CH: 6: Five Sick Kids

That evening, Ben and Rachel sat at the dining room table alone for a quiet meal. It wasn't a romantic occasion. The vacant seats around them spoke volumes as they glanced around the empty table. They weren't entirely alone downstairs however, Adam rested on the settee with a book and another cup of Hop Sings famous tea used for medicinal purposes. He had been half asleep for the better part of an hour and was just beginning to arouse himself when his father came over.

"You need anything boy?"

Adam sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he focused on his Pa.

"Don't worry about me Pa," Adam shot him a tired look. "By tomorrow, I'll be back to normal."

"I wouldn't count on that," Ben checked his fever. "And that cough of yours is getting worse."

"It's just a little congestion," Adam tried to write it off.

"A little congestion wouldn't resonate a fever like you got. And if I was a betting man, I'd say you have the same thing as your siblings."

"Pa," Adam started to say."You just might not have as bad a case," he added. "But I still want you taking it easy and in bed early tonight."

"I had a feeling you were going to say that." Adam swung his legs over the edge.

"Where are you going?"

"Outhouse, you mind?"

"Don't get smart boy," Ben nudged him playfully. "When you come back in, tell your stepmother I went up to check on the others then I'll be ready for my haircut."

Adam stopped his trek to the door when he heard the word haircut. "You're going to let Rachel cut your hair?"

"Why not? She's done it before."

"Your braver than I am," Adam ran a hand through his hair.

A few minutes later, and Ben put that bravery where his mouth was. He hadn't been particularly nervous. At least until Adam opened his big mouth. But now that he was in the chair and had Rachel wheeling scissors around his ears. It was a completely different story. She started out taking a little off the sides around his sideburns and the back near the collar trying to determine how short he wanted her to go and how short she intended to go.

Adam started not paying much attention to the scene in front of him. He had witnessed haircuts countless times in his life. Even had to hold his youngest brother down a time or two in the process. He had been focused on "Wreck of the Pacific" the book his Pa brought home from San Francisco when his eyes grew tired of reading and he set it aside, reverting his attention to the scene in front of him.

His expression started seriously, but after a while, a rather bemused look settled on his face.

"What do you think Adam?" Rachel noticed he was watching.

"I'd take a little off the top," he offered his opinion.

"Don't ask him," Ben gestured at him with his hand. "He'd tell you to make me bald."

"I wouldn't do that?" Adam picked up for himself. "I'd be too afraid."

"You just remember that."

The conversation ceased, Rachel returning to the task at hand wanting to pay special attention to the job she was doing. She was doing a fairly good job till the scissors in her hand slipped and she let out a slight gasp. The gasp went unnoticed by Ben, but Adam could see plain as day by the shocked expression on her face that something went wrong.

"Adam, would you come take a look at this please?"

Crossing over to Rachel, Adam could see what caused her reaction. Atop his father's head was a patch of hair shorter than the rest.

"Doesn't look too bad," he narrowed his brows.

"You think so?" Rachel looked concerned.

"It could be evened out a little more," he figured.

"You two are beginning to worry me."

"It's like you said Pa," Adam returned to the settee. "She's done it before."

"Do you want to be next?" Ben threatened, not caring for the sarcastic remark.

"Now you wouldn't want to put me through that, sick and all would you?"

"I thought you said you weren't that bad."

"And I thought you said I needed to rest."

"And you can rest just as good upstairs as you have been downstairs."

"Point taken," Adam picked up his book and headed for the stairs.

It was a little early, but he decided to change into his nightshirt anyway before making himself comfortable in bed, settling down with his book.

"Hey Adam," Kate climbed onto her brother's bed. "Pa said you were sick too."

"If not, I don't want this to be the new normal." He closed the book before setting it on his nightstand.

"Tell me about it," she pulled her legs up to her chest.

"Aren't you supposed to be in bed?" Adam squinted.

"Give me a break, would ya? I hear that enough from Pa and Rachel."

"Hey, I got yelled at last night because of you."

"Me," Kate pointed at herself. "I wasn't even down there."

"You cause trouble for me no matter where you are."

"I could say the same about you." Kate didn't miss a beat.

Adam smirked, shaking his head. "Have you ever thought that we are too much alike?"

"Everyday," Kate fell back next to him.

"So how are you feeling anyway?"

"Lousy, I'm so congested I can't breathe right."

"I know the feeling," Adam coughed, for what he felt to be about the hundredth time. At least by the discomfort in his chest.

"Yeah, my poor nose," Kate agreed. "I don't think it will ever be the same after the amount of time I've had to blow it."

"And you best get to bed before Pa comes up to tuck you in and you're not there," Adam told her what she already knew.

"I'm going, I'm going," Kate crawled off the bed before starting for the door.

"Maybe if we're feeling up to it, we can play checkers tomorrow?" She offered.

"We'll see if we get released from our bedrooms." Was all Adam could say.

"Goodnight," Kate tiptoed across the room before sneaking back to her bedroom, crawling into bed, and taking her book from the nightstand.

"Big brother," Lou Anne pushed into her brother's room about an hour later, seeing his door had been left half-opened.

Adam, who was still up reading by lamplight, looked up when he heard his baby sister.

"Lou Anne, you're supposed to be asleep." Adam swung his legs out from the covers, preparing to take her back to bed. "Are you okay?"

"Adam, can I sleep with you tonight?" She asked hesitantly.

"Me?" Adam sounded confused. "You always sleep with Pa when you're sick."

"That was before," Lou Anne dropped her head. "I miss old Pa," she sounded sad. Tears brimming in her eyes. "Before he got married."

"He's still the same Pa, Lou Anne," he patted the bed next to him, for her to sit down.

"But Rachel," Lou Anne couldn't help but let a few tears slip out and stream down her cheek.

"Don't do that," Adam turned her face towards him so he could wipe the tears away.

"But," Lou Anne started to argue, feeling a bit more vulnerable than usual, now that she wasn't feeling well.

"From what I can tell about Rachel. I don't think she'd mind. And do you really think Pa would marry someone who would try to keep us away from him?"

"She might?" Lou Anne looked frightened.

"We're his flesh and blood," Adam picked her up and placed her in his lap. "That's not going to happen."

"But," Lou Anne started to argue.

"But from what I can tell. I don't think she would do something like that. She knew when she married Pa that we were a package deal and I'd even go as far as betting that she loves us almost as much as him."

Lou Anne started to interrupt but Adam placed a finger in front of her lips.

"She knows you need Pa right now, and I believe she would gladly step aside for you to have him tonight."

Adam could tell his baby sister still wasn't a hundred percent convinced and he found himself making another promise.

"But in case I'm wrong. And if she says anything, you can sleep with me."

"Thanks, Adam," she kissed his cheek.

"And thank you for sharing your germs."

That night, Ben took extra time with each of his children before tucking them in, starting at one end of the hallway with Adam and working his way down. By the time he reached Lou Anne's room, he really wasn't surprised not to find her there and he smiled when he opened the door to his bedroom and found his youngest sleeping there. It had been a while since he'd had to share his bed with his little girl. Then again, it wasn't very often she or the others were ill.

"Guess I'll be sleeping in her room tonight," Rachel wrapped an arm around his waist.

"There's room for all of us," he assured her.

"Not tonight," she shook her head. "Lou Anne needs you."

Monday morning, Hoss was able to bear weight on his ankle and was feeling better injury-wise for the most part. Unfortunately, he woke up feeling the same way as his siblings, sick.

To make things easier for Rachel, the five were allowed to come down to breakfast if they wanted anything to eat. And even those who didn't feel like they could stomach anything enjoyed some freedom away from the compounds of their room and sat around the living room.

It had rained most of the night and thunderstorms were beginning to roll in. The thunder cracked and lightning flashed practically just outside the window.

Kate started out staring out the window behind her father's chair at the dining room table but eventually decided to stare out the opened door. Enjoying the scene in front of her.

"Kate," Ben called her away. "Close the door. You don't need to be around that damp air."

"Kate started to obey but stopped when a buckboard pulled up. Recognizing one of the men, she smiled broadly."Pa, it's Hop Sing! Hop Sings home!"

"In this weather?" Ben rushed out to help him carry his things in.

"Hop Sing!" Lou Anne rushed the family friend. "I've missed you."

"What are you doing out in this weather?"

"Stage come in. Doctor tell Hop Sing, Cartlight children sick. Come right away. Cartlight's need Hop Sing."

Hop Sing had been a family friend for years. Ever since he met Ben Cartwright in San Francisco. Ben had been away from the Ponderosa on business and was staying at one of the cheaper hotels in the area where Hop Sing had been working as cook and cleaner. Ben noticed the man being sorely mistreated and knew he had to step in. Hop Sing claimed it was the same wherever he worked but Ben claimed it would be different if he came and worked for him as cook and helped tend to the house. Claiming he had his hands full with two young sons and trying to build a prosperous ranch. Hop Sing accepted and soon became more than an employee but a trusted family friend, soon developing a relationship with every member of the Cartwright family and the rest was history.

"You're right about that." Even though Rachel didn't know the man well. Only meeting him for a brief moment in San Francisco, she was overjoyed by the return.

"Time all Cartwright children in bed. Need rest." Hop Sing wasted no time taking charge.

Hoss, Kate, Joe, and Lou Anne obeyed instantly and were quick to head for the stairs. Knowing better than to cross the man who had been in their lives almost since the beginning.

Adam however remained behind, still sitting in the same place in the living room. Not showing any signs of moving, Hop Sing turned his attention to him causing Adam to speak

"I'm not a little kid Hop Sing."

"Mistah Adam too big for his britches." Hop Sing shook his finger at him. "Not grown yet. Hop Sing tell Mistah Adam when grown." Hop Sing left it at that as he headed for his room to change into some dry clothes before returning to his domain in the kitchen.

Adam was too surprised to say anything and his face registered about the same.

"You know, I've been wanting to say the same thing to you for years," Joe was the one to break the silence.

"Beat it, Joe," Adam threw him a look that threatened pain if he didn't make himself scarce.

"You heard Hop Sing." Ben knew it was in everyone's best interest he intervene soon than later. Being all too familiar with how testy his children could become when not feeling well.

"Pa," again Adam hesitated.

"Hop Sing was right about one thing. You are getting a little big for your britches."

Adam sighed as he headed for the stairs. "Why does everybody keep saying that?" He mumbled to himself, being grateful for one thing. Being upstairs at least meant he would have solitude and be away from annoying little brothers.

With the children upstairs and the parents resting assured that everything was going to be fine now that Hop Sing was there Ben decided to makehimself comfortable near the fireplace with another cup of coffee while Rachel sat down with a pad and pencil.

While Ben had his list of winter preparations of things to do around the ranch, Rachel had her own list of winter preparations to do inside the house. She had already begun taking stock of the goods in the cellar, the quilts and extra blankets stored in the bureau of the downstairs bedroom among countless other things like candles, oil for the hot oil lamps, and a few other minor supplies that needed to be stored away. The next thing on the list, however, she had a feeling was going to pose a bit more trouble.

"Have you gone through the children's clothes yet to see what winter clothes still fit?"

"Not yet," Ben said over the brim of his coffee cup.

"I was just wondering what needs to be patched, taken in, or let out so it can be passed down to another or be completely replaced?"

"There's typically not much that can be passed down," Ben said from past experiences. "There's no way Hoss would ever fit in Adams clothes."

Rachel laughed, still trying to come up with a way she could make their clothing last.

"Maybe I can cut some of Adams old clothes down and then refit them for Joe."

"Marie did that a time or two but after she passed, it was all I could do to keep Adam in clothes he grew so fast."

"What about the other three?"

"Kate wears some of Joe's old clothes for chores. And I've tried to pass Kate's clothes down to Lou Anne. But sometimes not much can be done other than sending them to the rag bag by the time she's done."

"I'll start going through their things today. See what I can do."

Ben nodded, thinking the conversation had passed, he picked up one of the books his daughter left behind. With the several inches of rain, the thunderstorms were bringing there wasn't much he could do, winter preparation-wise. Leaving him to think, that aside from the caring of his children, and now that Hop Sing was back, he just might have an easier day.

Unfortunately, just as he considered such a thing, his wife changed his plans completely by handing him a pad and pencil and telling him to follow her upstairs where she could go through everyone's things while he made a list of all the new items they would need to purchase.

Starting in Hoss's room. Rachel looked through the things he had in his closet as well as those folded in his chest of drawers.

"Is there anything in here you know doesn't fit?" Rachel thought it would be a lot easier if she asked a few simple questions.

"Most things in the bottom drawer are either too small or have holes in them." Hoss coughed when he answered. Causing Ben to hand him the glass of water from the nightstand.

"Why do you still have them then?

"Didn't know what else to do with them."

"Rachel shook her head but didn't say anything, beginning to feel as if she was starting from scratch with this boy. Then again, she figured things were different when Marie was alive and running the house. She removed everything from the drawer and set it aside before moving on to the closet.

"How are your boots fitting?" She noticed the boy's boots on the floor. "They seemed snug when I was taking them off after the accident."

""They're pinching my toes."

Ben didn't say anything at first but he did look at the boy dumbfounded.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't know," all Hoss did was shrug.

"Eric," Ben sighed shaking his head. "Do not do that again."

"Yes Sir," Hoss nodded in understanding.

"I'll get you a new pair," Ben jotted it down on the list. Being careful to ask Rachel what size his others were so he would be sure to get the correct size.

There was a lot of back and forth regarding shirts and trousers. Rachel concluded that as of now he needed mostly trousers.

"What about these?" Rachel pulled out a faded red union suit.

"Rachel," Hoss turned about as red as the material she held in her hand. "That's my underwear," he said embarrassed.

"I know what it is," Rachel didn't seem at all put out by it or even cared about his reaction. "Now how does it fit?"

"Pa," Hoss looked to Ben for help. His face growing redder at the passing of every second.

"The sooner you answer the question, the sooner we can move on."

"Pa," Hoss mumbled. "She's a woman."

"She's also your mother now and is responsible for your care the same as I am. Now if you need something, you need to tell her. She's going to be doing a lot more for you kids so I can spend more time with the ranch."

Hoss sighed but knew he had to answer if he was to get what he needed. Being a kid, it wasn't like he had the money to go into the store and purchase a pair on his own.

"I do," he finally responded.

"Now was that all that hard?" Ben teased him.

"You have no idea," he responded with the shake of his head.

Finishing with Hoss, the two stepped out into the hallway.

"We've barely finished with one and added a lot to the list. I'm going to need a completely new pad and pencil by the time we get to the fourth." Ben counted the entries.

"Don't forget us. That'll be six total on the list."

"I already added mine," Ben showed her the list.

"Making progress," she smiled. "Now who's next?"

"Adam," the two stepped into the boy's room.

Adam sat up, closing his pad and pencil aside that he used to draw in now that he had company.

"What are you drawing plans up for?" Ben knew of the talent his boy possessed when it came to architecture.

"Nothing particular," Adam tossed it aside. "You know for someone who thinks I'm getting too big for my britches. I bet they'll be fitting just fine when you need me to watch the kids, run an errand for you in town or ride out to give the hands an order you issued," Adam said sarcastically.

"Now don't get smart with me," Ben eyed him with a raised brow. "We came in to see what new clothes you need for winter. I don't want to lecture."

Adam nodded in understanding and picked up his pad to show his reveal his latest drawing.

"I was thinking that come spring we should think about making a few repairs to the cabin up in the north meadow.

"Why? Are you planning on moving up there? Because I'm not sure if I'm ready to let you go just yet." Ben teased.

"No," Adam shook his head. "Little Joe can still get to me up there."

"Very funny, now what's the reason behind the repairs?"

"Well, we do go up there every summer. And I think we should add a covered porch."

"That would be nice," Rachel observed the drawing. "Now what's so special about north meadow?"

"It's part of the Ponderosa but it's at least a two-day ride from the house. It has a nice stream that runs through it and I've been taking the kids up there almost every summer to spend a week."

"Sounds fun," Rachel liked the idea more and more the more she thought of it.

"It is," Ben agreed. "We get a chance to relax, and the kids can fish, swim, and basically run wild. At least in Little Joe and Lou Anne's words."

"I look forward to joining you next summer," Rachel laughed. "Now if you two are done planning our future. Can we get back to the here and now?"

"Yes ma'am," Ben ribbed Adam playfully.

"Now Adam," Rachel turned her attention to the needs of her eldest stepson.

"What new clothes do you need? And please tell me you are going to be easier on me than Hoss?"

Adam didn't even get a chance to open his mouth when Ben spoke up.

"I know he needs a new coat and maybe a new shirt or two."

"Anything else son?" Rachel took the time to look through the clothes he had hanging up.

Adam twinged at the term of endearment. But thankfully the reaction was missed by both parents as Rachel was busy with his closet and Ben was busy taking notes.

"Nothing much I can think of."

"He is going to be like Hoss," Rachel moaned as she glanced at her husband.

"What are you getting?" Adam looked at Ben who handed him the list he had started before moving to help his wife.

"You getting a new belt? Adam read aloud.

"This one's looking a little worn," Ben patted the one he was wearing with his finger.

"That's because you've worn it out tanning our butts," Adam muttered under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing," Adam hid it behind a cough.

"Looks like you could use one too? Ben picked up the leather belt that had been draped over his son's writing desk. "This ones beginning to look a little frazzled."

"I don't need another one," Adam turned him down. "That one's fine."

"Look at this," Ben brought it over so he could get a better look. "The strippings coming off in places and it's nowhere near as stiff as it should be."

"Pa," Adam started to say.

"And the buckles barely hanging on," Ben wasn't through with his investigation.

"It can be fixed," he tried again.

"Adam, I'm not paying for part of it to be fixed when the rest of it probably won't hold together half the winter."

"This one's fine," Adam wasn't ready to give in just yet.

"Adam," Ben held it out in front of him. "It's not going to fit you much longer. You've been wearing it on the last hole for a while now. Truth is, I shouldn't have let you gone on with it for this long."

"Pa," Adam started to argue.

"I'm not going to argue with you boy," Ben held up a hand. "Now unless you want to be the first one I use my new one on. I don't want to hear any more backtalk."

"Yes sir," Adam said with raised brows. "I reserve that honor for Little Joe or Lou Anne."

"I doubt they'll feel the same."

""No," Adam agreed. "But they do get in the most trouble."

"And you and Kate give me the most backtalk."

"We're just trying to help you keep your wits about you."

"Well, I'd say you've succeeded.

"Can we please get back to what's important? There are three more kids to get through and at this rate, it'll be next winter before we finally finish."

"The boss has spoken."

"I thought you were in charge?"

"Not anymore boy. At least not since I said I do."

"I'm glad you've finally come to your senses," Rachel crossed the room. "Now get some rest, Adam. And keep up the good work on your drawings. Come along Ben."

"The boss has spoken," Adam grinned at his father. "And I get the easy job." He leaned back against his pillow, fingers laced behind his head.

"Lucky you," Ben followed his wife out of the room and on to Kate's room.

Just as Rachel expected, it took half the day to get the list planned out and she was all but exhausted by the time she finished. Ben began to work on the paperwork he'd neglected since his children turned ill and he just finally began to make some headway before dinner time came and he was once again at the mercies of his young offspring going back and forth with dinner trays.

Little did they know, that that day was was like the calm before the storm when a new wave of symptoms hit the Cartwright kids that night.

The night started like every other night had, as of lately. Ben and Rachel made the routine check for fevers, the changing of nightshirts, and making sure the five were as comfortable as they could be to sleep before they turned in. They didn't know what time it was or how much sleep they had gotten before it started. But when it did, it sent both parents scrambling for robes and slippers before rushing from the bedroom.

"Sounds like Joe and Lou Anne," Rachel observed from the sounds of nausea coming from behind closed doors.

"I'll tend to Joe," Ben started for his youngest son's room.

"I got Lou Anne," Rachel rushed in, lamp in hand.

"Where's Pa?" The girl started to cough before she soiled her nightshirt a bit further.

"He's with your brother right now." She proceeded to wet a rag in the washbasin so she could clean her face.

"When's it my turn?"

"I'm sure he'll be in to check on you as soon as he can." She began to get the little girl cleaned up. Pulling a clean nightshirt over her head before giving her a small sip of water to wet her throat.

"Now I know you don't feel good and you want your Pa. But do you think you could settle for me to hold you for a few minutes?"

Lou Anne didn't say anything, but she did nod a tear-stained face. Allowing her to take her in her arms before resting her sweaty brow against her chest.

Her husband, however, didn't fare as well. He had just barely finished cleaning and tucking his youngest into bed when the same sounds that brought them from their slumber were heard from his eldest's room. Making it sound as if Adam wasn't fairing much better than that of his brother and sister.

"Adam," Ben came in just as he was climbing out of bed.

"I'm fine Pa," Adam pulled his nightshirt over his head before washing his face.

"Obviously not," Ben ignored him, digging through the chest of drawers for a clean nightshirt

"Where is it?" He finally asked, not finding anything.

"I've only got two. And Rachel took my other to wash." He let out another string of coughs.

"I'll get you one of mine."

"Pa, I'm fine. I've got my long underwear I can wear."

"Don't be ridiculous, I'll be right back."

The shirt hung on him. Especially in the shoulders and stomach but it fit him better than Hoss's would, who would have been much too large or Little Joes who's would have been much too small.

"Looks like your quilt didn't fair too good," Ben observed, stripping it off the bed.

"I'll take care of it Pa," Adam assured him. Pulling a clean one from the chest in front of his bed. "Don't worry about me. Just take care of the others. I heard Little Joe."

"Your brothers fine," Ben took it from him and began spreading it freshly over the bed. "And you let your father worry about who needs me at what moment. And right now I say it's you."

"What about Lou Anne?" Adam crawled under the clean quilt.

"Rachels getting her back to sleep. Are you comfortable?"

"As comfortable as I can be."

"Warm enough?"

"Fine," Adam coughed.

"Try to get some sleep son." He pulled the quilt up to his chin.

"Call me if you need me."

Adam nodded in understanding, before rolling over, hoping sleep would claim his weary body.

"Lou Anne okay?" Ben met his wife in their bedroom.

"Fast asleep."

"And Adam?"

"He should be doing the same in a matter of minutes."

"Good. Now let's hope Hoss and Kate can keep everything down tonight so we can get some sleep.

"I sure hope so," Ben second it.

Tuesday was filled with complete rest, no one was allowed out of bed without ample reasoning to be moving about.

Adam got up once to raid his father's library in search of a new book, Kate doing the same with his own.

Lou Anne got up in search of her father, wanting him to hold her. Once again, pulling him from the daunting task of paperwork.

ittle Joe on the other hand went looking for his tin shoulders, which he found under the settee. And Hoss, who complained of being hungry, fumbled his way down the stairs and into the kitchen for a snack.

Not feeling up to doing much walking around, the five soon made their way back up to their rooms for some much-needed sleep. Especially for those who were up during the night.

It had been a couple hours since Ben had seen or heard from either of them, reminding him that it was high time he go up to see if they needed anything.

"How you feeling boy?" Ben poked his head into his middle son's room. After starting with the youngest and working his way up.

"Not too good Pa," Hoss rubbed his head. "I have a headache."

"Bad one?" Ben squinted.

"Yes Sir."

"I'll be back in a few minutes to try to ease it. I have to go check on your brother first. He's had a hard day of it." Ben crossed the room to close the shades of the window. Hoping the darkness would ease the penetrating tension in his boy's throbbing head.

"Thanks, Pa," Hoss reached for the glass of water before taking a few sips.

"You just rest," Ben patted the boy's leg before heading out of the room.

"How is he?" Rachel met him in the hallway.

"Complaining of a headache. After I check on Adam, I'll ask Hop Sing to make him some tea that helps with headaches. Then I'll rub his head. It usually helps his headaches." Ben started down the fall for his eldest's room.

"Ben," Rachel rushed after him before placing a hand on her husband's back to get his attention. "You tend to Adam. Let me take care of Hoss."

"I'd like that," Ben said truthfully. "But Hoss," he started to say.

"Could use a mother's care," a small smile was pursed on her lips.

"Again Ben started to speak but was cut off.

"Whether he knows it or not," she already knew what he was about to say. "And it would do us both some good to spend a little time with just the two of us."

"Maybe you're right," Ben placed a kiss on her head. "Thank you."

"They're my children now too. I just have to get them to see themselves as such."

"Have I mentioned how much I love you?" Ben wrapped her in a hug.

"Yes," she looked him lovingly in the eye. "But it could bear repeating."

There was a yellow glow illuminating from under the door of his eldest son's room, insinuating he was up, Ben pushing through the door.

"You feeling any better?"

"Not really," he looked up from the book he was reading to rub his eyes.

"Maybe you should try to sleep."

"Pa," Adam complained. "All I've done is sleep."

"Here," Ben took the book from him.

"Close your eyes and rest. "I'll read to you."

Ben began where Adam left off. But only got partially through the first page when Adam interrupted.

"It's been a long time since you've read to me," he recalled with a slight grin. Sounding as if he was looking forward to the reading.

Again, Ben began with the story but stopped himself shortly after.

"Adam," Ben paused mid-paragraph.

Adam opened his eyes and a worried look crossed the father's face. "You've never felt pushed aside being the oldest and me having my hands full with your younger brothers and sisters?"

"Where'd that come from?" Adam was almost certain he had never heard his father say such a thing.

"I don't know," Ben shrugged. "I guess I just realized how spread thin I've been with all of you sick and unable to be with you when you want need me."

"Awe Pa, we've been sick before," Adam didn't seem the least bit concerned.

"Not all at the same time," Ben shook his head, just thinking of the ordeal. "I can't tell you how grateful I am to have Rachel and now Hop Sing here."

"You've always taken care of us fine before Rachel came."

"I've tried," Ben said truthfully but was sure to give credit, where credit was due. "But she has certainly helped lighten the load."

"Yeah, I guess so," Adam rubbed his eyes again.

Ben wasn't certain, he didn't see the boy's face when he said it. But there was something in his voice that made him wonder.

"Something bothering you boy?" Ben squinted

"Nothing," Adam shoved his concern aside.

"You have a good poker face, Adam. But I know you well enough to know when somethings bothering you."

"She's always calling me son," he muttered.

"Does it bother you?"

"I don't know," Adam wasn't sure how to respond. "I'm not sure."

"Adam?" Ben knew he never would have said anything if it wasn't an issue.

Adam hesitated, "Kind of," he finally decided to answer truthfully. "Why does she keep doing that?"

"She is your stepmother," Ben responded in the only way he could.

"I know, but," Adam started to say before returning silent again.

"Marie did it and it didn't bother you."

"I know, but that was different."

"How so? She was your stepmother the same as Rachel is now."

"It's just different. Ma didn't do it till later after I adjusted to her. It's barely been a month since Rachels been here."

"Maybe it's because she thought you've accepted her. I know I thought the same."

"It's not that I haven't accepted her," Adam picked up for himself. "I just don't know her well enough yet."

"Perhaps I've misread since you've responded a bit differently than you did with Marie."

"That was a long time ago. You know I wouldn't have done that again."

"I had hoped not."

"Pa," he moaned sheepishly.

"I'm teasing you boy," Ben gripped his neck playfully. Noting he was still running a fever by the touch. "Anyways, I think you can tell I trust you by the way I've left you alone with her. When Marie first came, I wouldn't have dared trust to leave you with her."

"That's one good thing about me. I never do the same wrong thing twice."

"I'd have to disagree with you on that one. At least to some extent." He winked at him teasingly.

"I thought you were going to let me rest," Adam glanced at him with one eye open.

Ben smirked before returning to the book. Having to admit that the few pages he had read he was already getting into the story that was printed on the pages.

They were about two chapters in when Adam opened his eyes.

"Pa," he put a hand on his father's arm to silence him. "Listen."

Ben looked up when he heard the sweet sound. Rachel's voice drifted through the air as the gentle notes of a lullaby filled the room.

"I didn't know she could sing," Adam's voice was just over a whisper.

"Like an angel." A gentle smile touched the corners of Ben's lips. "Want to listen?"

Adam nodded, if ever there was a boy who respected music it was him.

Ben closed the book before making the boy more comfortable by shifting his pillow behind and straightening the quilt on the bed. Content, he was as comfortable as he could be, Ben returned to his seat and closed his eyes. Masking in the chorus of an angel that filled his ears.

By Thursday, things were beginning to look up for the Cartwright clan. Nausea had ceased and fevers were finally beginning to drop. Coughs and congestion seemed to hang on and they had yet to regain their complete energy, keeping them indoors, but they were at least allowed out of the confines of their rooms. It had finally stopped raining, and Ben and his lovely bride were allowed to leave the house for the clothes and things Rachel wanted to stock up on for the children. Leaving his offspring alone, aside from the watchful eye of Hop Sing who was busy cooking and washing clothes.

Hoss and Little Joe were battling it out on the checkerboard, while Adam tossed another log on the fire, and Kate and Lou Anne played a game of marbles.

Sitting up on her haunches, from her place on the floor, Kate looked up, not saying anything to anyone particular.

"Have any of you stopped to think about what we're going to do if Pa gets sick?"

"Runaway," Little Joe was the one to answer.

"Good idea Little Joe," Adam said sarcastically. "Pa would find us and yell loud enough for Rachel to hear us back at the house. After that, he'd take

that new belt off he's getting today and make us ride home."

"We wouldn't technically run away, per se. We'd leave a note, telling him where we've gone and he could come get us when he's better."

"Where could we go?" Lou Anne sounded interested.

"The cabin in North Meadow."

"There are at least three problems with that suggestion. One," Adam held up a finger. "It's at least a two-day ride." He pointed out the first problem before moving on to the second. "Two, with all this rain we've had, it'd make the trail difficult if not impossible to make. And three, with the temperatures dropping the way they are, we wouldn't last long in that cabin. If we were to get an early snow we could get stuck up there."

"There are other hold-up cabins we can go," Joe shrugged.

"You know something?" Kate looked about the group. "Getting stuck out there might not be the worst thing in the world."

"Are you kidding?" Lou Anne scoffed. "You'd be bawling for Pa after the first week."

"Oh yeah, well at least I don't think I still need to sleep with him when I'm sick." Kate badgered.

"Cut it out both of you," Adam ordered. Knowing it was just going to get worse by the way they were going at it. "And to settle this, we're not going anywhere."

"But, what'll we do?" Joe complained, not willing to give up on his idea just yet.

"Adams right," Hoss spoke up. "We'll stay here and care of all the things we got behind on."

"That won't keep Rachel from taking over and bossing us around," Joe grumbled at his middle brother's suggestion. Realizing that if both his brothers were against him, it wasn't likely they would get anywhere.

"She's not that bad. In fact," Hoss somehow managed to get the guts to say so. "I kind of like her."

"You're just saying that because she sang to you, you big baby."

"I am not. And she's done a lot to help take care of us," Hoss began to name a few. "She gave up her bed for you," he pointed at Lou Anne.

"Endured you blubbering for Pa that first day and yelling at her for trying to take care of you," he pointed to Kate.

"Hoss is right," Adam turned their attention to him when he spoke. "She's lost sleep, cooked our meals before Hop Sing, and cleaned up after us. I've cringed every time she's called me son and that was wrong. She didn't ask to become our mother but she has done everything a mother does to care for her children. And besides that, we promised Pa that we'd give her a chance. And we haven't done that. And if I'd be Pa, I'd be ashamed of us."

A silence so deep fell over the room, you could hear the wind blowing outdoors. Neither dared to speak, not one trusting the own voice as their

brother's words sunk in.

"I don't want Pa to be ashamed of us," Joe dropped his head in guilt.

"Then we all agree?" Adam said with his most authoritative tone of voice.

"Agreed," Hoss didn't have to say anything but did anyways for effect.

"Agreed," Joe followed suit.

"Lou Anne?" Adam looked at her with a cocked brow. Almost daring her to say something other than agreed.

"Hey, I agree," Lou Anne raised her hands in surrender.

"Kate?" He turned his attention to the only one left to speak.

"Kate didn't reply and Adam repeated.

"Kate!"

"I'm still thinking about Joe's suggestion," she said sheepishly.

"Kate?!" Adam and Hoss said simultaneously.

"Alright, alright, agreed," she gave in. "I was just teasing anyway."

"Good!" The two elder siblings glared at her.

"You say one wrong thing and you're branded for life." Kate slumped in her father's chair with an apple from the fruit basket on the coffee table in front of her.

"You really think Pa might get sick?" Lou Anne wondered aloud.

"I don't think so pumpkin," Hoss scooped her up in his arms. "Pa's a tough ol bear."

div dir="ltr"Lou Anne giggled at the referral of her father as a bear and she couldn't help but let out a low growl while Hoss let out a great big one.

Interrupting the animal imitators of the family, was Ben and Rachel, who came pushing through the front door overloaded with supplies.

"I spent a small fortune outfitting you five. Be grateful," Ben carried crate upon crate of boots, trousers, coats, and alike to the coffee table.

"Thanks, Pa," Lou Anne transferred herself from the arms of her brothers to that of her fathers.

"Your welcome baby," Ben took the seat Kate vacated. "Now let's see what in here is yours. And that goes for the rest of you. Come claim what's yours and take it upstairs."

The family, spread about different areas of the main room dug through the many crates and parcels. Handing out the items that belonged to the other members of the family.

Hoss lifted a pair of black boots from the crate and pulled them on.

"How do they fit Hoss?" Rachel took a seat next to her middle stepson.

"Fine," Hoss was beaming. "A lot better than my other ones."

"Walk around and tell me how they feel."

Hoss took a few steps toward the dining room table and then back again, a broad smile resting on his face.

"These don't pinch my toes."

"If you would have told me sooner. You wouldn't have had to wait this long." Ben shook his head just thinking about it. Wondering what possessed the boy not to say anything. Knowing it wasn't in his children's vocabulary not to ask for things.

"You were right Pa," Adam pulled him away from his thoughts. "This one's a lot nicer than my old one." He proceeded to remove his old belt and toss it aside before threading the new one through the belt loops and buckling it in place.

"It is in a mite better shape," Ben nodded in agreement.

"Rachel unwrapped two new heavy coats from one of the boxes before handing Adam a tan one and Kate a nice red one. Before moving on to trousers, shirts, a dress or two, and the new long underwear for each of them."

The five continued to admire their things, each taking time to thank their father for the new belongings.

"You can thank your mother too. She picked out your new clothes."

"Thank you, Rachel," Adam took the first step, proceeding to drop a kiss on her cheek. Hoping his siblings would follow suit. At least after the discussion, they had just moments before their parents arrived.

"Adam," Rachel barely got the word out. Covering her chest with her hand. A smile played across the corners of her mouth.

The stepmother barely got over the closest bit of affection she'd received from any of her husband's children since she arrived when Hoss followed his brothers leading, throwing her completely off guard all over again.

Joe hesitated but with his brother's words resonating in his mind, he found the courage to stand and somehow managed to put one foot in front of the other.

The only ones remaining were the daughters of Ben Cartwright. And hard-headed, stubborn, and bad-tempered were only a few of their qualities.

But Kate, seeing her brothers make it through unscathed decided it wouldn't do any harm for her to follow suit and it wasn't long before she too reached her stepmother's side.

"Thank you," she kissed the same cheek that held three other kisses.

Her brothers all found seats on the hearth in front of the warming fireplace and she was quick to claim her place next to them in between her two eldest brothers.

Seeing it was her turn, Lou Anne begrudgingly left her father's lap to do the same but she didn't stay away long before she rushed back to her Pa.

By the time the last of the offspring took their turn Rachel was doing her best to keep her mouth from dropping in shock while Ben was simply trying to remember how to breathe properly. Almost certain that if he didn't figure it out and soon he would be on the verge of a heart attack. This action left them all speechless and unmoving for several minutes and it was Ben who made the first gesture when he stood in front of the fireplace looking down at his children. Four sets of eyes looked up and settled on him their expressions solemn.

"Thank you."

He took the time to grip Adam's neck, squeeze Hoss's arm, ruffle Little Joe's hair, gently caress Kate's cheek and hug Lou Anne who was still in his arms.

"I hope you know how much I love you.

"We do," Hoss's face reddened.

"And we love you too Pa," Lou Anne kissed him, before laying her head on his shoulder.

Content to stay in his arms forever.