Good News
Little Joe walks in the house with Doc Martin just as Ben and Adam descended from the stairs.
"How's Amelia Ben?" asked the doctor. "She's in a lot of pain. She fell asleep not too long ago" said Ben. "We'll then I better go check on my patient" said Paul.
He walks up the stairs with Ben behind him. Joe makes a quick exit out the door and over to the barn. He starts to groom Cochise trying to get his mind off of what was going on inside the house.
Adam walks up to him. "You alright Joe?" asked Adam. "Yeah why wouldn't I be? Our little sister might lose her leg and we can't go after the men who did this to her because we made a promise" said Joe frustrated.
"Why did you make that promise?" asked Adam curiously as he folds his hands across his chest. Joe turns and glares at him.
"What kind of question is that? You know why I made that promise" said Joe. "Well then enlighten me, refresh my memory" said Adam.
Annoyed Joe says "Look I promise her because I didn't want to cause her anymore pain". "Do you regret that promise?" asked Adam.
"Of course not it's just that the thought of our sister losing her leg...it terrifies me Adam" said Joe full of emotion with tears in his eyes and his lip trembling.
Adam pulls him into his arms and holds him as he gives into his emotions. "Let it out Joe. It's ok just let it all out" pacified Adam.
After having a good cry Joe pulls away from Adam. Adam hands him his handkerchief. Joe takes it appreciatively and uses it to dry his eyes.
"Thanks Adam" rattled Joe. "Anytime little brother I'm always here" said Adam. Joe smiles at him.
"I know and that means more to me than I can say. I know we have had our differences but I just want you to know that I really do appreciate everything you do for me. I know I don't always show it or say it a lot but I really do love you brother" said Joe shaky.
"Oh Joe you don't have to tell me that I know you love me. You saved my life more times that I can count and you always have my back through thick and thin. I know I rived you a lot but I hope you know that I don't do it to be mean or come off as bossy. It's just my way of looking out for you making sure that no harm comes to you because I'm your big brother and I love you" said Adam trying to control his emotions.
"I never did understood why you were looking out for me and do the things you did for me but now that I'm a big brother I understand what you did for me because I'll do the same things for Amelia n a heartbeat" said Joe.
"I don't have any doubt in my mind. I told you it's not bad being a big brother" said Adam.
Hoss walks over to over to the barn and could hear laughing. He walks in to see both of his brothers getting along.
"Well I'll be doggone I never thought I'll see the day where both of my mule-headed brothers aren't trying to kill each other" teased Hoss.
Joe and Adam exchange glances. "Who are you calling mule- headed you big ox" teased Joe.
"Yeah and who says we don't get along?" teased Adam. The three of them laugh.
"Pa sent me out here to find ya" said Hoss a little more serious. "Why? Is it about Amelia?" asked Joe worriedly.
"I don't know Pa just told me to find you" said Hoss. The boys hurried out of the barn and across the yard to the house.
The run into the house and saw their father sitting in the lonely great room with his arm resting on the armrest of the settee staring at the empty fireplace.
"How is she Pa?" asked Adam bracing himself for what was about to come. Ben gets up and looks at his sons with tears in his eyes that alarm the boys to suspect that the news wasn't gonna be good.
"Your sister is a miracle. A precious gift from God" said Ben full of emotion. The boys look at one and other wondering what their father is trying to tell them.
"We know she is" agreed Hoss. "She fought the infection with everything she had" continued Ben. "Was the Doc able to save her leg?" asked Joe.
Ben smiles "Yes he was Amelia is gonna be just fine. It'll be a while for her to be able to walk on that leg so I'll appreciate it if you boys can help her get around until she is able to weight on her leg".
He knew that his sons would help out without a doubt. "You don't even have to ask Pa you know we will" said Adam.
Ben was truly blessed to have three devoted sons and a magnificent daughter who loved each other and him.
"Well then let's go see your sister then" said Ben wiping the tears from his eyes. The four happy men walk up the stairs.