This here is my attempt at a Father’s Day short story. The disclaimer that comes with this story is that I have no idea when the idea of Father’s Day was started. Let’s just assume they knew of such things. I can’t think of a better father to give honor to.

Joe was riding Cochise fast as the wind. He knew if he didn’t make it home on time today, he wouldn’t be able to sit on his beloved horse for several days. His father had promised him a sound thrashing if he was late again. Joe felt guilty about lying to his father about his whereabouts these past few weeks, but he wanted what he was doing to be a surprise. Joe had found the perfect Father’s Day gift. It was an ambitious plan for a twelve year old, but he felt his pa was worth it.

Three weeks ago, while at the mercantile, Joe discovered a beautiful pocket watch that he knew his pa would love. It was a little expensive, but he had asked Mr. Talbot if he could work in the store to purchase the watch. Mr. Talbot, knowing how much Joe loved his father, readily agreed. The only problem was when he could work.

Little Joe had given up every Saturday since to help out in the store. Joe also used his last months allowance as a down payment. Joe realized on Monday, with Father’s day less than a week away on Sunday, he wasn’t going to have enough money unless he could work after school. This posed two problems for Joe.

The first problem was his chores at home. His pa expected him to come straight from school to start his chores. He decided he needed some help, so he asked Hoss if he would cover for him until Friday by doing his chores for him. After telling Hoss why he needed the help, Hoss agreed.

The second problem was staying out of trouble for the rest of the week. He found it took all of his energy to keep out of trouble at school. He needed to start at the store right after school in order to make it home for dinner. Mr. Talbot knew of Joe’s dilemma and offered to keep it quiet and to run interference if Ben decided to stop into the store while Joe was working. Joe would arrive home late but his chores would be done.

Solving this problem created a new one. By Wednesday, Ben had become suspicious of the goings on around him. He arrived home early on Wednesday to find Hoss doing all of the chores and there was no sign of Joseph. At dinner that night, Ben had asked Joe why he was late. He ended up lying and saying he was kept after school. He hoped his father would allow these little deceptions after the surprise was sprung. When asked if he had been late all week, Joe had answered truthfully when he said ‘yes’. Ben made the declaration that if Joe was late once more coming home from school that he would be dealt with severely. Joe wasn’t looking forward to the up coming confrontation with his father, but it couldn’t be helped. As he rode into the yard, he hoped the tanning would be bearable because he really wanted to surprise his father on Sunday.

Joe dismounted and walked Cochise into the barn. He smiled as he saw Hoss finishing up his chores. Joe made a quick glance to see if Buck was in the barn and smiled when he was wasn’t.

"Hey big brother. Did I miss anything?" Catching Hoss’ eye to ask whether their father knew Joe was late.

"You’re in luck tonight Little Joe. Pa’s not home yet. He is due back any minute so I would get that horse stabled quickly."

"Thanks Hoss. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you."

"You may want to let Adam in on what you are doing to keep him from telling pa you were late."

"Is he in the house?"

"Yep."

"Thanks again Hoss." Joe quickly stabled Cochise and apologized to him for being so quick. He promised Cooch and himself that he would come back out after supper and give him a lot of attention. He quickly ran into the house to talk to Adam before his pa got home. As he reached the front door, he heard his father enter the yard. He smiled at his pa and Ben smiled back. He turned toward the door as Ben went into the barn.

As soon as he entered his eldest brother, who looked mad, assaulted him.

"Joe where have you been? Pa told you to come straight home after school. You certainly know how to bring yourself a peck of trouble little brother."

"Adam. I need to talk to you before pa comes in."

"I’m not covering for you Little Joe. Pa warned you."

"I need you listen to me and let me tell you why I was late."

"Well go ahead. I’m sure pa will want to hear it too."

"I can’t tell pa. Not until Sunday at least."

Adam caught the reference and stopped. It all suddenly made sense to him who Joe was acting so strange the last few weeks. His whole attitude changed.

"Father’s day?" He asked with a manner of understanding.

"Yeah." Joe whispered. "I’ve been late because I’m working on a surprise. Please cover for me this time. I’ll figure something else out for tomorrow."

"Okay Joe on one condition."

"Name it."

"You promise me that what ever this surprise is, isn’t something you shouldn’t be doing."

"I promise. I also promise to tell you what I’m doing when pa isn’t so close."

As if on cue, Ben Cartwright walked in the door and smiled at his sons. Adam’s answer was just a wink but it made Joe smile.

"Thanks Adam," he whispered and said louder, "Hi pa. I’m gonna go wash up for dinner." He turned and walked upstairs to wash up.

"What was all that about Adam?"

"Nothing much pa. How was your day?" Adam quickly changed the subject.

"Long." Ben removed his gun belt and placed it on the credenza. "I’m going to wash up also." He started to walk away and then turned back to Adam. "Did Joseph get home in time today Adam?"

Adam smiled. His father would hate the thinking, but Adam decided to use some of Joe’s logic. Ben had asked if Joe got home in time, not on time. And Joe was just in time. "Sure thing pa."

"Good. I wasn’t looking forward to a confrontation tonight. I’m just too tired to make a lasing impression on that young man’s backside."

"I’m sure he would be glad to hear it." Both men laughed and went to wash for dinner. Joe was happy also, as he was listening to the whole conversation from the top of the stairs. He turned back toward his room and thought. Tomorrow’s Friday. Thank God this week is almost over.

**********

Friday in school, Joe figured that even if he worked in the store today after school he would still be five dollars short of the price. He asked around school and found out that quite a few of the children were eager to see some of the tricks he had taught Cochise. He decided to capitalize on the idea.

With the help of Mitch Devlin and Bec, he made arrangements to put on a show for money. The children could bring their money to the North pasture of the Ponderosa at 1pm on Saturday. Joe hoped it would be enough.

After school, Joe spoke with Mr. Talbot and explained to him what he was planning. Mr. Talbot agreed to bring the watch, wrapped, to church on Sunday morning, and Joe could bring the last five dollars then. Everything seemed to running smoothly until…

Joe was leaving the general store when he saw his father in town. He quickly went back in an asked Mr. Talbot to help. Joe went out the back door just as his father entered to store.

"Hello Mr. Cartwright. What can I help you with today?"

Ben looked around with a confused look on his face. "I thought I saw Joseph just now outside on the walkway. I could have sworn he came in here."

"Haven’t seen the young man. Wouldn’t he be in school?"

"School got out two hours ago. I stopped by to make sure Joe wasn’t kept after again today. That rascal seems to be in more trouble lately."

"Well, I’m sure it’s just the age. Boys can be a handful sometimes. Young Joe is a good kid though."

Ben smiled. He liked to hear good things about his youngest boy. He usually only heard the bad things. "Well. He must be home then because he wasn’t kept after school. Matter of fact, Miss Jones acted like she didn’t even know what I was talking about when I apologized for Joe’s behavior this week."

"Maybe she didn’t want to bother you with the minor actions of a typical boy Joe’s age."

"Maybe." Ben was about to leave when he caught glimpse of the jewelry case.

"Hey John? That’s a nice looking timepiece."

Mr. Talbot smiled. Ben was looking at the watch that Joe was trying to pay for.

"Just got it in three weeks ago. Already sold sort of."

"Sort of?"

"The fella that wants it is paying in installments. Should have it payed off by tomorrow."

"Well, let me know if he doesn’t make the payment. I could use a nice timepiece."

"Sure thing Ben." Ben left for home and Mr. Talbot pulled the watch out of the case and started to wrap it. He would give this to Little Joe on Sunday, even if he didn’t have the last five dollars yet. Joe was good for it. He found himself feeling jealous of Ben Cartwright because he had such a thoughtful and caring son like Little Joe.

***********

Saturday afternoon came quickly. Friday evening Joe had barely made it back home to stable Cochise before his father arrived. Again Adam covered for him, and Joe was allowed to have his Saturday afternoon free, after chores.

Joe was finishing up his trick riding as he saw his father come over the ridge. He wasn’t sure if his pa had seen his little acrobatics, but if he had, it wasn’t going to be pretty. As Ben Cartwright entered the group of children, they all scattered. Joe chanced one look at his father and saw pure rage behind his eyes.

Joe stammered. "Pa? I can explain."

"Joseph. You will get your chance to explain at home." He looked toward Mitch who had just mounted. "Michell, your father was just here looking for you. You best be getting home."

"Yes sir. See ya Joe." Mitch had pure sympathy in his eyes for his friend.

"Let’s go Joseph."

"Yes sir."

The ride home was in uncomfortable silence. Joe knew he was in for it. It was worth whatever happened next. The afternoon produced the last five dollars he needed for the watch, so he would have the perfect Father’s day gift tomorrow after church. As they entered the yard Ben spoke. "Joseph. I want you to stable these horses and then meet me in the study. Don’t take all day either, because I won’t be happy if I have to hurry you up. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir." Joe was trying to hold back the tears. He just kept telling himself that it was worth it.

He finished in record time and entered that house with a little more confidence. He walked over to his father’s desk and stood before it and his father. His pa had calmed down a little which made Joe a little more comfortable.

"Joseph. I would like you to tell me what you think you were doing out there."

Joe thought for a minute. "I was doing some riding tricks for the kids."

"Haven’t I told you how dangerous it is to do those foolish stunts?"

"Yes sir." Joe didn’t think they were dangerous but he had wisdom enough not to verbalize his feelings.

"But you did them anyway."

"Yes sir." Joe looked down at his feet and then at his father.

"You disobeyed me again?"

"Yes sir." If only he knew about all the lies that were involved, but we won’t go there.

"Joe I’m very disappointed in your behavior this week."

Joe’s eyes started to water. Oh pa. If only you knew what I really have been doing.

"You did these tricks for money also didn’t you?"

"Yes sir, but I wasn’t betting." Joe knew how much his father hated the gambling. "It was for show."

"No matter. You will give me the money." His pa held out his hand. Joe looked shocked. You can’t have it!!! He screamed in his head. It was all he needed.

"But pa…"

Ben stood up and walked over to Joe. Joe took an involuntary step backwards. "Now Joseph."

The tears were coming full force now. How could his father want the money? Joe reached into his pocket and handed his father the precious metal. He wiped his hands across his eyes but it didn’t stop the flow of tears. Joe was heart broken.

"I want you to go to your room and I will deal with you later. Do you understand?"

"Yes…sir." Joe hiccupped.

"Then go." Joe ran to his room. He didn’t care if he got yelled at for running. As he did, Adam entered the great room.

"What was that all about?"

"I found your young brother doing a riding show in the North pasture for a group of kids. He charged admission."

"Did he say why?"

"No he didn’t. I’m going to go find some coffee."

"Sure pa." Adam went directly upstairs to Joe’s room after his father was out of sight. He knocked lightly and entered when all he heard were gut-wrenching sobs.

Adam sat on the edge of the bed. "Joe?"

Joe looked up and saw Adam. He threw his arms around Adam’s neck and cried harder.

"Shhhh. Calm down Buddy. Tell me what happened?"

Joe wiped his eyes as he tried to stop crying. "I…had…all the money…I…needed A…dam. And…pa..pa took it away…from me. That’s…al I needed."

Adam hugged Joe again. "How much Buddy?"

"Five…dollars."

"Tell you what. I’ll try to talk pa out of the tanning and I’ll give you the last five dollars."

Joe looked up at Adam. "Why?"

"Well. I happen to know you have been working hard for this surprise, and I’m proud of you. Pa will understand everything tomorrow."

"Thanks Adam." Both brothers hugged again. After a few minutes Adam spoke. "I’ll go talk to pa. Don’t worry Buddy, let big brother take care of this one."

"Thanks again and I love you."

"I love you too Little Joe."

Adam left to talk to pa and Joe tried not to cry anymore. He fell asleep.

Adam had talked his father into going easy on Joe this time. He had asked his father to make this Joe’s one warning since Ben had never actually told Joe not to do any trick riding, but had just said it was dangerous. Ben acquiesced, this time.

**********

Sunday morning arrived with a bright sunny day. His three sons with a breakfast tray all prepared awakened Ben. Ben had forgotten that today was Father’s Day and was delightfully surprised.

The whole family dressed and went to church. After the service Joe caught Mr. Talbot to the side and traded Adam’s five dollars for the pocket watch. Joe was happy the entire ride home. The family decided to take a picnic lunch to the lake as a celebration of Father’s day.

After everyone had eaten, Joe presented his gift to his father. Ben opened the neatly wrapped package and stared in shock at the pocket watch. He looked at Joe and Joe seemed to be confused by his father’s reaction. Ben immediately smiled.

"Joseph. It’s beautiful. How did you ever afford it?"

Joe smiled. "That’s a long story pa. Let me tell you it wasn’t easy, but I had a little help from my big brothers." Joe proceeded to tell his pa the entire story and Ben found himself feeling all sort of emotions ranging from shock to shame at how he treated Joe the last few weeks. He smiled at his youngest son, who was still telling his tale, and Ben found himself thanking the heavens that they had blessed him with the three best sons in the world. He glanced toward Marie’s resting place and silently thanked her for the rascal before him. He then thanks Elizabeth and Inger. He was truly blessed.

The End

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