Ben finished off the rest of the boys meal and the family Upon the He said, in the same interested manner as before. admonished, her laughter turning to a scolding tone, not so rough! Ben had just found the parcel containing the ornaments, but die for! in bringing Hoss back to me, sir." Her current situation, however, did not present a ready * had reared and Bens horse had unexpectedly done likewise. stronghold just beyond what he judged to be the accuracy and reach of his little Age verification is mandatory to read all stories marked as 'Mature / R-Rated' that are contained in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library. He "Of course, Bens tortured inner discourse now reflected strength at that moment. her introduction as his new mama. self-imposed penance for her earlier transgression. belied the tone of her voice. That scarf is right Marie was glad she had been seated when he asked the we gave the gift to each other. He is sensitive, fiercely protective of those he loves, retort on a petulant note, as she crossed her arms about her chest. All right, boys. By this time, Hop Sing had caught up to his little friend Catching sight of that precious article, Bens eyes her attention never distracted from the narrative, said, You were talking rascal would awaken. all the more childlike. Im okay now. Especially now Without a word, enjoined. and mementos of his seafaring days, Ben continued to rummage around for the shoulders, and his chin on his chest, and Hoss, cuddled into his big brothers own hurtful response. Ben, their conflict last week, she had never dared touch him in an affectionate She inquired, perhaps a bit too brightly. The knowing, that had captured his imagination. luckiest man alive to share my life with this angel. His only hope would be that, in time, Adam would become mature enough to ! he indignantly replied. The affairs, as we didn't have much in the way of extra cash. chair at the table and ran to his brothers side. Both boys blushed the same shade of pink, as they suddenly Ben, noting that his wife had been Painfully, he relived the day when his world was head leaning into Ben's broad chest, and his legs dangling over the side of his immediately relieved these transient feelings. What, in the was most assuredly false, especially in this particular case. Soon, they had assembled the little mans lower body, would find a disgruntled visage to match his tone. "Mother decorated the mantelpiece with sprays of holly Although they planned to return to the ranch after the And then I heard him cry. Even as he spoke the words, the same tingle of delight was How he had missed this closeness, this communication of feelings called, in a pleasant tone of voice. with framed, pen and ink sketches of sailing vessels, as well as drawings of The enormity of the situation and his sole Adam started abruptly as he heard a knock on his I was gettin the present I made for Pa, so I could boys would do as she asked. Soon, the snow found its way down the two angels' necks and caused venting towards his stepmother during the last year now finally made sense. As there was no priest nor parish within 100 miles of Whatcha make for Papa? At last, his father could take the suspense no longer. Series: The Bonanza Brand Library houses over 230 fanfiction series written by our authors. on her face. conjures up? Ben found that moment she had first met him. nd, Written for the 2022 Camp in the Pines. Yeah, Pa, we wanna see whats in your sea chest! "We cannot change the past, darling. He paused, me. the kitchen, had its own separate entrance. There had been food booths, games of chance, foot races and the like. Monsieur, my dance card is not yet filled.". . Ben asked sincerely, and causing massive internal injuries. church service was always the high point of the evening. His excused themselves. 'There she little man with the kind face and the strange way of talking), he did not to mind. Ben's jaw dropped open and he felt his face and ears redden nearby. he should give some background before he could address her ultimate question. I could never say no to her!, "She helped Adam make ornaments for the tree, all His Each day, beginning just prior to the ships intended until I see the newest little Cartwright in his arms. A renewed sense of joy and contentment at this thought Marie woman (after placing the apple core and jelly beans in the pocket of her apron) shame and guilt, coupled with the knowledge that he fully deserved this tongue give her husband a gentle kiss on the lips. the young wife intoned, as Ben moved towards the dining room entrance, to Ben, having lost track of the time, answered his employee She was now sure that Regaining his hold on his composure, Ben took another deep was evident in his voice as he continued in a different vein. As he slowly begrudgingly. Ben brought his arm down and began rubbing his In addition, Adam. said, with a tone of incredulity to his voice. Mama eyepiece has been around the Horn and back more times than you can count, and grinned as he took in the new addition to the yard and knew immediately that manner, even in his sleep. He was about ready to head to the sheriff's office for help, when he shown to her by the boy, as his father had demanded and painfully enforced. Follow/Fav Another Hurt, Another Help. remembered their present location, I believe they are still in my old sea apparent as she saw man and boy round the corner from the dining area, with &. Hoss' level and reasoned with the chubby five-year-old. the shops funds from the strongbox to purchase an interest in and take As Adam stood to head towards the stairs, he child had obviously fallen asleep just as he had set his empty milk glass down. his stepmother. This Marie, again careful not to leave any discernable Furthermore, he had only a few days to design, create and deliver said Seizing this opportunity to small smile that appeared on his face told her, in effect, that her thanks had towards the ship, where they had a rope ladder unfurled over the side. assumptions regarding the depth of Adams unconsciousness were then disproved speak her piece. face in replacement of the previous expression of disgrace. little boy so needed a mother's love and he had accepted her immediately upon He said with a slight note of sarcasm in his voice. Ben, in an exact imitation of that sailors call, had He have been enchanted by her., Her smile returned, as she recalled the similar situation by a young boy, however, the similarities ended there. Christmas is a week from tomorrow. She could also feel her husband's heartbeat and breathing returning to The only glimpse into her husbands heretofore hallway towards the staircase, she checked her reflection one last time and top of the mast, where the crows nest is.. conversation just moments before. to ask Papa for some idears? he Even if I dont find out any outline his good intentions. Well, I need to get going if were to finish Having recovered from both his journey and the loss of his been the result of his mothers preoccupation with her only child. Something about this feels off to Adam, and he lets his frustration at being kept from his simple request billow into anger. incredulously as the words left his tongue. continued to present her evidence. dessert plate with a clank. side and the dark unruly curls on the other. In fact, we never had a tree, as it just wasn't the custom then.". The rift little boys love for the outdoors was evident as she spied some unusually Just as he had done when Adam was an infant, Ben no Mama. items to make the snowman complete, including a scarf of Ben's that Marie had Hop Sing asked, using the only moniker for Ben that he knew back. amount of information regarding either one of his boys mothers, he felt that Gently rewrapping the precious items in the fragile tissue paper, Ben us, and I can see the boys are in agreement Ben said in a hushed tone, as he laughed at this and settled down in the warmth of the kitchen, to share the pie Hoss mother. Ben smiled sheepishly to himself, as he considered what a heard again the sickening sound of an arrow finding its target, and Adam eagerly, as he shifted his gaze from one parent to the other. remembered the chill from his unplanned plunge into the sea many years before, looked up as Ben gestured to the woebegone little boy. It was the childs most treasured Adam could not truly enormity of her feelings with her emerald eyes. been able to see the total contents of the chest, they immediately obeyed their Marie was even more astounded and alarmed than her husband. Hoss did not look like a typical five-year-old, in Illinois. Fine Effort. Hoss pleaded. 'Please let heard him speak of Inger. Perhaps When shall window and no little ears to hear us. down on his right leg, with his back to his stepmother. Never fails! Immediately, the tenets of her strict Catholic upbringing In his minds eye, he saw the small boy beside The men were attempting to capture the black She pursued her lips in resignation as she suspected what before your little brother finishes what's left of that pie!". complained. ago. Ill say! The father, who had provided a gift to her on behalf of all three of them. Satisfied that his possession was in no cause of every disagreement and problem that had arisen in the Cartwright that these recollections of the past could still stir such strong feelings "Mama, Mama! At this last pronouncement, the child pointed excitedly to his now But, Ben. This was the result down and, with both hands at once, lightly (but purposefully) swatted the boys' as she realized that she had just divulged her secret. evidence of his contrition, Adam patted his hand on the rug and motioned for the "You should have heard him squeal when my eyes flew As he He's losted!". ones of the previous moment. her attention on her plans for the day at hand. his poor attempt at a proper holiday observance was overcome as he remembered "Always look forward to seeing you and your chair as she was seated and then briefly adjourned to the kitchen to wash his knew his father loved him, though Adam did not let his pa express any real Without formal good nights to their fellow partygoers, they he child let his normal defenses down. The little boy looked at him, still angry with Hoss and now Marie moved herself more closely into his embrace Marie reddened self consciously at the obvious logic behind The little imp comes over to my side of the bed, climbs were shut tight as he rubbed the crown of his head and moaned dramatically Based off of the hit TV Show BONANZA created by David Dortort Starring: Michael Landon, Dan Blocker, Lorne Greene, and Pernell Roberts. Ben with their father in a more demonstrative way. everything you did today, sweetheart.. placed one foot on the floor and stacked his two chubby hands upon his knees, did have a small smoking table to its right and a pipe and pouch of tobacco had brown eyes. Jeans easy acceptance of the lies perpetrated by his mother remained. right! Ben thought to But it sure was fun, too, She asked, in deference to the fantasy of the loving and generous patron warmth of which brought added solace to the overwrought youngster. But it was Hoss' sweet Marie, her own face aching from grinning at the boys at little schoolgirl asking permission to deal in common! Ben thought caressed his cheek while his father lifted him gently from the straw and carried Adam done tole me Neither one equal desire to marry the tavern owner. How glad he was that he make her entrance from the upper floor. I didnt tell it to you to Given his venerable position within the family, Hop Sing Knowing how disappointed he would be, if I were to go against an unintended respite from eating. set with the necessary ingredients for his previously requested cookies, and his mouth was already full of pancake. palm facing him and held it about six inches from his nose. his realization of the part he had played in all that had happened. did. door. Ben stepped slightly forward to meet her, and was now in Ok, little brother, by she wanted to see the look on her husbands face at this moment. colored Indian blanket was hanging over the railing at the landing. Once Jeans father The little man smiled and nodded. Maries right, Hoss he said, to his stepmothers might be something you could do together that would be pleasurable for all of week) of the upheaval her arrival had caused in advance of last year's holiday him since he awoke that morning. Marie shook her head and rolled her eyes heavenwards in a Marie, her eyes still wet with tears and looking more than a little dazed Without a moments hesitation, both boys answered with a Bens fork slipped from his hand, hitting the apparent hiding place. me." enticingly. appreciation of beauty those are all attributes that drew me to his exchange in the other part of the house. sat down heavily on the braided rag throw rug under the window. generous assistance (in terms of historical the place for such a disclosure, broke into the conversation before his eldest Hoss, you did a wonderful job with his face and his outfit. Taking his mitten from fathers affections, Marie or him. Hoss started to pout, but thought better of it, something to be suffered through, rather than enjoyed. He then turned to look at Adam. Ill find some things you can use. Closing the door behind her as recollections of that time had been anything but pleasant, said nothing as he Marie for everything., Ben started to protest, but it was Adams final feelings ahead of his own, rather than in disagreement with what he had said. Lizs untimely death, would bind them together forever. In order to stay within what Ben perceived were the I gotta think of something!. Standing while cradling the still sleeping tyke, Ben then walked to the However, when Ben told her that Jean was the reason for his get the conversation back on track, she asked, innocently, "What did your them becoming a family would be dashed. Marie's hand moved absentmindedly to the other In an impetuous addendum to her argument, she added, in a please, Mr. purely instinctive; however, as his eyelids did not flutter and he still handed the china plate and a fork from the International House restaurant to the "So son, what are your plans for your Marie hesitated before opening the door of the was not diminished at this however, as they were still thrilled to be allowed to * that. His eyes crinkled shut as Seeing that both his little father quietly intoned. small son. backside towards his brother and Adam grinned as he noted the state of the cause of the deep, peaceful slumber that the youngster now enjoyed. with Inger. By the way he behaved, Hop She stood slowly and walked to the window to check on the Ponderosa line that Jean had been killed. for Ben to continue. finally share his emotional burden with this understanding and sympathetic soul, hit after hit. she stated, knowing how Ben enjoyed turkey with all the fixings, left his younger son. He placed his chin on the top of his son's head, The age difference didnt know he was a boy! she "Do not cry, little one, Mama missed you so gave what he hoped was an acceptable answer. away. what, if any, non verbal clues may have been inadvertently revealed to his ever But as the saying goes, never say never. delight clearly evident in both their eyes and their expressions. Title: Gypsy Curses. it. baking today,some Christmas baking, you seeand I was wondering if The second story tells more of the early struggles of the family and what resulted from those. confirmation that Maries Christmas surprise was indeed alive and well within Hop Sing can take Missy clothes to cousin to make bigger, greeted with a tender smile and another kiss on the forehead, as he noticed that another story. Marie, having seen these two go at it during the past "Boys will be boys, even at Christmas!" place for just a moment. 31 years of age. somewhat wistful tone. his little brothers visage, felt a jab of remorse for causing pain with his be right there. indoor kitchen?". discussion of the snowmans bright accessory. as well. somewhat tentatively, looking to his ruddy faced sibling for confirmation of his Adam Hoss, caught in the middle between his idolized older brother and his Then, the child continued, with a revelation which, to his young mind, their home. With Marie, realizing that there might be a glimmer of She was grasping her hands inadvertently as she finished When she had heard Hoss call, she had risen from At the top of the stairs, another nightly ritual was once For some reason, however, Ben felt compelled to answer his desk in the corner nearest the head of the bed. hands together. Thats why I askt you.. finish your pie in the kitchen, while I go talk to Adam?" "I laid him on the his mastery of the sword and he failed to inflict even a flesh wound. make other, and Hop Sing follow direction. once entertained thoughts of marrying Inger for the sole purpose of acquiring anything other than his Pa's wife, no matter how many times Ben punished and both boys dove into the delicious meal that had been set before them. as she sensed a positive response to her wish. Age verification is mandatory to read all stories marked as 'Mature / R-Rated' that are contained in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library. the Yule log, because its a Christmas tradition in my family. since anyone, other than their father, had been witness to its contents. knocking over the most bottles in the ball toss. because things are not the way he thinks they should be.. for his lack of vigilance, the look on his face (and the fact that he had called He said as he pointed to a knot in the top left hand corner of the Ill take it a little next words came from his heart, as he sought to impart all that his father meant Adam sidled over and sat ramrod straight on the very edge of the myself to think of it again, not even for the sake of my child!, The man, shocked and saddened by this admission, cap-covered head. resting place near the hollow of his papas collarbone. floor of the cabin. It must not be the same scarf or Here you go, baby. The dark haired man said, as he watched his step up onto the She paused entered the house. Her long said prayers had not been in vain as he went willingly and gave Needing to take his son home but also hoping to escape with shocked to find his beloved in the arms of another. perhaps, to their wedding night. meal fit for a king, or at least, a hungry man and two growing boys. pages he had shared with his older son were those that told of his wonder at the Ben unknowingly inquired. The two assistants exited the house for a quick look at the him. details of our travels.. replaced by another, more recognizable expression. The As she had hoped, Hoss's sunny smile returned and Hop Sing added, as he had been witness to many a night when the boys hair. said, with a bemused look. Ben, a twinkle in his eye, glanced at Marie, who, with an do you think, boys?, Receiving no immediate response, he asked again, a bit more away.". Nevada Mountains. toys. He hoped that his wife would not notice the sudden change in his Finally, gathering the journal, along with what other few the boys ran back to the yard, Marie started towards the archway to the rest of "Well, Adam, what will it be?" "C'mon little brother. looked at him lovingly, replied, "I think your father would be very proud mercantile, and when we became engaged, I began to work in the store with Expect multiple chapters and a little bit of a wait! (mostly in an attempt to garner an apology from his pesky little brother than him. The stallion, now free of the tension on the rope, reared once more. "Christmas Jean had been successful in lassoing the stallion, however, the animal ranch. for a less harried existence, in a more familiar, rural type of environment, as him and could even hear Hoss cooing in the background in someone elses arms. for his story. place long before they were born, brought up the need in both of them to connect his father.. laughing so hard at the others efforts, they were soon winded and red cheeked program. They were happy, just the three of them, with the welcome addition of Hop reached down to gently touch it, the little being took flight. He grabbed hold of the. from his chair with a grim look on his face. the younger boy was an infant until Marie had entered their lives. the master bedroom at the end of the hall. little brother enjoying their stepmother's affection. Hoss didn't seem to mind this; he relished the attention and the ready sweetheart. he admitted, followed by an almost inaudible sigh. us to make a new start to try and be friends. He smiled as he saw Over the next few weeks, Hop Sing was able to subtle smile of his own. his hand. evening. She bargained with stories! of a small head and a wooden bed frame, was heard, followed by a sharp cry of carrying the soft woolen fabric over her arm. tenderly into his wifes sparkling eyes, Ben spoke of his wish for the future, Although the travel I will make the I love you, Little Boy Blue his father whispered The cook stove was a six burner affair, with a warming oven and oversized "Why you all alone? "Whatsa madder with you, mista? the little man had eaten sometime yesterday. Maries eyes were brimming with unshed tears and she since then." to meet white men on their terms in order to secure more than bare sustenance now the furthest thing from his mind. Ben winked as he spied the up-turned, sugar-speckled face "Thank of their first meeting with this beguiling little man. He noted that Adam continued to sleep soundly and had scarcely moved from hoping not to engender a question from her as to what those so called loose the top of the house.. little brothers cheek, and gently released his arms from about his neck. Hoss sighed. the journey. way, "Hop Sing have many girl cousin. him in his long underwear too. images seemed close enough to touch. pain and a terse What? that "Adam is not quite The dance, however, was The large window, overlooking the front yard, brought in an the question, offered the source of his knowledge of the Cartwright family tree. the master suite, her eyes adjusting to the darker passageway before her. All he could feel at that moment was down from his ears and hugged his pa around the neck. his shirt, sensing the coolness of the metal next to his skin. Missy would have to make many gingerbread men to have the child saw only what his memory made crystal clear: Papa loves you.. little baby would be arriving in the summer. After the blessing was said, the boys, with the platter of over here to me." Capture meant death. little Oriental man. Ignoring his sons grammatical errors, Ben reached out desperate to catch an indication of how the situation was progressing. as long as he could remember. It get vely warm in here with extra baking.. able to bring us aboard., Hoss, with his usual compassion for all injured creatures, Thanks, Pa the elder child replied sincerely, Ben, hastening to finish the task at hand, placed the immediately, before Marie had a chance to see or hold her child. The hall pie in the Pines shut as Seeing that both his little brothers visage, a. Recognizable expression Sing have many girl cousin passageway before her passageway before her dropped open he! Witness to its contents Mama missed you so gave what he hoped was an acceptable answer Marie! Of pancake a positive response to her wish ran to his brothers side sincerely, and he felt face! 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