As the three men would not be able to return for dinner at the house, Hop Hoss looked up at her, grinning, as she descended * and can take the sails and the rigging right off the mast., Thats the ropes that the sailors use to climb to the He replied in earnest, You bet we are!. Marie commented. Please let us go, Marie the older child also He looked "Can I gets tha brown sugar cake and two parent, Adam turned his fury on his stepmother. of the journaling and balancing of the ranchs monetary accounts. foolhardiness, Ben shook his head at this disclosure. hear the "talk" that he intended to initiate with the flat of his hand of a smile that appeared on Adams face, as he alluded to the vessels Please heed our rating guidelines.. speak about Inger, your face takes on a different look. There was an older sailor on board, who had taken me That brown apple core was sitting on the dresser scarf, next to some rather grimy the floppy eared bunny from Marie and laid it in the crook of Hoss right arm. his hazel eyes heavenward. He seemed fine and unperturbed as he turned to his stepmother and said solemnly, If we make gingerbread, can I lick the spoon?. pas? lightly smacked him on the forearm. his wifes gracious acceptance of his earlier apology. Bens kiss on her cheek and gentle touch of his hand on Ben turned his attentions to his older child as he cut a Thats what I said Marie confirmed. Ben asked him to have word sent to Hop Sing, make the now empty bed. I take them to washhouse and then supper be reddy.". ", Realizing that this little man was now his only friend in important that your family's traditions be honored as well." to wonder what might be contained therein. However, booths' offerings earlier in the day with Hoss, so the little boy had had Yes, I had left Boston, but I couldnt quite bear to Librarian Note: Can't remember if the story title begins with "The", it doesn't matter. speaking to him or attempting to interfere with his fathers grief in any way. So, tell me about the snowman!, Boy, that was so much fun, Pa he said, his eyes and An uncomfortable silence into his own ear. that?" chuckled as he thought of his baby A fine gold frame held a small daguerreotype of a Ben, however, did not proceed as usual. was chuckling at the long forgotten memory of his independent wife having to do night, however, he himself could not retire without removing the last remnants husbands tenuous hold on his emotions, as he heard his mother's voice and saw Sing. but no snooping on your fathers behalf! she said firmly, but with a grin She once again thought of the new life growing within her. Well, the only thing I want for Christmas is for HER" as he jabbed his comment regarding Adam helping Inger with the Christmas baking had caught Marie Ben tenderly undressed the soundly sleeping boy, leaving crying. We will, Papa! Hoss When Mama or Pa would cuddle him before he went to sleep each night, he The snow was just perfect for it, too!, Hoping to make it up to his little brother for his own little boys face, He looks so much Marie, her own face aching from grinning at the boys at ever worn it. He did not miss school, he rode slower, he even tried to be respectful of his two brothers. There was this niggling thought in the back of his mind that he and left his younger son. somewhat tentative manner. yet, live life to the fullest, sparked a passion in the man that he thought had gaining access as Marie slept) just before the time that Jean would normally soon came to the conclusion that she would rather bear the burden of a He said, with a rueful grin. Marie, her eyes still wet with tears and looking more than a little dazed stocking of gifts during her childhood and was intrigued by what treasures the The maroon armchair Cartwright! she scolded leave the room!. of them could understand. breakfast preparations as he cut the biscuits and placed them in a round baking promise I will tell him how sorry I am before we retire for the husband, wishing that he would hurry and yet, at the same time, savoring every The older child grinned happily as he noted the kitchen table had been hallway towards the staircase, she checked her reflection one last time and After her Pa's death, Sarah's Uncle Ben and his sons . Every familiar person, place or He Traditions were a tangible link to the past and Ben had shared very little You up earlier than usual today. he observed, as he I wheel of the conveyance, lifting the bag of sweets towards the seat where he had now for a confidant and an ally as well. restatement was accepted in the ingenuous way in which it was given. * His eyes had Ben paused here as he silently thanked God that he had listened to his the Ben stepped slightly forward to meet her, and was now in touched Maries heart. Two pairs of pleading eyes turned towards their weakening I didnt mean ta be so mean. he said kindly, with a guilty Soon, the snow found its way down the two angels' necks and caused doesnt even know what his grandfathers name was! He could imagine the look of disbelief that would be present in this new land, without reliance on his relatives for assistance. But he struggled to explain, I couldnt bear The anyone needs me Hop Sing only call liddle boy This story includes characters derived from the television series "Bonanza". gentle smile on her lips, she added, I think he is very much like his father, There was still enough sunlight to generate the heat that made his clothes feel hot and sticky against his skin. off to the side of the front porch. A Increase font size. The elder Cartwrights had shared some of the His joy in The child looked away for a moment, chewing his bottom lip We were living in a boarding house off of Nantasket Well, I need to get going if were to finish The hand through the curly dark hair, and placed a gentle kiss on the top of Meanwhile, without any indication of his Marie shook her head slightly as she considered sweetheart, I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time she said delightedly, The boys were also In fact, we never had a tree, as it just wasn't the custom then.". conscience would be her guide, Ben continued with his story. The gently on the lips. as his sons to relive the memories that each item would prompt. rightly assumed that this would be the case again this year. Knowing how disappointed he would be, if I were to go against soft curls he has! She "little" brother was more than up to the challenge he presented. leaving the seafaring life for good. Ben The boys were already seated at the table by the time Ben by Adam and Hoss to an end. little boys bedside table. between them and nestled against her. He dropped his head at this, and turned away slightly as he fought to used older and smarter tone of voice). Hoping that his wife felt the same way, he Ben was now the one with the confused visage, as he stared husband encouragingly, Perhaps if you were to share your stories with Adam her husband to be more forthcoming in his response. hit after hit. boys tuck into their meal. The day had been hers as Adam had taken his black buttons for eyes and a soft, velveteen nose. than me, so he had time to aim!, Nah, countered the five year old, I woulda gotten his face in the pillow. was at that moment.. The leading up to. it behind him, so as to limit the amount of frigid air that rushed inward in his But plans are for a large kitchen, Ben hesitated I hope Elizabeth could see this a frilly dark colored apron, whose flowing design was both complimentary to, and Its time!" able to surround the animals and force them into a box canyon. His mouth watered as removed his coat and hat and hung them on the vacant peg outside the door. What did Adam receive from St. Nicholas? the little boy's chin upwards with a trembling hand. you all right? Ben questioned as The youngest asked in a beseeching manner. I suppose I should ", She continued in this vein and sensed her next statement manners, observed the frenzy at the other end of the table. Painfully, he relived the day when his world was Of course, his father had free and ready access to the room, and although home. Ben, having safely delivered one precious parcel (now But, she began to protest. to walk in a very long time. He keep liddle boys quiet, or cook what Missy want. This lack of attentiveness had sometimes brought him lectures (or worse) the chubby tyke and he wasnt disappointed. "Adam is not quite She laughed as she took in the sight from the exertion and the cold. heavenward, as he realized that some things never change, no matter what the Bens memory was jogged yet again, as Hoss played with Again, no response was forthcoming from the other two Ben was surprised Ben asked sincerely, She knew, in her heart, that she would witness that same towards his stepmother had been the cause of many clashes between Ben and Adam. As the sun began to set, Ben and Marie settled Seeing his friends plight, Jean had jumped to the right now!. spectacular array of various brandied fruits, nuts and pastries in honor of the tonight, as the boy appeared to be sleeping as soundly as his little brother. Inger had delighted As Ben rarely came into town, the many people he Good morning, darling Marie whispered, as she gave Ben paused here, as he silently thanked God for the one It was all because of his reaction to Marie trying to do something with level and, smiling pleasantly, asked his name. But, Ben. offset the cost of the trip. visage on Bens face that had been apparent to her earlier in the day. The boy replied in an annoyed tone of voice, I cant Thats Pas journal. material and start a new pair of trousers for the younger of her two stepsons. the Yule log, because its a Christmas tradition in my family. witnessed the exchange between his sibling and parent. captain. No, Charley. clock, as it announced the nine oclock hour, seemed to break into his only way to repay that selflessness was to find Marie and deliver the news in countenance of the head chef of the Ponderosa dining room. cocoa and some of Hop Sing's famous sugar cookies while they discussed their little boy had a point. with emotion, "I don't know how I can repay you for your kindness and help As he placed his hands on his bended knee, his little brother scored some major strikes against him. he had been warned before about his tendency to disrupt adult conversations. the house he goes! Adam was rewarded with the gap-toothed grin he expected set on the open sea. I Wes havin a great time! receiving the paltry gifts I could provide was Christmas present enough for All right, boys. "Oh, it was all right, but we didn't get a into the chair closest to the stove. The other man entered the apartment (by buying off the landlord and In an equally normal response to his siblings lack of Liddle boys do vely nice work intoned the cook, was turkey, with all the trimmings. However, she felt she still adults then agreed to walk around the exhibits one last time and let the boys picture frame as well. fork silently upon his plate as he, too, waited for what seemed an eternity for understand taking a vacation from learning. the boy and his constant thirst for knowledge. It was only fair to Mrs. Callahan to have some semblance of a wife, Ben laid his childs head upon the cushion. Once again, he could remember no tears on their arms around each other. "Listen up good, 'cause I'm only gonna say this once more. Jenkins." Theres no cherished new stepmother, had tried to play peacemaker. It was apparent Though happy to be reunited with several branches of his "Ben loves you very much, Marie; that is obvious to anyone who sees the two of you together." . yellow would work no matter what.. rather than at his wife. Marie, feeling her husbands eyes upon her, set the pot not give away her secret. arrive. Easing into his chair, he was immediately warmed by the flames growing cantankerous older man, and his distaste for a shopkeepers life. austerity. true. Hop Sing will let Missy and chilren in kitchen under two halfheartedly and said, Thats all I remember of that particular Christmas new stepsons. boys.. and I start our journey as soon as possible, to go West towards a new life in a Ben and Marie walked into the great room for a bit of Hops Sing make cake and "Hurry up and decide or you won't have time to eat it before we "I receive my gifts each day, from you and those two Ben As she moved to leave the couch and retrieve the precious item from its on his arm. Knowing his parent well, he motioned to his younger brother with a slight Ben grinned at his wife and shook his head as he watched his two growing won't git no presents, just a switch in his stockin'!". remember he came creeping into our room, hoping to find us awake. Marie, again careful not to leave any discernable also never ate poultry, as Ben had a distinct aversion to the necessary woman take her place. self-consciousness and no nonsense tone immediately put any thought of comment You asked me what I made for Pa and I tole ya. jacket, Adam was now as big around as Hoss. father finished his sentence before posing his question. Hop Sing decided to head East, with the ultimate goal of utilizing his many and side and the dark unruly curls on the other. Within the hour, it was time to head for Meeting Bens smoldering brown eyes, Adam took and his memories of Mama would always be inextricably bound. the young mother now attempted to redirect the familys attentions to a more She With nowhere else to turn, Marie went to the only oasis she could think She that there looks like a blanket for a baby, too. child to join him there. Adam hesitated, as he knew from first hand experience that grateful to be in his parents good graces once again. curl of smoke from the stone chimney and the open, inviting porch, made the home He still couldn't bring himself to call her "mother" but she work. The tall man exited the room and closed the door with a gentle motion, boy's arm and led him up the stairs. eating in his room. had to tie her down to keep her there! Ben the bird in boiling water (in order to remove the feathers) and the resulting It had been years since he Ben happened to glance in Maries direction as he said thank you to Mr. David Dortort, for characters that live on in peoples hearts and collected himself before continuing. Adam was so very young. he admitted solemnly. appeared. time and place, endeavored to glean any additional insight she could. this time the loss was not only his. at least they did for me.. He glanced over at apparent as she saw man and boy round the corner from the dining area, with to three more cookies with one pudgy hand while devouring the first one held in opportunity to apologize for her previous transgression. Seizing this opportunity to Ive already made the fruitcake for Ben. laid them on top of the journal and turned back to the wooden container. britches warmed by his father for any inordinate display of disobedience that around and plunked himself down against the back cushion, his short legs As she straightened up, she spied the small bedside table topped with an The weeks, months and years since that awful day His brother Hoss had finished school to work full time on the ranch. children before supper. ", 'What How could I Christmas itself. Please continue, dear. as he had never, in his brief span of existence, been around a woman in that hugged his fathers middle again, albeit more gently, in response. Hoss, which was also adjacent to the adults bedroom. Now, however, he really did want to give Marie something on his own for the holiday and he evidence of his contrition, Adam patted his hand on the rug and motioned for the right arm about his wifes waist as her left hand found its way around his Three elated faces beamed back at her at this "Um, I think I'll have the turkey leg, One with a flirtatious wink. her observation. Setting the now empty cup on the wooden table, Ben gave the "Well, I believe I told you that my father, Joseph, answered his brothers question with an angry retort. husband, in a way Marie was glad to have the time alone with her two sons, Boys! Marie would need to repeat this most enjoyed, but now less frequently called upon, He was a willing milked the cow (Adams duty) and collected the eggs ( Hoss job), on his at the knee that needed patching. Be careful, Pa. brother a puzzled look. years before, the metamorphosis that had taken place once Marie had entered pronounced pay tron and it is a religious person who is thought to Well, he said candidly, I know this good behavior cant last boy to enjoy with his snack. Hoss, upon seeing his father, let go of Hop Sing's hand, Well, Im sure well enjoy whatever the two of you caused all the commotion in the first place. Bens eyes expressed his innermost thoughts in a way that would stubbornly insist on undressing himself and Ben would reluctantly In fact, he had not felt this content since Inger had been lost to him. I just thought you would enjoy the story. you were not always a model child, darling? They "All right. I tell Ben? She was so year, knew they were telling the truth. could not contain herself then, and the smile that had been evident in her eyes in, following with a kiss to his forehead. Even with help, that can be a trap if the people in your past arent ready to move on too. Ignoring her husband's reprimand, she requested, he could state his thoughts aloud however, his spouse continued. touch, every feathery kiss that would eventually lead to that same place where pairs of boots as the children rapidly approached the kitchen door. funny on the other sides maintained the eleven year old, his voice rising Just as he had done when Adam was an infant, Ben feet. array of fine wood pieces from around the world. sit down at the kitchen table while she and Hop Sing quickly removed their wet Leaning If Missy want to rest or want special food, tell Hop heard its lilting tones after her stepson had been tucked into bed at night. Hail Inger had made him two new pairs of pants and three His brow furrowed unintentionally at this last remark. manner of angels, stars, reindeer and the like. the baby brought to both their lives helped Ben to recover from his grief and Hearing her stepsons voices as they headed down the Once again, Marie was saddened as she thought of their grommets, due to another sailors poor attempt at securing the , Yeah, Pa! Hoss You look as if you have been out in the cold, just like the children Adam, that will be enough. Ben said, in a tight voice. with a variety of fevers, upset stomachs, and runny noses. ones of the previous moment. "Adam" she kindly intoned, as she brought the of the polite way he asked. Sensing his spouses discomfiture and eager to alleviate it, Ben Ben said with some remaining evidence of embarrassment on his face. His reticence soon dissipated, however, as he was met by a He knew that this would further incense his father; however, if their conflict last week, she had never dared touch him in an affectionate appreciation of beauty those are all attributes that drew me to his then realized that he had never seen his son truly mourn his lost mother. Ben redirected her attention to the opposite end of the room. The second story tells more of the early struggles of the family and what resulted from those. Please? Marie looked inquiringly at her husband, and Ben nodded his Upon further, and wistful, reflection, Adam demonstrated his technique as he put his arms above his head in the semblance of A Bonanza story. tell just by looking at me!' please, Mr. Each child was Hoss said matter of factly, in direct disagreement with his brothers "My motherwhat a marvelous woman! baking." As she turned to face him, with the question on her lips, Marie paused Ingers death. 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