A Hold on a Cartwright's Heart
I do not own Bonanza or any of the characters, except for Amanda and Mason, they are mine. I forgot to mention, Adam is 32, Hoss is 27, and Joe is 20. No copyright infringement is intended this is just written for fun and pure enjoyment of the reader.
Chapter Two: The Past
Joe and Adam stopped their horses trying to get their heads around Amanda's age. When they recovered they hurried to catch back up with her. "So wait," Joe said "how old is Mason?" "Joseph" Adam said sternly. Joe just looked at him with a face that said 'what?' Amanda just laughed and said. "He's four." And before Joe could ask she added "I had him when I was 15." This made Joe silent for a few minutes then he was about to ask another question when Adam interjected. "Joe, leave the lady alone." "It's alright Adam I'm sure you are just as curious." Amanda said. "But I can tell you would have gone about it more logical." This got a laugh out of Joe and Adam bowed his head in slight embarrassment.
"I was 14 when I was kidnapped," Amanda started. Joe and Adam remained quiet as she told her story. "the man that kidnapped me did some very terrible things to me for 5 months not even caring that I was pregnant with his child there were times I thought I had lost the baby, by the time I was found I was 8 month pregnant and barely able to walk and I was afraid of men even my own father.
"My parents insisted that when the baby was born that I give it up for adoption, they were afraid that it would be too painful a reminder of what happened to me, but I refused, it wasn't his fault." Amanda paused and looked down at Mason and stroked his hair.
"My husband back there well we have only been married for about a month," she started again. "I only married him because he promised me lots of things such as diamonds and rubies and things of that sort which I wouldn't care if I had them or not but the thing that got me hooked was that he said he would buy me my own ranch. I never really loved him I was in love with what he lied about, he didn't know." She patted her stomach, and with that she finished her story.
Adam and Joe stayed silent the rest of the way home, each with their own thoughts swirling around their heads. They were brought out of there thoughts by Mason crying out. "Mama!" "Shh shh honey," Amanda said "everything is alright now." Adam watched this and had a very protective feeling come over him. 'What's going on' Adam thought 'I hardly know her, besides she's closer to Joe's age.' He shook his head to recollect himself. "We're almost there," Joe said, "just around this corner."
As they turned the corner, Amanda gasped. "The house is so beautiful." Amanda said with a smile on her face. "Wait 'til you see the inside." Joe said. They saw that Doc Martin's horse and buggy were outside the house. "Well I'm glad the doc is here he can check you three out." Adam said dismounting Sport, and helping Mason down, then Amanda.
As Adam was helping Joe down, Doc and Hoss came out. "Where's Pa" Hoss asked. "He said to bury my husband." Amanda said picking up Mason. "I'm sorry about that ma'am." Hoss said. Amanda nodded and then Doc spoke up. "Well let's get inside." They all went inside, and sat down. Doc got to work on Joe's shoulder, while Amanda soothed a whimpering Mason. Hoss stayed quiet and Adam couldn't help but stare at Amanda.