A NEW BEGINNING
By: Deborah S.
Adam Cartwright tied Sport up in front of the general store in Virginia City
one Friday morning. “Adam,” he heard. Adam turned around to see Doc Martin
walking towards him. “Adam I didn’t expect to see you in town today,” Doc
Martin said shaking Adam’s hand. Adam smiled and replied, “Well we haven’t
been into town lately to get the mail so Pa asked me to ride in this
morning.”
“Adam if we can go over to my office and talk privately there’s something
I’d like to discuss with you,” Doc Martin said.
“Sure,” Adam replied following the doctor. He was curious what it was that
necessitated speaking in closed quarters. Once inside Doc Martin’s house he
motioned for Adam to sit down. He chose a wooden chair sitting in it
backwards with the back of the chair against his chest. “Adam you
comfortable?” Doc Martin asked. Adam nodded his head. Doc Martin smiled
then looked serious. “What’s on your mind Paul?” Adam asked realizing the
words weren’t easy for his friend to get out.
“Adam I want to tell you something. Not because I’m gossiping. You know me
better then that I’m no gossiper. It’s just something I think you would
like to be forewarned about,” Paul said standing in front of Adam. He knew
the man Doc Martin was. If he felt he had something he had to tell Adam it
was for a good reason.
“Adam last night I delivered a baby boy,” he said.
“And?” Adam asked looking up at him.
“Adam the baby boy I delivered is the son of Will and Laura Cartwright,” Doc
Martin replied.
“Oh,” Adam said looking down.
“Now Adam people are going to talk now that the baby is born. There was
talk all through Laura’s pregnancy about how she could have been carrying
your child. Now that he’s born it’ll be this could have been Adam
Cartwright’s son,” Doc Martin said.
“I see what you mean,” Adam replied.
"Will was such a nervous wreck it wasn't funny," Doc Martin said.
"Happens to some I hear," Adam replied knowing full well it could never
happen to him.
“Adam if I may be so bold as to ask you something but I don’t know how to go
about it. I certainly don’t want to offend you in any way,” Doc Martin
stated.
“Paul why don’t you just speak your mind?” Adam asked.
“All right Adam I will. You see Adam I have always wondered what happened
between you and Laura. Why you didn’t marry. Now if it’s none of my
business just say so and we’ll pretend I never opened my mouth,” he said.
Adam thought for a moment before speaking. “To be honest with you Paul I
don’t know what happened. I don’t know if there ever really was anything
between us in that particular way,” he replied.
“You asked her to marry you,” Paul stated.
“Paul I was painted into a corner. I was so confused at the time. I thought
I truly wanted her to be my wife. I don’t know how to explain something I
don’t understand myself. It was never like what Rebecca and I had together.
It didn’t hold a candle to it. I think I thought maybe Laura could take
away some of the pain I had inside that was longing for Rebecca. I found
out quickly you can’t do that. It doesn’t work. Also I think I saw Laura
as needing my help. Both her and Peggy. I don’t know if I misunderstood
affections towards Laura as maybe being more of an obligation I felt to help
her,” he said.
“Thank you for answering me Adam. I was afraid you’d take a poke at me.
You’re a big man and those hands of yours are awful big. I knew it would
hurt if you did,” Doc Martin said. Adam laughed. “Paul do you really think
I would have hit you?” he asked.
“No but I thought it added something to the conversation to say it,” Doc
Martin said. They both laughed. “Oh and in case you are wondering Adam
they named the baby William John Cartwright Jr. He has plenty of black
hair,” he said.
“I’m very happy for them. I’ll be sure and tell my father and brothers the
good news. I’m sure they haven’t heard yet,” Adam said standing up.
“Oh Adam speaking of your father,” Doc Martin said as he walked to the door
with him. “He sure loves that grandson of his,” he said. Adam beamed on
hearing these words. “Yeah he sure does,” Adam replied.
“You think you’re beaming. If someone asks your father about this grandson
he just beams literally. He talks about how much he enjoys working on The
Ponderosa. How he is so intelligent just like his father. I have to wonder
if that young man can do no wrong in the eyes of Ben Cartwright,” Doc Martin
said laughing.
“Oh he has spanked him before,” Adam replied with laughter in his voice.
“You’re kidding me,” Doc Martin said.
“Oh no. When he first came here he was upset one evening and decided to
ride off and runaway from everything. He ended up in the village of the
Paiutes. My father was so worried and upset and the chief realized it. He
offered one of his teepees for my father to, shall we say, give him a
necessary talking to,” Adam said smiling.
“Did he right there?” Doc Martin asked smiling.
“Oh from what Joe and Hoss told me father let him have it but good. I think
the fact that his grandpa came after him and that spanking made him love my
father. Made him realize my father really cared and loved him,”” Adam
replied.
“So sad what that boy has been through with that grandfather of his. You as
well of course. His poor daughter. How could any man be so horrible?” Doc
Martin asked.
“Money can do that to people. Make them think they own the world and
everyone and everything in it. I think in his grandfather’s mind he was
almost a god who could direct people’s lives. Decide who was to live and
who was to die. Rebecca wasn’t like him at all. She was so sweet and so
kind, so gentle. She was absolutely beautiful. Long thick black hair and
large green eyes. Her skin was so fair and her features so delicate. When
she spoke it was as if you were listening to an angel speak,” Adam said
looking down.
“You still love her don’t you Adam?” Doc Martin asked.
“Yes. My father says you never get over your first true love. I believe
that,” he replied.
“You know Adam it’s only been a little over a month since all this happened
to you in San Francisco. Now with Barbara back with her parents trying to
pick up the pieces there have you had time to think? I mean about you and
Barbara and where that’s going?” Doc Martin asked.
“Oh well um she wrote a couple of times but there’s so much to do there.
That tornado destroyed her parents whole farm. My father and I have sent
money to help them re-build their home, barn and outbuildings. My son
pitched in the remainder with his money. Said they also needed new
livestock and money for crops. He sent money to a local church to re-build
it as well. Then enough to help others there to re-build their lives. It
was his idea to do this. I can’t tell you how that touched me. I was so
proud of him. I realized right then and there how wonderful a job his
mother had done with him. She instilled her love for her fellow man in
him,” Adam said.
“I also see his father and his father’s family in what he did as well.
Don’t sell The Cartwright’s short,” Doc Martin stated.
“Thank you Paul. That was very kind of you. As far as Barbara and myself,
I honestly don’t know. I have feelings for her but I don’t know,” Adam
replied.
“How does she compare to say Laura and Rebecca?” Doc Martin asked.
“You are nosey aren’t you?” I’d say she falls in between. I think it’s
good she’s away. We need to both think about things. As it stands I don’t
know if she’ll be coming back at all. Her parents are elderly and I think
Barbara being an only child feels they need her. I can understand that
completely,” Adam said.
“Adam if Rebecca were to walk into your life again out of the blue would you
accept her as your wife?” Doc Martin asked. Adam looked at him. “I hope I
didn’t offend you with that question. I was only curious,” he said.
“Do you know how many times in seventeen years I’ve thought about that
question? I’d take her back in a heartbeat. If she were still alive and
came back to me I would take her as my wife right now,” Adam replied looking
down. “Well that’s not going to happen. Now Mr. Nosey Body I have to get
that mail. Speaking of Paiutes my father will be on the warpath if I don‘t
get home with it soon,” Adam replied walking out the door.
Adam got the mail. On his way to where Sport was tied up it happened. “Hey
Adam did you hear the news about Laura and Will? That could have been your
son born,” a passerby said. Adam didn’t acknowledge him but kept on
walking. He wanted to get out of town before anyone else decided to
comment. He put the mail in his saddlebag without even looking at it and
rode off. He decided to stop by the pond and sit on the log there and look
through the mail. One letter was addressed to him. He opened it up and
began to read.
My Dearest Adam,
How do I begin to explain things to you. You see my love this is Rebecca,”
it said. Adam looked up. He looked at the post mark which was overseas and
the writing. It was how he remembered Rebecca’s writing to be. He smiled
and breathed deeply. He continued to read.
News recently got to me about my father’s death. At first I thought it was
another one of his tricks to see if I were really dead. I didn’t dare
contact you until there was positive proof. Oh my love how I’ve missed you
and my son. The tears are falling as I write this. My father tried to have
me killed. What he didn’t know was I was forewarned about his plans to wreck
the carriage. The driver wouldn’t believe us out of loyalty to my father.
He continued on and unfortunately was killed when the carriage went over.
James, our family attorney, has a friend who is a doctor who told of my
injuries. I went home only to protect my son. To make sure you would come
for him. I was so scared my love for your life as well as mine. I knew I
had to die because if I didn’t my father would make another attempt on my
life. He made me write the end of that letter explaining how I shot him
dead. He said if I didn’t he’d never let you have Adam . I had to do it for
my son. I knew he would be safe with you. The one thing I didn’t plan on
was your staying in New York. I assumed you would come for Adam and leave.
James worried about you the entire time you were there. He knew my father
wasn’t dead but he also knew if you found out he’d have killed you. He paid
one of his specialists to finish me off. What he didn’t know was this man
was also the one who foretold me of the carriage accident. He and James
made my death and burial real. I owe both of them my life. James snuck me
out of New York and onto a ship to Europe. I have been here ever since. I
knew someday when my father died I could return to you and my son.
Oh my love I have missed you so. The only thing that has kept me going all
these years was our son. That and that someday you would hold me in your
arms again. How I long for you to make love to me again. To be that close.
To feel you again. Oh my dear I only hope you still have feelings for me.
So much time has gone by that I’m so afraid your heart may have changed it’s
direction.
I remember your telling me once of a special place of yours by the lake. I
remember where it is exactly. If you still want me please meet me there on
your birthday at three in the afternoon. I pray you will be there. If you
aren’t then I truly will wish I had died.
I will explain things to our son as well. I know he will understand why I
had to do this more then anyone. He knew too well what his grandfather was
capable of.
Until your birthday my love,
Rebecca
Adam folded up the letter then placed it in the envelope. He put the letter
in his back pocket. He was stunned. His Rebecca was still alive. He
understood firsthand himself what her father was capable of.
Adam realized for the first time that it was his birthday. He checked his
pocket watch. The time was one fifty-two. He stood walking fast towards
Sport. If he were to meet Rebecca by three he’d have to move. He rode
Sport as fast as he dared. When he came to his special spot it was just
after three. He looked around but nobody was there. Had something happened
to delay her. He was afraid to think the worst. “Adam?” he heard. There
before him was Rebecca. Still as beautiful as he remembered her. Her thick
black hair pulled up on her head. She wore a green silk hat with a black
feather in it. Her green eyes and delicate features still so lovely. She
stood before him dressed in a green silk dress. Adam couldn’t believe his
eyes. He smiled. “Rebecca,” he called. She ran to him and they kissed.
“Oh my Adam, my Adam,” she said. “I was so afraid you wouldn’t come.”
Adam held her. Tears ran down his face. “Oh my Rebecca I can‘t believe
you‘re really here. I just got your letter. We hadn’t picked up our mail in
awhile. I just opened it a little over an hour ago,” he said. Adam could
feel wetness from her tears on his chest. He held her tighter. Moments
later he put her at arm’s length and looked at her. He then kissed her
again. All his feelings for her awoke in him. She must have read his mind
and led him under the tree. She began to unbutton her dress. She then
unbuttoned his shirt. Adam closed his eyes. He was afraid to open them for
fear he might be dreaming. In a few minutes they both stood there naked. He
held her against him. She felt so good. He laid her down on the soft
ground. “I love you,” he said. “I love you too,” Rebecca replied. What
transpired over the next half hour was something that they had both dreamed
of for seventeen years.
After they dressed Adam looked at Rebecca and asked, “How did you find this
place?”
“I remembered your talking about it so well as if it were yesterday. I had
someone from town drive me here. Oh Adam I feel alive again,” she said
hugging him.
“I know what you mean,” he replied.
“Adam there’s something I have to tell you. Something that was brought to my
attention recently by my attorney. My father never got us our divorce,” she
said.
“I know all about that,” Adam replied.
“How, how could you know? James said he didn’t tell you,” Rebecca asked.
“Your father told me,” he replied. Rebecca put him at arm’s length. “My
father? You were the man in his hotel room that night weren’t you?” she
asked fear in her eyes.
“Yes,” he replied.
“Adam why would you go to him like that? He could have killed you,” she
said walking a few steps away.
“He would have too if he hadn’t died of a heart attack first,” he said.
“Oh no Adam. Oh he was such a monster. But why did you go to him?” she
asked.
“He tricked my father and I into believing he was a Mr. Chastings who was
interested in our timber to ship overseas. I didn’t know who he really was
until it was too late,” he replied.
“I’m so sorry. Oh Adam if he had killed you what would I have done? What
would our son have done?” she asked.
“The worst part of it all was his telling me you were still alive and in San
Francisco with him. Then to find out you had never been there and have it
confirmed you were dead.” I thought I died as well. If it hadn’t been for
our son I don’t know how I would have gone on,” he said.
“You would have because you are who you are. Adam you never gave up knowing
your Mother died in childbirth. Or when Inger died in front of you as a
child. Or when Marie died. Or when I had to send you away. No Adam you
wouldn’t have died. Not you Adam. A part of you but never you,” she said
hugging him. “At least you now know why I had to get away from him. How is
our son? I‘ve missed him so,” she asked.
“He’s just fine. Being spoiled more and more each day by my father and
brothers. Even Hop Sing spoils him. He never complains about when Adam
wants to be in the kitchen and talk to him while Hop Sing is working. Hop
Sing loves to tell him stories about his family and about China. How he
misses it. Adam wants to send Hop Sing back for his birthday to see his
family again. Hop Sing doesn’t know yet. My brother Hoss isn’t for it at
all. He can’t stand to think of life without Hop Sing’s food in it.” Adam
said laughing.
“Your brother Hoss? That would be Eric. He must be a man now. Your
brother Joe would be as well. When you left my life Hoss was just twelve
and Joe around seven I believe. I tend to think of them that way. Oh Adam
so much time has gone by. How many times I wanted to contact you. I
couldn’t. I knew my father’s specialists were waiting for you to find out.
Waiting for you to come to me. Oh Adam you don’t know how much danger you
have been in all these years,” she said.
“Well that’s all over now. We have to try and put the past behind us and go
on with our lives,” he said kissing her forehead.
“I remember your talking about your father. How he was such a special man.
I hope he will understand,” she said.
“Oh I know he will. He um had some tough times with Adam when he first
arrived. His Grandfather had hurt him so that he couldn’t not see my father
not being him. It’s worked out though. They are close now. Then what your
father tried to do to me. Rebecca when I think of your having to live with a
man like that all these years. Our son as well,” Adam said.
“My father was too busy for Adam or myself. That’s the funny part. He
wanted to control us but he didn’t have time for us. It wasn’t until
recently that he wanted me to give Adam to him. I was shocked to think he
would even think such a thing. He told people I was giving him to him. I
feared for my son. My father was not thinking correctly anymore,” she said.
“No I agree. I think he was insane,” he replied. Rebecca walked a few steps
away, her back to Adam. “He wasn’t always bad. In the beginning he was a
good father. We were a very happy family. He used to read to me at night
and tell me he loved me when I went to sleep. He’d always kiss me on my
cheek. We used to go for walks and he made me laugh so often. He was the
most wonderful father anyone could ask for. Then suddenly one day my Mother
died without warning when I was our son’s age. My father took it hard and
was never the same again. I wasn’t allowed to talk about it to him. He
wouldn’t let me speak of it. I think he realized how someone can be taken
away so quickly without warning. Because of that he clung to me. Wouldn’t
let me out of his sight for fear somehow or other I would leave him. I
became almost a prisoner. It wasn’t until a couple of years later when he
began to travel more I had some freedom. That’s when I went to college. I
thought everything would be just fine. Then a boy would become interested
in me and disappear. I didn’t realize what was happening. I never knew who
my father had become until it was too late. It’s as if an anger took over
his insides and has grown ever since. That’s why when you and I first met
and married we had to be so secretive about it. Your were so special to me
that I couldn‘t let anything happen to you,” she said then giggled.
Adam walked over to her. “Why are you giggling?” he asked smiling at her.
“I just remembered something. You didn’t have chest hair back then. You
were as smooth as a baby’s behind,” she said putting her hand up to her
mouth.
“Oh don’t you like my chest hair?” he asked.
“Oh I love it. It’s so soft and warm and comforting. So manish. It’s just
you were so young then. You were much thinner then also. I remember you
being all shoulders,” she said.
“Am I fat?” he asked.
“Oh no not at all. You’re perfect. You filled out just wonderfully. I love
it. It’s just I thought about you all these years as you were then. I
forgot you are a man now and I love what I see,” she replied.
“Oh what you are saying is you didn’t like me then?” he asked pretending to
be offended. He turned his back to her and crossed his arms on his chest.
“Oh no I just find it amusing that I still saw you that way. I didn’t even
consider your maturing in such a wonderful manner,” she replied.
“Maturing? Oh all right and you haven’t?” he asked.
“What do you mean by that?” she asked.
“Well let’s face it you have had a child,” he replied giving her a bad time.
“I don’t think my figure is so bad,” she replied.
“Well for one thing you are rounder then you were,” he said. She hit his
shoulder. “In all the right places,” he added. They kissed again. “I just
got to thinking why my father decided to send me to town for the mail. They
must be planning a surprise party for my birthday. Oh joy,” he said.
“Now Adam Paul don’t you like surprise parties?” she asked.
“Adam Paul? I’d forgotten you called me that. I always wondered why,” he
asked.
“One day I looked at you in school and I said he looks like an Adam Paul to
me and so that’s what I called you,” she replied.
“Did I ever call you anything?” he asked.
“Don’t you remember?” she asked. Adam thought as best he could. “I don’t
remember,” he replied.
“You always called me sweetheart,” she replied.
“Sweetheart that’s too sweet. How about Rebecca Sue,” he suggested smiling.
She slapped his shoulder again. “Sweetheart will be most sufficient Adam
Paul. Did your brothers ever marry?” she asked.
“No. Oh Hoss has come close a few times and Joe a few thousand times but
no,” Adam replied.
“A few thousand times?” she asked.
“Joe is known as the wolf of the territory,” Adam replied.
“I hope he isn’t teaching our little boy anything,” Rebecca said with her
hands on her hips.
“No but um our little boy well he um well he’s starting to well, oh boy how
shall I put it?” Adam asked.
“Starting to what?” she asked concerned.
“Nothing. Rebecca he’s a normal young man. Normal young men have one thing
on their minds. It’s learning to deal with that one thing you have on your
mind that is very difficult. He’s had some girlfriends and well he has been
a good boy. It’s just um he well I had to have a talk with him recently,”
he said looking over her head.
“A talk about what? Oh Adam not my baby. Oh my goodness,” she said.
“Rebecca he’s not a baby. Believe me I know,” Adam then cleared his throat.
“What did you say to him?” she asked.
“Rebecca it’s a man thing. Words to the effect of he has to use restraint.
That he needs to keep the barn door closed until he’s married. That if you
open the barn door too early then you may be paying for new livestock for
the rest of your life,” Adam replied. Rebecca laughed. “You told him that?”
she asked.
“Well of course. The livestock that he would be paying for would be a
child and an unwanted marriage. The barn door well I think you can figure
that one out for yourself and what could happen if it opens up,” he replied
blushing.
“Did he know what you were talking about?” she asked.
“I figured it out when my father told me when I was around his age,” Adam
replied.
“Your father told you that story?” she asked laughing.
“Don’t laugh it worked. You don’t think I was going to tell him you know
about you know and what we just did do you?” Adam asked.
“Do you think he knows?” she asked.
“Oh believe me he knows. He knows like I knew and that’s why the barn door
talk is so effective. Then of course there‘s the badger that tries to get
you to open the barn door even though you know you shouldn‘t. How you have
to not listen to the badger because he isn’t helping you but trying to get
you to do something you know is wrong,” Adam replied.
“A badger?” she asked.
“A badger being a young lady who may try to get you to take advantage of her
and you know,’ he replied.
“Did your father tell you about the badger as well?” she asked.
“Well yes and it worked,” he replied.
“Was I a badger?” she asked.
“No no you were a beautiful swan,” he replied.
“A beautiful swan?” she asked.
“Yes you see you keep the barn door closed and you don’t listen to the
badger so that someday you can have a beautiful swan,” he replied clearing
his throat again and turning redder.
“Well I’d rather be a beautiful swan then a badger that’s for sure,” she
replied laughing. “Oh Adam Paul it feels so good to laugh again,” she said.
“Well it’s good for you but it hurts me. You made fun of our family
tradition here,” he said pretending to be hurt.
“Would it make you feel better if you opened your barn door for this
beautiful swan once more?” she asked kissing his neck and chest while she
unbuttoned his shirt. “I-would-think-so,” he replied.
When they were ready to leave Adam got up on Sport then gave Rebecca his
hand and helped her up behind him. She put her arms around his stomach and
her head against his back. She kissed him then put her head back down
again. “Don’t go to sleep back there or you’ll fall off,” he said.
“I won’t” she replied sleepily.
“Rebecca I’m serious. Don’t go to sleep. If you feel you can’t stay awake
let me know and I’ll stop,” he said. She didn’t answer. He carefully took
her hands from around his stomach and got down while still holding onto her.
He got on behind her and helped her forward. He grabbed the reins and
leaned her back against his chest. He rode home with kissing the top of
her head every so often.
“On the way home Adam remembered about a possible surprise party. He didn’t
want to bring her in the front way so he brought Sport around the back of
the house. Adam awakened Rebecca and led her to the back door. It was
open. They went in and went up the back stairway to Adam’s room. They
could hear people talking downstairs. “Rebecca I’m going to go ride Sport
around and come in the front door. Then I’ll be downstairs for a little
while. I’ll make an excuse to get Adam up here and we’ll explain all this
to him. I don’t want him to just see you. I think he needs to have this
broken to him carefully. We have to think about what’s best for him right
now,” Adam said.
“I agree Adam Paul. I’ll just lay on your bed. I’m more tired then I
thought from all my travel,” she said.
Adam went down the back stairway and out the back door. He untied Sport and
rode him far enough away from the house to not be seen. He came around the
barn and into the front yard where he tied up Sport. He could see the
buggies that were trying to be hidden. He walked up to the front door and
opened it. “SURPRISE” he heard being shouted at once by a roomful of
people. He pretended to be surprised. He walked up to his son. “Was this
your idea young man?” he asked.
“It was all his idea,” Ben said putting his arm around his grandson’s
shoulders.
“Happy Birthday Father. This is your first birthday we’ve celebrated
together. I wanted it to be special,” Little Adam said.
“It is very special. Thank you son,” Adam said looking at his son. “Son I
need to speak with you alone if I may outside,” he said.
“Sure father,” Little Adam said following his father to the front door.
Hoss, Joe and Ben watched the two of them go outside. “I wonder what that’s
all about,” Joe asked.
Once outside Adam took his son towards the barn. He put his hands on his
son’s shoulders. “Adam I have something I have to tell you. Adam you are
old enough to know that sometimes parents have to do things in order to
protect themselves and their children. You know the kind of man your
grandfather was. How he tried to, well how he planned to kill your mother.
There’s no easy way to put it but I know you already know about that. Adam
your mother wrote me a letter,” Adam said.
“I know that father,” Little Adam replied.
“No son you know about the first letter. I’m talking about the letter I got
today,” Adam said.
“Today? How could you get a letter from her today?” Little Adam asked.
“Adam your mother didn’t die. She had to go to Europe to live until your
grandfather died. James your family’s attorney made it look like she had so
your grandfather wouldn’t look for her or do her any further harm. She
planned it so you could be with me so you’d be safe. She planned to come
back to us once he wasn’t around to harm any of us. If she had come back
while he was alive son, you know he would have killed me and your mother.
Maybe even your grandpa and uncles. She had to be careful. Do you
understand?” Adam asked.
Little Adam turned his head to the left thinking. “Mother’s alive? Where
is she? Did she say?” he asked.
“She’s upstairs in my room resting,” Adam replied.
“Can I go up to see her father?” Little Adam asked.
“Yes but let’s go up the back way,” Adam replied.
The two walked into Adam’s room. Rebecca was asleep on the bed. Little
Adam walked up to her and leaned over and kissed her cheek. He stood up and
began to cry. Adam hugged him. “I know son. I know. Let it out. You’ve
been through so much. I know. I know.” Adam reached in his back pocket for
his hankie. “Here son blow your nose,” he said handing it to Little Adam.
“Father I don’t feel like going downstairs. I want to stay up here with
her,” Little Adam said.
“Adam I think son you should go. I think your mother needs her rest. I
would like to have my son at my side when I announce this to everyone down
there,” Adam said.
“All right father,” Little Adam replied. Adam walked over to the pitcher
and bowl on his commode. He poured out some cold water into the bowl and
put a cloth in it. He wrung it out then wiped his son’s face with it.
“There you don’t look so much like you’ve been crying now,” he said.
The two walked downstairs and stopped on the landing. “There you are Adams.
We’ve been looking all over for you two outside,” Hoss said.
“Everyone if I may have your attention. First of all let me say that I’m
honored that so many of you have come to wish me a happy birthday. I am
most touched by my son wanting to throw me this party. I have something to
tell you and my family. Today I learned that my wife Rebecca is still alive
and she is now asleep upstairs,” Adam said. People began to talk at once.
Ben, Hoss and Joe looked at each other and then at Adam and Little Adam.
Ben realized this wasn’t an easy thing for either of them. “Please if you
will let me continue here. It is no secret the kind of person my
father-in-law was. My wife feared her life and went to places unknown.
Once the news of her father’s death came to her attention she had to wait to
be sure it wasn’t just another one of his tricks. Once she knew it wasn’t
she was free to come back to us. I can’t tell you how happy her return has
made both me and my son,” Adam said putting his arm around Little Adam’s
shoulders.
“I hope you will come to love and admire her as we do. I think you will
find her to be the wonderful person she is. Um I hate to cut this party
short but I think it best that we end it now,” he said.
“No,” Rebecca said from the top of the stairs. She walked down to the
landing to stand with her husband her son. Looking at her son she smiled,
then hugged and kissed him. Tears in her eyes she faced the people in the
large room again. “This is my husband’s birthday. The first birthday his
son has ever spent with him. The first birthday I have spent with him in
seventeen years. Nobody is going to call off this party. I want to
celebrate this day. Lord knows we all deserve it,” she said looking at
Adam.
Ben walked up to the landing, people moving as he walked by them. He took
Rebecca by the hand. “Rebecca I am Adam’s father. Would you do me the
honor of the first dance?” he asked.
Rebecca smiled trying to hold back her tears. “I would be so honored,” she
said kissing him on the cheek.
“I could get to like this,” Ben said. Everyone laughed.
“Music please,” Ben yelled. The music began and Ben and Rebecca danced.
Ben whispered in her ear. “Rebecca all I ask is you make my son happy.
That you be his beautiful swan,” he said. Rebecca smiled. “Oh I will make
him happy. I promise you,” she replied. He kissed her cheek.
Halfway through the song Ben walked Rebecca over to where Adam stood. “I
believe son you should take it from here,” he said handing Rebecca’s hand to
Adam who took it in his. After they danced the first dance everyone joined
in. Adam felt like a prince who had found his princess. Little Adam danced
with Sarah Hamilton. A girl he was smitten with and she with him. Rebecca
and Adam looked over at their son. “Adam you did for sure tell him about
keeping that barn door closed didn’t you?” she asked.
“I did,” he replied.
“I ask because he’s looking at Sarah as if he’s found his beautiful swan,”
she said. Adam looked over at his son and Sarah. “He’s just, he’s just, he
is. Maybe I need to tell him about the one where you leave the tool in the
barn so it doesn’t get rained on and rusted,” Adam said.
“Oh I can’t wait to hear this one,” Rebecca said laughing.
“Well you see there was this tool and it learned there was a world outside
that barn door. Well he wanted to explore what world out there and because
he did it too soon, he got caught in the rain…”Adam was cut off by Rebecca
who said, “and rusted?”
“Yeah,” Adam replied.
“Your father?” she asked.
“My father,” he replied.
“Adam are you sure insanity doesn’t maybe run just a little bit in your
family as well?” Rebecca asked. They both laughed.
“Hey brother aren’t you going to introduce your wife to your handsome
brothers?” Hoss asked.
“I will when I get some,” Adam replied. They all laughed.
“Rebecca I’m Hoss,” Hoss said. “Rebecca hugged and kissed him. “Hello
Hoss. It’s so nice to meet you,” she said.
“And I’m Joe,” Joe said, Rebecca did the same with Joe.
A week later Hop Sing came downstairs mad speaking Chinese holding sheets
over his arm. “Hop Sing what’s wrong now?” Ben asked from behind his desk.
“Hop Sing try everyday this week to change Mr. Adam and Missy Rebecca’s
sheets. Every time I go up there door locked. I knock no answer. All the
time knock no answer. They want sheets changed they do themself,” he said.
“Hop Sing now think about why they may have the door locked and why they
aren’t answering you. Remember they have seventeen years to catch up on,”
Ben said.
“You mean they,” Hop Sing said pointing upstairs. “All the time?” he
asked. Ben laughed. “All the time,” he replied.
“This not good,” Hop Sing said.
“Hop Sing it’s perfectly natural for a married couple to you know open the
barn door,” Ben replied.
“No Hop Sing not mean that. Hop Sing mean every time door lock is one step
closer to pitter patter little feet. Hop Sing no clean no diapers,” he said
storming off into the kitchen. Ben raised his eyebrows and got an
interesting look on his face. “More grandchildren. I like that idea,” Ben
said getting up from his desk and walking towards the kitchen. “Hop Sing no
more disturbing them up there you hear me,” he said.
Nine months later Adam stood downstairs with his father, brothers and his
son. He was breathing fast and hard. “Adam calm down son or you’re going
to pass out. Take a deep breath. That’s it now let it out. In/out. That’s
a boy,” Ben said.
“How can you be so calm at a time like this?” Adam asked pacing.
“Adam I’ve been through this three times before remember?” Ben asked.
“What do you mean by that?” Adam asked.
“I have three sons Adam,” he replied
“You do?” Adam asked.
“Yes I do. Remember Joe and Hoss?” Ben asked.
“Hoss?” Adam asked.
“That big one over there eating the apple,” Ben said pointing at Hoss. Hoss
held up his apple.
“He’s Hoss?” Adam asked.
“Always has been,” Ben replied.
“Oh how much longer? How long does it take anyway?” Adam asked walking up
to the stairway.
“Adam it can take awhile. Now Paul’s up there with her and she’ll be just
fine. Now take it easy,” Ben said.
“That’s easy for you to say Pa you’re not a father,” Adam said. Ben found
it amusing to see his level-headed son fall apart for once. His brothers
thought it was fun also. Little Adam was trying not to laugh.
“Now I know why I never had children before,” Adam said. Everyone but Adam
looked at Little Adam who was getting a kick out his father. “Adam who is
that over there then?” Ben pointed towards Little Adam.
“Is he my son?” Adam asked.
“Yes he is. Adam why don’t you come over here and sit in your blue chair?”
Ben said as he led Adam over to the chair sitting him down.
Hop Sing walked into the room. “This payback Mr. Adam for times you not
answer Hop Sing’s knock,” he said before walking into the kitchen uttering
“More diapers”.
A few minutes later they heard a baby cry and then awhile later the baby
crying again. They all stood up looking towards the stairs except for Adam.
“Son your baby is here,” Ben said.
“What baby?” Adam asked.
Dr. Martin came downstairs. “Adam you have a fine baby girl and a fine baby
boy,” he said.
“Twins?” Ben asked excitedly.
“Twins?” Little Adam asked excitedly.
“Twins?” Hoss asked excitedly.
“Twins?” Joe asked excitedly.
“Twins?” Hop Sing asked upset. If Hop Sing known this he would have broken
down door,” he said walking back into the kitchen saying Chinese
profanities. Ben looked at Adam. He walked up to him. “Adam you have a
son and a daughter. Twins,” he said.
“Twins? I have twins? Twin what?” Adam asked. Ben looked at Doc Martin.
“Don’t worry Ben it’s common with fathers,” he replied.
Adam walked upstairs to see Rebecca. There on each side of her were their
babies. Adam bent down and kissed Rebecca on her forehead. He then looked
at his babies. “They are beautiful,” he said.
“Aren’t they though? How did you hold up down there while all this was
going on?“ she asked.
“Piece of cake. You know me. Didn’t even phase me at all,“ he lied.
“What are we going to name them?” she asked.
“I have always wanted to name my first daughter after my mother Elizabeth
Ann,” he said.
“Then Elizabeth Ann it shall be,” she replied.
“What about our son?” she asked.
“I’d like to name him Benjamin John,” Adam replied.
“John? After my father?” Rebecca asked tears in her eyes.
“After the father you loved so much when you were young. I think we should
honor that man. I know how much you loved him. I have known death in my
life Rebecca and I know that each of us deals with it differently. Maybe he
just couldn’t deal with your mother’s death. I don’t want you to ever
forget the man he was when you were young,” Adam said taking her hand.
“You are one in a million Adam. You know that?” she asked tears in her
eyes.
“Yeah I’ve heard that before,” he replied smiling.
“Hey can a grandfather and uncles and a brother come in and see these
babies?” Ben asked looking in.
“Sure Pa come on in,” he said. They all looked at them. “Look how tiny they
are and those little fingers. Was I ever that small?” Hoss asked.
“NO,” both Adam and Ben replied together.
“Well Little Adam what do you think of all this?” Ben asked.
“I think it’s great. Now Mother and Father will be too busy with the babies
to worry about what I’m doing wrong,” he replied. Everyone laughed. The
babies started to cry. “Oh give me this one,” Ben said picking up his
granddaughter. “Have you named her?” he asked looking at her tiny face.
“Elizabeth Ann after Mother,” Adam replied. Ben got a wonderful look on his
face. “Thank you for me and for your mother,” he replied.
Adam picked up his son. “His name is Benjamin John,” he replied. Ben got a
proud look on his face. “Benjamin huh? I take it John is after your father
Rebecca,” Ben asked.
“After the father I knew before my mother died. He was as wonderful a man as
you are. I still love that man,” she replied.
Well that night everyone in The Cartwright home was beaming with happiness.
Everyone but Hop Sing that is. “Hop Sing know twin come he go back China,”
he said in the kitchen. Whatever else he said after that, well I can’t tell
you because well, you see, well that’s, well you know why.”
THE END
RETURN
TO
LIBRARY