Epilogue

A warm, summer breeze skimmed through the open window and across the Ponderosa kitchen. Hop Sing muttered in Chinese as he set two full plates inside the warm wood oven.

At the dining table, Ben and Adam enjoyed roast pork, boiled potatoes, and peas. The telegram sat unfolded near the center of the table, and the conversation had just arrived at the topic on both their minds—Olive and the sale of her stock to the Army.

"Top dollar," Ben said. "Those must have been some mighty fine horses to garner top dollar."

Adam nodded and stabbed at the last piece of pork on his plate. "I'm sure Joe and Hoss will have a lot to tell us when that stage finally gets in."

Ben nodded and poured himself another cup of coffee. "It's a good thing Hoss thought to send word about the stage breaking an axle. Otherwise, Hank would have been waiting in Virginia City instead of bringing us word."

Adam shook out his napkin and then wiped the corners of his mouth. "I just hope Hop Sing calms down about keeping those plates warm long before Hoss and Joe get-"

Ben and Adam jumped to their feet at the sound of the front door crashing open.

Joe rushed into the entry, his face lit like a child on Christmas morning. "Hey, Pa! Hey, Adam! Have we got a surprise for you!"

Before Ben or Adam could speak, Hoss rushed inside, as well.

Ben stood, hands on his hips, surprised to see his sons, and curious about Joe's announcement. "With the stage trouble, we didn't expect the two of you until tomorrow."

Hoss was bursting at the seams. "We decided we couldn't wait, so we got us some horses and rode the rest of the way. Our bags won't get here till tomorrow's stage"—Hoss's grin widened—"but we did bring one package with us."

Adam crossed his arms against his chest. "Do we have to guess, or are you going to-"

"Hello Uncle Ben. Hello Adam."

Walking into the lantern light on the Ponderosa porch was Olive.

Joe practically giggled. "How's that for a surprise package, huh Pa?"

"Well now," Ben said drawing Olive into an embrace, "this is quite a surprise. Isn't it, Adam?"

Adam hugged Olive next. "A very unexpected, welcome surprise."

Ben couldn't seem to stop smiling. "Is someone going to tell us what's going on?"

With Hoss and Joe grinning from ear to ear, Olive, wearing her riding dungarees and a straw hat, announced that, as long as the invitation still stood, she was on the Ponderosa to stay.