Written By: Lisa O.

Email: Lisa.M.Orcutt@us.army.mil

The Youngest Cartwright

By Lisa

Hoss Cartwright came out of the general store after picking up a few supplies for his Pa; he wondered again why Pa sent him instead of Little Joe. Joe hasn't really been pulling his own weight lately and it was really starting to bother Hoss. Ever since Joe healed from his gunshot Pa has been treating him like he was 6 years old instead of his 18 years. Hoss thought about going to Adam, but Adam has been treating Joe the same way, Hoss knows it is because they are both still filled with the guilt of what happened to Joe. Hoss shook his head and signed deeply and decided to be patent sooner or later it will pass.

Hoss looked around and his eyes fell on a young girl sitting on the step, she was dressed in old faded brown pants, too small for her and a shirt that looked like it has not been washed in days. She had her head down with her long dark brown hair covering her face. Her hair was straggling and very dirty. She wore no shoes and her feet held the dirt and cuts of someone who has been walking a long time with no shoes. He frowned as his heart broke at the sight of her, his own troubles forgotten as he wondered how a child so young could suffer so much.

"Hey there little one" he said softly so not to scare her.

She looked up at him, with fear in her soft brown eyes; she had a black eye and a cut on her check. She blinked at the stranger that had spoken to her, he was a big man but her fear went away there was something about him that told her he was a good man, "hi, mister" she said quietly.

He smiled when he saw the fear leave her face, "are you new here?"

She nodded, "yes sir."

Hoss nodded and pulled out a peppermint stick and held it out to her, "well welcome to Virginia City little lady."

She shook her head, "oh no sir, my Pa don't want me ta' take anythin' from a stranger."

"Ah, now come on, it's a gift. Go on little one take it."

She frowned, she really wanted it she was hungry and it looked good and she could smell it. It was awful rude to turn down a gift. So she nodded and accepted the candy. "Thanks mister."

He nodded and sat down next to her, "my name is Hoss Cartwright, now what is your name?"

She smiled lightly, "my name is Keila Malpass."

Hoss nodded, "well isn't that a purity name it sure is I tell you."

She blushed and looked away from him.

"Where's your Ma and Pa?" He asked.

She bowed her head, "uh my Ma she is dead, an' my Pa is in the store."

Hoss' frown deepened "I'm sorry about your Ma Keila."

She nodded and looked at him, "are you married mister?"

"No, no I'm not."

"Keila Marie," a sharp voice came from behind them. "What are you doing girl?"

Keila paled and jumped up, she looked from Hoss to her Pa, and "uh Pa I was jus talkin is all."

"Where did you get that candy girl? Did you steal it and don't you lie to me you hear me girl?"

Hoss stood up, before Keila answered. "I gave it to her sir," he said potently.

The man glanced at Hoss, and then he looked back at his daughter. "What are taking candy from people you don't know for?"

"Mister Malpass," Hoss said, "my name is Hoss Cartwright, it's my doing not her doing."

"Did you say Cartwright?"

Hoss nodded.

"Of the Ponderosa?"

Again Hoss nodded.

He put his hand out to Hoss, "well it's an honor, I'm Ken Malpass."

Hoss took his hand, "it's nice to meet you, welcome to Virginia City."

Ken nodded, " thanks, I was jus' talkin' to the store keeper an' he says that the Cartwrights are hirin' is that true?"

Hoss nodded, "it is, but you would need to talk to my Pa about that."

"When do you think I can do that?"

Hoss shrugged, "now if you want."

"What about my kid?"

"She can come."

"Well then let's go."

They left for the Ponderosa, Hoss talked most of the time telling them about the Ponderosa what kind of people they are looking for.

When they got to the house Little Joe came out before his brother got off the wagon. He smiled at him, "what took you so long Hoss? And who is this pretty young lady?"

"Joe this is Ken Malpass and his daughter Keila, this is my brother Joe"

Ken shook his hand, "how are you?"

Joe nodded and looked at Keila and put his hand out' "how are you little one?"

She blushed and smiled shyly, "fine." She gave him her hand and Joe took it and kissed her hand.

" Is Pa home Joe?" Hoss asked

Joe nodded, "he's inside with Adam."

"Ken here is looking for work, I told him to come out and talk to Pa"

"Okay, let's go in."

They went in the house, Hoss introduced them to Adam and Pa. Pa told Joe and Hoss to take Keila outside and show her around while he talked to Ken. The boys nodded and took her out to the barn.

"So how old are you Keila?" Joe asked her once they were in the barn.

"Jus' turned twelve."

Joe nodded and grinned, "almost a lady huh?"

She shrugged. "How old are you?"

"18"

She looked at Hoss, "and you, how old are you?"

"24"

"How 'bout your brother Adam?"

"30" Hoss answered.

Keila nodded, then gazed around in awe. She wished she lived here it was so pretty and just seemed to go on forever. She walked into the barn and went straight to a year old Paint that Joe had just won in a poker game, she reached out and touched the animal.

"Do you ride?" Joe asked her as he came up behind her.

She turned and faced him, "no sir, not really. My brother could ride, he rode real good."

"How old is he? Where is he?"

"He’s 18, but he died a couple months back." She explained quietly.

Joe frowned; he placed his hand on her shoulder. "I’m sorry little one."

She looked at him and shrugged; "think yer Pa will hire my Pa?"

Joe nodded, "I’m sure he will."

Hoss came in, "after your Pa gets a job here," he told her. "Me and Little Joe will show you how to ride."

She looked at him and her eyes lit up with joy and anticipation, "really Hoss you really will."

"Sure will, won’t we little brother?"

Joe bobbed his head up and down in agreement.

Keila turned and gazed back at the horse. "She sure is pretty ain’t she?"

Joe patted the horse; "she sure is Keila and if you want you can learn to ride on her. She’s a real gentle horse, just perfect for a young girl like you."

She smiled at him. "You’d let me ride this fine horse?"

Joe looked at his brother then at Keila, "sure I don’t see why not."

She looked at him, "why does Hoss call you Little Joe?"

Hoss pushed Joe out of the way. "I think I should answer that one huh Joe?" He looked at Keila, "it just came to come about since he was the youngest and he is the smallest of us all."

"Ya’ don’t look so little to me," she said as she looked at Joe.

"I don’t think I’m so small either, but it’s what they call me always have always will I suppose."

The three of them sat down in the barn and talked until Ken, Adam and Pa came out. Keila jumped up as soon as she saw her Pa, she looked up at him, "well Pa? Didcha get the job? Are ya gonna work here?"

Ken looked at her’ "hush child, yes I have a job and we have a place to live."

She grinned and looked at Joe and Hoss, "ah you guys were right yer Pa did hire my Pa."

Joe grinned back at her, "I told you so kid."

Ken told Keila that they had to go and gather up their stuff that was at the hotel. She looked over at him and nodded then she said her good-byes to Joe and Hoss.

Adam watched this little girl, who Joe and Hoss just met, hug and say goodbye to them like they were lifelong friends. She was a pretty little girl, he thought as he watched her leave with Ken. Adam also noticed the big sad brown eyes and the marks on her face. She was also way too thin and wearing clothes that just didn’t fit her. He knew though she was going to change their lives forever, he didn’t understand why he felt that way, a lot of their people have children, but this little one was different.

Pa looked at his sons, they all seemed to be off daydreaming, "okay get to work, all of ya get." He ordered.

Joe turned and headed back into the barn and Hoss and Adam left.

Pa walked up to the porch and sat down, he stared down the road that Ken and Keila just left down. He didn’t really like Ken, didn’t trust him. Pa could smell the alcohol on him now and it was only 11 o’clock in the morning. He also had a mean look to him it was in his eyes; he didn’t seem to have any love in his heart, even for his daughter. In fact Pa was sure that he put them marks on that child’s face. He only hired the man so Keila would have a place to live and some food in her belly. Ben frowned as he thought about the life that poor child has been living, it just wasn’t right for her to suffer. He knew she was going to steal all of their hearts. She already had Joe’s and Hoss’ it wouldn’t be long before she had Adam’s and his own heart as well. She was going to turn their lives upside down and inside out.

Ken stated to work two days after he was hired. He brought Keila new clothes, but they were boys clothes not girls clothes. She also got a pair of shoes and started school. She was really far behind in school she’s never been to school before. Ben let them live in a small cottage that he had built for another employee that had a child.

Keila was walking home from school, when Joe rode up to her. He stopped his horse and dismounted. "How’s school kid?" He asked her.

She frowned and lowered her eyes, "not so good, I guess."

Joe frowned as well; "look at me Keila," he ordered gently.

She looked up at him.

"Now tell me what’s the problem."

"I don’t know Joe, it’s jus’ real hard. I don’t understand any of it."

" Does your Pa help you with your school work?"

She shook her head, "no."

Joe signed he didn’t like Ken. "Come on with me Keila, I’ll help you."

"No, Joe." She said sadly, "my Pa wants me to go straight home after school."

Joe nodded, "fine, then we’ll go to your house." He mounted his horse then grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up.

He rode to her cabin with her in front of him. They went into the cabin, "I gotta make supper Joe," she told him.

Joe nodded his head, "that’s okay, we’ll work now and while you cook."

She smiled and sat next to him. She loved being with Joe; he made her feel like she was special. She also thought he was real handsome and she couldn’t help but develop a crush on him. The two of them worked on her schoolwork for an hour then she got up to make supper for her and her Pa. He continued to help her while she cooked. Then right after she was done he left because he had to get home for his own supper.

Joe rode fast home because he was late and he knew it. Pa didn’t like any of them to be late for supper. He got to the ranch and dismounted then put his horse in the barn. He took a deep breath and went inside. Adam was in the middle of talking when Joe came in; he stopped in mid sentence as all eyes fell on the younger Cartwright. Joe took his gun belt off and placed it on the table. He refused to look at any of them while he did this. He went over and sat down next to Hoss. He looked at Pa, "sorry Pa, but I was helping Keila with her school work."

Pa frowned, "fine Joe, just eat."

"Yes sir" Joe said quietly.

Adam shook his head and then started to tell the story he was telling before Joe walked in.

As the weeks went by, all of the Cartwrights helped Keila with her schoolwork. There would be days that Keila wouldn’t be seen, and then she would show up with a new bruise or cut. She never told them what happened, but Joe knew. He was the one she always went too afterwards. He would take her for a ride and they would just talk.

One morning she showed up at the Cartwrights right after breakfast, Joe had not come down yet and Pa had just sent Hoss up after him.

"I don’t know what is your brother’s problem the last week or so." Pa told Adam.

Adam frowned; he had noticed a slight change in Joe as well.

The knock on the door interrupted them. Pa stood up and opened it to face Keila, "hello little one," he said, "what brings you here so early?"

She looked at him, "where’s Joe?" She asked.

"Come in Keila," he told her as he stepped back so she could enter.

She walked in; she faced Ben again "where’s Joe?" She asked again.

Adam stood up, "no hello for us?’" he demanded with a playful smile. "No hi Mr. Cartwright or hey Adam. No none of that huh kid? Just where’s Joe?"

She smiled and went over to him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, "hey Adam." She looked at Ben, "Hello Mr. Cartwright."

Pa smiled at her, "are ya hungry child?"

She shook her head, " oh no sir," she said quietly.

"Are you sure Keila? We got plenty of pancakes and you can eat with Joe. He should be down any time now."

"No I can’t eat your food."

"Why not?"

"Pa told me not to bother you any more and not to eat your food. He said he was my Pa, that he would feed me."

Ben nodded, "and I’m sure he will, but you’re here now and we have extra."

Joe walked down; she turned and ran to him. He picked her up and swung her around. After he put her down, she looked at him, "where ya been Joe?" She asked.

He smiled at her; "I’ve been busy little one." He looked at his father; "sorry I over slept Pa."

Pa nodded, "fine boy fine. Go eat you have a lot to do today."

Joe looked at Keila, "come on and eat with me." He told her, "I hate to eat alone."

"Okay Joe," she agreed and went and sat with him at the table.

"What did you eat today?" Joe asked as they sat down.

"Nothing," she said, "we ran out of food."

"What?" He demanded, "but Pa just did the payroll."

"He spent it all."

Joe closed his eyes and shook his head in disgust. "What have you been eating little one?"

"Uh berries for breakfast, some times bananas. No lunch. For supper, beans."

"That’s it?"

"No sometimes we get cornmeal."

Pa frowned and turned away. He knew he paid Ken enough to feed her good and yet she was barely eating. What was the man spending his money on?

Hoss had come down the steps as Keila was explaining what she eats. His shoulders slumped in the sorrow he felt for her.

Adam shook his head in sadness.

"Well anytime you want to you can come here and eat." Joe told her, "we always have enough food for you and you are always welcomed here."

"Okay," she said simply.

They ate quietly, and then Joe took Keila with him. They did not come back until 2 o’clock in the afternoon. They ate again by themselves, "what time is it Joe?" Keila asked him as they finished eating.

"It’s almost three o’clock," Joe said.

Keila paled as she looked away from him, "Oh no, I gotta go Joe."

Joe frowned and walked her outside; he gave her a kiss on the check and then watched her as she ran off.

Hoss came up to Joe, "what are you doing little brother?"

Joe looked at him; "we won’t see Keila for a while."

Hoss frowned, "she was late?"

Joe nodded his eyes got filled with rage, "you know what I should do? I should go out there and beat him. That’s what I should do, let him know how it feels."

Hoss shook his head and stood in front of hi brother, "no, Joe you can’t. You don’t have the right. He’s her father."

Joe looked away from Hoss, "so Hoss?" He questioned. "That still don’t give him the right to beat her, she is just a little girl. I don’t understand how God can put a child on this Earth to be so mistreated. How can He let this happen to her? Why was she given to a man that doesn’t know how to love?"

Hoss shook his head, "Joe I don’t think God would give a child to such a mean man, I think He gave her to a loving family, but then her Mama died and then her brother. Now her father has just gotten a cold heart."

"Well I don’t care about the excuses, he don’t have any excuse for what he does to her. I still think I should go out there and beat him like he beats her."

Hoss placed his hand on Joe’s shoulder, "no Joe. Now come on with me. Pa sent me to fetch you."

Joe signed and left with him. They rode in silence to meet their father. Each brother was lost in his own thoughts. Joe fought the urge to turn the horse around and go to Keila. He wanted to help that little girl so much it hurt. He didn’t understand how a man could hit a young child.

Hoss was also lost in his own thoughts. He was worried about Keila, but he knew Joe shouldn’t be aloud to go out there and beat Ken. There has to be something that they could do for Keila, but for the love of God Hoss didn’t know what that was.

"Hoss," Joe’s voice interrupted his chain of thought.

Hoss looked at him, "yeah?"

"There hasto be something we can do for her."

"Like what Joe?"

"I don’t know Hoss, jus’ somethin’" Joe said.

Hoss shook his head, "no Joe, we hafta stay out of it. It ain’t our affair. Leave it be little brother, jus’ live it be."

Joe shook his head, but remained quiet.

They soon arrived at the work sight where Pa and Adam were waiting. Joe frowned as he looked at them; Pa was annoyed, possibly on the verge of being quit angry. He wondered why and if it was to be aimed at him. He had a feeling it was and he searched his mind for the reason. What did he do? Pa looked at them and Joe knew right away that the anger was aimed toward him. He signed and got off his horse. He walked over to his father, "Hoss said you wanted to see me Pa."

"I did," Pa said, "you see that fence over there."

Joe looked at where his father pointed, and then he realized why his father was mad at him. "The broken one Pa?" He questioned as he tried to play dumb.

"Yes Joseph, and do not play dumb, I don’t have the patents for it right now. Answer me this Joseph; did I or did I not tell you to fix this fence?"

Joe looked away from him; "you did Pa."

Pa stepped closer to him, "what did you say boy?"

Joe stepped from foot to foot nervously, "I said you did, you told me to fix that fence."

"When?"

Joe looked at him, "Huh?"

Pa shook his head, "when did I tell you to fix this fence?"

"Uh, I don’t know, about two weeks ago."

"Two weeks ago, that is more then enough time to fix it. Don’t ya think so Joe?"

"Yeah, I guess it is."

"Then why isn’t it done?"

Joe shrugged.

"I know why it isn’t done." Pa told him, "it isn’t done because you are being lazy."

"No, Pa I’ve been busy is all. I’ve jus been busy Pa."

"Not that busy, now you will get this done and you will get it done today."

"But Pa’ I can’t" Joe protested. "It’ll take me a couple days at least."

"You will get it done and you will get it done by yourself. You will also stay out here until it is done." Pa told him.

Joe frowned and looked at Hoss, who refused to make eye contact with him. Joe glanced over at Adam; he looked as mad as Pa. Joe signed and looked at Pa, "I didn’t bring water or food or a bedroll." He stated more sharply then he meant to.

Pa shook his head and ignored the sharp tone to his son’s voice. "I will send one of your brothers out later with supplies. If I were you Joe I’d get this done as quick as possible."

"Well what about my other chores?"

"What about them?"

"I sure can’t do this and them. So who’s gonna do my other chores?"

Adam shook his head and couldn’t keep quiet any longer, "you will Joe." He stated.

Joe looked at him, "now that ain’t fair. How can I do all of them?"

"Well, that is your problem, little brother. You are the one who has been slacking off. Now you will pay the price, me and Hoss are tired of picking up after you. You’re on your own this time Joseph."

Joe frowned and shook his head, "fine I’ll get started."

The three other Cartwrights left.

Joe signed as he looked at the broken fence. He took a deep breath and got started. He worked alone for three days, only seeing Adam when he brought supplies out to him. Once Joe got started he couldn’t stop and it really felt good to finish a project.

The sun was setting when Joe finished the fence on the third day. He stepped back and admired his work. He couldn’t help but grin; he did a damn good job on it.

Joe sat down as he debated on what to do next; he wasn’t tired so he didn’t want to go back to the house. Even though he would like to rub Adam’s nose in the fact that he got it done so quick. When Adam had dropped off the supplies he told Joe it would take him five days to finish it. He also said that if he or Hoss were doing it that it would be done in a couple of days, three at the most. But since Joe did everything, when it came to work anyway, so slow it would take him at least five days to finish.

Joe stood up and decided to go into town, maybe go by the saloon and get a beer. He knew if Pa found out he went into town instead of going home, he would be quit displeased to say the least. Joe was never one to obey authority anyway, so he got up on Coachie and went into town. He tied Coachie up outside of The Silver Dollar and went in. He ordered a beer then scanned the room. He saw several ranch hands from the Ponderosa. He spotted Ken almost immediately, he watched Keila’s father play poker with several of the other hands from the ranch.

He took a deep breath and went over to the men; "can I join you?"

Frank looked up at him, "hey Little Joe, what are you doing here?"

Joe shrugged and sat down, "I got done that damn fence and thought I owed myself something."

Frank, who has worked for the Cartwrights since Joe was all of 5 or 6 years of age, nodded and dealt the cards out. Joe stayed in town for over four hours, then he headed back to the ranch. He rode slowly back his mind consumed with thoughts of Keila and her father. He really wanted to hit Ken as much as he beats Keila, but he restrained himself because he knew if he brought up Keila and the beatings Ken would get mad and take it out on Keila.

Joe arrived at the house at almost 4 in the morning; he put Coachie in the barn and then quietly went in the house. He made it to his room without making enough noise to wake up a mouse so he felt safe in the fact that he didn’t wake his family. He smiled as he thought of telling his family that he finished the fence in only three days.

Adam sat up when he heard Joe come in the house; he listened as Joe made it up the stairs and into his room without making any noise. He knew Hoss didn’t wake up and he was doubtful that his father woke up. Adam shook his head as he stood up and went to his brother’s room. He knew he was going to anger his brother by questioning him now, but Adam had to know if Joe had finished the fence or not. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

Joe frowned when he heard the knock, damn he had woken his father and he had too much to drink to really talk to his father. He debated on not answering him, but he would just open the door. Joe sighed "come in," he said quietly.

Adam walked in, "good evening Little Joe, or should I say good morning?"

Joe’s fear that he woke his father was quickly replaced by anger when he saw his brother checking up on him. "What do you want Adam?" He demanded roughly.

Adam frowned, "what are you doing here? Are you done the fence?"

"Yes, I’m done that damn fence." He snapped sharply as he glared at his brother, "and if you must know Adam, I am here because I live here."

Adam shook his head at his brother’s attitude, "calm down Joe. Are you sure you’re finished the fence?"

"Yes, I am sure Adam." Joe shook his head in disgust. "Now leave so I can sleep."

"Joseph, I don’t think there is any call for your attitude."

"No you wouldn’t think there is would you Adam? I don’t need you to check on me Adam, I am a full grown man, not a little boy."

"Well you don’t always act that way."

Joe took a deep breath as he struggled to control the rage that came over him. He turned away from his brother. "Can you please leave?"

Adam shook his head; "Joe is the fence really done?"

Joe spun around and faced his brother angrily, "get out Adam, get out now." He hissed as he fought to keep himself from yelling.

"I think I need to go check on it myself."

Joe was shaking with rage, "damn you Adam!" He snapped sharply and a little too loud then he meant too. "Why can’t you just trust me for once? Why do you always doubt me? Just believe me Adam."

Adam looked away from his brother. He was ashamed of himself for thinking the worst of his brother.

"Now get out Adam," Joe snapped.

"What is all of this yelling about?"

Joe frowned and looked at him, "sorry Pa, I jus got in."

"Adam go to bed, you too Joe. We can talk tomorrow."

Joe nodded, "night Pa, night Adam.’

Adam nodded and mumbled good night then went to his room.

Pa looked at his youngest son, "get some sleep son, I’m glad your done."

Joe smiled, "thanks Pa."

Pa left and Joe went to bed.

The next day after Pa had sent all of his boys off to work; he sat at his desk and began to get his paper work done. He was absorbed into his work that he didn’t hear the knock on the door, and did not realize someone was there until Hop Sing cleared his thought.

Pa looked up to see Keila; he broke into a grin at the sight of her. "Hello, little one." He said as he stood up. "What brings you here this morning?"

She looked around, "um, I was lookin’ for Joe. Is he here?"

Pa shook his head, "no sweetie, he’s working with his brothers."

"Oh," she said quietly as her face fell in disappointment.

Pa took her hand, "come on Keila, let’s go eat."

"No sir, no," she said as she shook her head.

"I insist, now come on."

"Yes sir."

They ate quietly; Ben noticed the bruises on her arms and her neck. He cringed at the thought of someone hurting this child so violently. She was such a gentle child. "Where has Joe been?" She asked.

"He’s been fixing a fence."

"Oh, I was jus wonderin is all" she explained quickly.

"What happened to your arms and neck?" Ben asked gently.

"I fell," she said, as she looked unconformable all of a sudden.

"Don’t worry sweetie, you can tell me the truth."

"It is the truth."

"Did your Pa hit you little one?"

"No sir, I fell is all."

"Why did your Pa hit you Keila?"

Keila looked down as she started to cry. "He jus’ doesn’t like me much Mister Cartwright."

"He’s your father, he loves you."

She shook her head, "no sir, he doesn’t."

Ben stood up and took her by the hand and led her to the couch and sat her down then sat next to her. "No parent hates their child."

"Your wrong Mister Cartwright." She told him, "you don’t understand, my Ma died birthin’ me and my brother died saving my life. The two people he loved died because of me. He hates me because of it."

"No, honey, no." He said. "You didn’t kill either one. It ain’t your fault that your Ma died. Some women die in childbirth. Adam’s Ma did and it wasn’t Adam’s fault. Your brother loved you."

"I sure wish Joe was here."

As if he heard her, Joe walked in. "hey squirt," he said.

She ran to him and hugged him, he squeezed her back, then gave her a kiss on the check and placed her down, "go get that pony ready."

She left.

Joe looked at his father, and raised his eyebrows. "Hello, Pa," he said.

"Joe," Pa greeted as he stood up, "what are you doing back?"

"I forgot my saddle bag, had to come back for it is all."

"I think you’re lying Joe," his father stated with no anger. "I think you rode over to Keila’s house and when she wasn’t there you came here to see if she was here."

Joe signed, "guess ya caught me in a lie huh Pa?’

"Guess I did son. But it’s a forgivable one."

"How is she Pa?"

"She has quit a bit of new bruises on her back, neck and arms."

"Now you know why I get so mad." Joe told him, "I just want to go kill him."

Pa nodded his understanding, "I do Joe, I always have. It still doesn’t make it right though. I know as a father I would not have appreciated someone coming to my house and telling me how to take care of my child."

"It ain’t the same Pa, you ain’t never hit us like that. You were a great father; this man is evil, just evil. Keila is so little and so damn innocent it jus don’t seem right for so many bad things to happen to her."

Pa went over to his son, " Joe go to work."

Joe frowned, "yes sir."

Joe spent the day with Keila, she never told him what happened to her, but he knew and she knew he knew. Joe enjoyed the fact that someone needed him like he would often need his brothers. It felt goo to be the older one for a change.

The next day was a day that would change the Cartwrights forever. Breakfast started normal for all them, Hoss getting to the table first, only to be sent up to get Joe up after Adam and Pa got up. Joe was always the last to get out of bed. Once all four of them were seated at the table they began to eat and discuss the daily running of the ranch.

They were so engrossed into their conversation, that the banging on the door took a minute to get their attention. They all fell silent, but none of them made a move to get up to see who was here so early.

"Joe, answer the door." Pa ordered when he realized none of them would do it on their own.

Joe frowned as he always did when he had to get up to get the door. He opened the door and was taken by surprise to see Keila standing there. She looked at him with a tear stricken face and a mean looking bruise on her left eye, there was also blood running down her face from the cut on her forehead. Her clothes were ripped and dirty and she wore no shoes. "Joe!" She cried almost hysterically, "Joe, ya gotta help him, ya jus’ gotta. Please Joe go help him!"

Joe shook his head, "slow down little one. Help who?"

Keila suddenly threw herself into his arms and hid her face in his shoulder and cried.

Joe looked over at his family as they all stood up to come over. "Tell me sweetheart," Joe said softly. "Tell me what’s got ya so upset."

She looked at him as she controlled her crying. "Joe, please go wake him up. I tried but I can’t he won’t wake up. Ya gotta help him Joe."

"What happened Keila? Is it your father? What’s wrong with your Pa? Now tell me what happened."

She took a deep breath and nodded, "he came home last night and he smelled of beer. He got mad at me and hit me then sent me to bed. When I went to get him up today he wouldn’t wake up. I tried and tried but I jus’ couldn’t get him up. So I ran here, I fell a couple of times Joe. Please go wake him up."

Pa frowned, "Hoss go get the Doc, Adam me and you will go see on Ken and Joe get her cleaned up and have her lay down in the guest room."

Once everyone left, Hop Sing helped Joe get Keila cleaned up and got her settled down and soon she was asleep. Joe sat in the chair by the fireplace as he waited on his family. Adam and Pa came in shortly before Doc and Hoss. Joe stood up as the Doctor went to take care of Keila. "Well Pa?"

Pa lowered his head and frowned, "he’s dead son. Looks like a heart attack."

Hoss slumped in the couch and shook his head.

Joe looked at his father and then at Adam who only nodded. He looked at the door that led to the room that Keila was in. He took a deep breath and looked at Ben, "are ya sure Pa?"

Pa nodded.

Joe sat down stunned. "How? He was young."

"Bad living Joe, too much drinking."

Hoss signed "Oh what will she do now?"

"She’ll be sent to an orphanage." Adam stated without emotion.

"No!" Joe snapped, "no, that’s not right."

Adam looked at his brother calmly; "there’s no other choice."

"There hasto be Adam, damn how can you be so heartless?" Joe demanded as he got angry at hi brother.

"I’m not heartless Joe." Adam told him, as he remained calm. "I’m being logical."

"No you’re not," Joe said as he tried to control his emotions. "She needs love now, she sure don’t need to be shipped off to a strange place."

"Joseph," Adam began as if he was talking to a very dumb person. "There is nothing else we can do for her."

Joe stood up and glared at him, "can or will do Adam?!" He demanded.

Pa shook his head, he knew he had to defuse the situation, "someone needs to tell that child that her Pa is gone." He stated as the Doctor walked out.

Joe nodded as he looked at his father and the anger left his face, "I will Pa." He turned and went to talk to Keila.

Joe walked in, he watched her as she slept and debated on going to get his father to tell her. Pa was really good at this kind of stuff. Joe has never told a child anything like this before. He wasn’t sure how he would do it. He walked over to the bed and sat on the chair, he would tell her, and he won’t get Pa.

She opened her eyes as he sat down. She sat up and looked at him. "Hey Joe."

"Hey little one, you hungry?"

She nodded, "a little, the Doc told me I was to rest. I don’t know why, I ain’t sick or nothin’"

Joe nodded and smiled; "yeah I know how you feel. Do you want me to go get you something to eat now?"

"No Joe," she said as she swung her feet off the bed. She looked at Joe afraid of the answer of the question she was about to ask. She already felt she knew the answer, just wasn’t ready to own up to it yet. "How’s my Pa Joe? Is he okay? Did your Pa wake him? Is he working now?"

Joe frowned and took a deep breath; his heart broke for this child who has already lost so much. "Oh, honey, I am so sorry, but your Pa is gone."

She stared at him, like she didn’t understand what he had said. "What?" She whispered.

Keila, sweetie, he had a heart attack in his sleep. He’s dead honey. I’m sorry little one, I really am."

"Joe you are lying." She stated simply.

"No baby, no I’m not. I wish I was, but I'm not. It’s the truth."

"No it ain’t Joe!" She snapped getting up. "You’re lying to me and I hate you for it! I want my Pa! Where is he Joe? What did you do to him?"

Joe frowned, "nothing sweetie, it was an accident. He died in his sleep, too much drinking and bad living."

"No! Joe no!" She screamed and hit Joe with all she had in his chest, the turned and ran out of the room.

Pa caught her as she ran past him. He picked her up. "Now child where do you think you’re running off to?"

"To Pa!" She cried, "I got go home to see my Pa, he’d be mighty upset with me."

Joe came out, he made eye contact with his father as a tear ran down his face.

Pa sat down with her on his lap, "Keila," he said softly as he took his handkerchief out and whipped her eyes. "Listen to me sweetie, your Pa is gone. I’m so sorry, but that’s the truth."

"No!" She snapped, "Joe’s lying and now you are too! Stop it all of you! You’re being mean, stop!"

"We’re not lying honey, I wish we were I really do, but we’re not."

"Uh-huh, none of ya liked my Pa an’ now you’re lying to me!" She looked at Joe, "stop it Joe, please stop it."

Joe went over to her and picked her up. He hugged her tight, "ah baby, you know I love you, and yes your Pa I didn’t like. But honey I wouldn’t want this, cause this ain’t hurtin’ him, it’s hurtin’ you. I don’t like hurtin’ you not for anything in the world."

She started to sob in his shoulder, "oh but Joe, he can’t be dead, he’s all I got."

"I know." Joe said as he rubbed her back and kissed the top of her head.

Joe sat down and gently rocked her in his arms. He looked up at Adam as he did, but Adam wouldn‘t make eye contact with him. Hoss shook his head in grief for her.

Suddenly Keila stopped crying and looked at Joe. "What’s gonna happen now Joe?"

"We’ll bury your Pa, give him a proper send off.’

She nodded, "and me Joe? I can’t stay there, it ain’t my house it’s your Pa’s house."

"We’ll worry about that later honey.’

She frowned and hopped off his lap, "I best go clean that house for Mister Cartwright. That’s what Pa would want me to do."

Joe shook his head, "no little one, don’t worry."

"No Joe, I haft, Pa would want me too." She told him as he whipped her eyes.

"Well let me go with you so I can help you bury your Pa."

She backed away, "no Joe, he’s my father. I’ll take care of it.’

"You’re only a child," Joe pointed out.

"I can do it," she said, "I don’t need your help."

"Keila," Adam said, "you need help burying him."

She turned to Adam, "tell me what’s going to happen to me Adam." She ordered.

Adam signed, and frowned, "you’ll be sent away." He told her simply.

Joe took a deep breath and shook his head in disgust.

"Sent away?" Keila repeated. "Where? Where will I be sent to?"

"You will be sent to an orphanage."

She frowned and her brown eyes became a bed of anger, "you’ll jus’ gonna send me away?" She demanded, "y’all ain’t my kin, ya’ ain’t got no right to send me away!" She turned and ran out of the house.

Joe glared at his brother, too angry to speak for a minute.

"What?" Adam asked looking at him.

"You are one hell of a man Adam!" Joe snapped, "You must have a hearty of stone. How could you tell her that?"

Adam shook his head, "ah Joe, someone had to tell her."

"Well, we don’t have the right top ship her off."

"What do you want to do Joe? Keep her?"

"Yes! That is what I want to do. What’s wrong with that?"

"Joe you’re a fool, a damn fool."

"No Adam, no I’m not," Joe told him. "You are heartless, just plain heartless! You would send a little girl off to an unknown place."

"We have no other choice Joe."

"There’s always another choice Adam!" Joe snapped.

Adam took a deep breath as he tried not to get mad at his stupid brother. "We can’t just keep her Joe. She’s not a stray dog you know."

"I know that Adam, she’s a little girl, who I thought we all loved. We can’t just turn our backs on her. My God Adam don’t you think she’s lost enough already?" Joe said as he also struggled to control the anger that was building inside of him. He didn’t understand Adam’s way of thinking, it was just wrong to send her away. "It’s wrong Adam, real wrong to ship her off."

"We haft Joseph,"

"Ah, no we don’t. Damn Adam you are some piece of work ain’t ya’?"

"You are blowing this out of proportion Little Joe." Adam snapped.

"No I’m not. You are just being your own logical self. This situation does not call for logic it calls for a heart. You must have lost yours, you’re being heartless Adam, heartless and selfish. You don’t care about Keila, only about yourself."

Adam rolled his eyes, "come on Joe," he pleaded.

"Come on what Adam!" Joe yelled at his brother. "You are so cruel."

"No I’m not Joe, there’s nothing we can do. Get your head out of the clouds. We can’t do anything for except find the best home we can ."

Joe shook his head as he looked at Hoss who smiled at him and he knew he had Hoss’ approval, he looked at his father, but he couldn’t tell what his father was thinking. He looked back at Adam. "No Adam, that is not the best we can do," Joe snapped at him. "The best we can do is to help her here, not send her away."

Adam frowned as he lost control of his anger, "Damn Joe you are being stupid, just stupid!" He snapped roughly, "What the hell do we know about raising a girl? How can we help her? We can’t Joe, a home will find her a family."

Joe shook his head, "we can be her family."

"No we can’t," Adam said. "She needs a mother," he added, then regretted it as soon as he said it.

"She never had a mother!" Joe shouted at him, he took a deep breath and lowered his voice. "You disgust me Adam Cartwright." Then he walked out.

Adam looked at Pa, "Pa please say you understand what I am saying.’

Pa nodded, "I do Adam, I understand, but I also understand Joe. He loves that girl, loves her more then he even knows. I love that girl as does Hoss and I think you do to Adam."

Adam signed, "then you already made up your mind didn’t ya’ Pa?"

"No son, I have not. It is not a decision to be made easy. Don’t worry, I will consider all options before I make my final decision."

Adam frowned and looked at Hoss, "I guess you side with Joe don’t ya’?"

Hoss shrugged, "I ain’t sure Adam. I sure don’t want her sent away I know that much."

Adam signed, "then I guess my opinion don’t mean much does it?"

Pa frowned at his oldest son, "Adam I trust your opinion and I believe it is important. But that little girl is also important and I know for a fact you love her."

"I do Pa, I do love her, but what can we do?"

"What Joe says to do Adam." Hoss said as he stood up. "It’s not a stupid idea, just stop and think about it okay?"

"I have Hoss, what does Pa know about raising a girl?" Adam looked at Pa, "you are a wonderful father Pa, don’t get me wrong. But you have raised three boys, what do you know about raising a girl?"

Pa signed, "I know what is important son, I know how to love her and that is all I need to know."

Adam sat down, "are you going to adopt her pa?’

Pa took a deep breath, "I don’t know Adam, I just don’t know. I hate the thought of her being shipped off to an unknown place."

Adam nodded, "I guess so do I Pa."

Joe went to Keila’s, he found her sitting at the table. He sat down next to her and lightly took her hand, "Hey, kid."

She continued to look down, "hey, Joe." She said softly.

"You okay?"

"Uh-huh."

"It’s gonna work out, you’ll see."

"Na-ah Joe, it’s gonna be lousy, my Pa is dead and you’re gonna send me away."

"I’m not sending you anywhere." He told her.

She looked at him, "uh-huh, Adam said so and he’s older so it’s the truth."

Joe frowned, "he maybe older, but Pa is in charge, so don’t you worry."

She started to cry again and got and climbed into his lap. "I don’t want to leave you Joe, please don’t make me leave you. I can’t go, you’re all I got Joe."

He hugged her tight, "oh baby, I don’t want you to go either."

"Really?" She asked looking at him.

He nodded, "I won’t let you go."

"Promise Joe?"

"Yes sweetie, I promise."

"Then can you help me bury my Pa?"

Joe nodded, "yes little one yes I will."

"We all will," Pa said as he, Hoss and Adam walked in.

Keila jumped off of Joe’s lap and ran to Pa, "pleas don’t send me away Mister Cartwright." She pleaded softly, "I’ll clean your house and the barn and I’ll take care of the horses. I’ll earn my keep, I swear I will but don’t send me away please."

He knelt down in front of her, "let’s not worry about that right now okay? Let’s just bury your Pa now okay."

"Yes sir."

They buried her father and then Pa said a few words over the grave.

"Come on little one, come to my house." Pa said.

She nodded, "yes sir."

They went home and after dinner Keila fell asleep. Joe picked her up and carried her upstairs to the room across from his. He bent over and gave her a kiss goodnight then quietly left the room.

He went downstairs and looked at his father. He took a deep breath, "Pa, if I could adopt her, I would, but I can’t I’m not even 19 yet." He said quietly, "they’d let you though, I know they would."

Pa nodded, "I know they will as well son."

"Then do it Pa, please do it."

Joe, I haveto think about it."

Joe nodded and sat down. He thoughts went to Keila and what it would be like for her if she was sent away. It just wouldn’t be fair, she’s lost so much suffered too much. Joe didn’t think she could take anymore he didn’t think she should not when his family could save her. Pa could make all of her troubles go away. He had the power to make her life whole again. Joe looked at his father and then his brothers, he kept quiet, as he waited on his father to think about it.

Joe was quiet for all of ten minutes, then he looked at his father. "Did ya’ think about it Pa?"

"Joseph, I need more then ten minutes. This is an important decision son."

"Pa…" Joe started

Joseph, leave me be and let me think." Pa ordered.

Joe rolled his eyes in plain disgust.

"Watch the way you look at me boy!" Pa snapped, "you remember I’m your father."

"Ah Pa, you’re letting Adam influence you and that ain’t fair to that little girl."

"I am not letting Adam influence me, nor am I letting you influence me. It is my decision and mine alone if I am to become that girl’s father."

"I know Pa," Joe said, "but all anyone is thinking about is themselves, when everyone should be thinking about Keila. We just can’t send her off to an unknown place like my caring brother would prefer to do."

"We may have no other choice." Pa told him.

Joe stood up, "now you sound like Adam, hell Pa if you don’t adopt her I will. I’ll do all I can to get her with or without your help."

"Joe damn it!" Adam snapped as he too stood up. "You can’t adopt her, the law won’t let you."

"Well I’ll do something," he snapped stubbornly. "I haveto, hell someone hasto and none of you will so it is up to me." He went to walk out, but Pa stood up.

"Joseph don’t you walk out that door." He warned.

Joe stopped but didn’t say anything.

"You’re doing a lot of talking Joe, and you can’t carry any of it out."

Joe shook his head, but remained quiet. He looked at his father.

"Think about it Joe. How can you adopt her? You’re a kid yourself, no one will let you have her."

Joe took a deep breath and looked away. He saw the anger in his father’s eyes and he didn’t understand his father’s anger.

Pa frowned, he was mad at Joe and he didn’t know why. "Damn Joe, you are being foolish."

"No I’m not!" Joe snapped as he looked at his father. "None of ya’ care, so I will take care of it. I don’t need ya’ and neither does Keila."

Pa glared at his youngest son, "we’re not saying that Joe!" He took a deep breath, "we all care but…"

"NO BUTS PA!" Joe shouted. "THAT’S ALL I’M HEARING FROM YOU AND ADAM! I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT NO MORE!"

"Joe, don’t you yell at me. Don’t you dare." Pa ordered.

Adam stood up he looked at Joe. "Why don’t you just calm down a little Joe."

"Stay out of it Adam," Joe snapped. "You don’t care about her, you never have so just shut up!"

Adam shook his head, "Joe you better just calm down."

Joe lost all of the control he had as he glared at his older brother, "Go to Hell!" He screamed at him before he could stop himself. Then he turned and walked out.

Adam got so angry, he saw red. He stormed after his brother before he could stop himself or before Hoss could stop him. Adam tackled his brother and they both fell off the porch, landing on the ground with Adam on top. Joe lost his breath, but he still managed to shove his brother off as he gasped for breath.

Adam stood up as Pa and Hoss came out.

Joe rolled over on his side holding his gut and gulped for air. He finally got it and stood up.

"Now Joe," Adam said pointing his finger at him, "you watch what you say to me."

Joe just glared at him.

"Are you okay?" Adam asked as the anger left him.

Joe didn’t answer.

"Come on Joe, you were out of line."

"Me? No Adam you jumped me from the back. You were out of line."

"You deserved it Joe. You got all mad at me for no damn reason and then you told me to go to hell. What did you think I would do?"

Joe frowned and shrugged it off. "Well get over it."

"Do I need to knock you down a little Joseph?"

"You can try Adam," Joe said, "you really can, I dare you."

Adam shook his head, "don’t Joe."

Pa stepped down and placed himself between Joe and Adam. "Stop it boys, stop it now."

Joe didn’t say anything he just glared at Adam.

"Fine Pa, fine." Adam said.

Joe didn’t say anything.

Pa looked at him, he recognized the fire in his son’s eyes. "Joseph, calm down now."

Joe looked at him and his eyes soften, he looked at Adam, "yes sir." He said, "I’m sorry Adam, I’m sorry I told you to go to hell."

Adam nodded, he could never stay mad at his baby brother anyway. "I’m sorry as well little brother. I shouldn’t have tackled you like that."

Pa looked at Joe, "now Joe, I will think about it. I promise okay son?"

"Yes sir," he said softly.

"What’s wrong Joe?" Pa asked.

"I think ya’ have your mind made up Pa," Joe said. "I think you have already made your decision."

"And what’s that Joseph?"

"You’re going to try to send her away, with all do respect Pa I won’t let you."

Pa looked at him with a sudden surge of pride for his youngest son. He had so much of his mother in him that Pa couldn’t help but want to burst with love and pride. "Such passion," he said softly, "just like your Ma. Now don’t worry son, I don’t have my mind made up."

"Okay Pa." Joe said as he relaxed and was filled with pride at being compared to his mother.

Hoss stepped down, "come on Joe, let’s go to town for a beer."

Joe nodded, "sure big brother." He looked at Adam, "care to join us Adam?"

Adam smiled as the tension of the fight with Joe wore off. He nodded, "I’d love to Joe."

Joe looked at Pa, "pa?"

Pa shook his head, "no I better stay here in case Keila wakes up. Besides I have a lot to think about."

"Okay Pa," Adam said. "We won’t be long Pa."

"Okay, have a good time boys. Adam you watch your brothers you hear?"

Adam nodded, "yes sir."

Pa went back in the house after the boys left. He sat in his favorite chair and thought about the events of the last 12 hours. He remembered when Joe was three Marie had told him she would love to have a baby girl. Ben had augured the fact, saying those three boys were more then enough for any woman to handle. A daughter would just complicate things too much. Ben wanted to wait until the ranch was real good and maybe when Adam went to college. Marie shook her head, telling him that she could handle another child and a daughter would be just what the family needed anyway. But Ben wouldn’t change his mind about it, Little Joe was just to young. Maybe in a couple of years but not now it was too soon. Marie got mad with him and did not speak to him for a week. She forgave him soon after that and life went on. Unfortunately Marie died before they could even discuss the situation again.

Now Ben had the opportunity to have a daughter, but should he do it without Marie? He knew in his heart that Marie would want him to take her in. Ben didn’t know if he could do it without her or not, but he had to give it a try. Marie would never forgive him if he didn’t at least try to raise her.

Keila woke up shortly after the boys rode out. She sat up, confused on her whereabouts. But soon the day’s events came flooding back to her. As it did her shoulders slumped in grief. She took a deep breath and stood up. She looked around the room and thought of how pretty it was and how lucky she has been to even be here for a small amount of time. She left the room to find Joe, she went downstairs and only saw Mister Cartwright.

"Hello, Keila," he said when he saw her.

"Hello sir."

"Are you hungry?"

"No." She said. "Where’s Little Joe?"

"He’s in town with his brothers."

"Oh"

"Here come and sit with me little one."

She went over and sat with him. She was nervous and it showed.

"You know it’s okay to cry."

She frowned.

"Do you have any kin?"

"Not that I know of." She told him, "none my pa ever talked about anyway."

"Where was he from?"

"East, New York or Philadelphia. Some place like that. And my Ma was from Texas, but if she had kin they never came around. No," she said shaking her head. "It was just me and Pa and my brother Zack. Now my Pa’s dead and my brother is dead. Why does everyone in my family die?"

"I don’t know dear, I wish I did, but I just don’t know."

"Will I die?"

"Oh God no darling. You’ll be just fine."

"But I’m scared."

"Of what?"

She frowned, but didn’t answer.

"Tell me sweetie."

She looked away, "I’m scared I’ll be sent away, like Adam said. Joe told me he won’t let it happen, but Adam is older so what he says is right and what Joe says is wrong. But I don’t want to leave."

"Why not?"

She looked at him, "because, um. Well Mister Cartwright I’ve never felt like I belonged anywhere, even when my brother was alive., but since I’ve been here I’ve felt like I’ve really belonged. It’s not just Joe either, it’s Hoss and Adam and you. Y’all make me feel like a part of the family, like I belong here and it feels good. Besides it is so pretty here who wouldn’t want to stay here."

Pa nodded.

"I’ll earn my keep sir, I swear I will."

He shook his head, "no Keila you won’t work here."

She looked away as she started to cry. "When are ya’ gonna send me away?"

Pa frowned, "no honey no. I’m not going to send you away, but ya’ ain’t gonna work here either."

She looked at him, clearly confused.

"I never had a daughter, only sons whose mothers have all died. I don’t know how to raise a girl, but I can figure it out. If you want to, I’d like to adopt you, to become your Pa. The boys will be your brothers. You’ll be a Cartwright and live here."

She just stared at him.

He smiled, "I’m serious Keila and I ain’t doing because I feel sorry for you. I am doing it because I love you. We all do."

"You wanna be my Pa?" She whispered.

"Yes I do."

"Then I can call you Pa? Just like Joe and Hoss and Adam does?"

"Yes you can, you’ll be Keila Marie Cartwright. How do you like the sound of that?"

She nodded, "me and Joe kin?" She said softly.

Pa nodded, "if you would like to think about it, I’ll understand."

"No, no I don’t want to think about it." She answered then hugged him tight around the neck.

He held her tight and started to cry. He didn’t understand why he was crying, but he couldn’t stop. He truly felt that Marie had sent this girl to him.

She pulled back, "why are ya’ crying?"

"I’m happy little one, real happy."

She frowned suddenly and her eyes looked worried. "Oh, no. Do you think it’s right to be happy so soon after my Pa’s death?"

Pa nodded, "yes it’s fine. Your Pa would want you to be happy."

"Think he’d approve?"

Pa nodded, "yeah I think he would. He made a lot of mistakes Keila, but He loved you and would want you to be happy."

She smiled and the worried look left her face. "This is the best thing that has ever happened to me."

"For me as well, little one. I got a beautiful daughter. What more could a man possibly want?"

She grinned and threw her arms around him.

The door opened and the boys came back in. Adam saw his Pa hugging Keila and shook his head. He knew his Pa had decided to adopt her.

Keila looked up at them and ran to Joe. He grabbed her and swung her around in his arms. "What’s going on Keila?"

"You’re gonna be my brother." She said excitedly.

Joe looked at his father, who only nodded. He looked back at Keila, "the I guess that means I’ll be you older brother huh and you’ll be my baby sister?"

"Yeah Joe yeah." She squirmed out of his arms. She looked at Hoss "You too Hoss. You’d be my brother too."

Hoss nodded and took the small girl in his big arms and hugged her, "I know little one, I know."

She looked at Hoss and kissed his check.

After Hoss put her down, she walked over to Adam. "You too Adam." She said quietly.

He smiled and hugged her then kissed her check, "I know honey and I’m happy."

"Really?"

Yeah, really."

"Good."

Joe went over to his father, who had remained on the couch during this whole exchange. Joe place his hand on his shoulder and kissed him on the top of his head, "you’ll a good man Pa, a real good man."

Pa nodded, "so are you son, so are you."

"Oh no!" Adam exclaimed suddenly.

Everyone looked at him, "what Adam?" Hoss asked.

"There is a major problem with all of this." He stated as he wicked at Keila.

Joe looked at his brother with anger in his eyes.

"What’s that Adam?" Hoss asked.

"This will mean Joe will be a big brother. Joe being a big brother has certain responceablities. I don’t know if you can handle them." Adam said as his eyes shined. "Pa, maybe you need to give up Joe before you adopt Keila, having two young children might be too much."

Joe made a face at him as the rest of the family laughed.

Ben Cartwright got his lawyers on it as soon as he could. He didn’t think it would be too much of a problem. He had a good home and could provide the child with anything she wanted. The only thing he didn't have was a mother. He didn’t think that would stop it though.

Joe and Keila worked on the room across from his to make it more like a girl’s room. Adam told her he would help her with her studies, Hoss volunteered to help her adjust to ranch life. Joe wanted to show her how to ride horse and how to break them. He wanted to take her to all of his secret spots. He just couldn’t wait to be an older brother and have someone come to him for advice. He loves the way she looked at him, like he was the most important person in her life.

Pa didn’t push himself on her, he knew it would take time before she could really look at him as her Pa.

It took over a month to get it all legal, but soon enough Ben and Keila stood in front of a judge and officially adopted her. The three boys sat in the courtroom and watched, then they all went home as a family.

When they got home Hop Sing had a grand dinner to celebrate the new addition to the family. He placed Keila’s food down in front of her and patted her shoulder, "now Hop Sing has daughter number one to look out for. Hop Sing vely happy. But daughter must not be as trying as son number three."

Keila grinned as the rest of the family laughed.

Joe looked at Keila, "Welcome home little sister. Now you are the youngest Cartwright."

THE END

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