Search for posts by Hoss_Cartwright

Re: A Special Honeymoon on the Ponderosa for the Gentle Giant and His Bride

from Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 09:32 PM

"Honey..." Hoss whispered, his voice dropping to a warm, playful tone as he looked down at her. "I reckon you don't have any idea just how happy you make me."

 

"Every time I look at you, I still can't quite believe you're my wife. My Laura. The woman I get to wake up beside, laugh with, and share every tomorrow with."

"Now, I ain't saying I don't like the idea of getting to that train and having some time alone with you," he added with a gentle chuckle. "Because I sure do. But truth is, I think I'd be happy just sitting right here with you on this ride all the way to the station."

"You've given me something I never thought I'd have, sweetheart. A home that's more than just four walls. A place in someone's heart."

"And now when I look down at this ring, I don't just see a promise I made to you. I see the greatest blessing I ever got."

"You're right, you know. This honeymoon ain't just about where we're going. It's about who I'm going there with."

"And I can't think of anyone in this whole wide world I'd rather have beside me."

"Though..." he added with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes, "I gotta admit, the thought of that state room and having my beautiful bride all to myself sounds mighty wonderful too."

"You keep looking at me the way you do, Laura, and I swear you're gonna make me forget we're supposed to be catching a train."

"But that's all right. I reckon getting lost in you is about the best place a man could ever be."

Re: Ponderosa Blessings and Roses for Mother’s Day (2026)

from Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 09:29 PM

Hoss looked at her for a long moment, his fork paused halfway to his mouth as everything she had said slowly sank in. His face had already been glowing with the kind of joy he had been trying so hard to keep contained, but now it softened into something even more tender.

 

"Well..." he finally managed, his deep voice full of emotion. "I reckon I gotta say, honey, that is about the sweetest idea I ever heard."

He glanced down at their hands and then back up at her, a proud smile spreading across his face.

"Me? A daddy." He shook his head a little, almost like he still couldn't quite believe it. "I been trying real hard not to tell everybody since the moment you told me. Don't know if you realize just how hard that is for a man like me. I got so much happiness inside, sometimes I feel like I'm gonna bust right open if I don't share it."

He chuckled softly.

"But I promised you, and I mean to keep that promise. Ain't nobody gonna hear it from me until you say they're supposed to."

Hoss looked toward the calendar for a moment, then back at her with a thoughtful expression.

"Mother's Day..." he repeated quietly. "Now that would be something special. Lynda would probably cry her eyes out seeing a picture like that. And I gotta admit, I kinda like the idea of all of us being part of it. Not just because of the baby, but because it's a reminder of how lucky this family is."

He smiled warmly.

"And that little picture of our baby right there in the middle..." His voice softened. "Well, I don't think anybody could miss what that means."

Hoss shook his head, a small laugh escaping him.

"Though I gotta tell you something, honey. I don't know how we're gonna keep this secret for a few more weeks. Especially if I keep looking at you and knowing there's a little Cartwright growing in there."

He reached for his coffee and took a sip before setting the cup back down.

"And don't you worry about thinking I forgot about you. You may be worried about making Mother's Day special for Lynda, but you're the one who's gonna be a mother. My wife is carrying our child, and that makes you pretty special too."

His smile turned a little teasing.

"Besides, I think I know my brothers well enough to know Adam and Little Joe are gonna have plenty of opinions once I tell them we gotta start planning something."

He laughed softly.

"Though I suppose I better remind them that whatever they plan, they gotta keep their mouths shut. Last thing we need is Little Joe getting so excited he rides into town and tells everybody before we even get the chance."

Hoss looked back at her, his expression full of love and wonder.

"You really think this is the best way to tell them, don't you?"

He smiled gently.

"Then that's what we'll do, sweetheart. We'll make it just as special as you imagined. Because if there's one thing I know about you, it's that you put your whole heart into everything you do."

He squeezed her hand gently.

"And this little one is already mighty lucky to have you for a mama."

Re: An Easter Blessing Comes to the Ponderosa (2026)

from Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 09:21 PM

"Honey, you done gone and made lunch for all of us while you've been workin' yourself half to death gettin' this place put together?"

 

"Now, I ain't complainin' none, 'cause I sure do appreciate it, but you know you don't have to prove nothin' to me, Laura."

"You hear me, sweetheart? This house ain't a home 'cause the kitchen is arranged just right or because every chair is where it's supposed to be. It's a home 'cause you're in it."

"Though I gotta admit, that kitchen does look mighty fine. You always did have a way of makin' a place feel warm."

"Come here a minute, honey."

"You sure you're feelin' alright? I know you told me you're fine, and I believe you when you say it, but I also know you."

"You've been lookin' tired lately. More tired than a person oughta be just from movin' furniture and settin' things up."

"And before you start tellin' me that you're just busy, I know busy. I've worked alongside Pa and my brothers my whole life. I know the difference between tired and worn down."

"I ain't tryin' to fuss at you, darlin'. I just worry about you. That's all."

"You mean too much to me not to worry."

"Besides, I kinda like havin' an excuse to stay close to home. Makes me feel like I got my priorities straight."

"Fence mending can wait a little while. That barn ain't goin' anywhere. But my wife? Well, my wife is the most important thing on this whole ranch."

"And before you argue with me, I'm right, and you know I'm right."

"Now, you said there's lunch waitin' on us, and I reckon Joe and Adam are already smellin' it from halfway across the yard."

"But after we eat, you're gonna sit down for a spell with me. No more pushin' yourself until you're too tired to stand, alright?"

"I know that look in your eyes, Laura. You're plannin' something."

"Every time Easter comes around, you get that look like you're thinkin' up some way to make everyone else happy."

"And I love that about you, but you gotta remember something, sweetheart."

"You make me happy just by bein' here."

"Every morning I wake up and see you beside me, I thank the Lord for givin' me somethin' I never thought I'd have."

"A wife I love, a home of our own, and a future I can look forward to."

"So don't you go thinkin' you gotta do somethin' big for me this Easter."

"Although... I gotta admit, whatever you come up with is probably gonna be wonderful, because that's just the kind of woman you are."

"Now come on, sweetheart. Let's get inside before your brothers-in-law eat every sandwich you made."

"And later, after you've rested, maybe you and me can sit on the porch and watch the sunset."

"Sounds like a pretty good Easter season to me."

Re: A Night of Passion Brings A Lifetime of Love

from Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 09:12 PM

Hoss stood there completely stunned, his arms still around her as if he was afraid that if he moved even an inch, the moment would disappear like some dream he wasn't meant to have.

 

For a long moment, he couldn't say a word. His blue eyes searched hers, his expression a mixture of disbelief, happiness, and the kind of emotion that he had spent years trying to keep buried.

"Laura..." he finally whispered, his voice rough with feeling.

He swallowed hard, shaking his head slightly as if he was still trying to understand what had just happened.

"I reckon I spent so much time thinkin' I wasn't enough for you that I never stopped to wonder if maybe... maybe I was exactly what you wanted."

A small, almost disbelieving smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"You mean that? You really mean that?"

His hands tightened gently around her, his voice growing softer.

"Because, darlin', I ain't never been the kind of man folks write songs about. I ain't got fancy words or fancy ways. I don't always know the right thing to say, and I sure as shootin' ain't the best dancer in the territory."

He gave a quiet chuckle, shaking his head.

"Truth be told, I was scared half to death I'd step on your feet and ruin the whole evening."

His smile faded into something more tender as he looked at her.

"But when you look at me like you do... when you tell me that I'm the man you want..."

He paused, taking a shaky breath.

"Laura, I don't know if you realize what that does to a man like me."

He reached up slowly, brushing his thumb gently against her cheek.

"I spent so long thinkin' I had to let you go because it was the right thing to do. Thought lovin' you meant wantin' you to have something better."

His eyes softened.

"But maybe I got it wrong."

He let out a small laugh, almost embarrassed by how much his heart was showing.

"Seems like I spent all this time worryin' about whether I was good enough for you, when I should've been wonderin' if I was brave enough to tell you how much you mean to me."

He looked down for a moment before meeting her eyes again.

"I love you, Laura."

The words came quietly, but there was no hesitation.

"I love you more than I ever thought I could love somebody. And I don't care about dances or fancy folks or what anyone else thinks."

His smile grew warmer.

"If all I get is sittin' beside you, listenin' to you laugh, and knowin' that I get to wake up every morning with you in my life... well, I reckon that'd be better than any grand ball they could ever throw."

He glanced toward the hat resting on the bar and then back to her with a playful spark in his eyes.

"Though I gotta admit... I'm a little curious what this something better than a dance might be."

He gave a gentle, teasing grin.

"Because, ma'am, you just told a man who was prepared to spend the night feelin' sorry for himself that he might have something better waitin' on him."

His expression softened again.

"And whatever it is... as long as I'm doin' it with you, I reckon it'll be the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Re: Winter Wonderland of Christmas Dreams (2025)

from Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 09:03 PM

Hoss watched her disappear farther between the trees, a fond smile spreading across his face as he shook his head. He couldn't help but admire her determination. Once Laura had something in mind, there was no stopping her, and truth be told, he wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

 

He hefted the chainsaw up onto his shoulder and called after her, his deep voice carrying easily through the woods.

"Now, hold on there, little lady," he called out with a chuckle. "I know you're lookin' for the perfect tree and all, but at this rate, you're liable to find yourself halfway to the next county before you find one that meets your approval."

He walked carefully through the snow-covered ground, his boots crunching beneath him as he followed her trail.

"And just so you know," he added warmly, "I ain't complainin'. Not one bit. I reckon there's a whole lot worse ways a man could spend his day than followin' his wife through the woods while she searches for a Christmas tree."

Hoss paused for a moment, looking around at the tall pines surrounding him. He smiled to himself before calling out again.

"You know, honey, I been thinkin'."

He adjusted the chainsaw in his grip and continued walking.

"I spent a lot of years cuttin' down trees for all sorts of reasons. Building fences, fixin' things, keeping the ranch goin'. Never really thought much about pickin' one out just because it was gonna sit in our home and be part of a memory."

His voice softened as he spoke.

"But I reckon this one's different. This ain't just any tree. This is our first Christmas tree."

Hoss stopped near a particularly full evergreen, studying it for a moment.

"Now, I ain't sayin' this is the one," he said with a playful tone. "I know better than to make that mistake. Besides, I got a feelin' if I pick one too quick, I'll be hearin' all about how I didn't take enough time to appreciate the important details."

He laughed quietly to himself.

"But I will say this. I don't think the tree's gonna be what makes our Christmas special."

Hoss looked toward where he had last seen her, his expression filled with love.

"I think it's gonna be the fact that I'm standin' out here in the snow with the woman I love, lookin' for a tree that'll be in our home."

He smiled and shook his head affectionately.

"And for the record, sweetheart, you're right about one thing."

He raised his voice a little louder.

"The biggest thing in my house ain't gonna be the tree."

A warm chuckle escaped him.

"It's gonna be me, because I ain't never been small. But the best thing in my house... that's gonna be you."

Hoss continued through the trees, still searching.

"Now come on, darlin'. Give me a chance to catch up before I start thinkin' that tree ain't the only thing you're tryin' to get away from me."

Re: Two Hearts Once Joined in Friendship are Now United Forever in Wedded Bliss

from Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 08:32 PM

For several long moments after Laura slipped quietly out the door, Hoss simply stood where she had left him.

 

He hadn't realized he was still holding his breath until it escaped in a slow, shaky sigh.

His fingers drifted to the knot of his tie where she'd just straightened it, then to the place over his heart where she'd gently patted his chest.

A wide, disbelieving smile spread across his face.

"...Well," he whispered to the empty room with a quiet chuckle. "I'll be."

He looked toward the closed door as though expecting her to come walking back in again.

"I reckon...I reckon I just saw the prettiest sight God's ever put on this earth."

Hoss laughed softly to himself, shaking his head.

"And she says she's the blessed one."

He wiped quickly at the corners of his eyes with the heel of his hand.

"Now, Eric Cartwright," he muttered to himself with an affectionate grin. "You pull yourself together. She just fixed all that make-up she was wearin'. Don't you go makin' her have to do it all over again."

He drew in one deep breath after another, just as she had encouraged him to do.

Slowly...

Steadily...

The trembling in his hands began to ease.

He looked down at them in amazement before smiling again.

"You really can calm me down just by holdin' me," he murmured. "Don't even have to try."

The smile lingered as he looked toward the window.

"I promise you, sweetheart...when those doors open, I ain't gonna be lookin' at anybody but you."

His voice caught with emotion.

"Not the preacher."

"Not Pa."

"Not Adam."

"Not Little Joe."

"Just you."

He swallowed hard before continuing.

"And if I forget every blessed word I practiced..."

He laughed quietly.

"...I'll just look into those beautiful eyes of yours."

"'Cause I know you'll get me through it."

He straightened his jacket one last time, rolling his shoulders back.

"She's right."

"I can do this."

Another smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Besides..."

He chuckled warmly.

"Ain't every day a fella gets to marry the woman he's been prayin' for."

He picked up his hat, turning it slowly in his hands before settling it carefully onto his head.

"Mr. Cartwright..."

He grinned at hearing Laura's words echo in his mind.

"'Fore long..."

He shook his head with quiet wonder.

"...she'll be Mrs. Cartwright."

The words filled him with such joy that he laughed out loud.

"Mercy..."

"I surely do like the sound of that."

A knock sounded at the door.

Hoss cleared his throat before calling out in a voice that was noticeably steadier than it had been only minutes before.

"Come on in!"

As the door opened, Hoss smiled brightly.

"I reckon I'm ready now."

He gave one final glance toward the hallway where Laura had disappeared.

"Don't you worry, sweetheart," he whispered softly enough that only he could hear.

"I'll be waitin' for you."

"And when those church doors open..."

His smile became one of complete certainty.

"...I'm gonna see the most beautiful bride in the whole world walkin' toward me."

"And I'll thank the Good Lord every single day for the rest of my life that she's walkin' to me."

Re: The Perfect Valentine's Day Starts with a Kiss from the Candyman (2026)

from Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 08:00 PM

Hoss let out a soft, breathless chuckle against her forehead, his arms remaining securely around her as he smiled with nothing but affection in his eyes.

 

"You sure do know how to surprise a fella first thing in the mornin', don't ya?" he murmured warmly. "I reckon I never stood much of a chance once you walked out that bathroom door."

He brushed a strand of damp hair back from her face, his smile growing gentler.

"Laura... you're the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on. I don't just mean today—I mean every day. Every mornin' I wake up beside you, I still find myself wonderin' how I got lucky enough for you to choose me."

He rested his forehead against hers for a quiet moment before letting out another soft laugh.

"And here I was thinkin' my biggest decision this mornin' was gonna be pancakes or biscuits."

His blue eyes sparkled with playful amusement.

"I oughta know by now that whenever you get that little mischievous look, you're about three steps ahead of me."

He squeezed her hand gently.

"But you know what I'm thinkin'?"

He smiled tenderly.

"I'm thinkin' there's nowhere in this whole world I'd rather be than right here with my wife."

His thumb softly brushed over her cheek.

"You don't ever have to prove how much you love me, sweetheart. I feel it every single day—in your smile, in your laugh, in the way you look after me, and in every little thing you do."

A grin spread across his face again.

"Though I will admit..." he said with a teasing chuckle, "you've made it mighty hard for a man to remember anything about breakfast."

He laughed quietly before adding in that familiar, warm drawl,

"But whenever we're ready to get out of this bed, I still vote for pancakes. Long as you're sittin' across the table from me, I reckon it'll be the best breakfast I've ever had."

Re: Your Still the Pot of Gold at the End of My Rainbow (2026)

from Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 07:19 PM

Hoss had been smiling from the moment Laura had started talking, but somewhere in the middle of her speech that smile faded into something softer, warmer. He listened without interrupting, exactly as she'd asked, his blue eyes never leaving her face. Every now and then he nodded almost imperceptibly, taking in each detail she had so carefully thought through.

 

When she finally finished, he let out a long, thoughtful breath.

"Well now..." he said quietly, scratching the back of his neck. "I reckon that might just be the longest speech I've ever heard ya give."

A teasing grin tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"And I'll admit... I was all set to say yes before ya even got halfway through it."

He chuckled when she gave him the look he knew so well.

"I know, I know," he laughed. "You told me not to do that."

His expression settled into one of genuine admiration.

"So I listened."

He reached over and gently took one of her hands in both of his.

"And the more I listened... the better it sounded."

His thumb brushed softly across her knuckles.

"Laura... that's not a foolish idea."

He shook his head.

"Not one little bit."

He glanced over toward the ranch hands, watching them laugh together over their lunches.

"Truth is... these fellas deserve somethin' like that."

He nodded slowly.

"They work harder than just about anybody I know."

"They're out before the sun most mornings... they're still workin' when the light starts disappearin'... and if Pa asks 'em for one more chore after supper, most of 'em just smile and do it."

He smiled fondly.

"They don't complain much."

"They just love this ranch."

Looking back at her, his eyes softened.

"And you're right."

"They ain't just hired hands."

"They're family."

He squeezed her hand gently.

"I don't think Pa forgets that."

"But sometimes folks get so busy keepin' everything runnin' that they forget to stop and celebrate the people doin' all the work."

He laughed quietly.

"And I sure can picture Joe trying to decorate the barn."

He shook his head with an amused snort.

"We'd probably find streamers hangin' from the rafters all crooked..."

"...and Adam followin' behind him, straightenin' every single one."

Another laugh escaped him.

"Those two would drive each other crazy before the first lantern even got hung."

He smiled at the image.

"As for borrowin' a piano..."

He tilted his head thoughtfully.

"I reckon we might could talk somebody in Virginia City into lettin' us use one for the evenin'."

He grinned.

"And if we can't..."

"...well, a couple fiddles, a guitar, and maybe somebody with a harmonica'll keep folks dancin' just fine."

His eyes sparkled.

"And Pa?"

He rubbed his chin.

"He's gonna grumble."

"I guarantee he'll say somethin' about lost work time..."

"...and expenses..."

"...and who's gonna clean the barn afterward."

A slow grin spread across his face.

"But..."

He leaned in just a little.

"...I also know my pa."

"The minute he sees everybody laughin' together..."

"...he'll be happier than anybody there."

He laughed warmly.

"He just won't admit it."

Then he heard her mention wanting more than one dance.

For just a second, the big rancher looked almost bashful.

His ears turned faintly pink.

"You were hopin' to dance with me, huh?"

He smiled so broadly his cheeks hurt.

"Laura..."

His voice became wonderfully tender.

"If we have this dance..."

"...I ain't gonna let anybody steal every dance from me."

He chuckled.

"I'll gladly share you with the other fellas for one or two..."

"...because it'd be mighty rude not to."

He winked.

"But after that..."

"...I plan on keepin' my favorite girl in my arms most of the evenin'."

His grin widened.

"And if somebody wants to argue about it..."

"...well..."

He looked down at his enormous hands and laughed.

"I reckon they're welcome to try."

After another thoughtful moment, he nodded decisively.

"As for everybody wearin' green..."

"I like that."

"It'll make the whole place look festive."

He chuckled.

"Though I'd sure pay money to see Adam wear a bright green neckerchief."

"And Little Joe..."

He laughed outright.

"He'll probably show up dressed so green the horses won't be able to find him in the pasture."

His laughter lingered before he looked at Laura once more.

"I think this could be one of the nicest things that's happened around here in a long while."

"I really do."

He gave her hand another affectionate squeeze.

"And if you'll let me..."

"...I'd be proud to stand beside you when we ask Pa."

He smiled with quiet confidence.

"Because I have a funny feelin'..."

"...once he hears whose idea it was..."

"...he just might surprise us."

Re: Your Still the Pot of Gold at the End of My Rainbow (2026)

from Hoss_Cartwright on 04/08/2026 02:23 AM

Hoss had just taken another bite when Laura's voice reached him—and just like that, his whole face lit up.

 

"Hey there, Babygirl," he said warmly, setting his plate aside just in time to meet her kiss with a soft, happy hum.

"Lunch is mighty fine," he added, glancing around at his brothers and the hands. "Reckon you've got half the ranch thinkin' about marryin' you just for your cookin'."

That earned a few chuckles, but Hoss's attention was already back on her.

The second she asked to talk, he caught that look in her eyes—that spark—and a slow, knowing grin spread across his face.

"Well now," he said, shifting closer to her, lowering his voice just a touch, "I know that look."

He wiped his hands on a cloth, then stood, offering her his hand without hesitation.

"C'mon," he added gently. "Let's go see what kinda trouble you've got brewin' this time."

He led her a short distance away from the others, far enough for a little privacy but still within sight. Once they stopped, he turned to face her fully, his big hands settling comfortably at his hips before one of them reached out to lightly take hers.

"Ain't had a single one of your ideas I didn't like yet," he said, his tone soft and full of trust. "So let's hear it."

His thumb brushed over her knuckles as he looked down at her, eyes warm and curious.

"What's on your mind, Babygirl?"

Re: The Perfect Valentine's Day Starts with a Kiss from the Candyman (2026)

from Hoss_Cartwright on 04/08/2026 02:19 AM

Hoss stirred just a little at the warmth of her kiss, a low, contented sound rumbling in his chest, though his eyes never opened.

 

For a moment, it seemed like he might drift right back into sleep—but then his hand shifted across the bed, instinctively reaching for her.

Finding nothing.

His brow furrowed faintly.

A second later, his eyes blinked open slowly, still heavy with sleep, and he turned his head toward the empty space beside him. The sunlight brushed softly across his face as he let out a quiet breath.

"Babygirl...?" he murmured, his voice thick and low.

Hearing the faint sounds from the bathroom—the soft rush of water, the quiet movement—he relaxed again, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"There you are..." he mumbled to himself.

He rolled onto his back, one arm resting behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling for a moment, letting the peace of the morning settle in.

Then, slowly, he pushed himself up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He rubbed a hand over his face, still waking, before glancing toward the bathroom door again.

That soft smile came back—warmer now.

"Up before me for once," he said quietly, a hint of amusement in his tone.

He stood, stretching out his broad frame with a low groan, then reached for his shirt, pulling it on as he moved toward the door. But instead of knocking or going in, he stopped just outside, leaning his shoulder lightly against the frame.

For a moment, he just listened.

Then, gently, he spoke.

"You know," he said, voice soft but carrying through the door, "a man could get used to wakin' up to kisses like that every mornin'."

There was a pause, his tone turning warmer, deeper.

"Reckon I already have."

He let out a quiet chuckle under his breath, then added,

"Don't you go plannin' too much without me in there, now. I'd hate to think my wife's up to somethin' and I ain't part of it."

Another small pause.

"'Specially if it's got that look in your eye you get when you're thinkin' up trouble," he teased gently.

Then, softer still—

"Love you, Babygirl."