Chapter 8: 5 Young Cartwrights

A day later and Ben was back to his old self in taking charge of both his ranch and children. The morning began like any other morning with Joe and Lou Anne being late to breakfast and receiving a lecture from their father about the importance of being prompt for all things, especially meal times.

Ben was behind on almost all paperwork and knew he needed to take care of payroll, account ledgers, and contracts, amongst other things.

Adam, Hoss, and Kate were the first to finish their breakfast and ask to be excused to get started on morning chores before the four youngest left for school and Adam to check for strays.

"Wish I could work with you instead of going to school," Hoss said looking up from where he worked mucking out the stalls.

"It's not as nice as you think," Adam mentioned. "Sometimes I'm in the saddle all day and other days I go to bed so tired and sore from lifting timber rails or wagon wheels that I can barely climb the stairs for bed."

"I'd still rather help you than sit in a classroom all day."

"Your time will come, little brother," Adam assured him. "Now get to work before Pa comes out here telling you to get to school."

The three worked in silence for at least half an hour, each engulfed in their own chore and thoughts. Hoss was nearing the cleaning of his last stall and Kate only had a few more pitchforks of hay to toss down. Adam was preparing to saddle his horse to check for strays when Kate all but jumped out of the loft, landing directly next to her eldest brother.

"Kate," Adam raised his voice. "You know better than that. You could have startled the horse and he could have run off or worse hurt somebody."

"Aww," Kate nuzzled her brother's horse. "Sports a good boy."

"He is," Adam agreed. "But still."

"Alright, alright," Kate surrendered. "You're right, I'm sorry."

"You best not let Pa catch you doing that, or you won't be riding comfortably," he warned.

"Speaking of Pa," Kate began the task of saddling her horse, so she could get to school.

"You remember what Pa said yesterday about not feeling well enough to give us a whipping?"

"Yeah, so? You know he was sick."

"For once I'm glad he was sick."

"You let him hear you say that and you are going to be the first one he tries that new belt of his out on."

"Do you think he was feeling that bad?"

"I don't think so," Adam admitted. "But if you think about it. He has five kids and he typically doesn't give less than 10 licks each if not more. That's swinging his arm 50 times, and being sick makes you weak. Now would you please work in silence? You're giving me a headache with all your jawing."

"Yes Sir, oh bossy britches," Kate bowed teasingly.

"Do yourself a favor and get to school," Adam swung himself into the saddle. "And try to learn something," he added before riding away.

Adam had been gone for a couple of hours, but with all the questions he was bombarded with from his sister, he completely forgot about filling his canteen. His headache was getting worse and he could use a glass of water, but being as far into the job as he was, he knew he needed to continue his search for strays before returning home.

With the children at school and Adam away, this left the patriarch and his wife alone. Rachel was doing the same thing she always did, in picking up after the things her children left out about the great room, while her husband worked at his desk on a lumber contract.

Rachel had her hands full with marbles and was about to carry them up to her youngest stepson's bedroom when Adam came in.

"Did you find any strays?" Ben looked up from his desk.

"A few," he said rubbing his head. "I need a glass of water."

"Outside pump broke?" Ben teased him. Never caring if one of them came in for a drink.

"No," Adam managed a small smile. "I'm going to take a break."

"Are you feeling alright?" Ben was certain he heard something in his son's voice that warranted the question.

"Fine," Adam waved his concern aside. "It's just a headache."

"I knew something like this was going to happen," Rachel wrung her hands. "You overdid after being sick."

"It's not from overdoing," Adam assured her. "It's just a headache, I'm fine."

"Go up to bed and get some rest."

"I can't," Adam was flabbergasted by her suggestion. "It's not even lunch lunchtime

"I'll bring you something up. Now up to bed."

"Rachel, please," Adam was trying to hide the frustration in his voice, but it was evident in his tone, he was failing.

"Adam," Ben said sharply, before crossing the room.

"I'm sorry Pa," Adam covered.

"It's your mother needing the apology," his voice was stern.

"I'm sorry Rachel," Adam softened. Knowing he was skating on thin ice with his Pa. "My head is just bothering me but nothing else. So I'm sure it's not the flu again."

"Lie down here," Rachel moved the guitar he left on the settee.

Adam obeyed and Ben immediately felt for a fever.

Rachel glanced at him and Ben shook his head no.

"Might be his eyes," he thought about it. "I'll take him to the doctor to get them checked."

"I can take him," Rachel volunteered. "You have plenty to do here."

"I can take myself," Adam started to sit up but was pushed back down by his stepmother.

"No," her voice was a bit stronger than she intended.

"I really don't think I need to go," he tried to appease her.

"We're not taking any chances," Ben patted his shoulder.

"Well, if I have to go, I can at least hook up the buckboard," again Adam started to sit up, only to be pushed back down by his father.

"I'll take care of the team."

"You two are treating me like an invulent," Adam grumbled. "Or worse a child."

"I'll let you know when you are grown," Ben headed for the door. "But you are going to do as you are told." He plunked his hat on his head before heading out the door.

Adam didn't say anything, but a disgruntled look did cross his face.

"I'll get you a glass of water," Rachel gave him a small reassuring smile. "Anything else I can do for you?"

"Can you talk Pa out of this doctor trip?"

"Sorry, but I'm on his side."

"Then, I don't think so."

"Are you hungry? Do you want me to get Hop Sing to make you a sandwich?" Rachel knew she couldn't do what he wanted, but she thought she could at least fill his belly.

"No thanks," Adam turned her down.

Minutes later, Ben came in with news that the buckboard was hitched and they were ready to begin their trek to Virginia City.

"If you need anything, send Hoss from the school for me," he walked the two members of his family out.

"We'll be fine," Rachel assured him.

"Depending on what Doc Martin says, we may ride home with the others."

"I still don't think I need to go," Adam interrupted.

"You are going," Ben pointed at him. "We are not taking any chances on a flu relapse."

"This is your fault," Adam looked at Rachel.

"Just trying to be a good mother," she gave him her hand so he could help her into the buggy.

"Appreciate the offer," Adam was sure to say first of all. "But could you maybe not try as hard?"

"Sorry," she didn't sound nearly as apologetic as Adam would have liked. "But I think you are stuck with me the way I am."

The ride into town was made mostly in silence. Adam not only from his headache but also still not pleased with the reason behind their trip into town. Rachel on the other hand, still couldn't get over the beauty of the Ponderosa and the country around her. It was far different from the hustle and bustle of the city she came from. Even when they came in to Virginia City she was amazed at how quaint and small it was. She was still taking everything in when Adam pulled the buckboard up to the hitching post in front of the doctor's office.

"Hey Doc," Adam smirked, walking through the door with Rachel.

"And what do I owe the pleasure of today's visit?" The doctor looked from the newest Cartwright to the firstborn son of his old friend.

Adam didn't even get a chance to open his mouth when Rachel wrapped a hand over his arm.

"He's been complaining of a headache, but not running a fever as far as we can tell."

Doc Martin led his young patient over to a chair before taking a thermometer from the shelf and placing it in his mouth.

"He was complaining of a headache last night," Rachel enlightened the doctor. "But we just thought he was tired."

"As I said, I'm fine," Adam pulled the thermometer from his mouth.

"Why don't you let me be the judge of that." Sure the doctor was used to uncooperative patients. But he hadn't experienced it from Adam since he was a little kid, and his Pa was sure to put a quick end to his behavior.

"Listen to the doctor, Adam," Rachel chastised.

Adam wasn't happy, but he reluctantly returned the thermometer to his mouth.

"We hope he's not having a relapse, but he has been working a lot since Ben was ill."

A minute or so later, he took the thermometer from his patient's mouth and observed their predictions to be correct, no fever.

"Ben wonders if it's his eyes," Rachel offered another suggestion.

"Does the light hurt your eyes?" The doc questioned.

"No," Adam shook his head.

"Hmm," the doctor crossed his arms in front of his chest. Trying to determine a cause for the boy's headaches.

"I don't there's anything to be concerned about," he finally concluded. "I'll give him a headache powder now and a few more to take home in case he needs it. But if he gets a little rest, he should be fine."

"Thank you, doctor," she placed a hand on Adams's arm.

He proceeded to mix the powder in a glass of water before handing it to Adam and telling him to drink up.

Adam took a sip and a disgusted look crossed his face.

"I'm beginning to understand why Kate hates this stuff so much."

"Now you aren't going to make me talk to you like I do your sister?" Doc Martin had to admit he didn't expect any problems from the eldest Cartwright offspring. "It's either that or you drop your trousers for a shot."

"I never said I wasn't going to drink it," Adam clarified. "I was just making a statement." He lifted the glass to his lips before draining it.

"How much do I owe you?" Rachel opened her purse.

"Two bits," he replied before turning his attention back to Adam. "I don't suppose you want a licorice whip?" He teased him, knowing he wasn't the Cartwright who typically wanted a piece of candy after a doctor visit.

"I'm not Hoss," he smirked.

"I suppose not."

"Or Hoss, Joe, Kate, and Lou Anne for that matter."

"Are there any open tabs I need to settle up on?" Rachel knew they were bound to owe him something after the number of children he had to look after when they were ill.

"Ben usually comes in and settles up at the end of every month," he enlightened her.

"I'll leave him to do that, and thank you again. Adam," she acknowledged her stepson. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes Mam," he said heading for the door. "See you later Doc."

Minutes later, the two were standing near the buckboard.

"Let's go over to the International House and get some lunch?" Rachel suggested.

"Maybe it will help you feel better."

"I could eat," Adam led the way as they crossed the street.

Rachel picked the table closest to the window so she could enjoy the bit of sun that was shining through. They hadn't had much sunny weather lately, an overcast of clouds almost always filling the sky. From what her husband said, it appeared as if they would have an early winter, for it was only October, but they were in fact, nearing the end of it.

"Mrs. Cartwright, Adam," Grace Louis, the daughter of the manager of the International greeted, pad and pencil in hand, preparing to take their order.

"What can I get for you today?"

"Coffee," was Adams's reply.

"What's the special?" Rachel, who had only been to the International but once since she arrived, had no idea of the daily specials.

"Roast beef sandwiches, side of mashed potatoes, and biscuits."

"We will have two of those," Rachel answered for the two of them.

Adam didn't say much as he drank his coffee in silence. He knew the town was privy to the fact his father was married. But that didn't mean he had much of a desire to go all over town with her or sit at a table with just the two of them.

"This is a nice place," Rachel observed as she scanned the room with her eyes.

"I'm sure you are used to much grander places in San Francisco," he mentioned.

"Not really," Rachel said truthfully. "As I'm sure you know, San Francisco isn't the safest place. Needless to say, I didn't go out much by myself."

"When Ma was still here, Pa took Hoss and me with him once. He wouldn't even let us leave the hotel room without him."

"I was kept busy in my aunt and uncle's store."

"And that's where you met Pa?" Adam wanted to clarify.

"It is," she smiled. "After he came in for about the third time, I couldn't help but take notice."

Adam wasn't sure how much of this, he wanted to hear, but he had to admit he wondered how she reacted when she discovered the man had three sons and two daughters at home waiting for him.

"You want to know more don't you?"

"No ma'am," Adam cleared his throat.

Rachel hid her smile behind her fork full of mashed potatoes, but she could see something in his eyes that read the opposite of what he was saying.

"You want to know how I reacted when your Pa told me about you and your brothers and sisters?"

"Don't you think we should get going if we're going to be at the school before the kids get out?" Adam pushed his plate away.

"I suppose you are right," Rachel took one final sip from her coffee.

Adam produced a few bills from his pocket before dropping them on the table and reaching for his hat.

"Put your money away," Rachel yielded her own set of bills before handing him his money back.

"Rachel," Adam didn't want to make a scene but he did offer a slight complaint.

"You already paid for the doctor."

"I'm your stepmother," Rachel made it sound so simple and as if it didn't need further explanation. "It comes with the territory."

"But we barely know one another," Adam had a point.

"If it makes you feel any better, your Pa gave me the money for the doctor."

"Some," he admitted. "But the meal," he started to say but was cut off.

"Can I not take my eldest son out to lunch?"

"Well when you put it that way, I guess it's alright," he held the door open for her as they left the Imperial.

"Did Marie ever do anything with just one of you at a time?" Rachel wondered if it was something she could take upon herself to do.

"She did," Adam replied. "But not often," he helped her into the buckboard. "But things were different then. Lou Anne was practically a baby and Kate and Joe weren't much older. It was hard for her to get away."

Rachel didn't respond, but her mind was on just what she could do to forge a strong relationship with her stepchildren. She was doing her best to get to know each and every one of them but it was hard with everyone being so busy and neither of the children real open just to talk to her freely unless she started the conversation. It was true, they had improved by leaps and bounds but they weren't nearly as close as she wanted to be. Then again, what did she expect? It had been a little over a month since she made their acquaintance.

They were just pulling up to the red schoolhouse when numerous children came flooding out the door, including the Cartwright kids and their teacher.

"Mrs. Cartwright," Miss Landry, the children's teacher greeted her as she stepped out of the schoolroom with the children. "It's good to see you again."

"Miss Landry," Rachel acknowledged her warmly. "I hope the children behaved themselves today."

"Oh you know children," the woman smiled but didn't let on. Their infractions were but minor and not thinking they warranted much discipline. And she knew the Cartwrights well enough, especially the patriarch of the family and how he believed that if you got in trouble at school, then you got in trouble at home.

"I'm starting to," Rachel had to admit she was beginning to notice just how easy it was for the Cartwright kids to find trouble.

With the school being on the outskirts of town, it wasn't long before the Cartwrights were out of town and they were on the Ponderosa.

"What were you doing in town anyway?" Hoss was riding his mount next to the front of the buckboard.

"Your brother got another headache so we went to see Doc Martin."

"Did you get a shot too?" Kate, whose horse was tied to the back of the buckboard, stuck her head in between that of her brother and stepmother.

"None of your business," Adam tried to push her back.

"That means you did," Kate couldn't help but laugh at the thought of her tall older brother with his pants dropped, bent over the table.

"For your information, no," Adam didn't like the laugh she was getting at his expense.

"That's not fair," she huffed.

"Doc Martin told me it's because you don't like to drink the medicine he mixes up," Adam squealed.

"That's my business," Kate crossed her arms in front of her chest. "And it would be even better if he wouldn't make me do either."

"He's trying to make you feel better," Adam told her what she already knew.

"I know," she nodded in understanding. "I just wish it wouldn't taste or feel so bad."

"We all wish that," Rachel agreed.

Kate fell back into her seat on the buckboard, next to her sister while Hoss and Joe continued to ride alongside. No one said anything for several minutes, Hoss whistling a tune while he rode along and Rachel's thoughts returned to her discussion with the school teacher.

"So how was school today?" Rachel thought she would ask.

"Same old, same old." Joe was the one to respond.

"Miss Landry said something about one of you getting into a little trouble," Rachel inquired. "What happened?"

"Oh you know," Lou Anne spoke up. "Jenny Carter is afraid of a little garter snake. Imagine that?"

"What did you do Lou Anne?" This time it was Adams's turn to enquire about school.

"Put it in her lunch pail. You should have heard her screaming," Lou Anne laughed, at just the thought of it.

"You know that wasn't very nice," Rachel chastised.

"Nice or not, it was funny," the little girl giggled.

"I think you better leave her be if you want to avoid further trouble," Rachel knew she couldn't let it pass without some sort of lecture. "You are just lucky your teacher decided against keeping you after school or sending a note home."

"You gonna tell Pa?" Lou Anne already knew if that happened, her fate was sealed when it came to discipline.

"I'm willing to keep it between us as long as you promise to keep all of God's creatures away from the schoolhouse."

"What about you?" Lou Anne knew it wasn't only her stepmother she had to worry about, but also her eldest brother, who according to her had almost as much authority as her father.

"It's Rachel's decision," Adam kept out of it. "She's your stepmother."

"I'm still getting used to that," Lou Anne admitted.

"We all are," Rachel agreed.

XXXXXXXX

That evening after dinner, Ben returned to his desk to continue work on his lumber contract while the remainder of his family spent their free time around the fireplace. Adam and Kate played a game of checkers, while Joe and Lou Anne threw paper airplanes at one another and Hoss worked with his lariat, as he practiced roping the staircase.

"I think I'm going to take a bath?" Rachel came in from the kitchen where she was helping Hop Sing with the dinner dishes. "Would you mind?" She looked at her husband.

"Mind? Of course not. But I think somebody's just wanting to try out the new bathhouse." Ben couldn't help but tease her before adding a wink.

"I'm excited," she beamed.

"You're excited?" Adam looked at her confused. "I'm excited," he pointed at himself. "I don't have to carry that dumb washtub up and down the stairs anymore."

"Or the water," Hoss added. "Now we can heat it in the bathhouse and don't have to worry about Hop Sing yelling at us for spilling water on the floor."

"It's a very nice addition to the house," Ben agreed. "One I've been wanting to add for a long time."

"I still don't like it," Joe grumbled. "It means it's easier for you to make us bathe."

The elder members of the Cartwright family laughed at Joe's observation, at least until Lou Anne interrupted.

"Rachel?" She looked at her with wonder. "You want to take bath? It ain't even Saturday." Lou Anne couldn't believe the woman would purposely want to take a bath. She hated bathing and only did it when she had to, and even then, it typically took her Pa in the room and at least Adam or Hoss to stand guard by the door.

"Isn't even Saturday," Adam corrected her grammar.

"Don't you have something better to do than badger me?" Lou Anne glared at her brother.

"Don't sass me, little girl," Adam warned. "I'm the big brother and I'll swat you."

"Pa," Lou Anne tattled. "Adam said," she started to say but was cut off.

"Mind your brother Lou Anne."

"Fine," she grumbled under her breath.

"Excuse me?" Ben looked up from the ledgers.

"I meant yes sir," she quickly corrected her choice of words. Knowing insolence would only get her a swat. Only this one would be from her father.

"It wouldn't hurt for you to take a bath a bit more often," he said pointedly.

"And you'll be taking your turn just as soon as your stepmother finishes."

"Awe Pa," she whined.

Adam chuckled to himself, before muttering to his sister.

"He sure told you."

Unfortunately, the mumble didn't go unheard by his father, causing Ben to add another order.

"And you will be making sure it happens and she does a good job of it." Knowing when one of his younger children bathed, he typically had to put them back in the tub, just to get the dirt they missed in their rush to get out.

"He sure told you," Lou Anne said triumphantly. Pleased that even though she was the one having to take a bath, she could still make the time miserable for that of her big brother Adam.

Half an hour later, Rachel, after her bath was busying herself with the mending of one of her middle stepson's socks while he and Little Joe brought in an armful of wood for the fire.

"Ben," Rachel spoke, getting her husband's attention.

"I was wondering about the fall garden. Is there anything I need to do?"

Ben didn't even get a chance to open his mouth when Kate interrupted.

"Don't you know anything?" Kate looked at her dumbfounded. "It's the end of September. We've already planted and it's not time to harvest yet."

Ben didn't say a word and instead, got his daughter's attention by landing a stinging swat to her backside.

"Oww," Kate complained, trying to get away from him.

"That was very disrespectful," he wagged a finger at her. "And you know better.

Rachel was raised in the city, and she doesn't know how we do things in the country. Now apologize," his voice was gruff.

"Pa," she started to protest.

"Do you need a few more swats?" His eyes penetrated through her.

Kate didn't miss her father's hands moving down to his belt around his waist.

"No Sir," she said immediately.

"Then do as I say," it was obvious by his tone, he expected to be obeyed.

"I'm sorry Rachel," Kate looked at her before dropping her head. Embarrassed that her stepmother witnessed her get a swat.

"Maybe you could help me with the garden?" Rachel's voice was soft. "Teach me about planting and harvesting?"

Kate didn't say anything, but she did look at her wondering.

"Kate," Ben nudged her.

"Ugh, yes ma'am," she said first of all. "But Hop Sing knows more than I do."

"Just the same, I'd like to work with you."

"If you want," she shrugged. "We have some books on the subject, you can read about it."

"That sounds like sound advice, thank you."

"Why don't you go get them for her?" It sounded like a suggestion but Kate knew by the tone of his voice, it was more in line with an order.

Kate didn't say anything but she did cross the path to scan the books behind her father's desk before landing on the correct title.

"Here's one of them," Kate handed it over before offering another apology. "I am sorry, it just kind of came out."

"I have been warning you about letting your mouth run away with you for years."

"I get it from you Pa," Kate tried to appear innocent.

"That you get from your elder brother," Ben said pointedly.

"We had to get it from somewhere?" She shrugged. "And if you remember, you are the only parent we have in common."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd question that. You two are too much alike."

"Don't ask me," she said sheepishly. "You were the only one around when we were both born."

"Don't remind me," he placed a hand on her head.

"We haven't been that bad," Kate arched her neck so she could look up at him.

"How would you know? Most things you do, you don't see as wrong."

"Must be a failing part on you then," she tried to sound innocent but it wasn't coming out nearly as she wanted. "Your the parent to teach us right from wrong."

"Thank you for that reminder, Katherine. Because right now I'm seeing it as a parenting fail that I don't take you upstairs and warm your bottom with my belt."

"I didn't mean it like that."

"Then you better just watch what you say, young lady," he warned.

"Yes Sir," she said quickly. "Watching Sir."

XXXXXXXX

Unbeknownst to the remaining Cartwrights in the sitting room, Adam had his hands full with his youngest sister in the nearby bathhouse.

Lou Anne held a defiant stance as she poised herself against the wall.

"Now Lou Anne," Adam knew the second his father said the word bath, he was going to have trouble. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way. But either way, you are taking a bath." He stood taller as he put on his best authoritative tone of voice.

"No! It's not Saturday and I ain't going to do it!"

"I'm warning you, Lou Anne Cartwright," Adam pointed a finger at her. "If you keep acting like this I'm going to put you over my knee."

"You're not my Pa," she crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"You're right, I'm not. But I am your eldest brother and have paddled your behind multiple times little girl and I'll do it again."

"I'm telling Pa."

"You're going to have to beat me to it. But just so you know, if Pa comes in here, you'll get the same thing I'm going to give you, only worse."

It appeared as if the two siblings were having a standoff as Adam tried to determine his next move while Lou Anne struggled with whether or not she should give in.

"Lou Anne," Adam finally broke the silence. "Get in that tub now," he demanded.

"I still say I'm not dirty," she complained.

Lou Anne didn't even get a chance to think twice before Adam took matters into his own hands by picking her up and dropping her in the tub.

"Hey!" She stood up. Her clothes were plastered against her body, dripping wet. "What's the big idea?"

"Pa told you to take a bath and for me to help and that's exactly what we are going to do." He helped her get undressed while she remained standing in the tub of water.

"Awe, is somebody afraid Pa's going to get mad at them?" Lou Anne sat back down in the tub, reaching for the bar of soap.

"Are you kidding? I'm used to that," Adam responded by dumping a bucket of water over her head.

"What are you trying to do?" Lou Anne sputtered. "Drown me!"

Adam kept his comments to himself as he took the soapy rag and scrubbed the areas she often missed, like behind her ears, her neck, and feet.

"Watch it, I'm not going to have any hide left if you aren't careful."

"You wouldn't have to worry if you'd do a good enough job yourself," he grumbled. Causing her to retaliate by splashing water all over his shirt.

Adam, in turn, responded by standing her up and landing a swat on her backside.

"Adam!" She plopped herself back down into the soapy water.

"I warned you not to push me. I'm not in any mood to put up with it. Now get a move on. I don't want to be in here all night." He gave her one last order before walking out to get himself a dry shirt, her a nightshirt, and of course, complain to his father about his sister's behavior. Wanting to be sure to get his side in before she had a chance to try to get him into trouble.

With Hoss finished with his lariat, he made his way up to a very unusual place. At least for him, it was unusual. Instead of out by the corral or in the barn with the animals like normal when not busy with chores, something he couldn't explain pulled him into the attic. He stood, staring into the room at nothing in particular for several minutes, but something in the corner of the room caught his eye. Taking a few steps closer, it came clearly into view. It was Marie's trunk, the only mother he knew. He knew he shouldn't touch it without his Pa's permission, but he couldn't help himself, he dropped to the floor and lifted the lid. There wasn't much in there, most of her belongings had been distributed amongst the children some time ago. But what he did find, however, brought a smile to his face. It was a book of children's stories. The book she purchased when she found out she was going to be a stepmother to a little boy. He remembered sitting on her lap when she was pregnant with Little Joe and the countless hours they spent together all those cold winter days and nights and him begging for story after story. Making himself comfortable, he opened the book, starting from the beginning with the first story. He reached about the third story when a shadow fell over the pages.

"I'm sorry Pa," Hoss quickly stood to his feet. "Please don't be mad. I know you told us not to touch Ma's things. I just couldn't help myself, I've been thinking about her all day and wanted to see some of her things." Hoss said it all so fast it was hard for Ben to keep up.

"I know you miss her boy," Ben placed a hand on his arm. "We all do."

"You going to punish me for disobeying you?" Hoss looked at him wondering. It wasn't fear he held in his eyes, rather regret getting into the trouble he was sure was coming.

"No," Ben shook his head. "I never should have made that rule," he said first of all. "I made it when I was still grieving and didn't want to be reminded of the life we once lived."

"Did it do any good?"

"Not really," Ben replied. "You all remind me of her."

"Even me and Adam?"

"Even you and Adam," he repeated. "She taught the two of you many things. Things you still do, just don't realize it."

"I guess your right," Hoss said thinking about it. Preparing to put the book back in the trunk and close it away.

"Keep it," Ben stopped him. "She bought it for you the day we got married."

"How'd she know?" He looked at his father. "How'd she know I'd like it so much?"

"I don't know," Ben shook his head.

"She knew me before she knew me," Hoss's voice was low.

"She knew us all," Ben wrapped him in a tight embrace.

"Can we go see her Pa? Can we go to her grave?"

"Soon," Ben agreed.

"This weekend?" He asked hopefully.

"Not this weekend," Ben turned him down. "I have a lot to get caught up on after being sick."

Hoss nodded but didn't say anything further. He understood his father's point of view, they did have a lot of work to do, and lazing around the lake wasn't going to get it done. That, however, didn't mean he couldn't think about it to himself or even to that of his siblings.

XXXXXXXX

Adam started his morning not paying much attention to anything around the breakfast table other than his coffee cup. It was a usual weekday morning with Hoss, Joe, Kate, and Lou Anne preparing for school and he prepared to go off to whatever job his Pa assigned him. Unfortunately for him, since he had those recurring headaches, Rachel forbid him to do much work away from the house. He hadn't had a headache in two days and claimed to be fine, his Pa too, tended to agree with him, but there was no persuading the woman of the house. Finishing his breakfast, he disappeared into the barn to find something to do. Deciding to pitch hay down from the loft, he made his way up the stairs. He was just about to drop his first pitchfork full down when he overheard his brother.

"We need to hurry."

"We're coming Joe," Hoss was the one to reply, only his tone wasn't nearly as exuberant.

He knew both his brother hated school, but for some reason or another, he couldn't put his finger on it, he didn't think they were talking about school. Especially Joe, who was never in a hurry to sit in a schoolroom all day.

"Maybe we should ask Adam to go?" Kate said thinking aloud.

"No," Joe said determinedly. "He'd tell us to wait till the weekend, and that we needed to be in school."

"I know, I was just remembering how Pa said we weren't allowed to ride that far without him or Adam. I was thinking it might help keep us out of a little trouble."

"We're already going to be in trouble for skipping school. What's a little more?"

"It could mean the difference in getting to keep our pants on for the tanning we're bound to get when Pa finds out."

"Maybe we should reconsider," Hoss spoke up, at the mention of getting into trouble.

"Not you too," Lou Anne balked at her sibling's cowardice.

"Now hold on there," Hoss stopped her. "I didn't say I wasn't going to go. I just said, maybe."

"Well, we're going, with or without you," Lou Anne said matter of factly. "Right Joe?"

"Right," Joe finished saddling his horse.

Hoss dropped his head, before turning his attention over to his mount.

"I've got to stop letting you two talk me into things," he muttered under his breath.

Adam knew he should climb down and put a stop to their plan, but something inside him made him remain hidden. They hadn't said anything as to where they were headed, aside from it being too far and not allowed to go alone.

He climbed down just as soon as the four rode off but instead of doing what he knew he should, by telling his Pa, he decided to saddle his horse and trail behind them, if not out of curiosity, just to make sure they didn't come to any harm.

He trailed them, inconspicuously for what seemed like an hour and a half before he finally decided to let his presence known by galloping to them.

They were all surprised to see him. So much so they all began talking at once, trying to make excuses, getting the feeling he was going to start yelling before eventually dragging them home to face their bound to be irate father. At least he would be when he found out about what they'd done.

Adam eventually managed to get a word in by asking one simple question, where were they going?

The four exchanged glances before dropping their heads before Kate spoke.

"We're going to Ma's grave," her voice was low.

"Augh," Adam ran a hand through his hair trying to figure out what to do. "What made you do this on a school day and by yourself?"

"We just wanted to," Joe shrugged.

"Well, it's going to have to wait, because we're going home."

"Adam, we can't go back!" Lou Anne jumped into the conversation with both feet. "We're almost there and when Pa finds out about this we're not going to be able to leave the yard for at least a week if not longer."

"Huh?!" Hoss's mouth dropped. "This is getting worse and worse as the day goes on."

"I'm going to have to agree with Hoss," Adam shifted in the saddle. "This was a bad idea. You broke two of Pa's rules and you know that's not going to sit well with him. And if that's not enough, you put yourself in danger by taking off without anyone knowing. That'll be the big one. You know how he feels about safety.

"Adam," Kate's voice was low as she looked him in the eye. "It's Ma, and we're almost there. We might as well go the rest of the way."

Adam sighed, but eventually gave in.

"I have a feeling I'm going to live to regret it. But if you four are brave enough to face the wrath of Ben Cartwright, I guess I can be too." Adam turned his horse in the direction of his stepmother's grave, followed by his younger siblings.

"Ben," Rachel came in from the kitchen.

"Hmm," Ben looked up from his desk, where he was busy working on the ledger at his desk.

"Have you seen Adam?"

"Not since breakfast."

"Thought he'd be coming in for lunch soon."

"He probably got caught up with something," Ben figured. "I'll go get him."

"No need," Rachel shook her head. "I'll go, I'd like a little fresh air anyways."

Rachel took a deep breath, enjoying the sun on her face as she looked around the ranch yard for her stepson. He wasn't at the woodpile, she observed, or the bunkhouse talking with some of the men. That left the barn or back of the house. Deciding the barn was the most likely place, she walked through the open doorway. She called his name but didn't get a reply. There appeared to be a few chores left undone and she knew that wasn't like Adam at all. Her gaze settled on the horse stalls and noticed that not only was Adam missing, but his horse was too.

"Ben!" Rachel called for him, just as soon as she walked through the door.

"Did you find our wayward boy?" He asked teasingly.

"No, and his horse is gone too."

"Hmm," Ben squinted. "Wonder where he went?"

"Should you go look for him?"

"No," Ben didn't sound concerned. "Probably just went out to check the herd."

"But his headaches," Rachel started.

"He's fine," Ben assured her. "It's been two days since his last one."

"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I just worry, I've never been a mother before."

"I'm glad you feel that way about them," he wrapped an arm around her waist. "And they are lucky to have you. But I know my son."

"Is it normal for him to skip lunch?"

"Not particularly," Ben thought it over. "But he's never had a huge appetite compared to that of his brother. Now if Hoss misses a meal, then it's time to get concerned."

Half an hour later and the five Cartwright siblings sat near the lake around their mother's grave. They sat in silence the majority of the time, each buried in their thoughts as they remembered the woman they loved so dearly.

After a while, Hoss's belly told him it was past lunch, and the four youngest pulled their lunch from their saddlebags, each willing to share a bit with their eldest brother. After lunch, they lost track of the reason they were there and Joe fished out a spool of string and hooks where they spent a little time fishing.

How long they stayed was unknown, each losing track of the time. Until Adam looked to the sky to check the time.

"It's getting late," he noticed. "And getting home late is going to mean you're breaking another one of Pa's rules."

"We've broken so many rules today, I've lost track," Hoss mumbled.

"Well Ma," Adam spoke to the headstone. "Some of us may be joining you sooner than later. Because Pa's going to kill your four youngest children."

"Shut up Adam," the middle brother grumbled at him. "I knew this was a bad idea," Hoss muttered to no one in particular.

"Who's idea was this anyway?" Adam was still trying to figure the whole thing out.

"Guess I sort of mentioned it," Hoss admitted. "But," he stopped short.

"But we carried it the rest of the way," Kate knew she had to take part of the blame.

"And I'm sure you two weren't about to disagree," Adam looked from Joe to Lou Anne.

"You know us big brother," Lou Anne grinned mischievously. "Always up for an adventure."

"Well I hope you enjoyed yourself," Adam mentioned, getting his horse ready to ride. "Because when we get back to the house, it's going to be the last adventure you go on for a while.

Interrupting their train of thought, was a crack of thunder followed by heavy droplets of rain falling from the sky.

"Well this is worse," Kate looked up, just as several drops plopped her in the face. "We're going to be soaked to the skin by the time we get home."

"I don't think you're going to have to worry about wet pants. Because you are probably not going to be wearing any when Pa gets done."

"I repeat what I said earlier," Hoss groaned. "This is just getting better and better."

"And just who makes you an authority on the subject as to what Pa is going to do?" Kate quizzed.

"I did something very similar to this when I was Hoss's age," he explained.

"I wish you would have told us this story a lot sooner," Kate was beginning to regret her whole part in this little adventure of theirs.

"I didn't think it was warranted," Adam shook his head.

"Guess we know who's going to be the first one to get Pa's belt," Kate sighed in disgust. "Only it's not going to be just one of us. It's going to be all of us."

"Hey," Adam interrupted. "Leave me out of that observation."

"Don't think you are in the clear Adam Cartwright. You're out here too."

"Yes," Adam had to agree with her on that. "But I didn't skip school, and I'm allowed to ride out here and by myself for that matter."

"Wait a minute," Kate looked confused. "Your horse was in the barn when we left and if you were only supposed to be working around the house how did you know where we were?"

"I heard you talking in the barn," Adam let on.

"Where were you?" Joe knew they checked the barn before speaking.

"Loft."

"Well if I know Ben Cartwright like I think I do," Kate said thinking about it. "I'm pretty sure, you're not going to get off scot-free for not turning us in and making us go back."

"Trust me," Adam looked almost sick. "I know."

XXXXXXXX

Rachel glanced at the grandfather clock as it chimed at the top of the hour. She had expected the children to come charging in half an hour ago, in a hurry to drop their books on the credenza and hurry outside but they had yet to make an appearance. She wasn't exactly worried, knowing they typically got sidetracked on the ride home or even remained in town to visit with their friends.

She had just finished cleaning the ashes from the fireplace when there was a knock at the front door.

"Miss Landry," Rachel was surprised to see the children's school teacher standing in the doorway. "Please come in."

"Is Mr. Cartwright here?"

"I think he's in the barn. Would you like me to get him?"

"If you don't mind," Miss Landry figured she could speak to the children's stepmother but with Ben such a predominant figure in the children's lives, she knew he would want to be present. Regardless of what she had to say.

"Please make yourself comfortable," Rachel started to say when Ben came in.

"Who did it this time? Joe or Lou Anne?" He named the usual two that got into trouble at school.

"I had a relatively easy day today," Miss Landry announced.

"This is one of the first times a teacher shows up at my door to give a good report regarding my children."

"That's just it Mr. Cartwright, I'm here to bring the children their studies."

"Weren't they there today?"

"No," the teacher shook her head. "I thought they may be sick again and didn't want them to fall behind."

"We sent them this morning," Rachel exchanged a worrisome glance with her husband.

"Perhaps you and Adam should go look for them," Miss Landry suggested to Ben, concern showing in her voice.

"Adam isn't here," Rachel wasn't sure how else to respond.

"Would you like me to send the sheriff out?"

"No, I'm sure they will turn up, now that school is out," Ben figured.

"But that doesn't explain about Adam," Rachel reminded her husband.

"We don't necessarily know he is with them," he reminded her.

"I hope everything is fine," Miss Landry apologized. "I certainly didn't come out here to cause trouble."

"Don't worry about it," Ben assured her. "I'm sure they just decided to spend the day out on the ranch somewhere." He kept his tone steady, but there was obvious anger showing in his eyes.

"If so," Miss Landry hesitated to say. "It's policy they are kept home the remainder of the week."

"I know the policy well," Ben sounded as if he had heard it multiple times. So much so, he could repeat it word for word from memory.

"Thank you for understanding," Miss Landry started to take her leave.

"They will be back to school bright and early Monday morning and I can assure you, they won't skip again."

"Then I leave them in your hands."

Ben walked her out before helping her climb aboard her buggy. His movements were mechanical, doing the same thing he always did when a guest left his home. But his thoughts were elsewhere. They were on his children. Where were they and what were they doing? These were just some of the questions plaguing his thoughts. The biggest question that haunted him was that of their safety. Very seldom did he allow them to go very deep into the Ponderosa. At least not without him or Adam. There were just too many things that could happen to young children left alone. They could suffer a fall, get bit by a snake or spider, come across rustlers, squatters, cattle rustlers, or even worse kidnappers who would hold them for ransom simply because they were Cartwrights.

"Now that it's just us," Rachel looked at her husband, the moment he stepped foot through the door. "What are we going to do?"

"I don't know," Ben shook his head. "They could be anywhere."

After what seemed like hours, but was merely only half an hour or so, Ben started to make his trek to the barn where he planned to saddle up and go in search of his wayward children when the five rode up.

The five dismounted, as they eyed their father carefully. He had yet to say anything, then again he didn't have to. His face was saying it all. And it was sighting a realm of uneasiness in each and every one of them.

"I'm not going to yell," Ben told himself, despite the fact he was tempted to yell loud enough for everyone in San Francisco to hear.

"Get inside and get out of those wet clothes," he ordered.

"But," Hoss started to question him.

One look from his father, however, shut him up completely.

"What about our horses Pa?" Kate squeaked out just above a whisper.

"I'll take care of it," Ben took the reigns before leading them into the barn, intending to ask one of the hands to care for them.

"We're so dead," Joe met his siblings in the upstairs hallway after changing his clothes. "It's not often he doesn't yell immediately."

"That's because he's really mad," Hoss interpreted. "I've been here before and it never ends well."

"We're not that late?" Joe looked at his siblings. "You don't think he knows do you?"

"Depends on what you mean by knows," Kate had a feeling his question wasn't by any means necessary. They were all thinking the same thing.

"Knows we skipped school."

"We're about to find out," she said as they trailed down the stairs.

They found their father pacing in front of the fireplace, his stance letting off a sense of frustration.

The four youngest of his offspring didn't say a word and instead remained near the stairwell, their gaze settled primarily on that of their eldest brother, looking for help as they tried to determine what to do next.

They didn't have to wonder for long, as their question was answered in a direct order.

"Sit down!" Ben pointed at the settee. The vein in his neck bulging and his tone fierce.

The four youngest dropped into place, keeping their head down in the process. Not wanting to bring any undesired attention to themselves.

"I said sit down," Ben eyed his eldest, the only one not to comply.

"Pa, I," Adam started to say.

"You are not out of this completely young man. Now sit down and shut up," Ben glared at him. "And do not make me tell you again."

Adam's mouth dropped, but he was quick to obey and follow the direction of that of his brothers and sisters.

He was used to getting balled out by his Pa for doing something wrong. What he wasn't used to was all five of them being in trouble at the same time.

Ben wanted to get to the bottom of all that went on with his offspring that day, and his gaze settled on each of them as he determined which of them he would order to speak. He knew Adam was conniving, Joe and Lou Anne could lie through their teeth, even though he knew they both knew better than to lie to him of all people. And even if they didn't, they still had the ability to skirt around what needed saying. Kate on the other hand always tried to make her actions appear not as bad as they were, leaving him with one remaining, Hoss. Hoss couldn't lie to save his life and he always looked so guilty, it didn't matter what he did.

"Eric," Ben knew that by referring to him by his given name, he would be less likely to explain using a bunch of pauses and would get directly to the point.

"We went to see Ma," Hoss said warily.

"All of you?"

"Well it didn't start that way," Hoss chewed on the inside of his lip nervously.

"It was just me, Joe, Kate, and Lou Anne. Adam overheard us talking in the barn and followed us."

"So you skipped school, took off without anyone knowing where you were or where you were going. And if something would have happened, I wouldn't have known where to even start looking."

"You don't have to tell us how bad it is Pa," Joe looked almost sick. "Adam already told us all about how dangerous it was."

"Well, at least he did something smart."

Adam's mouth dropped at his father's choice of words. Then again, he had to admit, his decision to forego his original plan and go along with his sibling's lame brain idea of skipping school wasn't exactly the smartest thing he'd ever done.

"Get outside and get your chores, while your mother and I settle on a suitable punishment." He gave his last instruction before allowing them to leave the house.

"I'm beginning to think we shouldn't have come home," Joe mentioned as they crossed the yard for the barn.

"You and me both," Kate agreed wholeheartedly.

With his children outside, Ben started to pace the floor once again.

"Ben," Rachel said carefully. "I know you are upset. But at least they are home safe."

"Who said they're safe?!"

"Ben," Rachel said it all with one word.

"I know what you mean."

"Sit down Ben," she took him by the arm before leading him over to the settee.

"I know what you are trying to do. And nothing you say is going to get them out of trouble."

"That is not my intention," Rachel clarified.

"They deserve punishment," she said matter of factly. "I just want you to calm down first."

"I've never punished them in anger and I don't intend to start to now."

"I'm sorry I presumed. I should have known better."

"My children are the most important thing in my life," he told her what she already knew. "They know to expect punishment when they do something wrong and they are going to get it. I'm raising them in a manner in which they will grow up to be respectable adults, ones I can be proud to call my sons and daughters."

"They may not see it now, but one day they will realize how blessed they are for you to care for them in the ways you do."

"They're good kids," Ben admitted. "They do wrong and get into trouble but it could be worse."

"I'm glad you see that," she teased him before turning serious again. "So what are you thinking?"

"For starters, aside from church and school they won't be allowed to leave the yard for two weeks and they'll be given a list of extra chores to keep them busy."

"And?" Rachel had a feeling, just by his choice of words, that wasn't all.

"Then, my new belt is going to get broken in."

"Surely Adam doesn't deserve it," Rachel started to say.

"No," Ben shook his head. "He didn't skip school, go where he wasn't allowed, or stay out later than allowed. But he will lose a day's pay, receive a stern lecture, and will be restricted, the same as his siblings."

"I think that's fair," she agreed with his decision.

"And they are all going to bed without supper," he added.

"They had a long ride home and they need to eat," she placed a hand on his.

"You're right," he relented. "I'm going to go out and check on them. I'll be in, in a minute."

After a while, Ben and the children made their way inside. Rachel was busy setting the table while Hop Sing brought in their dinner.

"You can thank your mother for changing my mind and allowing you to have dinner."

"Thank you," Hoss was the first to say while the others simply nodded their heads in appreciation.

"Go wash up," she gestured at the bathhouse.

"Yes Ma'am," their voice was quiet but they readily obeyed.

Dinner wasn't a boisterous affair as it typically was. Everyone paying attention to their plate. The silence however didn't last as Rachel chose to break it by questioning the children about the day they had.

The five looked up, but neither said a word, unsure if this was supposed to be a dinner of silence. Ben nodded in approval and Hoss spoke up.

"It was real nice," he nodded. "I don't think we'll have very many more days with the weather as good as it was today. What do you think Pa?"

"Guess we'll see," he was leaning more towards his son's observation but he figured he couldn't be 100% certain.

"Not that anyone has asked my opinion," Kate decided to pay her own two cents in. "But I think that by the beginning of November we'll start seeing snow."

"I like snow," Lou Anne piped up.

"That's because you never have to work in it and all you do is play."

"Sometimes it pays to be the youngest." Lou Anne typically didn't enjoy the role she played in the family line but at times such as this, it was totally worth it. At least in her opinion, that is.

There wasn't much to say after that, figuring they exhausted the weather topic and Rachel had all but given up uplifting the spirits of her family. They simply were not in the mood after the day they had and still had some unfinished business that evening.

"While I have you all together," Ben cleared his throat, to get his children's attention. "You will not be allowed to back to school until Monday."

A smile started to spread across the children's faces as they thought of all the free time they were going to have to do the things they enjoyed. Their hopes were dashed however when he continued.

"You four will be writing essays on why it's important not to skip school."

"Awe Pa," Hoss grumbled. "You know I'm not good at writing like that."

"You young man do not have a say in your punishment," Ben pointed at him severely.

"You three have 500 words," he gestured at Hoss, Kate, and Joe. "And Lou Anne, you have 200."

"That's not fair," Joe complained.

"Joseph," Ben said sternly. "Your youngest sister is only seven years old and does not know as many words as you."

Joe wasn't by any means appeased by his father's explanation but he figured now was not the best time to argue.

Kate didn't do much aside from nod in understanding, not expecting to have much trouble with the assignment. Then again, she never had much trouble in school. She had to ability to write anything she thought you wanted to hear, and it usually only took an hour or two if she was really in the mood.

"And don't worry about not having time to work on it," Ben was sure to add, already foreseeing the excuse he knew was coming next. "Because every moment you are not doing chores or having meals, you will be in your room."

Looks of complete disdain crossed their faces, always hating the punishment of solitude. Not only was it lonely, but it was extremely boring. Especially for Lou Anne, who always felt as if the walls of her bedroom were closing in on her.

The children lingered at the table a bit longer than usual as dinner was coming to an end, much too soon for that of the youngest members of the family. Knowing that once they were excused from the table, their list of punishments began. Their actions didn't go unnoticed by their father, who knew Joe and Lou Anne well enough to remember how anxious they always were to get away from the table.

"Adam," Ben set his final cup of coffee down. "Go to the barn. You four go to your room."

The five siblings nodded in understanding but neither chose to respond in words.

With the children gone, Ben let a long breath.

"Might as well get it over with," Rachel moved to stand behind her husband, placing a hand on each one of his shoulders in reassurance. "You'll feel better."

"I doubt that," he mumbled. "I don't enjoy punishing them."

"And that's why you are a good father," she kissed the top of his head.

Knowing the easiest dealings were going to be with that of his eldest, Ben started for the barn.

He found the young man sitting on one of the square bales, his head resting in his hands. Ben could tell by his body language that he was expecting an extensive lecture, and he had every intention to oblige him.

Adam stood when he saw his Pa, but Ben gestured for him to return to his seat.

Crossing his arms in front of his chest, Ben looked down.

"Pa, I," Adam started to say but was cut off.

"Now before you go through the list of telling me all the things you didn't do. Let me enlighten you on all you did do. One," he held up a finger. "You left your work undone. Two," he proceeded with the same action as before. "You decided to go after them when you should have come to me."

"Pa, I," Adam tried again.

"Was trying to protect them," Ben held up a hand. "Which is the reason, you're avoiding a session with my belt."

"Pa, you've always told me it was my responsibility to look out for them. But now that I did you're upset with me. Why is now any different?"

"Because you knew from the moment you set out that they were doing wrong."

"I'm sorry Pa," he apologized. "And if it makes you feel any better, I spent the majority of the time lecturing them."

"I know you are, and I'm sure you did." Ben could tell by his behavior that he regretted going along with their escapade. He placed a hand on the boy's shoulder in assurance to show he was forgiven.

"You know they just wanted to visit Ma?" Adam tried to make things easier on his siblings.

"I know," Ben nodded. "But they should have waited. Hoss asked me about going this weekend and I told him it wasn't a good time."

"Sure doesn't sound like Hoss," Adam scratched his head.

"I thought of that," Ben agreed. "Which is why he's not getting the blame laid entirely at his feet. I know my three youngest well."

Adam didn't say anything, but he did nod in agreement.

"Let's get in the house," Ben exited the barn, Adam following close beside him.

They made the short trek across the yard and into the house, Adam picking up the book he left on the coffee table before starting for the stairs.

"If you don't need me for anything?" He looked at his Pa. "I think I'll spend a little time in my room reading before bed."

"I think that's a good idea." Ben still had some unpleasant fatherly duties to attend to and he couldn't help but long for the hour he could go up and relax in bed.

He begrudgingly climbed the stairs to deal with the four of his offspring awaiting the last of their punishment. He dreaded what he was going to have to do. But they deserved the tanning they were about to get after the multiple rules they broke. He started with the first room on his left, intending to work his way down till he ran out of children.

"You know what you did wrong?" He looked at the boy intently. Never wanting his children to wonder why they were getting punished.

"Yes Sir," Hoss nodded in understanding.

"Then let's get this over with," he unbuckled his belt, having it off with one single swoosh.

Doubling it over, he looked his son in the eye. "I know you won't understand this right now. But I'm doing this because I love you."

"I know Pa," Hoss's face read despair.

By the time Ben reached his last child's bedroom, he didn't feel as if his heart or arm could continue. His heart felt as if it was breaking into a million little pieces and his right arm was smarting from the tannings he had handed out.

He left three children laying on their bellies trying to rub the stinging out of their scorched bottoms.

It had been a while since he had to lay into them like he did but it was important, he make a lasting impression any time they sit down in the near future so they remember what they did was wrong.

It was maybe half an hour later, once his Pa returned downstairs, that Adam slipped out of his room.

"Hey Hoss," he kept his voice low as he walked entered his brother's bedroom door.

"You could knock," Hoss wasn't exactly in the mood for company.

"You wouldn't have let me in," Adam told him what he already knew.

"Well you better get out of here," Hoss sat up, wincing when his backside touched the mattress. "You know Pa when it comes to punishment. No one is allowed in the other person's room."

"I'm not in as much trouble as you."

"If Pa finds you in here, you will be," he warned.

Adam ignored the comment and took a seat on the edge of the bed before pulling the book away Hoss held in his hands.

"Don't you think you are a little old for a children's book?"

"Give it back Adam!" Hoss all but bounded after his brother.

"Calm down Hoss," Adam gave it back. "I was just messing with you."

"Well I'm not in the mood brother," he huffed.

"I remember that book," Adam offered a smile, trying to appease him.

"Ma got it for me," Hoss said with a far-off look in his eye.

"What all do you remember from that time?" Adam made himself comfortable as he leaned against the headboard.

"Not much," he shrugged. "I was so little and it was a long time ago."

"She bought me my first guitar," Adam was almost wishing he had it with him, at the mere thought of it.

"We had a lot of good times with her," Hoss recalled.

"She was a force to reckon with when she was riled," Adam had his own recollection.

"She could be worse than Pa sometimes," Hoss laughed. "But we had more good times."

"When Pa was gone, we would spend hours in conversation on the books I was reading. Lou Anne was a baby and would be in her lap, while Kate was perched in my own. I know she didn't understand everything we were saying, but she seemed to enjoy it anyway."

"That's Kate alright," Hoss knew his sister well.

"You and Little Joe would play on the floor. You typically having your hands full with our energetic kid brother."

"Some things never change," Hoss laughed out loud.

"Shh," Adam chuckled as he tried to keep not only his voice down, but that of his brothers as well, not wanting to bring their Pa in or worse their three kid siblings.

"You started it," Hoss shoved him teasingly.

Adam practically fell off the bed in the process.

"Shh," Adam was still laughing when he said it. "If Pa comes in here, we're both liable to get our butts burned."

"Oh no," Hoss was quick to give in. "Mines been burned enough."

"It's going to be a long two weeks," Adam took a deep breath as the two returned to their normal state.

"You're telling me," Hoss grunted. "And I have to spend a lot of time in my room."

"I'll be having to spend every extra minute doing some sort of extra chore I'm sure," Adam wasn't by any means exaggerating.

"I'd rather do that than be closed up in my room with nothing to do."

"You say that now," Adam ran a hand through his hair frustrated as the next two weeks were dawning on him. "Just wait till I'm coming in covered in dust, drenched in sweat, and every muscle in my body aching and Hop Sing and Rachel not letting me step foot in the house till I take a bath."

"Sounds like neither one of us have anything to look forward to," Hoss fell back against the mattress.

"You can say that again brother," Adam followed suit.

XXXXXXXX

The house was quiet as Rachel sat alone, mending the shirt her eldest stepson ripped that day, getting his littlest sister out of the thicket she got stuck in on the edge of the lake. Both her mind and hands were busy, as she was still having a hard time coming to terms with her stepchildren's way of finding trouble that day. She was still wondering how often they tended to find such serious trouble as they did that day when her husband came in from outside.

"I should have had Little Joe bring more wood in before I sent him upstairs," Ben mentioned as he carried a few extra logs in before stoking the fire. "Getting cooler out there."

"Come keep me warm," Rachel patted the place on the settee next to her.

"Give me a few minutes and I'll be all yours," he promised before starting for the stairs.

"Where are you going?"

"I always talk to my children after punishing them. It's important they know they are forgiven and understand that I only discipline them in love."

"I thought you tell them that just before you punish them."

"I do," he nodded. "But they usually don't hear too good at that time. They are too busy worrying about the tanning they are about to get."

"I don't blame them."

"I can't either," Ben agreed. "I recall being in their place a time or two."

"Surely not you," Rachel teased.

"I'm fairly certain, I was never as bad as my children are."

"I thought we agreed," Rachel said first of all. "They aren't bad, they are young."

"Kind of goes hand in hand sometimes," Ben laughed as he made his way up the stairs.

The two brothers were just picking themselves off the bed when Adam spoke seriously.

"You know we're going to have to stop letting them talk us into things that get us in trouble." Adam looked at his brother as the two thought of the day's events.

"You don't have to tell me," Hoss shook his head. "I'm the one not sitting comfortably."

"The next time you get a brilliant idea of going to visit Ma. Tell me about it first."

"Don't worry about me," Hoss held up his hands in surrender. "I'm never doing anything that even remotely resembles this again."

"You have no idea, how little I believe that."

"Thanks a lot," Hoss said sarcastically before turning serious once again.

"What about you? What are you going to do differently?"

"I'm turning everybody in the second I hear anything."

Hoss laughed but looked at his brother intently.

"You don't mean that," Hoss was for sure he knew his brother better than that. Adams wasn't the type to squeal.

"Probably not," Adam smirked. "But, I'm supposed to be somewhat penitent, right?"

"You tell me," Hoss shrugged. "You're supposed to be the smart one."

"Yeah, I probably shouldn't say that," Adam shook his head. "It makes me sound like a bad influence."

"But we have to do something different, right?" Hoss squinted, as he tried to determine what different entailed.

"Right."

"But what?"

"I'm thinking," Adam rubbed his chin, appearing as if he was in deep thought.

Interrupting his chain of thought, was his brother's bedroom door opening and their Pa coming in.

"Adam," Ben frowned, looking at his eldest. "You know better than to be in here."

"We were just talking Pa

"And I was in his boots a couple of years ago when I skipped."

"I'm hoping all my children have it out of their system now."

"I know I do," Hoss assured him.

Adam smiled, knowing he had nothing to say, being out of school and all.

"And you?" Ben was looking for a response from his eldest.

"Pa, I," Adam started to say.

"I know," Ben raised a hand to silence him. "You're out of school. But are you done being deceitful?"

"Deceitful is such a strong word in a case like this, don't you think?"

"No, I don't," Ben's tone was deafening.

"Point taken Pa," Adam assured him.

"Mhmm," he muttered, not fully believing his son's response.

"Pa, I," Hoss started to say, incidentally pulling his attention away from Adam, only for it to settle on him.

"Yeah son?"

"I'm sorry, I feel like this is all my fault."

"It isn't son," Ben shook his head. "You had a great deal to do with it yes," he was sure to clarify. "But, you didn't force your brothers and sisters to go along."

"I just don't know what came over me. I know you said you'd take us when you got a chance, but I just had to see Ma."

"I understand that son," Ben looked at him intently. "If you would have told me how important it was to you I would have found the time to take you. You just went about it the wrong way."

"I realize that now Pa," Hoss said sullenly.

"And what's your excuse?" He turned his attention to Adam.

"I can't say no when it comes to Ma," he shook his head.

"You wouldn't be in this fix now if you did."

"I'm gathering that," his lips were pursed together.

"Whether or not you feel the need for me to remind you two," he took a seat between the boys and placed an arm over each of them. "I do love you."

"Shucks," Hoss reddened. "We know that Pa."

"And you understand why I'm being so hard on you?"

"Yes Sir," this time it was both boys' turn to respond simultaneously.

"Get ready for bed boys," he stood. "I'll check on you before I go to bed and I'll see you at breakfast."

Ben's talk of understanding always tended to last a bit longer when it came to his three youngest.

Joe would always act like he didn't want to talk. At least at first, but in reality, Ben knew otherwise.

Lou Anne always needed to be held in reassurance and Kate was usually happy just for him to be in the same room with her. Kate could tend to be a brooder, not unlike her eldest brother, as she always appeared deep in thought. But she was still young and in most cases, she silently longed to lean against his shoulder, his arm wrapped tightly around her. This appeared to be one of those times, as Kate was his last stop for the night. He had told Adam and Hoss to get ready for bed, but he didn't half expect them to turn in for the night, at least not as of yet. And as long as they stayed quiet and in their rooms as to not disturb the younger children, he didn't mind if the two stayed up reading. He left Joe and Lou Anne tucked snugly in bed and he had every intention to do the same with Kate. When he saw his eldest daughter's face, however, his decision changed, as soon as he finished talking with her, he tucked her under the covers before leaning against the headboard next to her and took the book she left on the nightstand, intending to read a few chapters, knowing his voice would soon comfort her before sending her off to dreamland.

XXXXXXXX

Again, it seemed like forever before he finally returned to his wife's side. He was emotionally exhausted and was looking forward to a quiet night as the majority of his children were sound asleep.

He took a moment to add another log to the fire, before pouring himself a brandy and picking up the newspaper he had been meaning to get to most of the day. He wasn't sure how long he had been reading or how many articles in the paper he read when he folded the newspaper and set it aside.

"Listen," his voice was just above a whisper.

"I don't hear anything?" Rachel looked at him, wonder in her eyes as she was trying to determine what he was talking about.

"That's exactly what I'm talking about. We have no children talking or bickering and we are alone."

"I'm pretty sure we won't hear much from them the rest of the night," Rachel said pointedly. She was about to say something further but was stopped when his lips touched hers.

"Ben," she stopped him. "What if one of the children comes down?"

"They aren't supposed to leave their room," he caressed her face with his lips.

"But Adam can," she reminded him.

"Adam is probably reading. We won't see him the rest of the night." Ben knew his son, especially when he had a book in his hand.

"You can kiss me," she didn't think she could keep him at bay any longer. "But that's it for now. The last thing we need to do is risk having another child around here. Five is more than enough."