Sunday could not come quickly enough for Hoss. For Sally the days leading up to their scheduled picnic were filled with nervous energy. Her body was beginning to tell her it was time to prepare for the coming of her child. But with no real home to pour that energy into, she worked that much harder for the Peters. Harold and Martha began to worry that she was pushing herself too hard. They hoped that the new girl who planned to start the following week would help Sally not push herself quite so much. The Peters also understood that she was concerned about meeting with Hoss and prayed for her sake it would be a pleasant occasion.
After church on Sunday, Hoss took Sally to his family's favorite spot by the stream not too far outside of Virginia City. He picked a shady place near the water where they could relax and enjoy the delicious lunch Hop Sing had prepared for them. Hoss carefully helped Sally sit down on the blanket as it was becoming more difficult for her to do that with a cumbersome belly. He put another blanket behind her back so that she could lean comfortably against the trunk of the tree where they were seated.
Sally found his attentiveness very sweet. "You take good care of me, Hoss. This is a really pretty place. Thanks for bringing me here."
"Yur welcome. This is where my family likes ta come sometimes on Sundays after church. Peaceful, ain't it?"
"Yes. You know, I really like working for Harold and Martha, but it is busy and noisy with all the people going in and out. This is a nice change."
Hoss unloaded the picnic basket and they began to eat. Sally was embarrassed by how much she ate. She rarely sat down to a meal with the Peters because they were always preparing and serving food; so they just grabbed a plate when time allowed. It surprised Sally how much she was able to consume, but then she began to feel uncomfortable because she did not normally eat so much at one sitting.
Hoss took notice when Sally began to shift her position and place a hand on her stomach. "You ok?"
Sally blushed. "Would you mind helping me stand up?"
Hoss got to his feet and offered Sally his hands to help her up. "Better?"
"Yes, thanks. The food tasted so good that I think I ate too much. The baby is taking up lots of room these days."
The blush on Sally's cheeks made her look even prettier to Hoss. He could not resist the urge to place his hand on her soft face, but even though his movement was slow and subtle, she reflexively jerked back. She had long ago lost count of the number of times Josiah Bolton had struck her. Embarrassed by her response to such a sweet and gentle man, Sally hid her face against the trunk of the tree.
Tears came into Hoss bright blue eyes. "Sally, it's ok. I know why yur afraid. If I was you, I'd be afraid of a big moose like me too."
Her voice was muffled by the tree, unable to face him,. "I'm sorry Hoss. You've never been anything but be kind to me."
"It's ok Sally. It jest may take some time, that's all. But there's somethin' I've bin wantin' ta tell ya."
Sally swiped at her tears and turned to face him. "What's that?"
"I wantcha ta be my wife." She looked at the big man standing in front of her in utter disbelief. "I want ta give you my love - if you'll have me - you and the baby, and take care of both of ya for the rest of my life."
Despite the sincerity radiating from his eyes, there were serious doubts crowding out what Sally was seeing and hearing. "Oh Hoss, how can you love me? I'm dirty and used. And the baby - there are times when I'm not even sure I love him. If I'm not sure, how can you be sure?" Her head dropped as her body was racked with sobs.
"It ain't yur fault what happened! None of it. Yur a good person. You've showed me over and over again. And this baby - all this baby needs is someone ta love 'em. Please Sally! Give me a chance ta prove it to ya. Let me love ya."
Hoss held out his arms and whispered, "I ain't gonna push ya. It's yur decision."
Hoss stood completely still, waiting - hoping that she would trust him. He was determined to wait as long as necessary. He had done it time and again with a frightened animal. Sally could not bring herself to look up, but she could see that his arms were open to her. Seconds passed and then slowly the young woman began to inch toward him. Hoss remained in his spot, unmoving, with his arms wide open. Finally when Sally fell against his chest, he wrapped his arms ever so gently around her trembling body. She squeezed her eyes tightly shut and tried to block out all the bad memories of her past and soak in all of the warmth and tenderness Hoss was allowing her to experience. It took some time, but eventually Sally was able to relax in his embrace.
Hoss gave her the time she needed before asking, "Ya don't need ta give me an answer right now. It's ok ta take some time and think on it. How 'bout we take a little walk before heading back ta town?"
He could feel her nod and released his hold. Taking her by the hand, they walked down to the stream in silence, just enjoying each other's presence.
Later that afternoon, Tom Harmon and his buddies spotted Hoss and Sally driving through town on their way back from their picnic. The malicious cowboys kept watch making certain that Hoss was driving the buggy back to the Ponderosa and not picking up his horse at the livery. They had been waiting for the right opportunity to come along, and it finally looked like today was that day. They took a side route and laid in wait for Hoss in the place where it was least likely they would be observed. With bandanas covering their faces they caught up with the buggy. Harmon and his cronies forced Hoss at gunpoint into some scrub, beat him and left him for dead. Before leaving they took everything of value they could carry, including the rifle from the buggy, Hoss' pistol rig, and his money.
The frightened horse and driverless buggy showed up back at the ranch at suppertime. One of the hands intercepted the horse and immediately went to the house to report it to the family. Ben, Adam, and Joe were already eating when there was a knock at the door. Joe frowned when he got the eye from his father to answer whoever was beaconing them in the middle of dinner.
"Pa! Adam! Come quick! Hoss is missing!"