This is my first Fanfic. A big thanks to Gaben for helping edit and review this for me. Please R&R. I wrote this when I was first introduced to Bonanza. I wrote about Adam having a daughter because I used to wonder what it would be like if I was in the story as Adam's daughter.

Warning: May contain spanking of minors in some chapters. If it's not your thing, leave now.

Disclaimer: As much as I wish I did, I do not own anything connected to Bonanza except the character Jennifer.

Little Joe was steaming both literally and physically. Adam had sent him to meet the stage to pick up a package that had been sent all the way from Boston, probably one of his collections of snobby educated books, he grumbled to himself.

Adam had received a telegram saying that he should meet the stage on the 15th to take possession of a package to be delivered to him personally. Unfortunately there had been some trouble up at the mining camp and Adam was called to sort it out. So Joe was sent, much to his joy at first, sure beats mending fences and a nice cold beer from the Bucket of Blood would be a bonus. The coolness of that beer had long worn off as Joe now stood in the hot midday sun waiting for the stage.

The stage was over an hour late and Joe had stood sweating in the steaming heat of a Nevada summer. Joe hated being this hot, at least while he was in town, it made his hair go all curly which made him look even more like a kid. Gosh I hope Daisy May don't go by, he thought.

Finally the stage rounded C Street, and pulled up in front of the depot. Several people started to get out and gather their belongings. Joe looked up at the driver, "Hey, Henry, you gotta package for Adam tied on up there?"

"Nope, little Joe I ain't got no package up here," chuckled old Henry, "Adams package rode first class."

Joe was confused and then surprised when a little girl appeared from the carriage, a large yellow envelope was pinned to her coat. Joe scratched his head and helped the child down before he read the paper attached, "Adam Cartwright of the Ponderosa, Virginia City, Nevada."

Old Henry climbed down from the driver's seat and slapped Joe on the back, "well now Joe you look a little taken aback, guess you weren't expecting the little miss here, I'd love ta see Adams face when he receives this little package, if its anything half as good as yours itta make my day." Once the again the old man burst into fits of laughter.

Joe swallowed his nervous laugh, "There's gotta be a mistake, who would send their kid all the way from Boston, to Adam."

"Don't know and it ain't my problem no more. She's yours, and she ain't too happy. She's been carrying on something awful for the last twenty miles."

"Well, I guess I better take her home then. She doesn't look like she's going to be any trouble. She's as cute as a button." Joe bent down to the little girl and pulled gently on a stray curl peeking out from under her bonnet, "You ain't gonna give me any trouble are you… ahh, what's your name shorty?"

"Jennifer," she scowled and then promptly kicked Joe in the shins, "Jennifer Cartwright and don't call me shorty."

oOo