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Wedding Bell Blues Part One

Susan Owens

October 22, 2002 Copyright

Adam sat back against the bench seat in the stagecoach as it headed towards Virginia City. He had been gone for almost three months and now he was glad to be heading home. He could not wait to see his family and tell them the wonderful news. He smiled over at his companion who returned his smile.

"We’re almost there, Lizzie. I can't wait for you to meet my family."

Lizzie Connors leaned over and gave Adam's knee a squeeze.

"Don't you mean our family Adam? After all, I’ll soon be Mrs. Adam Cartwright."

Adam smiled and pulled her over to sit on his lap. "Well, I just can't wait to show you off, Miss Elizabeth Connors."

"Adam Cartwright! You behave yourself. Land sakes! You’re acting like a child. What will people say?"

"That I am the luckiest guy in the world."

Lizzie giggled as Adam placed his strong lips to her soft ones and kissed her gently.

********

Hoss Cartwright was up and having breakfast when his younger brother, Joe, walked sleepily into the dining room.

"Hey, Joe. I was beginning to think you were going to stay in bed all day. Adam’s home today."

Joe yawned as he sat down and poured himself some coffee.

"Yeah, I know. It’ll be good to have him home again. I wonder what that surprise is he wrote us about?”

Hoss looked up from his eating. "I guess we’ll find out soon enough."

"Yeah, I guess. Hey, do you think it's a new horse or something?"

Hoss shook his head. "I doubt it. Come on, hurry up and finish. Pa don't want to be late to meet Adam. You know how Adam hates to be kept waiting."

Joe finished eating and he and Hoss joined their father who was waiting outside.

"Pa did you have breakfast?"

Ben Cartwright looked over at Hoss. “Yes, Hoss, I had my breakfast earlier. Now let's go meet your brother.”

*******

The stagecoach arrived in Virginia City as scheduled. Adam looked out and saw his family waiting at the platform. He jumped down off of the stage and was heartily greeted with a bear hug from Hoss first.

"Dangburnit, Adam it’s so good to have you home."

"Hoss let go of Adam before you squeeze him to death," said Ben.

"Uh? Oh, uh, sorry Adam."

"It’s quite alright, Hoss. I'm glad to be home. Hey, Joe. Behaving yourself?"

"Hey, I always behave myself." Joe said giving Adam a hug. "Welcome home big brother."

"Thanks Joe. Hello, Pa."

Ben reached over and gave his son a pat on the back.

"It's good to have you home, son."

"Hey, where are you hiding that surprise you wired us about?" Joe asked.

"Adam, aren't you going to introduce me?"

Adam 's family turned at the voice and they watched Adam help a very lovely woman from the stagecoach.

"Pa, Hoss, Joe. I would like you to meet Miss Elizabeth Connors, soon to be Mrs. Adam Cartwright."

Joe looked at her astonished. "Adam, is this your surprise?"

Adam beamed with pride as he nodded his head. Ben made his way over to her.

"My dear, welcome to the family."

"Thank you, Mr. Cartwright."

Adam rented a buggy, helped Elizabeth into it and they all headed for the Ponderosa.

Once there, Elizabeth looked around and saw how wonderful the house was.

"Oh my, Mr. Cartwright."

"Please, call me Ben.”

"Alright, Ben."

Elizabeth entered the house and looked around. "My! Adam was not fibbing when he told me about this place. Ben, you do have a wonderful home here."

Adam walked in carrying her luggage. "Isn’t she just wonderful Pa?"

"You picked a winner Adam. Cartwright’s are know for their good taste in women,” Ben replied with a smile.

"Ben, please. Now I know where Adam got his charm."

Elizabeth then looked up stairs. "Adam, darling, I'm a little tired from that long ride. Would you mind showing me to my room?"

"Don't you mean our room?" Adam grinned devilishly at his bride-to-be.

"Adam Cartwright, until I am legally wed, I will not share a room with you. The very idea…,” stated Elizabeth returning Adam’s smile.

"Okay, you win. Come on, I’ll show you to your room."

Adam took his wife-to-be upstairs and showed her to the guest room. He opened the door, bowed to her and swept his hand to welcome her into the room.

"This, my lady, is your humble room and I hope that it is to your liking."

"Oh, Adam it's lovely."

Adam came up to her and took her into his strong arms. "I could make it even lovelier if you let me stay."

Elizabeth playfully pushed him away. "Adam, not now please, I really am tired. I need to rest. I promise we can see each other later."

Adam frowned slightly and then smiled again. "I will hold you to that."

Elizabeth gave him a kiss then gently pushed him out of the room. Adam went downstairs where Joe was waiting.

"You're down here?"

"Lizzie was tired she wanted to rest."

"Oh."

"Oh? And what does that suppose to mean?"

"Just what I said, oh. Come on, Adam, I just said, oh."

"I’m sorry, Joe. I guess I’m a little tired from the trip, too."

Joe stood up from the settee and walked over to Adam. "You know, maybe you should get some rest."

"No. I think I'll go see what Pa’s doing. Hey, Joe would you check on Lizzie for me?"

"Yeah, sure Adam."

Joe watched Adam go outside as he walked upstairs to check on Elizabeth. He padded quietly to her room expecting her to be asleep, but as he came nearer to the half open door, he peeked in and saw her sitting at the vanity. Lizzie had a small vial in her hand and she quickly swallowed the contents. He stared at her wondering what was going on. She seemed euphoric after drinking what was in the vial and this confused Joe more.

"Uh, Miss you okay?"

Elizabeth turned around anger setting her green eyes blazing with fire.

"How dare you come in here! Get out!"

"Ma'am, I was just checking on you."

Elizabeth threw a lamp at Joe. "Get out!"

Joe shut the door quickly and was gone. He went to his own room and slammed the door. Let Adam check on that spitfire. He shook his head. She seemed so nice earlier. Suddenly there was a knock on his door. Joe opened it to see Elizabeth standing there.

"Joe, may I come in?"

Joe stepped aside and let her enter.

"I want to apologize for screaming at you, but in Boston a man doesn't enter a woman’s room without asking permission."

Joe nodded. "I'm sorry. I guess I wasn't thinking."

Elizabeth smiled at him. "That's okay. Oh and Joe?"

"Yes?"

"I believe you saw me take my medicine. It is for my headaches. I get very bad ones."

Joe nodded his head again.

"Joe, please don't tell Adam. He does tend to worry so. This will be our little secret."

"You really should not keep this from Adam. You are going to become his wife."

"I know, you’re right, but please let me tell him."

"Alright."

Elizabeth smiled and left Joe's room. Joe watched her leave puzzled by her stranger behavior.

Wedding Bells Blues Part Two

Susan Owens

Little Joe returned down stairs. He found Adam sitting in the big blue chair reading. His older brother looked up as he entered the room. "Is Lizzie okay?"

"Yeah, she’s fine, Adam. She’s just tired. So what's Pa up too?"

"Oh, you know the same old, same old. Hey, I heard that Cochise is going to be a father."

Joe suddenly smiled. “Yeah, Mr. Yoshi's filly is going to have Cochise's foal. I am rather happy about that."

"Well you should be. Mr.Yoshi raises real fine horses. So which filly is it?"

"Belle Star."

"A real fine filly, indeed. That’s going to be a promising foal, Little Joe."

"Thanks, Adam."

"Hey, who’s going to have a foal?"

Adam and Little Joe turned to see Elizabeth standing at the bottom of the staircase. Adam walked over to meet her.

"I thought you were resting."

"I was not as tired as I thought I was. So who’s going to have the foal?"

"Belle Star. She’s a filly owned by Mr.Yoshi and my horse Cochise is the sire."

"Oh how exciting! When will it be born?"

Little Joe thought for a moment before answering her. "I believe it will be at least eight more months."

"Oh, that's such a long time. Adam will you buy the foal for me?"

"Anything your heart desires."

Little Joe gave Adam an incredulous look. Adam paid no attention to him and instead took his bride-to-be in his arms. Little Joe grabbed his hat from the rack, stormed out of the house and headed for the barn.

Hoss was in the barn polishing his saddle when Little Joe stormed in. "Damn, that Adam."

"Uh?"

Little Joe turned around sharply. "Don't sneak up on me like that Hoss."

"I didn't sneak up on you. I was here all the time. Why are you cussin’ about Adam?"

Little Joe’s face was getting red. "Do you know what he had the nerve to do?"

"No, but I will as soon as you tell me."

"I told him about Cochise and he had the nerve to tell that woman."

Hoss’ eyebrows lifted when Little Joe called Adam’s bride-to-be, that woman. "Joe you really shouldn’t call Adam’s fiancé, that woman."

"Do you want to know what happened or not?"

"Okay, okay. Don't get bent out of shape."

"He promised her Belle Star and Cochise's foal and it's not even his to promise."

"Well Joe, it's not your foal either. The foal will belong to Mr.Yoshi."

"Well, I plan to buy that foal and if Adam thinks he’s going to buy it for her, he is sadly mistaken."

"Joe what's wrong with you? You are acting like you don’t care for Elizabeth."

Little Joe finished saddling Cochise. "You know Hoss, maybe I don't. Tell Pa I went to town." Little Joe walked his horse out of the barn, mounted him and rode off. Ben came over just in time to see his youngest son leave.

"Hoss, where is your brother going?"

"Into town Pa. I think Little Joe has a problem with Elizabeth."

Ben patted Hoss on the back. "He'll be fine Hoss, as soon as he figures out he's not losing Adam."

Hoss shook his head. "I don't know Pa. I think there’s more to this."

"It will be fine Hoss. Come on we have to check the north area for any strays."

Hoss nodded and the two men rode off.

*****

Elizabeth looked down at Adam who had fallen asleep with his head on her lap. She bent down and whispered in his ear. "Adam, are you asleep?"

Adam snored in reply. The petite woman smiled to herself and very slowly lifted her fiancé’s head from her lap making sure he was comfortable again. She eased herself off of the settee and exited the house. Elizabeth checked outside to make sure none of the other Cartwrights were around. Quickly entering the barn, she saddled a horse and rode to Virginia City.

The soon-to-be Mrs. Cartwright hitched her horse to a rail in front of the hotel and ran up the steps to the front desk. The clerk offered her a smile.

"May I help you miss?"

"Yes. Do you have a Frankie Page staying here?"

The clerk looked over his book. "Yes we do. He's in room 4."

"Thank you very much."

Elizabeth climbed the stairs, strode down the hallway to room 4 and knocked on the door.

"Who is it?"

"Frankie, open up it's me. Beth."

The door flew open and a tall brown haired man drew Elizabeth into his arms. "Oh, Beth, I missed you so much."

"Oh Frankie, I missed you, too."

Frankie began kissing her, his tongue plunging in and out of her mouth making Elizabeth moan." Oh Frankie, you always know how to make me feel so good. "

"I can do more, Beth."

"Then please, do so."

Frankie quickly moved Elizabeth to the bed and after removing each other’s clothes, they made love frantically. Frankie took control first and then Elizabeth soon relented. Afterwards they were both pleasantly spent and Elizabeth curled up in his arms.

"Beth?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you know how sick it makes me feel to see you in Cartwright’s arms?"

Beth looked up at Frankie and reached over to give him a kiss. "Oh Frankie, don't be jealous of Adam Cartwright. I love you, not him."

"Before Adam and I are married I will ask him to sign an agreement that if we get divorced, everything he has will be mine."

"Will he really sign something like that?"

"Frankie, that man is so in love with me that he would sign his own family away."

"I love you Beth."

Frankie took Elizabeth back into his arms and they made love all over again. Soon Elizabeth got up and started to get dressed. Frankie watched her. "Do you have to go now?"

She nodded and reached down to kiss him again. "I’ve got to go Frankie. I don't want Adam to come looking for me."

"Okay, but wait, I will walk you down to the lobby."

Elizabeth nodded and waited for Frankie to dress. They walked down to the lobby and outside to her horse. Frankie embraced Elizabeth again and kissed her hard with urgent passion. Elizabeth moaned and returned the kiss hungrily. Little Joe watched them from across the street in angry astonishment. His heart broke for his brother Adam. How was he going to tell him what he saw?

Part 3

Susan Owens

Suddenly Joe felt a gun in his back. "Don't move mister. Didn't your ma ever teach you not to spy on a person? If she didn't, then she must have been a lousy mother."

The rage inside Little Joe 's body had been simmering and now it was boiling over. He turned around quickly and sent his fist flying right into the man’s gut knocking the wind right out of him.

"Come on get up! No one talks that way about my mother!" Little Joe was ready for the man, his fist held up. The man glanced behind as he saw his friend sneak up on Little Joe and strike him with the back of his gun. Little Joe's eyes rolled into the back of his head and he dropped to the ground. The man who struck him lifted his head up to see what kind of damage he’d done.

"Looks like pretty boy here will be out for hours. We better take him to Frankie."

The other guy, still holding his gut, shook his head. "No need to. The boss is coming over here."

Frankie and Beth had heard the scrimmage and were heading over to them. Beth stared at her unconscious future brother-in-law. She turned to Frankie.

"Are they crazy? This is Adam 's brother!"

One of the men, whose name was Rick, replied. "We had no choice Frankie. He saw you and Beth. He might have ruined everything."

Frankie looked down at Little Joe. "You did fine Ricky. How long will he be out?"

The other man, Luke, replied, "I’d say at least a few hours. I’m not sure how long. I really gave it to him good."

Beth looked at them. "Look, he could be hurt bad. We just can't leave him here. He needs a doctor."

Frankie took Beth into his arms. "You go back to the Ponderosa and I will get him a doctor."

"Frankie. Do you promise?"

"Yes Beth, I promise. Now go and don't let anyone know what happened here. I’m really glad it's late and no one is around."

Beth once more kissed Frankie goodbye before she rode away. When Frankie was sure she was out of sight, he turned to Rick and Luke. "Take Mr. Cartwright, here and leave him out in the wilderness as buzzard food. Make sure you take a different route than Beth."

Both Rick and Luke grinned as they threw Little Joe over his horse and rode out. Frankie watched them leave with a smile on his face.

******

When Liz arrived at the ranch she was greeted by Adam who helped her off her horse. "You were gone so long I was just about to ride out for you. Are you okay?"

She smiled and gave Adam a kiss. "Oh, Adam. It's so kind of you to worry about me, but I'm fine. I found the most wonderful fabric for my wedding dress. It will be delivered tomorrow. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world."

"No, Liz, I am the one that is the luckiest."

"Hey, did you see Little Joe while you were in town?"

"And hello to you Hoss." Lizzy averted Adam’s question.

"Howdy ma'am. Did you see Little Joe? He rode off in a huff today."

"No, Hoss I didn't see him."

Adam looked at Hoss. "Hoss you know Little Joe. Whenever something is bothering him, he's got to sort it out for himself and as soon as he does, he'll be back. So don't worry. He's done this before. Come on, I think supper is ready."

Adam offered Liz his arm and escorted her into the house. Hoss looked out hoping Adam was right, but if Joe didn't return by morning, he would go after him.

******

The buzzards flew around Little Joe, where Rick and Luke had dumped him, waiting for him to die. Max Tanner, the Cartwright 's ranch foreman, saw the large black birds and thought he better check it out. He rode in fast just as one of the scavengers landed and was about to feast.

"Haw! Yeah! Haw! He yelled as he rode into them. The Buzzards flew off in all directions. Max looked down at Little Joe.

"Oh my Lord."

He jumped down from his horse and lifted Little Joe up and just as he did, Slim, one of his men, came riding up.

"Slim, get Mr. Cartwright. Now!"

Slim said nothing just reared his horse around and rode off at an all out gallop. Max held Little Joe. "Don’t you worry boy. Your pa is on the way."

Wedding Bells Blues Part Four.

Ben was sitting at his desk going over some of the ranch’s invoices when he heard Slim calling his name.

"Mr. Cartwright! Mr. Cartwright! You better come, quick! Little Joe’s been hurt!"

All three of the Cartwrights rushed out of the house, Adam's fiancé joining them.

"Slim, where's Little Joe?" Asked Ben.

"Max is with him, Mr. Cartwright. He told me to fetch you."

Ben nodded his head. "Thanks Slim." Hoss I want you to hitch up the buckboard."

Hoss dipped his head and hurried to the barn.

"Hoss I'll help you,” replied Adam. Elizabeth grabbed Adam's arm. "Adam, please be careful."

"I will, but I have to go. Joe needs me."

"I understand."

Adam dropped his head and kissed her. Hoss soon came around with the buckboard. Ben got in to drive and his sons followed on their horses. Elizabeth watched them go and as soon as she saw they were out of sight, she went into the barn, mounted a horse and rode off.

*****

Max heard riders coming and saw his boss and his other two sons coming. Ben jumped off his horse and was at Joe's side in an instant. Little Joe was starting to regain consciousness.

"Pa." he tried to acknowledge his father’s presence.

"Don't talk son. Everything will be okay." Ben gently picked Joe up and carefully placed him in the buckboard. Hoss made sure he was comfortable. The older Cartwright climbed inside with his son, while Hoss and Adam rode along side of the wagon.

Once they returned home, Ben settled Little Joe in his room while Hoss rode into Virginia City to get Doc Martin. Adam looked around and saw that his fiancé was gone. He was about to go search for her when Ben called for him. "Adam! Joe's awake and asking for you!"

Adam raced up the stairs two at a time and rushed into Little Joe’s room. He approached his brother. “Joe, tell me what happened? Who did this to you?"

Joe looked at his brother, then his Pa and back again at Adam. He wanted so badly not to tell his brother what he knew, but he had to.

"Adam." He started in a low whisper.

Ben placed his hand on his youngest. "Easy Joe. Hoss went to get the doctor."

Joe shook his head. "No, Pa. This can't wait."

"Joe, Pa’s right.”

"No Adam you have to know. I saw Elizabeth with another man and they were kissing each other."

Little Joe took a deep breath. "Adam I'm sorry."

Adam said nothing and turned and walked out of the room. Ben stared after him and Little Joe felt like he wanted to die. Ben noticed the look on his son’s face. "Joe it will be okay. You did the right thing. It’s better that he find out about Elizabeth now, than after he’s married."

"I just broke my brother’s heart. Pa, please leave me alone." Little Joe turned away from his father. Ben sat down in a chair and waited for Doc Martin.

When Hoss and Doc Martin walked into the house they saw Adam getting ready to leave. Hoss stood looking at him. "Hey Adam where are you going?"

"To find Elizabeth. I need to find out the truth. Pa’s with Little Joe." Adam started to leave then turned to Hoss. "Hoss?"

"Yeah, Adam?"

"Please tell Little Joe that I'm not angry with him. I just need to make sure for my own peace of mind. Would you do that for me?"

"Yeah, sure Adam."

"Thanks, Hoss."

Wedding Bells Blue Part Five

Adam rode in the direction of Virginia City urging Sport to quicken his pace. Rounding a bend he suddenly saw the horse Lizzy had been riding. He pulled Sport to a stop and dismounted in a hurry. He went to the horse and searched for Liz. Adam heard the sound of soft laughing. He looked into the brush and saw his fiancé and a strange man in a mutual embrace. He swallowed the sick feeling in his stomach and started to move away when Sport whinnied. The man and Liz turned around to see Adam standing there.

"Adam! What are you doing here?"

Adam stepped out. “I could ask you the same thing, Liz. Who is this man and why are you with him?"

The man stepped forward with his hand held out in greeting. The name is Frank Page. I’m Beth 's cousin."

Adam stared at the hand. "Cousin, my eye. Not the way you two were holding each other. Joe was right. He turned back around to Liz. "You are with him." Adam grabbed her. "Tell me the truth Liz!"

Liz looked toward Frank as he moved up towards Adam. Suddenly Frank brought his gun down hard on Adam and he fell heavily to the ground. Liz bent down to check on him. "You could have killed him."

"What do you care?"

"I don't but I do care about you, Frankie. If you had killed him, his family would have hunted you down like a dog."

"Hmm, well, there goes the plan. Oh well, there are other suckers we could con." Frank took his gun and placed it on Adam’s temple.

"What are you going to do?"

"Why, shoot him, of course."

"No! I won't let you!" She jumped up and grabbed his gun. They were both struggling over the gun when it went off. Liz paused for a moment staring down at the blood on her chest. Then grabbed for Frank as she sank to the ground lifelessly. Frank stood there for only a moment and then retorted under his breath. “Stupid girl."

He moved back towards Adam and pointed his gun at his head again. "Now where was I? Oh, yes. I was about to kill you."

Frank laughed as he cocked back the trigger. Suddenly he heard the report of a gunshot. He stared at his gun confused knowing he hadn't pull the trigger yet. Then fell to the ground on top of Adam.

Hoss quickly dismounted Chubb and ran over to his brother, quickly removing Frank's body from him. He bent down and checked on Adam. His brother was starting to come to and slowly began to sit up, but his head was spinning.

"Easy, Adam."

Adam looked at Hoss trying to focus his eyes. “What happened?"

"I decided to follow you."

"Hoss, I told you to tell Joe..."

"I know Adam and I did. But something just was nagging at me. I had to follow you. "

Adam nodded. “Thanks Hoss, you saved my life." He then noticed Liz's body laying face down a few feet away. He stumbled over to her and took her in his arms. Hoss waited quietly as Adam cried softly. Adam then looked up. “We better take them back to Virginia City."

"Adam? Will you be all right?"

Adam looked at Hoss. “I will, in time, Hoss."

*****

It had been two weeks after Liz 's funeral and Adam was sitting outside. Little Joe and Hoss were watching him closely.

"Adam ain't said one word since her funeral,” said Hoss.

"I know,” replied Little Joe. “In sprite of what she did, he still loved her."

Hoss nodded. “I wish there was something we could do."

Little Joe placed his hand on Hoss’ shoulder. "We just have to give him time, like Pa said."

Little Joe sighed deeply remembering the day Lizzy died. Adam had come into his room and they had a brotherly heart-to-heart talk. Joe felt better knowing that Adam didn’t blame him for what happened.

That was the last time he had heard Adam 's voice and wondered if he would ever hear it again.

"Joe, you okay?” asked Hoss.

"Yeah, Hoss, I'm fine. Come on; let's go play a game of checkers. Adam will be okay."

Hoss nodded and followed Little Joe into the house.

****

Adam looked over towards his brothers as they entered the house. He knew they were concerned for him. He just didn't know what to do. How could he have been so gullible? He was supposed to be the smart one. He was the one who warned his brothers if a woman was using them and yet, he had fell for Lizzy’s deceitful ways. He had loved Elizabeth Connors more then anyone he could remember and she had never loved him. He had found out later that the man, whose name was Frank Page, was her husband. Adam shook his head. He wasn't the perfect person that his brothers believed him to be. He chuckled then, which turned into tears and he sobbed. When he stopped he felt somewhat relieved. His life would go on, and in time, his heart would heal. He smiled for the first time in two weeks as he headed for the house. He walked in to see Hoss and Little Joe sitting at the table playing checkers.

"Hey, you two. I heard there’s a great show in town. Let’s go see it. My treat."

Hoss and Little Joe jumped up at the sound of Adam 's voice and embraced him tightly.

"Welcome back, big brother. We sure did miss you,” exclaimed Hoss.

"Yeah, what he said,” replied Little Joe with a mischievous grin.

Adam returned their hugs. “I missed you guys, too. So, are you coming, or not?"

Hoss grabbed his hat. “You ain't goin’ to need to ask me twice."

"Me neither. Let's go." Joe said heading for the door.

"Boys where are you going?"

Adam turned to his father. "I’m treating my brothers to a show, want to come Pa?"

Ben reached for his hat. “Why not?"

Together the Cartwrights mounted their horses and rode towards Virginia City and many more adventures.

The End

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