Written: By: Lisa O.

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

FAMILY AGAIN

by: Lisa

Hoss Cartwright walked up to the bar and ordered a beer, as he waited for the beer to come he scanned the bar. He was in a small town on the outskirts of Texas. He was on his way home from escorting a Mexican family back to their home. He has been on the trail for days, when he came across this town so he stopped and got a room at the hotel. He thought he owed it to himself.

He noticed a poker game going on and watched it for minute as he did a man with brown wavy hair and a green jacket joined the poker game. He had his back to Hoss, but Hoss knew that was his brother. That was Joe, he knew it was. But what was he doing here? Hoss’ heart was beating fast and he was sweating. He didn’t move toward his baby brother, just watched him. His hands were shaking as he tried to drink his beer. He wanted to go over to him, but his feet seemed to be glued to the floor. He didn’t know what to do. Should he leave and not let Joe know he saw him, or should he go and grab him. He wanted to do the latter. He frowned; he didn’t know what Joe would want him to do.

"Uh, Joe." The man sitting across from Joe said. He could see the big man staring at his friend’s back. He didn’t know who this man was, but he was big and looked like he wanted to go after Joe.

Joe looked up, "what is it Paul?"

"I don’t want to alert you or anything, but there is a big man staring at you. He looks like he could break you in half."

Joe frowned, "Where?"

"Well, he’s coming toward you now. He’s behind you."

Joe turned around, as he did Hoss was standing directly behind him.

Joe stood up slowly as he faced his brother for the first time in almost a year.

"Dagburnit, little Joe." Hoss said as he grabbed him in a bear hug and squeezed him tight.

Joe hugged his brother back, "stop Hoss, I can’t breathe."

Hoss released his brother and looked at him. "You look good little brother."

Paul looked up, "little brother?" He questioned.

Joe shot him a look, "Paul, guys this is my brother Hoss."

They all nodded at him.

Paul looked at Joe and started to ask a questioned but Joe shook his head. Joe looked back at Hoss, "well let’s go talk Hoss."

Hoss nodded and the two of them left. They went to a diner and sat in the corner so they wouldn’t be disturbed.

"Well Hoss what are you doing here?"

Hoss frowned, "I could ask you the same questioned Joe."

"I live here Hoss, I run the livery stables and break horses. I own my home; it’s about a half-hours ride from here. Now what are you doing here?"

"I ain’t looking for you Joe, if that what you were thinking. I wanted to, but Pa’ and Adam told me not to. I was coming back from escorting a family to Mexico. I was on the trail for days and need to rest."

Joe nodded, "it’s good to see you Hoss."

Hoss nodded, "you too Joe. I’ve really missed you. Life ain’t the same without you. Can’t you come home now?"

Joe shook his head; "I can’t Hoss you know that. I ain’t welcomed there anymore. Um, how is Pa’ and Adam?"

Hoss frowned, "okay I guess."

Joe nodded and looked down, he missed them a great deal and the betrayal he felt still hurt. He could hear their words in his head now and it hurt just like it did when it happened and that was a year ago. "That’s good Hoss."

"Are you still with Renee?"

Joe’s eyes filled with anger, "yes Hoss." He snapped roughly.

"Hey Joe easy. I was just askin’."

"Sure you were hoping I wasn’t so you can run back and tell them two that they were right and I was wrong. Well you can tell them that they are wrong, I was right. Tell ‘em we’re married and we’re happy. You tell them that Hoss and while you’re at it tell your father that he is missing seeing his first grandchild."

Hoss stared at him in shock; "you have a child? What is it a boy or a girl?"

Joe smiled for the first time since Hoss had come across him. "A boy Hoss, he’s only a couple days old but he’s healthy and as cute as can be."

"How big is he?"

"Oh he’s little Hoss, like I was. He’s a tough little cuss though. He eats like a horse. He is wonderful and I am the luckiest person in the world. He’s perfect."

Hoss grinned at his baby brother, "I’m happy for ya’ brother. Do you think I can see him?"

Joe frowned as he thought over his brother’s request. He wasn’t really mad a Hoss, even though Hoss didn’t get his back when he need him to. But it was Hoss after all, he looked at him and nodded, "sure ya’ can Hoss. We can go right now if ya’ like. I’m sure Renee would love to see you."

Hoss stood up, "then let’s go, I have a nephew I gotta see."

Joe nodded and the two brothers left.

Hoss stared at Joe’s small home; it had a beautiful front lawn with flowers growing in the garden. There was a white picket fence going around the yard. The house itself was small and white in color. There was paint chipping in several places and two windows with boards over them. The porch looked old and like it would fall threw.

Joe looked at him and noticed the look on his face; "hey I know it ain’t much yet, but jus’ wait until I fix it up."

Hoss looked at him and blushed, "ah Joe it’s perfect."

Just then a lady with long dark brown hair came out of the house. She smiled as she saw her husband.

Joe went over to her and too her in his arms and kissed, "Renee, baby Hoss is here."

She looked at him with questions in her eyes, but he only smiled and nodded toward his brother.

Hoss came up to his sister in law, he took his hat off as he smiled at the woman that broke up his family by no faults of her own. "Hey there Renee, you look good."

She reached up and hugged him, then kissed him on the cheek. "It is good to see you Hoss."

He smiled and kissed her back, "now let me go see that youngun."

They went in and Joe showed off his son. He was indeed small, but he was feisty little thing. Hoss loved him as soon as he saw him. He looked at the child and could see Joe when he was that age and his heart broke at the thought of Joe being so far away from them.

Hoss looked at Joe; "can I hold him?"

Joe nodded and gave him the baby.

Hoss stayed for dinner that night and then Joe set him up a place to stay.

"Joe," Hoss said as Joe gave him a blanket.

"Yeah?"

"Are you happy little brother?"

Joe frowned and sat down; he took a deep breath and looked at Hoss. "Kind Hoss, I love my family and couldn’t be happier then I am with them. I have a great job and great friends, but there is something missing. I guess I would be happier if you were in my life Hoss."

"Just me Joe?"

Joe nodded as he stood up, "yeah, just you Hoss. I couldn’t be happy with them two in my life."

"But they’re your brother and your father."

Joe looked at him with angry and hurt eyes, "no they’re not Hoss."

"Joe, please forgive them."

"Have they changed their mind Hoss?"

Hoss looked down, "uh no Joe they haven’t."

"I ain’t welcomed in his house any more Hoss. He told me that. Do you remember that night?"

Hoss frowned; he remembered it all to well. It was the night that changed his life forever. "I remember Joe, but it’s been a year and dagburnit Shortshanks I jus’ miss ya’"

Joe looked at Hoss as tears came to his eyes, "I missed you too, you big lug."

Hoss reached over and hugged his brother.

The brothers held each other for a long minute. Then Joe pulled away; he looked at his brother. " How long can you stay?"

"A couple days."

"You sure?"

Hoss nodded, "I’m sure."

Joe grinned; it felt great to have family around again. "Well I’ll let you sleep."

Hoss nodded, "I am awful tired little brother."

Joe walked away; he turned and looked at his brother. "Bring your appetite to breakfast, my wife loves to cook a big breakfast."

Hoss grinned, "I think I can do that with no problem."

Joe nodded, "good night brother."

"Night Joe."

After Joe left, Hoss stretched out; he had wanted to come up with a way to get his family back together. It wasn’t the same at home with out Joe.

Joe sat out on his porch after he left his brother. It sure did feel good to see Hoss again; he didn’t realize just how much he missed him until he saw him. Hoss was so much more then a brother, he was Joe’s best friend. Joe felt like such a big chuck out of his life was missing. If Joe wanted to be completely honest he would admit that he missed Adam and his father as well. But he quickly shook his head to get rid of the sad memories of his father and brother. He knew he should forgive them, but he was still so mad and hurt. Why did they do what they did? How could they turn their back to him?

"Joe," Renee said quietly as she came out on the porch.

He looked at her and smiled, "The baby asleep?"

She nodded, "yeah, he just went down."

He nodded and turned away from her.

"Joe, honey are you okay?"

Joe looked at her and pulled her down on his lap. "I’m okay sweetie, jus’ thinkin’ is all."

"You miss your father and Adam don’t ya’?"

Joe stiffened, but didn’t answer.

"It’s okay to miss them Joe, they’re family."

"Not anymore."

"Maybe they’ve changed their minds."

Joe shook his head, "no Hoss says they haven’t."

"Joe, I’m so sorry about it."

"Renee, stop it. It’s not your fault."

She stood up and then kissed him. "I love you Joe Cartwright."

He smiled, "I love you too, Renee Cartwright."

"I’ll leave you to your thoughts."

Joe nodded.

Renee went inside.

Joe looked at the moon as he went back to his thoughts. He remembered, shortly after he met Renee and he went home in a real good mood.

His father was sitting at his desk doing some paper work when Joe came in. "Hey Pa’" he called as he took his gun belt off.

Ben Cartwright looked up and smiled at his youngest son. "Hello son, you seem to be in a good mood."

"I am Pa’." Joe stated as he went over to his father. "I met a girl and she’s wonderful Pa’."

Ben smiled; his son fell in and out of love a lot. At nineteen Joe had broken more hearts then most men do in a lifetime.

"Oh and who’s the lucky lady?"

Joe plopped down, "her name is Renee Anderson Pa’. She just moved here a month ago. She has long dark hair and dark blue eyes and the most beautiful face you have ever seen. When she talked it was like music. Ah Pa’ she’s the best girl I’ve ever met." Joe sang happily. He was so absorbed in what he was saying that he didn’t notice his father’s face cloud over when he mentioned her name.

"That sounds nice Joe." Ben said without emotion.

Joe looked at his father, "what’s wrong Pa’?"

Ben looked at him, "Anderson? Is that what you said her name was?"

Joe nodded, "yeah why?"

"I useto know an Anderson. I was just wondering if it’s the same."

Joe shrugged, "don’t know. It might. She did say her family was from the area."

Ben frowned as he turned back to his paper work. "Go finish your chores Joe. I have to finish this paper work."

Joe stood up and frowned. "Pa’ what’s wrong?"

"Nothing Joe, now do as I say."

"But Pa’…" Joe started.

"Would you please just do as I say young man."

"Pa’ listen to me…."

Ben looked at him, "Joseph," he snapped roughly. "Go out and do your chores and leave me to mine! I do not have time to listen to you babble about another girl."

Joe stared at his father in disbelief. He didn’t deserve this outburst. Besides he had already finished his chores before he came in. He was in such a good mood over meeting Renee that he did his chores with out really thinking about it.

"What are you waiting for boy? Get!" Ben yelled at his confused youngest son.

Joe shook his head and stormed out.

Ben shook his head after Joe left. He didn’t want Joe anywhere nears an Anderson, they were a bad bunch of people that couldn’t be trusted. No, Ben thought Joe will not get involved with the likes of an Anderson. He would talk to Adam about the best way to approach the subject with Joe. He just knew that Joe could not be aloud to date this girl. No matter what he had to do Ben would stop the relationship before it got carried away. Adam had dated an Anderson years ago. She was no good and broke his heart. She had family that gambled and took high risks. The Anderson family almost killed Ben’s family and there is no way Ben can forgive and let Joe’s relationship go on. He knew all of the Andersons were a bad bunch of people and he was sure that would include Joe’s new girl friend. Ben frowned, he didn’t like to put his nose into his sons personal business, but this time he would have to. Joe just can’t be aloud to get involved with her. Ben would use all of his parental rights to stop him.

Joe went out to the barn; he went over to Cochie and started to rub her down. He didn’t understand his father’s outburst at all. He was in such a good mood over meeting Renee. He was sure his father would have been happy for him. He shook his head as he remembered how his father yelled at him. It just doesn’t make any sense. Joe signed and his thoughts went to Renee again. She was so perfect; her hair was so silky and pretty. Joe wanted to run his hands threw it. He could stare into her eyes all day if possible.

"Hey Joe, " Adam came in and said.

Joe looked at him, "hey Adam."

"Are you okay?"

Joe nodded, "yeah, I was just thinking is all."

"What about?"

Joe grinned, "I met a new girl Adam."

Adam grinned back at him, "and who is it today little brother?"

"Her name is Renee, Renee Anderson."

Adam frowned at the mention of the last name.

"What Adam? Now you look like Pa’. What is wrong with you and him?"

Adam frowned, "sorry little Joe. I dated an Anderson once. She really hurt me. I know it ain’t the same Anderson, but the name just struck a nerve."

Joe frowned, "oh I’m sorry Adam."

"Don’t be Joe."

Joe grinned, "I can’t wait for you to meet her Adam. She is so great."

Adam nodded, "well come on little brother let’s go in."

Joe frowned, "Pa’ is in a bad mood. He yelled at me for no reason."

"I’m sure he’s over it now. Come on now."

The two brothers walked in together.

Ben looked up as they came in, "hi Adam, little Joe."

"Hi Pa’," Adam said.

"Pa’, " Joe said.

Ben frowned; he could see the hurt in his youngest son’s eyes. "Joe, I’m sorry about snapping at you. I was just real tied up in this paper work. I shouldn’t have snapped at you."

"That’s okay Pa’, I didn’t take no offence to it."

"Okay, Hoss should be here soon. We’ll have dinner then."

Adam nodded as Joe went to the kitchen to help Hop Sing.

Ben walked over to Adam, "did Joe tell you about his new girl?"

Adam nodded.

"Do you think it’s the same Andersons?"

Adam frowned, "I don’t know Pa’. I don’t remember a Renee. But she could be related to them. If she is it won’t be good for Joe."

Ben nodded, "I know. I can’t allow him to date one. The Andersons are bad bad people and she’ll hurt Joe I know it."

"Well Pa’ now you know you can’t tell Joe who can date. He’s not boy any more."

Ben shook his head; "I will stop this Adam."

Adam frowned and turned away from his father as he looked toward the kitchen to insure Joe was not coming out. He looked at his father again. "Pa’ think about it okay? He’s nineteen and stubborn. If you tried to force your opinion on him you could push him away. He’d choice her just to prove you wrong."

"Do you really think he would out right disobey me?"

"I think if you try to forbid him from seeing her, he might."

Ben signed, "maybe I should see if she is one of the Andersons we knew. She may not be."

Adam nodded, "that’s true. Let’s just wait and see what happens okay?"

Ben nodded.

Hoss walked in the front door as Joe came out of the kitchen with some food and announced that it was time to eat.

The four Cartwrights sat down and ate supper. The conversation was kept light, Ben and Adam wanting to avoid talking about Joe’s new girlfriend. Hoss didn’t know anything about it, and he didn’t notice the slight tension that was in the room. "So Joe, what did you do today?"

Joe smiled at his brother, "ah Hoss while I was in town today I met the most beautiful girl you have ever seen. I asked her to the dance and she said yes. Her name is Renee and Hoss she is just amazing."

"Well little brother I’m real happy for ya’." Hoss said.

"You didn’t tell me that you invited her to the dance." Ben said.

Joe looked at him, "I guess I forgot Pa’. It ain’t no big deal though."

"Joe, you have to ask permission to go to a dance." Ben tried.

Joe just grinned at his father. "Oh, but Pa’ you already told me I could go."

Hoss nodded, "he got ya’ there Pa’, you told us all we could go."

Ben nodded, "I guess I did huh?"

Joe bobbed his head up and down. "Then y’all will be able to meet her. You guys are jus’ gonna love her she is so perfect."

"Will her family be there?" Adam asked.

Joe shrugged, "I suppose so, but I ain’t real sure."

"I am looking forward to meeting her." Ben said.

Joe grinned and went back to eating.

The next several days passed quite quietly for the four Cartwrights. Saturday finally came and the boys all dressed for their dates.

Joe left first; he arrived at Renee’s in a half-hour.

Renee came out to greet him as soon as she saw him.

Joe stopped in his tracks as he looked at her. She was a beautiful sight to behold. She had her hair down with it softly hanging around her face. She wore pretty blue color dress that seemed to fit her just completely right.

She looked at him with her dark blue eyes; "do I look alright?"

"Oh, my dear you are just about the most beautiful creature I have ever seen."

She smiled, "oh Mr. Cartwright, you flatter me."

Joe grinned as he took her hand and kissed it.

Renee introduced Joe to her family. She had a sister and three brothers, and then he met her father and her Uncle.

Sandra, Renee’s sister looked at Joe, "are you related to an Adam Cartwright?"

Joe nodded, "yeah he’s my brother."

She raised her eyebrows when he said that; "you must be little Joe?"

Joe nodded, "yes ma’am. Did you know Adam?"

Sandra nodded, "yes I knew your brother."

Joe nodded, "we really must be going."

"We’ll be there shortly." Her father called. "And Mr. Cartwright, I hope you will behave yourself."

"Oh yes sir I will."

"Will your family be there?"

"Yes sir, they will."

"Good, I look forward to talking to them."

Joe nodded and took Renee’s hand and they left.

"I am nervous about our families meeting." Renee admitted.

Joe signed in relief, "so am I. I don’t know why either."

Renee looked at Joe she was really attracted to him; she wouldn’t let their families come in between them. This was the man she was meant to be with. "Joe, let’s not worry about it. We’ll have a good time any way."

Joe nodded, "yeah we will."

They soon arrived at the dance; Joe saw his family as soon as they walked in. Joe took Renee over to the punch and got two drinks. He handed one to Renee. Hoss came over and Joe introduced the two of them.

After that the young couple spent most of the dance on the dance floor. Renee loved being in his arms, but she could feel the eyes of the other young ladies at the dance.

"Why are they looking at me like that?" She asked Joe.

"They’re in shock." He told her simply, "they’ve never seen such a beautiful creature before."

Adam looked at his father as he watched his young brother and Renee. "She looks like Sandra," he said quietly.

Ben nodded, "she does doesn’t she?"

Adam signed; he looked at the door as Renee’s family walked in. He paled suddenly.

Ben followed his son’s gaze and frowned, "ah damn."

Joe didn’t notice the dirty looks that were going between his family and Renee’s family. They were just to absorb in each other to notice anything at all.

Mr. Anderson came over to Ben and Adam, "Mr. Cartwright." He said coldly.

Ben nodded, "when did you get back?"

"A month ago. I see my baby girl and your baby son are really hitting it off."

Ben frowned, "don’t you worry, I plan to put an end to it as soon as I can."

"Do what you must, but I think they’re happy."

"I don’t want my son involved with an Anderson." Ben snapped roughly.

"That is your choice, but I think you should just let it go. They make a good-looking couple. What was in the past is over with."

Ben shook his head and walked away from him, Adam followed him.

Joe took Renee home after the dance then headed home himself. He stopped at the lake half way home and just sat by the lake and stared at the still water. He couldn’t get Renee out of his mind. He knew without a doubt that she was the woman for him. He would spend the rest of his life with her. He already loved her and hated to be away from her. He could see her having his children, he knew that their life together would be perfect and so happy.

He laid back so he could look at the stars and soon spotted the star he considered being his mother. Joe’s mother died when he was only five years old. His father told him that his Mom was up in the sky looking out for him and had pointed at the very star Joe was now looking at and told the young boy that that was his Mama. So whenever Joe felt like he needed to talk to his mother all he had to do was find that star and talk to her. He did that now, he told her all about Renee and hoped she would approve of his new love.

Joe sat up several hours later; he frowned as he realized that he must have fallen asleep. He stood up and stretched, he hopped up on the wagon and headed home.

After he put the horse up and unhitched the wagon, he went in. He was surprised to see his father sitting by the fire with a glass of brandy in his hand. Joe frowned, he could tell that his father has had too much to drink. He wondered why sense his father didn’t drink unless something was bothering him.

"Where have you been Joseph?" Ben demanded. "Do you realize it is almost four in the morning? May I inquire what type of company you must be keeping to have such late hours?"

Joe stared at his father, "Pa’ if you must know, I feel asleep at the lake."

"What about your date?"

"What about her Pa’? I dropped her off at home. She is a proper lady and I don’t like what you’re applying."

"How do you know she is so proper? You barely know her."

Joe shook his head, "do you have a problem with her Pa’?"

"I don’t know Joe, I do know it is not a proper thing to dress like she did. She was flaunting her body all over the dance. Now you come home at four o’clock in the morning."

"Come on Pa’. Her dress was beautiful, and she was scared at the dance. All of the women were staring at her. Besides she has the right to flaunt her body, she has a perfect one. AND I already told you that I fell asleep at the lake."

"I don’t know Joe, I don’t think she is good for you."

Joe took a deep breath as he tried not to get mad at his father. "Pa’, with all due respect, you have no right to tell me she is no good for me. Besides I think she is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I laid at the lake thinking she could be the one for me Pa’. I won’t have you or anyone else coming between us."

Ben frowned, as his heart skipped. Joe really liked this girl. It wouldn’t be as easy as Ben thought it would be. "Joseph, her sister dated Adam once."

Joe shrugged as he walked toward the steps. "I’m not dating her sister. Good night Pa’." He then climbed the stairs without waiting for a reply from his father.

The next couple of weeks, Joe spent all of his free time with Renee.

After a month, he was in the barn with Hoss. "Why don’t Pa’ and Adam like Renee Hoss?" He asked.

Hoss frowned, "Adam dated Sandra. She was a mean woman Joe. She used Adam and hurt him bad. Her brother shot Adam when he went to tell Sandra how he felt. Then their father tried to steal some of the Ponderosa, but Pa’ caught him. He planted traps all over the land and I fell in one and almost lost my leg. You were real young that’s why you don’t remember. But they got you too, they treated you real good and were trying to get you to turn away from Pa’, but you wouldn’t. Renee’s father sent a note to Pa’ saying that there was no way he could protect all three of his sons all the time. Pa’ worried himself sick every time one of left the house. Then the Andersons up and left."

"But Renee wasn’t even here. She lived with her Grand parents."

Hoss nodded, "but it just brings up that old fear to Pa’."

Joe frowned, "I love her Hoss. She is my soul mate. I want to ask her to marry me, but I don’t want to loose Adam and Pa’ either. I need all of them Hoss."

Hoss nodded as he put his arm around his brother, "it’ll work out little brother."

That night Joe picked up Renee and took her to dinner. After they ordered he told her what Hoss had told him. She paled as he told her the story of their families past.

She nodded after he finished, "I’m sorry Joe, really I am. I know they’re my family but I would never hurt you like that. My Grandmother useto tell me about some of the mean things they did, but I never believed them. Now I know they’re true. I will say this, my Pa’ says nothing bad about you. I won’t make you choose Joe."

He took her hand, "I love you Renee. I can’t live without you."

"But your family will never approve of us."

He smiled, "oh yeah they will. They’re stubborn, but not cruel. They’d want me to be happy. Once they realize that you make me happy, they’re support us. I ain’t really worried about that."

Renee looked at him, "are you sure baby?"

Joe nodded, "yeah I’m sure. The Cartwrights are a close family, they ‘re accept us."

Renee smiled as she relaxed; now she wouldn’t have to choose between living with Joe or letting him have his family. Renee didn’t want to think of life without Joe. He was all he ever thought about. She would gladly give up her family for Joe, but she couldn’t ask him to do that.

"Renee, I want you to be my wife." He said suddenly as he pulled out a ring. "Will you marry me?"

She grinned, as she looked at him, then the ring. "Oh yes my darling oh yes." She exclaimed as she jumped up and hugged him.

He had stood up when she said yes and caught her when she ran to him.

They received many stares from people as they celebrated their engagement.

The next day, Joe decided to tell his family. He woke up that morning in a good mood, not realizing that it would be a day that would change his life forever.

It wasn’t until after dinner that he had all of his family together and decided to tell him.

"I’d like to talk to all of ya’." He said as they sipped their coffee.

Ben nodded, his son and him have been at odds a lot lately and he was hoping it would now come to an end. Hoss had told him and Adam that he had revolved the truth about the Andersons to Joe. He was thinking that Joe was now about to tell them that it was over between him and Renee.

Joe smiled at his family. "I hum, I asked Renee to marry me." He said quickly. "I asked her yesterday and she said yes."

Nobody said anything for a long minute.

Joe’s face fell as he searched his family’s reaction. He looked at Hoss, "hey Hoss ain’t ya’ gonna congratulate me?"

Hoss grinned, "heck yeah little brother." He said as he got up and pulled Joe up to hug him.

Ben stood up and looked at his son. He felt like his world was crashing around him. They had won; they are taking one of his sons away from him. "Joe, didn’t Hoss tell you what they did?"

Joe nodded, "he did. But Renee wasn’t a part of that. She was living with her Grandparents. She’s not like them."

"Ah, all Andersons are the same!" Adam snapped as he stood up. "How can you choose them over your family?"

"I didn’t, I love her. She’s done nothing to you. Why are you taking it out on her?"

"She’s using you Joe. Her family put her up to it. She doesn’t love you, that family doesn’t know how to love."

"She loves me Adam and I love her. I am going to marry her."

"I won’t allow it!" Ben yelled.

"You can’t stop me Pa’. Don’t you two understand she loves me and I love her? It is that simple. Just be happy for me."

"I don’t approve Joe."

"I don’t need your approval anymore Pa’. I already asked her."

"You can’t marry her Joe." Ben said as he lowered his voice. "She is no good. She’ll only hurt you. She doesn’t love you. She’s only using you.’

"No she’s not!" Joe yelled as he was losing control of his temper. He was so sure that once his family saw how happy she was making him they would come around to his way of thinking. They would be happy for him and Renee. He didn’t think they’d get mad.

"Do not raise your voice to me young man." Ben ordered.

"Fine Pa’, I won’t. Give her a chance, she’s really a great girl and he will be my wife."

"No she won’t be Joe." Adam said, "her family won’t let it happen. They are using her to get to you. There is no love there Joe. It’s all a lie."

"No it ain’t Adam. She loves me."

"No she don’t. She’s as evil as the rest of her family. Break it off Joe."

Joe glared at his brother. "No I won’t Adam!"

"Break it off you stupid kid, she ain’t no good for you."

"Take it back Adam!"

"No! You are being stupid. She doesn’t love you. "

"Yes she does Adam! Now stay out of it."

"Damn Joe, you are going to choice her over us ain’t ya’?"

"Well hell Adam she ain’t making me choose, you are."

"So they win."

Joe rolled his eyes, "no, you idiot, I win."

Adam shook his head, "no kid you lose."

Joe turned away from him and looked at his at his father. "Pa’, please just give her a chance."

"A chance to hurt you and to walk all over you." Adam said.

Joe turned to him and punched him in the face, "just shut up Adam!" He shouted as he hit his brother again.

Adam punched him back, then grabbed him by the shirt. "Listen to me, you little runt. She is no good, she’s useless and you are being stupid to fall for it. You are turning your back to your family!"

Joe shook his head, "no I ain’t, she is to be my wife.’

"Joe, if you marry her, I will no longer consider you my brother."

Joe stared at him in shock. "You mean I haveto pick either you or her? You ain’t being fair. Don’t you care that I’m happy?’

"You heard me," Adam said as he shoved Joe down. "I can’t stop you from marrying her. But I will not ever approve or be happy for you. Like I said it is her or me. It’s up to you little brother."

Joe stood up; he was at a lost. He looked at his father. "Pa’," he said.

"Joseph, how can you attack your brother like that?"

Joe frowned, "Pa’ he was out of line. He wants me to choose and that ain’t fair."

"You don’t punch your brother, you know I don’t approve of that! I raised you better than that! I will not allow you to attack your brother. Now tell him you’re sorry."

"You must be joking Pa’! He needs to tell me he’s sorry. He is wrong, not me!"

"Boy, you better not raise your voice to me again."

"Pa’ he’s making me choose and that ain’t right. I love my family and I love Renee. It ain’t fair that I have to choose."

"I do not approve of your engagement either Joseph. "

"Why not Pa’?"

"Because she will only use you. That family is bad, and I can’t have you marrying one of them.’

"Well I am Pa’, I am marrying her. Adam can’t stop me. I don’t want to live without her. Why can’t you people just be happy for me?"

"Because she is so wrong for you Joe. She is a loser, just like her sister."

"Pa’ how dare you!" Joe yelled, "she is the best thing that has ever happened to me!"

"Don’t yell at me boy!"

"Then be fair! This sucks!" Joe screamed.

"Don’t yell Joseph!"

"Then listen to me!" Joe yelled at his father.

Ben backhanded him before he could stop himself. "Lower your voice."

Joe frowned, "Pa’ please I love her. Please give me your blessing."

Ben shook his head; "I can’t son. I can never approve of the marriage."

Joe slumped his shoulders, he couldn’t believe this was happening. How could he choose? Renee was his soul mate, but this was his family. He couldn’t picture life without either one of them. At least Renee wasn’t making him choose, but his family was. "Pa’ please. Don’t make me choose. I love her and I love you."

"Well you haveto choose who you love more."

"I can’t Pa’, I just can’t."

"Well you better!" Ben yelled.

"Then I will!" Joe yelled.

Ben nodded, thinking he had won.

"I’m going to marry Renee, she ain’t making me choose."
Ben got so mad, that he saw red. He was so angry at the situation that he spoke before he could think. What he was about to say he would regret for the rest of his life. It was one of the few times that his temper got the better of him. Where he spoke before he thought of what could happen. "Then fine Joseph, marry her. But you remember you are picking her over us, which means you are no longer part of this family. You are done as far as being a Cartwright. That means the Ponderosa is not your home anymore, these are not your brothers any more. I am no longer your father. I disown you; I no longer have a son name Joseph. You are dead in my eyes."

Joe stared at him he could barely breathe. He nodded and turned and went upstairs.

Hoss followed him up, "Joe he didn’t mean it." Hoss said.

Joe looked at him as tears ran down his face, "yes he did Hoss."

"Please don’t leave Joe.’

"I haveto leave Hoss." He said as he threw somethings in a saddlebag. He grabbed the picture of his mother off the table. He looked at Hoss. "I love you Hoss." He said softly and hugged him quickly.

Hoss though held him tight as he cried.

"Let me go Hoss."

"I don’t want to Joe."

Joe pushed away from his brother. "Bye Hoss."

Hoss nodded and looked away.

Joe walked downstairs; he didn’t look at his father or brother as he walked out of the house. He mounted Cochie and rode away without ever looking back.

Joe stood up and looked up at the stars, he soon spotted his Mama’s star. He just stared at it as tears ran down his face.

The next morning, Hoss was sitting a the table when Joe came in from the barn, "good morning Hoss." Joe said as he kissed his wife.

Hoss smiled at him, "morning little brother."

Joe sat next to him, "are you enjoying breakfast?"

"Sure am Joe. It’s great."

Joe nodded as he sipped his coffee; "well I must go to work."

After Joe left Hoss asked Renee what happened after Joe left home.

Renee frowned and looked away. "He came to my house, he was very sad. He told me what happened. My father over heard, and laughed. He told Joe that a family that turns their back to their own isn’t worth owning up to any way. We got married in Carson City the next day, then my Pa’ gave us some money and we left."

Hoss looked down, "I should’ve said something, but I just kept my mouth shut. I’m so sorry."

She put her arms around him, "Hoss you have nothing to be sorry for. You did nothing wrong. Joe loves you."

Hoss nodded. "I know and I love him. I miss him so much."

"I’m sorry Hoss that this has happened to your family."

Hoss looked at her and took her hand, "it’s not your fault."

Hoss stayed for two days, and then he had to leave to head home. The brothers hugged each other for a long time. "I love you little brother."

Joe nodded, " I love you too, now be careful okay?"

"As always little brother."

Hoss left, it took him six more days to get home. He stared at the house for a minute, so grateful to be home. Adam came out and broke into a grin when he saw his brother. He ran over to him and the two of them hugged. "It’s good to see you Hoss, go say hi to Pa’. I’ll take care of your horse."

Hoss nodded, "thanks Adam."

Adam went to the barn as Hoss went inside, "I’m home Pa’." He called.

Ben came over to his son and hugged him. "I so happy to see you. I was beginning to get worried."

"Ah Pa’, you ain’t got no reason to be worried."

Ben nodded, "I know, but whenever one of you are away I worry."

Hoss nodded as he thought of Joe. Did his father worry about him or did he just cut it off? He wanted to ask his father if he worried about Joe, but he was scared to talk to him about Joe. Pa’ always got so mad when someone brought Joe up.

"Are you okay son?"

Hoss nodded, "I’m fine Pa’, jus’ tired is all."

"I’ll get Hop Sing to get you a bath ready."

Hoss grinned, "that sounds great Pa’."

Hop Sing came out, "already draw bath for number two son. Come Mr. Hoss."

Hoss nodded and followed the cook. Once they were behind close doors Hoss looked at him. "I saw Joe Hop Sing." He said quietly.

Hop Sing looked at him as his eyes got big with surprise, "you saw my little Joe?"

Hoss nodded. "He lives in a small town in Texas. He has his own home and a good job. He married Renee and they have a son. He’s about the cutest dang thing I’ve ever seen."

Hop Sing smiled, "good to know Joe is good. He deserves happy. Family was wrong."

Hoss frowned and looked down, "I sure do miss him."

"So does honorable father and Mr. Adam, but they not admit it. Hop Sing miss boy a great lot. He was a good boy, house too quiet. Mr. Cartlight miss son too, he stays up at night."

Hoss looked at him; "maybe I should tell them that I saw him. Maybe they’ll change their mind."

"You tell family, only good come from truth."

Hoss signed and nodded.

Hop Sing left so Hoss could take a bath.

After dinner that night Hoss decided to tell his father and brother about Joe.

"I was coming back from Mexico, "He began. "I was tired so I stopped in a small town in Texas. I went to the saloon and guess who I ran into?"

Ben smiled, "who?’

Hoss took a deep breath, "Joe."

Ben sat back in his seat and took a deep breath. He felt like he was just punched in the stomach.

Adam frowned and looked away so he wouldn’t make eye contact with Hoss.

"Anyway," Hoss continued. "He did marry her. He has a good job, and a nice home. He seems to be doing really good. He um, he also has a son. Joe jr. He’s a cute little boy, looks like Joe."

Adam stood up and walked out of the house.

Ben put his head in his hands.

"I can send word to him Pa’. I’ll tell him it’s okay to come home now."

Ben shook his head; "he made his choice son. I made mine."

"But Pa’…"

"No buts Hoss. He ain’t my son no more."

"Come on Pa’ how can you just turn it off."

"He forced it Hoss."

"You forced it Pa’."

Ben looked at Hoss; "he would rather be with her. He turned his back to us."

Hoss stared at him, "Pa’ you forced him too."

Ben frowned and stood up, "I don’t want to discuss it anymore son. Joe is out of my life and that he will stay. As will his family."

Hoss stood up and walked out. He looked at Adam who was sitting on the porch. "Are you still mad at him?"

Adam shrugged, "I don’t know what to think."

Hoss walked away and went to the barn. He wanted his family back together again. There was just something missing.

Three days later Hoss sent a telegram to Joe. He thought if Joe came home and his father and brother saw him they would make up and be a family again. So he lied to Joe and told him that Pa’ has taken ill, that he is not expected to live. He added that their father had asked to see him before he dies. He knew it was wrong to trick Joe like this but he felt he had no choice. He sent the telegram then waited for a response. One came rather quickly.

Hoss Cartwright…stop…..We will come back…….stop…..I will tell Joe….stop…….tell your father to stay with us until Joe arrives….stop……be there in a week…..stop…..Renee Cartwright.

Hoss frowned as he red the telegram. He hoped it would turn out good.

Renee paled as she red the telegram from Hoss, she sent a reply then ran to Joe. "Joe honey I haveto talk to you." She said.

He looked at her a frowned; he saw the despair on her face. "Is it the baby?’

"No, he’s fine. Mrs. Wilkins is watching him. Here read this."

Joe took the telegram.

Joe Cartwright….stop….Pa’ is ill…..stop…..may die soon requested to see you……stop….please come home before he dies…stop…..Eric Cartwright

Joe paled as he red it. He looked at Renee; "I gotta go home Renee."

She nodded, "I know. In already sent a telegram to Hoss. I told him we would be there in a week."

He smiled, "well let’s go so I can pack."

The next day, Joe and his family left for the Ponderosa. Joe was quiet for a long time. He was nervous about-facing his family. He knew he couldn’t let his father die without making up with him. He really loved his father and brother and he hated being away from them. He hoped that maybe he will make up with them and that his father will live and they would be a family again.

In a week they arrived at the house. Hoss saw them coming he ran out to them. The brothers quickly embraced, as a ranch hand took the wagon.

"How is he Hoss?" Joe asked as his wife and their baby came and stood beside him. "Am I too late? Is he still with us?"

Hoss frowned, "uh Joe."

Joe paled, "oh God I’m too late ain’t I? He’s gone."

"No, no little brother. Come on inside."

Joe and his family followed Hoss in.

Hop Sing ran to Joe and hugged him, "oh my little Joe come home. Family is whole now."

Joe smiled at him. "Hop Sing this is my son and my wife."

Hop Sing smiled, "come with me, we get you freshened up. Brothers must talk."

Renee left with him.

Joe looked around the house, "looks the same."

Hoss nodded, "how was your trip?"

Joe nodded as he walked to his father’s desk. "Where’s Adam? Is he still mad at me?’

"Adam’s out. He should be back soon."

"Where’s the Doc.? Shouldn’t he be here?"

"No, he don’t need to be here."

Joe took a deep breath as he looked up the steps; "well I’m ready to go see him."

Hoss frowned, "wait a minute Joe."

Joe looked at his brother. "Does he know I’m coming?"

Hoss shook his head.

"Is it okay to surprise him? What’s wrong with him? Was he shot?"

"No Joe he wasn’t shot. I need to tell you something okay?"

Joe nodded.

"Uh, don’t get mad Joe."

"Okay, what?"

"Joe I lied to you."

Joe paled, "ah he’s dead ain’t he? I didn’t make it. My own father died still mad at me. Damn I had wanted to make it right now it’s too late."

Hoss shook his head, "no it ain’t too late Joe. He ain’t dead."

Joe signed in relief. "Oh thank the Lord above. So what did you lie about?"

Hoss took a deep breath, "Uh, Joe there ain’t nothin’ wrong with Pa’. I lied he’s fine."

Joe stared at him, "what?" He exclaimed.

"Yeah, I jus’ wanted to get you home. I know it was wrong but I had to. I figured if the three of you saw each other you would make up."

"How dare you Hoss!" Joe yelled. "Do you realize what I have been threw?"

"I’m sorry Joe. I jus’ wanted my family together again."

"So you trick me and made me think Pa’ was dying. That was cruel Hoss."

Hoss nodded, "I know it was and I am so sorry."

"Sorry ain’t enough Hoss."

Hoss looked away, "just stay Joe and see Pa’, maybe if you two see each other he’ll realize how much he missed you."

"Or maybe he’ll turn away from me again. Hoss I can’t take that again."

"Please stay Joe."

Joe frowned as he sat down; he put his head in his hands.

Hoss went over to him and placed his arms on his shoulder.

"Hoss, what if he still hates me?"

"He doesn’t hate you."

Joe looked at him; "he sure doesn’t love me."

"He was just mad."

Joe stood up; "well I’m here."

Hoss grinned.

A short time later, Adam walked in. Joe was holding his son when the door opened. He stood up when the door opened and handed the baby to Hoss.

Adam stopped at the door. "Joe?"

Joe nodded, "hello Adam."

"What are you doing here?’

Joe frowned, "I came back is all."

Adam looked at Renee and then the baby, "I see you brought your family with you."

Joe nodded, "I did."

Adam shook his head; "you are something Joe. You have some serious guts to come back here."

Joe frowned, "Adam come on. We’re brothers."

Adam shook his head, "not anymore."

"Adam!" Hoss yelled.

"You stay out of it!" Adam shouted at him.

"Don’t yell at him Adam." Joe told him.

"Why don’t you just get out before Pa’ gets back and sees you."

"I want to see Pa’."

"Well he don’t want to see you."

Joe frowned.

Renee also frowned; she hated to see Joe upset.

Ben walked in at that point and an eerie silence fell over the room.

"Hello Pa’." Joe said.

Ben stared at his youngest son. He couldn’t speak. He shook his head as his eyes fell on Renee and then the baby. "Joe." He said quietly.

"Pa’, hi how are you?"

"What are you doing here?’

Joe frowned, "I wanted to see you is all."

"Did you marry?"

"Yes sir."

"And you have a child?"

"Yes sir."

Ben looked at Adam, then Hoss. He took a deep breath and looked back at his youngest child. "I don’t understand Joe, I thought you had turned your back to us."

Joe shook his head; "I never turned my back to you. You kicked me out, you disowned me I didn’t disown you."

"You married her after I told you not too. You left us Joe."

"Pa’ please. Can’t you see I am happy? I love her and she loves me. We have a son."

"That is good for you Joe, then you have your family."

Joe looked at Hoss, his eyes full of sadness.

"Pa’ come on," Hoss said. "He’s your son."

"No he is not Hoss."

Joe looked at Renee; "get everything ready. I don’t think we’ll be staying here."

She nodded as Hop Sing came over; "I help with baby. Come Mrs. Carlight."

After Renee and his son were gone Joe looked back at his father. "You are a liar Pa’."

Ben glared at his son, "what?’

"You told me all of my life not to judge people. Now here you are judging Renee on something she had nothing to do with. In doing that not only are you loosing me, but you’re loosing you first grandchild."

"You are the one that made the decision to leave Joseph."

"You made me make it Pa’, you and Adam."

"We were your family, she was not."

"She is now Pa’, she’s my wife. She’s the mother of my child. Can’t you admit that you were wrong?" He turned to Adam. "She did marry me Adam, with her family blessing. Hell her father gave us money to get started. What happened in the past is just that in the past."

Adam just turned away from him.

Joe looked at Hoss, "good try Hoss, but like I said they hate me."

Hoss frowned and looked at his family.

Ben looked at Joe, "It’s not hate Joe, it’s disappointment."

"You have no reason to be disappointed Mr. Cartwright. I have values; I am doing just fine. You should be disappointed in yourself not in me."

"Get out of my house boy. You are not welcomed here."

"Pa’ please!" Hoss cried, "please not again."

"Stay out of it Hoss."

Joe shook his head as he looked at Hoss, "don’t worry Hoss, I don’t need them."

Hoss frowned, "but Joe I need you."

"And I will always be your brother." Joe said, "you know where I live."

Hoss nodded.

Joe looked at Ben but didn’t say anything. He was hoping that his father would change his mind and open his arms to him. How Joe wanted to go up to his father and just hug him. But his father just stood there, not opening his arms, not welcoming Joe back.

"Go boy, get out." Ben said.

Joe took a deep breath as he looked at him, "oh how Mama would be proud of you."

Ben suddenly grabbed his son by the shirt and threw him out of the house. Joe landed hard on the porch. He stood up as tears came to his eyes. He turned and walked to the waiting wagon. He hugged Hop Sing, who was talking to him in Chinese. Joe answered him in the same way.

After Joe was out of sight Hop Sing gone in shaking his head in disgust at the family.

"What is wrong with you two?" Hoss demanded.

"Just drop it Hoss." Adam said.

"No I have been quiet for a year now, I can’t do it no more. He is family and you two are turning your back to him. Pa’ you raised us better then that."

"He made his choice." Ben said.

"He had too, you made him."

"He made it none the less. Now he has to live with it."

"Pa’ you are wrong."

"Hoss I don’t want to discuss it no more."

"But we need too."

"No we don’t, it is over."

Hoss frowned and went up to his room.

Adam left and went out to the barn. He sat down and stared at the horses. Was he wrong? They did look real happy, and they did get married. Maybe Renee wasn’t like her sister; maybe she was a good person. Adam frowned it was too late now Joe was gone and he was partly to blame for that. He pushed Joe away. He closed his eyes as he remembered all of the fights and the laughter he had enjoyed with his young brother. Why didn’t he look past his own pain and bitterness and see Joe’s happiness? He would have to find a way to make it up to him. Adam opened his eyes and looked around the barn. He walked out and leaned on the outside of the barn. For the first time since Joe left Adam realized just how quiet it was without his baby brother. Adam roughly whipped his eyes as he felt tears roll down them. He suddenly felt such grief and guilt that he started to sob.

Ben sat down at his desk; he was regretting his actions. He had really wanted to hug Joe and that baby of his. He was a cute little baby. He looked like Joe, so much like him. Renee looked like she really did love him. Maybe he was wrong, but it was too late now he had kicked Joe out again. Joe won’t come back this time; he had lost his child for good this time. Ben looked at the picture of his wife and picked up the picture. "Oh Marie I’ve really messed up this time." He said softly, "I chased him away all because I was blind to his love." Ben put his head in his hands, as he closed his eyes and saw Joe in front of him. He missed Joe so much, he wanted to hear that damn laugh of his so bad it hurt. He was right, Ben was a liar he had raised his boys better then that. He shouldn’t have blamed Renee on what her family had done. It wasn’t her fault. What her family did to him and his family was years ago and should be forgotten. But was it too late? Ben feared that it was. His son was so stubborn he didn’t know if Joe would ever forgive him. Ben took a deep breath and decided that he would find a way to make Joe forgive him.

Joe and Renee were heading to Virginia City. Joe was so quiet. "Honey, I’m so sorry it didn’t turn out like you wanted it too."

Joe nodded.

Renee frowned and turned away. She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t know how to help her husband.

Suddenly though, the horses sped up and Joe began to loose control of them. Joe was in a panic as he fought the horses and the runaway wagon. He soon lost the battle as the horses broke loose and the wagon went roll by itself. "Renee get the baby!" He shouted.

Renee had already grabbed him.

Joe looked at her, "jump and protect Joe."

"Joe!"

"Honey Go."

She obeyed him. She landed on soft grass. She stood up and checks the baby; he squirmed in her arms.

She looked up as the wagon tipped and fell on its side. She screamed as she saw her husband fall out, then in horror she watched the wagon fall on him.

She ran over to him and knelt down by him "Oh Joe please honey."

He opened his eyes, "oh baby. Are you okay?"

She nodded.

"The baby?"

"He’s fine. I’ll get you out of here."

"You can’t. Go back to the ranch get help."

"I can’t leave you."

"You haveto honey. I need help."

She was crying.

He smiled at her, "I’ll be here when you get back."

She nodded and ran off cradling the baby in her arms as she ran all the way to the house. She ran the hour it took to get there. "Hoss!" She screamed as she ran into the yard. "Hoss! Hoss!"

Adam ran out of the barn, "Renee what is it?"

She looked past him to the house. "Hoss!"

Adam grabbed her by the shoulder as Ben, Hoss and Hop Sing came out. Renee ran to Hoss. "Hoss please come with me." She cried.

Hoss frowned as he saw the blood on her. "Hop Sing take the baby."

He did.

"Is it Joe Renee? Where is he?’

She nodded as she grabbed his arm; "the wagon is on him. Please help him."

"Oh God." Ben whispered as he grabbed her arms. "Can you show us where?"

"Yes please help him. I can’t loose him."

Adam came out with the horses. "Let’s go." He ordered.

Ben got on his horse; then Hoss got on Chubb.

Adam put his arm out to Renee.

She nodded and got on the horse with him.

Adam could hear her praying all the way back. He could feel her shaking. She must really love him. "Renee, little Joe is a fighter."

"Just hurry please."

Soon they arrived, Renee jumped off of the horse before Adam stopped. She ran to him, but Ben and Hoss beat her to him.

Hoss knelt down by him, "hey shortshanks."

Joe didn’t react, he had his eyes close.

Renee stared at him as tears fell down his face.

"Joe please wake up." Hoss begged.

Joe opened his eyes and winced in pain. He looked around frantically then settled on Hoss. "Where’s Renee Hoss? Where’s my wife?’

Ben frowned as he realized how much Joe loved her. She was whom he was asking for now. She now held that place in his heart. Ben was no longer the one Joe would run to when he was hurt or scared. He was now a married man, who loved his wife as much, if not more then Ben had loved his wives. His youngest boy was now a man.

Renee rushed to him and took his hand, "I’m right here baby."

He looked at her and smiled, "the baby?"

"Is fine Joe, Hop Sing has him."

Joe nodded as he looked at Hoss, "please get this off of me Hoss, it hurts a great deal."

Hoss nodded and looked up at Adam and Ben. "You have to help me."

Ben nodded as he stepped closer, "we’ll get it off son, I promise."

Joe looked at his father in surprise, but just nodded.

Ben, Adam and Hoss managed to get the wagon off of the youngest member of their family.

Hoss looked down at Joe, "we gotta get you home little brother.’

"Hoss make sure someone takes care of Renee. She’s hurt as well."

Hoss nodded, "we will."

Joe looked over at Renee and mouthed the words I love you.

She smiled and mouthed it back to him.

Hoss scooped up Joe and stood up, "Adam here hold him while I get on my horse."

Adam nodded and took his brother in his arms. He looked at Joe and smiled, "you’ll be just fine little brother."

Joe looked at him, "ah Adam, don’t hate me no more."

Adam frowned as his heart broke. "Joe I’m so sorry."

Joe looked around for Renee again he spotted her and smiled at her.

Hoss got up on his horse and told Adam to hand him Joe.

Hoss cradled him in his arms and looked down at him, "You’ll be just fine."

Joe nodded.

Adam walked over to Renee, "come on Renee." He said softly as he put his arm around her and led her to his horse.

Renee cried most of the way back.

"Don’t worry now Renee Joe is so tough."

Renee nodded, "he better be."

When they arrive to the house, Hoss carried Joe in. Renee ran behind him. She sat down by the bed and took his hand. "Oh baby I love you."

He smiled, "I know honey."

She kissed his cheek, "don’t leave me Joseph Cartwright."

He shook his head, "never Renee Cartwright."

She smiled weakly at him, "I’m scared Joe."

He smiled at her, and fought back the pain. "Renee listen to me, there is nothing to be afraid of. I’ll be fine and we’re go back home."

She nodded.

Ben frowned, he has been listening to the whole conversation.

Soon the Doctor came and kicked all but Hop Sing out. Renee shook her head and grabbed his hand. "No I can’t leave him."

The doctor looked at Hoss.

Hoss went over to her and put his arm around her, "come on sweetie. The Doc will take care of Little Joe. He always does."

"But I can’t leave him he’s my husband."

"Please honey."

Hoss looked at Joe and he nodded.

She left with Hoss, it wasn’t until she got downstairs that Hoss noticed her ankle. It looked swollen and out of joint. He told her to sit down, "I think you broke your foot Renee."

She looked at him in surprise, "what?"

Adam came over and looked at it, "oh it’s broken. How did you run here?"

She shrugged, "I jus’ had to help Joe."

Adam nodded, "you did, but I think we should fix ya’ up as well."

She looked at her ankle, "don’t worry none about me. The doc needs to take care of Joe."

Adam frowned, "he brought his nurse with him. She’ll take care of you."

Renee shook his head, "I’m fine."

Hoss took her hand, "Joe will be fine. He’s tougher then you think. He would want us to take care of you."

She frowned, "Hoss your family hates me. I should be with my husband."

"My family don’t hate you."

She just looked up at the room where Joe was. It was then that all the pain in her body seems to come to life. She paled and cried out suddenly.

Hoss frowned, "where does it hurt?"

She looked at him, "um my foot really hurts. I have a headache and my back is a little sore."

Adam frowned as well, "lay down sweetie."

She obeyed him as Adam called to the nurse.

Hoss and the nurse fixed her up.

Adam came over to her when they were done, "why aren’t they done?" She whined.

He smiled, "the doc is good. He likes to be sure he checks everything."

She frowned unconvinced.

"Listen Renee, "Adam began. "I am so very sorry for all that I’ve done to you and Joe."

"You didn’t do anything to me."

"Yeah I did, I miss judged you. I blamed you for something your family did. I was wrong. I should have seen the love and I didn't. I pushed my brother and his wife away. I hope you can forgive me."

‘You haveto tell Joe."

He nodded, "oh I will. I swear I will."

"As long as you do I forgive you. He really missed you. You hurt him, but he would never admit it. He wanted you to be proud of him. Your opinion means a lot to him."

Adam nodded as he hugged her.

She smiled and hugged him back.

After they parted Ben came over, "Adam can you go so I may speak with her?’

Adam nodded and walked away.

Ben sat down next to her and reached to take her hand. "Renee, I don’t know how to put right what I did wrong."

"Talk to Joe."

"I will, but I need to talk to you first. I was so very wrong. I should have listened to Joe and saw his love. I was so mad at your family and so scared that they would take my baby from me. I didn’t realize I was pushing him away. I lost him, he wasn’t taken. I almost lost him for good and that would have been the biggest mistake I ever made. You are perfect for him, I can see the love you have for him I see it in your eyes right now. I saw how much he loved you. You also have a beautiful son and I almost lost him as well. You and Joe and your son are my family and I only pray you will let me be a part of your family."

Renee looked at him for a long minute. She saw the pain in his eyes, she thought of how happy Joe would be if his family loved him again. "Joe will be so happy you know."

Ben smiled, "I hope he will."

"You really hurt him Mr. Cartwright, he cried a lot of nights."

Ben winced like he was hit. "Believe it or not, so did I."

She looked at him, "your serious aren’t you?’

"Yes."

"I would never hurt Joe."

"I know and I always thought I would never hurt him and I hurt him bad."

She nodded.

"Can you forgive me Renee?"

She signed and looked up toward the room again, then looked at her father-in-law. "I can forgive you, but I will do what my husband wants to do, so if he still wants to leave I won’t fight him on it."

Ben nodded, "I understand.’

"Do you love Joe?"

"Yeah, I do."

"That’s all ya’ haveto tell him."

"I don’t think that’ll be enough.’

"Joe will forgive you. He loves you."

Ben frowned, "but I really hurt him."

"I know, but just talk to him. He will forgive you."

Ben smiled, "you sure do sound like you know what you’re talking about."

"I know Joe."

He smiled, "yes you do."

She reached over and hugged him, "but he wasn’t the same without you."

He hugged her back.

They spent the next hour waiting, the Doctor Martin came down and told them that he would be just fine. Hoss carried Renee up and took her to Joe.

Joe looked alarm when he saw his wife being carried.

"I’m fine baby," she said. "I just broke my ankle is all."

"Hoss put her here next to me will ya’."

Hoss did and the couple hugged and cried in each other arms as they realized what they could have lost.

Hoss quietly left the room.

Adam came into the room an hour later. Joe had his arm around his wife who was sleeping in his arms. "You look good little brother."

Joe looked at him, but didn’t respond.

"Joe, I was so very wrong. I’m sorry I really am, please forgive me." Adam said simply as tears rolled down his face.

Joe looked at him in surprise.

"Please Joe."

Joe nodded as he started to cry, "Adam I forgive you."

Adam smiled, "I love you little brother."

Joe grinned, "I know and I love you too."

Adam smiled, "thank you Joe."

Joe nodded, "who had my baby?"

"Hoss is playing with him, he’s a cute little thing."

Joe grinned, "he is cute."

Adam nodded, "you did good little brother.’

"Thank you."

Adam walked over and ruffled his hair, "I’ve missed you kid."

"Me too.’

Adam left, and Ben came in.

Joe frowned as he looked away, "Pa’."

Ben frowned, "uh Joe, how are ya’ feeling?’

"Sore Pa’, but okay. I’ll leave as soon as I can."

Ben sucked in his breath at his son said that. "Joe stay as long as you want."

Joe looked at him. "But I ain’t welcomed here."

Ben frowned, "may I sit down son?"

Joe shrugged and then winced at the pain it caused.

Ben sat down, he looked at Joe and then his eyes fell on Renee. She was sleeping peacefully in her husband arms. "She is a good woman Joe. She ran all the way here on a broken ankle. You’re a good looking couple."

Joe signed, "Pa’ don’t just say this because of the accident."

"That isn’t why I’m saying it son. After you left today I did a lot of thinking. I realized I was so very wrong. I was going to try to find you and tell you. I am so sorry son. I can see how wrong I was, she really loves you and you love her. You were right when you called me a liar, I did become a liar. I shouldn’t have judged her like that. I should have trusted you. I let my fear and anger get the better of me and that wasn’t fair to you. Joe I really messed this up and I need you to forgive me. You are my son, and I love you so much. I am so very very proud of you." Ben said as he started to cry. "You have a great family, you’ve done good. You have honored the Cartwright name real well. Son I am begging you for your forgiveness, I love you boy."

Joe stared at his father with tears in his own eyes, "ah Pa’ I love you too. I forgive you."

Ben grinned and hugged his son.

Hoss brought the baby up and Ben held him as he and Joe caught up on Joe’s last year. By the time Joe fell asleep, Ben had convinced Joe and his wife to move back to the Ponderosa and live.

Ben held his grandson for a long time after the child fell asleep, he looked so much Joe did when he was born. Ben signed in relief as he looked at Joe sleeping with his wife snuggled up against him. He smiled at the sight.

In a couple days, Joe and Renee were up and around.

Renee’s family came over and made sure that she was okay, and to meet the baby. They were polite to the Cartwrights but the wounds were far from healed. Renee and Joe doubted if their families would ever get along, but they didn’t really care not as long as they accepted the two of them.

Ben insisted on helping Joe build a home and Joe was to stay at the ranch house until the house was built. Joe agreed. He was home again with his family and Joe was as happy as he has ever been.

THE END!

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