BEING A FAMILY

Thanks once again for your continued support. WARNING: Spanking in this chapter.

Chapter 5

The following day was a full day for everyone. Men and hands to their work allocations, children to school and Grace attacking her sewing and knitting of baby clothes. …

In school, Davy was subdued, the hurt in his bottom keeping him from concentrating on his lessons. Cathy noticed he was having trouble not to cry. How well she understood.

The school day came to an end and Adam and Joe were outside waiting for the children.

"Joe is going to take you both home. I've got something I need to do. Okay?"

"Yes, Pa." Adam walked to the back of the buggy and unhitched Sport, while Joe helped the children into the buggy. Not a ride Davy was looking forward to, but Joe had placed a cushion on one of the seats for him. He smiled at Davy and with a "thanks" from him, Davy slowly sat down.

"Where are you going Pa?" Cathy asked.

"To seek miscreants." He said.

"Huh?" Cathy didn't know what he was talking about.

"Bye for now. I'll see you at supper. Off you go now."

Joe clicked the reins and off they went. Adam mounted Sport and took off in the opposite direction, toward the Freeman ranch. ….

"How did everyone's day go?" Ben asked as they were all sat enjoying their supper.

"Good, Pa." Hoss answered.

"Same here, Pa." Joe added. "We completed the repair to the west fencing. And no cattle lost.

"All's going well at the felling site," Adam informed his Pa, "we should be on time for the contract."

"Good. A sucessful day all round. Good work boys." Ben praised.

"What about school, children?" Grace asked.

"We did okay, didn't we Davy?" Cathy reported, trying to help Davy out, knowing he was having trouble today.

"Yeah," Davy agreed, but then realised he had lied. "No sorry. Cathy had a good day. I didn't. Too sore to concentrate," he said, feeling embarrassed at having to say so.

"Good boy, Davy." Adam said, giving him a wink. "There's a strong possibility that Joey and Andy will also have trouble sitting in school tomorrow."

"Why, Pa?" Cathy asked.

"Because they were the cause of all of Davy's trouble yesterday. They tricked him and I don't think Davy will be listening to them again. Right Davy?"

"Right, Pa. I mean no, Pa."

"There are other boys you can make friends with, Brian Hamilton for one," Cathy informed Davy.

"Sounds good, Cathy. Thank you." Adam said, giving her a smile. "I'll leave Davy in your capable hands." Cathy smiled back, proudly. But hopefully not too long as she wanted her alone time with Alice.

Ben and everyone was smiling in relief that the problems Davy had had were over. But he worried that retaliation could come about. He knew Adam had dealt with those boys and he loved the way Cathy so proudly stood by her brother. …..

The following day saw the start of the extra classroom. The Ponderosa had provided the timber and window panes. The heater had been put on order and due to be installed by the middle of the next week. Grace went along to help out in the school with Abigail.

By the end of the school day an outer shell had been raised in the extra classroom. Adam was pleased with the day's result and also for the generous help of neighbours and friends, all of whom had young children who were likely to attend this additional class.

The next day Hoss and Joe were available in the afternoon to help out. The classroom was certainly taking shape. Only the roof and finishing touches were now required, and Grace wanted very much to help with the painting.

"I don't want you overdoing it." Adam told Grace, as was his wont.

"I'll be fine, Adam. I'll only reach from where I can stand from."

"Grammar Grace! Are you sure you're qualified to teach?" Grace gave him a back-handed slap to his chest.

"Careful," he said. "I might retaliate."

"Not in my condition. I'm safe."

"I wouldn't be too sure about that. Paul told me I can correct my wife should the need arises as long as…"

"You discussed it with Paul!? You brute."

"No." He said, smiling. "I just made that up."

"You mean you broke one of your rules. You lied."

"Maybe I should discuss it with Paul, as I see I'm going to have trouble with you."

"Oh no, Adam. I will be as good as gold."

"Not too good, I hope." Adam said, as he pulled her to him and kissed her thoroughly, right there in the middle of the empty classroom. And then applied a playful slap to her bottomn.

"Hey."

"That's a warning. Be warned."

"Oh, I love you Adam Cartwright." She whispered in his ear, as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back. "I can't wait for us to move into our new home. A complete family. You, me and the children and a new child on the way. It's all so exciting, I never expected my life to be so wonderful. All thanks to you."

"Me neither. When you went off, my life was on hold 'til I found you. And now here we are. Oh my love, I'm truly blessed." They kissed once more.

"Come, let's get the children. We don't need to be caught acting like teenagers." Grace said, as she pushed her way out of Adam's arms.

As they made their way around to the main school entrance, the children were just coming out of the door.

"Hi, Ma, Pa." Davy said, but was not quite his usual self.

"Anything go wrong in school, Davy?" Grace asked.

"I think you should ask Cathy that."

"Why?" Adam asked, with a slight annoying look in his eyes.

"What did she do? Never mind." With that Adam climbed the three steps and in through the door. He found Cathy just coming out of the corner and Abigail giving her a piece of paper. "What's going on, Mrs Myers?" He asked.

"This." Abigail said as she thrust the piece of paper into his hand. Adam was shocked. It was a drawing of two boys being spanked and by the look of it, it was himself doing the spanking.

"Cathy drew this?"

"Yes, and got it passed around the class, then everyone started laughing at Andrew and Joseph. Cathy would not tell me what it was about."

"Cathy, go outside and wait for me with Ma."

"Yes, Pa." She figured she would take whatever was coming her way, 'cause it was worth it.

"Abigail, I'm sorry for what Cathy did, but I'm not sure she drew it?"

"You mean Davy?" Abigail eyes opened in shock.

"Yes. His drawing is exceptional. I'm sure he drew this and Cathy got it sent around the room."

"But why?"

"If you have a minute, I'll explain the whole story." By the time Adam finished, Abigail understood and apologised for Andrew and Joseph's behaviour towards Davy."

"They paid for their actions, one by my hand, with his mother's approval, as his father wasn't yet back from the drive, and the other by his father. They both got warned to behave."

"I thought they were quiet today, but they did both get on with their work."

"Well, there you have it and I better get going as time is passing quickly. The new classroom is almost complete. See you tomorrow, Abigail. Bye." Adam made his way outside and climbed up on the buggy that the others were already sitting in and waiting. …

Later after supper, Adam made his way to Davy's room, having asked Cathy to join them.

"Right you two," Adam said, holding up the drawing. "I know Cathy didn't draw this, did she Davy?"

"No, Pa. I did."

"And you, Cathy, sent it around the classroom and took the blame when Mrs Myers found out?"

"Yes, Sir."

"What did you say to Mrs Myers when she asked who had drawn this?"

"Nothing, Pa. I just stood up, but said nothing. She just assumed it was me and had me stand in the corner."

"And what about you Davy. What did you do?"

"Nothing, Sir."

"You just let Cathy take the blame?"

"Yes, Sir."

"I didn't want Davy getting into trouble again."

"I understand your loyalty, but it's not to be condoned." Adam could see by their questionable looks that they didn't understand the word. "That means it's not something to allow as acceptable behaviour. And you Davy, should have owned up to the drawing. Tomorrow you will both apologise to Mrs Myers and tell her the truth and that you were both punished for what you did."

"Punished, Pa?" Davy nervously asked.

"Correct. Now who's going first?"

"I will, Pa." Cathy said as she put herself over Adam's knee.

Adam wasted no time and delivered three swats to her backside. They were hard enough to make her yelp.

"Now get yourself to bed. I'll come in to see you in a little while."

"Yes, Pa." Cathy said, wiping her nose on her sleeve. She left the room.

"Your turn, Davy." Davy by now knew the drill and placed himself over Adam's knee.

"You know why you're getting this spanking?"

"Yes, Pa. I shouldn't have let Cathy take the blame."

"Correct." He gave Davy the same three swats as Cathy. Davy started crying from the very first swat, as he was still sore from the the spanking he'd had before. Adam lifted Davy up and stood him between his knees.

"Oh, Pa," he said, rubbing his bottom and still with tears in his eyes, he disjointedly went on, "I just… wanted to…draw their picture. They…looked as sore as I was…and I just wanted…something to help me…remember not to trust…them again. I shouldn't have done it. Sorry Pa."

"Well, I hope you have learned your lesson this time."

"Yes, Pa. I don't want any more spankings."

"It's not something I enjoy having to do. But as your father, I sometimes don't have a choice."

"Do you forgive me, Pa?"

"Of course, Davy. I love you so much. All is forgiven. Perhaps you will draw more pleasant things in the future. Now you too get yourself ready for bed." Adam made his way to the door. "I'll be back in a little while."

Cathy was lying on her bed when Adam walked in.

"Are you still mad at me Pa?" She quietly asked.

"No sweetheart. I do understand why you did it, but it was wrong, nevertheless.

"I know. But I couldn't resist. I wanted to see them squirm for what they did to Davy."

"Davy is still very young and gullible. Easily duped or fooled. Now I think it's time you settled down and no reading tonight."

"But, Pa, I'm at an exciting part in the book and…."

"No buts young lady, take it as part of your punishment. Now settle down."

Cathy laid down on her stomach and Adam drew the sheet and blanket up around her, and kissed her cheek.

"Sleep tight, now. I'll see you in the morning."

Davy too had fallen asleep on his tummy, so Adam merely tucked him in and kissed his forehead. "Sleep well, my son," he whispered, and left the room. …..

Friday arrived and plans for the barn dance and refreshments were in progress. The ranch house furnishings were now in place and Grace was in the kitchen cooking all sorts of goodies with Cathy's help. Adam was preparing the barbecue spit outside with Davy's help. Both children were enjoying themselves; feeling important.

"Have you ever baked pies before, Cathy?" Grace asked, encouraging her to relax while she roled the pastry out.

"Not really. I watched Ma sometimes, but I was mostly doing work around the farm with Pa. Davy was too little to help out."

"That's a shame, but we're making a start now and you're doing so well. Don't forget to keep your eye on the fruit. A stir now and then will help it not to stick to the pan. You can do this while you grease the pie dish."

"Thanks." Cathy replied, smiling with pride. "Hope they like my pies."

"Of course they will. I tell you what. We'll make a very small one so you can taste the result. You'll become a good cook in no time, I'm sure. It just takes time and patience. We'll do this again when you have time from your school work and chores."

"I'd like that. Thanks, Ma." Cathy moved to hug Grace.

"Hold it," Grace said quickly, stopping Cathy in her mission. "You're covered in flour. One of us covered in flour is enough. We'll sit together and hug later on." They both laughed. …..

"Can you help me lift this bar, Davy?"

"Sure, Pa." And together they lifted the holding bar into place.

"That was heavy."

"Yes it was. Well done, Davy. And this is the turning handle which you'll have a go at once we have the side of beef in place."

"Oh, I'll love doing that."

"Good," Adam said ruffling Davy's hair. …..

Saturday came round and the festivities were in full swing. Adam danced with Cathy and Grace. Everyone was having a great time. Grace tried to entice Davy to come dance with her, but he didn't want to, didn't know how.

"I have to look after the barbecue. I better get going." Grace smiled as he walked away. He'll change his mind one day, she thought. Adam will have the task of teaching him how to dance.

Grace made her way to the barn and walked over to Cathy who was helping with the food table.

"Can I taste the punch, Ma?" Cathy whispered to Grace.

"No you can't." Came a deep voice right behind her.

Cathy turned and stared into her father's face. "I was joking." She said laughing.

"I hope so. I don't want to catch you at it. Understand?"

"Yes, Sir. Uh, no, Sir." Grace was laughing.

"It's stronger than coffee, so beware." Adam threatened. Grace and Cathy looked at each other and then at Adam.

"You know, Adam!"

"I know everything. You can't keep secrets from me, you two. So be warned."

"Yes, Sir." They both chorused.

After giving each a playful swat, Adam walked away with a grin from ear to ear.

"Pa swatted you!"

"Yeah. You see, even I'm not immune from his wrath." They laughed together and hugged. ….

Adam was doing his job of slicing the beef which had been cooking for a very long time. Davy was at his side with plates at the ready and when full, it was his job to take them over to the barn, where guests could help themselves to the food.

Everybody was enjoying the get-together, all offering their thanks to Ben for his hospitality. But unbeknown to them, a pair of eyes was watching the activity and especially the children, the Cartwright children. "My time is coming," she said to herself.