Rebecca was ecstatic to see that the invitations were finished.  She had gone to Mrs. Potter that morning in hopes of simply seeing how they looked. She was surprised to find all of the invitations had been written and addressed.  Rebecca returned home, reading and rereading the invitation.  It was hard for her to believe it was actually true. She and Joe would soon be husband and wife. She said it out loud, “Mrs. Joseph Cartwright.”  She ran the title over in her head.  No, she thought, it would be Rebecca Cartwright, wife of Joe Cartwright. She liked that much better.

    Rebecca was lost in a daydream of the wedding when there was a knock at the door.  She tore herself away from her thoughts and answered it.  Standing there was her fiancee.

    “Joe!  What a surprise.  I didn’t think I’d get to see you until Friday evening.”  She said, as she jumped into his arms.

    “Are you kidding?  I couldn’t wait that long.  I told Pa I would pick up the supplies, but I think he knew my real reason for wanting to come into town.”  Joe said, giving Rebecca a big smile and a squeeze.  “Are you gonna ask me in, or are we gonna give Mrs. Woods across the street more to gossip about?”

    “Let her talk, Joe.”  Rebecca moved aside for Joe to enter.  “My mama is in the kitchen, so come on in.”  He removed his hat, as he crossed the threshold.  Rebecca knew that although Joe and she were engaged, her parents still expected her to have a chaperone if Joe was in the house.

    “Hey, Mrs. Woods,”  Rebecca called across the street.  “Beautiful day isn’t it?  Joe and I are going to go in and talk now.”  Rebecca shut the door, and both she and Joe laughed heartily.

    “Rebecca, I can’t believe you.  Sometimes you make me look like a saint.”  Joe shook his head smiling.

    “Now I wouldn’t say that!”  Rebecca then called to her mother, “Mother, Joe’s here.”

    Mrs. Larson came into the living room from the kitchen.  “Well hello, Little Joe.  How’s your Pa and brothers?”

    “They’re just fine, Mrs. Larson.  How are you?”  Joe was always nervous talking to Rebecca’s mother.  He felt maybe she knew some of the less than “gentlemanly thoughts” he had about her daughter.  He stood fumbling with his hat in his hands.  At that moment, Rebecca took the hat to hang up on the hat tree, leaving Joe more uncomfortable without his ready made distraction.
    “Oh, I’m doin’ good, Joe. Can you stay for supper tonight?”  Mrs. Larson asked, as she noticed his nervousness.  She had seen his confidence with her daughter, but he seemed much younger when he talked to her or her husband.  She found his manner endearing.

    “Oh, can ya, Joe?”  Rebecca excitedly asked.

    “No Rebecca,  I can’t. I gotta get supplies back to the ranch, but maybe we could go for a ride before I head back?”  Joe offered.

    “Well Mama?  Can I?”  Rebecca asked, not taking her eyes off of her fiancee.

    “Sure.  You two have fun and be careful.  Rebecca, supper is promptly at six.”

    “I know Mama.  I’ll be back.”

    “Don’t you worry Mrs. Larson.  I’ll have her back in plenty of time.”  Joe said, wanting to show he was responsible.

    “Oh, I trust you Joe.  You kids have a good time.”

    The Larson’s could not be happier about the engagement of Joe to their daughter.  The Cartwright’s had been family friends for years, and they had known Joe since he was a little boy.  For a long time Mrs. Larson had known that her daughter was in love with Little Joe.  She would watch how Rebecca looked at Joe when he was not looking at her. Now she saw how Joe looked at her daughter.  It was just as obvious that Joe loved her daughter deeply.

    Mrs. Larson allowed Joe and Rebecca more privacy than most mothers would approve of, but she felt the two should be enjoying themselves right now.  She knew Joe was brought up in a good family and respected her daughter.  She had heard the rumors and talk about Joe, but she found it rather amusing and without merit.  He never had done anything to shame a girl..  He just liked to flirt a lot.  And Mrs. Larson also knew her daughter.  Little Joe Cartwright had met his match as far as Rebecca being able to stand toe-to -toe with him.

    Mrs. Larson walked back into the kitchen and returned to her baking.

    Joe and Rebecca were on the way out the door when Rebecca stopped. “Oh, Joe I almost forgot.  Before we go, look, we got the invitations back from Mrs. Potter.”

    “Let me see.”

    Rebecca proudly handed the invitation to Joe. He read it over and found his heart skipping a beat.  It wasn’t because he was afraid.  It was because he could not believe that he was actually going to get to make Rebecca his bride.  Joe had felt more peace and happiness over the last six month than he had ever experienced.  He knew it was because of her, and how he was when he was with her.  “Lets bring this along with us.”  Joe said, but added in a whispered,  “Lets find some time alone.”

    “Good idea.”  Rebecca whispered back, and they walked out the door.

    As they walked down the path from the house to the road, Joe apologized. “Sorry all I’ve got is the buckboard. It rides rough, but that just means you have to hold on to me tight.”

    “Oh and isn’t that a tragedy!”  She flirted back.
    ”Sure is. ” Joe said taking her by her waist to help her up onto the buckboard.  But before he lifted her, he turned her towards him, their eyes locked, and he held her there for a minute.  So much went unsaid in words, but so much was said by his look.  Then Joe gently helped Rebecca up and into the wagon and followed behind her.  He gathered the reins and signaled the horses to move forward.

    Joe and Rebecca had their favorite place to go to when they wanted to be alone.  Rebecca knew a lot of the people in town would frown upon her being alone with Joe, but she really did not care what they thought.  She did not though, want to embarrass her parents.  The more she thought about it, the more she found it funny that when everyone knew Joe and Rebecca were friends, no one thought twice about the two of them doing things together. Now that everyone knew they were courting and now engaged, she felt like she was watched every minute she was with him. She had shared this with Joe, and he laughed and had told her he had felt the same way.

    In order to remove themselves from prying eyes and to be able talk freely, Joe and Rebecca had found their own place to go when they were fortunate enough to be alone, although those times were rare.  They had chosen a small, quiet meadow on the Ponderosa that had a grove of tall trees and a pond.  The meadow was special to them because they had played there many times as children.  It had been in that meadow that Joe had kissed Rebecca when they were only ten.  They had chosen the place again to be a place where they could kiss.

    It was to this place that Joe drove the buckboard.  During the drive to the meadow, Rebecca asked Joe to start to teach her how to drive a team of horses.  He patiently began showing her how he did it, and she enthusiastically watched.  It was in doing things such as this, that Joe found himself the happiest.  He had never been as comfortable with a girl as he was with Rebecca.  And her genuine interest in him and the things he did, made him feel important.

    In the beginning of their romantic relationship, it had been uncomfortable between them.  There had been the initial awkwardness of redefining who they were with each other.  Quickly though, they were able to return to the rhythm of their friendship, and the love between them grew naturally.

    Joe pulled the horses to a stop and dismounted the wagon  He walked around and reached for Rebecca, put his arms around her waist and gently helped her down.  They held hands and walked lazily over to the grove of trees and sat down.

    “Rebecca, can I see that invitation again?” Joe asked.  Rebecca handed it to him and watched him reread it. Joe looked over the invitation and broke out laughing.  “Muldrew? Your middle name is actually Muldrew?  Where’d your folks get that one from?”

    “Stop it.”  She said laughing herself and playfully hitting him on the shoulder.

    “No, no, this is good.”  Joe continued to laugh.  “What exactly is a Muldrew?”  Joe was laughing so hard it was hard to talk and he fell over on his side.  “I thought my middle name was bad.”

    “Would you quit it!”  Rebecca was also laughing harder.  “Muldrew is my mother’s maiden name.”

    “Too bad her maiden name wasn’t Ann or Sue, huh?”  Joe quipped.  “Hey, and anyway, how come our middle names are even on here?  From the looks of it, I don’t think either one of us would benefit from this type of advertisin’.”

    “Joe weren’t you listening when I told you I’d gotten that manners book from Carson City when I got the material for my dress?  In the book it says that this is the way wedding invitations are supposed to be written.”

    Joe had heard a lot about the manners book since Rebecca had gotten it.  He did not understand why there was so much that had to be done about a wedding, and why it had to be done a certain way.  He did not care if they got married in the saloon, just as long as she married him.  But Joe was wanting Rebecca to have the wedding she had dreamed of since she was a little girl, so he humored her.

    “If that is the way its supposed to be, then by all means, lets do it.” Joe responded.  “Does your manners book say anything about me kissing you right now?”

    “As a matter of fact it does.”

    “Oh, it does now?  What does it say?”

    “It says that young, handsome, deep green-eyed, dark curly-haired, smooth-talking men are not to be trusted.  They even have lecherous thoughts.”

    “Oh it does, does it?”  Joe said moving in close to her and putting his hands on her shoulders.

    “It also says that those type men I just described are about the best kissers in the territory.”  She said, smiling at him.  Joe kissed her deeply and she responded in kind.

    “I love you so much, Joe.”  Rebecca said, as they broke their embrace.

    “I love you too.”  Joe said and laid down comfortably on his side, propping himself up on one elbow.

     “ Joe, are you still having those nightmares?”  Rebecca asked.

    Joe had confided in her that he was having nightmares from his ordeal with Katherine LaGrande.  He had not discussed what Katherine had said and done to him with anyone except Rebecca.  He really did not like to think about it, but he had found that talking to Rebecca made the dreams occur less often.

    “Yeah, but not as often.  I had one night before last.  It seems that they’re worse when I’m really tired, and I was exhausted that night.”

    “I worry about you.  Its been over six months since that happened.”  She looked at him, the concern showing on her face.

    “Rebecca, you don’t need to worry. LaGrande is dead, and I’ve mended up just fine.”

    “Joe, I know you so well, and I know that you keep things on your mind for a long time.” She looked at him with worry in her eyes.

    “I don’t think of it much any other time.  I just can’t control what I dream about, I guess.”

    “What other things do you dream about, Joe?”

    “I’m not tellin’,” He teased.

    “Oh come on Joe, tell me.”

    “Nope.”  He said, putting a long strand of grass in his mouth and chewing the end.

    “You ever dream about me?”  She asked him while she carelessly played with his hair.

    “Oh, yeah!”  Joe said a little too enthusiastically.

    The way Joe answered caught her attention.  “So tell me.”

    “Uh uh.”  Joe was embarrassed at the way his answer had popped out.

    “Please?”  She begged.

    “Nope.”

    “Why not?”     “A fella’s gotta have some secrets.  Anyway doesn’t your manners book say something about bein’ too nosy?”  Joe said attempting to change the subject.

    “I’m not being nosy, I’m just gettin’ to know my husband.”

    Joe liked the sound of that and smiled.  “You know, Bec,” Joe had called her Bec before they had fallen in love.  They had been childhood friends, and he had treated her like one of his male friends until she had saved his life.  She had told him later that she had liked to be called Rebecca, more so than Bec.  Joe had taken to calling her Rebecca, but every so often he slipped and called her Bec.  Rebecca found his occasional slips to be sweet.  “I was thinkin’ over what happened to me with that woman, and you know what is strange about it?  She was talkin’ all this about love, and how much she loved me, but in the whole thing I found real love... and that’s you.”

    “Joe that’s sweet.”

    “No it’s true.  I’ve been so happy these past months. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not about to thank her, but it’s just odd.”

    “Joe until you kissed me that day, I doubted I would’ve ever been here with you.”

    Joe thought about that day and then began to think about the past six months...

    After being injured, Joe spent many days just sitting around the ranch letting his body heal. He had been violently attacked by the mad woman, and his body took time to mend.  That required him to live a much more sedate life than he was used to.  It was after Rebecca visited him, and he had kissed her, that he found himself unable to go very long without thinking of her.  He was amazed that she was so beautiful.  He had seen her so many times before that day, but on that day, he actually noticed her.  Since he had kissed her, he spent time wondering when he could see her again.

    The two had know each other since they were both seven and attended school together.  Joe had attended the school since age six, and Rebecca was new to town, her family having just moved from St. Louis.  Joe had a knack for being disruptive in class and was always being moved from one seat to another by a desperate teacher attempting to find some place for him that would keep him out of trouble.  Many of his disruptions came from the mere fact that Joe was a very active little boy, and found sitting in a seat for very long as being equated with torture. It was during one of these frequent moves that Joe was put behind a little girl with long brunette braids, Rebecca Larson.  She towered over Joe, and he had a hard time seeing around her.  It was not that she was necessarily so tall, it was that he was so small.   Throughout his childhood he had been much smaller than the rest of the children his age.  Joe did not seem to let this slow him down because for the most part, he saw himself in his mind as the same size as his fellow classmates.  It was when someone reminded him this was not the case that Joe became very angry and a fight would often result.

    The time of Joe and Rebecca’s official meeting was a hot spring day, and Joe was bored in class, as usual.  He was glad to hide behind someone, but found that just sitting there was not fun either.  That was when he had gotten the idea to try and put the little girl’s hair in his inkwell without her noticing.  He had been successful at keeping his victim unaware, and in his confidence he then attempted to write his name on his paper with his makeshift pen.  At that time, Rebecca felt the tugging on her hair and pulled her braid back around to her front.  The ink on her hair flew onto the clothes of the girl in front of Rebecca.  There was a small commotion, and the little girl whose dress was ruined glared at Rebecca.

    Later, during recess, the girl with the damaged clothing had gathered some of her friends and began to pick on Rebecca.  Joe saw this happening and noticed the look on Rebecca’s face.  It was a cross between anger and fear.  Joe felt bad about what he had done, saw she was out numbered, and stepped in. He took on the group of girls on Rebecca’s behalf.  The result of his intervention was a black eye for Joe.  Rebecca then punched the girl who had punched Joe and put her in the dirt.  It was then that he and Rebecca became fast friends.  Joe had found it neat that a girl could punch so good.

    It took a while for Joe to live down the fact he had been punched by a girl, but he felt good that his Pa told him he had done the right thing in defending Rebecca, and not hitting the girl back.  However, he was reprimanded for having put Rebecca in the situation in the first place.  It was from this encounter that their long-term friendship and then courtship began.

    Ben had been witness to the kiss Joe had given Rebecca after being was attacked.  He noticed his son had been oblivious to the fact that both his father and Rebecca’s father, John had been standing near by. Since that time, Ben had noticed Joe was talking about Rebecca a lot.  He found himself thinking he would be very happy if Joe fell for that particular young lady.  She was a fine girl.  The only girl Ben thought he had seen who could handle his wild son.  The other girls Joe had shown some interest in seemed to be lacking that quality.  His father knew whomever Joe chose as his wife, she had to be a woman who was strong and full of life.  He knew Rebecca to be both.

    Joe was restless.  He was not used to staying in one place for very long, and it was getting to him.  He had done as his Pa had said and had taken it easy as long as he thought he could.  He still hurt at times, but he did not want it to slow him down.  He was missing his friends, and he could not believe that he was missing doing work around the ranch.  Most of all he was missing seeing Bec.  He was trying to figure a way to get to see her when his Pa spoke.  “Joe, would you like to ride into town with me today?”

    Joe was taken aback. His Pa was actually asking him if he wanted to go to town?  “Yeah, sure Pa.  What’d you have to do?”

    “Oh, some banking and I need to meet with the Cattleman’s Association.”

    “Um, do you think I could have some time to see a couple of my friends?”

    “Yeah, I could probably spare the time.”  Ben smiled.  He thought he knew who Joe really wanted to see.

    Ben noticed that Joe lit up.  “Oh good Pa. I’d like to see... um everyone.”

    “Do you feel strong enough to ride Cochise, or should we take a buggy?”  Ben looked at his son with concern.
    “No Pa, I’m feelin’ pretty good.  I’d rather have Cochise to get around in town.”  Actually it was uncomfortable to ride, and Joe had not done much since he was hurt, but he wanted to have the freedom of having his own horse in town.

    “Well, we’ll take it easy on the ride in.  Lets saddle up.”

    Ben and Joe rode side by side across the Ponderosa towards town.  As they rode, Ben noticed his son trying to quicken the pace.  He tended to worry about Joe more so than his other two, because he felt his son did not worry enough.  “Son, hold her back some.”  Ben said, referring to Cochise.  “You don’t need to do a whole lot of bouncing around.”

    Joe had grown used to his father fussing over him, but he really did not want to draw out the ride.  He kept thinking of going to Bec’s house, and that caused him to give Cochise more reign, resulting in Cochise picking up the pace.  He had though, been feeling pain in his back from the ride and knew his father was probably right.  It just seemed that it was taking too long.

    When they entered town, Joe was quick to ask, “Well Pa, can I take off and meet you some place later?”

    Ben had to smile at his son’s eagerness. “Sure Joe. How ‘bout in the International House at say, oh five o’clock.  I’ll buy you supper.”

    “Sounds good, Pa.”

    Joe went to ride off, but his father’s words stopped him.  “Joseph, you behave yourself.”

    “I will, I will.” And with that, Joe rode off in a gallop.

    Ben watched his son ride off.  He shook his head and wondered if his son ever slowed down.

    Joe headed straight to Bec’s house.  As he rode he found himself starting to get nervous.  That was a new feeling for him in regards to Bec and to girls in general.  Before, he’d never thought twice about going to her house and seeing what she was up to. But now he had so many thoughts about her that had changed his feelings, and he was not sure he could talk to her.  Joe thought to himself. “Now there’s a first.  I can’t come up with something to say to a girl.”

    Joe had a talent for flirting with girls that was legendary.  He seemed to be able to read each one and tell them what he knew they wanted to hear.  He had enjoyed kissing and flirting with different girls, and he had to admit he liked the attention. Though this time, he knew it was very different. He would never had these feelings he had inside of him regarding a girl, and he knew he had to tell her.

    He arrived at the Larson home without a good idea as to how he was going to talk to Bec.  He did not have much of a chance to think after he dismounted, because she came around the corner at that moment.  “Hey Joe!” Rebecca called out.  She had a big smile on her face, so happy to see him again.

    “Uh, hey Bec.  How are you?”  He looked at her, and his heart skipped a beat.  She was dressed in her usual work clothes, not all done up like she had been when she visited him at the ranch, but he saw her in the same light he had seen her that day.  He realized that he would have a different reaction to the sight of Rebecca Larson from now on.

    “I’m just fine.  More importantly how are you?  Here, come over and lets sit down.”  Rebecca said motioning towards the porch.

    “Oh, okay.”  Joe couldn’t believe it was so hard to talk.  He moved to the porch and sat next to her.  “I’m doin’ fine, thanks to you and Pa.”

    “I’m so glad you’re okay Joe.  That whole ordeal was so scary. “

    “Yeah it was.”  Joe was not wanting to think about what had happened to him. He quickly changed the subject.  “So, tell me what’s new around here.”

    Rebecca began to update Joe on the events around town.  Joe looked into her eyes as she talked, but found that he only half heard her. He kept thinking of how good her hair had smelled and the kiss they shared.

    “Joe? Hello Joe?” Rebecca questioned.

    “Huh, …oh, what’d you say?”

    “Where were you?”

    “Um, just thinkin’ about stuff.”

    “Like what?”

    “It’s nothing”  Joe said blushing.

    “What’s with you?  You don’t seem yourself.  This is the quietest I have ever heard you.”

    “Well uh, its just, uh”

    “Spit it out, Joe.  Why are you so nervous?”

    Should he tell her? He wondered to himself.  What should he say?  He took a deep breath.  “Bec, um, Rebecca I uh, I’ve been thinkin’...”

    Rebecca started to become nervous herself.  She had dreamed of the kiss they shared over and over.  She thought maybe she had a chance with Joe, but what if he was trying to tell her he didn’t feel the same way she did?

    “You know what you said on the, um ride back to the house, when um that stuff had happened. And you know when I, uh, kissed you?

    “Yeah, Joe?” She asked tentatively. Her heart was starting to sink.

    “Well I um...”  Joe was frustrated at himself because what he wanted to say was not coming out right. He told himself to just say it. “ Well hell, Bec, I love you too.”  Joe thought to himself,  “Oh boy, that didn’t come out right.”

    At first she did not think she heard him right.  “What’d you say?”

    “Geez, Bec I had a hard enough time saying it the first time.  Now you want me to say it again?”

    What he had said had already registered, and she smiled big.  “Uh huh.”

    “I love you, Rebecca Larson.  How’s that?”  Her smile had made it easy for him to say it again.

    “Joe Cartwright,  That’s the most beautiful thing you have ever said.” Rebecca said, hugging him.

    Joe and Rebecca continued to talk, and Joe finally relaxed.  He got nervous again when he thought about taking her hand and holding it.  He took a deep breath and reached out and took it.  She squeezed his ever so lightly, and he again relaxed.  Joe was thrilled.

    A little later, David and Richard came along and saw Joe sitting on the porch with Rebecca.  As they walked up they saw Joe holding her hand.  “My, my, my what do we have here?” Richard chided.     Richard and David were Joe’s best friends, well Joe’s best male friends, and they had spent many hours together talking and getting into trouble.  Before they had discovered girls, the boys would play together for hours.  They would make up whole scenarios of Indians attacking and cowboys shooting.  They could do this for hours on end and never run out of energy.  After the three had discovered the opposite sex, they would take their girls out together.

    Joe felt himself blush all over.  He had not thought about what David and Richard would do about all this.  Joe knew David had liked Rebecca in the past because David had confided in him.  Joe hoped this would not wreck their friendship.  “Uh, hey guys. What ‘cha up to?”  Joe tried to make it sound like nothing was out of the ordinary.

    “We’re not up to much, but looks like you two are.”  David responded, nodding towards Joe and Rebecca’s hands.

    “Oh, uh we’re just talkin’ s’all.”  Joe said in their defense.

    “So Rebecca, you finally landed him, huh?”  Richard asked her.

    “What do you mean?”  she questioned.

    “Oh David and I have had a bet goin’ for some time now. We were bettin’ when Joe would wake up and realize you were in love with him. Hey David, you owe me a dollar.”  Richard turned to collect his money from his friend.

    “I’m real touched fellas that my love life would be of such interest to you.”  Joe responded.  “Maybe mine is so interesting, because yours is so dull.  I can give both of you some pointers on how to round yourself up a filly if you’d like.”

    “Joe, if it takes what you went through to catch a girl, I don’t think I’m willing to do that just yet.”  David responded.

    Rebecca interrupted, “Wait a sec’ Joe.  You rounded me up?  Now I have heard everything.  And as far as giving these two boys pointers, I think it’d be better if I did it.”

    The four spent the rest of the afternoon talking and kidding around together.  David and Richard had left before Joe had to sat good bye to Rebecca. When that time came, he became nervous once again.  He had wanted to kiss her all day long, and now was his opportunity.  He held his hat in his hand and turned it over and over.  Rebecca stood looking at Joe wanting him to kiss her.  He put his hat on his saddle horn and turned to her.  Their eyes locked and they both smiled.  He leaned in and kissed her softly.  Joe could have stayed there kissing her all night, but knew they’d better quit before her parents came out of the house with a shotgun.

    “Well Bec, I’d better go.”  he said, a little sad.

    “I know. I wish you didn’t have to.  When are you going to be in town again?”

    “I’m gonna come in any chance I get.  You can bet on that!”  he said, mounting Cochise.  He turned and rode off, but he kept looking back at her until he rounded the corner.

    Joe and Rebecca’s courtship was quickly noticed by everyone.  The first to notice was Ben, Hoss and Adam.  Joe did not tell them he was courting Rebecca, but each had a sneaking suspicion.  It was his behavior around the ranch that put them on to him.  Joe was doing his chores quickly and without complaining.  Ben was shocked one day to hear whistling coming from the barn... and it was Little Joe.  The shocking part had been Joe was working at the time, straightening up in the barn when he hadn’t even been asked.

    At dinner one night, almost two weeks after Joe had told Rebecca he loved her, Ben decided to see if Joe would admit to his seeing Rebecca romantically.  “Well Joseph, you’ve been doing a fine job around here lately son.  To what do we owe the change in your attitude?”

    “Change in attitude?  What do you mean?”  Joe had a sneaking suspicion of where his father was going with the question, but wanted to stall as long as possible.  He knew he would hear no end of it from Hoss and Adam once he admitted he was in love with Rebecca.

    “Well son, not that I am complaining at all, mind you, but you have been bouncing around this place and seem to actually be enjoying work.”

    “Now Pa, I wouldn’t push it that far.”  Adam said teasing Joe.

    “No Pa, I wouldn’t say that either.  Little Joe’s not bouncin’ around here ‘cause of work.  There’s a gal involved for sure.”  Hoss joined in on the fun.

    Joe felt himself blush.  He thought he might as well just tell them and get it over with.  “As a matter of fact older brother, there is a certain gal in my life, if you have to know.”

    “Well out with it, who is she?”  Adam asked.  They all knew who she was, but it was great fun to put Joe on the spot.

    “Now Adam, have I asked you who the woman in your life is right now?”  Joe tried to get the focus off of himself.

    “No you don’t, Joe.  We’re talking about your love life, not mine.”  Adam quickly caught on.

    “Son, we are just happy for you.  Rebecca is a wonderful girl.”  Ben helped his youngest son out.

    “You’ve known?”  Joe asked, realizing they had already figured it out.

    “Joe, I have no idea how you win so much at poker, ‘cause your face always gives you away.”  Hoss responded

    “Hoss, I usually don’t play poker with people who’ve made it their job to needle me.”  Joe answered, smiling at his brother.

    They spent the rest of the evening teasing Joe.  He took it well and threw back several good ones of his own.  Ben sat back and listened to his boys and smiled. These were the times he loved most of all, when there were no major problems and the boys were getting along.

    After Joe had told Rebecca how he felt, he took every chance he could to go to town and see her.  They soon began the formal process of courting.  This was done by Joe asking Rebecca’s father if it was all right with him if they courted.  He had survived the process, but barely.  Joe had been violently ill before talking to Mr. Larson and was sure Mr. Larson was gonna string him up for asking.  After Rebecca’s father had agreed , Joe became cheerful and easy going.  His mood seemed to have permeated the Ponderosa and things were light and carefree.  Ben was in town himself one day and ran into John Larson while at the bank.

    “Hello there Ben.  How are you?”  John greeted.

    “Doin’ fine, John. Just fine.  How are you and Maggie and Rebecca?”

    “We’re all just fine, Rebecca especially. “  John said, knowing Ben would understand the comment.

    “Oh yes.  Little Joe is happier than I’ve ever seen him.”  Ben responded.

    “Your Joe and my Rebecca, Ben, can you believe it?  I’ve gotten to talk to Joe more since he has been coming around, and Ben he’s a fine boy.  And Maggie is so happy that Rebecca is dressing in dresses since she and Joe started courting.”

    “John, I’ve always been fond of your daughter, and I believe she is a wonderful influence on my son.  You let me know if he doesn’t behave himself.”

    “Oh Ben,  Joe’s been a perfect gentleman.  You raised him right.  Maggie and I know that.”  John was quick to put Ben’s concerns to rest.

    “I’m glad to hear that.”  Ben knew his son was a good person  and would not do anything malicious, but he also knew his son was impulsive and sometimes acted before he thought.  Ben made a mental note to talk to Joe when he got back to the ranch.

    Later that evening after Joe had turned in, Ben decided to have the talk he knew he should have with his youngest. He wanted to remind Joe to remember the consequences of his actions before he acted.  Ben had found this approach had sometimes worked with his impulsive son.  He knocked on Joe’s door.

    “Yeah, come in.” Joe called out, and Ben entered the room.

    “Oh, hey Pa.”  Joe put down the book he was reading and sat up to look at his father.

    Ben came over and sat at the foot of Joe’s bed.  “Son, I’d like to talk with you a moment if you don’t mind.”

    “Sure Pa.”  Joe quickly tried to think if there was anything he had done wrong lately.

    “I saw John Larson in town today, and he told me how pleased he and Mrs. Larson are that you are courting Rebecca.  I just wanted to talk to you about making sure you think through your actions with Rebecca carefully.”

    “What’d ya mean Pa?”

    “Son, a woman’s reputation is important...” Ben began.

    Joe immediately became uncomfortable.  His Pa had already had this talk with him quite some time ago, as had Adam.  “Pa I know that.”  Joe responded, hoping his father would cut the talk short.

    “Let me finish now, son.  You and Rebecca together pleases me greatly, but I know you are young and there are some decisions to be made with some serious consequences.  I want you to think through those decisions before you do anything.  You do not want to hurt Rebecca, her parents, yourself, or your family.  Joe, you know the way I raised you and my opinion of how men and women should behave.  I know you also have to make your own decision about this. Just think things through.”

    All the while Ben spoke, Joe starred at his feet.  He was not sure how he felt about the subject.  Joe had never shared with his father about the decisions he had made in this area.  He knew that there were the women who “did” and the women who “didn’t”, and he had known a few of the women who “did”.  He started wondering if he should tell Rebecca about it.  He didn’t know what was the best thing to do, and he was not sure with whom he could discuss it.

    “Joe are you listening to me?”  Ben said noting the lack of eye contact from his son.

    “Uh, Yeah Pa.  I’m listening.  Don’t worry I’m not gonna do anything foolish, I promise.” Joe answered.

    “Son, I trust you.  I just want you to think about what I’ve said.”

    “I will Pa. Don’t worry.”

    “Well goodnight, Joseph.”

    ”’Night Pa.”

    After his father left, Joe continued to think about what Ben had said.  No one had to tell him it was hard to be around Rebecca and not want more.  He knew he did not want to pressure her into something she was not ready for.  That left him trying to cope with his own reactions to such a beautiful girl.  When things would start to get to him with Rebecca, and he knew he was on the brink of doing something he may regret, he had taken to thinking of all the different ways he could tie a knot.  So far it had distracted him enough so he had not put any undo pressure on her.  He figured that it had worked pretty well so far, so he’d keep handling the problem in the same manner.
 
 

    Joe and Rebecca had been courting for over four months.  They spent endless hours talking and kissing.  He was deeply in love and thought it was time he took Rebecca to his special place: to his mother’s grave.  Rebecca knew the loss of Joe’s mother was a hard subject for him to talk about.  He tended to get angry if anyone brought it up and seemed to hold a lot of pain inside about it.  When he asked her if she would ride out with him to the grave, Rebecca was deeply touched.  Joe was quiet for much of the ride.  He wanted Rebecca to know how much the place he was taking her to meant to him.  He wished he could have his mother there alive to meet the woman he loved.  He thought this was one way for them to meet.

    As they arrived by the lake, Rebecca spoke, “It’s so beautiful up here.  It feels like heaven.”

    “Yeah, I think that too...So did my mother.”  Joe helped her off her horse and walked her over to Marie Cartwright’s tombstone.  He stood in front of it as he had so many times before. Rebecca took his hand.  She looked into his face and saw tears.  “Rebecca I wish so much I could share all of this with her.  I wish she could meet you and see all of the things I love about you.”  He couldn’t talk anymore.

    “Joe, I wish I could have met her too.  I know she would be very proud of her son, and the man he has become.  Thank you so much for sharing this with me.  I love you.”  She kissed his cheek lightly and gently wiped the tears running down his face.

    They spent most of the afternoon that day at Marie’s grave.  Joe opened up and told her about his mother’s life and her tragic death.  He told the story from the information his family had given him, as well as from his own memories.  Joe recalled for her his memories of the sights and sounds of his mother.  He told her of the stories he remembered his mother reading to him, the songs she sang, and the way she smelled of rose water.  Joe pulled out the silver locket he always carried with him and opened it to show Rebecca the picture inside.

“She was very beautiful.”  Rebecca said, noticing the resemblance between mother and son.

“Yeah, she was.”  Joe said taking the locket back.  He stood looking at his mother’s picture as he spoke.  “I’ve got this memory, at least I think it’s a memory.“  Joe spoke quietly through his tears. “I can see my mother’s coffin going into the ground.  When I remember it, I have this feeling like I’ve lost everything - Pa, my brothers.  I even feel like I’ve lost contact with the ground up under my feet.  I don’t know if I even really remember being at my mother’s funeral, though.  Pa told me I was there, but I just don’t know... You know that’s something that bothers me about her death.  I can’t remember much, and I really want to.  It seems the older I get, the more my mother is slipping away from my mind.”

    Rebecca sat and listened to him and said very little.  She knew how hard it was for him to talk about it, and she didn’t want to interfere with what she knew Joe needed to say.  When he finished talking, he felt tired and sad.  Rebecca felt so close to him at that moment.  Joe reached out and took her hand and lead her to the horses.  “Thank you for letting me get that out.”

    “Joe, I love you and I want to be there to help you.  You are the most important thing in my life.”  He kissed her passionately and wanted her desperately.

    It was after he had taken Rebecca up to his mother’s grave, that he knew he wanted to marry her.  He had felt so complete since he had shared his heart with her.  He knew it was the right thing to do.  He decided to talk to his Pa before he asked Mr. Larson for Rebecca’s hand.  Joe waited to talk until he knew his brothers were out of earshot.  He walked up to his father’s desk and began to speak.

    “Pa, can I talk to you?” Joe asked, feeling nervous.

    “Sure, Joe what’s on your mind?”

    Joe sat in the chair opposite his father’s desk.  This was a very familiar scene between father and son.  However, it was usually a time when Joe was in trouble, and Ben was doling out punishments.  “Pa. I’ve thought a lot about this, and I know I’m young, but I want to ask Rebecca’s Pa if he’d let Rebecca marry me.”

    Ben had seen this coming for awhile and had spent a considerable amount of time thinking about it.  Ben knew Rebecca was the best thing that had happened to his son.  He also knew Joe had settled down considerably since courting her.  However Ben was concerned that his son was so young, not necessarily chronologically, but more that Joe seemed to be emotionally younger than most seventeen year olds.  He believed in his son, though.  Ben did not feel he could say no to Joe and keep his relationship with him.  He had to give Joe his trust.  Ben just wanted to make sure he helped the young couple out as much as possible.

    “Son, I’m not real surprised you’re thinking this way.”  Ben started and leaned back in his chair.  “What kind of plans have you thought about?”

    “Pa, I’m startin’ to run the horse operation here, and if you are willin’ to let me stay with that, I think I could continue to turn it into a money maker.  That will give me a way of making some money.  I’ve put some aside, and I’m replacing the savings I lost from the uh...fight.”

    “Joe, you know the horse operation is yours.  What have you thought about regarding living arrangements?” Ben queried.

    “I was thinkin’ of using that land you gave me to build a house on.”  Joe answered.  Ben had given each of his boys some land on the Ponderosa that was theirs alone, and he was please Joe was thinking of staying on the ranch.

    “Well, Joseph.  Sounds like you’ve put some thought into this.  I must tell you son, I have as well.  I’ll give you my blessing to marry Rebecca on three conditions.  The first is you let us help you build that house, and until it is finished, you and Rebecca will stay here in this house.”

    “Boy, I was hoping I could get a little help with that.”  Joe said enthusiastically.  “What’s the second condition?”

    “I want to take some of the money I’ve invested for you and liquidate it to give you and Rebecca a firm financial foundation.”

    “Well, I have no problem with that either.  But Pa, could you help me manage it?”  Joe asked, feeling a little overwhelmed.

    Ben was again pleased at his son’s request. “It would be a pleasure, son.  I’d love to help you. And let me get the third.”

    Ben went over to the safe and opened it.  Joe wondered what his Pa was up to. Ben turned around and spoke, “Son, I kept this after your mother died, and I think it is appropriate that you give it to your bride on the day you marry her.”  Ben held out a gold ring to his son.

    “Pa, this was really my mother’s?”  Joe said, as he got misty eyed.  He noticed there was an inscription inside. He moved it closer to his eyes and read, Je t’aime toujours.  Joe knew enough French to know the translation- I love you, always. He knew that was true of how his father felt about his mother.  And it was true of how he felt about Rebecca.  “Don’t you want to keep it Pa?  I know its gotta be awfully special to you.”

    “No son.  I got the most special thing from my marriage to your mother standing in front of me.”  Ben walked around from the desk and hugged his son.

    “Thanks Pa.”  Joe said, thrilled at the prospect of settling down with Rebecca.

    “Now go put that some place where you don’t lose it.”  Ben told his son while stepping back.

    “Not a chance of that happening.” Joe responded, running up the stairs.

    That night at supper, Joe decided to fill his brothers in on his decision.  “Well older brothers, you’re not going to have Joe Cartwright to kick around for much longer.”

    “What ‘cha mean.”  Hoss looked up from his plate.  “You goin’ some place?”

    “Sorta.  I’m gonna ask Rebecca’s Pa if I can marry her.”  Joe said with a real big grin.

    “Boy howdy, is that just the greatest news?!”  Hoss exclaimed.  He got up and went around the table to his younger brother, pulled Joe out of his chair, picked him up and hugged him so tight Joe lost his breath.

    “Geez, Hoss I can’t breathe.” Joe gasped.

    “Sorry ‘bout that. I just got excited s’all.” Hoss said, putting Joe down.

    Ben had seen Adam was noticeably quiet after Joe’s announcement.  Joe had not seemed to pick this up as he and Hoss left the dinner table so Joe could show Hoss the ring.

    When Joe was out of sight, Ben asked, “What is it?”

    “Joe’s awfully young to be getting married.”  Adam pointed out.  “And how does he know this is what he really wants six months from now?  He changes his mind all the time.”  Adam loved his youngest brother very much, but in many ways they were polar opposites.  Adam tended to feel that Joe was in need of a lot of maturing.

    “Adam, I believe Joe’s honestly and truly in love. Haven’t you noticed the changes in him.  I can see it’s really love.”  Ben replied.

    “Don’t get me wrong.  I know Joe’s in love right now, but I don’t want him hurt, and I don’t want him to ruin his life.”  Adam said.

    “Son, I don’t want that either, you know that, but I think this is a good thing for Joseph, and we need to support him.  I’m asking you to support him as well.”

    “Pa, I’ll do anything to help Joe and Rebecca make it. You know that. I just have some doubts, that’s all.”

    “You know to hide them from Joseph well.”  Ben cautioned.

    “Don’t I know that!”  Adam responded with a laugh.

    Joe had decided he would speak with Mr. Larson the following day.  He wanted to get it over with, so he could actually ask Rebecca herself.  He rode into town early to catch Mr. Larson at the bank.  He was going to invite Mr. Larson to lunch and ask at that time.  During his ride to town, Joe rehearsed what he would say.  He did not look forward to this and found himself with knots in his stomach.  He had been unable to eat breakfast that morning, but with the way he was feeling, he was glad he had not eaten.

    Joe rode Cochise up to the front of the bank and dismounted.  He brushed himself off and raked his hands through his hair before he went inside.  He immediately saw Mr. Larson and was at that moment unsure if he was going to be sick.  Mr. Larson saw Joe come into the bank and noticed he looked a bit green.  Mr. Larson extended his hand to Joe and said, “Hey Joe, what brings you by?  Got some banking to do?”

    Joe shook his hand and spoke, “No uh, I was actually comin’ in to see you, Mr. Larson.  I was wondering if you and I could have lunch together.  I have something to talk to you about.”

    John Larson realized why Joe looked so green.  He recalled the time when he had asked his Maggie’s Pa for her hand.  “Certainly, Joe.  Let me get my coat, and we can go on over to the hotel.”

    John laughed to himself thinking that they of course would love for Joe to marry Rebecca.  Poor Joe looked like he was facing a firing squad at the moment, and seemed none too sure if he’d survive the asking for Rebecca’s hand.

    They left the bank and headed for the hotel.  Joe walked slowly, feeling the need all of a sudden to say just forget it, hop on his horse and go home.  If he didn’t love Rebecca so much, he probably would have.  Once inside the hotel, the two took a seat in the hotel dining room and Joe began to speak rapidly, wanting to get it over with.  “Mr. Larson, I, uh, love your daughter very much, and I want to ask you if you and Mrs. Larson would let Rebecca marry me, and I’ve got everything all thought out of how I am gonna take care of her, and I have my job at the ranch, and it makes pretty good money, and I manage all of the horse contracts like the buying and selling and stuff, and my Pa has given me some land, and I am gonna build a house on it, and Hoss and Adam and Pa are gonna help me, and...”

    “Whoa, slow down.”  John had found Joe’s quick recitation without a breath to be humorous, but certainly did not want to appear to be laughing at the young man.  He smiled at Joe and said, “Joe you may marry my daughter.  Don’t worry, we trust you’ll take fine care of her.  I’ve always wanted a son, and I am pleased Rebecca chose you.”

    With those words Joe relaxed and took a deep breath.  “Mr. Larson, I promise you I’ll take good care of her.”

    “Joe, I’m not worried at all.  Now lets eat. I’m starved.”

    Joe and Mr. Larson spent the rest of the meal discussing the Ponderosa and its operation, and Mr. Larson’s job at the bank.  Joe felt that Mr. Larson was real nice to him and treated him like a man.  He liked that.

    On his ride back to the Ponderosa, Joe was feeling a great sense of relief.  He was riding Cochise at a full gallop, enjoying the speed of the animal.  He began wondering how he could ask Rebecca to marry him.  He wanted it to be extra special, something they could always remember.  But what could he do? This was going to take some thinking.

    As Joe rode up to the main house, he looked over in the pasture where the horses he worked with every day stood, lazily grazing.  He rode over to the fence and watched them for a moment.  That’s when he thought of what he wanted to do.  He would give her the beautiful palomino gelding he had worked with so hard.  Rebecca already had a horse, but hers was quite docile, and Joe knew she wanted something more spirited.  Joe laughed as he thought of Rebecca’s current horse.  She had named the horse Cleopatra, Patty for short, after having read a story about the Egyptian queen.  “Leave it to Rebecca to name her horse after a queen.” Joe thought.

    While still atop Cochise, Joe maneuvered the paint pony around to open the gate to the pasture.  He untied his rope from his saddle and easily lassoed the palomino.  “Come on you,” Joe said to the horse, “We’ve gotta get you lookin’ your Sunday best.”  With that, Joe lead the gelding to the barn and tied him in the stall next to Cochise.  He bedded down Cochise and went into the house for supper.  He was anxious to share with his Pa how it had gone with Mr. Larson, but he wasn’t keen on the idea of talking in front of Hoss and Adam.

    “Joe, is that you?’  Ben called from his desk.

    “Yeah, Pa it’s me.” Joe said, walking over to his father’s desk.

    “Well son, how’d it go?”  Ben knew Joe wouldn’t have any problem with John, but he knew his son would have been nervous none the less.

    “Uh, where’s Hoss and Adam?”  Joe wanted to make sure they were alone.

    “They’ll be a long a little later.”

    “Oh, well then, um, it went fine...It went good... Pa it went great!”  Joe exclaimed, unable to keep his happiness from exploding.

    “I’m so glad for you son.”  Ben relished seeing Joe so happy.

    “Pa, would you have a problem with me givin’ Rebecca that palomino gelding I’ve been workin’ on?”

    “Son, that’s your horse to do with as you please.  I know you’ve spent a lot of time with him.  That would be a mighty nice gift to give her, Joe.”

    “Pa, I want to do it right.” Joe was beaming.  I want to propose to her in a way she will remember.  She needed a new horse, and the palomino is perfect.”

    “Joe, she loves you.  You’ll do it just fine.  Relax and enjoy yourself.”  Ben saw himself in Joe at that moment, something, although rare, was something he treasured. He had felt the same way as his son with each of his wives.

    “I think I’ll ask her at the dance this weekend... Pa?”  Joe asked rather timidly.

    “What is it? “

    “Pa, you’ve been so good to me.  I want to be as good to my own children as you have be to me.”  Joe said, starting to get choked up.

    “So, Joe, you’ve already got me bein’ a grandfather.”  Ben asked laughing, but very touched.

    “Well, not right away maybe, but yeah I think you’re probably gonna have to endure a grandchild or two.”

    “Son, it’s a father’s place to endure.  You’ll find that out.” Ben  said lightheartedly.

    Joe left to go upstairs, and Ben continued to smile.  Ben was so happy for Joseph and he wished at that moment Marie was there.  He spoke aloud to her, “Marie, our son is getting married.  You’d like Rebecca.  In a lot of ways she reminds me of you.  He’s growing up so quickly.  I remember when you were here and he was so small.  Has that much time really passed since you left us?  I miss you Marie, especially at times like this.”
 
 

    Joe worked quickly through his Saturday chores.  He had been assigned to round up strays in the lower meadow.  While working, Joe thought about the life he was going to have with Rebecca.  He was also excited to begin work on their house.  He had a good idea of how he wanted it to look and was going to be talking to Adam soon to help with the design.  He was lost in thought when he was brought back by the sounds of a calf in distress.  He quickly rode to the calf and hopped off of Cochise.  The animal was stranded in a bog, and Joe worked hard to get it free. Eventually the calf was released from its bondage, but not without pulling Joe along with it.  He lost his balance falling hard on his knees.  He swore softly and returned to his feet.  He wiped off his knees and remounted his horse.  He finished rounding up the strays in his assigned area and headed for the barn.

    He rode into the barn and dismounted Cochise.  He looked over to the palomino.  “You’ve got a big night tonight.”  Joe started brushing the gelding and talking softly to it.  He had traded Hoss a few chores so that Hoss would put shoes on the horse.  He also had worked on the animal’s coat until it shined, making sure that every hair was in place.  “Well you,”  Joe began as he took the horse’s head in his hands and looked the animal in the eye.  “You treat her right, and you’re gonna have a very good life indeed.”

    Joe spent a long time getting dressed for the evening.  He wanted to make sure he looked good for his future bride.  He had gotten a haircut earlier that week, for once not because of his father’s urging.  Rebecca had told him she liked his hair cut short, and that was all he needed to motivate him to keep his hair short.  Joe pulled out the ring he was going to give her on their wedding day, looked at it and smiled.  Soon she would be his, and he would make her so very happy.  Joe didn’t hear the knock at the door, nor his father’s entrance.  He turned around to see his father watching him.

    “Oh hey, Pa.  I didn’t hear you come in.” Joe said to his father.

    Ben had been standing watching Joe.  He knew how his son must be feeling and was finding himself enjoying the courtship and engagement of his youngest.  “Son, you about ready?”

    “Yeah, guess so.”  Joe said taking one more glance in the mirror and walked out the door.

    All four Cartrights were headed into town.  The dance that evening was the annual charity dance raising money for the widows and orphans and was somewhat the social event of the season.  Joe rode Cochise and tied the gelding behind him.  He traveled slower than his usual pace, because he did not wish to have the gelding lathered before he reached town.  His Pa, Adam, and Hoss understood this and held their mounts back as well.  They talked lightheartedly as they rode.

    “Joe, you know there will be mourning all over Virginia City after tonight.”  Adam said.

    “What’d ya mean?”

    “All the gals are gonna be crying on their pillows when they find out that Joe Cartwright’s no longer eligible.”

    “And there are gonna be a lot of ma’s and pa’s who breath a big sigh of relief that Romeo here isn’t sniffing ‘round their herd.”  Hoss added.

    “Fellas, if you think you have a chance of gettin’ to me tonight, you are sadly mistaken.” Joe spoke to both of them.  “I have shown you the most noble of brotherly love by getting engaged to Rebecca.  You see, I have willingly taken myself out of the competition.  A competition, may I remind you, I would win against you two sorry lookin’ strays any day of the week.”

    Once they arrived at the dance, Joe broke away from his family to go to Rebecca’s house.  He had tied Cochise to a hitching post at the dance and walked the palomino alongside him.  When he reached the Larson’s he walked the horse inside their barn, then went to their front door, and knocked.  Mr. Larson promptly answered it.  ‘Good evening, Little Joe.  Come on in.”

    Joe removed his hat and entered the warm and friendly parlor.  At that time, Mrs. Larson came around the corner from the other room.  “Good evening, Joe.  How are you?”

    “Oh I’m doin’ just fine.”  He answered with a smile.

    “Mr. Larson told me about the lunch you two had earlier this week, and I am so pleased. “  Mrs. Larson returned Joe’s smile.

    “Mr. And Mrs. Larson, I love Rebecca so much, and I’m gonna make her very happy.”

    “Joe, like I told you earlier, we’re not worried at all.” Mr. Larson said, just as Rebecca descended the stairs.

    “Not worried about what?” Rebecca asked as she entered.

    Joe looked and saw the most stunning woman he had ever seen, and he felt very warm all of a sudden.  She had on a flowing dress, and her hair was fixed the same way she had it the first day he kissed her.  She moved effortlessly toward him.  Joe could not say anything.

    “Nothing Rebecca.”  Mr. Larson answered her.

    “Umph”  Rebecca responded, not liking it that she was not in on what they were talking about.  She would ask Joe when they were alone.

    “Now you two get going.  Were planning to attend the dance as well, but as usual Mrs. Larson’s running behind.”  Mr. Larson moved them to the door.  He knew Joe was proposing to Rebecca tonight, and he was wanting to help out the young man.  Mrs. Larson wasn’t really running late, it was an excuse to give the young couple some time.

    Joe waited until they were outside to speak to her.  “Rebecca, you look so beautiful tonight.  I’ve never seen a woman lookin’ as fine as you do.”

    “Thank you Joe.  You look so handsome.”  She said looking into his eyes.

    He took her hand and lead her over to the barn.  Joe had wanted to talk to her before they went to the dance.  He had carefully rehearsed how he wanted things to go.

    “Where are you going, and what were you and Pa talking about?”  she asked confused.

    “I swear you are the nosiest woman.” Joe teased.

    “Come on Joe.  Tell me.”

    “You’ll find out soon enough.”  He answered steering her to a bench located outside the barn door.  He motioned for her to sit down, and he sat beside her.

    Now Rebecca was very confused.  “Are we gonna go to the dance?”

    “Will you quit.” Joe said good naturally.  “I want to talk to you a minute.”

    “Oh, you should have told me.”  Rebecca answered, thinking that Joe was wanting to kiss for a little while.

    The moon was full above them, and the temperature was pleasant.  Joe thought he could not have asked for a better evening for what he was going to do.  “Rebecca,  I love you very much.” Joe said while taking both her hands in his.  He looked deep into her eyes and smiled.

    “I love you too.”  She said.

    He moved in front of her and got down on one knee.  He felt the pain of having fallen earlier in the day and flinched a little.  She looked at him kneeling before her and her heart soared.  She had been unaware of Joe’s talks with his Pa and hers, and had no idea what Joe had planned.

    “Rebecca, I’ve been so happy these last months, and I know it’s because of you, and how I feel when I’m with you.  I never thought I could talk as openly with a woman as I do with you, and you can make me smile at just about anything.  You’re also the most beautiful, most desirable woman, I’ve ever laid eyes on.  Rebecca Larson, would you do me the greatest pleasure in the world and marry me?  I plan to take the very best care of you.”  Joe began to feel choked up.

    She started to cry and shook her head.  She finally found her words and said, “Joe, I’ll marry you tonight.”

    Her response filled him with happiness.  He had not doubted she would say yes, but having the words pass between them made it official.  She was going to marry him!  He was going to be able to spend the rest of his life loving her.  “Well I don’t think we have to hurry that quick.  I want to do it right, and give you the wedding you’ve wanted.  But, mind you, I’m not going to wait very long.  Come on, there’s something I want you to have.”  Joe said, attempting to stand.  His knees were sore enough to make standing difficult.  “Uh Bec, could you help me stand up.”

    “You’re not get all old and frail on me are you?”  She laughed, helping him up.  “What’d you do to yourself now?”

    “Awe, it’s nothin’.  A calf wasn’t very grateful for my help.”  Joe struggled to his feet, thinking that this part wasn’t in his smooth, well thought out plan.  After having stood, he remained holding Rebecca’s hands and lead her into the barn.  It was dark inside, so he paused to light a lantern.  As the barn became illuminated, Rebecca saw the palomino standing before her.

    “Rebecca,  no wife of mine can be without the best looking horse in Virginia City.  He’s got the Ponderosa brand on him so everyone will know you’re one of us Cartwrights.  He’s yours.”  Joe said, presenting her with the rope from the horse’s halter.

    “For me?” She asked, unable to believe he was giving her the fine animal.  She began stroking the horse’s head.  “Joe, he’s beautiful.  What’s his name.”

    “I haven’t really named him.  He was one my Pa got from a breeding ranch outside Placerville a little while ago.  I’ve been calling him ‘hey you’ for the most part.  I think it’s up to you to give him a real name, I guess.”

    “Hum, I don’t think ‘hey you’ really fits him, so lets see...ah ha, I’ve got it.  How ‘bout Marc Antony.”

    “Marc Antony?  What kinda name is that for a horse?”  Joe asked not getting the connection to her other horse Cleopatra.

    “I know you didn’t pay attention for most of school, but don’t you remember the story? Cleopatra and Marc Antony were lovers.”

“Oh yeah, but it still sounds a little peculiar for horse.  Sometimes I think you’d be better off with Adam with all the stuff you read and remember.”

    “Adam’s too old for me, and I think he’d have a problem with me sneakin’ off to be with his little brother all of the time.”  She reached out to him and hugged him tight.  They began to kiss.  He quickly became conscious of the need for them to stop.  He was unaware of the fact that her level of desire matched his.  He pulled away from her.

    “Uh, we’d better get to that dance before my Pa and your Pa hire a posse to look for us.”  He said, trying to calm the electricity between them.

“If we have to.”  She said, a little disappointed.

    Joe walked Rebecca to the dance and paused before they went in. He had to kiss her just once more time before their privacy was lost for the evening.  After they kissed, they entered the dance.

    Ben had been watching the door since Joe had headed over to the Larson’s and saw his son enter.  Joe had a look on his face Ben had never seen before.  His son looked to be content, happy, and complete.  He had walked into the dance holding Rebecca close to his side.  Closer than what was probably socially acceptable, Ben thought, but Ben was not about to interrupt his son’s evening.  He watched Joe move Rebecca onto the dance floor and saw them attending to each other as if there was no one else in the room.  Ben assumed that Joe had proposed, and he knew what Rebecca’s response was, given how she looked into his son’s eyes.  Ben glanced over at the door and saw the Larson’s enter.  John and Maggie scanned the room quickly and saw Joe and Rebecca dancing.  A big smile came across their faces.  Ben made his way over to his friends who would soon be his son’s in-laws.

    “John. Maggie. How are you this evening?” Ben said, extending his hand.

    The men shook hands, and all three looked towards their children dancing.  “They look so happy.”  Maggie commented.

    “That they do.” Ben answered.  “Would you two mind if I offered the Ponderosa for their engagement party.  I’d like to give them a big shin-dig to celebrate.”

    “Ben, that is very generous. Thank you.”  John was so thrilled his daughter had chosen such a good family to join.

    “We could announce it tonight if it is okay with the two of them.” Ben nodded toward the young lovers.  “Let me try and pry my son away from Rebecca, and I’ll talk to him a minute.”

    John had an idea.  “Here Ben, let me cut in on Joe and dance with my beautiful daughter, and you can talk to Joe.”

    John walked over to where Joe was dancing with Rebecca and said,  “S’cuse me Joe, but may I dance with my daughter.”

    “Mr. Larson, if you were anyone else but her father I’d have to say no, but since you are, I’ll let you cut in.”  Joe let go of Rebecca, but it was obvious it wasn’t what he wanted.

    “Don’t worry, Joe.  I’ll give her back.”  Mr. Larson said, spinning his daughter into the throng of dancers.

    Joe walked over to the punch to take a break when his father approached. “Joseph, it looks as if you got the answer you were looking for.” Ben said, putting his arm around his son.

    “Sure did, Pa.”  Joe said smiling and looking at Rebecca dancing with her father.  Ben noticed Joe’s smile shown through his eyes.

    “I’ve been thinking Joe.  I think we should announce this officially and have a party at the Ponderosa to celebrate.  It’s been a while since Hop Sing has been overwhelmed with a party, and we need to keep him on his toes, you know.”  Ben joked.

    As Joe answered his father, his eyes never left Rebecca.  “Really, Pa.  I’d like that, and I know Rebecca would love it.  I think she kinda wants to put some young ladies in their place, and I’d love to show her off.”  Joe was referring to some of the girls Rebecca had grown up with.  During school, Rebecca was judged harshly by some of the more proper young ladies.  She had been a tom-boy, preferring to climb trees to playing with dolls.  Joe wanted to show those girls that Rebecca was the most beautiful and desirable woman he knew of.

    “Then it’s decided.  We’ll make the announcement tonight.”  Ben patted Joe’s back.  It was apparent that Joe was ready to return to Rebecca.  “Joe, she sure is a beautiful girl.”  Ben noted Joe’s look towards his future bride.

    “She sure is, Pa...Well that’s the whole song, so I’m gonna cut back in.”  Joe said setting the punch glass back down without looking down and walked away.  It was obvious to Ben his son only attended to one person in the room and it was not him.  He laughed and thought to himself,  “Marie, I hope you can see this.”

    Joe and Rebecca continued to dance until the music abruptly stopped.  They looked towards the band and saw their parents standing there.  Ben began,  “Sorry to interrupt folks, but we’ve got a bit of an announcement.  Mr. Larson...”

    John Larson stepped forward.  “Me and my wife Maggie are pleased to announce our daughter Rebecca is officially engaged to Mr. Joseph Cartwright.”

    With the announcement Joe and Rebecca looked at each other, and he winked at her.

    Ben picked up where John left off.  “In honor of my son and his lovely fiancee, I wish to extended an invitation to everyone here to join us at the Ponderosa for the biggest and best engagement party Virginia City has ever seen, next Saturday at seven o’clock...  Now everyone, back to dancing.”  And with that the band began again.

    Joe and Rebecca spent the rest of the evening talking with people who came up to them congratulating the happy couple.  Joe wanted so desperately to be alone with her, but he saw how she was enjoying the attention.  That made the people who intruded tolerable for him.

    Adam and Hoss found their father and moved over to talk with him.  Both brothers had notice how Joe had been so focused on Rebecca and how happy he seemed.  Adam was the first to speak.  “Pa, I’ve had my doubts about little brother there, but he sure does seem to be smitten.  Do you think he’s noticed anyone else tonight?”

    “Pa, that’s really good what you’re doin’ about the party.  I know Joe is a changed man since that Miss Rebecca put her brand on him.”  Hoss added.

    “Boys, your brother there is experiencing something I want for all three of you.  That is what it is to be truly in love.”  Ben said, looking at his youngest as he spoke.
    “It sure does look like a wonderful way to feel.”  Hoss commented.

    The evening passed too quickly for Joe and Rebecca.  He walked her to the door of her house trying to drag the evening out as much as he could.  “Rebecca, I don’t want to leave you tonight.  I love you and want us to be together from now on.  It’s gonna be really hard to wait.  I want to take you away right now and start our new life.”

    “Joe if I knew my Pa and your Pa wouldn’t be so upset, I’d go with you.”

    He kissed her softly and tore himself away.  “I gotta go.  Pa, Hoss and Adam are waiting for me, and I’d better hurry up.  Oh, I’ll help you take Marc Antony out and work him some.  It’ll give me a reason to come by.”

    “I’ll be here waiting, Joe.  Have sweet dreams.”

    “Oh, I know I will.”  Joe said, watching her go into her house.  Joe reminded himself it was not going to be her house much longer.

    The Ponderosa was prepared for the party.  The main house had been thoroughly cleaned, it’s furniture and silver polished till they shown.  The yard was cleaned and organized and nothing remained out of place. When Ben had approached Hop Sing about Joe’s engagement party, Hop Sing became very excited.  Hop Sing saw Joe as his own son, not that he’d share that with Mr. Ben.  He remembered having a tiny Mr. Joe in his kitchen licking spoons covered with cookie dough and pitching fits at being washed up in the kitchen.  He felt he understood the young man, sometimes more so than his father did.  Hop Sing had studied the young man often and had the luxury of being more objective than the boy’s father.   He had known Mr. Joe had been deeply damaged by Mrs. Cartwright’s death.  He saw how hard the boy hung on to people, and how hard it was for him to let go.  He knew the boy was passionate before Mrs. Cartwright’s death, but after he lost his mother, the passion increased, and he saw Mr. Joe as holding onto life and people harder than most.  This had allowed Mr. Joe to survive situations where others may have lost their lives, but Hop Sing worried what would happen to Mr. Joe if he lost someone he desperately clung to.  He prayed they would never see that day.

    Joe spent the week working at his usual jobs and going into town at every opportunity.  He spent the time in town helping Rebecca and her new horse become aquatinted.  He knew she really needed little or no help in riding because Rebecca was quite good, but it allowed him to spend time with her, and that was all he really cared about.

    On one of his trips to town, Joe ran into Richard and David, and they agreed to meet at the Bucket of Blood for a beer after Joe had finished helping Rebecca.  Joe walked into the saloon and looked around for his friends.  He saw them standing at the bar watching a card game in progress.  Joe walked up to them and ordered a beer from the bartender.

    “Hey there stranger.  You still remembering your old friends?”  Richard asked jokingly.

    “I’m sorry.  It’s just that there’s a lot to do on the ranch right now, and I’m tryin’ to help Rebecca with the new horse and everything.”  Joe attempted to explain.

    “No Joe, it’s ‘cause you’re in love.”  David was very happy for his friend.  He had noticed that Rebecca and Joe were good together long before Joe noticed it.  Although David had admitted to having a crush on Rebecca, he knew it was something not meant to be.  He had noticed that Rebecca tended to have a calming effect on Joe and it kept him out of trouble.  David did have to admit to himself, though, that since Rebecca and Joe had started courting, he felt a little lonesome.  He thought that after the two were married and got over the infatuation part there would be more time in their lives for him and Richard.

    “Well that too, I guess.”  Joe said, smiling.  “Let’s go sit down.”

    David, Richard, and Joe sat and caught up with each other.  They had truly missed talking to each other, and Joe reminded himself to do this more often.  Joe filled them in on the plans for the house he was going to build, and they quickly offered to help.  While they talked, they were interrupted by one of the saloon girls.

    “Little Joe we haven’t seen you in here since you busted up the place a long while back.  Where you been hiding yourself?”  The woman said taking off Joe’s hat and running her hands through his hair.

    “Miss Millie. I wouldn’t be doin’ that if I were you.  Joe’s intended may come over here and scratch your eyes out.”  Richard warned.

    “Little Joe Cartwright, you’re gettin’ married?  You’ll have to come by and see me before you walk down the aisle.” She said seductively.

    “Na, Miss Millie, thanks for the offer but it wouldn’t be you Rebecca’d go after, it be me, and she is too good a shot for me to risk it.”  Joe joked.  Seriously though, the thought of being with another woman was the furthest thing from Joe’s mind.

    “She’d never have to know.”  Millie continued the pursuit.

    “Ma’am, she has a way of findin’ out all sorts of stuff she should never know.”  Joe had teased Rebecca throughout their friendship and courting that she was too nosy for her own good. Rebecca was a young woman who had a lot of questions and did not mind asking them. It had become a way of flirting after they started dating, and Joe found it cute. He also wasn’t about to have any secrets between himself and his future wife.

    “Well Joe, you think about it and come see me.”  Millie said, walking off.

    “She’s a persistent one isn’t she.”  Richard commented, shaking his head.

The three enjoyed another beer, and then Joe left to go home.  It felt good to catch up with the guys.  He felt a bit guilty for not spending as much time lately with them and vowed he would make more time.  Rebecca had talked to Joe about helping David and Richard find the right girls to settle down with, but Joe was not about to attempt to play match maker.  He didn’t think he would be very good at picking out girls for his friends.  He would leave the picking to Rebecca, he thought.
 
 

    The night of the party quickly approached, and soon it was Saturday.  The weather had been beautiful until around two that afternoon, and then clouds rolled in.  The rain hit hard for the first few hours, but gradually backed off to a light drizzle.  The advent of rain had made the day darker and upset Hop Sing as he worked frantically preparing for the evening.  He believed in the superstitious element of the world, and found rain to be a bad sign on such a happy occasion.

    Joe stayed busy working until the rains began.  He would started clearing away the section of land where he wanted the house to be.  He cursed the rain when it began, but gave up when he realized it was not going to let up for a while.  He hopped on Cochise and headed for the house.  He met up with Hoss on his way, and they rode together the remainder of the way.  Once home, each stabled his own horse and headed for the house. Inside they realized they were alone except for Hop Sing.

    “Pa and Adam must be held up in town or somethin’.  I hope the rain stops, so they get here soon.”  Hoss commented.

    “Why ya want ‘em to get here soon, Hoss?”  Joe asked.

    “Oh so they can help get ready for the party.  You’re lookin’ forward to it aren’t ya, Joe?”

    “Uh, I really don’t care, except I get to see Rebecca.  This night’s more for her.”

    “Joe, you know I’ve been meaning to tell you, you really have changed.  You used to not turn down a party, and you used to be impossible to do chores with.  I think Rebecca has been really good for you.  I do have to admit, though, Joe, I’ve missed talkin’ to you.”

    “I’m sorry I’ve been so preoccupied. I’ve missed talkin to you too.  You know I seem to be ignoring ‘bout everybody these day.  What’s new with you, brother Hoss?”

    Hoss and Joe spent a lot of time sitting in the living room catching up with each other.  Hoss began to tell Joe about Mary Anne and how he was thinking of courting her.  Joe encouraged Hoss, and gave him some pointers to help him.  Hoss enjoyed talking to his younger brother, and Joe felt the same.  The two brothers were very close and tended to confide more so in each other, than with their Pa or Adam.  Hoss had a good relationship with his older brother Adam as well, and tended to be the go between for his two brothers, who did not get along as well. Joe viewed Adam as self righteous at times, and Adam viewed Joe as hot-headed.  Hoss ended up as the mediator in many of the conflicts.  It seemed to Hoss that both Joe and Adam could talk fine to him, but when they had to talk to each other there were always problems.

    “Hoss there’s somethin’ I’ve been meanin’ to ask you, and now seems just as good a time as any.  Would you be my best man?”  Joe asked his older brother.

    “Sure thing, Joe.  You sure you don’t want Richard, or David, or maybe even Adam?”

    “No Hoss, you’re the one I want standin’ up there with me.”

    “Joe, I’ll be there.”  Hoss was extremely touched by Joe’s request.

    “Good.  I’m countin’ on you to keep me straight that day ‘cause you know me. I’m sure I’ll do somethin’ to mess it up.”

    “Don’t you worry a bit little brother.  You got ol’ Hoss lookin’ after you.”

    “That’s why I asked you.” Joe said patted his older brother affectionately on the back.

    Ben and Adam made it back to the ranch shortly after Hoss and Joe had concluded their talk.  They all went about preparing for the guests to arrive.  Joe had asked Rebecca to try and get her folks to come a little early so he could see her before all of the people arrived.  Unfortunately, Rebecca showed up the same time as the other guests arrived, so they had no time to themselves.  The guests kept the young couple occupied by asking questions and talking over their own marital experiences.  Throughout the night, Joe and Rebecca exchanged longing looks at each other.  Towards the end of the party, Ben caught Rebecca alone and pulled her aside.

    “Miss Rebecca, mind if I have a word with you?”  Ben began.

    “Certainly, Mr. Cartwright”

    Ben lead Rebecca to a secluded corner trying to gain as much privacy as he could. “Rebecca, you and I haven’t had much time to talk since you and Joe started courting.  I want to welcome you into our family, and thank you for loving my son so much.  You saved his life, and now you’ve made him so happy.  I have to tell you, I’ve always worried about Joseph because of his nature, but you have such a good effect on him.  He is impulsive and sometimes wild, and you seem to know how to calm that in him.  I’m so grateful for what you did for him after he was attacked, and now I am so lucky to be getting you as a daughter-in-law.”

    “Mr. Cartwright,” Rebecca answered, “I know Joe is wild and impulsive, and that’s something I really love about him, but he’s also well grounded and was raised right.  I think he’s a credit to you and how you raised him.  I know he feels things very deeply, and although that worries me sometimes to see him hurting, I also know he works it out in the end.  Your son is probably the most interesting person I’ve ever met ‘cause of the way he looks at the world.  I’ll never stop being interested in him and his ways.”

    In the conversation, Ben again reaffirmed to himself that Rebecca was indeed so very right for Joseph.  He was relieved to hear that she knew how his son was and accepted it.  He also knew she could help Joe channel and focus his impulses, perhaps better than Ben was able to do himself.  Ben added, “ Rebecca, sometimes Joe is slow to ask for my help, or the help of his brothers.  Please don’t hesitate to tell us if you or Joe need anything.  We’re here to help you both.  Don’t let his stubbornness have you doing without.”

    “Mr. Cartwright, Joe’s stubborn, don’t I know that, but you know he really doesn’t mean it. He seems to just get afraid, and then he reacts.”

    Ben smiled. They were going to be just fine.

    The evening was not what Joe had wanted.  He did enjoy watching Rebecca rubbing her engagement in the noses of the snobby girls who had hurt her in school, but he wasn’t up to sharing her with anyone.  He spent his time talking to Richard, David and some of his other friends.  Rebecca would come by him every so often, and he made it a point to smile, wink, or otherwise acknowledge her.  At the end of the evening, Joe had his fill of social niceties and graces.  He wanted a little time alone with his fiancee.  He saw his opportunity when the Widow Perkins began talking to Rebecca.  Joe knew that the Widow had actively pursued his father, and because of this, he knew the perfect distraction.
    Joe walked up to the Widow and Rebecca and spoke. “Mrs. Perkins, my Pa’s been looking all over for you.  He’s over there and wants to talk to you.”  With that the Widow made a bee line for Ben.

    “Joe,  I thought you said your Pa was trying to avoid her?”  Rebecca questioned.

    “He is and he’ll forgive me, but I’ve gotta be alone with you for just a minute.”

    “We can’t run off.  There’re too many people here.” Rebecca reminded him.

    “I know, but I don’t care about any of these people.  I want to be with you right now.” He looked at her longingly.

    “Joe behave yourself, and we’ll slip away sometime soon.  I promise.”

    “I’m not gonna pitch a fit ‘cause its you askin’, but I swear I’m gonna die if I don’t get to kiss you. “  He flirted.

    “You won’t die, and it will do you good.  It builds character.” She teased back.

    “Oh then, if you only knew how much character I’ve built.” He answered.

    Again they were interrupted by well-wishers.  They were unable to steal away for any time alone, and Rebecca left with her parents along with the last guests.  Joe thanked his father for his generosity with the party and turned in for the evening.  He laid in bed looking at his mother’s wedding ring and fell asleep thinking that it would not be long now.

    ...Joe returned his thoughts to the meadow and Rebecca.  He had a dreamy look on his face, and she asked him where he had been.  He told her he had been thinking over the past six months and enjoying himself.  Rebecca had been thinking about the same thing and felt so elated.  Both believed they were the only ones who had ever felt the way they did, and no one would feel that way after them.

    “Rebecca?”  Joe asked seriously.

    “Yeah Joe?”

    “I want to stay this happy forever.  You think we can do it?”

    “I know we can.” She said, bending down to kiss him.  They began to kiss softly and then more passionately.  Joe pulled her down so she was laying beside him, all the while never ending their embrace.  He moved from kissing her lips to kissing her face and neck.  His hands began moving over her body.  “I love you so much.  You’re the most beautiful woman.  Rebecca, I want to...” he stopped himself and pulled away from her.

    “What is it?  Finish your sentence.” She begged.  She continued to hold onto him.  Rebecca had thought a lot about making love to Joe.  She knew it was what she wanted.  She also knew it was what Joe had wanted for quite some time.

    “No we’d better get goin.’”  He said, starting to get up.

    “No wait.  What’s it Joe?”

    “Never mind.  We need to go.”  Joe didn’t want to put her into a position which would leave her pressured. He knew he had to get away from her if he was going to contain himself.

    Rebecca knew what he wanted to say, and she said it.  “Joe I want you.  I want us to be together, today.  It’s okay.  I want the same thing you do.  I want you to make love to me.”

    Joe sat back down and looked at her. “Rebecca are you sure?  I don’t want you doin’ nothin’ you don’t want to do.”

    “Oh Joe. I want to.”  She said pulling on his shirt.

    He turned and looked into her eyes.  He felt this was the right thing to do and felt himself let go.  He allowed himself to stop thinking of how to tie knots and to focus on how he felt about Rebecca.  Joe began kissing her and was soon lost in their passion.
 
 

    Afterwards, Joe lay holding Rebecca.  Neither wanted to speak and end what had happened between them.  Finally Joe knew he would have to be getting her home.  He would be able to get her home on time, but he’d be late himself, and he’d be without the supplies he was supposed to have picked up.  He would deal with the consequences later.

    “Rebecca, you okay?”  he asked, as he pulled her chin up so they were looking into each others eyes.

    “Joe, I’m wonderful.”  She said turning her head up to kiss him.  “I’ll never forget this day.”

    “Me either, but unfortunately we gotta get goin’ if you’re gonna get home in time.”  Joe began to get dressed and watched as Rebecca put herself back together.  Neither wanted to return home to their childhood.  They both wanted to go a new place - their adulthood.

    Joe escorted her to the buckboard.  As they boarded, Rebecca said,  Hey Joe, let me drive the horses back to town.”

    “Bec, we don’t really have time.”  He said, starting to lead the horses out.

    “Now how am I gonna help with our place if I can’t drive two horses?  Besides, I’ll deal with my mama.  She knows you’re tryin’ to be all responsible and stuff. She’ll know I was the one to made us late.  Please Joe, I wanna learn.”

    “You know I can’t say no to you, but if your folks call off the wedding, and I have to kidnap you, it’s all your fault.”  Joe said, stopping the team and beginning to trade places with her.

    “Now show me what to do.” She said, taking the reins.

    Joe put his arms around her and placed his hands on each of hers.  He began to instruct Rebecca on giving the leads and pulling them back.  He showed her how to attend to the lead horse and to keep that animal as the primary one she dealt with.  Rebecca loved his arms around her and leaned against him.  They rode together at a slow trot while Rebecca experimented with the reins.

    “You’re doin’ good. “ Joe praised. “But here, do this.” Joe showed her how to use her fingers to move the reins.  She tried it and was quite successful.

    Rebecca was laughing and enjoying herself.  She was catching on quick and was able to move them easily down the road.  They were close to town.

    “Okay you can open them up a little bit.  Just don’t get carried away.”  Joe said realizing Rebecca wanted more.  He kept his hands on hers and began kissing her neck.  He watched her drive the buckboard out of one eye.  The horses began to pick up speed.  They traveled along with Joe holding onto her hands, but with Rebecca in full control of the team.

    There was not any way Rebecca could have corrected the buckboard quickly enough to dodge the oversized rock in the road.  She was not experienced enough, and Joe was otherwise distracted.  In her excitement, Rebecca had encouraged the horses to move faster.  The animals ran quickly, pulling the buckboard over the unseen rock.  The wagon rolled over the rock and began to tip.  Joe had his arms around Rebecca and felt himself falling backwards.  She began to move upward and away from him.  It did not register in Joe’s mind what was happening to them.  He was trying to hold her tight and she was pulling away from him.  What was happening, and why was he feeling the loss of control?  There was a sharp pain and then nothing but blackness.

    As the buckboard tumbled, Joe was violently thrown from heaven.