Search for posts by Eric_Hoss_Cartwright

Re: The Little Leprechaun at the End of the Rainbow (2026)

from Eric_Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 08:50 AM

Hoss looked over at her for a long moment, his blue eyes softening as he noticed the way she tried to hide her exhaustion behind that beautiful smile of hers. He knew his wife too well. He knew when she was happy, when she was worried, and especially when she was trying to take care of everyone else before herself.

 

He reached out and gently caught her hand before she could turn away.

"Neither one," he said softly.

He gave her a small smile as he guided her toward the chair beside him.

"Sit down, Laura."

His tone was gentle, but there was a firmness underneath it that came from a place of love, not command.

"You been up since before sunrise, making enough food to feed the whole Cartwright family and half of Virginia City, and you're standing there telling me you'll eat in a minute?"

He shook his head with an amused smile.

"Now, I know I got a reputation for having a mighty big appetite, but even I know this ain't right."

Hoss gave her hand a tender squeeze before letting go.

"You made this breakfast for me, but I want you sitting here with me enjoying it too."

He looked over the table again, taking in every detail she had put into it.

"Besides, I gotta tell you something."

A small grin tugged at his face.

"I ain't never seen anybody make biscuits look as good as you do. And I sure didn't know sausage gravy could smell this good. I swear, for a moment there, I thought maybe I'd died and gone to heaven."

He chuckled quietly, but his expression softened again as he looked back at her.

"Though I reckon heaven wouldn't have you here teasing me and keeping me from eating bacon before breakfast is ready."

He reached for the plate but stopped himself, remembering her earlier warning.

"See? I'm already learning."

His smile faded slightly as he studied her face.

"But I do need to ask you something, sweetheart."

He leaned forward a little.

"You been feeling all right?"

Hoss paused, choosing his words carefully.

"I've noticed some things lately. You've been drinking more tea than coffee. You've been getting tired easier. And sometimes I catch you just standing there with your hand on your stomach like you're thinking about something."

His expression was full of tenderness rather than worry.

"I ain't trying to pry, Babygirl."

The nickname slipped out naturally, the one that always carried so much affection when he said it.

"You know I'd never do that to you."

He gently brushed his thumb over her hand.

"But I also know you. And I know when my wife is carrying something around in her heart."

Hoss smiled faintly.

"So, I guess what I'm asking is... are you gonna let your husband in on what's been making you smile lately?"

He gave her a playful look.

"Because if there's something you're keeping from me, I should warn you now, I'm pretty good at figuring things out."

He paused, then laughed softly.

"Well... most things. Your cooking still surprises me every single day."

Hoss looked around the warm kitchen, then back at her.

"Whatever it is, Laura, I want you to know something."

His voice became quieter and more heartfelt.

"I don't need some big fancy celebration or some perfect day. I already got the best thing a man could ever ask for sitting right here with me."

He smiled at her.

"You."

He squeezed her hand again.

"So come on, Babygirl. Sit down. Eat breakfast with me. And if there's something you want to tell me, I'll be right here listening."

Re: Candyman XOXOXOXOX Baby Girl and Baby Girl XOXOXOXOX Candyman (2026)

from Eric_Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 08:39 AM

Hoss stood beside Laura's car door, still holding onto her hand as though letting go too quickly might somehow make the moment disappear. His thumb gently brushed over her knuckles, his blue eyes never leaving hers.

 

When she told him she didn't know what he was planning but that she would love it because it was coming from his heart, Hoss's smile softened. There was something about Laura knowing him so completely that touched him deeper than he could put into words.

"Sweetheart," he said quietly, his voice full of warmth, "you always have had a way of seeing right through me."

He gave a small chuckle and shook his head.

"I suppose I ain't as mysterious as I like to think I am."

Hoss looked down for a moment, a shy smile appearing on his face.

"But hearing you say that... well, that means more to me than you know."

He lifted his eyes back to hers.

"I don't need everything to be perfect. I don't need some grand thing that folks in town would talk about for weeks. I just want you to feel how much I love you."

His fingers squeezed hers gently.

"Because after everything we've been through... after all the hurt and all the tears... I want you to know every single day that you're cherished."

He paused, his expression becoming more serious.

"And Laura... you don't ever have to thank me for staying."

His voice grew softer.

"I wasn't staying because I felt like I had to. I stayed because there was nowhere else in this world I wanted to be."

Hoss swallowed as he looked at her.

"When you were hurting, I hurt too. When you couldn't find your smile, I waited because I knew it would come back. When you thought you couldn't stand, well..."

He smiled gently.

"I was right there to hold you up."

He reached up and brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face.

"But you did the same thing for me, darlin'. You have done that more times than you know."

A quiet laugh escaped him.

"You remember how many times you had to talk sense into me?"

He shook his head with amusement.

"I reckon Adam and Joe probably have a whole list somewhere."

Hoss glanced briefly toward his brothers, then back to Laura.

"Though I imagine they ain't complaining too much today. They got to see their big brother run across a field like a young colt just because his wife showed up."

He chuckled as his cheeks colored again.

"Can't say I blame them for teasing me later."

When Laura mentioned Valentine's Day, Hoss tried once again to hide his surprise, but the smile on his face betrayed him.

"Now, Laura..." he said, trying to sound innocent, though he couldn't quite manage it. "I don't know what gave you the idea I was planning something."

He raised his eyebrows slightly.

"I've been cheerful?"

A playful grin spread across his face.

"Well, I suppose a man has a right to be cheerful when he's married to the most beautiful woman in the world."

He watched her expression and laughed softly.

"All right, all right. Maybe that gave me away a little."

As she slipped her arm through his, Hoss looked down at her with complete affection.

"Day before Valentine's Day sounds just fine to me, sweetheart."

He nodded.

"Truth is, I don't care what day we celebrate. Every day with you feels like something worth celebrating."

When they reached the car, Hoss opened the door for her and rested one hand against the top of it.

"You sure you're done for the day?" he asked gently. "Because I know you, and I know you have a habit of saying you're finished when you've still got a hundred things you want to do."

He smiled knowingly.

"But I suppose I can't say much. Seems like we both have that problem."

When she told him she needed to go into town for groceries and other things, he nodded.

"All right. But don't you go carrying anything too heavy."

His expression turned protective.

"And if there's something you need help with, you come find me."

He smiled softly.

"That's what husbands are for."

When she kissed him again and whispered for him not to work too much longer, Hoss smiled against her lips.

"I promise, sweetheart."

He gave her hand one last gentle squeeze.

"I'll be home before you know it."

As she started to get into the car, Hoss looked at her with that same loving expression.

"Drive careful, Laura."

He paused, his voice becoming softer.

"And thank you."

A small smile touched his lips.

"For today. For your words. For reminding me just how blessed I am."

He watched her for a moment longer.

"I love you, sweetheart."

And as she closed the door, Hoss stayed right there beside the car, smiling as he watched the woman who had become his whole world.

Re: From Long Ago and Far Away Love Brought Us to Our Wedding Day

from Eric_Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 08:26 AM

Hoss sat quietly in the back of Adam's truck, his large hands resting together as he looked out the window at the familiar landscape passing by. The Ponderosa had always been home, but today everything looked different somehow. The trees, the mountains, even the road leading toward town seemed to be carrying him toward something bigger than he had ever known.

 

For a few moments, Hoss didn't say anything. He simply took a deep breath and tried to settle the butterflies that were still making themselves known in his stomach.

Little Joe glanced over at him and smiled.

"You all right, big brother?"

Hoss looked over and nodded, though his nervous smile gave him away.

"Yeah, I'm all right, Joe. Just... feels mighty strange, I reckon. I spent so much time hoping and praying that this day would come, and now that it's here, I can't seem to stop thinking about all the ways I want everything to be perfect for Laura."

Adam, who was driving, smiled softly.

"Hoss, you know Laura doesn't need perfection."

Hoss looked toward his older brother.

"She deserves it."

Adam shook his head gently.

"No, she deserves you. That's what she's been waiting for."

Hoss lowered his gaze, feeling the emotion building in his chest.

"I still can't believe she chose me."

Joe laughed quietly.

"Why wouldn't she choose you?"

Hoss looked at him.

"Because she's Laura. She's smart, kind, beautiful... and I'm just me."

Adam immediately shook his head.

"Don't ever say that like it's something small."

Hoss looked up.

"You have one of the biggest hearts of anyone I've ever known, Hoss. You take care of people. You love with everything you have. Laura has always seen that."

Hoss swallowed hard and nodded.

"I just want her to always know how much she means to me."

Joe smiled.

"Then tell her. Every day."

Hoss smiled faintly.

"I plan on it."

As the church came into view, Hoss felt his nerves return for a moment. He sat up straighter, his eyes fixed on the building ahead.

"She's really there."

Adam nodded.

"She is."

Hoss took a slow breath.

"My whole life is about to change."

Joe grinned.

"For the better."

Hoss smiled as he looked down at his hands, imagining the moment he would finally take Laura's hand in his.

"I remember the first time I met her. I remember thinking she was the most wonderful woman I'd ever seen. And somehow, she just kept proving me right every single day."

Adam pulled the truck to a stop.

"Hoss."

Hoss looked at him.

Adam's expression softened.

"Go marry the woman you love."

Hoss nodded, opening the door and stepping down.

"Thank you, Adam."

Then he looked toward Joe.

"Thank you too, little brother."

Joe smiled.

"Anytime."

Hoss looked back at the church doors. His heart was pounding, but this time it wasn't fear.

It was happiness.

He straightened his jacket, took one more deep breath, and smiled.

"Well... guess it's time."

As he walked toward the church, Hoss whispered softly to himself.

"Laura, I'm coming."

Re: Our First Christmas Brings a Time of Healing and Love (2025)

from Eric_Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 08:15 AM

Hoss watched her for a long moment after she finished speaking. There was something about the way Laura said things that always reached places inside him that nobody else could touch. She never pushed him too hard. She never asked him to forget. She simply reminded him that there was still something worth holding onto. His eyes stayed on hers as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Laura..." he started, his voice low and rough with emotion. He paused, swallowing hard before continuing. "I don't reckon you know just how much I needed to hear that." Laura's expression softened as she looked at him. Hoss looked down at their hands, his thumb slowly brushing across hers. "These past few weeks..." he admitted quietly. "I feel like I've been walkin' around this house, but I ain't really been livin' in it. Every room reminds me of what we lost. Every little thing makes me think about what should've been." His voice cracked slightly, and he looked away for a moment. "I keep thinkin' about how excited I was gonna be to show our little one the Ponderosa. To teach him how to ride. To take him fishin' by the lake. To tell him stories about his grandpa and his uncles." He let out a shaky breath. "And then I start wonderin' if it's wrong for me to laugh or smile because he ain't here." Laura's eyes filled with tears again, but she stayed quiet, letting him say the words he had been carrying. Hoss finally looked back at her. "But you..." he said softly. "You always seem to know what my heart needs before I even know it myself." Laura gave him a small smile. "I don't know about that," she whispered. Hoss shook his head gently. "Oh, I think you do." A faint smile touched his face. "You're right, you know. About Christmas." He glanced toward the empty corner again. "I don't think our baby would've wanted his mama and papa sittin' in the dark, forgettin' all the good things we still have." Laura's breath caught at his words. Hoss continued, his voice tender. "And I don't think my mama would've wanted that either. She always said Christmas wasn't about how much you had or whether everything went exactly right. It was about family. Love. Being together." He looked around the quiet room. "And I still got my family." Laura's eyes shimmered as she stepped closer. "You do," she whispered. Hoss smiled faintly. "I got you." He lifted their joined hands and pressed a gentle kiss to her fingers. "That's more than a lot of folks ever get." For a few moments, neither of them spoke. They simply stood there, holding onto each other in the quiet of their home. Then Hoss glanced toward the kitchen and smiled a little. "Now, before you go thinkin' you're gonna sneak off and do everything yourself..." he teased softly. Laura raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't." Hoss gave her a knowing look. "Laura, I know you." A small laugh escaped her. "I suppose you do." "I do," he agreed warmly. "And I also know that you've probably been standing there for who knows how long, trying to make yourself believe you're alright when you've been carrying just as much hurt as I have." Laura looked down, unable to deny it. Hoss gently touched her chin, encouraging her to look at him. "So tonight, we're gonna make supper together." Laura blinked. "Together?" "Yep." He nodded. "I can handle a few things in the kitchen." She smiled slightly. "Hoss Cartwright, are you offering to help me cook?" "Well..." he said, pretending to think about it. "I ain't saying I'm gonna be as good as you or Hop Sing." That earned another small laugh. "But I can stir something. I can set the table. Maybe even keep you company while you're working." Laura smiled, and this time it reached her eyes. "I would like that." "Good." Hoss squeezed her hand before releasing it. "And after supper, we'll go find us that little tree." Laura looked toward the boxes of ornaments on the settee. "The family ones too?" Hoss followed her gaze. His expression grew emotional, but this time there was something else there too. Love. "Especially those." Laura smiled softly. "I was afraid they would hurt too much." "They might," Hoss admitted honestly. "But I reckon some things hurt because they mean so much." He walked over to the boxes and gently picked up the smaller one. His large hands looked almost too big around something so delicate. "These aren't just reminders of what we lost, Laura." He opened the lid slightly and looked at the tiny ornament that read baby Cartwright. "They're reminders that we loved him." Laura pressed her lips together, fighting back tears. Hoss looked back at her. "And nobody can ever take that away from us." That was what finally broke through the wall she had been holding up. Laura stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. Hoss immediately held her close, resting his cheek against the top of her head. They stayed that way for several minutes. Not because the pain was gone. It wasn't. But because for the first time in a long while, they weren't facing it alone. Eventually, Hoss pulled back just enough to look at her. "Now, you go on and start supper if you want." Laura smiled. "And what are you going to do?" Hoss looked toward the boxes. "I'm gonna put these somewhere safe until we get that tree." Laura nodded. "And Hoss?" "Yeah?" "Thank you." He smiled gently. "No, sweetheart. Thank you." Laura tilted her head. "For what?" "For remindin' me that even when a heart breaks, it can still find a reason to beat." Laura reached up and touched his cheek. "You always were my sweet man." Hoss chuckled quietly. "Only for you." And for the first time in many weeks, the Cartwright home began to feel a little warmer. Not healed. Not whole. But hopeful.

Re: From the Ashes of Death Rises a Brand-New Love

from Eric_Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 07:56 AM

Hoss held Laura as tightly as he dared, careful of the exhaustion and pain she was still carrying in her body, but needing her to feel that she wasn't alone. He rested his cheek against the top of her head, his own tears soaking into her hair as he fought to find words that could somehow make any of this hurt less.

 

But there were no words big enough.

No words that could bring their little boy back.

"I know, sweetheart," Hoss whispered, his voice breaking. "I know."

Laura clung to him, her fingers gripping the back of his shirt the same way they had earlier when he carried her down the hallway. She shook against him, her sobs quieter now but somehow even more painful because of how tired and broken she sounded.

"I wanted to take him home," she whispered. "I wanted to put him in his little crib. I wanted to see him grow up. I wanted to hear him laugh and watch you teach him how to ride."

Hoss closed his eyes as another wave of grief washed over him.

"I wanted that too," he admitted softly. "More than anything in this world."

He swallowed hard, looking down at her.

"I kept thinking about all the things I was gonna do with him," Hoss continued. "I was gonna teach him how to fish at the lake. Show him every trail on the Ponderosa. Let him help me in the barn, even if he was too little to do much more than get in the way."

A small, broken laugh escaped Laura through her tears.

"That sounds exactly like you," she whispered.

Hoss smiled sadly.

"Yeah, well... I reckon I would've spoiled him rotten."

"You would have," Laura replied. "You would've been the best daddy."

That nearly broke him.

Hoss lowered his head, pressing a gentle kiss against her forehead.

"I wanted to be," he whispered. "I wanted to be his daddy for a whole lifetime."

Laura reached up and touched his face, wiping away a tear that had fallen onto his cheek.

"You were," she said softly.

Hoss looked at her, his expression filled with heartbreak.

"Laura..."

"You were his daddy, Hoss," she insisted gently. "He knew you. He knew your voice. He knew you were there. The first thing he ever felt was your love."

Hoss shook his head slightly as he struggled to hold back another sob.

"I didn't get enough time."

"No," Laura whispered. "We didn't."

The room became quiet again except for their breathing and the faint sounds of the hospital outside their door. Life continued around them, nurses walking the halls, doctors caring for other patients, machines beeping in other rooms.

But for Hoss and Laura, time had stopped.

Their son was gone.

After several minutes, Hoss gently ran his hand through Laura's hair.

"You know what I keep thinking about?" he whispered.

"What?"

"How he looked when I held him."

Laura closed her eyes, remembering.

"He was beautiful."

"Yeah," Hoss whispered. "He was."

A tear rolled down his cheek.

"Smallest little thing I ever held in my life... but somehow he filled my whole heart."

Laura's lips trembled.

"He had your hands."

Hoss looked down at their intertwined fingers.

"You think so?"

"I know so," she whispered. "And he had your heart too."

Hoss let out a shaky breath.

"I wish I could've protected him."

Laura immediately shook her head.

"No."

Hoss looked at her.

"No?"

"You protected him every second you could," she said. "You sat beside him. You talked to him. You loved him. You gave him everything you had."

"But it wasn't enough," Hoss whispered.

Laura's eyes filled with tears again.

"It was enough for him."

Hoss stared at her, and she gently placed his hand over her heart.

"He didn't leave this world wondering if he was loved," she told him. "He left this world knowing his mama and daddy were right there."

That was when Hoss finally let himself completely break.

He covered his face with one hand, his shoulders shaking as Laura pulled him closer.

"I was supposed to bring him home," he cried quietly. "I was supposed to carry him out of here and take him to the ranch."

Laura wrapped her arms around him as best she could.

"I know."

"I was supposed to introduce him to his brothers and sisters someday. I was supposed to watch him grow."

"I know, Hoss."

"I don't understand why this happened."

Laura didn't have an answer.

There wasn't one.

So instead, she held him.

They stayed that way for a long time, two parents mourning the child they had loved from the moment they knew he existed.

Eventually, Hoss lifted his head and looked at Laura.

"Can I tell you something?"

"Anything."

"I'm proud of you."

Laura looked confused through her tears.

"Proud of me?"

"Yeah," he said softly. "You were so strong. Stronger than I ever could've been. You carried him. You fought for him. You stayed with him until the very end."

Laura shook her head.

"I didn't feel strong."

"You were," Hoss replied. "Even when your heart was breaking, you made sure our boy wasn't alone."

A fresh wave of tears filled Laura's eyes.

"Our boy."

Hoss nodded.

"Our boy."

He kissed her forehead.

"And nobody gets to take that away from us. Not even death."

Laura rested against him, listening to his heartbeat.

"What are we supposed to do now?"

Hoss held her closer.

"We grieve."

She looked up at him.

"And then?"

Hoss took a shaky breath.

"Then we wake up tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that."

His voice cracked.

"And we remember him."

Laura nodded slowly.

"We tell people about him."

"Every chance we get."

"We make sure nobody forgets he was here."

Hoss brushed a tear from her cheek.

"Nobody will forget him, Laura. Not as long as we love him."

Laura leaned into him again, finally allowing herself to rest.

And for the first time since they had entered the NICU, Hoss whispered the words he had been afraid to say.

"Goodnight, Eric Jr."

Laura closed her eyes.

"Goodnight, sweetheart."

Hoss tightened his arms around her.

"Your mama and daddy love you."

And together, they cried quietly in each other's arms, knowing that even though their son had only been with them for a short time, the love they had for him would last forever.

Re: An Easter Blessing on the Ponderosa (2026)

from Eric_Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 07:48 AM

Hoss looked up at her with the biggest grin spreading across his face. The nickname made him chuckle softly, just like it always did. There were few things in the world that could make Hoss Cartwright feel as loved and appreciated as the way Laura looked at him when she said things like that.

 

"Well now, Miss Laura Schaffer Cartwright," he said, leaning back in his chair and wrapping both hands around the warm coffee cup, "I gotta say, that sounds like about the finest breakfast a man could ever hope for."

Laura laughed softly as she shook her head. "I had a feeling you might say that."

Hoss gave her a playful look. "Well, I ain't exactly known for turning down steak and eggs. Especially when they come from my beautiful wife and are followed by cinnamon rolls."

Laura smiled as she walked over to the counter and began gathering the ingredients. "I thought you might like it."

"Like it?" Hoss repeated with mock disbelief. "Laura, honey, I married the only woman in the world who can make a man feel like he's the luckiest fella alive before breakfast even starts."

Laura paused for a moment, her expression softening at his words. She looked over at him, seeing the love and warmth in his eyes, and her heart filled with gratitude. These were the moments she treasured most—not the big celebrations or grand gestures, but the quiet mornings where it was just the two of them sharing a cup of coffee and dreaming about their future.

"You always know just what to say," she told him gently.

Hoss shrugged his broad shoulders, a little embarrassed by the compliment. "Nah, I just say what's true."

Laura smiled as she returned to preparing breakfast. "Well, the truth is, you are going to spoil me before this baby even gets here."

Hoss's face immediately softened as his eyes went to her belly. Even though the baby was still so small, the thought of becoming a father filled him with a kind of joy he couldn't quite put into words.

"Now, I reckon that's my job," he said quietly. "To take care of you and our little one."

Laura looked over at him. "You already do that, Hoss."

He reached across the table and gently took her hand. "I know we've had some hard times, Laura. Times when we wondered if things were ever gonna feel peaceful again. But now..." He smiled, squeezing her hand gently. "Now I look at you, and I know the Good Lord was just waiting until the right time to give us something special."

Laura's eyes shimmered slightly as she smiled. "This baby already feels special."

"Sure does," Hoss agreed. "And I think this little one knows how much they're loved already."

Laura laughed softly. "You think so?"

"I do," Hoss replied confidently. "Cartwright babies and Schaffer babies both seem to have a way of knowing when they're surrounded by love."

Laura walked over and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "You really are something, Hoss Cartwright."

Hoss smiled. "I could say the same about you."

The kitchen soon filled with the sounds of breakfast being prepared—the crackling of the stove, the smell of sizzling steak, and the sweet scent of cinnamon rolls beginning to bake. Hoss watched his wife moving around the kitchen, and every so often, his eyes drifted back to her with a quiet amazement.

After a few moments, he cleared his throat.

"Laura?"

She turned around. "Yes?"

"You know, I was thinking..."

"That's usually when something interesting happens," she teased.

Hoss chuckled. "Well, I was thinking that maybe after lunch today, when Pa tells us about the Easter gathering, we oughta take a little walk. Just you and me."

Laura smiled. "A walk?"

"Yeah," he said. "Maybe down by the lake. I just want some time with you before everything gets busy."

Her smile grew warmer. "I'd like that."

Hoss nodded, looking pleased. "Good. Because I want to remember this Easter. Not just because of the baby, but because it's the first one where we know we're starting something new."

Laura reached over and touched his hand again.

"I think this Easter is going to be unforgettable."

Hoss smiled at her. "I reckon it will."

Neither of them noticed the small folded basket sitting near the kitchen doorway, one that had been hidden there the night before. Inside were a few carefully wrapped Easter gifts and a tiny handmade blanket that Laura had been working on in secret.

They had no idea that their family had surprises of their own waiting for them at the Ponderosa ranch house.

And before the day was over, Hoss and Laura would discover that Easter blessings sometimes come in ways nobody expects.

Re: A Special Ponderosa Visitor on Mother's Day (2026)

from Eric_Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 07:33 AM

Hoss stopped halfway up the stairs and looked down at her with an expression that was equal parts surprise and tenderness. For a moment, he seemed almost unable to believe what she had just said.

 

"Laura Schaffer Cartwright," he said softly, shaking his head as a smile began to form, "what in the world makes you think you're ruining anything?"

Laura looked up at him, her hand still wrapped around his. "Well, because you and everyone worked so hard to make today special. You had plans, and now it looks like I might spend most of the day lying down and waiting for this little girl to decide when she wants to meet us."

Hoss let out a quiet chuckle, but his eyes remained full of warmth. He carefully adjusted his arm around her, making sure she had all the support she needed as they continued their slow journey up the stairs.

"Sweetheart, you really think the only reason I wanted today to be special was because of what we were gonna do?" he asked.

Laura looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

Hoss stopped again, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

"I wanted you to know how much you mean to me," he explained. "That's what Mother's Day is about. Not the picnic, not the flowers, not whatever else we had planned. It's about reminding the mama in our family that she's loved."

Laura's eyes softened as she looked at him.

"And if our little girl decides that today is the perfect day to come into the world..." Hoss continued, a grin slowly spreading across his face, "well, I reckon that's about the biggest Mother's Day surprise anybody could ask for."

A small laugh escaped Laura, though she quickly placed a hand over her belly when the movement inside became stronger.

"She certainly seems to have opinions about everything already," Laura said.

"Well," Hoss replied, glancing down at her stomach with a proud smile, "she is a Cartwright. We ain't exactly known for being quiet about what we think."

Laura laughed again, and Hoss immediately looked concerned.

"Easy there," he said gently. "Don't want you laughing too hard and convincing her to hurry up before we get you comfortable."

Laura smiled at his worried expression. "Hoss, you do realize babies don't just arrive because their mothers laugh, don't you?"

"Maybe not," he admitted. "But this little one has been surprising us from the start. Wouldn't put it past her."

By the time they reached the top of the stairs, Hoss was moving even slower than Laura was. He was so focused on making sure she didn't trip or overdo it that she finally squeezed his hand.

"Candyman," she said softly, "I'm alright."

"I know you are," he replied quickly. "Doesn't mean I ain't gonna worry."

That answer made her heart melt.

Once they reached their bedroom, Hoss carefully helped her sit on the edge of the bed before arranging the pillows behind her. He treated every movement like she was made of glass, something that always made Laura smile because she knew he wasn't afraid of much in this world.

Except losing her.

Except something happening to their baby.

"Hoss," she said gently.

He looked up as he pulled the blanket over her legs. "Yeah?"

"Come here."

He moved closer immediately, and she reached for his hand.

"You know you don't have to be scared every time I say something about the baby coming, right?"

Hoss looked down for a moment before sighing.

"I ain't scared of her coming," he admitted. "I've been waiting to meet her for months. I'm just..." He paused, searching for the right words. "I just love you so much, Laura. And I love this little girl already. Sometimes it feels like there's so much happiness sitting right here that I'm afraid of anything getting in the way of it."

Laura's expression softened.

"Oh, Hoss."

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"I remember when we found out you were gonna be a mama," he continued. "I thought I couldn't possibly be happier. Then every time I felt her move, or saw you smile, it just kept getting better."

Laura leaned her head against his shoulder.

"And now you think today might be the day."

Hoss looked toward her belly, then back at her.

"Maybe," he said quietly. "And if it is, then I think our little girl picked a pretty good day to show up."

Laura smiled.

"Because it's Mother's Day?"

"No," Hoss replied, his voice full of affection. "Because it's the day I get to watch the woman I love become a mother."

Laura's eyes filled with tears at his words.

"You always know exactly what to say."

Hoss gave a small laugh. "No, I don't. Most of the time I say the wrong thing and Joe reminds me about it for weeks."

That earned another soft laugh from her.

"But this time," Hoss said, placing his hand over hers on her stomach, "I mean every word."

For several quiet moments, they stayed that way, listening to the peaceful sounds of the ranch below them. The voices of Ben, Adam, and Joe drifted faintly from downstairs, mixed with Lynda's laughter as she returned from her phone call.

Then suddenly, Laura's expression changed.

Hoss noticed immediately.

"What is it?" he asked, sitting up straighter.

Laura looked down, then back at him.

"She's moving again."

Hoss's eyes widened.

"Is that a good thing or a 'we need to get Ben' thing?"

Laura couldn't help but smile at the worried look on his face.

"I don't know yet."

Hoss nodded seriously, already preparing himself.

"Alright," he said softly. "Then we wait. But we're waiting together."

And as he sat beside her, holding her hand and keeping his other hand close to their baby's movements, Hoss Cartwright had never felt more certain about anything in his life.

Whether their daughter arrived that day or not, he already knew one thing.

This Mother's Day was going to be one they would never forget.

Re: The Cartwright Honeymoon is Where Love Begins

from Eric_Hoss_Cartwright on 07/21/2026 07:03 AM

Hoss paused for a moment with the rope still in his hands, a slow grin spreading across his face. He had, in fact, been listening, even though Laura had caught him looking over their campsite with the same careful attention he gave every task on the ranch.

 

"Now, ma'am," Hoss said, turning around to face her with a playful look, "I want you to know I heard every single word you said."

Laura raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms with a teasing smile. "Every word?"

"Every word," he repeated proudly as he walked over to her. "Especially the part about my wagon seat being the most uncomfortable seat known to man."

A laugh escaped her before she could stop it. "Well, it is."

Hoss chuckled, glancing back at the wagon. "Can't rightly argue with that. That old wagon has hauled supplies, tools, and more than a few stubborn ranch hands over the years. Never did hear any of 'em complain quite as much as you did."

Laura gave him an amused look. "Are you saying I'm complaining?"

"No, ma'am," Hoss said quickly, holding up his hands. "I'm saying you have a very honest opinion."

That earned him another laugh.

He stepped closer and gently took her hand, looking around at the peaceful mountain clearing. The lake reflected the sunlight like a sheet of glass, and a gentle breeze moved through the trees, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers.

"But I'll tell you something," Hoss said softly. "I'd ride on that wagon seat for a hundred miles if it meant ending up somewhere like this with you."

Laura's playful expression softened immediately. She looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes that she loved so much.

"Hoss Cartwright," she said quietly, "you always know exactly what to say."

He shrugged a little, suddenly looking shy beneath her affection. "Well, I don't always know what to say. Most of the time I just say what's in my heart."

"And that's exactly why I love you," Laura replied.

Hoss's cheeks turned slightly pink again, and he quickly looked away toward the campsite.

"Well," he said, clearing his throat, "before I get too distracted by my beautiful wife, I reckon we ought to get this place set up."

Laura smiled. "Too distracted?"

"Yes, ma'am," he admitted with a grin. "Been having that problem since the day I met you."

She laughed as she watched him begin unloading their supplies. "I think you are enjoying being married."

Hoss looked back at her, his smile growing wider.

"More than I ever thought I could," he answered honestly.

For a moment, Laura simply watched him. The same man who could lift heavy fence posts, wrestle stubborn cattle, and scare off troublemakers with just his presence was now carefully arranging blankets and supplies, making sure she would be comfortable.

It reminded her why she had fallen in love with him.

Hoss noticed her staring and tilted his head. "What?"

"Nothing," she said with a soft smile.

"No, I know that look," he teased. "That's the same look you get when you're thinking something."

Laura walked over and slipped her arm around his waist. "I was just thinking that I can't believe this is my life now."

Hoss's expression became gentle.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean..." she said, looking around at the mountains, then back at him. "A few years ago, I never imagined I would be standing here, married to someone like you, starting this new adventure."

Hoss looked down at her, his hand resting gently over hers.

"I never imagined it either," he admitted. "But I'm sure glad it happened."

Laura rested her head against him.

"So am I."

They stood there quietly for a few moments, letting the peacefulness of the mountains surround them.

Then suddenly Hoss's stomach gave a loud rumble.

Laura lifted her head slowly and looked up at him.

Neither one of them said anything.

Then she smiled.

"Hoss..."

He looked embarrassed. "Now, before you say anything, I want you to remember that Hop Sing packed enough food to feed a whole army."

Laura laughed. "You haven't even been here an hour."

"I know," Hoss said seriously. "But riding that wagon takes a lot out of a man."

"Does it?"

"Absolutely," he replied. "Especially when a man has to sit beside his beautiful wife and try not to spend the whole ride staring at her."

Laura shook her head, laughing. "You are impossible."

"That's what my brothers say."

"And they're right."

Hoss smiled proudly. "But you still love me."

Laura reached up and kissed his cheek.

"Yes, I do."

That was all Hoss needed to hear.

A little while later, after the tent was set up and their belongings were organized, Hoss led Laura toward the edge of the lake. The water was so clear they could see the stones beneath the surface, and the sound of the small waves against the shore blended with the whisper of the trees.

"This is beautiful," Laura said quietly.

Hoss smiled as he watched her take it all in.

"I knew you'd like it."

"You brought me all the way out here just to see this?"

"That, and because I wanted our first trip together as husband and wife to be somewhere special."

Laura turned toward him.

"Hoss..."

He gently squeezed her hand.

"I know we got a whole lifetime ahead of us," he said. "And I want to remember every part of it. The big moments, the little moments...even the uncomfortable wagon rides."

Laura laughed.

"Especially the uncomfortable wagon rides?"

"Well," Hoss said with a grin, "maybe not those."

She leaned into him as they watched the sun begin to lower behind the mountains.

And for the first time since leaving the Ponderosa, there were no chores waiting, no ranch problems needing attention, and no one calling Hoss's name from the house.

There was only the quiet lake, the endless sky, and the two of them beginning the next chapter of their lives together.

Re: The Little Leprechaun at the End of the Rainbow (2026)

from Eric_Hoss_Cartwright on 04/07/2026 07:34 AM

Upstairs, Hoss stirred slowly, the warmth of the bed and the rare luxury of a late morning pulling him gently from sleep. He stretched, letting out a low sigh, then paused.

 

Something smelled good.

Better than usual.

He sat up, running a hand through his hair, a small smile already forming. "Laura..." he murmured to himself, knowing full well she was behind it.

After dressing, he made his way downstairs, each step guided by the comforting sounds of the kitchen—the soft clatter of dishes, the faint hum of her voice as she moved about. When he reached the doorway, he stopped for a moment, just watching her.

She looked... radiant.

There was a lightness to her, something he hadn't seen this strong in a while. It caught his attention immediately.

"Well now," Hoss said gently, leaning against the doorframe, "either I've been sleepin' too long, or I've wandered into a dream."

Laura turned, a soft smile spreading across her face. "Morning, Candyman."

That nickname alone was enough to melt him. He stepped closer, placing a tender kiss on her cheek before glancing at the table.

"Extra special breakfast?" he asked, raising a brow.

"Maybe," she teased lightly, turning back to the stove. "Figured you deserved it after all that hard work."

Hoss studied her a moment longer, sensing there was more beneath the surface—but he didn't press. Not yet.

Instead, he reached into his pocket again, fingers brushing against another folded note. This one was newer.

Because while Laura had been making her plans... Hoss had been quietly making his own.

He'd noticed the little things over the past couple weeks—the tea instead of coffee, the way she'd pause sometimes, her hand resting ever so slightly against her stomach without thinking. He wasn't sure... not yet.

But he had a feeling.

And that feeling had changed his plans for St. Patrick's Day entirely.

Originally, he'd thought about something simple—maybe a small celebration, a laugh about wearing green, a quiet evening together. But now... now he wanted it to mean something more.

Hope again.

A fresh start.

After breakfast, while Laura cleared the dishes, Hoss slipped out for a bit under the excuse of checking on the horses. In truth, he headed to town.

There, he picked up a few things he'd been thinking about:

A small bundle of green ribbons.
A delicate little charm shaped like a four-leaf clover.
And tucked carefully away... a tiny pair of baby booties.

He stared at them for a long moment before buying them, his throat tightening with emotion he didn't quite put into words.

"Just in case," he said softly to himself.

By the time he returned home, his plan was set.

On St. Patrick's Day, he'd take her out again—back to that same quiet place they loved. He'd decorate it gently with touches of green, nothing too much... just enough to make her smile.

They'd sit together under the open sky, wrapped in that same red blanket.

And when the moment felt right...

He'd give her the charm first, brushing it gently into her hand.

Then, if his heart proved right—if the hope he felt was real...

He'd show her the tiny booties and say the words he'd been holding close:

"That maybe luck ain't just for stories... maybe it's found its way back to us."

Back in the kitchen, Hoss stepped in again, watching Laura as she moved about.

Whatever surprise she was planning... whatever joy she was holding onto...

He had a feeling their hearts were already walking toward the same moment.

Neither of them had said it yet.

But somehow...

They both already knew.

Re: Candyman XOXOXOXOX Baby Girl and Baby Girl XOXOXOXOX Candyman (2026)

from Eric_Hoss_Cartwright on 04/07/2026 07:16 AM

Out in the south forty, Hoss leaned against the fence post, wiping the sweat from his brow as he looked out over the land. His brothers worked nearby, the steady rhythm of hammering and stretching wire filling the quiet afternoon. But Hoss wasn't fully present—his mind kept drifting back home... back to Laura.

 

Valentine's Day.

He smiled to himself, a soft, almost boyish grin that his brothers would've teased him for if they'd noticed. But Hoss didn't mind. For the first time in a long while, his heart felt... hopeful.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small folded piece of paper. It was worn at the edges from how many times he'd opened it. Inside wasn't anything fancy—just a few simple notes written in his big, careful handwriting.

Flowers—her favorites.
That song she likes.
Blanket—don't forget the red one.
Tell her... everything.

He let out a slow breath at that last one.

Telling her everything was the hardest part. Not because he didn't love her—he loved her more than anything—but because putting that love into words always felt too small compared to what he felt inside.

One of his brothers called out, snapping him back. "You planning on fixing that fence or just staring at it 'til it fixes itself?"

Hoss chuckled, folding the paper back up and tucking it away. "Just thinking."

"Well don't think too hard," came the teasing reply.

But Hoss only smiled again, quieter this time.

Because he had a plan.

He'd already spoken to Hop Sing that morning, asking him to help prepare a meal—something special, something Laura loved. But that was only part of it. Hoss had spent the last couple days getting everything ready without her noticing. After supper, he planned to take her out—not far, just to a quiet spot he knew she loved. A place where the stars stretched wide across the sky and the world felt still.

He'd bring a radio, just like she always liked.

He'd spread out that red blanket.

And he'd hold her close, swaying gently to the music, letting the rest of the world fall away.

But more than any of that... he wanted to give her something she couldn't wrap in paper.

Peace.

Hope.

And maybe, just maybe... the beginning of healing.

He looked down the road then, as if he could somehow will her to appear.

"She's been carrying so much," he murmured under his breath. "We both have."

His hand rested over his heart.

"But we ain't alone in it."

Just then, in the distance, a familiar truck came into view, kicking up a soft trail of dust along the road. Hoss straightened, his whole face lighting up in a way that said everything words couldn't.

"Speak of the angel," one of his brothers muttered with a grin.

Hoss didn't answer. He was already moving, setting down his tools and heading toward her before the truck had even fully stopped.

Because whatever plans he had... whatever surprises he'd prepared...

None of it mattered more than this moment—seeing her, holding her, reminding her without a single doubt that she was loved.

And that this Valentine's Day... they weren't just remembering what they'd lost.

They were holding onto what they still had.

And daring to hope for what might come next.