A/N - I'd like to thank you all for your kind and encouraging reviews. I'm glad you're enjoying this story. We'll take a short break from Adam and Emily and see how Hoss' trip to Sacramento is going. But alas not all will be quiet for Adam during this time as Hoss will soon discover.

Chapter 5

Hoss was feeling pretty good about himself on this trip to Sacramento. He had done everything he'd promised his father. The contract had been turned in and a day later he was notified that it was accepted by the buyer. Everything was set for the upcoming cattle drive. The rest of the time he had spent with Elsa and their friends. It had been a good trip but now, sadly after only three days, it was drawing to a close.

A warm breeze drifted across the Sacramento River to make the lavender feathers on Elsa Larsson's hat flutter. Her dark lavender silk dress shimmered in the fading evening light as she and Hoss strolled along the riverbank. Finding a bench to sit on, Elsa tightened her lace wrap about her shoulders as Hoss put his arm around her and drew her close to him. She rested her blonde head on his broad shoulder and sighed with peaceful contentment as the sun finally set on the horizon in splendid glory. The last three days had been utter heaven for her as she and Hoss had spent all their time together going on picnics, visiting museums and having lunches with Carla and Theodore, Emily's former boss. She had even cooked for Hoss the evening before. Elsa was so nervous as she prepared her favorite Swedish meal for him. She couldn't believe his response when he'd said it was better than Hop Sing's cooking. She had to laugh when he made her swear not to repeat that to the family cook.

This evening, though, was Hoss' last night in town. He had planned a wonderful evening out on the town. They went to an afternoon dance show, then dinner at a special restaurant which Theodore had recommended and now they were strolling by the river. It was a warm evening yet Elsa felt a shiver flow through her. Thoughts of Hoss leaving the next day made her sad.

Hoss pulled his arm back and turned to face Elsa. He took her hand in his. She nearly stopped breathing when he turned his bright blue eyes to gaze into her matching blue eyes. She smiled as his mouth worked several times before words finally came out.

"Elsa, ya know I like you very much. I care about ya an awful lot. Aw shucks, this ain't going right." Hoss looked toward the darkening sky and took a deep breath. "Elsa what I'm tryin' ta say is you are the most precious person in my life. I cherish you and I cain't stand the thought of goin' back ta the Ponderosa tomorrow without ya. I have to ask ya right now." He gently tightened his grip on her hand and looked straight into her clear blue eyes. "Elsa, would you do me the honor of becomin' my wife?" Hoss held his breath as tears filled Elsa's eyes.

She put her hand to the side of his face and nodded, "Yes, Hoss. I'd be honored to be your wife."

Hoss let out his breath almost explosively. "Hoo-wee!" He drew her in and kissed her soft pink lips. "I love ya, darling. You done made me the happiest man in the world!"

Elsa laughed as Hoss stood, pulled her up and swung her around.

Breathing hard the newly engaged couple sat once again on the bench, giddy with joy.

Finally, catching her breath, Elsa asked, "So what do we do now?"

Hoss shrugged, then suddenly let go of her and reached into his jacket pocket. He pulled out a small box, opened it and took out a ring. Swallowing his nerves, he tenderly took Elsa's left hand and slid the ring onto her finger. Elsa looked at it through misted eyes. It was an Amethyst with a diamond on each side. "I remember ya said purple was your favorite color. Adam helped me pick it out. Do ya like it? If not, you and me can go and…."

Elsa put her fingers to his lips, "It's beautiful Hoss. I don't want to change a thing." She put both hands around his neck and drew him in for another kiss.

Sitting back, Hoss had a thought. "Hey, it ain't too late. Let's go tell Theodore our news."

Elsa nodded eagerly. The couple walked arm in arm back to the road and Hoss hailed a cab to take them across town.

Theodore opened his door, not expecting any evening visitors. However, the grinning couple standing very close together on his front porch didn't surprise him in the least. Before he could invite him in, Elsa held out her left hand for Theodore to see the ring.

He took her hand, examined the ring, and kissed the back of her hand as he grinned back at them. "Well, my goodness. It seems you two have some news for me. Come inside and tell me everything. I'll get some champagne."

Sitting by the fire, sipping on the champagne the three friends basked in the warmth of the evening.

"Hoss and Elsa, I'm very happy for you both. What are your plans going forward?"

The couple looked at each other and Elsa nodded for Hoss to answer. "Well, I'll go back home tomorrow as planned. Elsa's got to find someone to take over her boarding house. That will take some time so we decided we won't get married till the Fall. That'll also be after Adam and Emily's baby comes. I'm gonna ask Pa ifn I can stay here for a while after the cattle drive and help Elsa all I can." He looked at his new fiance and smiled. "And Elsa has somethin' to say too."

Elsa glanced down shyly for a moment then looked straight at Theodore. "Theodore, you've been a good friend to me since I've moved here and with my parents being gone, um, I'd like to ask if you'd consider giving me away at our wedding." She looked at him with hopeful eyes.

"My dear, I'd be honored." He stood and gave her a kiss on the cheek and a hug.

"Well, it's getting late and I got an early train ta catch. We best be going so's I can get Elsa home at a respectable time."

They said their good-byes to Theodore and Hoss took Elsa home.

Just inside her front door the couple was having a hard time saying good night. As happy as Elsa was, she couldn't keep the tears back.

"Now darlin'. I'll pick ya up in the mornin' and we'll have breakfast afore I catch the train. I hate it'll be several weeks afore I get back but then I'll be here ta help ya all I can so you can come home with me. You've got Theodore here and you let him help ya, ok? Carla too. The time'll go by so fast ya won't even miss me."

"Oh Hoss. Knowing I'll have time with you for the rest of my life will help me get through this but I'll still miss you."

They kissed one last time for the evening.

"Good night, darlin'."

"Good night, Hoss. I love you."

"I love ya too, Elsa." He grinned and gave her one last kiss before heading back to his hotel.

After a long and exhausting trip, Hoss arrived back home very late the next day and had to be up early the following morning to help his brothers with the last of the branding. He figured he'd make his big announcement that evening at dinner.

Since it was before sunrise, breakfast was subdued. Ben, Hoss and Joe ate quietly then headed out to the horses. Joe and Candy mounted up, ready to ride. After Hoss checked his saddle Ben pulled him aside.

"You two go ahead. I need to speak with Hoss."

Joe was about to inquire further but stopped when he caught his father's look. He shrugged and wheeled his horse around. "Let's go, Candy. See you out there Hoss."

Hoss watched them ride away then turned to Ben. "What's up, Pa?"

Ben looked down for a moment, then looked Hoss straight in the eye. "Hoss, I'd like you to keep an eye on your older brother. He's been acting strange lately, more irritable, distracted; even jumpy at times. I'm sure something's bothering him. When I ask he just says he's fine and too busy to talk."

Hoss frowned. "Is everything alright with Emily? It's not that issue about her working for Hiram is it? I thought he fixed that."

"I don't know Hoss, I just don't know. I think you'll see what I mean when you see him. I'm hoping you might get some time today to talk with him. Maybe he'll tell you what's going on."

Hoss laid a hand on his father's shoulder. "Don't you worry none. I'll find out what's troubling Adam, even if I hafta pound it outta him." He smiled at the joke but it faded quickly at his father's worried look.

"I'm only jokin' Pa. I'll be careful and see if I can get him ta talk. You quit your worryin'."

With that he mounted up and rode out. Ben could only hope Hoss was right and could get Adam to talk.

Arriving at the branding site Hoss saw the hands were in full swing. Hoss spoke to Joe and decided to help with the branding while Joe and Candy brought in the last of the calves and heifers. He was surprised that Adam wasn't there yet and hoped all was well with Emily. He asked Joe about it.

"Adam said yesterday he might be a bit late and for us to get started. He said Emily's fine. Hey, here he comes now, Hoss."

"You go on Joe, and I'll speak ta Adam an' see where he wants to work."

Joe rode off and Hoss sauntered over to chat with his older brother.

"Morning brother."

"Hoss. How was your trip? Get the contracts turned in okay?"

"Yeah, all's fine with them. Listen you want to help me with the branding or bring them critters in?"

"I'll help you here. Looks like Joe and Candy have the other under control."

Adam put his gloves on and started working with the branding iron to get it hot. Hoss got ready to take control of the first calf Joe would bring in. He watched Adam for a moment as he waited for Joe. Hoss realized Ben was correct in his assessment. It seemed his brother was elsewhere in his thoughts.

"Hey Adam. You let that iron get any hotter it'll be useless. What's going on with ya today? Emily doing okay?"

Adam started at Hoss' comment and pulled the branding iron to the edge of the fire pit. "Yeah, Hoss, she's fine. I just got something on my mind. I'll be okay."

"Well, you better be. Remember, we're branding cattle, not people." He chuckled a bit and punched Adam in the shoulder. Adam smirked and pointed to indicate Joe was coming with a calf.

By mid-morning Hoss had narrowly escaped being branded twice so he sent Adam to collect the calves and asked for Joe to help with the branding. Once lunch rolled around, Hoss took his food and found Adam sitting off to himself near some trees. Hoss wandered over and sat next to his brother. Neither said anything as they ate. When Adam finished he got up to leave but Hoss grabbed his arm.

"Adam, I think we need ta talk."

Adam glared at Hoss and jerked his arm free. "Hoss, I said I was sorry about the branding. I'm better off working with Candy so I'll stay there for the afternoon." He turned and looked toward the hills in the direction of his home. "I better get back to work."

Hoss stood and put his hand on Adam's shoulder. "I ain't talkin' about the brandin' issue. I'm talkin' about where your mind is. I can tell you got somethin' troublin' ya and I want ta know what it is. We got enough help here they can do without us for a while." When Adam turned to face his brother Hoss wasn't prepared to see the look of pure fear.

Adam dragged his hand over his face and took a deep breath. "Hoss I don't know what to do."

"What to do about what?" Hoss was very concerned for his brother.

"These." Adam pulled two pieces of paper and an envelope out of his pants pocket and handed them to Hoss.

Hoss looked at them and his scowl deepened with each one he read.

You took something very precious from me. You will pay dearly.

I will never let you get away with what you did to my brother.

You stole the only person my brother loved and I will steal her from you. Let's see what you do when I take something precious from you!

Hoss was stunned and color drained from his face. "How long has this been goin' on? Have you told Roy or Pa?"

"They've come over the last few days. Whoever it is knows what I look like. The first one was stuck in the frame of the buggy outside Paul's office. The second was under Sport's saddle. Jake found that last one yesterday wedged into the barn door. I've kept Emily at home or within my sight, and alerted my foreman. With roundup and supply runs I haven't had time to tell anyone else." Adam paced around the area. "Hoss, I've been trying to figure out who this is and if it's a real threat. I'm really worried. I shouldn't have left Emily alone today but Jake's keeping an eye out and she's working on papers for Hiram."

Hoss could see the turmoil his brother was in. He took control and made some decisions. "Adam you stay here. I'm gonna get Joe and we'll get this figured out."

Adam nodded and watched his brother head toward the group. After a few minutes he and Joe were walking back with Hoss explaining everything to Joe. Joe looked like he was about to say something to his older brother but after seeing Adam's face he kept it to himself.

"Adam, does Emily know about any of this?"

"No, Hoss. I wanted to find out more before I told her. Besides, Paul said not to let her get into stressful situations."

"Listen you go back home and tell her. Joe and I are gonna get Pa and we'll meet at your house. Joe will stay there while you, me and Pa go into town and see Roy. You agreeable to that?"

"Yeah, I guess so. Let's get going. I need to make sure she's okay."

The brothers mounted up and rode away.

Adam had a two hour ride back to his house. He felt relief that Hoss and Joe finally knew what was going on, but his insides were still in a knot until he could make it home and confirm that Emily was safe. Sport was full of energy, wanting to run full out as if he knew his master was troubled. Adam rode carefully so as not to tire Sport too much but when he got close to the house he gave Sport the rein. The thoroughbred bolted forward, letting his strong muscles carry him rapidly across the rocky terrain, sensing his master's need to get home quickly.

As soon as they were in the yard, Adam dropped Sport's reins and leapt from the saddle. He ran into the house.

"Emily? Emily!"

Emily heard a horse run into the yard but remained at the table, legal papers spread out in front of her. When Adam burst through the door it startled her and she moved around the table as best she could with her enlarged abdomen.

"Adam, what's wrong? Has there been an accident?"

Adam pulled his wife into his arms and hugged her tightly. Letting his breathing slow down he buried his face against the top of her head, inhaling her soft scent.

"I love you so much. I needed to make sure you were alright," he whispered into her hair.

Emily gently worked herself loose and looked into Adam's face. "I'm fine. What is going on? Something's happened; I can see it in your face. Adam tell me. You're frightening me."

Adam took her over to the sofa to sit down. He reached out and stroked her cheek. "I'm sorry I frightened you. I have something I have to tell you and I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. All I could think about was Paul telling me to keep you calm and out of stressful situations. I didn't want to say anything until I had more proof that it was real." He reached into his pocket, pulled out the notes and handed them to her.

Emily was quite scared now. She'd never seen Adam this worried about her. With shaking hands she took the notes and read each one. Her breath caught on the last one. Slowly, she looked up at Adam.

"What does this mean? I'm in danger aren't I? That's why you came in here like you did. Adam what is all this about?" She moved closer to Adam so she could feel his arms around her.

"These notes have shown up in the last few of days. I've no idea who's behind them. Hoss and Joe are at home telling Pa. They're coming here. Joe will stay with you while Pa, Hoss and I ride to town to tell Roy." Adam stood and paced around the furniture. "Emie, do you have any ideas about who this person is? I can't think of anyone whose brother could be involved."

Suddenly Emily gasped. Adam spun around and was at her side in a second. "What is it? Is it the baby?" He laid his hand on her abdomen.

"No, the baby's fine. Adam, I just remembered something. When I first met Jason he told me he was from New Orleans and that he had an older sister there. He was trying to get a job so he could send her money." She looked pleadingly into Adam's eyes. "Oh, Adam. You don't think this is connected with Jason do you? I-I can't go through that again." Her eyes began to spill over with tears.

Adam pulled her close and spoke gently to her. "I don't know Em. I hope not. But don't you agree that the handwriting looks like a woman's?" Emily nodded into his chest. They sat in silence holding each other tightly, until a knock on the front door broke through their troubled thoughts.

Adam slowly pushed away from Emily, silently checking to make sure she was calmed down, then he walked across the room to let his family in.

After saying goodbye to Emily and giving Joe and Jake some final instructions, Adam rode off with Hoss and Ben, torn between staying and keeping his wife safe and finding out who was behind these threats.