Author's Notes

Hello everyone!

So, we're going to a dinner party at the Cartwright house... by the way, I had a little trouble uploading chapter 6, so I'm not sure if it updated the story correctly. Well, I hope it works properly this time.

Thank you again for your reviews and messages. And those of you who I sadly can't reply to (guests, "reader", Kathy) —I really appreciate hearing from you.

Chapter 7

"What you do in here again?! I say stay away, you no listen!"

"Hold yur horses Hop Sing, I just came in to see if'n ya needed some help is all . . ."

"You keep hands where I can see!"

"All right, just take it real easy now."

Ben froze where he stood in the sitting room and waited, listening, but the voices from the kitchen quieted down once again. He had just finished tiding up his desk in the alcove and he walked to the fireplace as he scanned the room, making sure that everything was in order. The house was a lot cleaner than it had been for some time and everything was prepared for an evening with pleasant company and good food. The table was set with his own good china and delightful smells drifted out from the kitchen into the open dining room. Now, all that was left to do was to wait for the guests to arrive.

Ben ended up over by the blue wing chair and laid a hand on the top of the backrest. He absentmindedly rubbed the soft velour with his fingers, trying to think if he'd forgotten anything. When he looked down, he began studying the piece of furniture as if seeing it for the first time in years.

For a while, he'd been unable to stand the sight of this chair. Every time he'd looked at it, he saw Adam lying in a field somewhere, wounded, in pain . . . lifeless. On a particularly bad day, he even went as far as removing the chair from the house just to avoid looking at it. But when his two younger sons had come home and seen that it was gone, they'd found it in the tool shed within minutes and brought it back inside. Hoss and Joe had said nothing, they just set the chair back in its rightful place and Ben hadn't tried to move it again.

It was moments like these, that it truly hit him that Adam was home with them again. The whole house was different somehow. He could feel his oldest son's presence everywhere again, even when Adam wasn't physically there and this blue chair especially, had been given new life, simply with his nearness.

Suddenly, Ben's head shot up when a high-pitched tirade delivered in Cantonese resonated from the kitchen. Barely two seconds later, Hoss came out into the dining room with hasty steps, his hands tucked deep down into his pockets.

"I did warn you," Ben said. "You know how he gets, especially when he is cooking for more people than just us."

He couldn't stop a smile from forming when Hoss came over to the settee, studying the tips of his boots.

"Yea, I know Pa. I just didn't have enough snacks to keep me goin' until supper. It smells so darn good out there and Hop Sing just don't seem to understand—all I'm tryin' to do is show my appreciation for all that good food."

"Well, it won't be much longer. Little Joe should be here soon with the McCoy sisters and they will keep you occupied until Paul and Roy arrive."

"I sure hope they hurry." Hoss sat down on the arm of the settee. "Adam ready yet? I swear I ain't never known anyone who could sit in a bath as long as him."

"Don't forget Hoss, soldiers at war don't have the luxury of regular baths and I imagine that it's one thing he appreciates very much nowadays," Ben said, his expression sober. "He is up in his room still getting ready, I was just thinking about checking on him."

Hoss sat quietly, his forehead puckered above his down-turned eyes.

"Pa . . .you think he's doing okay? I mean, he seems better now I guess. He ain't as sad all the time and he don't look as puny like when he first come home . . . but it's just that . . ."

Hoss hesitated, looking as if he was going to say something more but then his gaze fell to his boots again. Ben went over to his son, laying a hand on his shoulder. Out of his three boys, Hoss was the one most likely to share his troubles, he'd been that way since he was a child. Honest and sensitive, and with a heart big enough to fit anyone who might need it. His natural instinct to help others had always been there and he'd brought plenty of strays home over the years—of the four-legged as well as the two-legged kind. Often times he'd acted as peacemaker between his two brothers and he was the worrier out of the three, or at least the one who showed it most openly.

The difficulty he was having with expressing himself now, told Ben that he'd been wrestling with these feelings for some time. When Hoss' head lifted, there was open concern plainly etched on his face.

"Dadburnit Pa, I just can't help bein' worried about 'im. He still gets that pained faraway look in his eyes like he's remembering somethin' awful. Or he looks tuckered out as if he's hurtin' when we come home from bein' out on the range and there just ain't nothin' I can do to help him." He dropped his head. "I just don't know how to help him."

The last sentence was spoken with the same helplessness that Ben kept locked up inside, but he tried to conceal his own pain for the sake of the son who needed him most at that moment.

"I know it's hard, Hoss. I wish I knew myself, how to do more for your brother. Trouble is, there isn't a right thing to do. However much we want to help him, there are things we simply can't understand. We just—" He halted and squeezed the slouched shoulder beneath his hand. "We weren't there, son."

"But Pa . . .can't we do nothin'?"

"Yes. We certainly can." Ben forced some strength into his voice. "We'll continue doing exactly what we have done up until now. Keep working this ranch and give Adam the chance to stay occupied. We'll be patient with him and show him that we're here for him if and when he needs us. But we can't push him too much, Hoss. He needs time."

Ben released his son's shoulder and managed a smile.

"Now, try not to worry. Tonight is a celebration, we are all going to have a good time, and that includes you! How about you prepare the punch? I don't think Hop Sing will mind that, just stay away from the stove."

Hoss' somber mood seemed to lift as his cheeks did with a small smile.

"All right Pa. I'll have that punch ready in a jiffy."

He stood and headed back towards the kitchen, but his gait was still a bit heavier than usual.

Ben remained standing in the middle of the sitting room, collecting his thoughts in the quiet. Glancing over at the big grandfather clock, he noted that it was already half past five o'clock. He turned and walked with resolute steps to the wooden staircase.

xXXx

Adam was trying to straighten out his shirt collar when there was a knock on the door and he half turned, knowing who it was.

"Come in, Pa"

The door opened, and his father stepped into the room.

"You about ready?"

"Yea. Sorry, I lost track of time a bit . . ."

"Yes, I guessed as much."

Ben smiled, watching his oldest son. Adam was standing in front of the oval mirror across the room, the button of his black pinstriped pants undone and his white shirt hanging open. His hair was still messy after the bath, but Ben noticed that he was perfectly clean-shaven. It took some effort for Adam to get his face that smooth and an image from the past suddenly entered the father's mind. His son had been around seventeen years old when it seemed that his facial hair started growing practically by the minute and Adam had been forced to shave thoroughly and often to keep it under control. He'd had an impressive beard growth ever since and although he'd often teased Joe about the soft fuzz that later appeared on the youngster's face every two weeks, Ben knew that Adam secretly hated how much maintaining he had to do on that front himself.

The image of that overgrown boy gradually merged into the young man standing by the mirror and Ben was left with a feeling of pride and a twinge of sadness.

"I was supposed to get the punch ready and time got away from me," Adam mumbled as he quickly reached for a comb, attempting to get his hair in some semblance of order.

"Take it easy, Hoss is sorting out the punch." Ben calmly eyed Adam's reflection in the mirror. "Joe isn't even here with the girls yet, you have time."

Deciding to abandon his disordered mop for now, Adam put the comb on the dresser and started looking around himself, his eyes skimming the floor and furniture. He lifted some clothes off a chair and spoke across his shoulder at his father.

"Pa, you see my belt anywhere?"

Ben spotted the strip of leather lying in plain sight on the foot of the bed and he went over to pick it up. He brought a fist to his mouth, cleared his throat and when Adam turned around to him, he held the belt up, wearing an is-this-what-you're-looking-for expression. Adam closed the distance between them, shaking his head.

"Thanks Pa."

When he reached out to take the dangling belt, his shirt fell more open and his father's amusement dissolved. Ben's hand stayed stretched out in the air for a couple of seconds even though Adam had taken the belt, and he continued to stare at the white shirt that had now fallen back into place, hanging down across the flat planes of his son's stomach.

Adam was concentrating on maneuvering the leather through the belt loops and didn't sense that anything was wrong. He was just about to start doing up the buttons of his shirt when his father spoke in a voice so soft and hesitant that it made him look up instantly.

"Adam . . .would you mind . . .can I see it?"

First, Adam just blinked at the older man, having no idea what he was talking about, but then he saw where those intensely dark eyes were fixed. Reflexively, his hand went to cover his side as if he were trying to protect what was beneath the fabric from his father's penetrating gaze. Or rather, like he was trying to spare his Pa from the sight of his pain. He looked away, but that deep voice spoke again, even softer than before.

"Please, son, I . . . please."

He stood there for one long moment, unmoving, but then finally, he lifted the shirt away.

Ben took a step forward, staring at the exposed scar on his son's right flank, just below the rib cage. It was small and circular, slightly puckered around the edges and almost looked star-shaped. He cautiously reached out and brushed the smooth skin with his thumb.

Adam released a shaky breath. Not because he felt pain—it was a long-healed scar—but because there was so much love and affection poured into that gentle touch that he almost couldn't bear it.

The lines on Ben's forehead ran deep and he kept gazing in strange fascination at the small mark which had nearly taken his beloved boy from him.

Turning his side a little, Adam lifted his shirt more to reveal a matching scar on his back which was somewhat bigger. Then he began speaking, the words coming in a steady monotone as if he were delivering a military report.

"The bullet went in at an upward angle and passed clean through. I was in the process of moving my men to support a gap in our lines when the shot winded me, sent me flying off Sport. I never knew who fired at me, only that the boys got him straight after. It was on the third day of Gettysburg and we had orders to hold our lines no matter what. Our medic Pip bandaged me up and I went back to the front line. My company had been moved to the center division of our army under Brig. Gen. Webb and we'd been expecting the major charge from Lee's forces. It was disastrous for the Confederates . . . and our lines held."

He stopped briefly, fighting to keep the memories at bay.

"The wound became infected and I . . . don't remember much of the weeks that followed. I was pretty out of it . . ."

Ben slowly straightened up and pushed the white shirt back down.

"Does it still hurt? Sometimes I notice you holding your hand there . . ."

"The memories hurt Pa, not the scars." Adam started doing up his shirt. "Sometimes it itches a bit and if I pull at it the wrong way it bothers me a little, but not very often."

Ben openly looked him over, almost overwhelmed by the immeasurable gratitude he felt. His son was alive.

"Thank you, Adam"

It was a simple and heartfelt thanks and when Adam looked up, he could clearly see how much it meant to his Pa that he'd shared this story.

It surprised him. And what baffled him even more, was the fact that he felt something close to relief over having told the man he trusted more than anyone in the world about one of the most painful experiences of his life. The scar was a token from Gettysburg, it was a part of him now and would forever mark his body. And now his father knew about it too.

A noise from outside pulled father and son from their thoughts and Ben went over to look out of the open window.

"That's Joe with the McCoy sisters." He walked back to Adam and only just resisted the fatherly urge to tousle the messy hair, knowing that he'd already pushed his reserved son far that evening. Instead, he settled for an affectionate pat on the back.

"Let's all have a nice time now. You know that things will be very relaxed with Paul and Roy and I'm sure those two girls will be busy with your brothers."

"Yea, I know Pa, I'm not worried." Adam smiled and tucked his shirt into his pants. "I'll be down in a minute."

"All right."

Ben moved towards the door and he was halfway out into the hall when he twisted back around.

"Son . . ."

Adam turned with a curious look and Ben's eyes still had that tender shine to them, but his lips were twitching.

"Your tie is lying on your desk."

With a faint smile, Adam listened for his father's footsteps disappearing down the hallway. Then, he went over to pick up the item he'd been about to search for.

Madeline sat beside her uncle on the buggy's seat and looked out at the scenery passing by around her. It seemed that after every half a mile they travelled, there was a new view waiting to take her breath away. There were rolling hillsides in some places, open plains in others and the land was rich with those Ponderosa pines which could be seen in the distance in almost every direction, stretching up high towards the sky. It was truly as magnificent as she'd imagined, even more so. Wild and untamed—completely pure—and overwhelming yet simplistic in its beauty as such nature is.

She pulled the wrap covering her bare shoulders closer around her. A little part of her wished that her uncle could just let her off somewhere at the side of the road, so she could take it all in properly and let the tranquility of her surroundings overcome her. She could really use that right about now because as they neared the Cartwright house, she was feeling anything but calm.

When Adam had asked her to come to the dinner party, she'd struggled to stay true to her lady-like upbringing. His invitation had caused her immediate excitement and she had counted the days since then. She was keen to see him again, this man who'd kept creeping into her thoughts ever since that first time she saw him at the county fair. There was just something about Adam Cartwright. He was special.

Although she was keen, she was equally nervous and for the umpteenth time since they'd left Virginia City, she looked down at herself to check her appearance.

She'd worked hard to finish her new lavender dress in time for the dinner. Last night though, she'd been so full of doubt as to whether or not it looked right on her or if it was even nice enough to wear for the evening, that she'd tried it on for her uncle. He had loved it and she'd trusted his judgement.

The off-the-shoulder short sleeves were very fashionable at the moment, or at least they had been in Georgia, and she'd incorporated a low décolletage, intending this as an evening gown. To make it more elegant, she'd decorated the large, flounced skirt with rows of tiny ribbons in a darker purple and complemented the dress with a satin sash in the same color, which was tied with a bow trailing down the back of her skirt. After some debating she'd decided to wear her hair up, adorning it with a few white pearls and letting smooth ringlets hang loose around her face.

Drawing in a deep breath to calm her nerves, she readjusted the sash around her middle even though it was quite unnecessary.

"Madeline, you look completely stunning, now stop worrying. Those Cartwrights won't know what hit them."

She faced her uncle with a weak smile. Then sheriff Roy Coffee, who was riding on his horse on the other side of the surrey, spoke across to her.

"Excuse me, but I gotta agree with the doc, Ma'am. I can't remember last I was in such stunning company."

Madeline's smile grew and finally made it to her eyes.

"Well, I am certainly delighted to be escorted by two fine and handsome gentlemen such as yourselves."

She looked over at Roy and he mumbled something, suddenly sporting an impressive blush. Looping her hand around her uncle's arm, Madeline relaxed, and Paul flicked the reins as they rode up the last stretch of the road to the Ponderosa ranch house.

xXXx

When they came into the yard, Madeline was instantly taken by the striking house and the sudden delight that seized her face showed it. Somehow, it fitted perfectly with her impression of the Cartwright family. It looked hospitable and welcoming, not daunting and formal like the homes she had sometimes frequented in Georgia at social gatherings.

The front door was open, and she gave a little wave as the Cartwrights came out one by one—Joe following behind with two young girls whom Madeline didn't recognize. When her uncle had parked the buggy sideways by the porch, her heart jumped as Adam came over to her side, just like she'd secretly hoped he would. She looked down at him, so handsome he was, his eyes that brilliant hazel color which seemed to change slightly every time she saw them.

"Madeline, you look beautiful . . ."

His voice was low and intimate and the admiring way he gazed at her left no doubt that he meant what he said. Her face heated, and she took the hand he held up to her.

"You are very kind, Sir."

She moved to stand up and he placed both hands around her waist, while she put hers on his upper arms as he easily lifted her down. When her feet touched the ground, she felt lightheaded and was grateful that he didn't immediately let go. She had never been this close to him before and the feel of his firm biceps under her hands did positively strange things to her. At that instant, she was completely unable to speak, the spicy aroma of his cologne flirting with her senses while he slowly removed his hands from her hips.

By this point, Roy and Paul had greeted the other Cartwrights and the McCoy sisters, and everyone was watching the two. Paul especially, was scrutinizing them until Ben addressed his eldest.

"Adam, perhaps the rest of us could have the pleasure of greeting Miss Delaney?"

Adam forced his eyes away from the beauty in front of him and noticed everyone observing them. He could tell that Madeline was slightly embarrassed that she hadn't realized it herself, but he just smiled and held out his arm to her, which she took as they walked around the surrey. She let go of Adam when Ben came over to her with outstretched hands.

"I am so pleased that you could come, dear. You look so very lovely."

Ben chose his words carefully, not wanting to openly compliment Madeline more than he already had the two sisters behind him, but the young woman's beauty was truly remarkable and everyone there knew it.

"Thank you, Mr. Cartwright, and I thank you for your invitation." With a radiant smile, she turned to address the others. "It would make me very happy if you would all call me Madeline."

"That would be our pleasure, and I hope you'll call me Ben."

Adam stood with his hands clasped behind his back, a half smile by his mouth while he watched his father bring Madeline over to greet his brothers.

Hoss shuffled his feet and could hardly look at her while Joe was ever the charmer, taking her hand and giving it a quick kiss. Maisy's posture straightened a bit when that happened, but out of everyone there, Adam would have been the last to notice it. He was totally spellbound by the doctor's niece as she floated around on a cloud of lavender.

Madeline was introduced to the two sisters, and she took Millie's hand, then Maisy's as she greeted them warmly. They looked almost like twins; both had fiery red hair and a charming scattering of freckles across their noses, but Maisy was shorter where her sister Millie was tall and curvier. They were both very pretty girls in their own ways and wore elegant evening dresses in green and blue.

When everyone was properly acquainted, Ben suggested that they all head inside for some punch before the meal was served. Hoss and Joe led the sisters into the house and Madeline took Ben's arm, excited to see the inside of the Cartwright home. She did glance back at Adam, smiling, before she disappeared inside with Roy following behind her.

That left Paul and the oldest Cartwright son standing alone on the porch.

"You look well Adam," Paul said. "I am pleased and frankly, shocked, that you seem to have done as I told you for once."

Adam leaned back against the wooden support beam next to him and cocked his head.

"Why so surprised doc? You make it sound like I never listen to anything you say."

"Pffft, you never used to, not where these things are concerned anyway. What's brought on this sudden change, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Well, you say I'm listed as the second worst patient that you have and that isn't exactly an admirable accomplishment." Adam's eyelids lowered as he looked down to study his fingernails. "Maybe I just want to improve your opinion of me. Show you how responsible I can be."

The doctor's greying eyebrows rose up to where his hairline once had been.

"Aha . . . and just what am I supposed to make of that statement?"

"Make of it what you will, Paul."

Adam's eyes held a smirk that stayed hidden from the rest of his face. He pushed himself away from the wooden beam and sauntered to the door of the house, feeling the doctor's sharp eyes on his back the whole way.

Paul tugged at the tie around his neck and looked out across the yard. If he hadn't known it before, he was now sure that his personal life would become very interesting from hereon.

When Adam came into the house, he saw Madeline standing with his brothers and the McCoy sisters in the sitting room. For a few moments, he did what was quickly becoming one of his favorite things—he simply watched her. It didn't seem like she was doing much talking and that was understandable because Millie McCoy appeared to be pretty much speaking for the whole group. But Madeline was glancing around the room, her eyes gliding along the walls and furniture and Adam would have loved to know what she was thinking.

Madeline wasn't familiar with the people who were being discussed in the ongoing conversation, so she was taking her time studying the decor of the sitting room. It was elegant, yet cozy and she adored the large fireplace. The image of Adam sitting in one of the big chairs in front of a roaring fire brought a subtle curve to her lips. It was definitely a men's house, there was a very distinctive, masculine feel to the big room and the choice of furniture which also fitted with what her uncle had told her. She knew that there hadn't been a Mrs. Cartwright living here for many years. Her attention drifted to the opposite end of the room where she noticed an alcove. She lifted the glass of punch that Hoss had given her and sipped the sweet drink before taking a few careful steps closer to get a better look.

The sound of someone approaching behind her, made her pause and although she anticipated the smooth, baritone voice, it still made her body tingle.

"Well, do you approve of what you have seen so far?"

She turned around to him and then had to contain a blush and tell herself that his question was directed at the house's setting.

"Oh, very much so. You have a beautiful home. And the scenery on the ride out here was simply breathtaking."

The pleasure on Adam's face was evident and he gestured to the alcove where he'd seen her looking.

"This little area over here," he said as they walked towards the desk, "is where the Ponderosa is run from."

"I see. I suppose you spend much time here then?"

"Some yes, but I'm mostly out working around the ranch. My father does the majority of the paperwork and I help when he needs it or gets too grouchy about it."

"Yes, I understand. My uncle isn't very fond of paperwork either and he has plenty of it too."

She set her punch glass down and let her fingertips glide across the surface of the desktop. Then she noted three pictures lined up next to each other.

"Your mothers?" she asked tentatively.

Adam was surprised at the warm feeling that spread through him when she addressed all three women in the pictures as being his mothers. He knew that Paul must have told her something about the tragedies his family had faced but she hadn't asked him which one of the women was his mother, just spoken like it was natural that he had three. It was an issue he'd struggled with a lot through his life, and occasionally still did, since he in some ways felt more connected to Inger and Marie than to his own mother.

"Yes, my birth mother Elizabeth, Hoss' mother Inger and Joe's mother Marie."

"They were all very beautiful. Your father must be so proud."

Adam's gaze was fixed on the dark-haired woman in the picture frame and all of a sudden, words he'd had no intention of letting out, sprang forward by their own will.

"She died just after giving birth to me. I never knew her."

"I'm so sorry . . ."

He didn't know why he'd spoken so openly and he instantly thought he'd made her uncomfortable. Facing her, he saw only honest, genuine compassion gazing back at him, just like he'd seen it that day he met her at the county fair.

"That's all right . . . it was a long time ago."

Madeline saw through his nonchalant shrug and knew that she'd learned something important about him. It was a part of his character which she recognized straight away as being a great strength but also on another level, she suspected, a weakness.

He quickly turned the conversation onto safer topics and showed her some of the Indian artwork his father had hanging on the wall which she was very intrigued by. About ten minutes later, Hop Sing came out into the dining room and addressed the party with a big smile.

"Turkey weaddy in two minute. Please have seat." He bowed, then scurried off to the kitchen again.

Adam saw Madeline's face glow with curiosity at the brief appearance of the quirky cook and he led her back to the great room.

"That was our cook Hop Sing. He's practically a member of the family, been with us for almost twenty years. He's very well-mannered this evening too so we better take our seats before that changes."

She smiled broadly and they walked towards the dining table where the others were also heading while they chatted and laughed. Suddenly remembering her wrap, she reached up to remove it from her shoulders.

"Would you like me to take that?" Adam asked. When she turned around, it took all his gentlemanly effort to keep from gawking at the neckline of her dress. The purple fabric hung gracefully across her bosom, giving a generous glimpse of her alluring curves. It wasn't too much, just absolutely lovely.

"Thank you," she said, peeking up at him through lush lashes as he took the wrap. He went over and placed it on the dresser by the door where the McCoy sisters also had theirs.

Everyone then stood at the table with Ben and Adam each at their end—the McCoy sisters to Adam's right with his brothers—and Roy, Paul and Madeline to his left. When Maisy and Millie moved to sit down, Adam quickly pulled out Madeline's chair for her before Paul could do it. The doctor glanced over at Ben, who made no effort to hide how entertained he was by the situation.

The men sat down, and cheerful conversation rose up across the table as everybody looked appreciatively at the trays of food laid out before them. There were platters loaded with sweet potatoes, biscuits, green beans and other mixed vegetables and two porcelain jugs of gravy. When Hop Sing came out of the kitchen, carrying a silver tray with a huge turkey, the women gasped, and Hoss grinned as he inhaled the delicious smells wafting up from the table. Ben began carving the turkey while Adam pointed out that Joe had hunted down the bird the previous day. That information made Maisy turn to the young man beside her with stars in her eyes and there was modest pride in Joe's features when everyone praised him. The platters were passed around and compliments to the food and fine wine were weaved into the casual conversation.

Madeline was enjoying herself more than she ever had at any dinner party in Georgia and when she wasn't speaking with Adam, which was most of the time, she was happy to talk to the others, including Millie and Maisy.

The two older Cartwright brothers were having a laugh together over a particularly elusive calf which had escaped when it was being moved from one of the corrals a couple of miles from the house. Hoss had found it earlier in the barn where it was hiding in the hay—chomping away on the apples that had littered the ground next to the horses' overturned fruit bucket. Adam held up his wine glass, saying that they should wait a while with telling the embarrassed cowhands who'd been outwitted by the little critter and Hoss let out a loud guffaw. It was a great relief for Adam, seeing his brother having a good time. He'd noticed that Hoss seemed quiet earlier in the day and he'd decided to keep an eye on his bighearted sibling.

Although Adam's attention had shifted onto Hoss, he was constantly aware of Madeline to his other side and the joy he got from simply having her voice in the background. He wasn't nervous around her in the same way anymore. That moment, when he'd lifted her down from the surrey and she'd looked at him, something had seemed to fall into place for him. He was oddly calm sitting next to her at the table now.

Paul Martin was also having a splendid evening and the pride he felt at being the uncle of the charming young lady by his side was a feeling he'd never experienced before. He now understood that look that so often appeared in Ben's eyes when he went to social events with his sons. Madeline was truly a blessing in the existence that the doctor had thought he'd been content with.

He felt proud sitting next to her, and he was happy to see her engaging in the conversation and sharing her thoughts and opinions on the subjects under discussion. She was finally coming out of her shell.

Naturally, he was mindful of her, even during his talks with Ben and Roy and when Maisy began asking Madeline about her life before coming to Virginia City, the perceptive doctor abandoned his own conversation and smoothly jumped in to steer Maisy onto another path. The gratitude in Madeline's eyes was reserved for her uncle only, but she didn't realize that another person had noticed the exchange.

Right away, Adam had sensed her discomfort at Maisy's questions and he'd seen the doctor's intervention coming before it actually happened.

Adam was sure that something in her past concerned her, but he knew that he would have to get to know her better before he could find out what it was.

When everyone had finished eating except for Hoss, Hop Sing came out and began clearing the dishes away. Madeline smiled at him when he came to take her plate.

"Thank you for such an enjoyable meal Mr. Hop Sing, it was truly delicious."

"Missy Madeline velly kind, got good sense too. You come back velly soon!"

The cook's eyes were narrow cracks as he grinned and bounced off to the kitchen and there was a little laughter around the table.

"You have such an impressive home here Mr. Cartwright," Maisy said to Ben as she put her hand around Joe's arm. Ben didn't get a chance to answer her though because Hoss spoke up, pointing a forked sweet potato at his older brother.

"It was old Adam here who designed it, Miss Maisy."

Both Maisy and Millie turned their heads in surprise and Adam smiled tightly at his brother while the look in his eyes clearly stated what he thought about that comment. Hoss continued munching away and Joe piped up too.

"Yep, older brother here drew it all out himself and him and Pa built it."

Adam tried to wave off the inevitable praise and he did a discreet sideways glance at Madeline to see her reaction. She stared at him in surprised admiration and then turned to her uncle with a look that seemed to ask why he hadn't told her that. Luckily for Adam, he was spared from more talk on the subject when Hop Sing brought out the dessert of apple pie and cream just as Hoss had cleaned his supper plate. The pie was tasty as the main course had been and afterwards, Ben proposed that they all move over to the sitting room.

Joe had other plans in mind and suggested to Maisy that they go outside for a breath of air, to which the young girl responded with an eager giggle. Leaning close to Madeline, Adam asked if she would like to do the same and she agreed in a somewhat more dignified manner.

When Adam pulled out her chair as she stood up, Maisy looked her over and spoke in a rush like she could no longer contain herself.

"Madeline, I simply have to know where you had that wonderful dress made! Is it from a store here in Virginia City?"

An almost startled look swept across Madeline's face and then a modest smile appeared.

"Well, I . . . no, not exactly . . ."

"Madeline is a talented seamstress wouldn't you say so?"

Her uncle's flattering words made her cheeks turn a faint pink and when she noticed that everyone seemed to take an extra, long look at her dress after that revelation, the prospect of a little fresh air was a very welcome one.

"Why yes . . . she certainly is!"

The others agreed enthusiastically with Maisy and Madeline thanked them all shyly. Adam came out of his stupor when she faced him, and he stepped aside, gesturing for her to go first. She walked over to retrieve her wrap while he went to open the front door, holding it open for his little brother and the giggly redhead. Hoss and Millie also went outside and then Roy, Paul and Ben moved to sit by the fireplace, not at all surprised that the young people had found other ways to occupy themselves.

Madeline drew the wrap across her shoulders and took the crook of Adams' offered arm. They walked out onto the porch and she sighed as the refreshing evening air hit her face.

"We can go over to the corral if you like?"

"Yes, all right."

They stepped down onto the ground and Adam pointedly ignored the cheeky wink from his youngest brother who had sat down with Maisy, Hoss and Millie at the far end of the porch.

They strolled across the yard in silence and Madeline tipped her head up to the darkening sky, thinking that out here in the West, it seemed greater somehow.

Once at the corral, they continued walking along the fence until they got to a more secluded area where long branches of the surrounding trees formed a green canvass above them. Sport was grazing at the other end of the corral but quickly sensed that his human was near and he trotted over to them. Madeline watched in amazement as the big chestnut went straight for Adam, nuzzling his neck affectionately.

"Come now Sport, where are your manners? Can't you see that I've brought you a beautiful visitor?"

He made a clucking noise with his mouth while gesturing to Madeline and Sport turned to her. The horse walked closer and stopped just in front of her, making little huffing noises through his nostrils. Then he lowered his head to the ground, his front legs stretching out slightly as he stayed completely still, as if bowing to her. Madeline looked over at Adam with an open-mouthed smile, her eyes sparkling with astonishment.

"Here . . ." Adam said, moving to stand behind her and gently taking hold of her hand, "he is saying hello to you. Hold your hand like this."

His hand lay against the back of hers and she let him control her movement, holding her arm out so that her palm faced outward to the bowing horse.

Sport's head lifted then, and his velvety muzzle came up to rest against her hand. The three of them stood like that for several, magical seconds and Madeline held her breath, so lost in the beautiful animal's intelligent eyes.

"All right pal, how about giving us a little privacy now, hmm?"

Adam flung a hand dismissively and Sport pulled back with a snort, seemingly understanding that his master wanted him to get lost. Unable to help herself, Madeline released a soft giggle as she leaned back, feeling a little dizzy.

"He is absolutely wonderful! It's like he understands exactly what you are saying to him . . ."

Adam couldn't speak just then, he was completely absorbed in the feeling of her petite body leaning back against his chest and the intoxicating scent of her hair just by his chin. Suddenly realizing what she was doing, she stepped forward, her back feeling strangely naked at the loss of his warmth. She half turned to look at him and her heart was pounding so fiercely, she thought he must be able to hear it. It was that look, right there. The one that disturbed and captivated her so. His eyes trailed slowly across her entire face, from her chin to her cheek, across her small nose and up to her brow before he settled on her eyes. His gaze felt like a physical touch and the sensation left her helpless and flushed.

He moved up next to her and leaned his arms on the top rail of the fence, looking at Sport moving around in the corral.

"Whether you're human or horse, you both know it when you ride into hell. He was there with me, all the way. And we came home together. He's one of my best friends. Sometimes, he seems to know what I want and need even when I don't myself."

His tone wasn't sad but held a touch of wistfulness and when he faced her, she recognized the hint of bewilderment in his expression, same as she'd seen it when he'd told her about his mother. She correctly guessed that it was unusual for him to share such thoughts and speak so openly. He reacted the same way now as he had done earlier, by literally shrugging off the conversation but this time, the shoulder movement was accompanied by a new smile she hadn't seen before—a playful one.

"He's a real bright horse too, though sometimes too smart for his own good. Goes off looking for pretty fillies when I'm busy." He moved a little closer to her. "I have no idea who he learned that from, of course . . ."

"Really?" Madeline smiled, one eyebrow lifting. "I can imagine."

"Can you?" His voice lowered as he leaned even closer. "I could never have imagined that a woman as stunning as you even existed."

She felt a blush coming on but managed to repress the worst of it and she tilted her head to one side, watching him intently.

"Thank you, Adam. Funny you should say that, actually. I received a similar compliment earlier."

He paused and pulled back slightly. "Am I to understand that there is . . . someone else trying to win your affections?"

"Is that . . . what you intend to try?"

"Not try. I just intend to."

The lopsided smile he gave almost had her, but then she pushed out her lips in thought.

"In that case . . . well, I suppose it depends . . ."

"Mmm, on what?"

"On whether or not you can handle Sheriff Coffee and my Uncle. You see, I received the compliment from them."

Her words were followed by two seconds of silence, then Adam drew back as he burst out laughing. Madeline had never heard a more beautiful sound in her life. As her own giggling subsided, he suddenly took her hand in his.

"I'm sure gonna give it my best shot, Miss."

He kept his eyes locked with hers as he lifted her hand and she felt her pulse quicken at the exquisite feeling of his soft, warm lips lightly pressing against her knuckles.

Then, he took a step back, glanced over in the direction of the house and his shoulders seemed to fall a little when he looked at her again. She knew, as he obviously did, that it was time for them to return to the others. He placed her hand in the crook of his arm as they walked back along the corral fence.

Her heart sank a bit, when she realized how late it was and that her uncle would be taking her home soon. She turned to Adam and studied the side of his face, noticing his slight frown. She wondered if he was thinking the same thing.

Holding his arm a little tighter than what was necessary, she was happy to see his half smile slip back into place. As they got closer to the house and the sound of Millie McCoy's shrilly laughter, Madeline knew that this was an evening she would remember for the rest of her life.

It was her and Adam by the corral that Madeline thought about later that night when she was back at her uncle's home. The whole evening had been so enjoyable, but the time she'd spent alone with the dark Cartwright—that was what kept her mind too occupied to sleep.

The single lamp she'd lit, only barely illuminated the sitting room and she sat on the settee, a blanket wrapped around her, her knees drawn up under it. There was a noise at the door and her uncle peered in the room.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Paul, did I wake you? I couldn't settle . . ."

Paul walked in wearing his dark blue robe and sat down next to her.

"I was awake anyway Madeline. Personally, I blame Hop Sing for my insomnia. How can a man sleep with a stomach full of all that good food?"

The corners of her mouth tugged up at her uncle's humor. Paul observed her as she began tracing the pattern of the blanket with her pale fingers.

"I'm glad that you had a good evening, little Belle. Well, also I'm pleased that I finally got to show you off."

"I enjoyed myself very much," she said, her manner a little distracted. "The meal was excellent and the Cartwrights are such a nice family. Maisy and Millie McCoy were also very sweet . . . Maisy even invited me to join her at the Women's Social Club next week . . ."

"Mmm."

Paul observed his niece as she returned to fidgeting with the blanket. A minute passed during which he patiently waited.

Then abruptly, she faced him, a bright smile lighting up her whole face.

"Oh, Uncle Paul, he is wonderful, isn't he?"

"Oh yes, he certainly is." The doctor nodded agreeably.

"He was such a gentleman the whole evening . . . witty, smart and . . .charming . . ."

"Mm-hmm, handsome devil too."

Madeline sighed. "Just think, he designed that beautiful house himself . . ."

"Yes, he is quite something."

The tickled doctor watched as the dreamy glow in his niece's eyes slowly cleared.

"Yes . . . he is."

There was another brief pause until Madeline shifted on the couch, turning towards him with a frown creasing her brow.

"Uncle, I think . . . I think that perhaps—"

"You think that perhaps we will be seeing a great deal of Adam in the future?"

She smiled softly. "Yes. At least I hope so. Or I think that I do . . ."

Paul noticed the tension in her expression reappear. ". . . But you're not sure if you do?"

Her frown grew deeper. "I don't know. With everything that has happened, I never thought—" She broke off, her hands gripping the blanket.

"I have never met a man like Adam before. This is all new to me . . . Uncle Paul, I am so confused!"

"You have been through a lot, Madeline," Paul said, understanding and concern covering the regret he would always carry with him. "It is perfectly understandable that you need time . . ."

"I just don't know if I did the right thing." Her voice held a tiny quiver. "I feel like I am living in secret, nobody knows the truth except for you and . . . and with Adam, what if he—"

"Firstly, you had your reasons for doing things this way. You needed a fresh start, away from there. It was the only way we could accomplish that. Secondly, Adam is a very perceptive fellow, I'll agree, but he is no mind reader. He won't find out anything unless you tell him. And for the record, I know of no one more trustworthy . . ."

She tipped her chin down and when Paul took hold of her hands, he noted how cold they were.

"Madeline, this evening I saw you look happier than you have since you came here. I am under no illusion as to whom should receive the credit. It was also hard not to notice how that young man couldn't take his eyes off you." He smiled at the image of Adam's smitten face. "Enjoy your time with him now and do what your heart wants. Don't worry about the things you have not yet told him and when the time is right for you, trust that he will understand."

Madeline looked up and was faced with the steady reassurance in her uncle's unwavering eyes. Her brow slowly smoothed out.

"What would I do without you, Uncle Paul?"

"Heaven knows."

The dry remark made her smile, a real smile and she leaned forward to place a kiss on his cheek. He smiled back, then clapped her blanketed knee and rose from the settee.

"Since we are both so wide awake, I will be giving you a lesson in chess you won't soon forget."

As she leaned back against the pillows, she was transported back to the corral, to the feeling of Adam's strong chest pressing against her while Sport touched her hand.

Paul came over with the chess board and when he noticed that the dreamy expression was back on his niece's face, he knew that he'd already won the game.