handled you didn't I?"
"With a firm hand," Adam muttered.
"It worked didn't it?"
"Yeah but Kate," Adam started to say but was cut off.
"Is just like you."
"That's what you keep telling me," Adam muttered, leaving his father alone.
"One down four to go," Ben called Kate over to join him in the barn.
Hearing her father call Kate ran over, barely skidding to a stop in front of him.
"Whatever it is, I didn't do it," she didn't think she did anything wrong but they were in the barn and she didn't want to take any chances.
"You're not in trouble," Ben held up a hand. "I just want to talk to you about Rachel. I want to know how you feel."
"If that's the case, I got a few chores to do. So if you can maybe hold that thought till I'm too old for a tanning, I may be willing to discuss it." Kate started for the barn door.
"Hold it right there," Ben grabbed her arm and spun her around. "I don't like that sarcastic tone and I won't overlook it again," he threatened.
Kate didn't say anything but her face did hold a very unhappy expression.
"And there may be another way, where we can discuss the matter right now."
"What's that?" Kate couldn't help but be curious.
"You can just watch your mouth."
"I guess that could work too," she shrugged.
"And for your information, I'll tan you no matter how old you get."
"Pa," Kate said carefully. "If it's alright with you, do you think we could change the subject to a bit nicer of a topic."
"Fine by me," Ben admitted.
Whew, Kate let out a sigh. She didn't like where he was going at all with that kind of talk.
"Well," Ben started to say again. "How do you feel about Rachel?"
Here he goes again, Kate thought. He definitely wasn't to know how I feel.
"I asked you a question Kate," Ben said firmly.
Oh boy, again Kate started to think. How am I going to get out of this one?
"Kate," Ben repeated, his voice a bit more stern than it was before.
"Well Sir," Kate was still trying to come up with something safe enough to say. The wheels in her mind turning non stop.
"Well what?" Ben took a seat on a hay bale before motioning for her to come closer.
Kate trudged forward and Ben placed a hand on each of her arms.
"You know that I'll always love you, your brothers and sister right?"
Kate nodded and Ben continued.
"But it's been four years since your mother and I'm ready to marry again. Then I met Rachel and."
Ben was making headway with his daughter until Kate heard the words she never wanted to hear him say again.
"And I think she will be a wonderful mother to you."
"No!" Kate yelled without thinking.
Ben stood and spoke in the tone that meant to each one of his children not to push it.
"Katherine Marie Cartwright, you know I don't allow that kind of disrespect. And I'm telling you now I won't take any directed towards Rachel either. Am I making my self clear?"
"Yes Sir," Kate mumbled regretfully.
"Now can you talk rationally?" Ben asked, still slightly annoyed with his daughters behavior. And he was beginning to rethink his decision of no punishment if they got out of line while they discussed their future stepmother.
"Sorry Pa," Kate said apologetically. "I shouldn't have yelled and I know you won't take any disrespect."
Ben wasn't sure why, but for some reason at that moment he began to realize how similar she and his eldest we're alike. Sure he knew they liked a lot of the same things, but sat that moment he felt as if he was experiencing dejavu. He wasn't sure if it was due to the hasty temper or the quick wit to apologize. Either way, there were times when they could be so mature and grown up but the same day they could act like children. Lord, help me he thought. I've got another one. Then again, it wasn't as if Adam ever really acted like a child, he was always the responsible one. Yet there were times when he had to be reminded who was in charge. And Kate, was the exact same way.
"Your forgiven. But I want you to remember to mind the manners I've worked so hard to instill in you. I don't want Rachel thinking I have a passel of rude and unmannered children. Because if you step out of line just once, I'll be sure and put you back in with my belt." He tapped the strip of leather around his waist.
"Yes Sir," Kate said with full understanding.
"I'm not only telling you, I'm telling it to all your brothers and sister," he was sure to add.
Kate nodded, before Ben gave his approval for her to return to her chores.
"How'd it go?" Joe whispered just as soon as she returned to the wood pile.
"It didn't," she shook her head.
"What'd he want?"
"Talk about Rachel."
"Ugh," Joe grumbled
"Don't let Pa hear you talk like that. I did and I'm still surprised I made it out alive."
"Looks like he's talking to Hoss next," Joe nodded with his head in the direction his father was walking. "That just leaves me and Lou Anne."
"Do yourself a favor. Keep your mouth shut and nod a lot."
"Yeah, I've never been able to do that," Joe admitted.
"Me neither. And that's the problem."
"Hoss," Ben approached the corral where Hoss worked distributing hay for the milk cow.
"Yeah Pa," Hoss answered, continuing with his work.
"Put the fork down son, I want to talk."
Hoss jabbed the fork into the ground and turned his attention to his father.
Ben didn't miss the rough treatment his son inflicted on the fork knowing it was quite out of character for the boy to do anything of the nature on almost anything. He knew the cause, but his ignored the temptation to call him out on it.
"Hoss," Ben said again. "I've talked to Adam and Kate and I'd like to know you feel about Rachel."
"I don't know Pa," Hoss said hesitantly, obviously unsure what to say on the subject. "I mean it worked out before," he said thinking of Marie.
"It did," Ben nodded smiling.
"But they'll never be anyone like Ma," Hoss said sadly, thinking of the only mother he knew.
"No there won't be," Ben had to admit he was right. "But that doesn't mean there aren't any other kind women in the world. And I found one in Rachel."
Hoss turned away shyly but continued to speak.
"Will she be able to handle life way out here away from the city?"
"On the contrary, she's looking forward to the change."
"Even though she's marrying a man with five children?" Hoss wasn't sure if he was saying the right thing, but he knew he had to question out. If not for himself, for his younger siblings.
"She loves kids," Ben enlightened him. "Up till now, she's worked in her aunt and uncles store and loved working the candy counter. After her uncle died, her aunt decided to put the store up for sale and return east. This all happened right around the time I arrived in San Francisco, but couldn't leave right away until the store was sold. I received a telegram from her yesterday saying the store had been sold and she's free to leave."
"Whatever you say Pa," Hoss shrugged, returning to his chores, obviously wanting to put an end to their conversation.
Ben didn't say anything as he turned to walk away, thinking how much better things went with Hoss than they did with Kate. Then again, Hoss was always careful with what he said and would tell Adam what he thought before he would tell himself. In fact, they all would.
Ben still had two other children to speak with, yet was already wore out.
He had no desire to battle it out with Joe and Lou Anne and increase his his stress level that day, but due to the time limit, he knew he didn't have a choice. Then again, that didn't mean he couldn't take a few minutes to catch his bearings. He was just about to return to the house when he came up with an idea, making an announcement loud enough for each of his children to hear from where they were working in and around the yard.
"If the fine weather lingers and since no one came in for lunch I'm thinking about asking HopSing to pack us a picnic and we'll go down to the lake."
"But Pa?" Adam looked up surprised. "What about all the chores we have to get too before winter?"
"I don't see why they can't wait for a couple hours do you?"
"Guess not," Adam shrugged.
"Can we go fishing Pa?" Hoss was quick to ask, making it hard to tell if he was in a hurry to eat or just for the break from chores.
"I don't see why not," Ben smiled at his middle sons expression. "Now if you want to go I suggest you finish up what your working on so we can get going," he announced lastly before going in search for Hop Sing.
XXXXXXXX
An hour or so later found the Cartwright family lounging just near the lake with their picnic basket, fishing poles, books and journal.
Kate had just swallowed a sip of water from her canteen when she glanced out across the lake.
"We should go swimming," she immediately brightened at the idea.
"The weather might be warmer than usual but the water isn't and you can still catch cold," Ben reminded her.
"Might be worth it," Kate grinned.
"You get in that water and I'll warm your butt up with my belt," Ben warned her.
"Pa," Kate complained.
"I don't want to come home to any sick kids. That's the last thing I want to spring on Rachel on the first day."
Adam and Kate exchanged glances, Hoss started to pay attention to the blade of grass he was fingering while Joe and Lou Anne dropped their heads all together when their father mentioned their impending step mother.
Ben knew he hadn't had the chance to spoken to each of his children privately just yet, but he thought he would take another chance at speaking with them all together one more time.
"Is there anything any of you would like to know about Rachel?" Ben asked as he took a small bite from his sandwich.
"Whats her last name Pa?" Adam was the one to ask. "I don't remember you mentioning it."
"Madden," Ben answered his question.
"Does she have any other family?" Joe wondered about the question he asked Adam earlier about her having her own children.
"Her parents live somewhere up east, but she was an only child and has never been married."
"Are you going to marry in San Francisco?" Lou Anne was to ask this question.
"No," Ben shook his head. "I'd like you all to be there and I thought what would be better than a nice wedding here at the Ponderosa."
Ben didn't miss the slight moan that escaped his three youngest children, and even though he had every intention of being easy on them, he knew he had to perform his fatherly duty.
"I know this came to a shock to you," Ben cleared his throat to get their attention. "But I want us all to be one happy family. And the only way for that to happen is for you to accept Rachel as your stepmother."
"We don't want a stepmother," Kate said angrily. "Things are fine the way they are."
"Katherine," Ben glared at his daughter. "You've already been warned about your behavior. "And I expect you to heed what I've said."
"Yes Pa," Kate knew not only by his tone but by the referral of her full first name that he meant business.
"Anyways," Ben cleared his throat. "Adams in charge."
"As usual," Lou Anne muttered under her breath.
Ben ignored her comment and continued with the mental list of preparations he had made to go over with his children.
"Rachel will be staying in the room downstairs before the wedding and I'll need some of you to help Hop Sing get it ready."
"We'll take care of it Pa," Adam assured him.
"And I'll leave a list of winter preparations that you'll need to get too."
"Adam and I'll get it done Pa," Hoss promised.
"And I expect you all to pitch in and do your share," Ben looked at his three youngest.
Joe, Kate and Lou Anne knew he expected an swear just by his expression and they were quick to respond with a serious nod.
"Adam, Hoss, Kate, you three are excused. I need to talk Joe and Lou Anne."
Being dismissed, Hoss was quick to grab up his fishing pole while Adam and Kate took a walk along the edge of the lake to look for arrowheads things alike.
Adam was busy tossing a few twigs into the rolling water while Kate looked along the bank for things to caught her interest.
With Lou Anne busy climbing trees, Ben started with Joe.
"Joe," Ben knew how he had started out with his previous three and he hadn't gotten very far. Unfortunately, what else was he to say? The whole reason they were talking was so he could dig a little deeper into their personal feelings regarding their future stepmother.
"So Joe," Ben repeated, obviously still nervous about the whole thing.
"So Pa," Joe grinned.
Ben cleared his throat and proceeded with the usual question.
"What do you think about Rachel?"
"Don't know her," Joe shrugged.
"That is true," Ben was surprised the boy was being so honest and hadn't blown everything out of proportion as usual.
"I know you've brought stepmothers home to Adam and Hoss and they've all been nice. Do you think Rachel will be the same?"
"I promise Joseph," Ben looked at him seriously. "And I don't break my promises."
"She doesn't have any kids she's going to be bringing with her does she?" Joe was trying to hide the worry in his voice but it was plain as day that he wasn't doing a very good job.
"No," Ben smiled at the boys question. "I think the five I have is enough, don't you?"
"More than enough," Joes eyes were wide.
"Can I go fishing now Pa?" Joes eyes kept darting from the lake to his father.
"Go ahead," Ben gave his approval.
Ben was shocked as he watched his son grab his pole and make a run for the water.
He wasn't sure just who that boy was that he had spoken with but he was certain it couldn't have been Joseph Cartwright. For a minute, Ben considered going over and checking the boy for a fever. Knowing if he continued to resemble less than normal before he would do just that and send Adam or Hoss for the doctor.
"Lou Anne!" Ben called his youngest down from the tree. "Let's take a walk."
Lou Anne moaned from the top limb, she had a feeling this talk was coming.
"Coming Pa," she climbed down regretfully.
Father and daughter walked hand in hand. Lou Anne choosing to remain silent.
Ben knew this was quite out of the ordinary for the girl and again he found herself concerned for the well being of one of his children. Then again, he had been wrong before and he was just about to see that again.
"What you thinking about sweetheart?"
"Oh nothing," Lou Anne tried to sound convincing.
"What do you think about your Pa getting married?"
If only I could say I think your crazy, Lou Anne thought. But of course she never would. At least not to her Pa.
"Lou Anne," Ben pushed for an answer.
"Pa, you can't get married!" Lou Anne whined and complained so loudly it wasn't a wonder everyone in Virginia City didn't know he was getting married.
"We don't need anybody else around here! Things are fine the way they are."
"I never said they weren't," Ben tried to get her to calm down.
"Then why are you getting married?"
"Did you ever stop to think that I might be lonely? Its been four years since your mother passed away and I think it's time we open up."
"You open up! I'll stay shut!" Lou Anne yelled before taking off in a dead run.
"Lou Anne Cartwright!" Ben yelled loud enough for every Lou Anne in the world to look up and take notice.
"Stop right there!" He ordered.
With everything in her, Lou Anne wanted to keep running. But something inside her made her stop. She didn't know if it was out of fear or because she knew better, but she eventually turned around her head bowed low.
"Look at me Lou Anne," Ben said sternly, once he approached her.
Willfully, Lou Anne drew her eyes to meet his. They didn't look all that appealing, but there was something in them that showed understanding.
"This is the last time I'm going to excuse you running away from me after showing disrespect. You understand me young lady?"
"Yes Pa."
"I'd really like you to be okay with this before I go," he softened, taking her hand in his again.
"I know it's going to take time for you to adjust but I don't want you giving your brother a hard time while he's in charge."
"I know Pa," she said ruefully.
"And I don't suppose I have to warn you about your behavior towards myself or Rachel upon my return?"
"No Pa," Lou Anne still wasn't happy about it, but she knew she couldn't come right out and say it. That would only cause trouble for herslf.
"Can I go back to my tree now?" She asked dancing around, in a hurry to be excused.
Ben sighed and gestured with his head. "Go on."
"Thanks Pa!" She yelled, again taking off in a dead run. Only this time in the opposite direction.
"Adam look!" Kate squealed when she caught sight of a black arrowhead glistening just in the water.
"Never seen one like that before," Adam admired the shiny object.
"I want it," she said wide eyed.
"Better not," Adam shook his head.
"But it's so pretty!" Kate longed to run her fingers over the smooth point.
"And it's too far."
"Adam please," she pleaded with her elder brother.
"Kate, you heard what Pa said. Now unless you want to see his hands move to that belt. You better leave it be. Your already skating on some mighty thin ice with him."
Kate hesitated, but eventually gave in.
"Fine, but you better get me away from here. I'm too tempted to try it."
"Come on," Adam drug her along.
Unfortunately, they weren't very far away when Kate spied another arrowhead. This time a silvery gray colored one with red specks covering it. This one however wasn't nearly as far in as the other and Kate knew she wouldn't even get her feet wet reaching for this one. Things were going along splendidly, her fingers grasping the fascinating object when she lost her balance and fell in.
"Kate!" Adam, who had been walking a few steps ahead didn't even know what his sister was up to until he heard a splash.
"I lost my balance," she started to explain as he reached her.
He was just pulling her out of the water when their father came up on them.
He immediately went to unbuckling his belt when Adam ran up the bank, hoping to stop him.
"Pa! Wait!" Adam stepped in front of him. "It was an accident. She was looking for arrowheads and lost her balance."
"Kate!" Ben looked at his daughter intently. He knew his children didn't lie but he looked at her in a manner that demanded truthfulness.
"It's true Pa," Kate gulped, trying to find the right words to help get her out of trouble. "I'm sorry Pa, I didn't mean it."
Ben turned to his son and Adam nodded. "If it helps any, she left one behind that I told her was too far."
A smile to spread across Bens and he couldn't help but laugh at his daughters appearance. Not only from her disheveled clothing but also from the looked that crossed her face when Adam mentioned leaving one behind. Knowing that when his eldest daughter got something in her mind, she was as stubborn as he and Adam put together.
"Let's go find Lou Anne and the boys so we can get you home and warmed up," Ben took his jacket off before helping her pull it over her arms.
"I'm okay Pa," Kate tried to say. Unfortunately for her, it was at that time a shiver chose to run through her body.
"Come here," Ben picked her up in his strong arms to carry her the rest of the way.
"I'm going to get you wet," Kate said apologetically.
"I don't care about that," Ben tightened his grip. "You need to keep warm."
"You want my jacket?" Adam offered his sister.
"I'm fine older brother," Kate looked over her fathers shoulder to smile at him.
Minutes later, and the three Cartwright's returned to their picnic sight where Hoss and Joe were fishing and Lou Anne was busy trying to tease her brothers by threatening to drop their hats in the water.
"You drop that hat in the water little sister and I'm going to pound you," Hoss threatened just before they noticed their Pa and sister. Adam having run ahead to hitch up the buckboard.
Climbing into the back with Kate and Lou Anne, Hoss climbed up front while Adam picked up the reigns.
"Joe!" Ben called for the boy. "Get a move on!"
"Awe but Pa, I'm still fishing," the boy complained.
"Joseph!"
"Coming Pa," Joe knew his father meant business just by the tone and knew he better hurry.
They were just about to pull into the yard when Ben started issuing orders.
"Hoss, put the team away. Adam, Joe get the washtub ready, Lou Anne tell Hop Sing to make a cup of hot tea and get your sister some dry clothes."
"Oh Pa," Kate started to complain. "I don't need all that."
"And I already said I don't want any sick kids. You are going to do everything I say and your are going to be happy about it." He said slowly, making sure she understood how firm he was on his decision."
Ten minutes later and Kate was being stripped down in front of a roaring fire and planted in the tub.
"I'm going to go check on that tea," Ben stood up straight, his back aching from all the leaning over he had been doing.
"I don't like it," Kate looked sad.
"Hang in there," he patted her head on the before heading for the kitchen.
Ben sighed as he carried her wet clothes along with him, knowing Hop Sing would want to tend to them sooner than later. As well as to find a clean towel she would be able to dry off with when she was done.
"I hate baths," Kate grumbled as her father handed her a hot cup of bitter tea.
"You just remember why you're in there," he pointed at her.
"I didn't do it on purpose Pa," Kate reminded him. Trying to appear serene, not wanting him to change his mind on punishment.
"Even so," he pointed at her. "You should have minded your brother. And I expect you to do just that while I'm away."
"He never told me I couldn't get that one," Kate tried picking up for herself. "And I do listen to him, most of the time."
Ben couldn't help but chuckle at his daughters expression and attempt to convince him of how her behavior wasn't wrong just curious and then she had the nerve to remind him of how he wanted bright eyed children to figure things out for their own.
"Did you at least get the arrowhead?"
"In my jacket pocket, she brightened. "Pa, do you think you can get me a bow and arrow from one of your indian friends?"
"Good Lord No," Ben said without thinking.
"Awe Pa."
"Drink your tea," Ben ordered putting an end to the topic. "Then wash up," he placed the bar of soap on the hearth next to her before turning to leave her alone for a few moments, wanting to give her a little privacy to wash up. It was during these moments, Ben found that he couldn't wait for Rachel to arrive and be able to take care of some of the thing that involved his children, especially his daughters. He had learned how do a lot of things Marie had done before she passed, like braiding hair, mending stockings and buying dresses. Even though they were only worn for school and church, or any other time they were forced. Kate was still young and he knew she didn't mind him being there. He being the only parent she basically knew who cared for her. And it wasn't as if he was embarrassed. He had been caring for her since she was born, changing diapers, assisting in baths and tending to injuries, like the time she fell butt first into a cactus.
That was a painful experience all on its own. He having to be extra careful removing the stickers, Adam having to hold her still and Kate trying to keep from blubbering all over herself from the discomfort.
XXXXXXXX
That night after dinner, the family sat down for a quiet evening together. It would be one of the last with just the six of them
Adam was strumming lightly on his guitar while Hoss and Joe battled it out on the checker board.
Lou Anne was sitting on her Pa's lap while he smoked his pipe and Kate had her head buried in a book.
"What are you reading?"
"Treasure Island," Kate looked up.
"Are you enjoying it?"
"I am," Kate nodded. "But I don't understand all the nautical terms."
Setting his pipe down, Ben held out his arm to her.
"Come here, maybe I can explain them to you. I did serve on a ship back in the day."
"But Lou Anne's sitting with you."
"There'll always be room for you too," Ben pulled her into his lap before planting a kiss on her head.
Kate giggled before showing Ben some of the words she was having trouble with.
"How bout I read aloud for a few minutes?" Ben suggested. "You can stop me when there's a word you don't understand."
"Oh yes Pa," Kate said excitedly. Loving anytime her Pa or Adam chose to read aloud. She and Adam did it fairly regular, but it had been awhile since her Pa did and everyone was taking notice. Adam set his guitar aside to listen and even Hoss and Little Joe ended their game without settling for a winner and for Joe that was tough. Especially considering he was winning and not exactly by a landslide.
It was decided, that he would start at the beginning to help the youngest members of the family understand the story better and he continued to read for almost an hour before the clock struck nine and it was time for bed for the four younger Cartwright.
Leaving Ben and Adam to discuss the ranch and other winter preparations that needed to be done while Ben was away.
Once upstairs, Hoss carried Lou Anne into her bedroom while Kate pulled Joe aside.
"So how'd it go with Pa?"
"I'm still not sure how I did it," Joe said in all honesty. "But I kept my mouth shut."
"Wish I could have," Kate admitted. "But something in side of me raged up and I couldn't keep my smart mouth shut."
"You have a smart mouth and I have a temper," Joe compared them. "It'll be a miracle if we survive Pa."
"Adam did," Kate shrugged, "And according to Pa, he was a handful."
"Maybe there's hope for us yet," Joe grinned.
"Joseph! Katherine!" Ben warned from the bottom of the stairs. "Bed now!"
"How'd you know?!" Kate couldn't help but ask.
"Don't make me come up there!"
"Goodnight!" Brother and sister made tracks.
XXXXXXXX
The dawn of Bens leaving was soon upon them and just as he predicted he was faced with a bunch of sorrowful looking children. He wasn't sure if it was because of his leaving again so soon or because he was bringing home a new wife. Either way they weren't happy and Ben had a feeling it had to do with the latter.
"Take care of them son," Ben gripped Adams hand tightly before pulling him in for a hug.
"I will," Adam promised as Ben turned to his middle son.
"Hoss, help your brother when you can. I know this isn't an ideal time to be leaving.
But I'm depending on you two to make sure we're ready for the first heavy snow."
"Adam and me will get it done." Hoss was just proud his father trusted him to help take care of things.
"Adam and I," Ben didn't miss Adams grammar correction of his brother.
ignoring it, Ben turned to his youngest son.
"Joe, please mind Adam. Do your chores and try to stay out of trouble."
Everyone noticed Bens use of the word and try and Joe couldn't help but grin mischievously.
"I mean it Joe," Ben ruffled the boys hair.
"Kate," Ben pulled his youngest daughter in for a hug. "I expect you to help Hop Sing around the house. I don't want to come home to a mess."
"The house will still be standing Pa," Kate assured him.
"Lou Anne," Ben lifted his youngest into his arms. "Be a good girl and help your sister."
"I don't want you to go Pa," Lou Anne looked at him sorrowfully.
"I know baby," Ben kissed her cheek. "But I won't be gone long, you'll see."
Ben placed his daughter back on her feet before taking one last look at the five of them before climbing aboard the buckboard with one of the hired hands.
Adam offered to drive him into town to catch the stage himself but he declined, saying it would be best if he stayed behind to get started on chores and stay with the children. He knew they weren't exactly happy with the situation, but he hoped they would at least tolerate the news well enough to keep from giving their brother a hard time.
Things weren't going anywhere near smoothly with Ben away, and they were about to get worse.
There was a knock at the door and Adam left the desk piled with paperwork to answer it.
"Adam," Brett, one of the hired hands spoke.
"Telegram for Hopsing," he handed it to his bosses son.
"Thanks," Adam closed the door behind him. "Hop Sing," he called.
"Mister Adam?" Hop Sing hurried in from the kitchen.
"Telegram for you," he started to hand it to him when the cook declined.
"Read, glasses in room."
Adam shrugged but opened the folded sheet of paper.
"Hop Sing ... Stop ... San Francisco ... Stop ... SueLing ... Stop ... Sick."
HopSings hands went to his mouth, concern showing in his eyes.
"Who's SueLing?" Adam looked confused.
"Number one cousin need help."
"Guess you better get going," Adam said as if that was the end of it.
"Can't," Hop Sing shook his head. "Can't leave number one son alone."
"We'll be fine," Adam assured him.
"House, kitchen, children, ranch," Hop Sing listed everything Adam would be in charge of if he was to leave.
"I can handle it," Adam promised.
"Children?" HopSing still wasn't convinced.
"I can handle it," Adam repeated. "Now go."
Hop Sing hesitated and again Adam
"That's an order," Adam gave him a small smile, knowing he had never given him an order before and to show that he wasn't serious unless Hop Sing pressed the issue. Thinking in that way, he would have Hoss carry him to the buckboard himself.
Again, hired hand Brett was called on to take Hop Sing to the stage while Adam met with his siblings to discuss a new plan, now that they were losing a valuable member of their team when it came to meals and overall house chores aside from the ones the five of them did to pitch it. But that wasn't nearly as much compared to Hop Sing, and they were about to find out just that.
"What is it this time Adam?" Joe grumbled as he came in from outside, followed closely by his sisters.
After relaying the news to his siblings, the four responded in their usual manner when it came to change.
"What are we going to do?" Hoss was experiencing an unusual show of fear.
"We're all going to starve to death," Lou Anne responded in her general way of blowing things out of proportion.
"We'll be fine," Kate crossed her arms in front of her chest. "We're Cartwright's and we'll survive."
"We'll all pitch in with the cooking," Adam assured them.
"Like I said," Lou Anne repeated. "We're all going to starve to death."
"This is going to make for a long week," Joe looked worried. "Or however long he's going to be gone."
Things got even worse later that day when Joe disappeared without a word and Kate was left to do the cooking.
"Anyone know where Joe is?" Hoss grumbled coming into the house, aggravated that he had been left to do all the feeding, mucking out the stalls and filling the troughs.
"Nope," Lou Anne replied from where she was busy setting the dinner table.
"Isn't he out there doing chores?" Adam stepped away from his fathers desk.
"Horse is gone and he didn't do his chores."
"That boy," Adam ran a hand through his hair frustrated.
"What are we going to do Adam?" Hoss knew the three youngest weren't allowed to leave the ranch yard unless otherwise directed or had permission.
Adam was just about to respond when Kate spoke up.
"Joe not back yet?" She asked as she carried the slightly burned meal to the table.
"You know where he is?" Hoss looked surprised.
"Said he was going to town," she shrugged.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Adam wasn't even trying to hide the frustration he was feeling.
"I told him not to go," she tried.
"Great, just great. I got enough to do around here than waste my time going in search of my wayward kid brother," Adam slapped his hat against his thigh.
"Better get going," Kate obviously wasn't taking her brothers frustrations serious and that angered him even more.
"And while I'm gone, I expect you to do every chore your supposed too. AND MORE," he pinned his finger firmly against her chest.
"If it wouldn't be for that lady he's bringing with him I'd say I can't wait for Pa to come home and your not in charge anymore." Kate didn't like taking his discipline.
"If Pa was here you'd be getting more than extra chores for being secretive and not telling him that your brother disobeyed a direct order. You know that you, Joe and Lou Anne aren't allowed to leave the ranch without permission." He said before storming out of the house.
Hoss gave her several minutes to cool down so to speak before taking the time to talk. Knowing that she and Adam didn't go at it very often but when they did they were so much alike it often turned into a full-fledged war. She and Adam both obviously choosing to skip dinner.
"You know Adams right," Hoss found her cleaning up in the kitchen.
"I'm not a squealer Hoss and you know that we don't squeal on each other either."
"I know Kate," Hoss placed a hand on her shoulder. "And so does Adam. But this is different. Pa deliberately told Adam not to let any of us go to town and you know Little Joe could find trouble at a Sunday School picnic."
Kate sighed, dropping her head, for the first time realizing if her brother got into trouble it would be her fault for not warning the brother in charge.
"I'm sorry Hoss."
"I think it's Adam you owe the apology. If Little Joe does get into trouble and Pa finds out, you know he won't be none too happy with big brother."
"I will Hoss," Kate promised. "Sure hope Joe stays out of trouble for once."
"Me too," Hoss agreed. "For all our sakes."
It was almost an hour and a half by the time Adam arrived, dragging an unhappy Little Joe in the house.
"I'm going to pound you Joe," Hoss advanced on the boy.
"I didn't do anything to you," Joe tried to hide behind Adam, who still had a firm grip on his arm.
"You left me to do your barn chores and mine."
"Which is why Joe is going to repay the favor tomorrow," Adam intervened. "Aren't you Joe?"
"Yes," Joe mumbled. Obviously still upset with his brothers punishment. But knew better than to argue with both his brothers too close for comfort.
"Go to your room," Adam released his grip as he issued another order. "We'll see you bright and early to get started on chores."
Joe sighed, but knew he owed his siblings an apology.
"I'm sorry I ran off," Joe dropped his head before continuing with the apology. "I wasn't trying to cause trouble. I was hungry and wanted to get something to eat when I heard Kate was cooking."
"Why I aught to," this time it was Kate's turn to make her own advances.
Fortunately for Little Joe she had to go past Adam who caught her with his arm and pulled her back not so gently.
Kate, who still wasn't happy with her eldest brother pulled herself away from him returning to the kitchen, muttering something about all the extra work she was having to do.
With Joe upstairs, Kate in the kitchen and Lou Anne playing by the fire, Hoss took the time to talk to Adam once he returned from applying a firm hand to his brothers backside.
"Adam, I know your not in the mood after Joe," Hoss was quick to say. Not exactly wanting to get on his brothers bad side, especially considering Kate and Joe already were. "But you and Kate got to patch things up."
"It's fine Hoss," Adam ignored him. "She'll get over it."
"Adam," Hoss tried again. "You two don't normally go at it and it shows." Hoss who normally didn't have to be the voice of reason was trying to talk some sense into older brother Adam.
"No it doesn't," he argued.
"You two are almost identical in character and a stubborn streak to match. But your still the oldest and you have to stop it," Hoss refused to back down. "Pa would expect it."
Adam sighed, but promised to think about it as he took a few minutes to catch his breath out on the porch. He normally didn't have to go as far as dishing out punishment to one of his siblings, and he hated to do it. Even though he knew Joe deserved the spanking and Kate deserved the extra chores.
Finishing with the kitchen chores, Kate decided to slip out the kitchen door and relax on the front porch. Unbeknownst to her, that her eldest brother was already out there.
"What are you doing out here?" Kate leaned against the porch rail.
"Same as you I guess."
The two didn't say much, but eventually Kate broke the silence, trying to make conversation.
"What jobs do you think we ought to tackle tomorrow on the winter list Pa left?"
"I'm trying to figure that out now," Adam admitted. "I lost needed time today."
"Sorry," Kate knew what he was getting at.
"Your not the one that ran off."
"No, but I should've told you about Joe sooner. Hoss explained how if he would have gotten into trouble I would be partially to blame."
"That makes two of us," Adam sighed. "I was the one left in charge."
"He said that too."
"I wonder where that little brother of mine got so smart?" Adam looked at Kate surprised.
"I wondered that too," Kate agreed. "I thought we were the smart ones?"
Adam chuckled and Kate continued.
"I don't like it when we fight. I don't find satisfaction when it's over like I do the others."
"Not sure what I'm supposed to say to that," an odd looked crossed Adams face. "But I don't like it when we fight either."
"Truce," Kate held out a hand.
"Truce," Adam shook it. "But I'm still in charge. Now get to bed."
XXXXXXXX
Ben and his lovely fiancee were taking a leisurely walk down the sidewalk when Ben caught sight of someone he recognized leaving the general store.
"Hop Sing?" He picked up his pace when he saw his cook and family friend.
"Mistah Cartwright," HopSing gestured with a slight bow.
"Is something wrong?"
Ben didn't even give him a chance to reply, his concerns going straight to his children.
"Is it the children? Adam? Hoss? Little Joe? Kate? LouAnne?"
HopSing was about to respond when Ben thought.
"Wait," Ben went pale. "It's Adam isn't it?" Ben knew that the only reason Hop SI ng would have traveled all that way would be if something wrong with his eldest and the rest of his children needed care. Knowing that Adam would be more than capable of caring for one of the younger children one of them been ill or hurt.
"Number one son fine," Hop Sing managed to get the words out.
"Then," Ben realized he may be wrong.
"Children all fine," Hop Sing eased his bosses tension. "Number one cousin ill send Hop Sing. Mistah Adam say go."
"Of course," Ben managed to calm himself when he realized his children were safe.
"He say they be fine."
"And I'm sure they are," Ben nodded. "You must go check on your family," Ben dismissed the faithful employee and family friend.
HopSing gave another slight bow before hurrying off to his cousins.
"I have to go," Ben looked at Rachel just as soon as they parted ways with Hop Sing.
"I'll finish packing my things," Rachel picked up the pace.
"Wait," Ben stopped, trying to regain control of himself.
"I'm sure they are fine. Adam can take care of things."
"Are you sure?" She wanted to make sure he was adamant on his decision before they continued on their plans for the day.
Ben hesitated but eventually responded. "Yes, I promised you some time with just the two of us and we are going to take it." He took her arm in his and led her over to the restaurant.
Ben stared at the menu in front of him for what seemed like ten minutes to that of his fiancée.
"Ben," she had to repeat herself three times to get her attention.
"Hmm," he finally looked up, forcing a smile.
"Let's go, I know you want to go home."
"We can't," Ben again declined. "Adam will think I don't trust him."
"You've left him in charge of the others before haven't you?"
"Of course," Ben nodded.
"Then why is this time different?"
"The ranch, cooking, cleaning and taking care of four children who are a handful even when they are at their best."
"Then what is it?" She interrupted.
"They are still adjusting to the news of a new step mother and that's going to change their behavior."
"Can't really blame them," Rachel shook her head.
"We'll see about that."
"Let's go home," she looked at him intently.
"You understand that if we go now, I don't know when we will get time alone again. I have the ranch, the kids," Ben named a few.
"We'll just have to make time on the Ponderosa then," she made the decision before scooting her chair back so she could finish packing while Ben secured passage for the next stage.
XXXXXXXX
Lou Anne was just coming from the chicken pen where she was doing one of her dreaded chores when a wagon raced into the yard.
"Adam! Adam! Come quick!" She yelled when she noticed hired hand Brett injured in the back.
Seconds later, and Adam was in the yard helping unload the bleeding man.
"What happened?" He asked just as soon as they got him settled In the bunk house.
"Attacked," Miles the hired hand that drove the wagon responded to his young bosses question.
"How?" Hoss ran into the bunkhouse when he heard what happened.
"Cougar," Miles started to load his rifle in preparation to go after them.
"Hoss," Adam turned to his brother as the two went into the yard.
"Saddle the horses," Hoss started for the barn when Adam stopped him.
"Just mine Hoss."
"What? Adam!" Hoss ran after his brother. "I'm going too."
"No your not Hoss," Adam said firmly.
"Come on Adam, you know I'm getting really good at tracking."
"I'm not going to argue with you. But I have to be the boss right now and have to go."
"Don't pull rank on me Adam."
"Hoss, you know someone has to stay with the kids."
"Joe's here," Hoss followed Adam into the house who was going for his coat and rifle."
"Really Hoss?" Adam just looked at him. "I might as well set fire to the house myself. They'll be the same result."
"What about Kate?"
"If Pa found out we left our eleven year old sister in charge of the ranch he'd tan our hides."
"Fine," Hoss surrendered. He was still unhappy about the whole thing but he knew his brother was right.
"Thanks Hoss, your the only one I can depend on right now."
"Yeah," Hoss headed back outside to saddle his brothers horse.
With Adam gone, Hoss headed back into the house to work in the downstairs room his brother asked him to take care of while he was gone.
After observing in great detail what needed to be done, Hoss decided to completely replace the fringed worn out ropes underneath. It took almost an hour for Hoss to finish with the bed, satisfied the job was done well enough, he headed back out to the barn to get started on afternoon chores.
Pretending to straighten up the pitcher on the wash basin, Lou Anne waited for her brother to leave before she pulled the pocket knife from her pocket and shimmied under the bed to frail the new ropes. Smiling at the job, Lou Anne hurried out of the room before she could be caught, content to wait for the woman to arrive and watch her plan unfold.
XXXXXXXX
Ben Cartwright was grateful when he realized that he and his fiancée would have the stage to themselves during their travels. Knowing the privacy would give them the opportunity to speak freely about the future.
Unfortunately, for the first several hours Ben didn't say a word.
"You look to be a million miles away Ben," Rachel rubbed a hand on his arm.
"Sorry," Ben apologized, knowing he wasn't being a pleasant traveling companion.
"What are you thinking about?"
"The past," he sighed.
"Good or bad memories?"
"Both."
"Want to talk about it?"
Again Ben sighed, but eventually began where his thoughts left off.
"Adam and Hoss were shocked when I returned home married to Marie."
"What happened?"
"It didn't take long for lovable Hoss to accept her as his mother. And as little as he was, he even tried to convince Adam to do the same."
"But?" Rachel could tell there was a but coming.
"But Adam had to remain hard headed and refused to bend."
"Did he ever adjust?"
Ben nodded with a yes and Rachel voiced another concern.
"You don't think he'll," Rachel wasn't able to finish her question, worry heavy in her voice.
"Adam is the least of my worries this time around," Ben was confidant in his two eldest sons behavior.
Ben tried to appear light hearted for awhile, trying to do his part to uphold his part of the conversation. Unfortunately, after awhile he couldn't help but dive into his thoughts and worries.
"What is it?" Rachel looked at him.
"Nothing," Ben tried to set his concerns aside.
"I know we haven't known each other for long," Rachel admitted. "But when you love someone that doesn't matter. And I can see it on your face."
Ben sighed, but eventually relented his concerns to her. Knowing it wouldn't be wise to start a fresh relationship on a lie.
"I'm just thinking about my children."
"Tell me about them?" Rachel appeared genuinely curious about her future stepchildren.
A smile started to spread across the obvious proud fathers face as his thoughts returned to his children.
"Adams 19, he was born to my first wife Elizabeth from Boston. She died in childbirth. I had a dream to go west and Adam and I started on our journey. It was a hard life on the trail with me and my small son. When Adam was four I met Inger and soon after Eric was born who Adam took it upon himself to nickname Hoss because of his size. He's 15 now. Anyways, there was an Indian attack on the trail when Hoss was a baby and Inger died in that attack."
"You had two little boys alone?" Rachel's hand went to her mouth.
Ben nodded and Rachel continued.
"How did you ever make it?"
"It wasn't easy," Ben remembered. "But eventually I started out with a small spread and Adam and Hoss did just about as much work as I did to get it to where it is today."
"What about your other children?"
"A few years later I made a business trip to New Orleans and met Marie. We married there and I brought her home to meet my two boys. It was a difficult adjustment for both Adam and Maria but she eventually won him over. Joseph was born between that time and is now 12. A year later and Kate was born. She's 11 now and she and Adam have much in common and sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm the only parent they share the same. Lou Anne was our surprise child and 8. She has a temper to match Little Joes and the two of them could find trouble in paradise."
"It seems like they all share certain personalities but Hoss?" She noticed.
Ben smiled when he realized how inept she was, despite the fact she had never met the boy.
"Hoss is his own special person. A gentle giant so to speak. And has a relationship with each of his siblings."
"You brighten when you talk about your children," she smiled at her betrothed.
"There my whole world. We've been through a lot together."
"How did Marie pass?" She asked gently.
"Fall," Bens voice was low. "From a horse."
"Oh Ben," she said with so much compassion in her voice, tears began to show.
"I kind of lost it after that and left the Ponderosa for a time," Ben said not proud of his statement.
"But the children?"
"Adam was 17 years old and left to do a mans size job running the ranch and raising his siblings."
Rachel didn't say anything, but looked for him to continue.
"It took time to regain their trust and for them to come to understand that when you lose someone you love it's a hurt you have to bare alone. Unfortunately, I was so lost in my grief I forgot that they were grieving too."
"I'm sure they counted themselves lucky that you returned. A lot of fathers wouldn't," Rachel recalled the many stories she'd heard of similar situations.
"I was the lucky one," Ben counteracted. "I had five kids who loved me."
Rachel smiled and Ben added.
"And that's what brought me back. I don't recall where I was at the time but I was just taking some time to feed and water my horse when I saw a boy near Adams age at the time with a wagonload of four kids exactly my children's age. I wouldn't have paid any attention had I not have overheard their them. It was the oldest telling the kids to stay in the wagon while he went in to the general store to get a few supplies for the trip. Making a point to remind them of how important it was for them to listen, telling them that if someone noticed them without a parent they would separate them into different families in the town or send them to an orphanage and he didn't want to lose them after promising their Ma and Pa that he'd look after them. At that moment, I thought of my own children and could see Adam trying to keep his siblings together if someone thought I wasn't ever coming back."
"What did you do?"
"I jumped on my horse and rode for as long as I could without falling asleep in the saddle or tiring out my horse."
Rachel was about to reply when she was interrupted by the stage driver calling.
"Rest station coming up in a mile."
"You'll have to tell me the rest later," Rachel scooted closer to him.
"We have our whole lives."
"When we reach the ranch will I be staying before the wedding?" Rachel didn't recall them talking about it much before.
"At the ranch," Ben looked startled at the fact that she wasn't aware of his plans. "There's an extra room downstairs. Mine and the kids rooms are all upstairs. I think five kids in the house is more than enough chaperones." He teased, his eyes twinkling when he said it.
"I would say so," she giggled. "Do the kids all have their own rooms?" She asked trying to get a feel of the ranch house.
"Yes," Ben nodded. "In the beginning before the big house was born Adam and Hoss shared a room. And even after with the girls, Maria and I considered putting them together. But they are too different."
"Have you thought any about where the wedding will be?"
"I'd like it to be at the ranch."
"From the way you decribe it, that sounds perfect. And so much easier."
"It will be," Ben kissed her. "I want Saturday to be absolutely perfect."
XXXXXXXX
"Where the hell did this mess come from?" Adam stormed coming into the house later that evening, after finding ashes from the fireplace in the air, furniture and sisters. Obviously interrupting a fight that must have erupted during their chore of cleaning the fireplace.
"Umm, you said hell," Lou Anne pointed at her brother. "I'm telling Pa."
"You'll have to get in line" Adam took a step towards her. "I'm going to have tons to tell him when he gets back."
"Now Adam," Kate tried to appease him. "You wouldn't want to worry Pa about a little disagreement between sisters would you?"
"Little disagreement?! Look at this house! And yourselves!"
"It's just a little mess," Lou Anne was slowly beginning to realize just how little truth there was in her statement.
"Where's Hoss?" Adam ignored her mistake in comments. "He was supposed to be watching you."
"I don't need a babysitter," Kate started to argue.
"Obviously you do," Adam begged to differ. "And you two are in big trouble."
"Now Adam," Kate crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Don't start that again."
"You know I'm in charge and have every right to get on to you," Adam told them what they already knew.
Kate hesitated, but knew that if she wanted to get out of this without experiencing an over abundance of punishment she had to do the only thing she could. And that was kiss up.
Unfortunately for her, her brother had tried that before with their father and it didn't work for him either.
"Sorry isn't going to cut it this time Kate," Adam good to his full height. "But I tell you what. You join me in the barn and I won't tell Pa. It's your choice?" He said walking out the door.
"Let me get this straight?" Lou Anne looked at her sister confused. "He wants me to willingly go in for a spanking?"
"Either way we're in for one." Kate started for the door to meet her impending doom.
"Don't tell me your going to willingly accept a spanking from older brother."
"You know Pa gave him permission to spank us a long time ago if he sees fit," she reminded him.
"I think I'll take my chances and wait for Pa," Lou Anne decided. "Maybe Adam will forget to tell him."
"Since when has Adam ever forgotten to tell Pa about an infraction?"
"There's always a first time for everything," she shrugged.
"You do what you want, but the last thing Pa's going to want to do when he comes home with his new girl is give one of us a spanking. And if he does, it's going to be a lot more than a few swats with his hand."
"You might have a point," Lou Anne sighed unhappily.
"I'm the oldest," Kate opened the door. "I'll go first."
"I'll start cleaning up in here," Lou Anne had just started to notice the mess around them. "Adams going to make us clean it up anyways," she muttered.
Ten minutes later, found Kate and Lou Anne on their hands and knees with a broom and buckets of water.
They hadn't spoken since they both returned from the barn, both set on completing the hated task at hand.
"That one hurt," Lou Anne tried rubbing a sore spot on her stinging bottom.
"I think we can both agree it could have been a lot worse,"
"Probably right," Lou Anne took the wet rag Kate handed her. "Pa would have used the paddle, Adam didn't."
"That's because I think he was more frustrated with our behavior than mad. Pa would have been fuming so much the vein in his neck would have been bulging."
"Yeah and if Hop Sing would have been here he would have been threatening to go back to China," Lou Anne agreed, offering her own observation.
That night and Adam came in a lot later than usual. He had so much to do and felt like there wasn't enough hours in the day. The winter preparations were finally coming together and Adam felt like he could finally call it a day and go to bed. Unfortunately, the inside of the house didn't resemble anything like it was supposed too. Sure the ashes had been cleaned up, but that didn't mean everything else had been. There were cups and saucers left on the coffee table, an apple core, orange peelings, pencil, paper and open ink well. And if that wasn't enough, Hoss's boots were thrown in various places in the great room, along with his hat and jacket. Joe had a slingshot he wasn't supposed to have in the first place. At least not after Pa took it away the week before for breaking a window. Kate on the other hand had at least four different books on every piece of furniture while Lou Anne had at least two dolls, a ball, and catchers mitt spread about the room.
It was too late a night for him to get them to clean up the mess then and share the news about the fathers telegram. After all, Lou Anne was fast asleep on the sofa, curled up with a blanket. He considered leaving her there for the night, but didn't think the one blanket she had covering her would be enough to keep her warm throughout the night and decided to carry her up the stairs and tuck her in. The same process he went through countless times in the past when she was young and their father had been away or out working.
After taking care of Lou Anne, Adam checked on his other three siblings. Finding them all asleep in their rooms Adam headed to his own room for a much needed nights sleep.
XXXXXXXX
Immediately following a breakfast of eggs, overly crispy bacon and burned biscuits Adam made the announcement he had been wanting to make the night before.
"Listen guys, I know why you haven't been acting like yourselves. Your not looking forward to Pa bringing home a new wife. But you got to start helping me out."
"We've been doing our chores," Joe spoke up. At least until he received a threatening look from both Adam and Hoss. "For the most part," he muttered.
"Anyways," Adam spoke louder to regain their attention. "I got a telegram from him and he's coming home early."
"Is he bringing the girl with him?" Joe asked.
"What do you think?" It wasn't hard for Adam to tell what answer the youngest boy was hoping for.
Joe moaned and Adam took the time to warn them about something he was sure they already knew.
"You better get all that moaning out now. Because I can speak from experience of what happens when you treat one of Pa's wife with disrespect and disobey his orders. I spent the first six months after Maria came standing up. And I really don't think you want to follow in my footsteps."
Joe sighed, followed by two additional sighs from their sisters causing Adam just to shake his head before continuing with the main reason he called them all together.
"I'm being spread thin as it is with everything going on. And your adding to it by causing me to worry about what your getting into. Now I would appreciate it if you would get yourselves together and start helping out more."
"What did I do?" Hoss didn't exactly appreciate being included in his brothers lecture.
"You were supposed to be watching them," Adam pointed at Kate and Lou Anne when he said it. "When they destroyed the house with ashes."
Kate, Lou Anne and Hoss turned silent when Adam reminded them. And just when Joe thought he was safe, Adam reminded him of a few days ago when he ran off to town.
"And," Adam took special care to add. "If this house isn't cleaned up, your not going to have to worry about living with Pa's wife. Because Pa will kill us."
Adam tossed his eldest sister a warning look to reply causing her to finally give in.
"I'll help," Kate surrendered. She wasn't exactly planning on giving in and accepting her fathers new wife with open arms. But that would come later. Right now she needed to help her brother. He needed her and she knew if she was to follow his orders, Lou Anne would do the same.
"What do you want us to do?"
"For starters, school books need to be in your rooms," Adam picked up the book that had been left absentmindedly on the mantle and handed it to its owner. Who unsurprisingly was Little Joe. "And more wood needs to be brought into the house."
"I got it," Joe knew that was one of his usual chores to begin with.
"And blankets need to be in your room," he gestured at the blanket Lou Anne had used the night before. "After that, get started on the kitchen dishes."
Lou Anne grumbled when she heard her brothers last order but she eventually grabbed the dishes off the table and headed for the kitchen.
It took all day to return the room to normal and deem it presentable before they rushed to finish with the chores so they could to get as much done as they could before it got too late, knowing they needed to call it an early night.
After a quick dinner of sandwiches, the five young Cartwright's sat in silence.
Adam had tried reading, but he wasn't really paying attention and didn't think he had turned a page in the last ten minutes. Hoss had tried braiding a strip of leather for a project he was working on but he kept messing up and eventually dropped it to the floor.
Joe and Lou Anne attempted a game of cards but they were both so lost in their thoughts they kept forgetting who's turn it was and it wasn't long before they gave up all together.
Kate, who tried to write in her diary almost nightly stared at the blank sheet of paper for almost fifteen minutes, pencil in hand, yet words refused to flood onto the paper.
Eventually, the five looked up and made eye contact. But again, no one spoke, there wasn't any point. They all knew what the other was thinking. Pa would be home tomorrow and their lives were about to change. Whether it was for the good or the bad they couldn't say.
But they were about to find out...
