Sweetwater Series IV

James Hunter Morgan waited patiently for the locomotive to come to a stop before slipping from the barrel upon which he'd been waiting for the past half hour. Having picked up all the family's supplies from the general store there was little to do but wait for the train which, if today was a typical day, could be hours late to arrive. There was always the temptation of a little female company in the saloons just a few yards away, but his visit to town was for another purpose. Besides, his mother always knew whenever he frequented a saloon - she would get a certain look in her eyes as soon as she saw him, as if she knew every detail. It was unnerving for anyone, let alone a 22-year-old man, to have his mother know that.

Truth be told Jamie was not much interested in saloons. He preferred his family's ranch, being out in the paddocks with the horses and the peace and quiet. The noisy town with its many pleasant diversions were all right every now and then but he knew he was built for ranch life.

How his brother enjoyed living in St. Louis Jamie would never understand. Adam had been there for the past two years and seemed to thrive, although that probably had more to do with his medical studies than any wonders of city life. Jamie marveled at the great love his brother had for learning, when he himself could not wait to leave school so he could work alongside his father. Adam had chosen to go to college instead of joining the family business, something their parents seemed wholly unfazed about. They took great pride in his academic achievements, as if they always knew he was destined for a different life from that of their other children.

A great gust of steam blasted from the train as it finally creaked to a stop at the Sweetwater station, and immediately people stepped out onto the platform. Everyone disembarked, regardless if they were staying or not, relieved to have a moment to stretch their legs and escape the unrelenting sway of the locomotive. That was another thing Jamie didn't understand - choosing to take a train anywhere instead of riding. Nothing compared to actually experiencing one's surroundings on the back of a good horse.

Through the small crowd he spied a familiar dark hat in a city style that few men wore in Sweetwater. Jamie grinned as he pushed forward to meet his brother. Adam was dressed in a grey suit, no doubt sweltering in the heat of the confined train but looking every bit the young medical student.

"Hey, doc!" Jamie yelled above the noise of the passengers, and was greeted with a wan smile.

"It's still too soon to be calling me that, you know," Adam replied, tipping his hat back on his head to reveal sweat-soaked dark hair. "Not for another year."

"Close enough." Jamie shrugged as he pulled his brother into a tight hug. In fact he'd started using the nickname since Adam first announced he was going to become a doctor several years earlier.

"How you been, little brother? Don't they feed you in St Louis?" Jamie was always ribbing Adam about his slender build which was considerably smaller than his own. He was almost a foot shorter than Jamie, who was his elder by two years, and definitely favored their mother in coloring where Jamie was the image of their father.

"Can't all be Hercules like you," Adam said, pleased to see his brother again after such a long absence. His studies had prevented him from returning home at Christmas when he'd chosen to remain in St Louis to work in the hospital there. It had been almost a year since he'd seen his family. He was closest to Jamie in many ways so Adam was especially glad it was he who had come to town to meet the train.

"Let's get your trunk, you know Ma's gonna be wearin' a hole in the porch waitin' for ya."

"In a minute, first I want to introduce you," Adam said with mounting excitement in his voice. He turned around and stood on his toes to peer through the crowd, then waved to a young man.

The other man made his way over to Adam and Jamie, hampered by the cases he was carrying in each hand. One was a medical bag and the other appeared to be a picnic hamper, which explained his rotund waist and reddened face, thought Jamie. It wasn't until the man set the bags down with a puff of his round cheeks that Jamie saw the young woman who accompanied him.

"Jamie, this is my friend from medical school, Rudy Betts. And this is his sister, Elizabeth… Beth," said Adam. "My brother, Jamie."

"James," he corrected as he shook Rudy's hand but was looking over his shoulder at Beth.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, James," she replied with a smile, shaking his hand.

Jamie grinned, appreciating her blond hair and blue eyes. He looked questioningly at his brother.

"I've been telling Rudy and Beth so much about Sweetwater that they decided to come and see it for themselves," Adam explained.

"Well, the more the merrier." Jamie again addressed Beth rather than her portly brother. "Any friends of Adam's are welcome at the Morgan ranch."

"Oh, we couldn't impose," said Beth quickly, glancing at Adam. "We'll be quite all right at the hotel, won't we, Rudy?"

"Anywhere is fine with me, as long as it's out of this sun," her brother grumbled in response, obviously uncomfortable in his three piece suit.

"We'll get you settled in at the hotel so you can freshen up, then we'll collect you later and bring you to the ranch for supper," Adam said.

A hint of color appeared on Beth's cheeks. "Tomorrow is fine, there's no rush."

"Tonight is better," Adam countered with a smile.

Jamie watched the exchange with interest. He had never known Adam to have any female friends... let alone a pretty female friend who would come all the way to Sweetwater to visit his home. As a child Adam was always too busy studying to have many friends, save his brother and sister.

"Tonight then," said Rudy, determined to make the decision so they could make their way out of the sun.

After they collected their cases Adam and Jamie took the visitors to the closest hotel. Jamie helped Rudy with their trunks and had to wait while Adam and Beth spoke quietly in the corner, no doubt finalizing the plans for their collection later that afternoon. She and Adam shared a smile before Beth nodded a hurried farewell. She and Rudy disappeared up the stairs.

Jamie was leaning against the wagon as Adam emerged from the hotel, placing his hat back on his head.

"What?" the younger man said in response to the grin on Jamie's face.

"Care to explain what's goin' on, doc?"

Adam took his seat on the wagon. "Can't a man have friends come visit sometimes?"

"Sure he can. Seems to me he could have telegraphed ahead to let his family know so's we could make room for 'em at home."

Adam was silent for a few moments. "Beth didn't it think it proper until Ma and Pa had met her. And Rudy," he added hastily.

"Uh huh," said Jamie, looking slyly at his brother who was avoiding his gaze.

"We wanted to do things properly." Adam's cheeks burned, and it had nothing to do with the hot sun. "Because I've asked Beth to marry me."

Jamie laughed as he congratulated him, clapping him on the back. "Oh, you're in for it now," he chuckled.

"What's wrong with getting married?"

"Oh, nothin' at all. But you're gonna have to tell Ma you went and got engaged without her knowin'."

Adam laughed, unsure what he was talking about, but then remembered that their mother hated being the last to know anything when it came to her children. Jamie grinned as he saw a hint of fear enter his brother's eyes.

"Welcome home, doc."

Chapter 2

Lou had given up pacing the porch of the ranch house while waiting impatiently for Adam's arrival. She made her way over to the corral where her husband and a couple of the ranch hands were selecting a few horses to be sold that afternoon.

She watched them for a while, admiring the stock. They were beautiful horses, the best in the area. Lou was proud of their ranch, proud of everything she and Kid had achieved since returning to Sweetwater some 22 years earlier. They had come a long way since then, created a successful business that afforded them a comfortable lifestyle, and raised their children. She almost forgot the early days of their marriage when they struggled to establish the ranch with their meager savings. They'd always been happy though, despite their hardships, and Lou knew things would be even better now that Adam was coming home for a visit.

In the corral Kid caught her eye and smiled, but she could barely return the expression as anticipation clouded her features. Kid slowly walked over to her, giving one of the ranch hands final instructions on which horses to ready for sale. He slipped his arms through the fence opposite his wife.

"Train's gonna be in soon, huh?" he said casually, knowing she had been growing more and more impatient for Adam's return since early that morning.

"Maybe," Lou replied with a hint of skepticism. "It could be delayed. Nate said it was more than half a day late last week."

"Jamie will get him here as fast as he can."

"I know. It's just it's been so long since we've seen him and these past few days have felt like weeks."

Kid exited the corral and slid his arm around her waist as he walked her back towards the house.

"It'll be nice havin' him home, won't it?"

Lou only managed half smile in response. She missed Adam terribly, for all that she was proud of his achievements. She hated that he was so far from home. She found it hard not to think of him as the small boy who'd always been by her side. Adam had always needed her more than her eldest son. Having almost lost him to illness as a boy, Lou had been especially protective of him. Now he was all alone in a big city and she worried about him, concerned that he wasn't taking care of himself because he was studying so hard.

The yelling of two boys broke her reverie and she looked over at the youngest of her children - the only two who were still children, really, as Jamie and Adam were no longer in their teens and Charlie, her only daughter, had just turned seventeen.

Jake and Ethan were nine and ten, born less than a year apart when neither she nor Kid thought there would be any more children. After Charlie there were no pregnancies and Lou was content with her small brood. The boys' arrivals had certainly stirred things up at the ranch. They were the best of friends and the worst of enemies, more like twins with their secretive play and methods of communication that their older siblings did not share or had exhibited growing up.

"Boys, come on in the house now," Lou called to them. "Your brother will be home soon."

"Aw, Ma, can't we keep playin' 'til Adam gets here?" Ethan whined.

"You're both a mess, you need to get cleaned up."

"Do as your ma says," Kid intoned.

"Yessir," the boys replied. Ethan managed to dump a final handful of dirt down the front of Jake's shirt before he ran inside, his brother at his heels and promising revenge.

Kid smiled to himself and shook his head. Jake and Ethan were by far the wildest of their children, and would no doubt prove to be even more of a handful as they grew.

"Where's Charlie? Ain't she back yet?" Lou asked, scanning the yard for their daughter.

"She's still out ridin', I ain't seen her since breakfast."

"I told her not to stay out long, she knows Adam is due in soon," said Lou, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

Though she wouldn't admit it, Charlie had grown up so much like Lou that there was often conflict between mother and daughter. Charlie, having been raised with only brothers, had always been a tomboy. Even now as she entered womanhood she refused to conform to ladylike behavior that would certainly have allowed her to fit in more with the other girls in town. Lou had experienced a similar sort of ostracism during her days of riding for the Pony Express and, while she wholeheartedly supported and encouraged her daughter's independence, she also wanted her to have friends. Charlie was more at home with the horses than any of the girls she had gone to school with. Lou knew she was lonely.

"It's all right, here she is now," Kid said, nodding towards the rider cantering towards the house.

Within a few moments Charlie drew her favorite horse up at the hitching post and slid from the mare's back. She was completely disheveled and dusty, her dark hair sticking out messily from beneath Lou's old hat which Charlie had appropriated over the years.

"Is he here yet?" Charlie asked breathlessly as she looped the reins over the post.

"Not yet," replied Lou, casting a critical eye over Charlie's dirty pants and shirt that she always wore riding. She rarely wore anything else, at least while she was on the ranch. "You're plannin' to change, I hope."

"Of course, Mama," Charlie tutted. The last thing she wanted was to get into an argument about her clothes again. She was too excited about Adam's return to worry about such trivial matters.

"How was your ride, sweetheart?" Kid interjected, ever the peacemaker.

"It was wonderful, Papa, we made it all the way to the bluff and she was barely out of breath. Were you, Skydancer?" Charlie petted her mare's neck affectionately.

"I'll get her brushed down while you go change," her father offered.

"Thank you." Charlie grinned and kissed his cheek before running into the house.

"And put on a skirt, Charlotte!" called Lou after her, but she knew Charlie wouldn't.

Kid hid the smile that had formed on his lips when Lou sighed in exasperation at their daughter. It wouldn't pay to remind Lou that she had been just as stubborn about such things not so long ago.

"I'll see you inside," he said as he unhitched Skydancer from the rail. "And don't worry, Lou, it won't be long now."

"I know, he'll be here soon." Lou tried to smile but her eyes were busy watching the horizon for the first sign of a wagon. Only then, once she had seen Adam for herself, would she be happy.

Chapter 3

Adam's arrival at the ranch was a boisterous affair, thanks to Ethan and Jake who yelled their hellos from their bedroom window on the top floor of the ranch house. Soon Adam was enveloped by his parents and siblings who all hugged him and started firing questions at him so all he could do was laugh and say how much he'd missed them all. Once they'd finally gotten inside and Adam had detached his two youngest brothers from his legs (who were already asking about presents he might have brought them), he sat down in the parlor with a happy smile plastered on his face. He was finally home.

"You look tired," Lou commented, handing him some lemonade and sitting beside him.

"I'm fine, Ma," replied Adam patiently.

"You're not workin' too hard, are you?"

"He's fine, Mama," Charlie interrupted from her place on Adam's other side. "Did you see my sorrel in the corral? That's Skydancer."

Before Adam could open his mouth to respond, his father spoke. "How's St. Louis? And the college?"

"Busy," Adam said with a sigh. "Truth is I'm glad to be home, even if it's only for a couple of weeks."

"I knew it, you have been workin' too hard," said Lou.

"What did you bring us?" Jake asked as he started unstrapping Adam's trunk, Ethan providing instructions on how to undo the clasps.

"What makes you think I brought anything for you two?" Adam grinned as he got up to join them.

"Aw, Adam you always do!"

"All right, let's take a look." Adam knelt down in front of the trunk and dug around inside for a few moments. Then he withdrew a couple of leather bound books which he presented to Jake and Ethan.

The boys accepted the items with some disappointment.

"This is The Swiss Family Robinson, and this one is brand new: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. They should suit your adventurous yearnings," Adam said.

"Thanks," Ethan replied half-heartedly. Both boys preferred the dime novels their Uncle Cody sent them regularly - ones that usually featured Cody himself and that he'd autographed for the boys. Long, boring books were another matter entirely.

"Here you go, don't forget these too." Adam grinned as the boys cheered when they saw the bags of candy he had also brought them - city-bought, fancy candy you couldn't get in Sweetwater. Both boys raced upstairs to explore their loot, shouting their thanks to Adam as they did so.

For Charlie he had brought a large mortar and pestle.

"Thought you could use this for the poultices you make for the horses," he explained. "They're the same ones we use at college."

"I love it," Charlie gasped at the handsome gift.

Adam finished handing out gifts to the rest of the family, not forgetting Mrs. Greig, their housekeeper. She rewarded Adam with a kiss on the cheek and the promise of his favorite dessert for supper.

"Are you hungry? Or would you prefer to rest a little?" Lou asked, still fussing over him.

"Actually, I'd just like to sit here a while and enjoy being home," said Adam as he took his seat on the couch once more.

In the corner of the room, Jamie finished his glass of lemonade and fixed his brother with a mischievous grin, dimples appearing on his cheeks.

"Why don't you tell them your news, doc?"

Adam immediately blushed.

"What news?" Lou asked eagerly. She was hoping perhaps he'd decided to finish his medical studies with Dr. Browne, the town doctor, which meant he would be home a year earlier from college than originally planned.

"I wanted to tell you later, over supper," Adam said hesitantly, shooting his brother a 'thanks for nothing' glare. "I've brought some friends from St. Louis with me. They wanted to meet you all and see Sweetwater."

"Where are they?"

"In town, at the hotel, but if it's all right with you, Ma, I'd like to bring them home for supper tonight."

"Of course it is," Lou replied as she refilled his glass from the pitcher of lemonade. "Who are these friends of yours?"

"Do you remember my friend from medical school, Rudy Betts?"

"You've mentioned him in a few letters. He's the one whose family you stayed with over the holidays?"

"That's right," Adam continued, increasingly embarrassed. "In fact, I've been spending a lot of time with the family. Rudy and his sister, especially."

"It's good to have friends in the city," Kid commented.

Lou's eyes suddenly narrowed at the mention of a sister. Adam had not included any reference to her in his letters home.

"Rudy has a sister?" she asked.

"Yes, Elizabeth. Beth." Adam smiled nervously. "She and Rudy both came on the train with me."

Lou just raised an eyebrow in response.

"The thing is, Beth and I are engaged to be married."

"What?" Lou cried, drawing her breath in sharply.

"Married?" Charlie asked in surprise.

"That's right." Adam glanced between his sister and mother who seemed shocked at the news. Jamie just grinned from his chair in the corner. It was his father who broke the awkward silence.

"Congratulations, son!" Kid pulled Adam from his seat and hugged him tightly. Charlie reluctantly followed suit. Lou, however, remained on the sofa.

"Isn't it excitin' news, Lou?" Kid asked her pointedly when she still had not spoken.

"When are you plannin' to get married?" she inquired instead.

"Not until next year, after I graduate."

"That's a good idea," Kid nodded. "Isn't it, Lou? And we'll meet her this evenin'?"

"I'll fetch them both from town a little later on, after they've had a chance to freshen up." Adam glanced down at Lou, all too aware that she still hadn't responded. "If you're sure it's all right, Ma."

Lou tried to smile but her expression was hardly joyous. "Of course it is."

"Thank you."

Lou finally stood and straightened Adam's collar. "Congratulations," she said as cheerfully as she could. "This is certainly big news."

"I know, I didn't mean to surprise you all. But you'll love Beth, you'll see."

Lou's lips twitched again but no smile was forthcoming this time. It was hard to believe that Adam - her gentle, shy Adam - had gone and gotten engaged. It was the last thing she'd expected and couldn't help but be disappointed that the welcome home family dinner she'd been planning for weeks would now include two strangers… one of whom was going to be her daughter-in-law. Lou suddenly realized she had better check in with Mrs. Greig to ensure everything was in readiness. It was as good an excuse as any to remove herself from the room.

"I'll just go and see to dinner… We'll need to set a couple of extra places."

"Thanks, Ma." Adam kissed her cheek, wanting her to be okay with his decision.

As Lou left the room, Adam was faced with a grumpy looking Charlie who was also not entirely pleased that her brother's attention was to be diverted during his visit home.

"What do you want to go and get married for?" she asked with disdain all too evident in her voice. Adam just sighed.

Chapter 4

Supper that evening was a tense affair. The whole family sat around their large dining table, which was a rare occurrence, dressed in their Sunday best, which was even rarer. After Kid welcomed their visitors with a short toast, the only sound to be heard was the clinking of cutlery on china. Beth glanced around at the family she was marrying into and grew even more unsettled than she had been arriving at the ranch for the first time.

"I hope your trip wasn't too hard," Kid said in an attempt to get the conversation started.

Beth looked down the table at him and realized that, although the statement had been addressed to both herself and Rudy, her brother was too busy eating to respond.

"It was quite an adventure," she replied a little timidly. "I've never traveled so far from home before."

"There was plenty to see, wasn't there?" Adam chimed in after another silence had fallen.

Never one to be particularly verbose, Adam was struggling to make small talk and looked hopefully to the others to take the lead. Unfortunately his mother had only been coolly polite upon meeting Beth and Rudy, and had said very little since. Charlie was openly out of sorts and resentful at having been made to wear a dress for the occasion. Even Ethan and Jake, usually talkative, had picked up on the uncomfortable atmosphere and were trying to eat as quickly as possible so they could leave the table.

"What are your plans while you're here, doc?" Jamie asked, when it was clear no one was going to comment further on the train trip to Sweetwater.

Adam wiped his mouth with his napkin. "Well, I'd like to show Beth and Rudy around the area."

"The ranch is very beautiful, from what I've seen," Beth said, directing her words to both Kid and Lou but only receiving a smiling acknowledgment from the former.

"Dr. Browne promised I could make some calls with him, and Rudy is interested in seeing how we do things out here. Isn't that right?"

"Oh, yes," replied Rudy, swallowing a large mouthful. "Our grandfather has a practice in St. Louis and I've only ever been exposed to work in the hospital. This should be quite… enlightening."

Lou bristled at the condescension in Rudy's voice, but Kid swiftly spoke up before she could counter with an acerbic retort.

"D'you ride, Miss Betts?"

"Oh… a little. That is, I used to as a girl but it's been some years since I've done much riding."

"Well, it ain't somethin' you forget," said Kid cheerily. "We've got plenty of gentle horses you could ride. I'm sure Charlie could take you out, show you around, while the boys are off with Doc Browne."

Charlie glowered at the offer and opened her mouth to protest.

"Couldn't you, Charlie?" Kid continued firmly, a smile still on his lips.

The girl would have argued, if not for the fact that she knew she wouldn't win. Her father would not stand for people being discourteous so instead she smiled falsely at Kid.

"Of course, Father."

"Good." Kid grinned at his daughter before picking up a serving bowl. "More potatoes, anyone?"

Jamie accepted the offer and passed the bowl onto Rudy who also helped himself.

"How are you findin' the hotel?" Jamie asked.

"Quite pleasant," Rudy replied magnanimously. "Certainly nicer than I'd anticipated. Although the noise from the saloon next door might prove disruptive if this afternoon's entertainment is anything to go by."

"Yeah, it can get lively," chuckled Jamie. "But don't worry, the marshal's office ain't but a few yards away. Although, it's more likely you'll find him in the saloon in the centre of the ruckus than not."

"It's not that bad," Adam told Beth quietly. "He's just teasing."

"The hell I am," Jamie said jovially, before bobbing his head briefly in apology to Beth for his language. "Deputies had to lock up Marshal Wallace in the jail last week to sleep it off, after he…"

"He was not locked up," Kid interjected before Jamie could add any colorful details. "They just wanted to keep an eye on him because he wasn't feelin' too well."

Jamie shook his head, laughing silently. He said no more, however, because the facts were not fit conversation for the dinner table, nor for mixed company.

"Town ain't that wild, Miss Betts," Kid went on. "But maybe you should both come stay here… We got the room, and it makes sense that you stay here. That way we can get to know you better."

Lou's knife and fork clattered onto her plate as she stared at her husband. He frowned back at her in response.

Beth blushed. "Oh, that's very kind of you, Mr. Morgan, but we're quite all right at the hotel…"

"No, Pa's right, Beth," said Adam, grinning in appreciation at his father.

Lou finally spoke up. "Adam, perhaps Miss Betts and her brother would be more comfortable where they are. After all, there's more to do in town."

"But we're only here for two weeks. And if Rudy and I are going on calls with Doc Browne…"

"There'll be company here for Beth," finished Kid.

"Really, we don't want to put anyone out," Beth continued helplessly. She knew very well that Adam's family was not entirely happy with the sudden news of their engagement.

"You won't be puttin' anyone out."

"I can sleep in the bunkhouse, so Adam and Rudy can have my room," offered Jamie.

"We can sleep in the bunkhouse too!" Ethan joined in.

"You'll stay in the house, the both of you," Lou replied sternly, which earned disappointed utterances from the two young boys.

"You can share with Charlie, Miss Betts," said Kid. "There's an extra bed in her room."

This was too much for Charlie. "But Papa!"

"But nothing… we have guests, Charlie." Kid ignored her indignant huff. "So, that's settled then. Adam can take you back to the hotel tonight so you can pack, and we'll collect you tomorrow to get you settled in."

Adam looked expectantly at Beth and she could not help but smile at the happiness the decision had brought him. He took her hand in his and squeezed it gently.

"If you're sure, Mrs. Morgan?" Beth asked finally, looking to the end of the table where Lou was silent once more.

Lou smiled but the expression did not reach her eyes. "Of course, we'd be pleased to have you stay with us."

Chapter 5

Later that night, Lou lay in bed wide awake. Every so often she would sigh audibly, loud enough that her husband could hear. When he didn't respond she glanced at him, barely able to make out his features in the darkened room. His eyes were shut but his breathing had not deepened into that of sleep, so she knew he was still awake.

"You gonna keep that up all night?" he said eventually, after another pointed sigh.

"What?" she replied softly, feigning innocence.

"I can hear your mind tickin' over from here." Kid kept his voice low so they wouldn't be overheard. "You're not upset I asked them to stay, are you? I should have checked with you first."

Lou was staring at the ceiling, her arms crossed over her chest.

"No, it was the right thing to do. We couldn't leave them at the hotel. Although I think it'll be a while before Charlie forgives you."

"Well, she's gotta get used to havin' a sister some time. Might as well be now."

Lou frowned at the mention of 'sister'. "Don't you think it's all a little sudden?"

"What?"

She sighed in frustration this time, knowing Kid was being purposely obtuse. "Adam gettin' engaged."

"No."

"He's too young."

"He's older than we were when we got married."

"That's different," she said dismissively. "He still has his studies to finish, set up a practice. He doesn't have a house of his own yet."

"Nor did we, if you recall."

"We don't know anythin' about her."

"I imagine that's why she and her brother have come to Sweetwater for a visit."

Annoyed that he was determined to counter her protestations with rational responses, she argued: "Well, what if she doesn't like it here? Sweetwater's a sight different to St. Louis. What if she asks Adam to stay there?"

Kid thought about this for a moment, shifting onto his back too. "I guess Adam will have to make that decision for himself. We can't keep him here."

"But he's always said he'd be a doctor here, close to the family."

"Sometimes things change, I guess." He looked at his wife, seeing the worry in her eyes. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Lou. He hasn't said anythin' about not comin' home. Give him some time."

Lou shifted closer to Kid, nestling against his chest as his arm drew around her.

"It wouldn't hurt if you were a little nicer to her, you know," he whispered.

"I was nice."

"You've barely said two words to her."

Lou knew he was speaking the truth, but she didn't like it. "Maybe I need some time, too."

"Fair enough." Believing his words had sufficiently reassured her and she was going to try and get some sleep, Kid pressed his lips to her temple and murmured a 'good night'.

"I still think he's too young," Lou announced after less than a minute's silence.

It was Kid's turn to sigh.

"Jamie's older and he's never even courted someone seriously," she continued.

"Jamie's too concerned with the ranch. It wouldn't hurt him to find someone and settle down."

"Why are you suddenly so keen to marry off your children? Next you'll be onto Charlie."

"Now that's different. She is too young."

"Same age as I was when we…"

"That's different," Kid repeated more firmly, which prompted a smile from Lou. She knew he wouldn't be so receptive to the notion of his only daughter leaving home. Kid's naturally protective nature would be in overdrive when that day came.

An unfamiliar wave of melancholy washed over Lou. Adam's announcement had upset everything - she had to face up to the fact that things were changing, their eldest children were grown now, and their family would never be the same again.

"Face it, Kid," Lou said softly, "we're getting' old."

"That we are… grandma," he replied teasingly.

Lou immediately raised herself onto one elbow, fixing him with a glare. "What did you call me?"

"Well, won't be long before there'll be grandchildren."

If not for the darkness she would have seen the twinkle in his eyes, but as it was Lou was in no mood for such a suggestion. She was shocked at the thought of becoming a grandmother; her two youngest children not even in their teens yet. Lou flopped back down onto the mattress with a huff and resumed staring at the ceiling.

"Go to sleep, Kid," she grumbled.

He smiled briefly as he rolled towards her, happy to do as he was asked. His arm snaked around her waist.

"Everythin' will be all right, you'll see," he murmured into her hair.

"Hope you're right," she replied softly, hugging him to her once more.

* * *

The next morning Lou took extra care when fixing her hair, checking for any grey that so far had failed to appear in her long dark locks. Kid, on the other hand, was graying around the temples, something she thought made him look distinguished even if it was a reminder that they weren't so young anymore. Satisfied she hadn't suddenly aged ten years overnight, she set her brush down.

"Grandma, humph," Lou said to her reflection, before going downstairs to join the rest of the family.

Chapter 6

Breakfast was almost over by the time Lou appeared the next morning. She had slept fitfully and, unusually for her, was the last one to join the family. Luckily their housekeeper had prepared a sumptuous breakfast for Adam, who Mrs. Greig decided needed fattening up before he went back to St. Louis. The delicious smell of fried bacon and fresh coffee greeted Lou when she reached the bottom of the stairs and she hastened her steps to the kitchen.

"Ma, we don't hafta go to school, do we?" whined Jake as soon as Lou appeared in the doorway."

"Good morning to you, too," she answered drolly, before accepting a cup of coffee from Kid. "And of course you do."

"But Adam only got home yesterday."

This argument, which clearly had had no affect on Kid, failed to move Lou as well. "He'll be here for two whole weeks so you'll have plenty of time with him."

"Besides," said Adam, trying to appease a disappointed Ethan too, "I'm going to see Doc Browne today, then I'm bringing Beth and Rudy back here to stay. We'll be home by the time school's out, then we can go riding. What do you say?"

"All right," Ethan grumbled, but neither boy was happy about it.

"Come on," Charlie said abruptly, "we're gonna be late."

Still annoyed that she would be sharing her room with Adam's fiancée, Charlie wasn't shy about making her feelings known. She gathered her books and lunch pail and didn't bother to wait for her younger brothers.

"Goodbye, sweetheart," Kid called after her, but Lou just ignored her rudeness. In truth she shared her daughter's feelings.

Jake and Ethan bid their parents goodbye then hurried to catch up with Charlie. After they were gone, Jamie returned from the stables where he had already been working for an hour.

"Horses are saddled and ready to go, Pa," he said. Jamie spied Adam at the table and gave his tie a playful tug before helping himself to a couple of strips of bacon from his brother's plate. "Nice suit, doc."

Adam couldn't help but grin and decided to take the compliment, even if it was sarcastic. "Thank you. Where are you off to?"

"We're givin' Ben Ashmore a hand with some new stock," Kid replied. Ben was one of their neighbors and a friend of Kid and Lou's.

"Give him my best," Adam said, trying unsuccessfully to fend off Jamie's bacon thievery.

"Bring him back for supper, if he'll come," said Lou. She knew Ben, a widower who lived alone on his small cattle ranch, was unlikely to join them as he usually kept to himself. But if he did decide to come there would be an extra person at dinner besides their new houseguests, which suited Lou just fine.

"I will." Kid kissed the top of her head as he passed. "See y'all later."

Jamie snatched a last piece of bacon from Adam's plate and quickly followed his father. "See ya, doc."

Lou and Adam shared a smile. After the noise of the whole family the kitchen was suddenly quiet. She sipped her coffee and regarded her son, pleased to see him across the table from her once more. She had spent many hours like this with him, Adam's nose usually buried in a book while she did the accounts or wrote letters to Rachel in Denver or Emma, who was now all the way in San Francisco. None of her other children had much patience for sitting or studying, so Adam had been her regular companion. She sighed contentedly now that he was back.

"You sleep all right?" she asked.

"Like a baby. I'd forgotten how quiet it gets here."

"Quieter than the city, that's for sure."

"St. Louis isn't so bad. You'll see when you come for my graduation ceremony."

"I suppose," Lou replied unconvincingly.

A small frown appeared on Adam's forehead. "You are still coming, aren't you?"

"Yes," she confirmed quickly, not wanting him to be concerned on that point. "Your Pa and I are looking forward to it. You know how proud we are of you… we wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Good." Adam paused, contemplating whether or not he should discuss his plans at that moment, given Lou's reaction to his engagement. But he'd always been able to tell his mother anything and Adam didn't want that to change now. "Beth and I would like to be married there right after. Her grandfather wouldn't be able to travel as far as Sweetwater, so we thought, with you and Pa already there for graduation, the timing would be perfect."

Lou slowly set her coffee mug down and said nothing. Meeting Adam's fiancée was one thing, but wedding plans were quite another. She pressed her lips into a firm line, remembering Kid's words from the previous night and forcing herself not to voice her true feelings on the matter.

Adam's expression softened. "I guess I surprised you all, huh? About Beth."

"You could say that," Lou replied ruefully. She tried to keep her voice even as she continued. "Why didn't you write us about her?"

"I wanted to tell you in person… I wanted you to meet her when I did." Adam looked her in the eyes, needing to know what she was really thinking. "You're happy for me, aren't you, Ma?"

Indecision flashed across Lou's face. "Of course I am, it's just… I don't see what the rush is."

"We're not rushing - it'll be another year before I graduate. Beth and I both decided to wait until then."

"And what about after? You still comin' back to Sweetwater when you're a doctor?"

"Of course I am." The realization suddenly dawned on him. "Wait, is that what you're worried about?"

Lou got up to serve Adam some more breakfast. "Beth's used to livin' in St. Louis. What if she doesn't like it here?"

"Why wouldn't she like it here?" He ignored the food and leaned forward intently. "Besides, Beth knows how much it means to me to come back here. This is my home."

Lou sighed. "But you'll have a new home, Adam. A wife. You'll have to think about what she wants too. And if she decides Sweetwater isn't for her…"

"Ma, you're worrying for nothing, I promise."

"I hope you're right. And I hope for Beth's sake she likes it here." Lou knew Adam would soon change his mind if his wife was miserable, and he would take her back to the life she had always known in the city.

"I know she will, especially if my family makes her feel welcome," he said pointedly. "You'll see."

Lou smiled, duly chastised. She reached across the table to grasp his hand. "I missed you, son."

"I missed you too, Ma," said Adam, placing his other hand over hers.

* * *

Before the morning was out, Adam had collected Beth and Rudy from town and helped them settle into the ranch house. Lou forced herself to be as welcoming as she could bear, ensuring Beth had everything she needed, which earned her a grateful kiss on the cheek from Adam.

That afternoon, as Rudy suffered from a hay fever attack and bemoaned the country air, Adam took Beth for a walk down to the creek which ran through the property. It was the first time they'd been alone since their arrival and Beth was relieved to escape the house, still nervous about being accepted. Adam wanted to show her their favorite fishing hole growing up, and other places where he had spent his childhood. Beth held onto his arm and listened to his stories, noticing how animated he became when he told her about Jamie and Charlie and the things they had gotten up to.

Once they left the creek they walked in silence for a few minutes before Adam nodded at a small group of trees.

"There it is," he said softly, leading her over.

Beth looked down at the few gravestones placed beneath the shady trees. Adam indicated one which read "Aloysius 'Teaspoon' Hunter", with 1881 inscribed beneath it. She had already heard all about Teaspoon, the man Adam called his grandfather, and she knew how much he meant to him. They stood by the grave in silence for a few moments.

"He would have loved to have met you," Adam said finally, squeezing her hand as it rested on his arm.

"I take it he was something of an aficionado when it came to wives," Beth replied with a grin.

"Oh, absolutely."

"Do you think he would have approved?"

"Of you?"

Beth nodded slightly, a blush appearing on her cheeks. Adam faced her squarely.

"Teaspoon would have heartily approved of you," he said, his voice full of emotion.

Beth dropped her gaze. "I wish the rest of your family would."

"They do…" Adam assured her, then remembered the awkward dinner the previous night. "They will, just give them time."

"How can you be so sure?"

Adam sighed, gazing over her shoulder at his family's ranch which stretched as far as the eye could see. "Because you belong here too."

She smiled, pleased at his words. His eyes met hers, his gaze deepening.

"They'll love you… just like I do."

Adam sealed his promise with a kiss.

* * *

Chapter 7

Beth and Rudy were soon settled into the ranch and the Morgan family had the opportunity to get to know Adam's future wife. Both Kid and Jamie found her friendly, if a little quiet, and very different from Charlie and her tomboy ways. Beth kept house for her grandfather and brother and was used to taking care of things, whereas Charlie had little time for anything but horses. It was clear the two young women had very little in common.

Ethan and Jake, however, were immediately taken with Beth when they realized that she knew stories about pirates and shipwrecks and other exotic things, and could retell them, complete with engaging, animated voices. A voracious reader, it had been Beth who had selected the books Adam had brought them from St. Louis, but they did not hold this against her after she offered to read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to them.

Lou was doing her best to accept Beth and had to admit she was likeable and her shyness only made Lou remember what an awkward position she was in - trying to be accepted by what was to be her new family. Still, her sympathy for Beth's situation did not stretch so far that she completely accepted her, and Lou held firmly onto her reservations about Adam's engagement.

"I think it's wonderful news," her friend Melanie announced as soon as Lou told her.

"Traitor," Lou replied grimly.

Melanie laughed as she peered through the lace curtains of Lou's parlor, looking at Beth who was watching Jake and Ethan playing in the yard.

"I think she's charming. And quite a beauty," Melanie went on despite Lou's apathy. Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "I imagine she'll make beautiful babies."

"Don't you start too," Lou warned her.

"What?" Melanie said innocently, as she walked towards the kitchen to freshen their teapot. She threw Lou a look over her shoulder. "Grandma!"

Melanie ducked into the kitchen before a well-aimed cushion could find its target.

* * *

While Adam and Rudy spent time with Dr. Browne, seeing real patients and learning from the man who had practiced medicine in the West for 30 years, Beth spent her time contentedly reading and sewing while everyone else went about their usual business. Jake and Ethan had taken to monopolizing her time as soon as they returned from school, but she was happy to entertain herself in their absence. There were numerous visits from neighbors and townspeople who arrived at the ranch to call on Lou, but Beth had so little to say on those occasions that she had taken to disappearing into the yard of a morning so she could avoid them.

It was there on the porch that Jamie found her, a few days after her arrival. Beth was reading, the family's cat purring in her lap as she scratched its ears absently. Being Saturday, Lou had taken the younger boys into town to pick up supplies, but she had chosen to remain behind.

"Mornin'," Jamie said brightly, pulling his hat from his head.

"Good morning, Jamie." Beth smiled warmly, happy to see him. "You must have been up early again this morning. I missed you at breakfast."

"Yep, best time of day if you ask me. I like to ride out early and check the horses." Jamie remained in the yard, not wanting to get too close to her in his sweat-soaked shirt. Although only mid-morning, the fierce sun was making it hot work.

"Enjoyin' your book?" he asked, when he could think of nothing else to say.

"Very much. It's Adam Bede. Have you read it?" she asked enthusiastically. "I do enjoy George Eliot's writing."

"Never heard of him."

"Her," Beth corrected automatically, then grew embarrassed when she realized how pretentious she might appear to him.

"I was never much for readin' meself," Jamie shrugged, not concerned in the slightest. "Prefered workin' to schoolin', unlike that brother of mine."

"Oh," she replied softly, but was relieved when he didn't appear to think her rude.

"I thought Charlie was takin' you ridin' today." Jamie glanced around and saw Charlie in the corral closest to the house, brushing down her mare.

Beth stammered an excuse but Jamie was already calling his sister over. Charlie approached the house at his request but a scowl appeared on her face when she rounded the corner and saw that Jamie was talking to Beth.

"Ain't you takin' Beth for a ride today, while Adam's out with Doc Browne?" he asked sternly, but it was more of a statement than a question.

"I got chores," Charlie said sullenly.

"You don't got, I mean… have any chores that can't wait. We've got company." Jamie, his hands on his hips, spoke authoritatively, which rankled Charlie even more.

"Oh, quit showin' off. Why don't you take her ridin', if you're so full of manners!" Charlie yelled, before turning on her heel and stalking away.

"Charlotte Rachel Morgan, come back here!" Jamie sighed angrily at her departing back, but she ignored him. He glanced back at Beth, and this time it was his turn to be embarrassed. "I'm sorry about my sister."

"It's all right," Beth assured him. She was used to Charlie by now, having only received a few words from the girl in the past few days, which was quite a feat considering they were sharing a bedroom. Beth had tried to make conversation but Charlie showed little interest in becoming friends.

"She's been missin' Adam and I guess…"

"She didn't think she'd have to share him with any outsiders," Beth finished for him. "I understand."

Jamie smiled in admiration of her understanding and patience - he knew Charlie was not an easy person to live with when she was out of humor. He changed the topic instead. "So, what do you think of the place? What little you've seen on foot anyway."

Beth's face lit up. "It's beautiful. It's everything Adam described."

"Must be different from what you're used to." "It is that," she admitted. "But I understand Adam more now, having seen the ranch. And meeting the family, of course."

"Well, we're glad to have you here," Jamie said, before replacing his hat back on his head.

He was about to excuse himself in order to get back to work when Kid marched a very recalcitrant Charlie back over to the porch.

"Miss Betts, Charlie would be pleased to take you ridin' to show you around," Kid stated calmly, despite the thunderous look in his daughter's eyes.

"That's very kind, thank you, Mr. Morgan," Beth stated in response. "But I'm still rather tired from our journey. Charlie, would you mind if we postponed our ride? Maybe in a few days' time?

"Fine with me," Charlie grunted, but after a stern look from Kid she threw Beth tight-lipped smile to appease him.

"If you're sure," Kid said.

"I am, thank you. And I wish you'd call me Beth."

Kid smiled genuinely. "All right. Come on then, Charlie, you can help Jamie and me with the horses."

He nudged his daughter and they made their way back towards the corral. Jamie stayed behind for a moment and tipped his hat at Beth in recognition of her covering for Charlie. He admired her fortitude if nothing else - she wasn't about to let Charlie intimidate her. Jamie grinned, wholeheartedly approving of his brother's choice of a wife.

* * *

Adam and Rudy returned to the ranch a few hours later, and while Rudy disappeared inside the house to recover from the heat, Adam took a seat beside Beth on the porch.

"What did you get up to with Dr. Browne?" she asked.

"Oh, we set a broken leg. A cowboy fell from his horse."

Beth raised her eyebrows in surprise. "I didn't think cowboys did that."

"He was drunk as a skunk at the time," Adam admitted, chuckling. "And riding backwards down the main street when the mail coach arrived."

Beth smiled, looping her arm in his.

"What about you? How is your day going?"

"It's been fine, thank you." A silence settled between them as Adam stretched his legs out before him.

"Your sister doesn't think much of me," Beth went on eventually.

"Of course she does." After seeing the look of disbelief that Beth shot him, he tried again. "She just needs time to get to know you. Charlie hasn't had many female friends. She grew up with four brothers, so she's always just been one of the boys."

"Something tells me she'd be quite happy without a new sister."

"She'll come round. I promise."

A faint smile appeared on Beth's lips as she leaned forward to kiss him. Then she rested her head on his shoulder. "You should spend some time with her, just the two of you. She misses you."

Adam rested a cheek on the top of her head. "What about you?"

"I'm fine. Besides I see more of you in St. Louis than your family does here. You should be spending time with them." She pulled back to gaze lovingly at him. "Besides, we have the rest of lives to be together, remember?"

"Have I told you how brilliant you are, Elizabeth Betts?" Adam asked, eyes shining. "And kind and smart and beautiful?"

"I don't believe you have, not today anyway. But we have the rest of lives for that too," she grinned.

* * *

Chapter 8

During lunch the next day the family was just sitting down to eat when a visitor arrived. Lou rose from the table to find Ben Ashmore standing inside the front door, looking apologetic.

"Ben, this is a surprise."

"I'm sorry to trouble you folks," their neighbor replied, venturing no further into the house.

Kid joined his wife and was about to invite him to join them when Ben removed his hat and they saw the dried blood covering his left ear.

"Are you all right?" Lou said with a start. "Adam!"

Soon the entire family was clustered around an embarrassed Ben who was ushered into the parlor. Lou pulled the younger boys back so Adam could inspect the wound on his skull.

"What happened?" asked Kid, concern etched in his voice.

Ben winced as Adam touched the swelling above his ear. "Fella stopped by my place wanting to water his horse. He started making conversation, then as soon as I looked away he cracked me on the head with his rifle. When I woke up Red was gone."

At the mention of their neighbor's treasured stock horse which she had long admired, Charlie made a sympathetic noise. It caught Ben's attention, but he averted his gaze as soon as he caught her eye.

"I've had him more'n 15 years. Ain't no other horse like him."

"You ever seen this fella before?" continued Kid.

"Nope."

"Did he take anythin' else?" Lou asked.

"Didn't wait around to find out. Soon as I came to I started tracking him. He cut across your south paddock, so I figured he's following the creek."

Jamie stepped forward. "How's his head, doc?"

"Not too bad. It could do with a few stitches," Adam said, moving back to allow Rudy to also take a look. "We can take you into town to Doc Browne's."

Ben shook his head. "Can't you do it?"

Adam paused only briefly before nodding. "You sure?"

"Sooner I can get after that damn… Oh, excuse me," Ben murmured, noticing an unfamiliar woman in the small crowd before him.

"You haven't met my fiancée, Beth. And this is her brother Rudy. We're in school together."

"Ben Ashmore," he said a little awkwardly, not used to so many people paying him attention. "Er, congratulations."

"Thank you, Mr. Ashmore," replied Beth just as uneasily. It seemed a wholly inappropriate time for small talk. "I'm sorry to hear about your horse." After a brief discussion with Adam, Rudy collected his medical bag from the kitchen and started laying out the necessary instruments on the sofa next to Ben.

"Charlie," Lou instructed, "take Jake and Ethan on into the dinin' room and finish your lunch."

"But we wanna stay and watch, Ma!" cried Ethan, fascinated by the thought of his brother stitching up someone's head.

"Go on," Lou insisted, to the boys' disappointment. Beth took the lead and ushered them from the room, followed by Charlie.

Jamie clapped a gentle hand on Ben's shoulder, before looking up at his father. "Pa, I'll go get our horses."

Kid nodded. "Reckon we can still catch him?"

"I reckon so." Ben looked away as Adam began to work on the injury. "He looked like he hadn't stopped all night, which is why I offered him food and water for both him and his horse."

"You should have some help around the place," Lou chastised Ben with a familiar suggestion that had always fallen on deaf ears.

"I get help come mustering time when I need it."

Lou shook her head. Ben had lived alone on his small property since his wife had died in childbirth a decade earlier, and no amount of needling could convince him that he needed anyone else around. They managed to have him join them for an occasional meal but other than that Ben always kept to himself, unless a neighbor needed assistance. Then Ben Ashmore was the first to pitch in and help.

Ten minutes later, his head stitched and hastily bandaged by the two medical students, Ben was impatient to leave. Angry at himself for allowing the stranger to get the jump on him, he wasn't about to lose his best horse. He ignored Adam and Rudy's suggestion that he should rest instead, and was soon ready to go.

"Your father and brother are going too?" Beth asked Adam, when she saw the three men saddling up in the yard.

"Yep."

"Oughtn't someone go for the marshal?"

Adam smiled faintly at her. "There's no time to go all the way into town. They'll be lucky to catch him as it is."

"And if they do?"

"Horse theft's a hanging offence."

Beth blanched at the thought. "They'll hang him? Can they do that, even if they're not the law?"

"It's the way things are done out here. Pa and Jamie are deputized often enough when the marshal needs a posse to track down an outlaw."

Adam placed his arm around her as she looked unsettled at the notion. He hadn't considered that something that was so natural in the world in which he'd been raised could be so alien to her.

"Do you ever get deputized?" Beth asked, unable to hide the worry in her voice.

Adam squeezed her waist reassuringly. "No. Not me."

"I'm glad," she replied with relief, not noticing the look that passed through Adam's eyes as he watched his father and brother prepare to ride out.

Lou handed all three packages of food before they left. Beth noticed Kid hold onto his wife's hand a little longer than necessary, although no words passed between them. She wondered how anyone could get used to sending her husband and son into potential danger. Judging by the look on Lou's face, however, Beth realized that she probably hadn't.

"Ride safe," was all Lou said quietly, before going back inside the house.

* * *

They did not return until the next morning. Beth had woken later than usual and entered the kitchen to find Kid, Jamie and Ben sitting at the breakfast table. They'd washed hastily so they could eat the hearty breakfast laid out before them. With Adam and Rudy nowhere in sight, no one paid much attention to Beth as they listened to what had happened. Lou did stop long enough to motion her to a chair and pour her a cup of coffee, even managing to flash her a brief smile.

"How long did it take to catch him?" Lou prompted impatiently, as the men were more interested in eating for the moment.

"Five, six hours maybe," replied Kid. "Lucky for us he decided on an early night and we found him camped right by the creek."

"Passed out drunk, more like," Jamie continued with a grin. "Fella barely knew who he was by the time we caught up with him."

"Turns out he found my whisky jug," said Ben. "He was more interested in drinking the whole lot than putting much distance between him and us."

"And Red was all right?" asked Charlie eagerly.

Ben smiled slightly. "Old Red is fine. Though I'd say he was right pleased we found him. I don't 'spose that young fella treated him too well."

"I'm glad. I'll go check on him, if you like."

Charlie grinned when Ben gave her a brief nod. She ran out the back door to the stable where he was currently being tended to by the ranch hands.

Lou and Kid shared a look, then she ordered Jake and Ethan out of the room.

"Go get ready for school, you're gonna be late." Lou waited until she heard them clomping up the stairs before turning back to Kid. "What did you do with him?"

Kid shrugged. "It was Ben's decision."

Beth bit her lip, not quite able to believe that the three men before her could have taken someone's life. She was not used to being around men who had to make those kinds of decisions.

"He was just a boy," said Ben.

"And a horse thief," Kid countered. "He could've been on the run from the law, for all we knew. And he could've killed you, hittin' you in the head like he did."

"But he didn't. Always did have a thick skull."

Jamie wiped at his mouth with a napkin, and addressed Beth as Ben and his father continued their friendly bickering. "He let him go. Told him he was lucky he wasn't gonna be swinging from the end of a rope."

Beth breathed a sigh of relief. Lou smiled at Ben, although she wasn't surprised by his decision. She knew Kid would have made the same one if he were in Ben's shoes, for all his arguments to the contrary. They knew all too well what it meant to take another man's life. v "I just wanted my horse back, and I got him," Ben said, as he got to his feet. "And now I'd best get on back to my place."

"Ben, stay and rest at least," insisted Lou. "Adam's gone in to see Doc Browne but he'll be back soon, and he'll want to check your head."

"I can send over some of the boys to help out," Kid joined in. "They'll see to your horses and cattle."

"Much obliged, but I'm fine. I'd just as soon do it myself." Ben shook both Kid and Jamie's hands, and tipped his hat to the ladies. "Thanks for your help."

He made his way to the door before stopping to address Beth. "Would you thank that fiancé of yours for tending to my injury, Miss?"

"Of course, Mr. Ashmore." Beth smiled broadly which embarrassed Ben so much that made a hasty exit.

"You two should get some rest." Lou tugged playfully at Jamie's ear, only to have him swat her hand away.

"We made camp and slept fine, Ma," Jamie replied a little grumpily, all too aware that Beth was watching them with an amused expression.

"Sounds to me like someone could use some more sleep." Lou was just teasing him now.

"I'll be down in the stables," he glowered, but was unable to get away before his mother planted a kiss on his cheek, relieved to have him home in one piece.

* * *

Chapter 9

The rest of the week passed quickly… too quickly for Lou's liking. In a few short days Adam was due to return to St. Louis with Beth and Rudy, and it would be a year before he'd be home again. When he did return, and Lou still held out all hope that he would come home after he'd graduated, Beth would be coming with him.

As much as she hated to admit it, Lou knew she had been hard on Beth since her arrival at the ranch. She had been so afraid that her son would choose this woman above his family that she'd made the situation more difficult than it needed to be. While she still wasn't completely at ease with Adam's decision to marry as soon as he became a doctor, Lou knew that he and Beth loved each other, and they would make each other happy.

So it was with a measure of resignation and a little pride that she would attend that evening's church social with the whole family and their daughter-in-law to be. Beth had met most of their friends during the two weeks they'd been in Sweetwater, but tonight was the first time she and Adam would be attending a dance together as an engaged couple.

In the bedroom she shared with Charlie, Beth finished pinning up her blond hair and straightened her dress, wanting to look her best. She was worried that she might stand out too much - she'd noticed the differences in the clothes she wore from those of the other women in town. She'd quietly unpicked the flounces and ribbons from some of her dresses in an effort not to appear overly ostentatious. Beth was determined to fit in - it was to be her home in a year's time, after all.

"Bethy, help me with this, would you?" Rudy appeared at her door, struggling to tie his cravat.

"Here, let me." She smiled indulgently at her brother as she tied the material into a stylish knot, and wondering what he was going to do when she was no longer there to look after him and their grandfather.

"Remind me why we're attending this soirée?" Rudy said with undisguised disdain.

"Be nice."

"Really, you can't be looking forward to it. A church social?"

"We've been invited so we can meet the townspeople, and have them meet us," Beth reminded him patiently.

"Meet you, you mean." His cravat tied, Rudy look a step back and started buttoning his waistcoat over his expansive stomach.

"Best behavior tonight please, Dr. Betts."

Rudy rolled his eyes and was about to let loose with a tirade on the backwater town they were stuck in, when Charlie walked into the room. She stopped short when she saw them.

"Oh," she said, then her eyes narrowed in annoyance at having her bedroom invaded.

"I'm sorry, Charlie, we'll leave you to get dressed," said Beth apologetically. She hastened her brother out of the room. "Come along, Rudy."

Charlie took great satisfaction in closing the door more firmly than necessary, then pressed her back against it as she surveyed the room. Her mother had left a dress laid out on her bed, pale blue and simple, but it still left Charlie feeling aggrieved. She rarely went to the church socials and other dances, and when she did she spent the evening talking horses with the men in town, or watching out for her younger brothers. But tonight she was being forced to act like a proper young lady, all because of Adam and his silly fiancée. Her mother had even bought her a new dress for the occasion. Charlie didn't know who they were supposed to be impressing, and once again she resented Beth's presence in their lives.

In the preceding fortnight Charlie had been able to spend a few brief hours with Adam and told him everything she'd been saving up since his last visit home. But most of the time, when he wasn't with Doc Browne and Rudy, he was with Beth. Charlie was not used to sharing her brothers, especially Adam, to whom she'd always been particularly close. He was the one person who never teased her about her clothes or her tomboy ways. He took the time to listen when she talked, and worked with her on poultices and other remedies for the horses. But that was before. Now he had Beth, and Charlie knew that she would always come first.

She took her time dressing, wishing to delay the start of the evening's drudgery as long as possible. She tied back her straight, dark hair with a simple ribbon, and took no more care with her appearance until she saw the lace shawl peaking out of the top of Beth's trunk. Charlie hesitated before picking it up, knowing she shouldn't be going through Beth's things, but then it was her bedroom, she reminded herself. She removed it carefully so as not to disturb anything else.

Charlie was not particularly interested in clothes and other trappings of womanhood, but even she had to admit that it was a beautiful shawl. Made of cream-colored lace, its softness and intricacy was something Charlie had never felt or seen before. After a quick glance at the closed door, she slipped it around her shoulders and admired herself in the mirror. Charlie smiled shyly at her reflection - she was unused to seeing herself look so… normal, she guessed. Pretty, even. She was thus engrossed when Beth slipped back into the room.

"It looks wonderful on you, Charlotte," the older girl said, her eyes shining with sincerity.

Charlie whipped around with a start and, with cheeks burning, pulled the shawl off.

"Sorry," she mumbled, mortified she'd been caught.

Beth took a few steps forward. "Don't be, you look beautiful. Why don't you wear it tonight? It matches your dress perfectly."

"No, thank you," Charlie replied coldly. "I don't need to wear fancy things to impress everyone."

Beth sighed sadly. "Please, Charlie. I just wanted…"

Charlie didn't bother waiting for the rest of the sentence. She stalked past Beth and out of the room without another word.

* * *

Despite the unpleasantness with Charlie, Beth enjoyed herself at the dance. She talked with the ladies of the town who were so eager to meet the future wife of their town's young doctor-in-training. She danced with Adam and Jamie and Kid, and even ten-year-old Ethan who decided he was grown up enough to join in.

Jamie was in demand the most that evening, dancing with every eligible girl over the age of sixteen. Adam and Beth laughed at the inexhaustible energy he appeared to have, and the charming smile framed by two dimples that made him irresistible to every girl there. Even the widow Roberts, more than ten years his senior, was making eyes at Jamie that night, much to Adam's amusement.

But it was Beth and Adam who were center of attention, even though they were barely aware of it. The elder ladies smiled warmly at the young couple, so obviously in love, while Kid and Lou's friends passed on their congratulations and best wishes.

"I told you everythin' would be all right," Kid murmured into Lou's ear as they stood on the edge of the dance floor, surveying the crowd.

"He's not back for good yet, is he?" she replied through the smile that was starting to hurt her cheeks.

"No, but he will be. You know they will."

Lou sighed. She did know it. "The year will be up before we know what's happenin'. Then we still have to go all the way to St. Louis for the weddin'."

"Yes, we do."

"I don't see what's wrong with gettin' married here. I'm sure Rachel would come up from Denver, and all our friends…"

Kid pulled her gently onto the dance floor as a slow waltz started. They danced in each other's arms in silence, until Lou could hold her tongue no more.

"Jamie's already said he'll stay behind to run the ranch while we're gone, and Charlie's flat out refusin' to go."

Kid smiled secretively. "Maybe Jake and Ethan should stay here too. We wouldn't want them to miss too much school."

A real smile teased Lou's lips. "What are you proposin', Kid?"

"Who me? Nothin'," he replied innocently.

"You're plannin' somethin', I know you."

"You'll just have to wait and see won't you." He kissed her lips lightly and kept on dancing.

Suddenly a year seemed a long way away for Lou.

* * *

When it came time to leave, the entire family was at the train station to see Adam off. Ethan and Jake, while sad to see their brother and Beth go, were so excited to be missing school that they set about exploring the train carriages and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Lou didn't bother remonstrating their behavior, she was too busy spending what little time she had left with Adam. As always he promised to write and not to study too hard. Rudy was the grateful guardian of a fully packed hamper of food from their housekeeper that promised to keep all three of them well fed on the overnight journey.

All too soon the conductor blew his whistle and announced the train would be leaving in five minutes. Lou finally let go of Adam's arm so he could say goodbye to his father and siblings.

"Take care, doc," Jamie said and he briefly hugged his little brother.

"Watch it with the ladies, James," replied Adam jokingly, which earned him a shove to the shoulder.

Jamie pecked Beth's cheek and shook Rudy's hand before stepping back to allow the others to say their farewells. Charlie was in tears, though she was doing her best to hide it.

Adam embraced her lovingly. "Look after those horses, Charlie. And let me know how you finish up at school."

"I will," she replied between sniffs.

Lou took Beth's hand and was surprised when the girl kissed her cheek warmly.

"Thank you so much for having us stay, Mrs. Morgan, and for making me feel so welcome."

Embarrassed at the half-truth of the statement, she squeezed Beth's hand. "Have a safe journey. We'll see you in St. Louis soon."

Beth smiled, but Lou did not release her hand. She glanced down at her feet, before raising her eyes once more.

"Beth? Take good care of him," Lou said quietly and with some difficulty. She blinked away her tears.

"I will." Beth kissed her other cheek from sheer happiness that perhaps she had been accepted after all.

Adam moved to stand in front of his mother, then wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Ma," he whispered.

Lou didn't trust herself to respond. The conductor's whistle blew again and the last of the passengers stepped on board. Kid rescued Jake and Ethan from the carriage before they found themselves en route East, and they all stood waving on the platform as the train pulled away from the station.

The family stayed there until the last black carriage disappeared from sight.

* * *

The ranch house felt empty when they returned home. Kid and Jamie headed straight back to work, while the younger boys opted for the swimming hole before Lou had a chance to insist they do some school work. Lou wrapped her arm around Charlie's shoulder as they made their way inside the house, and for the first time in many years her daughter rested her head against her shoulder and didn't pull away.

"You have some homework to do?" she said, interrupting their companionable silence.

"A little," came the glum reply.

"Or we could go for a ride instead," suggested Lou. "You could show me how good that mare of yours is."

Charlie was surprised but nonetheless pleased at the idea. She couldn't remember the last time she and her mother had gone riding together.

"You'd better go change out of that skirt, though," Lou said with a grin.

"Give me a minute." Charlie ran ahead into the house without a moment's hesitation.

Up in her bedroom, which was once again hers and hers alone, Charlie changed quickly into her riding gear and was soon ready to go. It was then she saw the edge of the cream material sticking out from under her pillow. With a puzzled frown she lifted it to find Beth's shawl, wrapped in a pink ribbon. Charlie sat down on the bed, the dainty garment lying in her lap. She wondered for the first time that maybe it wasn't going to be so bad having a sister, after all.

Chapter 11

April 1885 - One Year Later

"Quiet!"

"Give me the presents, you'll drop 'em."

"Ow, Ethan, you're standin' on my foot!"

Kid hushed his children once more as they paused outside the bedroom door. He nodded to Jake who opened it and peered inside. His mother was still sleeping. Jake gave the others a quick nod and Kid, Jamie, Charlotte, Ethan and he slipped inside the room.

Kid knew she was only pretending to be asleep. No one could have slept through the ruckus in the kitchen as they prepared her traditional birthday breakfast in bed. But she kept up the charade, enjoying the annual treat that Jamie and Adam had started when they were little, and which all her children participated in every year.

"Okay, son," Kid nudged Jake, whose turn it was to wake the birthday girl.

The ten-year-old's response was to jump on the bed and yell 'Happy birthday!" at the top of his lungs, and he was soon joined by Ethan. Lou shrieked in mock surprise and sat up in bed to receive hugs and kisses and birthday wishes from her children.

"We made pancakes," Ethan said, as Kid deposited the tray onto her lap.

"Thank you, they look delicious," she replied, kissing Ethan once more.

"Open your presents first, Mama," ordered Charlie, as she produced a number of gifts.

Lou beamed, and accepted the presents. Jake and Ethan had made theirs, while Jamie and Charlie had pooled their money to buy her a gold locket.

"You shouldn't have," she gushed, allowing Charlie to fasten it behind her neck. "It's beautiful."

"Guess you'll have to choose your favorite now - you won't be able to fit a picture of all of us in there," said Jamie with a grin.

Kid produced a small gift from behind his back. "Here, Adam sent this from St. Louis."

Lou took it gratefully, pleased that he had remembered even though he was busy with final exams. She unwrapped the box to find a set of pearl earrings. She smiled through misty eyes as she read the enclosed card from her son.

"No cryin', it's your birthday," Kid said sternly.

Lou nodded and sniffed. "Adam and Beth send their love."

"Eat your pancakes!" cried Jake, hating to see their masterpiece go to waste.

Lou did not stop smiling as she sampled the chewy offering, thinking they were the best pancakes she had ever eaten.

Later, after she had dressed and was getting ready to start the day properly, Lou was surprised when Kid reappeared in their bedroom alone.

"I thought you were down in the stables," she said slyly, noting he was hiding something behind his back.

"I haven't given you your present yet," he replied, eyes twinkling.

She accepted a loving kiss from him which deepened until her hand snuck around behind his back and she plucked the envelope from his hand. Only then did she break the embrace.

"What do we have here?" she inquired in light voice.

Kid sighed, and threw up his hands. "Go on then, open it."

Unable to hide her grin, Lou took a seat on the bed, followed by Kid. She tore open the envelope without ceremony and read the contents of the piece of paper within.

"Kid," she breathed, after she realized what he'd done.

He grinned in response, glad to see his gift had the desired effect. "Well, I figured we're headin' to St. Louis for the weddin' next month, we might as well keep on goin'."

"New York?"

"You always said you wanted to visit a big city."

"I did…"

"Thought we could stop off and see Theresa along the way, and Jeremiah's promised to come up from Texas for a few days, if he can get away."

"We can see Theresa's new baby!"

"Uh huh. And after New York, maybe Washington, and I was hopin' we could take a trip through Virginia too."

Lou knew how much that would mean to him. She threw her arms around his neck and held him tightly. "Thank you. I love my present."

She drew back, looking at the paper once more. Only then did a small frown crease her brow. "All this will take some time."

"Yep, reckon we'll be gone several months."

"But what about-"

Kid cut her off. "It's all been planned. Jamie will run things here, and Charlie will look after Ethan and Jake. Now she's finished school she'll be able to spend more time helpin' Jamie too."

"But we can't go away for such a long time after Adam and Beth come home…"

"Adam and Beth will be settlin' into their own house - they don't need two old folks like us hangin' around."

Lou tried not to smile at the comment. "We're not old."

"No, and I'd like to see somethin' of the country before we are. Besides, it's not like we ever had a honeymoon. Thought it was about time we did."

That was true enough, Lou admitted. The weeks after they were married was such a tumultuous time, with their family being torn apart by the war and the untimely (or, more precisely, the timely) discovery that she was already pregnant with Jamie. The last thing they'd been able to do back then was think about a honeymoon. In subsequent years they'd been too busy with the ranch and babies to travel, and she'd almost forgotten her wish to visit a big city and stay in a fancy hotel. She was touched that Kid had remembered all these years.

"Guess we got some packin' to do. Won't be long before we leave," she said happily, taking his hands in hers. "I love you, Kid."

"Happy birthday, Lou." Kid kissed her once more.

* * *

During the train journey East, Lou's thoughts were consumed with her children in Sweetwater. Again she worried that Jake and Ethan were too young to be left in their sister's care, and Charlie too inexperienced to run the household. She even worried that Jamie would have difficulty managing the ranch and the other hands, until Kid reminded her that their eldest children were grown and could look after themselves, their younger brothers and the family business perfectly well. It wasn't until they drew closer to St. Louis that she remembered why they had left Sweetwater, and the fact she would be seeing Adam again after almost a year apart.

St. Louis was a bustling city, very different from the one Lou had known more than 25 years before. She had arrived in St. Louis on the stage after her escape from Wicks, and it was here that she had cut off her hair and disguised herself as a boy so she could find work, eventually joining the Pony Express. Lou didn't want those memories to cloud the reason for their journey to the city now. She was here for her son's graduation as a doctor and his marriage - a quiet victory over the difficulties of her youth.

Adam and Beth were at the station to meet them, both looking excited and happy that they had finally arrived. Lou was pleased to see the shadows were gone from under Adam's eyes - his studies were over and he would soon be a husband. She had never seen him looking so contented. Beth presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a kiss on the cheek, as if welcoming a long lost friend. Lou remembered her less than enthusiastic reaction when she first met Beth and felt a little ashamed. She realized that her concerns had been unfounded, as she really was a beautiful and charming young woman and they were lucky to have her join their family.

On the carriage ride to Beth's grandfather's house, Kid and Lou marveled at the sight of the Mississippi, the tall buildings and other delights of the city which were just a taste of what was to come when they got to New York. The Betts residence was a narrow but grand building in a well to do neighborhood. The ground floor was devoted to his medical practice but the upper two floors were for the family. Beth insisted they stay at the house rather than a hotel, and showed them to an impeccably decorated bedroom so they could freshen up after their journey.

Kid whistled as he looked around, feeling every bit the dirt farmer from Virginia. He and Lou had a comfortable life in Sweetwater, a large house with more nice things than he had never dreamed he would own. But in the city there was a level of luxury that neither of them was used to.

"Tell me again why we don't live in the city?" he wondered aloud.

Lou was similarly impressed by their surroundings, but she wasn't about to succumb to their charms. "Because after about five minutes you're gonna remember Sweetwater's where we belong. And all the fancy trappings of city life don't make up for belongin' somewhere."

Kid grinned at her commonsense philosophy. "Sure is nice to visit though, ain't it?"

"'Isn't it', darling," she corrected him jokingly and she brushed off his dusty jacket.

"I'm terribly sorry, do forgive me," he said properly. Both of them dissolved into giggles.

Once they were cleaned up and back downstairs to meet the rest of Beth's family, their joking mood was replaced by a hint of nervousness. Beth's grandfather was an imposing figure, with white, distinguished whiskers and a coolness about him that was a little intimidating. Lou marveled that Adam had been accepted into the family, but it was clear that the senior Dr. Betts had much respect for his granddaughter's fiancé.

"You have a remarkable son," he commented to Kid and Lou, as they each accepted a glass of champagne from a maid. "A natural healer."

"Thank you," replied Kid proudly.

"I suppose he's told you that I've asked him to stay and join Rudolf in my practice. I'll be retiring soon and I'd like them to take over."

"No, actually he hadn't," Lou said quietly, glancing across the room at Adam who was engaged in conversation with Rudy.

"He has more to learn, of course, but under my tutelage and with time at the hospital I believe your son would make a fine surgeon."

Lou stiffened - it was the very thing she had been dreading. For all his promises of coming home to Sweetwater she had always been afraid the lure of the city and its opportunities would prove too good pass up.

"Grandfather," Beth interrupted, having overheard the end of the conversation, "Mrs. Bell has arrived and is asking for you downstairs."

"Ah, my afternoon appointment. Would you excuse me?" Dr Betts asked politely.

Lou nodded vaguely in response as Adam came over to join them.

"You didn't tell us about Dr. Betts' offer," she said immediately, in a tone more accusatory than she meant.

A look passed between Beth and Adam. "Well, there wasn't much to tell, really," he replied.

"Adam has turned him down every time but he persists in asking," Beth explained. When she saw the look of worry in Lou's eyes, she laid a hand on her arm. "We've told Grandfather we're determined to make our home in Sweetwater."

Lou brightened at that, relieved.

"I admit he's still not very happy about it," Adam said regretfully. "But Beth can be quite determined when she wants to be."

Beth grinned at him, knowing full well that Adam would hate living in the city permanently. His time working at the hospital and in her grandfather's practice had proved to them both that he belonged out West where he was needed.

"Well, the house is all ready for you, even though we won't be there when you arrive. We've done up Teaspoon's old room for you. The bedroom at the back of the house," Lou explained to Beth, wanting to assure them of their privacy.

"Ma, you know we're planning on living in town. I need to be near Dr. Browne and the clinic."

"I know, it's just you'll need some time to get settled, find a place. In the meantime there's a room for you at home. There'll always be a room there."

"Thank you, Mrs. Morgan, we do appreciate it," Beth said.

"I think it's time you started callin' me Louise, don't you? It'll be confusin' havin' two Mrs. Morgans around."

"Yes, ma'am," Beth replied, pleased.

Adam took her hand and squeezed it lovingly.

* * *

A few days later Kid and Lou watched on proudly as Adam received his medical degree. He was further honored as valedictorian of his class, which Beth's grandfather seemed to take extra pride in. He threw a celebration for the graduating class and their families that night, so the house was filled with people. Dr. Betts formally welcomed Rudy to his practice and publicly made the same offer to Adam once more. Again he was refused, but he seemed to take it in good humor. He knew Adam's mind was made up, even if he thought it a waste of a good doctor to practice his craft on the wilds of the West.

Two days after that, Adam and Beth were married. It was a simple ceremony in a beautiful stone church which Kid and Lou marveled at. Adam had invited a few friends from medical school, but the congregation was mainly friends of the Betts family. Lou wished her own friends and family could be there too, but she reminded herself that there would be plenty of time to celebrate the marriage once Adam and Beth came home to Sweetwater. Having the actual wedding in St. Louis was a small sacrifice to make.

The newlyweds were to remain in St. Louis for a few days more in order to attend Rudy's wedding. He was marrying a young woman who had been a patient of their grandfather's, and Beth was relieved to be leaving both men with someone to look after them. It made the decision to make her home in Sweetwater all them much easier, as finally she would have a house of her own and, eventually, a family.

Kid and Lou were not staying for the second wedding, and were soon at the train station again for the next leg of their journey East.

"Give Aunt Theresa my best," Adam said as he kissed her goodbye.

"I will," replied Lou, starting to feel a little teary. She hated leaving them so soon.

"We'll see you in a few months," said Beth, radiating a sense of contentedness since her marriage.

"Don't let Charlie give you a hard time at the house. It's your home too," Lou told her, then unexpectedly hugged the young woman. She did the same to Adam. "We'll see you soon."

"Have a wonderful time in New York!"

"We will, if we ever get there." Kid grinned as he gently pulled Lou towards the train which was ready to depart.

They waved from the carriage as the train pulled away and Adam and Beth were swallowed up by the crowded platform.

Chapter 12

August 1885

They were due to return to Sweetwater on a Monday, but even though they'd both had a wonderful time on their trip, when the opportunity arose to take an earlier connecting train to Sweetwater, both Kid and Lou jumped at the chance. Saturday was always a busy day in town and Kid kept an eye out for anyone from the ranch in case they were there to collect groceries or feed. But in the end he had to borrow a wagon from the livery so they could transport their trunks which were filled to the brim with presents for the family.

Lou was bursting with excitement as they rounded the last bend in the road that led to the ranch. The site of the white timber house peaking out from behind the tree and the top paddock scattered with grazing horses filled her with a glowing sense of pride and relief they were finally home.

"Maybe we should've wired ahead," Kid said, when they saw no one in the corrals or the yard.

"It's better this way, it's a surprise," replied Lou, undeterred.

Kid geed up the horses as the distance to the house closed. The noise of the wagon caused a head to appear out the front door, followed by a yell from Charlie who spied her parents. Lou jumped down from the wagon before it came to a stop as Ethan and Jake emerged from the house at full run, jumping into her arms and almost knocking her over. Charlie followed and greeted first her father then her mother, once the younger boys let her loose.

"We weren't expectin' you for a couple of days!" she cried, hugging them both.

"Well, we just couldn't wait to see you all so here we are."

"Look, Ma," Jake said insistently, opening his mouth to show off five holes where he'd lost more teeth.

"Goodness!" Lou exclaimed as she inspected them, before turning to Ethan. "And look how much you've grown!"

She hugged both boys once more. She hadn't been prepared for how much she had missed all her children. Before long Adam and Beth emerged from the house and Jamie from the stables. After more hugs and kisses and hurried reassurances at how well everything had gone in their absence, they carried the trunks into the house and settled into the parlor to catch up properly.

Jamie had kept things running smoothly at the ranch and business could not have been better. Charlie had kept the boys in line, and Ethan quietly admitted to his mother that he was glad she was back because Charlie was even fiercer about homework than Lou. Adam and Beth had taken over the rooms above the medical clinic in town and, after some redecorating, were due to move into their new home in less than a week. Lou was not terribly enthusiastic about this as she'd been looking forward to spending plenty of time together under one roof, but she didn't let this dampen their happiness.

"You should have told us you were coming early," Charlie eventually chastised them. "Beth and I were planning a welcome home feast."

"Well, we'll still have the party, we'll just have to make do with what we've got," Beth reassured her. She held out a hand to Charlie and both girls disappeared into the kitchen to consult with Mrs. Greig.

Kid raised an eyebrow at the comradeship between them. He turned to Adam.

"I know, don't ask me what happened," he chuckled. "We came home prepared to do battle with the mistress of the house but she and Beth have become firm friends."

"Thank God for that, otherwise we'd have been under Charlie's thumb this whole time," Jamie contributed, wrestling with an over-excited Jake. "That girl sure likes to run things."

"And… Charlie has a beau," Adam reported, the mirth evident in his eyes as he waited for his parents' reaction.

"What?" Lou choked out in surprise.

"Who?" Kid asked, a little less ebullient at this news.

"Dan Lawson. He started visitin' a month or so ago," said Jamie. "I thought he was lookin' for work but apparently he's sweet on Charlie."

Kid looked unhappy, which amused both Adam and Jamie.

"Don't worry, Pa, we grilled him good and proper," said Jamie. "He's half scared one of us is gonna take a switch to him if he looks at her the wrong way."

"Dan Lawson's a nice boy," Lou commented for Kid's benefit, but she was pleased that Jamie obviously had things under control to rein in any overtly enthusiastic intentions Dan might have towards Charlie.

"What are y'all talking about?" asked Charlie as she returned with cool drinks and cookies for everyone.

"Ma and Pa were about to tell us about New York," Adam lied. He knew Charlie was embarrassed about the attentions of the young man, as she was used to being treated like one of the boys. He laid his arm around Beth who took a seat beside him.

The rest of the family started firing questions at them.

"What did you see?"

"What was the hotel like?"

"What did you bring us?"

Lou smiled broadly as she gazed around the room at her children. She had never felt so happy than in that moment.

* * *

A week later Kid and Jamie helped move the last of the furniture into Adam and Beth's new home. The three rooms about the doctors' office were hardly luxurious accommodation, but Beth beamed with pride as she set about unpacking their belongings. She had sewed curtains and hooked a few rugs in order to make the place homier. Lou was surprised how little she had brought from her grandfather's house in St. Louis - only a few pieces of furniture and piles of books, the rest had been purchased in Sweetwater or brought from the ranch.

Jamie tramped up the back stairs and entered through the kitchen, his arms full of more books.

"Where do you want these?" he puffed, struggling to see over the stacks.

"Oh," Beth murmured, noticing that the table and one bookshelf they owned were already full. "Just set them down on the floor please, Jamie."

She grinned guilty as he did as she asked, wiping his brow and trooping back downstairs for more. "I didn't realize just how many books I brought," she commented to her mother-in-law.

Lou picked up a couple of them, but she was not familiar with the titles. "What are you going to do with them all?"

"I've been lending some to the school - Mr. Burke even asked if I would take some reading classes with the children."

Lou smiled, impressed. "A school library. We've never had one of those."

"Well, it's hardly a library, but that's not a bad idea," Beth mused. "Some of the children are quite enthusiastic readers."

She set about sorting through the books on the table, humming to herself, while Lou stood back and quietly contemplated her. After a few minutes, Beth realized she was being watched and looked up curiously.

"You seem happy," Lou stated kindly.

"I am," replied Beth, a little color appearing on her cheeks. She looked back down at what she was doing. "Did you expect me not to be?"

Lou sat down at the table. "No, it's not that," she said hastily, not wanting Beth to misunderstand her. "I guess I was just worried that you'd find all of this too, I don't know, simple compared to what you're used to."

"I'm a little more resilient than that, I hope."

"I just wanted you to know… I'm glad that you're here. I'm glad you're part of our family," Lou said with real sincerity.

"Thank you, Louise," replied Beth softly, using her name for the first time.

Lou smiled in response. "Now, what I can do to help?"

* * *

Before long Christmas was upon them. A cold snap brought a fierce snow storm a few days before which left the fields covered in white. The weather cleared on Christmas Day, however, and the whole family gathered at the ranch for the midday meal. Ethan and Jake played in the snow, and then Charlie and Beth cheered on from the porch as Adam and Jamie joined in, each teaming up with a young brother for a serious snowball fight. Only Lou's call to lunch stopped the competition, from which Adam and Ethan emerged as the victors.

After a satisfying meal they retired to the living room to exchange gifts. As usual the younger boys were the most vocal in their delight, but Lou was surprised when Charlie's favorite present turned out to be a new bonnet from Beth. She marveled at the change in her daughter, who only a year earlier would have turned her nose up at such a gift. But whether it was the influence of having a woman close to her own age in the family or the fact that Dan Lawson continued to try and win her favor, Charlie was a different, much happier girl, which pleased her mother very much.

"It's your turn to give Beth her present," Ethan informed Adam after most of the gifts had been distributed and opened.

"We already gave our presents to each other this morning," his brother responded.

"See?" Beth said, holding out her wrist so Ethan could inspect the gold bracelet which encircled it.

"It's beautiful, Beth," Lou commented.

"What did you get?" Ethan asked Adam.

"A wonderful book I've been wanting to read."

Ethan was less than impressed with that and moved on to inspect Jamie's new boots that he'd received from their mother.

"Actually, I received another present," Adam said, grinning.

"Adam!" Beth blushed as she knew very well what he was about to say.

"What? We have to tell them some time," he replied quietly, unable to hide his excitement.

"You don't have to make a big announcement…"

"Actually, I do." Adam stood up. "Everyone, Beth is going to have baby!" The parlor erupted into thrilled cries of congratulations and other enthusiastic utterings. A self-conscious Beth soon forgot her embarrassment and received heartfelt embraces from the whole family, none more so than from her mother-in-law. Though unprepared for the announcement, her past dismay at the idea was immediately forgotten and all at once Lou found she had no problem at all with becoming a grandmother.

* * *

Chapter 13

As the weather grew warmer Beth started spending more time at the ranch. It was a busy time with spring foals and cattle herds being driven north, and many cattlemen needing to replenish their stock of horses. Adam was often out making calls to the surrounding farms so he would take Beth with him as far as the ranch and collect her on his return.

Charlie was often too busy with the horses to keep her company - even her newfound womanhood did not prevent her from being involved with the foaling. But Melanie was a frequent visitor to the ranch, as always, and she and Lou spent many pleasant hours talking while Beth sewed baby clothes and knitted blankets. No one was more excited than the mother-to-be at the prospect of the baby, but she had five more months to wait.

Adam arrived just in time for lunch one day, and joined the family as they sat around discussing the latest goings on in town.

"Did you talk to the Marshal, Pa?" asked Jamie between mouthfuls.

"What about?"

"Have you see Skydancer's colt, Beth?" Charlie said at the other end of the table. "You have to come down and see him, he's perfect."

"Some gang's been causin' trouble out near Caxton. They held up the bank and robbed the mail coach on their way outta town. Marshal wants us to be prepared in case they come this way."

"Tucker Boyd's gang, isn't it? I saw him putting up the posters this morning," Adam joined in.

"Yup, reward's already $100."

"There are other colts but none as good as this one," continued Charlie. "Now I just have to think of a name for him."

"Well, let's just wait and see if we're needed," Kid mused. "Hopefully they won't pass through this way."

"What do you think, Beth?" Charlie asked persistently, but it was obvious she was not listening.

Lou was talking with Melanie and absorbed in her own conversation but Charlie's sharp voice soon interrupted her.

"Beth, are you feeling all right?"

Lou looked up to see a very pale Beth suddenly get to her feet, somewhat shakily.

"Would you all excuse me for a moment?" she murmured, then quickly left the room.

All conversation had stopped and Adam hastily followed her out.

"Is she all right?" asked Jamie, his fork paused halfway between his plate and his mouth.

"She's fine, you all go on eatin'," Lou ordered, mostly for the benefit of Ethan and Jake who didn't understand what was going on.

She went out to find Beth and Adam on the front porch, the former having regained a little color and Adam holding her hand helplessly. He looked up in appreciation when his mother emerged and handed Beth over to her.

"I'll just get her some water," he said before slipping back inside the house.

Beth looked at Lou with a wan smile. "I thought I was over it. But the last few days…"

Lou squeezed her arm reassuringly. "It'll pass. The first one's always the worst. Jamie was for me. Although… I was sick to my stomach with all the boys. Charlie was the only one I didn't get morning sickness with."

Beth laughed noiselessly, as if this was supposed to make her feel better.

"Well, maybe that solves one mystery at least - whether it will be a boy or a girl."

"No, you never can tell," Lou replied, staring out over the yard. She listened as Beth took a few deep breaths. "Better?"

She nodded and placed her hand over Lou's in thanks. She had not been having an easy time of it and she was glad that she had Lou to comfort her. Having a doctor for a husband was one thing, but most of the time she just felt better having someone else close by who had had children. Beth knew very little of what to expect and she found herself growing more dependent on Lou's calm confidence that everything would be fine.

Adam returned with a glass of water which she drank gratefully. When she turned to go back inside Beth found Kid, Melanie, Jamie, Charlie, Ethan and Jake all crowded around the doorway expectantly, wanting to make sure she was feeling better. Lou shooed them away before she grew too self-conscious then grinned at Beth as she ushered her inside. Beth didn't mind - it was the price she paid for having a large family who cared about her, and she wouldn't have changed it for the world.

* * *

A few days later Beth emerged from the bedroom in her small house and gingerly sat down opposite Adam at the breakfast table. He eyed her carefully and was about to offer to make her some eggs, but one look at the remnants on his plate made her blanch further, so he decided against it. He swallowed the last of his coffee and got up to pour her a glass of milk instead.

"What are you planning to do today?" he asked gently as he handed her the glass. He tried to mask the sympathy in his voice lest he be reminded again that it was his fault she had morning sickness.

"I'm supposed to be visiting the school this morning for a literature class," Beth replied dully, her head resting in her hand. She still felt unwell and seemed to be getting worse rather than better. Adam assured her it would pass, as did Lou, but she was beginning to doubt them.

"Maybe you should stay here and rest instead," Adam suggested, pulling on his black vest and buttoning it over his crisp white shirt.

"I don't want to let the children down."

Adam crouched down beside her chair. "I'm sure they won't mind. You look terrible."

"Thank you very much!"

"I don't mean it like that," he said quickly after a small sigh. "You shouldn't push yourself."

"I hardly think reading to a group of school children is pushing myself," she countered testily, but then her voice softened. "Stop worrying about me, I'll be fine."

Adam planted a kiss on her temple, then got up to clear the table.

"I've got a couple of calls to make in town this morning, then I'm due at the McClusky farm after lunch. I'll come back to check on you before I go, all right?"

"You don't have to."

"But I want to." He threw her a loving smile. "As if I could stay away."

"I thought I looked terrible," she reminded him through half-closed eyes.

"Terribly beautiful," he corrected before kissing her again. "And tonight, I'll be all yours. I'll cook dinner and you won't have to lift a finger."

Beth smiled enticingly at the proposal and pulled him closer for what he thought was a kiss, before she whispered, "We're having dinner with the family tonight."

Adam groaned. "I forgot. Maybe we should beg off."

"We can't, Dan Lawson is coming for supper," Beth said in an ominous tone. "I promised Charlie we'd go for moral support."

"Why do I want to lend Dan moral support?"

"Not him, silly, for Charlie. You know what your father and brother are like. And that poor boy is nervous enough as it is."

Adam collected his jacket from the back of his chair. "He should be nervous. Charlie can be quite… formidable."

"So can your family," Beth replied drolly. She had plenty of experience when it came to feeling like the outsider of the Morgan family. "You have to at least give him half a chance."

Adam was about to argue the contrary when there came a timid but persistent knocking at their back door. Thinking it must be family, as no one else ever used that door, Adam crossed the small kitchen to open it.

The man standing on the back landing was not long out of his teens, his face drawn and worried. "Is there a doc here?"

"I'm Dr. Morgan."

"My brother… his leg's busted," he stated in an agitated voice.

"Where is he?"

The man noticed Beth sitting at the table, but looked away as quickly as he'd glanced at her. "Back at the farm. Got no wagon or I'da brung him to town. You gotta come with me."

"Of course, let me get my bag. How far away is your farm?"

"Hour, maybe more." He thought for a moment, then brightened as he remembered. "The Michaels place."

"I'll take the wagon in case I need to bring him back here," Adam said as he drew the man back outside. "What's your name?"

"J-John."

"John, if you wait for me at the front of the clinic I'll be down in a moment. Then we'll go help your brother."

John hesitated, unsure of the delay this course of action might cause. Adam smiled reassuringly and led him onto the back landing. Once he was on his way, Adam retrieved his medical bag from Beth who had it waiting for him.

"I guess my calls in town will have to wait."

"I'll let Dr. Browne know."

"I'll still try and get back for the McClusky's this afternoon but if I'm not he'll have to go instead."

"I'll tell him." She kissed him swiftly.

"I mean it, take it easy today," he repeated with concern.

Beth smiled indulgently. "Would you stop worrying? I'm fine."

"I'll be back as soon as I can." v She nodded, but a wave of nausea passed through her which made any further conversation difficult. Adam's response was a supportive grimace.

"How did Louise get through this with four boys?" Beth said to herself once he was gone. After a deep breath of fresh morning air she closed the door.

Chapter 14

The trip in the wagon was taking longer than John anticipated. He rode ahead, agitated that the doctor could not keep up with his horse when the terrain grew rougher.

"We hafta hurry," he said for at least the tenth time.

Adam geed up the horses again but he couldn't travel very fast in a wagon. He gritted his teeth as the wheels hit a rock and jolted him in his seat.

"What did you say happened to your brother?" he asked, hoping to distract John as well as learning a little about the situation before they reached the injured man.

"I didn't," John replied abruptly. After a raised eyebrow from Adam he hastily continued, "He was plowin' the fields. It was an accident."

"How far do we have to go?"

"Not long." John rode ahead, deciding further conversation would only waste time.

True to his word, twenty minutes later they arrived at a run down cabin. The surrounding land was overgrown and it had clearly been some time since it had been a working farm. Three saddled horses were tethered outside but there were no other signs of life.

John waited impatiently, nervously even, as Adam drew the wagon to a stop and gathered up his bag.

"He's in here."

John stood back and let him enter the cabin first. Adam took the lead and pushed open the door that was barely on its hinges. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the gloomy interior, but when they did he saw another man lying on an old cot. His upper leg was tied with a bloodied rag, and he was obviously in pain.

Adam was about to step towards him when he heard a gun being cocked. He stopped, his breath catching in his throat, before he turned his head slightly to see two more men just inside the door, one of them aiming a gun at his head.

"'Bout time you got here," the wounded man groaned angrily.

John pushed past Adam. "Got him here as fast as I could. He brung a wagon."

"We don't need no wagon, just a doc." The man looked at Adam who still hadn't moved. "What are you waitin' fer? Come fix this here leg."

The gunman poked the weapon roughly into Adam's shoulder, pushing him forward. Adam tried to remain calm, quickly glancing at his surroundings as he approached the cot. His hands were trembling slightly as he placed his bag down, but he forced them to be still as he started to unpack it. Without having to look twice he could see the injury was a bullet wound. The man's trousers were soaked with blood despite the rag that had been tied tightly over it, causing the sweaty face and grey pallor which he wore.

"What happened here?" Adam asked evenly. The man fixed him with an amused if feverish look. "What's it look like? Had myself an accident on the way to church."

The other two men chuckled but John had not lost his concerned expression. "Fix him up, doc, come on."

Adam removed the rag and set about inspecting the wound. The bullet was still in the leg. After informing the patient of this fact he was ordered to remove it.

"I can't do it here, you'll have to come back to town."

"I told you, Tucker," John said in exasperation. "I told you we shoulda just gone there in the first place."

Adam's expression did not falter when he heard the name, but he knew the man must be Tucker Boyd and he knew what line of work he and his men were in. The wanted signs tacked up around Sweetwater listed just some of their crimes. And Boyd knew that he knew who he was, Adam realized, when a small, bitter smile appeared on the man's lips.

"I ain't goin' to town, doc. So you'd best fix this leg up here, or you'll be the one with the bullet." To reiterate the threat he withdrew a colt from his side. The familiar metallic click followed as he cocked the gun, his eyes not wavering from Adam's. * **

Tucker Boyd refused the ether he was offered, only swigging from a whiskey bottle at regular intervals as Adam worked to remove the bullet. His voice grew hoarse from yelling in pain, each cry making John, who was trying to hold a lamp aloft so Adam could see what he was doing, more anxious and uncomfortable. Adam swiped at his brow with his upper arm, his hands bloodied as he dug feverishly for the bullet. With a rush of relief he finally found it, which earned an unwanted slap on the back from John. He closed the wound and bandaged it firmly to stop any further bleeding.

Boyd was weak and half drunk after Adam had finished, but soon rallied when he realized they'd be able to leave.

"You shouldn't be moving, you need to rest," Adam warned, when the man motioned to his brother to help him up.

Boyd laughed gruffly. "Reckon I'm gonna wait here for the law to find me? Let's go, boys."

Adam was trying the wipe the blood from his hands as he watched the man be helped towards the door. The other two men had already gone outside to ready the horses.

"If you rip your stitches you'll start bleeding again. The wound was deep, you need to -"

Boyd turned, pain registering on his face, but he cut Adam off.

"Much obliged to you, doc. But it ain't your concern no more." Boyd turned back towards his brother, then made a short, sharp motion with his head in Adam's direction.

John paled slightly. "Let's just go, Tucker," he whispered.

"Ain't you learned nothin', boy?" Boyd snapped angrily.

"Let's just tie him up… someone'll come lookin' for him after a while."

"And then they'll come after us. You're a goddamn fool." He gripped his brother's shirt, pulling John towards him menacingly. "Now will you do what needs to be done, or do I have to do everythin'?"

John's stare was wide and frightened until Boyd abruptly let go of his shirt. The gun in his hand was slipped into John's and then he hobbled the last few steps out of the door without a backward glance.

Once he was gone John's breathing was quick and shallow as he contemplated the floor. Adam took a step forward and opened his mouth to speak but then John raised his eyes and the gun, pointing it at Adam's chest.

"I'm sorry," John said pitifully.

Panic gripped Adam. "John, please, don't do this. I won't tell anyone you were here, I swear. Just go and it will be like this never happened."

John shook his head as Adam took a tentative step forward.

"The woman this morning, when you came to my home? That was my wife. She's having a baby," he pleaded, before adding almost as afterthought, "Our first."

"Thank you for what you did for my brother," John said, his eyes welling with sudden tears.

"John, please…"

"I'm sorry."

He cocked the gun and fired.

* * *

Chapter 15

Jamie arrived at the ranch after delivering some horses, tired and hungry. He was imagining a slice of Mrs. Greig's apple pie when he approached the house, only to find Beth walking towards him. He smiled and automatically removed his hat.

"We weren't expecting you until tonight," he said by way of greeting.

Beth grinned. "Charlie needed some sisterly reassurance."

"Oh yes, he's coming tonight."

"You promised to be nice," Beth reminded him, mockingly stern. "She's nervous enough already."

"Dan Lawson is the one who should be nervous." Jamie had all his best big-brotherly lines prepared and was more than ready to use them. "Doc here too? We should talk strategy before young Dan arrives."

A small frown appeared on Beth's face. "No, I was hoping you had seen him in town."

"I didn't bother passing through, why?"

"He went to help an injured farmer early this morning and was supposed to be back by now. He missed a call to the McClusky's that Dr. Browne had to make instead. A fact he's not too happy about, which he reminded me of repeatedly when I asked him to bring me here on his way."

Jamie shrugged. "Maybe he it just took longer than he expected."

"Maybe," Beth mused, but she didn't sound convinced. "It's just… the man who came to the house, I haven't seen him before. He said he and his brother were farming the Michaels place."

"Really?" Jamie scratched his head. "Old Jim Michaels has a place north of here, but I heard he hasn't farmed in years. He's just a crazy old coot."

"Do you know where it is?"

"Sure."

"Good."

"I take it that means you want me to go riding after my little brother?" Jamie sighed.

He spoke lightly but Beth wasn't able to muster a smile. She wrapped her arms around herself as if a chill had passed through her. "Would you mind? Just in case he's been delayed or there's a problem with the wagon. It might have had a loose wheel…"

Jamie held his hands up. "All right, all right, I'll go."

This time Beth smiled warmly. "Thank you. I know I'm probably being silly…"

He noticed she was paler than usual. Jamie didn't know much about pregnant women but he knew when someone was feeling poorly, and this was the second time in less than a week he'd seen her like this. "Beth, are you all right?"

"I'm fine. It's just… I'd feel better if Adam were here."

Tiredness forgotten, Jamie nodded solemnly. "I'll go find him for you."

"Thank you."

Concern still creasing his brow, Jamie returned to the stables for a fresh horse.

* * *

He made the Michaels place in good time, riding faster than he usually would, but he wanted to get Adam back to the ranch quickly if Beth wasn't well. He saw the wagon outside the dilapidated cabin, but there didn't appear to be anyone about. Hoping Jim Michaels wasn't going to suddenly appear with a shotgun to run him off, he dismounted and made his way inside. The sparsely furnished cabin was empty, and Jamie was about to check around the back when something caught his eye.

A boot was sticking out from behind the table. With a puzzled frown he stepped inside and moved around the table, where he saw his brother lying on the dirt floor. In the middle of Adam's chest was a deep red stain, his eyes open and staring up at nothing.

Jamie's breath left his body when he saw the lifeless stare. He knew in that moment that his brother was dead.

* * *

Beth was standing in the yard when he returned to the ranch, this time in the wagon. It was dusk, and the warm lamplight in the house burned in pale comparison to the red sun that dipped behind the hills. She wrapped a shawl around her shoulders against the cool wind that had picked up, watching as he drew nearer. Jamie averted his eyes for as long as possible, but when he did finally look up he saw an eerie calmness on her face as she waited for him to draw the wagon to a stop. It was if she already knew.

At first he was unable to move, unable to face her, but eventually Jamie got down wearily from the buckboard. All his energy was spent, his movements slow and deliberate. With difficulty he looked up at Beth who she was staring beyond him to the wagon bed. She took a few steps towards it, but stopped as she came alongside him. Her mouth tightened as she struggled to form the words.

"Did you find him?" she whispered.

Jamie nodded dumbly, not able to respond. Beth finally turned her gaze on him, her eyes filling with tears.

"Thank you for bringing him home."

She drew her shawl around her even tighter and then walked slowly towards the back of the wagon. Adam was lying with Jamie's jacket covering his chest. Silently, Beth held onto his boots which reached the end of the wagon bed.

Jamie didn't know what to do. The sound of the screen door startled him and he looked up to see his father walking towards him, a curious expression on his face. Jamie left the hitching post to meet him in the middle of the yard, where he managed to say the brief but devastating words.

"What?" Kid just looked at him, unable to comprehend what he'd said.

Jamie looked helplessly at the wagon and Beth, Kid following his gaze. He started towards it but stopped as soon as he heard Lou's light steps on the porch.

"You're late!" Lou called out, coming towards them. "Dan's already here. Did you track Adam down?"

"Ma…" Jamie began, but he could not tell her. He turned away.

Lou frowned, noticing where Beth was standing and the strange, imploring way Kid was looking at her.

"What is it?" she asked suspiciously, walking quickly towards them. "Where's Adam?"

She started to walk past Kid who reached out to stop her. Held firmly in his grasp, she repeated her question, this time more urgently.

"Where is Adam?" Frightened by the look on Kid's face, she wrenched herself from him. "Why won't you tell me?"

Kid swallowed with difficulty. "He's in the wagon," he said gruffly.

Lou shook her head imperceptibly and backed away from him. She turned to see Beth, tears streaming down her face, as she stared into the back of the wagon. Unable to focus on anything else, Lou approached it and saw her son. Before she could react Beth turned and buried herself in her arms, weeping.

* * *

Chapter 16

Jamie and Kid laid Adam out on the bed in the room he'd shared with Beth during the brief time they'd lived at the ranch. One of the hands was sent for the marshal, for all the good it would do. Jamie reported dully that he had also found Jim Michaels in his outhouse, shot in the head. Whoever had killed Adam had done for him as well.

When Kid and Lou told the other children they were shocked and distraught. Charlie ran down to the stables, screaming at Dan Lawson to go home when he tried to comfort her, and would not come back to the house. Ethan and Jake were in their room, quiet and withdrawn, as the rest of the household came to terms with what had happened.

"Where's Beth?" Jamie asked his father as they stood alone in the quiet parlor.

"She's in there with him," said Kid, after clearing his throat.

"And Ma?"

"Upstairs."

Jamie looked around the deserted downstairs area. "What do we do now?"

"There's nothin' we can do. I asked Ray to find Doc Browne when he's in town. Guess I should have asked him to tell Father Sean, too." Kid sat down tiredly, his unfocused eyes staring off into space. "In the mornin' we need to send some telegrams, let people know… They'll want to know."

A heavy silence fell, during which Jamie paced the floor.

"Are we just gonna let her sit in there with him?" Jamie asked wretchedly, taking a few steps towards the back bedroom.

"Let her be." Kid shut his eyes. "Why don't you go find your sister?"

Jamie nodded, grateful for something to do. "What about Ma?"

"I'll see to her," Kid murmured, but he made no move to go upstairs. Lou had not shed a single tear but he knew how devastated she was. It was going to take all of his strength to help her get through it, and at that moment Kid had none to give.

He finally entered their room, after ensuring Jake and Ethan were tucked in for an early night, to find her curled up on the bed. He sat down beside her, gently so as not to disturb her, but Lou's eyes were open and dry. Kid propped his arm up behind her, and caressed her cheek with his other hand.

"Lou?"

She didn't respond and Kid wondered if she even heard him. "We should make sure Beth's all right."

Still there was no response.

"You know she's not well. This… this might be too much for her. We have to think of her and the baby."

Lou slowly turned over and faced the other direction, turning her back on him. She pulled her arm over her ear to block him out. Kid sighed wearily. He wasn't surprised that she shut him out, he knew his wife well enough to understand that she wanted to be alone. But neither of them had lost a child before, and he needed her now. After a few more minutes of silence he leaned down slowly and left a kiss on her shoulder, then went back downstairs to check on his daughter-in-law.

* * *

There were visitors at the ranch from first light. The marshal arrived with half a dozen men on horseback. He informed Kid that there were reports that Tucker Boyd's gang had been seen in the next town two days earlier, and that a deputy there thought he'd managed to shoot him. They were riding after them to try and hunt them down, though Kid knew there was little chance of finding the gang. Jamie knew the truth too, but it didn't stop him saddling up and leaving with the posse.

Soon after Melanie arrived and immediately went to sit with Lou. Their housekeeper, Mrs. Greig, took charge of the younger boys and saw that they were fed and playing quietly in their room. Kid shook hands with the minister when he came and showed him into the room where Beth was still sitting with Adam. It was only then that he managed to convince her to leave the room so she could rest properly, having sat up with him all night.

"I didn't want him to be alone," she whispered, before half-collapsing in Kid's arms from exhaustion.

Dr. Browne finally arrived, having spent the night at the McClusky's instead of returning to town. Distressed at what had happened to his young protégé, he mumbled his condolences but was too stunned to say much else. He checked on Beth and assured Kid that she just needed to sleep - both she and the baby were all right. Then he examined Adam and, after cleaning and preparing the body, informed Kid that his death would have been quick, as the bullet had pierced his heart. Kid knew that somewhere deep down he should be grateful for that small mercy, but he was having difficulty being grateful for anything.

Friends and neighbors called throughout the morning, as the news spread like wildfire throughout the town and the surrounding area. Though he had not been their doctor long, Adam was born and raised in Sweetwater and loved by many. The whole community was shocked at the senseless murder and plans for additional riders to try and track down his killer were made.

In the end they were not needed. That night Jamie returned to the ranch, bone tired, having had no sleep. But they'd found their man - Tucker Boyd was lying dead by the side of the trail half a day's ride from the Michaels farm. His leg had bled profusely despite the fresh stitches and bandages that had been applied, and he'd just been left there, unburied. There was no sign of the rest of the gang.

Charlie hugged Jamie and then left to make him a plate of food from the multitude of offerings that their neighbors had brought. The news of Boyd's death did little to comfort the Morgan family. Lou barely acknowledged it, although she had finally risen from her bed and held Jake as he cried for his brother. But when he asked her why it had happened, why God had allowed Adam to be taken from them, she had no answers.

* * *

The funeral was held the next day. Kid wondered if they should wait as Beth had asked that her brother and grandfather be notified of Adam's passing. But she insisted that it go ahead. Apart from their neighbors and friends in town, only Rachel was able to make it from Denver in time to be there too. She quietly took control of the house in Lou's stead and made arrangements for the wake to be held there afterwards.

The funeral itself was short. Adam was buried in the small family plot by the creek, his final resting place next to Teaspoon. Only the minister spoke, intoning a solemn prayer, after which the family then friends each dropped a handful of dirt into the open grave. Lou received the condolences of her friends with a detached blankness that worried Kid and Rachel. Melanie had not been able to get through to her either.

But it was Beth who everyone was most concerned about. Tears streamed down her face throughout the funeral, her face deathly pale against her black dress. Jamie took her by the arm and led her away as the procession slowly made its way back to the house. Ethan held her other hand, having not left her side all day.

It wasn't until they returned to the house that people began to reminisce about Adam and sharing stories about his childhood. Ben Ashmore recalled a time when he and his wife first arrived in Sweetwater and Adam had thrown up at their feet, having just won a berry eating contest over his big brother. Others remembered the shy, sensitive boy who had befriended just about every stray dog in town, or who stared in wide-eyed wonder through the window at the dentist as he pulled teeth. Each of them had fond memories of Adam which pleased the family, and even Lou managed to smile at the way he was remembered.

As the afternoon wore on most people began to leave. Beth, having grown tired of the concerned looks and sympathetic smiles, slipped quietly from the house and made her way back towards the gravesite. Though she knew they meant well, she just wanted peace and quiet. As she approached the shady spot by the creek she was surprised to see a lone figure standing by the freshly filled plot.

She walked almost silently so he did not hear her until she was upon him. Jamie turned his head abruptly and stared at her through reddened eyes, his cheeks wet. He looked back, not wanting her to see him cry. But now he had started he could not stop. Jamie's shoulders slumped as the sobs shook his broad frame. Beth stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, resting her cheek on his back. After a moment he turned around and held her as he continued to cry. Beth's own tears soaked into his jacket as she hushed him. She knew how close Adam and Jamie had been, and wished he had not been the one to find him like he did.

"I'm sorry," Jamie said eventually, pulling away from her and wiping his hands across his eyes and cheeks.

"Don't be."

"I thought I was okay, but hearin' everyone talk about him…"

"I know." Beth smiled bitterly. "If I hear one more person tell me how lucky I am that at least I'll have his baby…"

She broke off as emotion overwhelmed her and she wept again. "As if that makes up for losing him."

Jamie took her hand in his.

"What am I supposed to do now?" she asked mournfully, her eyes pleading with him to provide the answer. "This wasn't supposed to happen."

"I know," Jamie whispered as he drew her to him once more. He held her tightly. "I know."

* * *

Chapter 17

A week after the funeral Rudy and his wife arrived in Sweetwater. No one felt up to having visitors stay at the ranch, so they took a room at a hotel in town. Beth was glad her brother had come, even if he wasn't the most sympathetic of men. He got right down to business after he came to the ranch to see her.

"I've come to bring you home, Bethy," Rudy stated bluntly, as they sat alone in the parlor.

"What?" she murmured, not expecting at the surety of his tone, as if the decision had already been made.

"You should come back to St. Louis with Claire and me. Grandfather agrees."

Beth sighed tiredly. She had not been sleeping well, still suffering from bouts of nausea throughout the day and night. Her face was pale, dark smudges under her eyes which matched the dourness of her dress.

"Do I get a say in this?" she retorted, unable to mask the irritability in her voice.

Rudy was surprised by her tone, used to her mild-mannered demeanor. "Of course you do. But you know it's the right thing to do. With Adam gone you can't stay here. You owe it to him to raise your child where it can receive the very best care and education. You need to be with your own family."

Beth got up and stood by the window. In truth she had already contemplated the very thing Rudy was proposing, but hearing it from her brother's lips made her feel like she was betraying Adam somehow.

"I don't know…" she said quietly.

"What would you do if you stayed here? You have the child to think of."

Beth parted the curtains in order to watch Ethan and Jake playing in the yard. "We made a home here."

"What, those rooms above the clinic? I've seen your home, Beth, and I cannot believe that's the best Adam could do for you. I thought he'd at least have-"

"Don't you speak of my husband that way!" Beth spat at him angrily, whirling around from the window.

Rudy was taken aback at her outburst, but he straightened his vest, reminding himself that she was grieving. He tried again.

"You need to do what's best for yourself and the child now."

"I'm not exactly destitute, Rudy. We had a little money saved and I have my inheritance from our parents."

He scoffed dismissively at her words. "That is hardly a sum of money large enough to look after yourself, let alone a child. Be sensible, Bethy."

She sighed again, returning her gaze to the window. "I've always been sensible."

Rudy opened his mouth to point out that marrying a man from a small town in the middle of nowhere and insisting on making her home there was hardly sensible, but he feared another scolding from her.

"You cannot be considering raising your child out here," Rudy said gently, trying a different approach. He moved to stand by her side and took her hands in his. "It's not safe. Look at what happened to Adam - shot by an outlaw when he was just to help an injured man. I shudder to think what might happen to you alone in this place. Or the child."

Beth pondered this thought, and it frightened her to her core. She rested a hand on her small belly, trying not to imagine that terrible scenario.

"Please, Bethy, come home," Rudy urged her.

She raised her eyes to meet her brother's, indecision etched in her features.

* * *

Jamie was tempted to throw Rudy off the property when he found out what he was proposing.

"She can't leave," he thundered, pacing the length of the dining table as the rest of the family sat trying to eat, but no one had any appetite.

Beth had taken Rudy for a walk to Adam's gravesite, giving them only a short time to talk in her absence.

"We don't want Beth to go," Jake piped up, Ethan nodding solemnly beside him.

"She has to do what's right for her," reasoned Kid quietly, but he was just as unhappy as the rest of them.

"What's right is if she stays here, she's part of this family!" Jamie replied angrily.

"Maybe she thinks she has to go, now that Adam…" murmured Charlie, unable to finish the thought.

"That's crazy, why would she think that?"

"She's gonna have a baby, Jamie," his father reminded him. "Maybe she'd feel safer with her own family."

"That baby is Adam's too, and it belongs here. They both do."

"It's not our decision to make," Kid said firmly.

Jamie threw up his hands in frustration, annoyed that no one else seemed to think Beth leaving Sweetwater was wrong. None of them wanted to her to go, but they weren't up in arms about it either. He glared at his family before turning his anger on his mother who sat at the head of the table, unspeaking.

"Aren't you going to say somethin'? Anythin'? Do you even care she might be leavin'?" Jamie yelled at her.

Lou looked up at her son but did not respond. She had said very little since Adam had died, and seemed not to care about much anymore.

Her silence infuriated him even more. "I guess you don't, huh? Maybe if you hadn't been so damn cold to her when she first came here, treatin' her like she didn't belong-"

"That is enough, Jamie," Kid shouted, rising to his feet.

Jamie swallowed the rest of his words, knowing he was being unfair in taking his feelings out on his mother. He looked regretfully at Lou. "Ma-"

But she ignored him and rose slowly from the table. Without a glance at anyone she left the room and climbed the stairs to retreat into her bedroom once more.

* * *

Later that night when the rest of the household was asleep, Beth sat in the rocking chair in her room, thinking about what she was going to do. She glanced around the glum, unadorned walls of the bedroom which was really Jamie's. He had moved into the bunkhouse once more so she did not have to stay in the room downstairs which she'd shared with Adam, and where his body had lain when it had been brought home. The pale light from her lantern cast gloomy shadows around her, which reflected her mood perfectly.

Beth was lost in thought and was startled when she heard a faint knocking on her door.

"Come in," she called softly, wrapping her shawl around her nightdress. She was surprised when Lou's face appeared around the door.

"I saw your light on," she said, but did not enter the room.

"I couldn't sleep." Beth rose from her seat. "Please, come in."

She had seen little of Lou since the funeral and had spoken to her even less. Both women were too consumed by their own grief to offer much comfort to the other. Beth didn't know what to say to her. Lou glanced around the room, avoiding meeting her eyes. It wasn't until Beth offered her a seat on the edge of the bed and she had sat down that she finally looked at her.

"Your brother came," Lou stated.

"Yes."

When Beth didn't offer any further explanation Lou continued, "I hear he's asked you to go home to St. Louis."

Beth bobbed her head. "Yes."

Again Lou waited, but there was only silence. "And are you?"

"I don't know." Beth didn't know where to look, and wished Lou would stop staring at her so intently. She sat down in the rocking chair opposite her.

"I'll understand if you do," Lou said with guarded empathy. "It must be hard for you, bein' away from your family."

Beth frowned slightly, wondering why Lou was making it easy for her to make the decision. Everything Rudy had said was true - she had little money, and no real way to support herself or a child. Perhaps she was being foolish, thinking she should stay.

Lou leaned forward to catch her eye, and this time she spoke with more difficulty. "But you need to know that, if you want to stay, you're part of this family."

Beth's vision grew misty at her mother-in-law's words, and her throat tightened painfully.

"This is your home now," she went on. "And you being here means part of Adam is too. I don't mean the baby. The memory of the two of you. It's like we still have him with us."

Lou reached out and took her hand, her own eyes filling with tears. "I didn't expect I'd lose my son," she whispered, her voice failing her. "And I would hate to lose you, too."

Beth smiled as she wiped furtively at her cheeks. She had not expected such a candid admission from Lou. "I don't want to be a burden."

"Beth, we want you here, all of us..." Lou said determinedly, squeezing her hand. "We need you here. Please stay…"

A small sob escaped Beth's lips as she nodded and moved into Lou's waiting arms. Her mother-in-law held her tightly as both women gave into their overwhelming loss. And for the first time, Beth felt like she was home.

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