Expansion

It was early March 2018.

“Mitch, if our B&B remains a success we have to expand our house with more rooms”, Matthew Cartwright said when he saw the e-mails with bookings coming in.

The man who got addressed with Mitch looked at the screen and saw also the e-mails with bookings.

“Just a while and our B&B becomes a hotel”, said Mitch.

The reaction of Matthew was, “And then a big hotel chain of ours.”

They laughed but realized too that they had to expand their company for their future and that of their 7 year old son Tim. Mitch decided to phone his grandpa Ben Cartwright to come by for an emergency talk. Ben was not only the head owner of the B&B but also of the Ponderosa ranch where the B&B belonged to.

“What is the problem?”, Ben asked concerned.

He knew that the couple was very businesslike and that his help was not needed often.

“We get bookings more and often. I think, no rather fear, that we have to expand with more rooms”, said Mitch.

He showed the e-mails and the rancher understood what his grandson meant.

Ben said, “We let some rooms add to it. I think that you have to take someone in permanently for the kitchen and the rest of work.”

“I already know someone for the serving: Jenny Willis. Matt, you know: the cousin of Max. she has quite an experience in the hotel business and can also cook great”, said Mitch.

“I will call her right away”, said Matthew.

“Then I will arrange the rebuilding”, answered Ben.

Max Willis was an old school friend of them. Via him they had got to know Jenny. After a few phone calls Jenny was willing to help the Cartwrights in the B&B.

“So you run this B&B together?”, Jenny asked when she was just 5 minutes in.

“My parents help too but they are on holiday now and our son Tim stays with my in-laws and Chip too. That is our husky”, answered Matthew.

The eyes of Jenny rolled of amazing when she heard that Mitch and Matthew were married and had a son.

“Tim was the result of a weekend away with a wonderful woman who has passed away. Matt has adopted him as his own son”, explained Mitch.

He noticed that Jenny was very old-fashioned what their life style and composition of family was concerned. But wisely he didn’t say anything about it. Not yet anyway. Matthew also knew enough.

“Alright. I help you with the cooking and serving. But don’t ask me to babysit your child because you want to go out once again”, said Jenny.

“No, of course we don’t do that. We don’t even go out anymore like you mean that”, reacted Matthew.

“You won’t have any trouble from Tim. We assure you that”, said Mitch.

Jenny agreed to a trail term of 2 months.

Without anyone had some trouble of it rooms with a bath room got made. The executors here were the father of Mitch (Adam Cartwright) and uncles Hoss en Joe.

When Tim and Chip were home again they got introduced to Jenny.

“So you are Tim? I am Miss Willis for you”, said Jenny.

“This is Chip”, the little boy answered.

“That dog must go outside at once. This is a very neat B&B and that is how it stays”, Jenny said snappy.

“Chip, go outside. I will come in a minute”, Tim said to the dog.

Chip went outside.

Jenny asked, “So you are an only child?”

Tim nodded.

The following question of Jenny was, “And I may assume that you are very spoilt. Is that so?”

Mitch had heard the last question of Jenny and gave as answer, “No, he is not spoilt. At least not like you mean that.”

Tim went after his little friend in the big garden where they could play quietly.

“I will leave your son and dog alone if they do that too”, Jenny said in an attempt to be able to in keeping her job.

“We will say it to them”, Mitch said distrusting.

Then Jenny asked, “Mitch, is it alright if my daughter Viola comes along tomorrow?”

“Why? It is here no daycare center. Tim is my son and may be here”, answered Mitch.

He noticed that she saw Matthew as her future husband. Even though he didn’t have an eye for her.

Outside Tim did his complaining about Jenny to Matthew.

“We will arrange it with her”, Matthew said when he had heard everything.

“She stays out of my room though”, Tim said on a determined tone.

For his 6^th birthday he had received from his family a real Efteling room.

“She lives somewhere else so that will never happen. I assure you of that”, said Matthew.

Tim asked then, “She said that Chip belongs outside. But his pillow lies in the living room. He may sleep inside or not?”

“Chip just sleeps inside. We are the boss and not she”, was the answer of his father.

Tim went to play with Chip and Matthew inside. Adam saw him coming and took him apart in the office.

“Matt, what is the matter?”, asked Adam.

His son-in-law told about his talk with Tim in the garden.

“I have checked her background and discovered that she is very old fashioned and traditional. Besides she has an 8 year old daughter without being married”, said Adam.

“Then she must keep her mouth shut about our lifestyle”, reacted Matthew.

Adam nodded.

On a morning Jenny came with a suggestion.

“Gentlemen, what do you think of my idea to give Tim a little brother or sister?”, she asked.

Mitch and Matthew looked at each other.

“Why? Are you afraid that Tim grows up to be a spoilt child?”, asked Mitch.

“I know for sure that Tim becomes a spoilt child because he is an only child”, said Jenny.

“I am also an only child and not being spoilt”, said Matthew.

“I remain by my statement! If you don’t agree I resign”, answered Jenny.

The couple noticed that Jenny meant it serious and Matthew prepared the discharge papers right away. Jenny left at once.

“Max already said that Jenny is a spoiled and arrogant brat”, said Matthew.

“Matt, Jenny saw you as her future husband though”, said Mitch.

“Unfortunately for her I am already married and to you”, reacted Matthew.

“We are now without a steady hand”, Mitch said serious.

He thought for a moment and suggested then, “What would you say if Lisa came to work here? She already works here during the weekend and can also do the administration.”

Lisa was his 16year old younger sister.

Matthew answered, “We can ask her anyway.”

The couple got right away a positive answer of Lisa and her parents (Adam and Sally Cartwright) gave permission as well.

“Gentlemen, I am going to have my baby in July so then I am not able to help for a while”, said Lisa.

“We already have kept that in account because above the garage 2 bedrooms are being made with a lift on the hall”, answered Mitch.

“Let’s pack my stuff then right away”, answered his sister.

S said, so done.

Not only Lisa came to work and live there but the Cartwrights also got company of a cozy lady of age, Nelly Jones. But that also cost a lot of trouble, especially by her daughter Debbie. Nelly was an old friend of Ben and the rancher had advised her at the B&B. Nelly came with her son Geoff and daughter Debbie.

“Ma is not going to live in a B&B. She just moves to an old folks home where they play bingo all day”, said Debbie.

“Me play bingo all day? No way for me. If I played along 1 morning I wasn’t allowed to come anymore”, said Nelly.

“Why not?”, Mitch asked amused.

“Because then all the prizes go to me. No, I am going to live here. Then I can eventually help too and look after Tim and Chip”, answered Nelly.

Tim grabbed his chance right away and asked at once, “Mrs Jones, are you coming to play miniature golf?”

“Of course I do that. And just call me granny Nelly”, she said.

Together they went to the miniature golf course which was behind the B&B.

“Sis, I think that ma had made her decision by coming here. Mitch and Matt, we will arrange the payment”, said Geoff.

“That is alright”, said Matthew.

He and Geoff brought the luggage of Nelly to her room. Debbie left insulted.

A week later.

George Clayton had set his mind on a beautiful piece of land which he wanted to have eagerly. Only: nobody wanted to tell him who the owner of it was.

In the land office he asked, “There is a very beautiful piece of land 5 km from here. Can you tell me of who that is?”

He pointed at the map of Virginia City and area.

The man behind the desk checked it and a bit later, “That land belongs to nobody according to our administration. But it is very close by the spread of the Cartwright family. It might be in their property.”

“Those folks have more than enough land. That piece of land is for me”, reacted George.

He had a copy made and marked ‘his’ land. Here after he went away.

George drove to his land and saw that there was already a big house standing. He stopped his car and looked at the house.

“I am going to live here. Let’s look at the house from close”, George said to himself.

He drove to the house and saw to his amazement that it was a Bed & Breakfast.

“I let the people who work there slave for nothing. Then I am rich too”, said George.

He saw a big billboard standing which said:

‘So this is too of the Cartwrights. For now then. But not for long because soon it is mine’, the business man thought. He drove to the main ranch house and parked in front of the front door. Here after he got out and armed with the map and lots of self-confidence and especially much arrogance the business man walked to the front door. After having rang he got let in by ranch owner Ben Cartwright.

“I will come straight to business. I want to buy this piece of land from you. Just name your price”, George said without introducing himself.

He pointed at the marked piece of land.

Ben checked it and said, “Sorry, but that piece of land belongs to the Ponderosa and is not for sale.”

The rancher didn’t want to take away their income, future and happiness of his grandchildren and great-grandson.

George said, “Everything is for sale, so that piece of land too. I pay 10.000 dollar for it.”

“Maybe you have not heard me right because that piece of land is not for sale. It is and stays in property of the Cartwrights”, answered Ben.

He didn’t trust the business man.

“My offer is 100.000 dollar and that is my final offer”, said George.

“This offer is also rejected. Good day sir”, said Ben.

He let the business man out and knew that he wouldn’t give up. George thought while he went away, ‘Arrogant bloke. I shall and must have that piece of land in my property. That B&B becomes a 5 star hotel and gets the name Clayton Hotel.’ He got into his car and drove to the B&B.

Ben phoned with his grandchildren to warn them for a shady business man who was coming up their direction.

“Thanks for the warning. He can’t even get a room because everything is fully booked”, said Mitch.

He was the eldest grandson of Ben Cartwright and ran the B&B with his husband Matthew Cartwright.

George stepped into the building and saw Mitch and Lisa looking at him distrustful.

“I demand a room”, said George.

“And the name is?”, asked Lisa.

“George Clayton”, said the business man.

Mitch looked into the computer and answered, “We don’t see your name anywhere. All is fully booked for 3 weeks.”

“I don’t have to book because I am the new owner of this hotel”, said George.

Mitch and Lisa looked at each other worried and amazed. The business man looked at them with a contemptuous look. Mitch saw the baseball glove of his son lying on the counter and put it away quickly.

“My main rule is: the personnel may not have children because work goes above everything!”, said George.

“Do you have prove that you are the owner of this B&B?”, asked Mitch.

“Eh no, not yet. Ben Cartwright hasn’t signed the papers yet”, said George.

Lisa saw Nelly coming and went to her.

“Is your son coming to pick you up?”, asked Lisa.

“Yes, he is on his way. I am going to have supper with him and he brings me tonight back”, answered Nelly.

Lisa helped the old lady on the settee and went to sit next to her.

George said, “Young folks, hereby you are fired. And that old bat must go too. It is not an old age club here.”

Nelly got up and said, “Just let me give you a lecture, arrogant youngster! I am not an old bat at all but a sprightly young lady of 75 years old. I live here for a few weeks now and they take excellent care of me. If you take over this B&B you are not going to deal with the Cartwrights but also with me. Then even Santa won’t be recognizing you.”

She came up to George with clenched fists and wanted to his face a makeover when Hoss Cartwright came in with his great-nephew Tim and interfered.

“Mrs Jones, just let me throw him outside”, said Hoss.

Nelly calmed down and went to sit next to Lisa again. Hoss grabbed George tight and threw him out of the building. George ended up at the waste baskets.

“Good riddance”, said the 2^nd son of Ben and uncle of Mitch and Lisa.

“Hoss, have you become a garbage collector now too?”, Geoff asked laughing.

He was an acquaintance of the Cartwrights.

“No, he is bothering the personnel of this great B&B. Your mother wanted to give him a new face but this punishment is for him better and more fun for us”, answered Hoss.

They went inside laughing, leaving George furious and insulted behind.

On the way home George said while he recorded with his cell phone, “I challenge the Cartwrights for a baseball game with as gamble the piece of land with the B&B included.”

While he said that the business man got stopped by deputy Clem Foster.

“Sir, you were driving and using your cell phone at the same time. That delivers you a fine of 500 dollar. Please pay cash”, said Clem.

With reluctance George paid the fine. Here after he drove away quickly. Clem didn’t trust it and went to the Ponderosa.

In the B&B Hoss got to hear everything what George Clayton had said and was up to.

“This B&B is and remains in the property of the Cartwrights”, said Hoss.

Tim went to play outside with the husky Chip in the big garden which was behind the B&B. Hoss went to the big ranch house to tell his father what had happened in the B&B. Nelly and Geoff left too.

Ben had to get let it through to him at first about what he had heard about George Clayton.

“If he challenges us for a baseball game he can get that”, the rancher finally said.

Hoss let notice that he felt like it too. Ben directly called the coach of the by him sponsored baseball team Ponderosa Cowboys op and told about the upcoming challenge.

Coach Jimmy Cooper said, “We give our full cooperation.”

“Thanks Jimmy”, said the rancher and he hung up.

The next day was in all local newspapers the news about the baseball game. It was written by George Clayton himself and there was written too what the stake was: the piece of land + the B&B.

Ben noticed that especially his oldest grandson suffered under all the stress which George Clayton caused and arranged for him (Mitch), Tim and Ben himself a short vacation in April.

George decided to go into hiding for a while to make a spectacular comeback at the ranch after that. Hereby the Cartwrights came to a bit of peace and quiet. But they knew from experience that the quietness wouldn’t be present long.

The match was being held on Sunday June 24, 2018. As usual many people had come to see it because a baseball game of the Ponderosa Cowboys always meant a lot of entertainment.

Before the baseball game Jenny asked snappy Benji:“Isn’t your sister with her big belly here?”

“No, she babysits her nephew. It is notable though that since Lisa works there each day is more cozier and each bight is fully booked too”, answered Benji.

He looked at her for moment with full attention.

Then his remark was, “You don’t look so slim either.”

“That is because I am happily pregnant. Viola gets a little sister in 4 months time. And that gets born in your B&B because soon after the game it’s mine and George!”, Jenny answered suave.

Now Benji understood everything at once. He ran to his father and told what he had heard.

“I phone your sister right away”, said Adam.

He did that and he got his grandson on the line.

“Grandpa, there is a man in the house and he keeps aunty Lisa and granny Nelly under gunshot”, whispered Tim.

“Grandma and I come at once and we warn the sheriff”, Adam said concerned.

He hung up and fetched Sally.

“Benji, just play the game and act like there is nothing the matter”, said Adam.

The boy nodded. He brought his brother and brother-in-law up to date.

“Then we make a nice game of it”, Mitch said smiling.

“Are you coming to play?”, asked Matthew.

He looked at the brothers laughing.

“Come little brother”, said Mitch.

They walked to their team where Ben already was. The rancher got to hear what was going on in the B&B.

“Gentlemen, this stays between us”, said Ben.

They nodded and went to prepare themselves for the game.

In the morning Lisa didn’t feel well and that became worse during the day.

“Nelly, I suspect that I must go to bed soon”, Lisa said during a coffee break.

“You mean that the baby is already coming now?”, asked Nelly.

Lisa nodded.

“You go to bed and I look after Tim”, Nelly offered.

Lisa wanted to get up when Tim came running inside.

“There stands an angry man at the door. It’s the same one who got thrown out by uncle Hoss”, said the boy.

“So that George Clayton dares to come here again. I will deal with him”, said Nelly said determined.

“Tim, go outside and keep my cell phone with you”, said Lisa.

She gave the cell phone to her nephew who went outside with Chip.

George came in and saw Nelly and Lisa sitting.

“I take everything over here”, he said threatening.

“It is and stays of us”, reacted Lisa.

George became angry and wanted to hit her out cold with his rifle. But he was so angry that he knocked himself unconscious. Exactly at that moment Adam and Sally came home. Clem too came at that moment.

“Adam, that fellow came in here with a rifle. He wanted to knock out Lisa but he did that by himself”, said Nelly.

Sally cared for her daughter.

“Nelly, would you like to care for Tim?”, asked Adam.

She nodded. George got arrested and taken away.

“Mama, can you drive me to the hospital?”, asked Lisa.

“Of course. Is your bag in your room?”, asked Sally.

Lisa nodded and puffed a contraction away. Adam helped her to the car while Sally fetched the bag.

In the hospital Lisa was being brought to her reserved room. Adam and Sally remained by her. Lisa stayed calm and had a lot of support from her parents.

“Do you already have a name for your baby?”, asked Sally.

“Yes, she’s going to be called Amy. I expect a daughter”, answered Lisa.

This news gave Adam and Sally more joy for the upcoming birth.

Midwife Vera Taylor came in and said, “Lisa, let’s see how far you are.”

“The contractions are coming faster after each other”, Lisa said gasping.

Vera looked and felt and said then, “Lisa, just prepare yourself for the birth of your baby because you may push along.”

Lisa felt a push contraction coming and began to push. Adam and Sally supported her as good as possible.

Lisa said 2 hours later, “I can’t stop the baby anymore.”

“You are almost there. Just push well for a moment”, said Vera.

The mother to be felt a strong push contraction coming up and gave in to it. Lisa felt the baby sliding out of her and screamed it out of pain.

“You have received a daughter”, Vera said while she put the baby with Lisa.

Adam and Sally kissed their daughter of happiness. Lisa got tears into her eyes and throat when she held her baby.

When the delivery was over Lisa with her baby laid in a clean bed with her parents with her.

“Mama, would you like to take care of us as long as I am recovering?”, asked Lisa.

“Of course I do that. The baby looks a lot like you when you were just born”, promised Sally.

“Good. I don’t want that her grandparents and/or her father want to have contact with her”, said Lisa.

“They have gotten a restraining order and may never come at the ranch again. Wherever at the ranch too”, said Sally.

Lisa was relieved.

“Lisa, you know that we have the custody over Amy until you are 18 but we know that you will take good care of her anyway”, said Adam.

“I know that and also that you are going to spoil her very much”, reacted his daughter.

Her parents had no answer to this because they knew that it was true.

“You are going to rest and Amy too. I stay here”, said Sally.

“I go to the B&B”, said Adam.

Adam drove to the B&B where Nelly was babysitting Tim. When he arrived Roy Coffee was there too.

“Adam, I come to tell that you won’t be bothered anymore by George Clayton. He hit himself so hard that he died shortly after that”, told the sheriff.

Adam asked, “And Jenny Willis?”

“She is still on the run”, answered Roy.

“Benji said that he had spoken to her at the stadium”, said Adam.

“Then we are going to arrest her for accomplishment”, said Roy.

He left for the stadium.

Laura asked, “I heard from Nelly that Lisa was going to deliver. How is mother and child?”

“Lisa has done it terrific and had gotten a daughter Amy. Sally takes care of them as long as needed”, answered Adam.

Then Tim asked, “Grandpa, are you staying here as well?”

“Of course I stay here too”, said Adam.

Tim was reassured.

Meanwhile at the baseball stadium. Jenny Willis waited in the club house for her accomplish who just didn’t come.

“Miss Willis?”, the sheriff suddenly asked.

“Yes sheriff, what can I do for you?”, Jenny asked suave.

“Would you like to come along because you are under arrest for threatening and attempt to fraud”, said Roy.

Suddenly Jenny understood everything and also that George had set her up.

“I am also the victim of the crimes of George Clayton”, she said.

“Why don’t we believe that?”, asked Roy.

“Alright, I confess. It was the idea of George to steal away B&B after everyone had been worked away. I brought George up to date from time to time what was going there”, said Jenny.

She got taken away to the prison.

On the field the Ponderosa Cowboys made a strange discovery. Their opponents, the Virginia City Ducks, were much younger and couldn’t play baseball. Jimmy Cooper (coach of the Ponderosa Cowboys) and Mitch went to talk with the coach of the other team, Andrew Parker.

“We have been found together by George Clayton to be able to take over the B&B. Though I have looked for some information about him and he is only searching for power. For himself then. But these boys would like to learn to play baseball. They live in family replacing houses due to their handicap. Because they need very much support George had chosen them. And only to be seen as very sympatric”, said James.

“Coach, why don’t we make a demonstration game of it? First we let them see how to hit and throw. Even with and against us. But then in a lightly way. I think they will learn much more”, Mitch suggested.

Andrew (who knew Jimmy very well) asked amazed, “Jimmy, are you the coach of the Ponderosa Cowboys or this young man?”

“I am the coach but Mitch runs with his husband and sister the B&B which the center of it all. And with a lot of success I must say”, answered Jimmy.

“Mitch, I have heard rumors that you break a lot of windows when you hit the ball out of the stadium. Is that true?”, asked Andrew.

“That is true. But my brother Benji does that in every hockey stadium. And especially in that of ours. Our grandpa is not really glad with us concerning that”, Mitch told amused.

“Andrew, those 2 are really dangerous when they are playing”, warned Jimmy.

“Just let’s start with the demonstration then”, said Andrew.

That happened and instead of the forced baseball game it became a baseball demonstration whereby the Ducks learned very much. Hereby everyone went home in the evening.

“Coach, can we not baptize them to Ponderosa Ducks?”, Matthew suggested after the game.

Jimmy and Andrew agreed with that.

That evening in the big ranch house Ben and Adam told what all what had happened.

“I want to make a toast to the newest Cartwright, namely Amy Cartwright”, the rancher ended his story.

“To Amy Cartwright”, said everyone.

And again was proved that the unity of the Cartwright family could not be broken. Not even by corrupted business men.