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. 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 Eleven: A Feeling

When Adam, Amanda, and Mason walked into the house, Ben couldn't help but admire at how wonderful the three looked together. They all noticed Adam and Amanda holding hands, and Joe quickly got Hoss' attention back on the game.

Amanda saw Joe's reaction when they had walked in, she'd have to talk to him later.

"Well," Ben said setting his coffee down and standing up, "it's about time, I was beginning to think I was going to have to play match maker." Amanda blushed but she was flattered that Ben wanted her and Adam together.

"Well I think we should get everything together for tomorrow." Adam said putting Mason down, who took Adam's other hand. Amanda let go of Adam's hand and sat back down next to Hoss, while Ben and Adam walking to Ben's desk, Mason still holding his hand.

"Do you know how old Adam is?" Joe whispered obvious hurt in his voice. Hoss quickly stood up and headed towards the kitchen, he didn't want to get caught up in the coming argument.

"Yes, I'm aware," Amanda whispered back scooting over to take Hoss' place in the game, "why should age matter, if you love someone."

"You know I like you." Joe whispered moving a piece.

"And I've told you time and time again, that I don't like you back the same way." Amanda whispered taking her turn jumping one of Joe's pieces.

"I know," Joe said not wanting to whisper anymore but still low enough that no one but Amanda could hear, "but if you would have gave me a chance, then maybe you would have."

Amanda gave an irritated sigh and sat back putting her hand on her swollen stomach. Joe stared at her and she stared back.

"What?" Amanda asked, getting more irritated.

"You don't think I could take care of Mason and that baby do you?" Joe asked sitting up straighter.

"I never said that," Amanda said, "and I'm sure you could, just as well as Adam." Amanda sat back up and put her hand on Joe's knee.

"Please understand." Amanda said, looking into his eyes. Joe was still hurt that she chose Adam over him, but he knew Adam would give her, Mason and whoever else came along, the world if he could.

"I understand," Joe finally said, then stuck out his hand, "friends?"

"Friends." Amanda said, taking his hand, laughing.

The next morning, the Cartwright's, Hop Sing, a few neighbors, and all the hands except for two that Adam insisted stayed and watched for danger, were all mounted up, except for Adam.

Amanda had told Adam she didn't need them to stay, that she could take care of herself. But Adam being Adam wouldn't listen.

"Adam, I don't need them to stay," Amanda was saying, "your father needs all the help he can get, Mason and I will be fine."

"They are staying and that's final," Adam said, cupping her face with his hands, "I don't want to hear anything else about it."

"Fine," Amanda said with a smile, "but I won't like it." Adam laughed then kissed her.

"We'll be back in two weeks," Adam said, taking his hands off her face. Adam then knelt down in front of Mason so he was level with his face, "make sure you feed Cloud every day."

"I will Adam," Mason said hugging Adam, "you make sure you come back, ok."

"I promise." Adam said hugging him back. Adam stood up and mounted Sport.

"See you when we get back." Ben said tipping his hat to Amanda. Both Amanda and Mason waved as everyone rode out of the yard. Adam was the last one to disappear behind the barn.

Amanda and Mason walked into the empty house. Amanda felt lost, she had never been alone not in her whole life, except when she had been kidnapped.

The Cartwrights had become her family, now that they were gone, even if just for two weeks, she didn't know what to do. Already the usually warm house that was full of laughter, was now cold and dark with the absent of the Cartwrights.

"Come on, honey," Amanda said taking Mason's hand, "help me make something to eat."

The Cartwrights and their crew were two days away from getting back home from the cattle drive. It was early morning and Adam couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened back home.

"I'm sure it's nothing, Adam," Ben said, "you probably just miss Amanda and Mason, as do I." Ben patted Adam on the back.

"I do miss them," Adam admitted, "but this feeling."

"Son, if you want to ease that feeling, a lone rider could probably make it in a day," Ben said, "besides all the cattle is sold and I don't need you here anymore."

"Thanks, Pa," Adam said smiling, "see you in two days."

"See you in two days." Ben said, laughing. Adam spurred Sport into a gallop towards home.

It was just dusk, with light still in the air when Adam came around corner and saw the house. Adam smiled, but his smile quickly faded when he saw two dark figures on the ground.

Adam quickly dismounted and knelt down by the downed figures; they were the two ranch hands, both had recently been killed.

"Amanda!" Adam yelled, jumping up and running into the house.