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A Cartwright Honeymoon Adventure from the Ponderosa to Paradise
from Laura on 07/04/2026 04:08 AMThe morning sun cast a golden glow across the Ponderosa, painting the towering pines and sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe in shades of amber and gold. It was a day unlike any other on the ranch. The usual sounds of ranch hands and cattle were joined by laughter, congratulations and the joyful bustle that followed the wedding of Adam Cartwright and his new bride, Laura. Outside the ranch house, Ben Cartwright leaned against the porch railing with a proud smile. Hoss adjusted his hat, trying unsuccessfully to hide the tears in his eyes, while Little Joe grinned from ear to ear as he loaded the last of Adam and Laura's luggage into the back of his truck. Once Joe was done loading the truck, he couldn't help but walk over to Adam telling him that he couldn't believe that he actually found someone who could out stubborn him. Laura couldn't help herself as she let out a laugh. Then she reached over and softly touched Adam's arm as he shook his head. It was then that Adam told Joe to be careful because married life has already taught him patience. It was then that Hoss chimed in by saying that it'll need to teach you more than that, which he let out a hearty chuckle, causing the rest of them to chuckle too. After the laughter, things went quiet as everyone just stood around for a few minutes, enjoying the silence. But finally, Ben walked over to Laura and gave her a big hug. After pulling away from her, Ben looked deep into her eyes and then began to tell her that she was now a part of the family, and she has been from the moment she said, 'I do.' He also told her that he wanted her to understand that no matter where life takes them, the Ponderosa will always be her home. That was enough to make her tears sting her eyes, though she blinked them away. Laura gave Ben another hug as she whispered into his ear. "Thank you, Ben," she whispered with her eyes shining with happiness and love. "That means more to me than I can put into words," she added. After she broke the embrace, she turned and looked at Adam. "Well Adam," she started to say to her new husband.
"You think we should get this show on the road? We don't want to be late to the train station," she reminded him. Adam nodded as he walked over and opened the door for Laura. And after helping Laura into the truck and then saying goodbye to his family, Adam got into the driver's side, started the truck and soon they pulled out of the drive of the Ponderosa Ranch House, heading towards the highway. And with their trunks packed and tickets tucked safely in Adam's coat, the newlyweds were on their way to start a new chapter of their new life together. Their journey would carrying them first to the railroad, which Adam would leave his truck for Ben to pick up later, then their journey would take them across the country to the coast, where a magnificent steamship awaited to whisk them away to the warm blue waters and gentle breezes of their tropical paradise of the Bahamas. As the truck continued to drive away from the ranch house, the Cartwrights waved until Adam and Laura disappeared beneath the tall pines lining the road. As they drove in silence, neither of them knew that their honeymoon would become far more than a peaceful vacation. Before they would even reach paradise, they would face unexpected danger, forge new friendships and discover that the greatest adventure of all was beginning their life together. As Adam continued to drive, getting closer and closer to Virginia City and to the train station, Laura couldn't help but slide over closer to Adam. She laid her head gently against Adam's shoulder as he asked her if she was ready to start their next adventure. Laura turned her head and softly kissed his shoulder as she looked up into his eyes and began to speak. "Just as long as we are together as our journey unfolds, I will be," she told him honestly as she let out a sigh of content. She then glanced over at the side door mirror and noticed that the Nevada mountains fading behind them as the road stretched toward the horizon, carrying the two newlyweds from the Ponderosa and to paradise. Silence fell over the newlyweds once more as Laura closed her eyes for a few minutes. Finally, as they were rolling into Virginia City, Laura began to speak. "Your dad knows where to pick up your truck right?" she asked him, knowing that Adam had already given Ben the extra key to his truck.
ReplyThe Greatest Blessing on Mother’s Day on the Ponderosa (2026)
from Laura on 07/03/2026 03:38 PMMother's Day dawned soft and golden over the Ponderosa, the morning light spilling across the pine-covered hills like a quiet blessing. Inside the newly built house, everything was still-except for the gentle hum of anticipation. Adam Cartwright had been up for hours and carefully cradled in his arms and yet laying against his chest warmly and content was the smallest reason for celebration- Adam's newborn daughter, Elizabeth. She was wrapped in a soft white blanket that Laura had made, she slept peacefully, her tiny fingers curling every now and then as if dreaming of the world she had only just entered. Laura tired, but still managed to still look radiant, stood there watching Adam holding their tiny bundle of joy. "My first Mother's Day," Laura said in a whisper almost as if testing the words. "I can't believe she's really here," she added with smile on her face. It was only then that Adam began speaking to her as he looked from Elizabeth to Laura and back down to Elizabeth. Today, he started to say, is a day for her and for Laura. Then Adam walked over to Laura and gently placed their baby into Laura's arms. Elizabeth stirred, then settled almost immediately, as though she already knew where she belonged. Laura's eyes filled with tears as she looked down at the baby and then back up at Adam. "She's perfect in every way," she told Adam as a tear happened to slip down without notice. That's when Adam began to whisper that she had Laura to thank for that as he gently laid his head on hers, staying close as only a protective husband and father would. Laura closed her eyes for a few minutes as she breathed in Adam. Finally, she opened her eyes as he raised his head ever so slightly until they were looking into each other's eyes. "I think we better put her down so she can sleep," Laura told Adam, who nodded to her. Carefully, Adam helped Laura up, keeping an arm around her as he walked with her to the crib.
Laura then laid Elizabeth down in her crib and for a little while nobody said anything as her and Adam stood there watching Elizabeth sleep. Finally, Laura pointed at the door and eventually started walking towards it, with Adam following right behind her. Once they were down the stairs and into the kitchen, Laura began to make some coffee, while Adam sat at the table. Once Laura had the coffee going, she went over and joined Adam at the table. She let out a sigh as she began to speak to him. "I know you have something planned for me," she started as she reached over and took Adam by the hand. "And you can't say you don't because I know you too well," she said with a smile on her face as she went on with her thoughts. "But, honey, what are you, Joe and Hoss going to do for Lynda?" she asked him very curiously. "I mean I know she's not your mother, but she's your stepmom and she loves you guys like you were her own," she added as she went silent for a while. He looked down at the table for a few minutes and then back up her. He then brought her hand up to his mouth and softly kissed it, which meant that Adam was definitely up to something. But what she didn't know was whether he was up to something for her or if it had anything to do with Lynda, though another thought that came into her head was he could be up to something that has to do with both her and Lynda. Neither Adam nor Laura spoke for a while as they continued to look at each other. Finally, Laura cleared her throat and broke the silence as she began to speak to Adam. "So, what would you like for breakfast?" she asked him as she started to get up to get breakfast started and that's when Adam got up and stopped Laura. She turned around and gave him a puzzled look, though she understood what he was doing as he gently picked her up as if he was getting ready to carry her over the threshold but instead Adam carried her up the stairs. "Adam, where are you taking me?" she asked him still trying to figure out exactly what Adam was up too.
A Sunrise on the Ponderosa Brings an Easter Day Blessing (2026)
from Laura on 07/03/2026 02:38 PMThe first light of Easter morning stretched across the Ponderosa, turning the mountaintops gold and the meadows silver with dew. A cool breeze rustled through the pines while robins sang from the fence posts, welcoming another beautiful spring day. Adam Cartwright stepped onto the porch, taking in the morning air just as his new wife, Laura joined him, wrapping a shawl around her shoulders. They were looking out at the beautiful day as the sun was coming up. "Happy Easter," Laura whispered to her husband with a smile on her face as she looked up into his eyes. Adam turned and looked into Laura's eyes with his own smile on his face as he wished her a happy Easter back. It was then that he slipped his hand into hers. Adam then turned back to horizon and soon him and Laura, in the quiet moments that they were sharing, watched the sun rise over the ranch. The horses spent the morning grazing peacefully in the pastures, while both Adam and Laura continued to watch the sun rise for a few more minutes. And then Laura began to speak to him softly as she laid her head on Adam's shoulder. "I guess I will go start the coffee," she whispered to him as Adam looked deep into Laura's eyes again. He nodded and soon they both walked into their house smiling. Laura, followed by Adam, went into the kitchen to start the coffee and it wasn't long before the smell of fresh coffee began to drift throughout the house. "You know," Laura started to tell Adam just as the coffee was getting near to being done. "Spring always seems to arrive right on time, despite the harshness of winter" she said as she went over to the cabinet and took two coffee cups down. Laura took the cups over to the coffee pot and began to fill them up with coffee. Adam couldn't help but nod in agreement as he went on to tell her that spring arriving on time was one thing that the Ponderosa never failed to tell them. He went onto add that every season has its turn and every spring feels like a fresh beginning.
After pouring each a cup of coffee, Laura picked them up and carried them over to the table. She sat Adam's down in front of him and then sat hers on the table in her spot. Then she sat down next to him and as he began to sip his coffee, she began to speak. "I think that's why I've always loved Easter. It's less about grand celebrations and more about appreciating simple things, like family, home," she said with a smile as she picked up her coffee up. Then she went on speaking her final thought before sipping her coffee. "It also gives another chance to start anew," she added with a smile on her face. Both Adam and Laura went silent for a little while, just enjoying the morning. This was kind of Easter morning that Adam and Laura enjoyed, not because it was extraordinary, but because it reminded them that the happiest days were often the simplest ones, spent with the people who made the Ponderosa feel like home. And it was something that both Adam and Laura looked forward to sharing with their future children. Laura looked up at the time and she knew if they were going to get to church on time, she had better get breakfast fixed. "Anyway, anything special you want me to fix for breakfast before we head off to church for the Easter Sunday sermon?" she asked him as she finally took a sip of her coffee, which to her, left a bad after taste. She sat her coffee cup down and looked at it and then back up at Adam. "Is it just me or does the coffee taste funny?" she asked him, though she could see in his cup that he already had half of his coffee drank. "Never mind, you already have yours half drank," she said with a chuckle as she moved her coffee cup over towards him. Adam gave her a funny look. Not because she gave him her barely touched coffee, but because of the way she was acting. "You can have mine," she added knowing that this wasn't the first time that she had something that had a funny taste that someone else thought was okay. "Anyway, back to breakfast," she told him. "Any thoughts?" she asked him.
Re: A Season with a Precious Reason (2025)
from Laura on 07/03/2026 01:18 PMLaura was already home and going out of her mind with worry when Adam pulled in as the glow of a single lamp burning in the front window against the falling snow, though Laura's body blocked most of the light as she was looking for Adam. It was then that she saw him pulling in and soon she opened the door before he was even out of his truck. As Adam got out of his truck and walked up to the porch, Laura pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders as the cold rushed passed them. They stood there for a few minutes in the snow and cold just looking at each other until Laura couldn't stand it anymore and then they both went into the house. "You're late again," she told him, though there was no real complaint in her voice. She dusted the snow off her and hung up her shawl. Then, after she got her shoes off, she turned to take care of Adam. Her eyes quickly moved over him going from the snow on his coat to the fatigue in his face. "And you look like you've been wrestling that house all by yourself," she added as she took his coat once the snow was dusted off it. Adam let out a quiet breath as he fell against the door for a few minutes before finding a chair to take off his boots. The warmth of the house hit him almost immediately, which as good as it felt, was making him even more tired. Adam let out a sigh and as he was working his boots off, told Laura that he wasn't by himself and that Hoss and Joe had been there to help him at least for a while, anyway. Adam went quiet as he finally got one of his boots off and placed it by the door. Then he began to work on the other one as Laura stood there studying him for a few moments before brushing a bit of snow off the floor and onto the mat where Adam's boots were sitting. "It's getting worse out there, isn't it?" she asked Adam, already knowing the answer. Adam said it was coming down steadily now as he was coming home to her.
That was enough for Laura to glance over at the window where the wind pressed the white snowflakes against the glass. Laura let out a sigh as she went from looking out the window back to looking at Adam, who finally had the other boot off and resting it next to the first one. "You should have come home sooner," she told him softly as she softly touched his face and ran her hand through his hair. "I don't you need you making me a widow before we even have a chance to get our married life started," she said half playing and half serious. That's when he told her that he almost stayed but since he had no head or food, he couldn't. And that's when he remembered he was still wearing his gloves, which he then took them off and handed them to Laura as she was still holding his coat. He told her that all he could think about was trying to get their new home done before Christmas. Laura gave him a faint, knowing smile and then turned to walk over to the closet to hang his coat up. After she hung up Adam's coat, she closed the closet door and found a place to lay out his gloves so that they would dry. Once she had that done, she turned to look at Adam as she began to speak again. "You and that house," she said as she shook her house. "Honey, I don't care if you get the house done by Christmas," she told him. "I just care whether or not you come home to me. You can always finish in the springtime. Besides, it's not like we are going to be able to move into it now anyway," she added as she went quiet. But before he could reply to what she just said, she noticed something else in his expression. "What is it, Adam? What's wrong?" she asked him as she figured out what she saw in his expression. It was worry mixed with guilt. That's when he told Laura that he sent Hoss and Joe home early because of the snow and that they should have been home by now. Laura's expression changed almost immediately as concern and worry replaced the warmth and understanding that was in her face.
"And they aren't?" she asked him trying not to sound so worried so she could be strong for Adam but knowing she was failing big time. Adam shook his head as he told her that he didn't know. He told her that he told himself that after he got in he would call his father to make sure that Joe and Hoss made it home okay. Adam looked up at Laura from the chair he sat when he was taking his boots off. And for a moment, the only sound to be heard was the wind blowing against the house. Laura then stepped closer to him and she rested her hand on his shoulder. "Why don't you go make that phone call and I will heat up dinner," she told Adam. "And then after dinner, I'll run you a hot bath to help you warm up," she added with a warm smile on her face. Adam stood up and softly touched her face with his fingertips before leaning down to kiss her lips. Then after he pulled away, he turned and went into the living room and picked up the phone and dialed his father's phone number. Meanwhile, Laura disappeared into the kitchen and began to heat up supper. And as she was doing so, she couldn't help but say a little prayer that Hoss and Joe made it home safely. There wasn't much for Laura to do while supper was warming up, so after setting the table for the both of them, including drinks, Laura couldn't help but go over to the doorway that separated the kitchen from the living room and just stood there for a few minutes waiting as Adam waited for someone at the Ponderosa Ranch house to pick up the phone. She could see the longer that nobody answered the more worried he became. It was only then that Ben finally did answer the phone did Laura relax some, though she still stayed on guard until she knew for certain if Hoss and Joe were home safely. As Adam and Ben were making small talk, it gave Laura a chance to go check on supper, which was doing good. She went back to the doorway and stood there, this time frozen in her spot as she waited.
Re: How A Cowboy Gets His Cowgirl
from Laura on 07/03/2026 11:58 AMFor several long moments, Laura simply stared at the music box resting in her hands. Her fingertips traced the delicate details along the polished surface before she slowly looked back up at Adam. Her blue eyes were already glistening with tears. "You...you bought this for me?" she asked in a whispered voice which was barely audible, thought Adam could hear her just fine. Adam simply nodded as his gentle smile never left his face. Laura looked back down at the music box and carefully lifted the lid. As the soft melody filled the kitchen, another tear escaped and slowly rolled down her cheek. She couldn't stop smiling. "Oh Adam....," she managed to say as she laughed quietly through the tears before looking back into his eyes. "It's beautiful," she said and then shook her head in disbelief. "No...beautiful isn't even the right word," she said as she closed the music box. Laura then pressed it against her heart for a moment before setting it carefully on the table. Then her eyes drifted back to the necklace now resting around Adam's neck. It was then a wide smile spread across her face. "I was hoping you'd like the necklace," she admitted with a shy laugh, knowing her gift didn't cost nearly as much as the music box. "I never imagined that you'd actually put it on," she added as she reached up and gently touched the pendant where it rested against his chest. "It looks good on you," she added after a few minutes. "I knew it would," she added as her fingers lingered there for a few moments more before she looked back into his eyes. She didn't say much at first, she just let her eyes linger in his but finally, she began to speak. "You know, seeing you wear something that I picked out means more to me than I can explain," she told him honestly. She swallowed hard as fresh tears threated to fall. "And this...," she said, lifting the music box slightly. "This means just as much," she confessed to him, knowing the history of his father giving Adam's mother a music box. She couldn't help but smile through her tears.
"You remembered what your father gave your mother," she told him still smiling with tears still falling, though her voice had softened. "That makes this more than just a gift," she said softly. "It carries a piece of your family's story and now you're letting me become part of it," she added as she reached across the table and gently took both of Adam's hands in hers. "And I don't care how many birthdays come and go or how many presents for whatever reason we exchange," Laura started and then went on just as the waiter was bringing them fresh drinks. "Nothing could or will ever top the love that's behind this music box," she finished and then squeezed his hands gently. "I love you Adam Cartwright, more than worlds could ever say," she told him and then without another thought, she leaned forward, wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close, resting her forehead against his for a few minutes. Then she tilted her head and softly kissed his lips, letting herself linger for a little longer than she probably should have. Finally, Laura gently pulled away so she could look Adam deep into the eyes. "Thank you," she whispered to him. "For the music box...for wearing my necklace....but more importantly, for loving me the way that you do," she whispered to him as she smiled warmly while still looking deep into his eyes. "I'll treasure this music box for the rest of my life...just like I treasure you," she added and softly kissed his lips once more before finally pulling away just as the chef was finally bringing their dinner. Adam and Laura slowly began to eat their meals, not really speaking now, though the silence at that time made that moment even more special. Finally, after eating about a third of her meal without either one of them speaking, it was Laura who finally broke the silence once her mouth was completely empty. "So, Adam," she started as she put her hand on her wine glass. "What other surprises do you have up or sleeve or do I have to wait and see what the night brings us?" she asked him as she picked up her wine glass and took a small drink from him. In the back of her mind, she knew that Adam had more planned than just this. It was getting it out of him that was the hard part.
Re: Irish Eyes are Smiling as Our Little Leprechaun Makes Her Way Home (2026)
from Laura on 07/03/2026 11:00 AMThe doctor rested a reassuring hand on Adam's shoulder before answering. He could see the fear in the young man's eyes and knew that any hesitation would only make things worse. The doctor started off his conversation with Adam by stating that both Laura and the baby were alive. The doctor was calm as he was filling Adam in on the rest of news. He told Adam that Laura had taken a very hard fall and the impact has caused some bleeding and she is in a great deal of pain. Adam closed his eyes for a brief moment as Hoss, Joe and Ben gathered around him. Then Adam asked about the baby and the doctor gave a smile, encouraging smile. The doctor went on to tell Adam that his little girl is still with them. He said that she had a nice strong heartbeat, which was a very good sign. Then the doctor let out a sigh as he went on now being very serious as he told Adam that he wasn't going to pretend that they were out of danger yet. He told Adam that Laura must remain completely still and most of all, completely calm. He went on to say that any unnecessary movement stress could make matters worse. Ben, Hoss and Joe's faces all had worried looks as they stayed close to Adam while listening to the doctor update them about Laura's condition. Adam released a breath that he hadn't even realized he'd been holding. It wasn't exactly te answer he had hoped for, but it wasn't the nightmare he had feared either. After a few minutes of letting everything sink in, he finally asked if he could see her, to which the doctor told him in a few minutes. Then he went on to explain to Adam that he was going to give her something to ease the pain, which might make her sleep. Adam nodded as he listened to everything the doctor had to say. The doctor went on to say that Laura was frighten but more than anything, she was worried about him and the baby. But before Adam could say anything, Laura let out another muffled cry, which came from their bedroom upstairs. That caused every muscle in his body to tense.
That's when Adam told the doctor that he should be with her and the doctor nodded though he stopped Adam once more. The doctor told Adam he could go in just a few minutes, but that he needed to go in there calm. He went on telling Adam that Laura needed his strength right now and not his fear. All Adam could do was swallow the lump in his throat and nodded. That's when Adam said he would do what Laura needed and the doctor smiled saying he expected nothing less. Then the doctor turned to the rest of the family as he continued filing everyone in on Laura's condition. He told everyone that the next twenty-four hours will be the most critical. He told them that Laura must remain in bed and be under constant supervision. He went on to explain that if the bleeding increases or the pain becomes stronger, then they would have to prepare for the possibility that the baby may come much earlier than expected. That's when a heavy silence fell over the room. Hoss and Little Joe just looked at each other as Ben, after removed his hat lowered his head for a moment before looking at his eldest son. That's when Ben told his son that his place was with Laura and Adam nodded once in agreement. Without another word, Adam went over and climbed the stairs, each step seeming heavier than the last. Once he reached the bedroom door, he paused only long enough to steady himself before quietly opening it. It was there that Adam saw Laura laying pale against the pillows, tears glistening on her cheeks and one hand resting protectively over the swell of her stomach. But it was when Laura saw Adam that fresh tears came. Adam took a deep breath and let it out just as he crossed the room in three quick strides. And once by the side of the bed, he took her hand into both of his. Neither one of them said anything for a few moments as they were looking deep into each other's eyes. Finally, after several moments passed, it was Laura, with tears in her eyes, who broke the silence.
"I'm so sorry Adam," Laura whispered weakly. "I tried to catch myself...I tried to protect our little girl," she told him as he reached up and brushed the tears from her face. He hushed her calmly as he told her that this wasn't her fault. "But the baby...," Laura started as she started to get herself all worked up as her trembling hand gave Adam's hand a loving squeeze. That's when Adam started telling her that their little girl was still fighting and that the doctor said that she had a really strong heartbeat. That seemed to calm Laura a bit, though she was still very scared and Adam could see the fear in her eyes. "Adam, promise me that our little princess will be alright," Laura finally said as they were looking deep into Adam's eyes. It was then that Adam leaned down and softly kissed her forehead, letting his lips linger there for a few minutes. Then Adam began to speak and he told her something that helped ease Laura's troubled mind a little more. Adam said the he promised that whatever happened that Laura wouldn't be facing this alone. He promised that he would be right there beside her-for her and for the baby. Laura managed to give him the faintest smile before another wave of pain crossed her face. Adam gently squeezed her hand tighter, silently praying that both the woman he loved and the daughter they already cherished would make it safely through the long night ahead. It was about then that Ben and the doctor came in. And for a moment, memories of Elizabeth, Adam's mother, came flooding back. Ben couldn't help but think about Elizabeth's last moments on earth just a few minutes after Adam was born. Meanwhile, as Adam continued to comfort Laura, the doctor gave her a little shot to help with the pain. Then he told Adam that he had a couple of other patients he needed to check on and then he would be back. Adam nodded as Ben finally snapped back into reality and walked the doctor out. Laura turned to look at Adam once again. "Oh Adam," she said softly. "What are you going to do for dinner?" she asked him.
Re: Life is the Song; Love is the Music and Valentine's Day is the Chocolate Day (2026)
from Laura on 07/03/2026 09:48 AMLaura couldn't help but smile the moment she saw her husband, her eyes warming in that familiar way that always made Adam feel like he was exactly where he belonged. Laura gently returned his kiss before reaching up to brush a bit of windblown hair from his forehead. She couldn't help but giggle as she was doing so. "We are doing just fine," she answered softly, one hand instinctively resting over the gentle curve of her stomach as she went on speaking to her husband. "You're little one has been reminding me all day that they are growing stronger," she told him with a huge smile on her face. Adam couldn't help but chuckle as he lowered himself to one knee beside her chair as he asked if the baby was giving their mama a hard time. Laura smiled as she ran her hand through his hair as she began to speak to him. "Not a hard time," she said chuckling and then went on speaking. "Just a lot of little kicks. I think someone is practicing for the rodeo, though I can also see soccer in this little one's future too," she told him laughing at her own joke. Adam couldn't help but grin as he carefully laid his hand over hers. When he asked if he could talk to the baby, Laura chuckled and shook her head. "You know you never have to ask," she told him with a smile on her face. And the moment that Adam placed his hand against her stomach, the baby gave another tiny kick. Adam's eyebrows shot up in surprise before an awestruck smile spread across his face. Adam couldn't help but say hello to the baby, to which the baby gave another little kick as an answer to his/her father. Laura couldn't help but laugh at the amazed expression that came over Adam's face. "I told you so," she couldn't resist saying as Adam kept his hand gently on her stomach as the baby continued to kick Laura every few minutes or so. Then Adam told Laura that at least the baby had good timing and waited until he got home before doing his/her impression of the Rocketts. This caused Laura to laugh again. Adam then leaned forward and kissed her forehead before resting his cheek lightly against her shoulder.
It was then that Adam told Laura that he missed the both of them while he was at work. "We missed you too," Laura replied with a content tone in her voice. For a few peaceful moments neither of them spoke. The only sounds were the ticking clock on the mantel and the soft murmur of the television in the background. Then finally, Adam looked down at the nearly finished baby blanket in her lap. He couldn't help but comment on the fact that the blanket was coming along beautifully. Laura smiled proudly as she held up the part she was working on. "Just a few more rows and it'll be finished," she told him with a smile on her face as Adam goes on to say that their baby is going to be spoiled. "By both of us, though I have a feeling the rest of the family is going to help spoil the baby too," she corrected him with a playful smiled. Adam chuckled and nodded and then went silent for a few moments. Then he went on speaking to her and told her that he had to admit that he has every intention of spoiling both her and the baby. "I had a feeling that you might do something like that," she told him as she began to study Adam's face for a moment before teasingly narrowing her eyes. "You're smiling," she told him playfully, knowing that he was up to something. That's when Adam said he usually smiled when he comes home. "Not like this," she said as she shook her head. "You're wearing your I've got a surprise planned smile," she told him as he was trying hard to look innocent. He shook his head and told her that he had no idea what she was talking about as she looked at him playfully annoyed. "Oh yes you do," she told him as she put down the baby blanket that she was working on. Adam couldn't help but chuckle as he told her that he couldn't possibly confirm or deny that accusation. Laura couldn't help but fold her arms, pretending to be unconvinced. "So, you are planning something, I knew it," Laura said with a smirk. Adam shook his head and told her that he didn't say that.
"You didn't have too. I can see it in your eyes and by the smile on your face," she told him matter-of-factly. It was at that point that Adam laughed as he was surrendering to his pregnant wife. Then he finally admitted that he might have a few ideas that he had been thinking about while he was driving home. She gave him another look as she spoke to him. "A few?" she asked him chuckling, knowing her husband had usually more than a few ideas floating around in his head. Once again, Adam gave in and said it was more than a few. It was then that Laura reached over and took Adam by the hand. Then she gave it a little squeeze as she began to speak to him again. "Just as long as you are not wearing yourself out trying to impress me," she added knowing that he had his hands full just working on the Ponderosa. That was when Adam said that he would never stop trying to impress her. The look on Laura's face softens as she gave his hand another squeeze. "You already did that when you asked me to marry you," she told him sweetly and honestly. That's when Adam smiled as he let the memory come floating back, remembering that day as if he had happened yesterday. That's when he shook his head and told her that he thought he could do better. Laura then leaned forward and softly kissed his lips once more. Her hand never left his hand as she spoke softly to him. "You don't have to Adam," she told him. "Just being with you is enough," she told him with the sweetest smile she could put on her face. It was then that his heart began to swell at her words though they only strengthened his resolve. Maybe she thought that simply being together was enough, but Adam Cartwright still intended to make this Valentine's Day one she would always remember for the rest of their lives. And if he had anything to say about it his wife would have no idea what wonderful surprises were waiting for her. Laura let out a sigh and looked at him thoughtfully as she began to speak. "Anyway," she said as she sat the baby blanket aside. "Why don't you come into the kitchen and you can tell me about work while I get dinner started," she told him. "I'm sure you are getting mighty hungry," she added as she tried to get up from the chair on her own.
Re: A Little Band of Gold Sealed with a Kiss Brings a Lifetime of Wedded Bliss
from Laura on 07/03/2026 08:20 AMLaura was at her home standing before the mirror, taking one last look at herself in her wedding gown. The delicate white dress fit her perfectly and the lace veil rested gently over her dark curls. And for a moment, she simply stared at her reflection, hardly believing that the day she had dreamed about for so long had finally arrived. She couldn't help but smile softly as she continued to look at herself as she began to think in just a little while she will be Mrs. Adam Cartwright. Just the thought of it filled her heart with happiness but also brought a flutter of nervousness to her stomach. It was about that time that a gentle knock came at her bedroom door. Laura's father stepped inside, dressed in his finest black suit. But the moment he saw his daughter, he had to stop in his tracks because he was overcome with different emotions. John finally walked over to Laura and began speaking to her. He told her that she absolutely beautiful, which of course made Laura's cheeks grow warm. She thanked him and then asked if her brothers and sister were ready and he told her that they were but that he had already sent them to the church ahead of them. As he stood there in front of her, John reached down and took both her hands into his. He then went on to tell her that he has never been prouder than he was that day and that Adam is a fine man who is honest, hardworking and devoted to only her. John also went on to say that he knew that Adam would spend the rest of his life loving only her. Laura could feel her eyes start to glisten with tears, though she refused to let them fall. She didn't want to ruin her beautiful make up. It was Laura's turn to speak and she laid it out on the line for John. "I love him," she told him and then went on. "Sometimes I still feel like I'm dreaming," she added as she watched a smile come across his face. "But I know that in just a little while it will go from being a dream to the beginning of a new life together," she added.
John gently adjusted a small curl that had slipped from beneath her veil before straightening the ribbon around her bouquet. "There," he said with a smile as he looked at his work. "Perfect," he told her as she laughed softly. "Your mother would be so proud of you and not just because of the woman you become but because you do make a beautiful bride," he told her as she felt her eyes once again glisten with tears again. John cleared his throat as he went on with his thoughts. "You know," he started to say as he stood there looking at Laura. "There is only one thing, besides your mom not being here, that makes it a little difficult," he told her as she looked him with a puzzled look on her face. "I'm realizing right now that my little girl isn't so little anymore," he said with a chuckle to his voice. As Laura was unable to hold back her emotions, she wrapped her arms around him. He hugged her tightly, blinking away tears of his own. It was then that she whispered that she would always be his little girl as she felt a couple of tears slip out. John then gently pulled back and cupped his daughter's face in his hands. He let his thumb wipe away the tears as he began to speak to her again. "I know," he said warmly as he went on. "And today, I have the honor of walking you down the aisle to the man who loves you with all his heart and soul," he told her with a warm smile on his face. It was only then that he glanced at the time on his watch and knew that it was time to get his baby girl to the church, where Adam would be waiting. "It's time to go to the church," he told her softly. "Are you ready for this?" he asked her. It was then that Laura took a slow, calming breath before picking up her bouquet. She turned and glanced at herself one last time in the mirror. Laura then turned back to her father and told him that she was more than ready to go. John smiled and together the father and daughter walked downstairs and got into the limo that was waiting to take them to the church, where Adam and the rest of the Cartwright family were waiting. After helping her into the limo, John got in next to her and soon they were on their way, with Laura looking out the window trying to keep herself calm so she didn't throw up.
A Special Honeymoon on the Ponderosa for the Gentle Giant and His Bride
from Laura on 07/03/2026 07:19 AMThe morning sun stretched across the Ponderosa, painting the ranch in shades of gold as a gentle morning breeze rustled through the tall pines. It was unlike any other day on the ranch. Today beloved to Hoss and his beautiful bride. And even though they stayed the night together at his father's house, it made that morning all that more special. Anyway, Hoss and Laura Cartwright had arose with the sun since their train was leaving early for New York. They didn't know how long they would be on the train, but it didn't matter as long as they were together. As Laura was gathering the last of what she would need, Hoss was downstairs and had stepped outside to take in the morning air. After all these years of hard work, laughter, tears and dreaming of the future, Hoss knew he finally had someone special to not only share everything with but his life with as well. The big-hearted rancher stood on the porch of the ranch house, his broad smile brighter than the Nevada sun and bigger than the Ponderosa itself. He couldn't help but look down at the wedding band that was now on his finger and smile as the soft footsteps of his new bride came down the stairs and out the front door. It wasn't long before Hoss was looking up from his hand to his new bride, who stood there by his side with a suitcase in her hand. His attention went straight to her as he reached around and took her suitcase from her. It was then that he looked at her and asked her if she was ready for their honeymoon as he offered her his arm with the same tenderness that won her heart. Laura took Hoss's arm as she looked up into his blue eyes, which were now sparkling with all the love she knew he had for her. "I'm more than ready," she told him. "But to be honest, as long as I' with you, I'm ready for anything," she told him with a smile that could light up the sky brighter than the sun. "Oh and thank you for carrying my suitcase for me," she told him as they were walking towards Adam's truck.
Adam had some business in town, so he volunteered to take them to the train station, which Laura and Hoss really appreciated. After getting to the truck, Hoss put Laura's last suitcase with the others and then opened the back door for her. And after helping her inside, Hoss closed the door and went around to the other side so that he could join her in the back. With the Ponderosa spread out before them and then endless possibilities waiting ahead, the newlyweds set off to enjoy the first days of their married life. Each of them knew there would be moonlit rides beneath the stars, quiet picnics besides crystal-clear streams and evening spent sharing dreams by a crackling fire. They also knew there would be shopping and sightseeing and anything else they could think of doing. Just then Adam got into the truck and turned to smile at his brother and new sister in-law. And when he asked if they were ready, both Laura and Hoss were more than happy to answer with a big yes. Adam chuckled and then started the truck and soon he was pulling out of the drive and headed towards the train station. And as Adam drove, Laura slid closer to Hoss, put his arm around her and cuddled close to him. Neither one said anything for a little while. Hoss knew it wasn't the destination that matter most but the fact that he had the woman he loved more than anything by his side. And then he looked down at her for a minute as he realized that every moment with her felt like a blessing and every smile she gave him made his heart feel lighter than ever before. Laura looked up into Hoss's blue eyes, which were looking down at her and a smile on his face. "Penny for your thoughts," she said as she smiled back at him. She then reached up and softly touched his face, letting her thumb gently run over his lips. "You know I have two good ears to listen to your thoughts," she told him. It was then that Laura realized that their special honeymoon was only just the beginning for them. But what neither Laura nor Hoss could know was that it would become one of the happiest adventures of their lives. Laura continued to smile as she ran her thumb gently over his lips, feeling him softly kiss her thumb. "I can't wait to get you on that train and into our state room alone," she whispered to him so that Adam couldn't hear but loud enough that Hoss could.
Ponderosa Blessings and Roses for Mother’s Day (2026)
from Laura on 07/03/2026 05:50 AMAfter finding out that they were expecting their first child, Laura wanted to do something special to make the announcement, though the first thing she had to do was get Hoss to promise he wouldn't say anything, which of course as excited as he was, she knew it would be hard for him. "Honey," she told him as he was sitting at the breakfast table drinking his coffee as she was at the stove cooking breakfast, even though it was making her sick. "I know you really want to shout it from the rooftop that in about 8 months you will be a daddy, but trust me, I have a plan that's going to make our announcement one that nobody will ever forget," she told him as she went over to start Hoss's toast while the scrambled eggs were finishing. As she put down the toast, she then went over to the cabinet and pulled down a plate, adding several slices of hot crispy bacon. L aura then sat the plate down so she could turn the stove off and plate up Hoss's eggs. Once that was one, she turned around just as the toast was popping up and after buttering it, she took Hoss's breakfast over to him. It was then she glanced over at the calendar and noticed what the date was. "Candyman," she said as she sat down at the table next to him. "Mother's Day is coming up in a few weeks," she said as she went on, knowing that Mother's Day was the perfect day to make the announcement that they were having a baby. "Opps, I forgot to get you some juice," she said as she got up and went back to the cabinet to get a small glass for Hoss's orange juice. As she was pouring the juice, she couldn't help but go on with her thoughts, building up to the idea that popped into her head. "And I don't know what you, Adam and Joe have planned for Lynda for Mother's Day," she said as she was putting the juice back into the fridge. She then picked up the glass and took it over to Hoss and sat it down above his plate. She returned to her seat, still feeling very sick as she was watching Hoss eat, but she was determined to wait until he left for work before she threw up, though she really didn't know if she could last that long.
"Anyway, I have an idea that might not only help you three come up with something for Lynda for Mother's Day but let out announce the little Cartwright that is on his or her way," she told him with a smile on her face. But Laura no sooner got those words out of her mouth than she had to run upstairs to the bathroom. She didn't even have time to excuse herself as she barely made it to the bathroom. After a few minutes of getting sick, Laura finally felt well enough to go back downstairs, though not before rinsing her mouth out with mouthwash before finally returning to the kitchen. "Sorry about that darling," she said with a smile and breath that smelled minty fresh. She reached over and put her hand on his free hand as she went on speaking. "So, how are you enjoying breakfast?" she asked him before returning to what she was talking about before she abruptly left. "Back to my idea," she said and then went on not waiting for Hoss to answer her previous question or even letting him get word in edge wise. "I was thinking that we could take a bunch of photos of the family, and put them into a beautiful college picture frame," she said as she let her hand gently caress the top of his hand. "And once we get all the pictures where we want them, then we can add the sonogram of our unborn baby," she added, not even thinking about if Hoss was going to do anything for her for Mother's Day since she was going to be a mother soon. "I think she would get the message if we did it that way," she added as she smiled dreamingly. "Of course, it wouldn't hurt if you boys got her something else, like her favorite flowers and a box of her favorite chocolates," she added and then went silent for a few minutes. "But before we make any definite plans, you better talk to Joe and Adam and see if they don't have something better in mind," she added as she moved her hand from his and then got up to get her a packet of crackers to help settle her otherwise nauseated stomach. Plus, she knew that Hoss would start worrying if she didn't eat at least something. After she returned to the table with the crackers, she quickly opened it and pulled one and began to eat it slowly. "So, what do you think of my idea so far?" she asked him as she finally went quiet so that he could answer.