Bonanza

Home is Where the Heart Is

By: Stephy L.

~Chapter One~

Benjamin Cartwright sat at his kitchen table in his large ranch house. His two older sons, Adam and Hoss, sitting with him, however, none of them were actually touching the food in front of them.

Adam, the eldest of Ben’s sons, sat picking at his food. Hoss, Ben’s middle son, sat staring at the staircase, as if willing his younger brother to walk down the stairs with his happy smile.

Last night Joe had gone to bed complaining of being tired and worn. However, he couldn’t fool his family, they knew Joe had been feeling sick lately. They had each caught him grimace in pain. When they would go to ask Little Joe about it he would simply say he was fine and keep going on with whatever he was doing.

“I’m worried about Joe,” Ben said. Adam looked up slightly.

“So am I. Something is terribly wrong. I really think we should get Paul out here to check him out.”

“I agree,” Ben said. Hoss finally took his eyes off the stairs and sighed looking at his father and brother.

“I’m leaving for him now,” Hoss said getting up. Adam watched him for a few seconds then hurried up stairs. Coming to his brother’s door Adam quietly knocked, and then slowly opened the door.

“Joe, son,” he whispered. When he got no response he came closer and saw a fine sheen of sweat covered Joe’s face and he was pale, he had bags under his eyes. Slowly Joe’s eyes slowly opened, he tried to smile, but soon it turned into a grimace and he grabbed for the basin by his bedside. Adam kept his hand on Joe’s back while the boy threw up.

When finished Adam took the basin from his brother, placed it down on the dresser, and helped his little brother get comfortable again.

“Sorry ‘bout that Adam,” Joe whispered.

“Shh, don’t you worry none now Little Joe. We’re gonna help you get better I promise,” Joe looked up at his brother.

“Adam, blood,” he whispered. Adam looked at him, confusion written all over his face.

“What?”

“Look,” he said pointing to the basin. Adam looked at the contents of the basin and saw what his brother meant. There was blood.

“Joe, how long have you been throwing up blood?” Adam asked in desperation.

“Couple weeks, Adam I’m scared,” he cried. Adam held onto Joe as he cried.

“Shh, it’s okay. We’ll get through this, I promise you.”

“What’s wrong with me Adam?” He asked.

“I don’t know right now, but Paul is on his way, and he’ll fix you up.”

It was nearly an hour later when Paul and Hoss arrived at the ranch. Ben and Adam were both with Joe at this point and trying to comfort him.

“Well hello there young man, what’s this I hear about you not feeling well?” Joe looked up at Paul, then over at Adam.

“It’s true,” he couldn’t deny it, there was no way he could tell a lie about something he was so scared of.

“Ben, Hoss, Adam why don’t ya leave us alone,” although they were reluctant, they did as asked. Halfway out the door Joe stopped Adam.

“Adam, please stay. Can he stay Paul?”

“If it’s what you want, yes, he may stay,” Adam could see that his father looked a little hurt, and Adam had to wonder why Joe had asked for him and not Ben.

“I’ll stay. Is it all right Pa?” Ben smiled.

“What ever keeps him calm,” nodding Adam moved back over to the chair by his bed and sat down.

After about thirty minutes of questions and painful probing, Paul sighed and pinched his nose.

“Well?” They both asked.

“Adam may I speak to you outside? Joe why don’t you try to get some rest, I’ll be back up soon,” nodding Joe slowly lay back down on the bed. Adam fallowed Paul out into the hallway.

“When you were in Boston do you remember a hospital near the harbor called St. Paul Hospital?”

“Remember it? I was there a few times. When I came down with a bad ‘bout of pneumonia and when I broke a couple of bones.”

“Do you remember a doctor there by the name of Michael Parker?”

“I know him.”

“Your brother is very sick Adam, and I’m afraid that Dr. Parker might be the only doctor who can, correctly, diagnosis this and treat it.”

“Can’t anyone in San Francisco help him?”

“I’m afraid not, we don’t have the kind of instruments in the west that they had in the east. Thanks to the war, there have been new medical miracles since the way.”

“So what are you suggesting? My family takes Joe up to Boston?”

“No, I’m suggesting you and Little Joe go to Boston and find Michael and get his help. It is a life or death situation here Adam, it’s your choice, there are medicines I can give him that might help him, but they probably won’t save him. Of course, it’s up to you and your family, think about it. Please remember, though, you don’t have all the time in the world to think about this.”

“How much time do we have?”

“It will take at least four days to get there with all the stops. I’d say if you go, you’ll need to leave by Friday for Reno.”

“Friday! That’s five days.”

“I know, and I’m sorry Adam. Let me know your choice by Wednesday. It will take at least a day to get to Reno.”

“We will, thanks Paul, I’ll go tell them. What should I tell them?”

“Adam, your brother has all the symptoms of two totally different diseases.”

“Cancer,” Adam whispered.

“Stomach Cancer is one of them. An ulcer is the other one.”

“If it’s an ulcer won’t he bleed to death?” Adam asked.

“That’s why you have to hurry.”

“All right, thanks Paul.” As Paul headed back into Joe’s room, Adam went down stairs to talk to his father and brother.

“Adam, what’s wrong with him?” Ben asked.

“Pa, we need to talk,” nodding Ben sat down, his son across from him standing in front of the hearth.

“Joe has all the symptoms of two different diseases. Cancer and an ulcer, unfortunately Paul doesn’t have the tools to diagnosis either one properly. There’s a doctor that can do it, and might be able to help Joe.”

“But?” Ben said knowing there was a but coming in his explanation.

“But, the doctor is in Boston.”

“Boston, there’s no way we can take time away from the Ponderosa.”

“Pa, Paul isn’t suggesting we all go, just me and Little Joe. I take him Friday to Reno, and then take the four or five day trip to Boston. Pa it’s not really a choice. We have to go, Joe could die, and I know none of us want that.”

“Well you’re right, but shouldn’t we wait till Joe is stronger?”

“No, because, Joe might not get stronger. I’m going to give him medications but, unless you go soon Joe will not get any stronger,” Paul said as he came down stairs.

“Well, that really doesn’t leave us much of a choice does it?” Ben said.

“No it doesn’t pa.” Adam said.

“How long will they have to be there?” Ben asked.

“Depends, if it is an ulcer, then it will take anywhere from six months to a year. They’ll have to make sure the medicine worked, if it doesn’t then he’ll have to have surgery and stay in the hospital to see that it did work. If it’s cancer then it could be a long time. It all depends.”

“All right, you two will go, when is the soonest they can go?”

“Tomorrow morning,” Paul said.

“All right. Hoss and I will drive you and Joe up to Reno, and we’ll get them a train ticket to Boston.”

“All right. Adam put these powders in your bags. When he’s in pain give him them. He shouldn’t have any trouble sleeping, eating might be some what of a problem, but I think you can handle him,” Adam smiled at Paul.

“We’ll get there. Are you going to join us on the ride up to Reno?”

“Yes, I’d like to be there to see you off, and I trust you will write both your family and I let us know how he’s doing.”

“We will.” With that, Adam turned and headed upstairs to let his brother know what’s going on.

“Thank you Paul, I guess we’ll see you early tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, I’ll see you around five I guess?”

“Five is fine. Thanks Doc.”

“You’re welcome Ben.” With that, Paul left.

Adam walked into Joe’s room to see him awake.

“Hey.”

“Hi Adam,” He greeted.

“What did Paul tell you?” He asked sitting down.

“Where’s pa and Hoss?”

“Downstairs.”

“Are we going to Boston?” Joe asked in shaky voice.

“Yes, we’re leaving early tomorrow morning.”

“Adam, I don’t want to go,” Joe whispered.

“Joe, the doctors in Boston could save your life.”

“It’s not that Adam, I don’t want to leave pa.”

“Joe, buddy, I’ll be with you, and we’ll mail pa often.”

“All right, I’ll go. Will you help me pack?”

“Sure will, you have to stay in that bed so, I’ll pack for you. It’s probably a better idea to buy some clothes there, but for now we’ll pack a few regular clothes and some dress clothes.”

“Okay.”

Once he had Joe all packed Adam left to his own room to pack, leaving Little Joe to rest.

While in his room, Ben came up to him.

“I’m giving you each $500. Hoss is in town buying your tickets now.”

Adam stood still, his back to his father. He could feel burning behind his eyes as the tears began to well up.

“Pa, I really wish you could come with us, Joe would feel much better,” then he whispered the truth, “So would I.”

“Don’t worry Adam; everything will be fine, you’ll see. We’ve just got to believe that son,” Ben said placing both hands on Adam’s shoulders. Finally, Adam turned towards his father.

“Pa, when we were talking about going, I was so sure I could do this. Go to Boston, find the doctor and help Joe get better, but now, as I stand here with you, I’m not so sure, what if something goes wrong? Pa, I couldn’t come back here alone,” Ben looked at him, trying to judge the right words to say next.

“Then don’t, bring my boy back with you. Adam if anything should go wrong up there I want you to let me know up there, one or both of us will come up after you. You will not come home alone son, I promise.”

“How do you know for sure pa, I mean what if I do something wrong, or he dies?”

“Adam, ever since Marie died, you’ve been more like a father to Joe than a brother, and I know that means a lot to him, because without you he would be nothing. He loves you Adam, and like me, he trusts you with his life. We all do. Adam you play a big part in this family, just like everyone else. If you believe you can do it, then you will son.

I’m proud of you Adam, I’m very proud of you, for always doing what you believe in. I’m proud of all my boys.”

“Thanks pa,” Ben smiled at his son.

“I love you Adam.” Most of his life, Adam had been the type to express in words more than in action. Now standing before his father who he might not see for anywhere from weeks to years, he felt the tears begin to leak from his eyes. His serious face fell and he reached out. His arms wrapped around Ben’s neck, grasping his shirt with his hands. He buried his face in Ben’s shoulder.

“Please pa, why do I have to do this? I can’t do this alone,” Adam whispered in a cracked voice.

“Adam, you won’t be alone, you’ll be with Joe and he’ll need you just as much as you’ll need him. God will also be with you son.”

“I’ll miss you so much pa.”

“I’ll miss you too son.” With that, Adam began to sob on his father’s shoulder, as he had when he was just a child.

~Chapter Two~

Adam and Hoss helped Joe out of the wagon. He seemed in less pain, but then again, he had been sleeping most of the ride to Reno due to the medicine Paul had given him.

“Train leaves for St. Joe in twenty minutes!” The conductor yelled. Adam looked back at the man, then stood by Joe’s side looking at his family and friend.

“Well bye doc, and thanks,” Adam said shaking Paul’s hand. Joe did the same.

“You’re welcome, I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you Joe. Bring him back to us Adam.”

“I will.” Joe reached out and hugged Hoss.

“Bye Hoss,” Joe whispered.

“Goodbye Short shanks. You take care ya hear,” Joe nodded. Both men looked at their father, the man who had raised and loved them.

“Cheer up boys, you’ll both be back. I want mail from you often,” Adam nodded. He figured it was Little Joe’s turn to cry in Ben’s arms, he had done his real goodbye last night and had no intention of letting his brothers and their doctor and anyone else standing around see a thirty-five year old man cry.

“Bye pa,” was all Adam said, as he shook Ben’s hand. However, Ben looked into his son’s eyes and could see the tears welling up again. He squeezed the hand tightly, trying to give strength to his eldest child.

“Goodbye son. Take good care of your brother, and yourself,” Adam nodded and quickly turned to Hoss to say goodbye.

Joe now stood in front of his father. They both tried to smile, but the tears got in the way. Ben quickly took Joe into his arms.

“Listen to me Joe, you will be fine, you listen to your brother and the doctors. I’ll miss you son. I love you so much,” Joe tried to keep his feelings in check, but the minute Ben whispered ‘I love you’ the tears began to fall.

“Pa, I love you. Please I don’t want to leave you, come with me,” he cried. It wasn’t that Adam and Joe didn’t like each other’s company, it was that both felt that Ben would be a big help. Little did they know they would have help.

“No son, you brother is with you, and he will take wonderful care of you. I know he will.”

“Joe, we’d best be going buddy,” Adam said gently. Nodding Joe looked at his father. Ben planted a gently and loving kiss on Joe’s forehead.

“Be good.”

“I will. Bye pa, I love you,” with that, he turned, towards the train. Joe got on the train first, Adam right behind him. The two brothers looked at their family one last time.

“I’ll write,” called Adam.

“We’ll write back,” Ben answered. With that, Joe slowly got on the small car. Adam waved goodbye to his father and brother then got on.

The two brothers got settled in their seats. Joe was by the window and Adam sat next to him.

“You ready?” Adam asked.

“Yeah, I guess,” Joe answered. Adam gently patted Joe’s knee. Joe leaned his head against Adam’s shoulder, hoping he wouldn’t mind, soon he was fast asleep, dreaming of feeling the warmth of his home.

“They should be in St. Joe in a day or so,” Paul told Ben as they watched the train pull out. Ben nodded. They stood there until the train was no longer in sight.

“Pa, are you worried?” Hoss asked. Ben felt bad for Hoss. This would be hard on both of them, but especially Hoss, he loved his baby brother Joe and would stick by him through thick or thin. Now that Joe was leaving with Adam, Hoss could only hope that Adam would take good care of his brother.

“Yes son, but don’t worry to much, you big brother has always taken care of you two when I couldn’t. He wouldn’t let anything happen to Little Joe.”

Adam watched out the window, as they went through mountains and over rivers. The scenery was beautiful, and Adam wished that Joe were awake to see some of it, but him being asleep was probably a good thing; the boy was not fond of heights and didn’t need to see the bridges they were going across.

“Excuse me,” a young soft voice called. Adam looked up to see a woman with black hair and blue eyes. She stood about 5’8’; she was probably in her late twenties to early thirties. She had pale skin, which was intensified by her straight black hair. She had a slender frame and a sweet gently, trusting face.

“Oh hi, do I know you?” He asked. She smiled. He felt his heart begin to pound.

“No, my name is Katherine Parker, and I was sitting over there alone, and saw that you friend seemed to be fast asleep, and thought maybe you could use some company?” Adam smiled.

“I would be honored by such beautiful company as you. Please sit down,” she nodded and took a seat.

“Sorry, I’m Adam Cartwright, and this handsome sleeping boy, by my side, is my twenty-three year old brother Joseph Cartwright.”

“Nice to meet you, where are you and your brother going?” She asked.

“Boston,” he whispered looking down at his brother again.

“Me too, I’ve got a job with my father and sister there waiting for me.”

“Really where do they work?”

“The St. Paul’s Hospital, my father is a doctor there and my friend and I will be nurses there.”

“That’s where we’re going,” Adam said.

“Why?”

“My brother Joe is sick.”

“Oh I’m sorry to hear that, but that’s a good hospital to go to.”

“Wait a minute; you said your name is Parker?”

“Yes, Katie Parker.”

“Any relation to a Michael Parker?” She smiled.

“Yes, that’s my father. How do you know him?”

“Well I met him back in college; he took care of me when I was really sick. He’s the doctor who is taking care of my brother,” Adam said.

“He’s a wonderful doctor and man. If anyone can help your little brother he can.”

Adam gazed down at the sleeping figure of his younger brother. The boy always looked so vulnerable when he was sleeping, but his being pale only intensified that.

“I hope so.”

“I know how you feel. I had two brothers, Steve and William. My friend Victoria means a lot to me too.”

“She the one working there?”

“Yes.”

“Friends and brothers are wonderful,” Adam said, smiling as he thought about Hoss.

“Yes.”

“What happened to your brothers?”

“Well William, my younger brother, died in the Civil on the battle of Little Round Top. My brother Steve made it out alive, but he’s never really been the same. He’s an officer now in Boston. Vicky’s brother Seth was also killed during the war.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, it was there choice to go into the war, we all understood that, I’m glad they did, they were brave men and did a good thing for our country.”

“Yes they were brave men. I admire the men who fought in the Civil War. My brothers and I were almost taken also, we got lucky I guess.”

“Very, my brother Steve says it was a war that shouldn’t have been. He also said it put brothers against brothers,” Adam again looked down at Joe. He had come close so many times to joining the Union and fighting, and Joe had come so close to fighting with the Confederates. Poor Hoss those had been some rough days.

“It did. There were times I was sure my younger brother would run off to the South and get killed. I guess the final turn was when he voted for statehood, he found out what the fight would really mean.”

“You were both on the Union?”

“For a long time no. I was born in Boston and so I believed in freedom, my baby brother was born in New Orleans and he also believed in freedom, but something told him the south was better than the north.”

“I know how that feels, my brothers had the same problem.”

“Which side were they fighting on?”

“The Union, when my brother was called to duty by Grant, Will fallowed, because he felt that he had to help.”

“He was brave,” Katie smiled.

“Thank you.”

“Would you like to join Joe and me for some dinner in St. Joe?”

“I’d love too,” Their conversations continued. Talking about how she and her brother Steve had both been born in Boston then moved to Georgia, where Will was born, then their mother died and they moved back to Boston. How she had come out west to help her grandmother and grandfather care for their ranch.

Early the next morning Joe, Adam and Katie got back on the train. They had spent hours at dinner talking about anything and everything. Joe had found it obvious that Adam was attracted to Katie, and she seemed to like him too.

“So Joe, how are you feeling today?” Katie asked as they got seated. She found that she enjoyed being around Adam and Joe. Adam was mysterious, but when you brought him out of his shell, he was sweet and funny. Joe was a charming young man.

“Okay. My stomach hurts some. Katie do ya think yer pa can really help me?” Katie placed a hand on Joe’s.

“Don’t you worry, if anyone can help you, my daddy can. When we get there I’ll even introduce you to Victoria,” Joe smiled. They had talked a lot about Hoss and Vicky. Joe told Katie all about he and Hoss would always do mischievous things to get Adam in trouble, like the time Hank Myers was trying to get Abigail Jones’ attention. Katie had found that a wonderful story. Katie had told Joe and Adam about how Vicky’s parents had been killed by scarlet fever on the way west and the Parkers’ had raised her but not adopted her, allowing her to keep her rightful name.

Joe was thankful for both Adam and Katie’s company, he felt safe and like he had a chance.

“Thanks Katie,” Joe smiled at her. Adam gazed at her and he felt his heart fill with joy, as he knew this was a special woman.

“You’re very welcome.”

“Why don’t you try and get some rest Little Joe,” Adam suggested as he noticed the circles under Joe’s eyes and how worn he looked.

“Adam, I miss home,” Joe whispered. Adam moved over towards Katie.

“Come here,” he whispered back. Joe got up and sat comfortably in Adam’s arms. Soon he was fast asleep against his big brother’s shoulder.

“Would you two like to be alone?”

“No, we need you Katie. He’s getting hopeful with you around. He isn’t so lonely, neither am I,” Katie smiled at him. The two talked for a while but soon Katie was fast asleep on Adam’s chest and Adam had his head was rested against the back of the seat also sleeping.

~Chapter Three~

Adam slowly got off the train and helped Joe down, and then they helped Katie down.

“No wonder you couldn’t quit talkin’ ‘bout this place Adam,” Adam laughed gently and slung an arm around Joe’s slender shoulders.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet kid.”

Two hours later Joe, Adam and Katie stood in front of the St. Paul Hospital. Joe felt Adam’s strong loving hand on his shoulder, and Katie slipped her hand into his.

“You ready?” Adam asked. Joe took a deep breath.

“No, I really wish pa were here.”

“So do I buddy, but remember, Joe, we’ve got to go in there knowing that when this is all over we’ll both being going back to the Ponderosa.

Nodding the two brothers and new friend walked in. Arriving on the third floor Katie stood at the nurse’s desk.

“Well, this is where we say goodbye. I have to go find Vicky and get to work. Daddy’s office is just down that hallway, last door on the right. Can’t miss it, don’t worry Joe, you’ll be fine. Good luck. Bye Adam,” she kissed both man’s cheek.

“Will I ever see you again?” Adam asked her. She turned and smiled.

“Count on it cowboy,” with that she turned and left.

Adam and Joe found the office easily. Adam looked at Joe before knocking on the door.

“It’s okay to be scared Joe,” Joe nodded. Adam knocked on the door; they heard a gruff ‘come in’ and entered.

Michael Parker was a sweet looking man. He had snow-white hair and a mustache. His nose larger and a straight mouth, he had glasses sitting on his nose. His eyes were icy blue.

“May I help you?” He asked in a deep baritone voice.

“Yes sir, my name is Adam Cartwright and this is my younger brother Joseph, you got a telegraph from Doctor Paul Martin about us.” The doctor smiled.

“Yes, I remember. Please have a seat. I must admit I was surprised and honored that Paul would even think of recommending me to help your brother.” Adam smiled. Although the older man looked serious on the outside he didn’t seem stern and mean on the inside. Adam looked over at Joe. The boy looked nervous. Adam slipped his hand into Joe’s.

“Okay, I’ve gone over your symptoms several times, but I’d like you to tell me what they are one more time what they are. Take your time.”

“Okay. My stomach hurts when I eat certain foods.”

“What sort of foods?”

“Like orange juice.”

“Okay, go on.”

“Blood in my vomit and my uh...” he stopped and blushed slightly.

“Don’t worry, I read that one just fine and knew you wouldn’t want to say it. I understand. Are those all your symptoms?”

“No I’m also loosing weight for no reason,” Joe said.

“Which is bad because Joe doesn’t eat much already,” Adam added. Michael nodded.

“All right, first I’m going to admit you. Then once you two are settled I’ll come by and fill you in on what we’re going to do.”

“How long will I have to stay here?” Joe asked.

“It’s too soon to know anything yet son.” Joe nodded. Just then, the door opened. A young woman with blond hair and bright blue eyes entered, behind her stood Katie.

“Hi Joe, Adam. Hi daddy.” Michael smiled and hugged her.

“I see you’ve already met one of my little girls,” he said with an arm around Katie.

“Adam, Joe this is my best friend Victoria Robinson. Vicky these are the two men I met on the train.” Vicky shook Adam’s hand and went to shake Joe’s, when they both stopped and looked into each other’s eyes.

Adam smiled as he saw the feelings pass through Joe’s eyes. He smiled. They all saw it happen.

“Hi,” Vicky said.

“Hi,” he answered back.

“Do I have to get in that?” He asked.

“Its part of Hospital policy,” Michael answered back. Joe looked at Adam.

“Don’t look at me Joe,” Rolling his eyes Joe got in the wheel chair and allowed Vicky to wheel him towards the room. Adam fallowed closely behind with Katie.

“You want me to stay with you Little Joe?” Adam asked after the doctor came in and told them what was going on, however right now he and Vicky were talking over dinner. Joe looked over at Adam.

“No, please take Katie out or something, don’t feel you have to stay here because of me big brother,” Adam eyed him and laughed.

“Whatever you say little brother, bye Vicky, Bye Little Joe,” with that he and Katie left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ben Cartwright sat at his desk working on paper work when Hoss came in the door.

“PA!” Hoss yelled.

“Hoss, I can hear you know.”

“Sorry pa, we got mail from Adam!” He said excitedly handing the letter addressed to his father. Ben was now smiling and he opened the letter.

Dear Pa and Hoss,

We arrived in Boston early this morning. Met the doctor,

You’d like him pa, he’s real nice. We met a young woman on the train who’s brothers were in the war, one survived the other did not. Joe has seemingly fallen in love with her best friend Vicky. I think I’m falling in love with Katie. I know this really isn’t the time, but I think God meant for this to happen pa. You’d like Katie and Vicky. Katie is Michael’s daughter. Vicky is her best friend. Joe can tell you more about Vicky when they’re done talking about Hoss.

The doctor ran some tests today; we should be getting the results tomorrow. Joe is a little anxious, but Vicky and Katie are helping him. The doctor seems to know what he’s doing and I’m confident that all will be fine.

I hope all is well there; we both miss you very much. Joe continued to repeat that he wishes you were here. So do I. Tell Hoss we miss him.

I’ll mail you again when we know what’s going to happen. I should go now Joe is eating dinner with Vicky so Katie and I are going to go to dinner also, because Joe doesn’t seem to need me around at the moment.

Love always,

Adam and Joe

Ben smiled. He looked up at Hoss, then handed him the letter.

“Your brothers seem to be doing fine, they’ve both fallen in love from the sound of it.”

“Can we write ‘em back pa?” Hoss asked.

“Of course we can,”

~Chapter Four~

Dr. Parker walked into the small hospital room and smiled. His two daughters and the two boys were all sleeping. He loudly cleared his throat, and everyone awoke.

“Oh, sorry daddy,” Katie said. Vicky smiled.

“Morning Dr.”

“Please Adam, call me Michael. I’ve got the results,” he announced. Joe looked at Adam, who came over and sat next to him on the bed. Vicky also came over and grabbed a hand.

“What does it say?” Joe asked bravely.

“No sign of cancer at all.” Joe breathed a sigh of relief. Adam walked over to Joe and hugged him tightly, tears in both their eyes. They held each other for several long seconds, and then they hugged Vicky and Katie.

“However, you do have an ulcer, and it’s a bad one.”

“Could he die?” Adam asked.

“If it gets serious enough yes, but I think with the right medicines we can treat him.”

“So how long will I have to stay here?”

“Well we’ll start you on the medicine tonight, and send you with your brother to the hotel, or you can come stay with me and the girls, in my house. You can’t leave Boston for at least a month or so, we have to make sure the medicine takes affect.”

“If it doesn’t work?” Joe asked.

“Then you’ll be here longer. We’ll have to do surgery if the medicine fails, which means you’ll have to stay in the hospital for at least a week, to make sure you don’t have an infection or anything. Then I’ll want you on bed rest for at least two more weeks. Then of course… Okay in simple words if it comes to surgery you’ll be here for a while, probably at least six weekss.”

“Six weeks!” Joe said.

“Joseph,” Adam warned.

“I’m sorry, but that’s a real long time,” Joe said.

“I know it is, and I’m really am sorry Joe, but lets not think about that, right now lets get you started on those meds so you can get home soon.” Joe nodded.

A few days later Joe and Adam were sitting alone in the room. Adam was deciding how to talk to Joe.

“Got a letter from pa today.”

“Really, you just mailed him, what four days ago?”

“Yeah about. Want me to read it to ya?”

“Would you?”

“Of course.”

Dear Adam and Joe,

Hello boys, it’s good to hear from you. I hope Joe is behaving you Adam, It’s good to hear that you’ve made friends and are comfortable around there. We hope to hear from you soon about Joe’s condition. I know it’s hard over here. We’re getting kind of lonely without Adam bossing everyone around and Joe playing tricks on everyone. I keep hearing the hands complaining about how they miss Joe’s impish personality. They wish you the best Joseph. We all do.

Hop Sing is doing okay. He hopes you’re both being fed enough, he says if they don’t give you good enough food he’ll come and cook for you. I hope for Hoss and my sake they are feeding you well because we seem to be the worst cooks out of the four of us.

Hoss gives you his best of course. He’s unfortunately not in the best of moods right now, he misses you both greatly. He’s said twice that I don’t know how he feels because you are both a part of him if not all of him. I believe it’s very true, you both are part of us. We wish you were here, but if being there means that Joe will live than I’m glad you are there.

The ranch is doing good, as is Cochise, she misses you a lot Joe, but Hoss is taking great care of her. Real good care of her. Sport is also doing well; we make sure they get out for a run every now and then.

Doc Martin also sends you his best, he’s glad to hear that Michael is as nice as always. Says he’s the only doctor around that has a bedside manner so wonderful that it’s more like a friendship than a doctor patient relationship.

Nice to hear that you’ve both met girls, but please don’t get to carried away, you are there for a reason.

Well I love you both.

Love Always,

Yours Father and Hoss

When Adam finished reading the letter, he looked up to see tears falling from Joe’s eyes. Getting up Adam wrapped his arms around his younger brother.

“Don’t worry; it won’t be long before we can go home.”

“I hope you’re right. Can I write pa this time?”

“Yep, Joe, listen, I know you’re still scared and I think I know what about but please remember, Paul sent us to Boston because there was no better doctor. He was the best. He’s the best man to do the surgery if you need it. You are safe here. I know how you feel Joe, I lived here for three years before I came home. It was the letters that kept me alive, granted you won’t be here half that long, but no one said this was going to be an easy ride. You’re bleeding in there and it has to be fixed or else you bleed to death.”

“I know.”

“I know you know. I know you’re scared, but we’ll get through this Little Joe.”

“And we’ve got Katie and Vicky,” Joe said.

“Somebody say our names?” Vicky asked as she and Katie entered. Adam smiled and took Katie’s arm as Vicky went to Little Joe.

“Well, Mike says you can go home tomorrow, where are you gonna go?” Vicky asked. Joe shrugged.

“We may take your father up on the offer to stay with you guys, I’ve been staying here for the past four days. Or we could go to a hotel.”

“Nonsense, you’ll stay with us,” Katie said. Adam smiled.

“Well then, I guess it’s settled.” Adam said smiling. Joe looked at Adam and could tell there was no way out of this; they were stuck in Boston. He shrugged slightly and decided to make the best of it, after all, it wasn’t every day he and his brother left home, met two beautiful women who really liked them and could hit the town.

“So, how long until we can actually hit the town, Adam?” Joe asked. Adam laughed.

“I don’t know probably a few days, you should get some rest first,” Adam said.

“Aww, come on Adam,” Vicky said.

“Hey it’s not up to me, it’s up to your father,” Adam said. Joe looked at Vicky.

“He’s right,” Vicky admitted.

“When isn’t he,” Joe said with remorse. Adam smiled and ruffled the younger man’s hair.

“Don’t worry you’ll see the town. Pa gave us no time limit to go home. I just want to make sure the medicine works.”

“Yeah Joe, as long as you take the medicine you should be fine,” Katie told him.

“Thanks guys.”

The next day, Katie and Vicky took off to help Joe and Adam get settled into the very large house. The doctor sent Joe home with instructions to take it easy for at least two weeks then come back in a week to make sure the medicine was working. Adam promised that after two weeks they would spend a few more weeks on the town. Joe, although annoyed, agreed to this.

However, after a few days at the house Joe began to go nuts. Adam and Katie were out most of the time on the town, and Vicky was often at work. Joe had gone around the house a few times trying to see if there was anything to do, however he often found nothing. He had sent to more letters to his father.

“Joe I’m home!” Called Vicky about mid day. Joe bounded out of his room and met her with a kiss.

“Hi, I missed ya,” she smiled.

“I missed you too. How would you like to join me for lunch?”

“How about a picnic?” Vicky nodded.

“We can do that, how are you feeling?” Joe smiled.

“Just fine,” he couldn’t tell her the real truth, his stomach was hurting something awful. He was afraid that maybe the medicine wasn’t working, or else he had cancer. He didn’t want surgery. People died in surgery. He really didn’t want to die, he needed to go home to the Ponderosa.

“Good, well then, go get washed up and we’ll leave,” Joe nodded and went back upstairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ben sat at the kitchen table early that morning reading the three letters he had gotten from his boys.

Dear Pa and Hoss,

Although you go my last letter and it read that Joe had a serious ulcer that would kill him if the medicine didn’t work and we didn’t get him in surgery, well I’m afraid plan A is failing. I’ve seen Joe eating and the grimace in pain as he grips his stomach. I’ve heard him up in the middle of night, he doesn’t know it but I can still see he’s vomiting blood. I’m afraid for him pa. He will not talk to me about it, but I hear him screaming at night, he is having nightmares. I also fear he may have an infection. The doctor gave me a list of symptoms. Joe has all of them. I am very worried about him. Joe however continues to tell me he is fine. The doctor also told me that one of the biggest problems is something called perforation, which is where the ulcer burrows through the stomach or duodenal wall. This could cause infection. I have the feeling it already has. I made an appointment with Doctor Parker for Saturday; I will mail you again when I know more. Pray for him pa, he is in bad shape and even worse, he’s terrified.

Love Always,

Adam

Dear Pa and Hoss,

How are you? I’m doing fine, the medicine seems to be working, mother hen Adam thinks I’m sick, I’m really not. This place is wonderful pa, you’d like it here. The two girls we met are also wonderful, there’s just something about them pa.

It’s good to hear everything is going well back there. I can’t wait to get home again and see everyone. Give Hoss my love.

Love

Joe

Ben shook his head; it was obvious in his letter Joe was lying. Just then, Hoss came down the stairs.

“Morning pa.”

“Morning Hoss.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, I got two letters, one from Adam and one from Joseph. Adam thinks Joe is getting worse, and Joe says he’s fine,” Hoss sighed.

“Pa, Adam is probably right.”

“I know he is, I just wish Joe knew he wasn’t fine.”

“Pa, there’s a reason Joe is acting like that.”

“Hoss I know the boy wants to come home, but really, is it worth his own life?”

“No pa, it ain’t that. Sure Joe wants to come home, but he’s afraid.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well ya see, Joe and I was talkin’ before they left, you know when he spent the day in bed, he was tellin’ me how scared he was because it might be cancer. Pa he don’t wanna die.”

“But Hoss, they already told him that there was no sign of cancer.”

“Pa, he knows that, we all do, but there’s still the chance that maybe just maybe they might have missed something, that’s what’s makin’ him so scared.”

Ben looked at Hoss, he had to admit the young man made sense.

“So what do we do?”

“Let Adam handle it pa. At least fer now, then maybe we can send him letters later on telling him that everything will be all right.”

“Okay son. We’ll wait. We’ll wait.”

~Chapter Five~

Saturday morning Adam managed to drag Joe into the hospital.

“Hello Adam, I see you got him here,” Joe looked sullen.

“Yeah, I’m here.” He said.

“It’s for your own good Joseph; if you’re bleeding you could die.”

“You think I care!” Joe yelled. Adam’s head whipped around to look at his brother.

“Mike, could I have a moment alone with Joe.”

“Sure, I’ll be outside talking to Vicky and Katie.”

Nodding his thanks Adam watched as the doctor left. He then turned to Joe and firmly grabbed his chin, yanking his face up to look at him.

“You will stop this right now Joseph Francis Cartwright. You are not a little boy anymore, you are twenty-three and there are many people, who would like to see you reach twenty-four, then maybe twenty-five. If you are doing acting like a child then maybe you can tell me what the hell is wrong with you that you don’t even care about your own life!” Adam yelled. Joe looked up slowly, his eyes full of tears. Adam could have sworn he saw the small boy who would come to his room crying after a nightmare.

“What if they missed something? What if I do have cancer?”

“Joe, you do not have cancer, I know you’re scared, and so am I, but I’m scared that if you don’t have this surgery you will die. I can’t leave you Joe, I need you, we all do. That means that you have to start acting brave. No more of this little boy crap. I know pa isn’t here but you still need to be brave for him and Hoss.”

“Okay,” Joe whimpered. Adam looked at him.

“Come here,” he said holding his arms out. Joe sobbed in Adam’s arms for what seemed like hours.

Finally Adam let the doctor back in. The doctor looked at Little Joe.

“Would you like to try again?” Mike asked.

“Yes sir.”

“Good. What are you symptoms?”

“Vomiting blood, blood in my stools, sharp pain in my stomach, pain while I sleep, and nightmares,” Joe listed them all slowly. Michael sighed.

“Well that’s settles it. Vicky, go call the OR tell them we’ve got an emergency ulcer, sounds like the ulcer burrowed through the duodenal wall.” Vicky nodded.

“What?” Joe asked.

“Joe you’re bleeding, and have a chance of infection if the acids get through the wall. You could die, lie down please,” Adam watched in horror as they began to prepare his brother for emergency surgery. Twenty minutes later Adam was sitting in the waiting room. He wished feverishly that Katie or Vicky were out here, it was at times like this he could really use his father and brother. Anyone to keep him company, anyone who could help him keep his sanity. He watched his pocket watch, as the hours ticked away.

“We’ve got the beginnings of an infection here,” Michael said as the four surgeons and two nurses worked on Little Joe.

Adam began to write to his father.

Dear Pa,

Joe was rushed into Emergency surgery a little over two hours ago, his ulcer was bleeding and there’s a threat of infection. He could die, he could die in surgery and we’ll never get to say goodbye. Its times like this I wish more than anything that you were here by my side.

Sure I’ve waited before, we all have, but pa this is nuts. Katie and Vicky are both with him in surgery. I pray they don’t come out here and tell me Joe is dead.

Well I’ll write you soon.

Love always,

Adam

As Adam sat there, he starred at the doors, which his brother had disappeared behind over two hours ago. He sighed.

The hours ticked away endlessly as Adam sat alone in the empty hospital corridor waiting for someone to tell him something about his younger brother.

Meanwhile in surgery the doctors and nurses tried to keep Joe from dying. It never ceased to amaze Katie or Vicky at how quickly a situation could go from bad to terribly wrong in less than fifty seconds. For the first time in her career, Vicky bent down close to the unconscious form of Joe and whispered in his ear.

“Hold on Joe, not just for Adam, Hoss and your pa, but for me. I love you Joe Cartwright,” she whispered. When she straightened, Katie looked at her and smiled.

Sixteen hours later Katie came into the waiting room and smiled at the sight of her friend Adam fast asleep in the chair.

“Adam,” she whispered placing a hand on Adam’s shoulder. Adam jumped awake and looked at her.

“Joe?”

“He’s doing okay, you can see him, Vicky is with him in recovery, and he’ll be moved to his room in an hour or two. Meanwhile, how would you like to join me for something to eat in the cafeteria?”

“That’s would be okay I guess,” Adam said.

Joe slowly opened his eyes and looked around, finally his eyes focused on Victoria who was sitting near him holding his hand.

“Hi,” he said in a raspy dry voice. Vicky woke up and looked at him. She smiled.

“Hi yourself, how ya feeling?” He smiled at her.

“Okay I guess. Where’s Adam?” He asked looking around.

“I’m right here,” Adam said taking Joe’s hand in his.

“Hi,” he whispered.

“Hi buddy.”

“How long have I been out? Is everything okay?” Joe asked. Katie came up from behind Adam and placed her hands on his shoulders.

“You’ve been out for two days. It was touch and go there for a while, but your ulcer has been fixed, although you could still get an infection. The best news is that there was no sign of cancer,” Katie told him what he really wanted to know.

“Will I live?”

“Yeah, but you’ll take some time to heal,” Vicky said.

“You did a pretty good job on yourself baby brother.”

“Can I have some water?” Nodding Vicky poured him a drink and helped him drink.

“I heard you,” Joe said.

“What?” Vicky asked unsure what he was talking about.

“I heard you. You told me that you loved me,” Joe said. Vicky looked up at her best friend. Katie simply smiled.

“You heard that?”

“Is it true?” Joe asked. Vicky looked at him.

“Very true.”

“I love you too,” he whispered. She smiled at him.

“Well, unless you feel you need me to stick around here baby brother, Katie and I shall leave.”

“Okay, we’ll see you later,” Adam nodded. He bent down over his younger brother.

“I love ya kid,” with that and a small wink Adam headed towards the door, allowing Katie room to say goodbye.

“Bye Little Joe. Bye Vick,” Vicky smiled and waved goodbye as she kept her eyes on Joe.

“Bye guys,” she said as the two left the room. Vicky looked at Joe.

“Well, looks like you’ll probably have a nice recovery, then you can go home.”

“Are you kidding me? I’m not going anywhere without you,” she slowly bent over him and touched her lips to his, for a moment the kiss was gently and soft, but Joe reached his hands up and grabbed her face between his, she did the same and the kiss became harder, more intense.

“I think I’ve fallen in love with you,” Joe whispered as they parted and both took deep breaths.

“I’m not suppose to fall in love with my patients, but you’re not going anywhere for awhile,” Joe laughed gently.

“You’re right.”

“Mind if I join you for awhile, I’m off for a week,” Joe scooted over and she climbed on the bed with him. Wrapping her arms around his chest the two soon fell asleep in each other’s arms. Adam, Katie and Michael entered the room two hours later and smiled.

“That kid sure has taken a liking to Vicky,” Adam said. Katie held Adam’s hand and smiled.

“He sure has, but then again I’ve sorta taken to you too Mr. Cartwright,” Adam smiled at her.

“Is it okay for them to stay like that?” Adam asked Michael.

“I don’t see why not. Just today though,” Adam nodded and sat down in a chair by his brother’s side.

“I should probably write pa and let him know what’s going on.”

“Probably, but can’t it wait?” Adam looked up at her and smiled.

“Yeah, for a while.”

~Chapter Six~

Later that night Vicky woke up and decided to have a seat by Adam and Joe. They watched as the day faded into night. It was late that night while they all slept soundly that Joe’s fever began to rage.

“Please help me! Adam! Pa!” Joe yelled. Adam woke up and looked at his brother. He once again saw the fine sheen of sweat he had seen sixteen days ago when they had found out Joe was sick.

“Joe,” Adam called as he put his hands on Joe’s body only to pull them back as if hot water had scolded him.

“Katie!” Adam yelled. She instantly woke.

“What’s wrong?” She asked.

“Go get a doctor, Joe’s burning up with fever!” Adam yelled. She nodded and left. Vicky was now up and grabbing something to get wet and put on Joe’s forehead. Michael came running in, pushing Adam aside with the girls he began to examine Joe. Suddenly Joe began to convulse.

“Damn!” Michael swore.

“I need ice!” He yelled. Both young women nodded and ran out of the room. Meanwhile Adam stood in the corner, watching as Vicky and Katie and their father rushed to save the life of his brother Joseph. Their efforts stretched into the early hours of the morning. Adam continued to watch as Joe’s body, now unmoving, raged with fever. He prayed that God wouldn’t take his little brother just yet.

They packed him in ice and did everything possible. Michael was getting to the point where he was unsure what else to do. He was sure the last convulsion sent Joe into a coma, which gave Joe little hope of ever waking up. Most people didn’t, if they did it was a pure miracle. Finally, at eight in the morning Michael turned to Adam and sighed.

“I’ve done all I can Adam. The rest is up to your brother and God now.”

“You can’t be serious, this is one of the best hospitals in the country and you’re telling me you’re just going sit here and watch my brother die!” Adam yelled. “I won’t accept that! I won’t!”

“Look Adam, you’ve been up all night, why don’t we go get something to eat then take you home to get some rest,” Katie suggested.

“I don’t want to rest. I want my brother!” He yelled again.

“Adam if you don’t stop yelling they will remove you from this hospital and you won’t have to worry about your brother, because you’ll be in jail for disturbing the peace,” Katie hissed. Adam looked at her. His shoulder slumped forward as he moved towards his brother.

“I will not leave him,” was Adam’s final whisper as he planted himself in the chair by Joe’s bed. Katie looked at him. She shook her head.

“Come on Vick, daddy, lets leave them alone for awhile,” nodding the three left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ben sat in his red leather chair reading the latest letter from his son, from the sound of it, not all was going well.

Dear Pa and Hoss,

Early yesterday morning Joseph returned from surgery, he seemed to be doing well, he and Vicky talked about their loving each other, as Katie and I have.

However late that night Joe began to show signs of complications, he began to run a high fever. The rest of last night I watched Michael, Katie and Vicky try to save little Joe’s life. Early that morning Michael told me that it was now up to God and Joe.

Sadly, I must admit I did not handle the news well; I began to yell. Now that I’ve calmed down and I’m alone I’m writing you this letter. Joe looks pale and weak, his face nearly matches the sheets covering his body. His forehead beaded with sweat, but his body shivering in cold.

I sit and sing to him, trying to communicate with him, hoping by the grace of God that he will wake up and smile at me. I’m starting to have my doubts though pa. By the time you get this it will probably be two days after I’ve written it. I pray I can keep going.

It’s tough, knowing I’m fighting for both of us. Please write soon, I need you pa.

Love Always,

Adam

“Pa is Joe gonna die?” Hoss asked as he sat near the hearth. Ben looked at the fire, the back down at the letter as he read it again, then the truth him home, his baby could already be dead, Adam had written this nearly two days ago.

“I hope not son.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eight days after the convulsions, Joe remained unconscious. Adam sat by his brother’s side singing the same lullaby Marie use to sing when one of them were sick. Suddenly he felt hands on his shoulders. Turning around he smiled to see his girlfriend Katie.

“Any change?” She asked. Adam hunched forward, his elbows knees. He rubbed his eyes, hoping to the weariness from his eyes.

“How are you doing?” She asked. He looked up at her.

“I’ve been better,” he whispered. She gently rubbed his shoulders.

“You need sleep Adam; it won’t do Little Joe any good if you get sick too. When was the last time you had anything to eat?” Adam shrugged.

“Doesn’t matter, I’m not really hungry.”

“It doesn’t matter, Adam you need to eat, starving yourself won’t help anyone.”

“Where’s Vicky?” Adam asked.

“In the doctor’s lounge.”

“Did I scare her away?” Adam asked. Katie smiled and kissed his cheek.

“No, Vicky doesn’t scare easy, neither do I. I think she’s just a little lonely. She hasn’t been so close to a man since her brother Seth died. She was a little scared to get close again, when she met your baby brother well that all changed. If Little Joe died, it would destroy her.”

“If Joe dies Vicky won’t be the only one destroyed. It would kill me too,” Adam whispered.

“You really love him don’t you?”

“More than anything in this world, I sadly admit I didn’t like his mother for the first two years before he was born. Then I found out about him and, oh God everything changed from that moment on. I was a new kid, I would help ma do anything and everything. I even started calling her ma. It was so different. I started caring about things again. Then Joe came and I began to want to care for him more than anything. I would come home right after school just to care for him. I would sing to him late at night. I would do anything for the kid. Anything and everything, when his ma had to do something or go somewhere, I would volunteer to care for him. As he grew and Marie died, I became probably more like a father than a brother. Then I went away to college, and everything changed. The poor kid, when I came back I wasn’t the same man who would allow him into my bed after a nightmare, I wasn’t the same man who would rock him to sleep with a soft song. I became a boss to him, telling him he needed to do everything I said or else. I use to tell pa everything he did. For nearly two years after my return, we never got along. Then one day Joe got sick, high fever, everything, and Pa was gone, and Hoss was up at a friends house so I was left to take care of the little boy. We spent a few days alone together talking. When he got better, I asked pa if we could go on a camping trip, just the three brothers. We spent four days just the three Cartwright boys relaxing and getting to know each other again.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vicky sat in the doctor’s lounge, a coffee mug between her hands as she thought about the two most important men in her life. Just then, a young man, with blond hair and blue eyes walked in. He was about 6’1’. It was Steven Katie’s older brother

“Hi Vicky, have you seen my father?” He asked. She looked up at him, just long enough for him to notice the tear tracks on her cheeks.

“Victoria what’s wrong?” Steve was a sweet loving father. When you looked at him, you couldn’t see the tiny scar on his eyebrow that Seth had given when they were six years old. You could see the scar on his leg from the Civil War two years ago, that gave him honorable discharge. You couldn’t see his aching heart that had watched his two best friends and brothers die in a war that never should have taken place.

“I’m sure Katie has told you something of the two men we’re seeing.”

“The Cartwrights, yeah I remember a little about them. I met Adam Cartwright a few times; the first time we met was when he got sick in college. He was a good kid. I was a few years older than he was, not by much was though. Katie’s dating him?”

“Yeah. I’m dating his younger brother Joseph.”

“Ah, yes. I heard quite a bit about him.”

“He’s one of my patients. He’s dying from an infection.”

“Oh, I see. Vicky honey, Seth was a wonderful man; trust me. I spent his last dying hours with him, talking about anything and everything. Talking about how thankful to dad he was that after your parents died he took you guys in. Vicky, Seth loved you more than anything, it was you that made him fight for so long out there. I know some of your emotions are raw right now, but you have to move on with your life, you still have one big brother left, and a big sister. We’re always watching out for you honey. Do you love Joe?” She looked at her hands in his, then up at his kind face.

“Yes, yes I do love him.”

“Does he love you?”

“Yes.”

“Then don’t you think it’s worth the risk? Worth knowing that you were loved by a man, besides your brother.”

“Steve, I’m not trying to be mean, but did you ever wonder why you came back alone?”

“Yeah, I wonder it a lot sweetheart. All the time, it’s when Jimmy comes running into my room and jumps on my lap that I remember that maybe God wanted me to be a father,” Vicky looked up and smiled.

“And a big brother, right?”

“Yeah, and a big brother.”

“I love you Steve,” Steve smiled and hugged her tightly, kissing her head.

“I love you too kid, now why don’t we go see my dad. I’ll walk you to your boy friend’s room,” she smiled and nodded.

~Chapter Seven~

Vicky slowly opened the room to see Adam and Katie in chairs. Katie was fast asleep on Adam’s shoulder. Adam seemed to be sleeping too.

‘Good, he needs some rest,’ she thought to herself. She made her way past them and to the other side of Joe’s bed. She reached up, to fell his forehead. She smiled; the fever was gone.

“Joe,” she called to him.

“Joe, it’s time to wake up,” she continued gently.

“Is his fever gone?” Adam asked. Vicky looked up at him and giggled slightly.

“What?”

“Nothing, you just look rugged with a beard,” Adam put his hand to his face and noticed she was telling the truth, he could feel the beginning of a beard there.

“You didn’t answer my first question,” Adam said. Vicky smiled.

“Yes, his fever is broken. Why don’t you try waking him up, you never know, familiar voice often bring people back.” Nodding Adam moved over to Joe’s side.

“Joseph, its time to wake up,” Adam said. Katie, who had also woken up, stood next to Adam.

“Joseph, that’s enough of this silliness, its time to wake up. You have chores to do, and Pa will tan yer hide if you don’t get out of bed!” Adam said sternly. He smiled when he noticed Joe’s eyes begin to flutter, and then finally open. Adam smiled down at him.

“Hi,” he whispered as he looked up at Adam and Vicky.

“Hi yourself,” Vicky said. Joe smiled at her.

“Missed ya,” he said to her. Adam started laughing. For the first time in nearly a month, he was sure his young brother would be just fine.”

“I’ll go get dad,” Katie said.

“I’m already here,” Michael said, entering the room with Steve behind him, “Welcome back to the land of the living you man, I must say you gave us all quite a scare.”

“Sorry,” Adam held Joe’s hand in his own.

“Its okay buddy, everything will be fine now.”

“Well, Katie, Vicky, why don’t you take Adam and Steve to get some lunch, while I take a look at our patient,” nodding they said goodbye and left the room.

When finished Michael looked at Joe, and smiled.

“I think your infection is going away young man.”

“Does that mean I’m going to be okay?”

“It might take awhile, but, yeah I think you’ll be just fine.”

“How long do I have to stay here?”

“I want you in the hospital for at least a week, I’ll talk to you and everybody when they get back, but for now; you really should get some rest.”

“Okay. Doctor Parker,” Michael turned.

“Yes?”

“Thanks,” Joe said. Michael smiled.

“Mr. Cartwright, its men like you who make me proud to be a doctor,” with that Michael left the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Pa and Hoss,

Good news! Joseph woke up yesterday, he seems to be doing well. The doctor wants to keep him in the hospital for a week or so to make sure everything is well. Then he will be on bed rest for another week, then, finally the doctor has ordered us to take two weeks off to explore Boston and pick up some of the wonderful culture they have here, with Katie and Vicky of course. Joseph and I have been talking and though we’ve only been gone about two months, and its going to take a little longer till Joe is able to come home on the train, we were hoping you would allow us to take about three more months off.

I know that’s a long time pa, and at first neither of us were sure we would want to stay here that long, but we’ve taken a liking to the people around here and we’d like to come back a few weeks before Joe’s birthday.

Love Always

Adam, Joseph, Katie and Vicky

Ben looked at the letter, he was glad to hear his son seemed to be on the mend, but he was unsure if he could survive another three months without his two sons. It wasn’t that there was a lot of work to be done, there was of course, but the men could handle that. It was just that Ben missed them both terribly.

Just then Hoss came in, he hung up his hat and took off his gun belt.

“Hi pa, somethin’ wrong?”

“Uh, Hoss, son, there’s something I have to tell you.”

“Is it about Joe?”

“Well yes. Your brother Joe is up and doing okay, he’ll be out of the hospital in a week or so, but, well son. How would you feel if your brothers didn’t come home right away?” He asked.

“Pa, he can’t come home right away anyways.”

“That’s not what I mean Hoss. Adam and Joseph have talked about it and they’d like to spend another three months up in Boston. Spend sometime together, which I’m sure they probably need.”

“But what Pa? They’ve already been there nearly two months now. Don’t they want to come home?”

“Hoss, son its not that they don’t want to come home, Hoss you know how those two are. They are just like you and Joe when you two are together. They want to spend some time getting to know Vicky and Katie, they want to get to know the family. They want time off.”

“But pa, it ain’t fair. Little Joe said he was comin’ back as soon as he could, now he ain’t.”

“I know son, but I’m not going to stop them if its what they really want.”

“Pa, if’n it is what they really want, then I spect I ain’t gonna stop them either, but I can’t say I’ll be happy ‘bout it.”

“All right son.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Four days later Adam came into Joe’s room and smiled. Katie, Vicky and Joe were all talking. Vicky was sitting beside Joe on the bed and Katie in a chair.

“I got a letter from Pa today Joe,” Adam said holding it up.

“What does it say?”

Adam quickly opened it.

Dear Adam and Joe,

Good to hear that things are going well again, can’t wait to see you in three months.

Dear Katie and Vicky,

Take care of my boys.

Adam looked up and smiled.

“So we’re staying?” Joe asked.

“We’re staying.” Joe smiled at Adam and then at Vicky.

“Well, I guess we’re staying,” she hugged him.

PART TWO coming soon

For those of you who read these stories and are nurses or doctors, I’m probably a little off on the accuracy of the ulcer, but I was looking and couldn’t find the things I wanted. I’m sorry but I did my best. I hope everyone enjoys it.

Steve, Michael, Seth, Will, Katie and Vicky belong to me, if you would like to use them email me at Catcher1505@aol.com

RETURN TO LIBRARY