Chapter 16: Consequences and Celebration
A.N The Pearl Handle Gun will be in the next chapter. I forgot there were things that needed to be done before that part of the plot can be revealed. Sorry.
Warning: Parental discipline in this chapter.
Previously:
Sheriff Coffee herded the children into the jail after he, Adam and Yuma caught them all in one last prank; having tricked Hiram Knoble into trying to kiss a stuffed dummy dressed as Abigail Adams. Having dealt out some judicial spankings, the sheriff leaves the children in a cell for an hour as a means of deterring them from a life of crime.
"Sheriff Coffee was sure mad. He done herded us in here nearly a hundred hours ago, well maybe it's only been an hour or so, but it's late. Thought he was gonna let us go. I damned near give a perfect apology at the dance, and I pointed out the positive outcomes of our pranks. He sure didn't see it that way, though. Neither did our parents."
Meanwhile Adam deals with Marty over the prank she played on Jami Sue, though it is light and half-hearted.
"Were, Miss Strawn? Oh, Miss Strawn; I still am." Adam laughed as Marty suddenly squealed. He swung his legs around, so that he was now sitting on the hale bale, and flipped Marty across his knees.
After hearing Alexandra wondering if her mother had felt this way and crying Roy releases the children to their parents.
"I don't mind iffin ya wail the tar outta me, jist don't leave me here no more." Said Alex as a few more tears slowly ran down her cheeks.
"Okay folks, take these youngins home…..
Early the next Morning…
Adam stood in front of the mirror shaving the dark stubble off his face. He stood there bare-chested, glancing every now and again at a sleeping Alexandra in the large bed on the other side of the room. It would be soon be time to wake her and get the day rolling. He smiled as he thought about the day ahead. He'd booked a table downstairs in the dining room, for an early lunch. Ben, Joe and Hoss would be coming into town around eleven for brunch instead of church services as Reverend Johnson had headed off that morning with Sarah and her grandfather to Carson City.
Adam took the opportunity to organise the family so that he could announce his engagement officially. Early this morning Hop Sing had ventured into town and was at this minute with his cousin Hop Ling, helping with the laundry. He would be bringing Adam a clean white shirt and Alexandra's clean petticoats and undergarments. A copper tub arrived moments ago and the house maids would return soon with hot water, for Alexandra's bath, but until then, he decided to let her sleep.
Adam also needed to deal with Alexandra's disobedience regarding the pranks. The rest of the children had been taken home by their parents, except for Willy and Lajoci who had shared the adjoining room with Yuma and Tom Fitzgerald. Earlier that morning Adam had heard Yuma and Tom talking sternly to the boys. Following the verbal chastisement, Adam heard the familiar sound of backsides being swatted and the yelp of young receivers. However, it did not sound too harsh and was over within six firm deliveries. A few sniffles could be heard when Tom Fitzgerald knocked on the door some minutes later to bid Adam farewell and thank him for arranging the room. Adam graciously accepted young William's red-eyed apology for causing so much trouble.
A loud knock at the door jarred Adam from his thoughts. He turned to grab his soiled pink shirt lying on the chair, thinking it may be the house maids with the water for the tub, but stopped when he heard Yuma's voice.
"Adam Cartwright, you have slept all morning, my friend. Lajoci and I have come to say goodbye."
Adam quickly opened the door. "No Yuma, wait, I'm up. Come in for a moment."
Yuma entered smirking at his half-dressed friend. "You are up, but taking it slowly I see," said Yuma as he came through the door, with Lajoci in tow.
Before Adam could close the door, Marty rounded the corner and stopped dead in her tracks at the sight of Adam bare-chested. "Oh… ahh… Sorry Adam," she stood there stuttering.
"Marty!" Adam exclaimed and went to grab his shirt, "what are…"
"Oh… ah…" flushed Marty. "I ran into Hop Sing, he sent me up with your laundry," she held out the brown package; the obvious reason for her presence.
Adam continued to try to cover up and went to put on his pink shirt.
"My friend your face is the same colour as your shirt there. Perhaps a clean one would be better," smirked Yuma.
"Yes, Adam leave it off… I mean here…" again Marty blushed, quickly unwrapping the package to withdraw a clean white shirt.
Just then two of the house maids entered the room each carrying two pails of warm water. They raised their eyebrows' at the scene of the two handsome looking men, one barely dressed. While they were well-trained in the protocols' of their service, they couldn't help but admire the eldest Cartwright son for a moment longer than they perhaps should have.
Marty noticed their lingering gazes, and quickly directed them to the task they were sent up to achieve. "Thank you girls, please fill the tub, so Mr Cartwright and his daughter may get dressed for a special engagement we have planned."
The maids quickly did as they were asked and left the room only daring to giggle once half way down the hallway.
"What is so funny?" asked Lajoci.
"Nothing, my son." Yuma smiled at Marty then turned and winked at Adam. "She is very cute when she is jealous, Adam," he whispered.
"That she is," nodded Adam.
Marty snapped her head at the two, intuitively knowing she was the subject of their whispers and snickers, then grimaced, when she realised she had been caught out in her moment of churlish envy.
"Special engagement?" asked Yuma, "I think I like the sound of that."
Marty visibly relaxed, well as best she could; Adam was still standing there grinning from ear to ear and barely dressed. Marty could not help but admire his strong physic with well toned muscles stretched taut across his tan chest, a spattering of dark curly hair that she could so easily imagine running her fingers through.
"Marty?"
"Huh?"
"Marty," repeated Adam, "I said Yuma has come to say good-bye. He and Kimama are heading back to the village this afternoon, but I think it would be nice if they joined us for brunch."
"Brunch; what's that?" yelled Alexandra, suddenly awake and sitting up from the bed.
"It's an early lunch and a late breakfast, Miss Sleepyhead," explained Adam. "Grandpa, Uncle Hoss and Uncle Joe along with Hop Sing are going to meet us all down stairs for Brunch."
"Good, can Lajoci come too?"
"Yes, he can, Miss Alexandra," said Yuma. "I will go over and collect my family."
"I'll come with you, Yuma, unless you need some help getting dressed," offered Marty, turning back to Adam.
"No, I've been managing that now for quite some time," said Adam.
"Yes you have my friend, but I am sure Miss Strawn could offer some final touches; a little finesse that could…"
"Oh stop it," scowled Marty, "I meant; do you want some help getting Alexandra dressed, Adam."
"Hey, I can dress myself," declared Alex.
Adam laughed, "I know what you meant, Marty. No please go with Yuma. Can you talk to Mrs Wilburn and ask her if she would baby sit Fire Dance. I've booked a table for us in the dining room and the baby may find it all a little noisy." Adam walked up and kissed her pink cheek, wanting so much to continue onto her pretty pink lips, as he whispered in her ear, "I want so much for everyone I care about to hear my announcement I will be marrying the most beautiful girl in the world."
Marty didn't want the moment to end. Adam's warm breath and fresh sent, shivers up her spine. She was sure if she moved; she would find his lips and wouldn't be able to control the urge to caress the chest that was so close to her own beating heart. "Yes, Adam that's a great idea. We'll meet you down stairs in an hour then, shall we?"
"One hour," said Adam and kissed her again, then stood back, "Now if you wouldn't mind I need to finish dressing and Alexandra and I need to discuss a few things about last night."
"Oh, I have already had my discussion with father," announced Lajoci. "It was not pleasant."
"True it was not, but all is forgiven and we can move on, my son. Your ancestors smile done on you once again. Now we must go find your mother and prove to her that you have survived the night." He laughed.
Lajoci and Marty started out the door. Before it was closed, Yuma stopped and turned back to Adam, with a wide and warm smile on the tall Paiute's face; one that Adam had never seen before. Nothing was said between the two men; just the smile reciprocated, then a firm handshake offered as silent congratulations.
When Adam turned around, Alexandra had pulled the covers over her head and hunkered down in a tight ball under the blankets. Adam shook his head as he wandered over to the bed. "Come, little miss time to face the music." He bent over and lightly swatted what he thought was Alexandra's upturned rump. However the sound was all wrong and no yelp was heard. Adam pulled back the blankets to find a pillow had been put in the child's place.
He shook his head again, and knelt on the floor to peer under the high double cast iron bed. There he found Alexandra on her haunches covering her eyes with both of her palms. "Really Alexandra, that's the oldest trick in the book, now out."
"But daddy, I've already done faced the music. Sheriff Roy paddled my bottom, real hard and castrated me for hours. Have you ever been castrated daddy? It ain't real nice; sittin' there all alone in a cold a musty ole cell, next ta criminals an all."
"Alexandra, the word is incarcerated. And you were only there for one hour. Sheriff Coffee acted and metered out said punishment, young lady, based on the nuisance you and your Tree House Gang caused to the town and thus on behalf of the town. And yes, I would imagine it was very uncomfortable in the jail and you learnt a valuable lesson from it. But, I want to have a discussion about you breaking your promise to me. I said no more pranks, and you disobeyed me. Hiding under the bed will serve you no purpose. You have no chance of escape and your efforts to disappear will only result in harsher consequences."
"Gosh dad, whattda trying ta say, just spit it out."
Adam did just that. "OUT!" he bellowed.
"Dang!" Alex banged her fist on the dusty floor, then backed out from under the bed, opposite her father. She stood up smiling at him, with the bed in between.
Adam pinched the bridge of his nose. "Alexandra I'm not mad. Not anymore."
"Just disappointed?"
"No sweetheart, not even that. You did a pretty amazing job at that apology last night, though I think part of it wasn't really that sincere; you were just at your best sweet talking self. I don't believe you actually thought about any of those reasons for doing the pranks prior to your gang of friends doing them." Adam looked down his nose expecting Alexandra to acknowledge that fact.
Alexandra played with a loose thread on her cotton camisole. "You're right, dad, fact is I didn't know what all the pranks was gonna be."
"Hmm; exactly." Adam crooked his finger and called her over. Alexandra moved around the end of the bed and came to stand stock still in front of her father then looked up at him; resignation written on her face.
Adam sat down on the bed and pulled her to stand in between his knees. He took her hands and held them in his. "I'm also very proud of you. You were very brave last night. I don't think I could have been as brave as you. You have always been a brave little girl; my brave little girl." He kissed her on her check then tapped her nose.
Alexandra smiled, "I love you daddy."
"I know you do, and I love you, but we need to talk about you disobeying me. You keep doing it. I'm wondering if you're learning by any of your mistakes."
"I've learnt lots by my mistakes dad. It's jist the new mistakes I keep making that I'm havin' trouble with. I don't tell lies, no more. I ain't hit anybody in a real long time. I ain't run away. I haven't said or done nothing unkind ta Mrs Wilburn even though she is still such a sticky nose big bum. I ain't hid in the kindling box, or played with your guitar. And I been real nice to Marty though that ain't hard cause she's been real good ta me. I haven't made a mess in Hop Sing's kitchen or put holes in grandpa's good oprie hat, or tricked Uncle Hoss inta doing all my chores."
"Wait, when did you trick Uncle Hoss?"
"Oh… ahh…When I was little, dad."
"You're still little, Alex."
"Yeah well my memory ain't that good."
"That sounds like a fib," said Adam looking down his nose at her.
Alexandra took a big breath. "And I ain't played with no guns, haven't touched a one. Not since I hid them in the barn an all. I knowed the boys shouldn't have touched them guns and iffin I knowed, I woulda stopped them. But then I'm kinda glad too, cause Sherriff Coffee didn't hafta shoot them two fella's that he's got in the jail. I don't reckon theys too bad; just don't know how ta do things well. Maybe, they's didn't have a real good upbringing an all. Maybe, theys were kidnapped by bandito's and made ta grow up knowing bout nothin else but a life of crime since theys were youngins. Maybe theys were trying ta steal enough money ta build an orphanage for other kids jist like theys were that don't have no body and then have somewhere ta live when theys get rescued from them bandito's . So it was lucky Dan and Josh took all the guns, so Sheriff Roy didn't hafta shoot them poor Hunter brothers. But, still I didn't know they was gonna take all the guns. But, Sherriff Coffee reckons that don't matter cause we all accidents after the fact."
"He's got that right."
"Daddy, but really I done learnt all those lessons. Yer doing a good job at teachin me and raisin me. You're a real good dad, honest. You don't need ta tech me about yesterday, cause I done learnt it already."
"Alexandra, I know you've learnt a lesson from yesterday. Although there are a few more things you need to understand. Not knowing what everyone had planned was just a way to protect yourselves so you could not tattle on each other when asked who was responsible. Unfortunately, that also meant that you had no way of knowing if the pranks each of the gang had planned were going to be safe, dangerous or just plain mean. And that makes you all accountable. When you have a group of good friends, you need to look out for each other. And if you're the leader, then you need to take responsibility for everybody in the group; just like I'm responsible for you."
"So you saying, that I weren't a good president, cause I didn't know, cause I didn't want ta know in case they was gonna do something bad. And iffin they did something bad, I couldn't get blamed for it."
"Yes that is exactly what I'm saying." I think?
"Oh, I never thought of it like that. Guess that does make us all unresponsible and me too; don't it, Dad?"
"Irresponsible, Yep," agreed Adam.
Alex's pinned her father with a glum expression. "You gonna take a switch to me, for not following the gun rules then?"
"You know I should. You understood the dangers. I made that lesson very clear the day I taught you to shoot. Then I excused you when you hid the guns, even the ones in the well, because I understood why you did it and you were very sad about Leo. But you didn't think about any of those rules last night. On top of that I made it very clear that you were not to play any more pranks."
"Only on Marty, Daddy; you said I wasn't ta play pranks on Marty."
"Is that what you believe I really meant?"
Alexandra looked down at the thread on her camasole again.
"Alexandra…" said Adam lifting up her chin, "Look at me please. Is that what you truly believed I meant?"
"No Daddy. We were jist trying ta have some fun."
"Hmm, well it could have turned out very badly; people could have been hurt, really hurt. I know you understand that now, so no; I'm not going to take a switch to your backside as promised, but there are consequences for disobeying me. We can wait until we get home late this afternoon, and then you can go to bed straight after supper with a sore tail, or we can get this out-of-the-way; here and now. Then we can start the day a fresh. We can go to brunch with grandpa and the others and have a good time with no more worries. It's your decision."
"It's my hide, ya mean. Don't reckon I'm gonna like sitting down during brunch. Then again, don't fancy sitting in school all day on a hard bench either. Miss Jones probably be happy ta see us sufferin' like that. She weren't too happy bout us taking her good Sunday hat, though I reckon she was happy about Hiram walking her home in the moonlight. Hope she got a kiss, reckon she'd be a mighty happy teacher tomorrow iffin she did. Maybe she did run off with Mr Hiram and eloped. Then she wouldn't come ta school at all and I wouldn't hafta sit on a hard bench at all. I could jist stay at home and do my chores standing up; not feelin a thing. It's a hard decision ta make. How am I supposed ta know how things are gonna really turn out. I could get my butt busted now. Or I could take the chance and wait for a miracle between now and supper time. An angel could come down from heaven and tell you that I'm really a good child and that I done learned my lesson real well, or we could discover gold on the way home and everyone would be so happy, that you would forget all the trouble I done caused yesterday. We could have a real big party and invite all the folks out to the Ponderosa. Those same folks would have forgotten all about them pranks iffin we invited them to a party and give them free food and lots ta drink. And we could give them some presents iffin we found enough gold. I reckon iffin something like that happened, I wouldn't end up getting a spanking at all. So iffin I choose to get spanked now jist so its outta the way, well I'll be danged disappointed iffin we find gold on the way home."
Adam dry scrubbed his face. "Alexandra, stop procrastinating."
"What's that mean, Dad?"
"Skirting around the issue and being indecisive or putting off the inevitable."
"Well jeepers' creepers, Dad, it's my butt on the line here."
"That's right," said Adam and picked her up and put her across his knee."
"Hey wait, I ain't decided yet…"
"I know, but I have, and I want to make things very clear to you Alexandra, when you choose to disobey me you will end up in this position. You need to think about that; weigh all the options and consequences," said Adam as he laid down the first hard swat to her cotton-clad backside.
"Ow!" yelped Alex. Her cotton undergarment gave little protection from her father's large and firm hand.
The second swat came within seconds of the first, smarting like the dickens. Alexandra started kicking and wriggling hoping to get her backside out of range. Adam dragged her legs with his and trapped them under his ankles, then continued to rain sharp smacks to her small upturned rump.
Swat. Swat. Swat. Swat, "no more…Swat. Swat, "dangerous pranks, Alexandra." Swat. Swat. Swat, "No more disobeying me." Swat. Swat. Swat. "No more twisting the truth." Swat. Swat. Swat.
Alexandra yelped and wriggled, cried and then sobbed. She lay over Adam's lap trying to squelch her tears and calm her temper. She was truly sorry for causing trouble and angry at herself for ending up in this position once again.
"So…rry…" she hiccupped.
Adam picked her up and placed her on her feet. Her hands went immediately to her backside to rub, but Adam grabbed them and pulled her on to his lap, kissing the top of her head. "Au ahh, baby, not this time; I want you to really remember why you got this spanking."
Alexandra looked up into her father's face. "Be…cause… I did … what ya…pacifically asked… me… not ta do…" she said, trying to wipe her tears away.
"That's right. You are forgiven, but I want you to remember the next time I ask you or tell you not to do something, not to do it; not to find a way around it, but simply not to do it. I'm the grown up and I know what is best. Now, we have half an hour to get ready for our new day ahead. Okay?"
"Yes, Daddy, can I rub now?"
"No, but you can have a nice warm bath that will sooth some of the sting, then dress in some fresh clothes for our special lunch. Come on."
Adam stood her on her feet and helped her undress and get into the nice warm tub filled with bubbles. He washed her tear streaked face with a fresh flannel, and smiled.
"How come we're havin' a special lunch, Dad?"
"I want to tell Grandpa about Marty. I want to tell everyone that I want Marty to be my wife and that Marty wants me as her husband, and that we want to take care of you together. It's a special day and I'm glad we got our necessary discussion out of the way."
"Oh Okay, I guess, it coulda been worsa. Still, ifin we find gold on the way home, I'll be kickin' myself."
"Good." laughed Adam. "Now, I need your help with our special day, you are an important part of this proposal. I have Hop Sing bringing some flowers that I hope you will give Marty after I officially ask her to marry me. Would you like to give her the flowers and ask her to be part of our family? I couldn't do this without you."
Alex thought a minute and said, "I sure do wanna be part of the proposal, Dad. After all I guess she's getting both of us. And giving her flowers is a good way fer me ta ask her. It's not as good as pullin a rabbit from ma hat. Hey maybe I can pull them flowers outta hat. I could use your hat Dad…I could..."
"No, Alex I think you just handing them to her will be nice enough," he smiled.
"Okay maybe yer right. It's a bit more romantic ain't it; not as exciting or dramatic, but nice. Hop Sing will bring pretty ones, won't he Dad? I hope he brings the pretty blue one's I done helpted to grow. Maybe I shoulda helpted him pick em, huh Dad, should I?"
"Slow down angel, I promise Hop Sing will bring flowers as pretty as my two favourite girls."
Adam left Alexandra and started to organise clean clothes for them both. Adam then untied the second package Hop Ling had sent over. "Oh look Alexandra Hop Ling has laundered your petticoats and sent fresh knickerbockers. How pretty; it will match the dress Marty picked out for you at the mercantile early this morning."
Adam spun around and held up the frilliest pink cotton pantaloons and two petticoats; each with four wide and stiff pink ruffles. Adam put them against his chest and chuckled. "See, Alexandra… Consequences; for every action, there is a reaction."
Alexandra stared up in shock at her father's silly grin. "I was wrong dad, it jist got a whole lot worsa!" She then sank down into the bubbles, think I'm gonna jist drown my sorrows… gurgle, gurgle, gurgle….
~oOo~
Adam and Alexandra walked the stairs and into the large dining room of the international House. Hop Sing, Ben, Little Joe and Hoss were already seated at the table.
When Alexandra spotted them she let go of her father's hand and ran to them. "Hey, everybody! Grandpa, can I sit with you for lunch?"
Ben looked down at Alex and smiled at his granddaughter. "Hmm you can sit next to me, darling of course."
"No, I mean on your lap."
Ben looked to Adam, who just winked. "Well…" said Ben, "I'm guessing your father had a little discussion with you this morning."
"It weren't no discussion."
"It was Alexandra; a big one. Pa, we had a serious talk about Alexandra obeying the adults in her life that know best."
"Yes Grandpa, we done some talking, but daddy done some spanking too, and I'm real afeared of sitting down on them hard chairs," said Alex sticking her bottom lip out in a small pout.
"Well perhaps, darling that's the point of the spanking, so you remember the message. So; no more pouting, your grandpa needs a hug and a kiss from his prettiest granddaughter."
Alexandra laughed as she hugged Ben's neck and gave him a big kiss. After a couple of minutes she slid from Ben's lap, walked over and climbed up on to Hoss' lap.
"Hey Pumpkin, it's not going to be easy sitting here and trying to eat."
"Alexandra, your seat is next to Grandpa, you will sit there for our celebration. Your bottom can't be that sore anyway."
"Gosh dad, jist cause it ain't red no more, don't mean I ain't feelin' it."
"Well not on old Hoss' padded knees anyway, Pip Squeak," chuckled Joe.
They all laughed, including Adam not letting Alex's mild antics frustrate him. Adam bent down and whispered into Alex's ear, "Why don't you ask Hop Sing where he put the flowers he brought for you. Once you have them, put them by your chair next to Grandpa.
Alex tuned and walked over to Hop Sing. "Little Missy look real pretty in her pink dress. Hop Ling dye petticoats to match," Hop Sing almost sung his appraisal.
"Guess, I kinda deserved that Hop Sing. I'm sorry I didn't mean it ta cost Hop Ling money."
"And lotta extra work, little missy. You come and help Hop Ling after school tomorrow and honourable cousin call it even."
"Okay, I knowed it's only fair that I help him." Alex lowered her voice and slyly asked, "Hop Sing, where's the flowers ya brung for me ta give Marty?"
Hop Sing smiled a big smile and told Alex he put them by her chair next to Ben. "Not too worry, little missy, they your pretty blue ones and make vely lovely bouquet."
Just then Yuma, Kimama, Lajoci and Marty all entered the dining room. Yuma and his family were once against in their traditional dress. Roger Coulter, the desk clerk stopped the group at the door.
"I'm sorry, but the dining room is all booked up today. You can't come in here. Why don't you try down at the café? Hetty Miller will be happy to accommodate your kind, she…"
Yuma looked at the almost empty dining room, then at Adam. Adam turned red with the insult to his friend and stood up ready to give the bigot; Roger Coulter a good tongue lashing. Yuma held up his hand when he caught Adam's determined expression.
Yuma looked down with distaste for the little man, then straighten and stood proud. "No need, Mr Coulter. I have a reserved table. I hope your other diners arrive soon, however. Now, if you will excuse me, I will escort my family to our table."
Yuma continued on into the dining room and was honoured when all those at the table waiting for them stood up and greeted them.
Marty stopped when she got to Roger Coulter and gave him a terse glare. "You annoying little bigot," she whispered.
Roger was appalled at the young woman's outspoken and audacious tone, but not willing to make a scene nor apologise, when he realised the Paiute family were guests of the Cartwright's; the only booking in the Hotels dining room today. He turned on his heel and started back to his reception duties when Marty accidentally placed her small foot in his path causing the man to stumble and almost land in the large potted fern in the corner.
Marty smiled, turned and continued on her way, blushing when she saw Adam raise an eyebrow at her. She raised hers back; her smile turning into a satisfied smug, as she took Adams out stretched hand.
"Miss Strawn, how enchanting you look today; so … feminine." While he knew he was going to have to watch this girl's fiery temper, he couldn't help but admire her tenacity and sense of justice.
"Why thank You, Mr Cartwright," she answered fluttering her eyelashes flirtatiously.
Adam shook his head with a silly grin plastered on his face, then pulled Marty's chair out for her and she sat down. He called the waitress over, "Corine could you bring out the two bottles of champagne please with glasses for everyone."
"Even me, Dad?"
"Yes Alex, both you and Lajoci can have a tiny bit," said Adam, squeezing his eyes almost shut, he indicated the amount with his forefinger and thumb.
"Sure, Mr Cartwright, I put them on ice two hours ago."
"Champagne Adam; something special, going on here?" Pa prodded. Ben had no doubt about the reason for their gathering, just the same he couldn't wait to hear Adam's eloquent announcement.
"Well Yes, Pa, ah…It is. Well I…"
Corine returned with the two ice buckets with the champagne, then back again seconds later with the champagne flutes.
"Oh, but first, I want everybody to have a glass of champagne." Adam popped the champagne bottles and poured everyone a class, including Lajoci and Alexandra.
Alexandra immediately started to drink it, but her father interrupted, "Wait Alexandra; wait till everyone's glasses are filled."
"How come mine ain't filled?" complained Alexandra.
"It's filled enough," said Adam.
Once everybody's glass was filled, Adam coughed to get everyone's attention, "Well if I could have everyone's attention please."
All eyes turned to Adam. "Okay… now… Marty… I mean Martha Elizabeth Strawn…" Adam pulled out a small box from his coat pocket, opened it up and delicately retrieved a small, ring, with a large blue sapphire surrounded by three small diamonds. He took Marty's hand and pulled her to stand beside him. He placed the ring on her finger, and then looked into her eyes. "Martha Elizabeth Strawn, would you do me the honour of being my wife. In front of my family and those I hold dear to me, I declare my love for you and my wish to spend the rest of my life with you."
"Yahooooo, wahooo yayyyy !" Shouts rang out loudly in the empty dining room.
Ben was delighted that Adam had asked Marty to marry him. However, he was surprised that Adam, usually a very private man, even as a boy he'd keep his emotions in check and guarded in public, would make such a public declaration. It warmed his heart, because it told him just how much this woman must mean to his son. He had hoped of such a union long ago when the young Australian nurse had come to treat Alexandra. Yes, Adam, his eldest son was in love. He belly laughed with joy, "Congratulations, Adam and Martha. I welcome my new daughter to the family."
"She ain't said yes Pa," said Joe, knowing too well that wasn't really going to be an issue. He may only be seventeen, but he could see the change in his brother, more importantly he could see the love in Marty's eyes for Adam.
"Hey now, settle down everyone. I wanna hear Miss Marty say yes," yelled Hoss.
"I know, I've already asked you Marty, and I have your answer, but..."
"Ya mean we asked her, Dad," interrupted Alexandra.
"Yes we did, but I wanted to repeat it; have every one hear it and for Marty…" Adam turned to Marty, "And everyone to know how special you are to me and how special this moment is." Adam leant down a laid a soft kiss to her lips.
"Wait" yelled Alex, "I have a part to say too." She grabbed the bouquet, slid out of her chair and walked over to Marty. She extended the bouquet to Marty, cleared her throat and loudly asked, "Will you make my Daddy and me happy and be part of our family. You gotta love, honour and obey Dad. Love and honouring him ain't hard, cause he loves and honours you right back, it's the obeying thing that's gets all kind of tricky. But we can all help ya with that. Ya also will have some chores. We have to help Hop Sing, Grandpa, Uncle Joe and Uncle Hoss too, cuz they all live with us, so ya kinda marryin' us all, but ya only hafta canoodle with Dad."
Joe and hoss, nudged each other trying to suppress the giggles inspired by Alexandra's comments. Ben glared at the boys and they quickly quieten down when they saw the smiles and sincere expressions on Marty, Adam's and their niece's faces.
With tears in her eyes Marty took the bouquet of flowers, put her arm around Alex and kissed her, then stood up and looked at Adam with a glint in her eyes. "Yes Adam, I will become your wife, and I declare my love for you… and Alexandra."
"Yayyy, hooray, whoop, whoop, whoop!" the table of guests chorused.
"Well, it's about time," said Ben. "I thought you two were never going to announce it."
"That's cause they's been procreation-ing so much, Grandpa. Well Dad has…"
"What! Adam Cartwright, what the …" Ben blustered. "Well we better get these arrangements made as soon as possible; I won't have my daughter in law…"
Marty's hand went to her mouth, as she gasped in shock.
"No Pa, Alexandra means procrastinating," Adam quickly clarified.
"Yes Grandpa, Dad's been dilly dallying around fer ages. Ya know, I had to help him today, but finally he did ask her."
Laughter from the tables resounded throughout the hotel, as the celebration of love and promises of a joyful tomorrow continued late into the afternoon.
TBC
Chapter 17: The Pearl Handle Gun
A.N. Big shout out to Lajoci for betaing this for me. Thank you for all the reviews, guests and regulars alike.