The thunderstorm continued merciless, lightning illuminating the sky every few minutes only to be followed by booming thunder, shaking the house to its very foundation. Ben, Hoss, and Joe each sat on their beds, all lost in his own thoughts. All had been remembering that time after the death of Marie. All had seen but not realized the scope of Adam's actions.

He had been so strong, putting himself and his own needs aside to tend to his brothers and to the ranch. His usual stoic nature had melted in those few months, revealing a man who cared deeply for his family and for the land which he lived on. He had become the world for Hoss and Joe, but had respectfully stepped aside once his father reappeared, even though it was incredibly painful for him to do so. He had never complained or given a thought to himself, he had only focused on expanding his father's empire and the healing of his family.

As lightning flashed once more, the younger Cartwright boys found that sleep was only wishful thinking and pulled their boots on to go downstairs only to run into their father in the hallway, his dressing gown on. They exchanged a depressed look before they continued down to the Great Room. They were all half-way down the staircase when they realized that they were not the first ones down there.

Adam sat in his armchair, a book in his hands, quiet and, as usual, reserved. The thunder had silenced their steps, so he had not noticed them. At the sight of him, all of his family were hit by the impact of what Adam had done for each of them individually and they were unable to move for a moment, so caught up in their emotions. But once the thunder died down, they all had smiles on their faces as they walked down the last few steps and greeted Adam warmly. He looked up as they joined him, a smile in his eyes.