Laura's daughter Peggy from her first marriage didn't really want to move, nor did Laura want her to be out of school for such a long period of time during the move so Peggy had stayed with the Cartwright’s. Ben had been like the grandfather she'd never known and Hoss and Joe were wonderful playmates as well as overseers of her well being. They relished at being Uncles to the blonde haired ray of sunshine. Adam took on the role of a doting surrogate father, then when he married Joan and moved into his own place Peggy had been upset. She understood that she was to stay with Ben, Hoss and Joe until which time her mother and Will sent for her but just a month after Adam's marriage to Joan the Cartwrights recieved a telegram.

Poor Peggy was heartbroken now all alone in the world for Laura and Will had been killed in an accident, Ben tried his best to comfort the child and she slowly began to return to her normal cheerful self, after she'd made almost a full recovery Adam and Joan asked her to come live with them and be their daughter. They had discussed it and Adam had always had a soft spot for the little girl and during the time Joan had known her she had come to love the child as well. So they adopted her officially. Oh what a happy girl she was in a loving home with two loving parents and a doting Grandfather and two wonderful uncles.

Now this morning her new Mama and Daddy had told her a wonderful surprise,
there was going to be a baby in a few months.

Peggy was beside herself with excitement at having a little brother or sister to play with,
thus found her cleaning the cradle Adam had brought from the Ponderosa with a great zeal, wanting it to be perfect for the new baby.

"Mama, Daddy come see it's all clean,” Peggy shouted as she ran in from the porch.

Adam and Joan soon appeared from Adam's study where he'd been doing the books and she'd been relaxing keeping him company. They both were pulled from the house to see the handiwork of their daughter praising her for her good work.

Three months later Adam woke Peggy up in the middle of the night it was time for her little brother or sister to come and she had to go to Grampa’s.

“Daddy why do I hafta go to Grampa’s I can help you take care of Ma till the doctor comes. Peggy asked sleepily as she was gently awoken by Adam.

“Because sweetheart you are too young and I’d feel better knowing you was with Grampa, Uncle Hoss and Uncle Joe. I’m going to bring Hopsing back with me to help the doctor take care of Ma. Let’s go we have to hurry I don’t want to leave Ma for too long.

Adam picked up a sleepy Peggy in his arms and carried her downstairs and out to the barn sitting her on a grain sack.

You sit there while I saddle Sport it’ll be faster than taking the buggy.

Ok Daddy, oh how exciting I can’t wait until my new brother or sister gets here I hope it’s a sister.

After saddling sport Adam puts Peggy in the saddle then climbing up behind her and securing her carpetbag to the saddle horn they set off for the ponderosa. Not far along the way Adam feels Peggy go limp in slumber. Once at the Ponderosa Adam carefully dismounts with Peggy in his arms. First going to the bunkhouse to wake one of the men to ride in for the doctor and then goes inside first waking Hopsing so he can prepare for the journey back to Adam and Joan’s house. Then carrying a still sleeping Peggy in his arms he mounts the stairs going to Ben’s room.

Pa…Pa wake up I brought Peggy to stay here, the baby is coming I sent one of the hands for the doctor.

Ben comes awake instantly “huh oh ok, how’s Joan?”

She’s fine Pa it just started an hour ago. Here’s Peggy’s bag where should I put it.

Just leave it in here, let me have Peggy and she can spend the night in here that way you and Hopsing can be on your way and we will get Peggy settled in her own room tomorrow.

Thanks Pa I really appreciate the loan of Hopsing and I’ll come for Peggy in a day or two after Joan has some of her strength back.

Your welcome, and don’t worry about Peggy she will be fine now you better get back to your wife.

Adam kisses Peggy on the forehead lying her down next to Ben turns leaving the room and the house just as quietly as he slipped in. Hopsing is waiting for him at the hitching rail.

You leady Mista Adam we go see how Missy Joan is doing and wait for licklest Cartlight.

I’m ready let’s ride. Adam responds mounting Sport and leaving the yard as fast as is safely possible in the dark thankful for the full moon that will allow faster travel. Once back at his own home Adam hurries to check on Joan, the doctor arriving a few moments later.

Well now Joan I hear that the newest member of the Cartwright family is ready to grace us with his presence.

Yes so it seems Doctor. Joan says breathlessly as another pain hits.

Adam I want you to go downstairs and I will call for you to come see your new son or daughter and Joan.

Adam starts to protest remembering the story of his own mother dying shortly after having him but reluctantly does as the doctor asks and goes downstairs. He thinks he will go mad waiting when a small wail is heard from upstairs. Just as he is ready to burst upstairs to see what is going on in the silence Hopsing appears at the top of the stairs.

You have healthy baby boy Mista Adam, you come see baby and Missy now.

Hopsing pads softly downstairs to start breakfast as Adam passes him almost colliding with him in his haste to get to his wife and baby.

Well Adam you have a fine son, and Joan is fine too she’s resting now. Had a rather easy time of it so she will be on her feet again in a couple of days.

Thank you Doc, Adam takes the small bundle in his arms not even noticing when the Doctor leaves the room to get a cup of coffee then head off back to town. After Joan has rested for a few hours and everyone has had breakfast Adam sends the hand back to the Ponderosa with word that his father and brothers should bring Peggy to see her brother and to meet the newest member of the family as well. When the others arrived there was much fussing over the baby and what a great big sister Peggy would make. A happy girl she was pleased as punch with the new brother even if she had wanted a sister.