Saturday afternoon could only be described as organized chaos. When Chris and Ezra returned with Maude, Josiah and JD were the only two people happy to see her. Josiah had always found Maude quite attractive, and enjoyed some harmless flattery to keep her appeased. He was cautious around Maude since their father died. Maude was the only person who could cause problems for him if she ever contested custody of Ezra. Josiah believed that Ezra needed this family to grow into the man their father had hoped for. Maude had other plans.

Maude only did things for one person; Maude. She had actually only planned on staying one night. She had a con she wanted to try in Colorado and was hoping she could convince Ezra to join her. In the past, she had no problem leaving him with relatives and only hesitated for a moment when Lincoln wanted custody. She saw it as freedom from a 'mistake'. With Lincoln dead, she had been scheming for the last 8 months to figure out how to get Ezra back. No easy task with six very protective brothers watching her every move.

"Ezra darling. Why don't you come back on the road with me? We could be living the life of luxury in 6 months."

Ezra had been dreading this talk with his mother. He may sometimes feel that he isn't treated fairly here, but he loved his brothers with everything he had. He didn't want to leave. Even if Chris made him live in the storm cellar in the dead of winter, he wouldn't want to go back to the life Maude offered. His father had given him the most precious give he could; the love of a family.

"Mother. I love you, but I have no desire to travel with you and be your pawn in your cons."

"Not a pawn, Ezra, but my partner. You are a man now and you should have more than a piece of this dusty little territory."

"This 'dusty little territory' is my home Mother and I like it."

"Like it! I taught you better than this." She gestured toward the ranch with disgust. "I raised you for greatness."

"Raised me? The barn cat takes care of her young better than you! You dropped me off with any relative that you could find unless you needed me for a con." Ezra spun to walk away from his mother and ran into Josiah's chest.

"Ezra. You shouldn't talk to your mother that way."

Ezra was too angry to hear the warning in Josiah's statement. "What way is that Josiah? The truth?"

"You should still show the proper respect. Please apologize."

"I will NOT apologize." Ezra tried to move away from Josiah but Josiah took a firm hold on his shoulders.

"Ezra." Josiah warned.

"No Josiah. You can whip me to one inch of my life and I still won't apologize."

Josiah wasn't prepared for such and outburst and Ezra ran to his room. Josiah was speechless. He looked toward Maude who still wore a mask of indifference. "I'm sorry Maude. He shouldn't talk to you that way."

"No Josiah. It was my fault. I obviously failed as a mother. I was only raising him the only way I knew. If that was wrong, then I'm glad I left him with Lincoln all those years ago." She tried to smile as she stood. "I'll be leaving on tomorrows stage Josiah. I never should have come."

"Nonsense. Even if it doesn't seem like it, Ezra needs to see you. You're his mother."

"What kind of mother does all the things Ezra just accused me of?"

"He was upset and he will apologize."

"My boy is stubborn Josiah, as I'm sure you already know. He may never apologize and I'm not sure he should have to. You all have taught him to be honest and forthright. Something I couldn't teach him. He's turning into a fine young man."

"Why don't you tell him that Maude? It could go a long way in building bridges that have been burned in the past."

"I don't think he would listen." Maude stood and walked to her room. After the door was closed, Josiah headed to have a serious talk with Ezra.

No one should talk to their mother the way Ezra did and he was going to make sure Ezra understood that. He approached the bedroom door and stopped at the sounds of sobbing coming from within. Josiah felt his heart break with every anguished cry from Ezra. He softened his approach and opened the door.

Inside, Ezra was face down on his bed, screaming into his pillow. Josiah could see his back heaving with the sobs that tore through Ezra's slight build. Ezra was in pain. Not a physical wound, but an emotional one. He sat on the bed next to Ezra and gently rubbed his back.

"Shhh. I'm sorry Ezra. Just let it all out." Ezra tried to compose himself and thought he had succeeded until he turned and saw nothing but understanding in Josiah's eyes. The tears were renewed and Josiah gathered Ezra into his strong arms. Ezra held on for all he was worth and cried. Josiah continued to rub his back and speak encouraging words to him.

After about 10 minutes, Chris came in quietly to see what was going on. He saw Josiah sitting on Ezra's bed rocking with Ezra crying on his shoulder. Chris simply came in and sat on the other side of the bed and rubbed Ezra's back also. He smiled at Josiah, but no one spoke.

Ezra's sobs died down to hitching breaths and then evened out in sleep. Chris smiled. "He's exhausted." He whispered. "What happened?"

"Maude." One word. No other explanation needed.

"I hate what she does to him. No boy should dislike his mother. Doesn't she care what these visits do to him?"

"In her own way? I suppose she does." Josiah gently lay Ezra down and covered him up. He tucked the blankets up to his chin and brushed the hair from his face.

"He needs a haircut." Chris said.

Josiah laughed. "I said that while he was sick. I think maybe Monday after school I'll take him for that haircut.

"Sounds good to me. That way I can work out on the range and YOU can watch the Sprout."

"I thought is was Bucks turn on Monday?" Josiah said with a smile.

"Actually it is. You take Ezra for that haircut, and Buck can watch baby brother."

"Sounds like a plan." Josiah said as they left Ezra's room and shut the door.

"What sounds like a plan?" Buck boomed.

"Shhhhh!" Josiah and Chris shushed.

"What?" Buck whispered.

"Ezra's having a nap." Chris said.

"A nap? You threaten to shoot him too?" Buck smiled.

"No. He got into it with Maude and he cried himself to sleep."

"Oh. So what is this plan?"

Josiah smiled. "We decided brother Buck, that on Monday, you can watch JD and pick Nate and Vin up at school."

"What about Ezra?"

"Josiah is going to get him from school and get him a hair cut."

"He'll like that. He's been complaining about being grounded for so long that his hair is starting to get as long as Vin's." Buck smiled.

"What about Vin?" JD said from behind his brothers. They all turned around and saw JD rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Hey Sprout. Did you have a good nap?" Chris picked JD up and they all headed downstairs.

"Speaking of Vin. Where is he? If JD was napping and Ezra is now, where's Vin?"

"He's outside helping Nathan rebuild." Chris said.

"I thought Ezra was suppose to be doing that?" Buck asked as he set JD down. "Go ask Miss Nettie for a snack JD." Buck gave JD a playful swat on the backside as he ran into the kitchen.

"Well, I needed something to keep him busy and helping Nate will keep him out of trouble."

"Famous last words." Buck laughed. Chris and Josiah went out to finish chores and Buck entertained JD until supper.

Ezra woke for supper and was polite to his mother but didn't go out of his way to talk to her. After the meal, he tried to escape to his room but Josiah suggested he go sit outside and talk to his mother because she would be leaving in the morning.

There was strained silence until Maude broke into Ezra's thoughts. "Ezra dear, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you this afternoon. I just miss you."

"Do you miss me or what I can do for you?" Maude didn't answer. "That's what I thought."

"Ezra, I am who I am. That's the way things are."

"And I am who I am. I like having a stable home with my brothers. I still miss father, but they make it easier. If I left, I would miss them all too much and I fear I wouldn't be any good to you."

"I could teach you how to hide those emotions Ezra. We had started that before you came here."

"Yes you had. And father taught me that it's okay to show your emotions. It doesn't make you weak mother. They make you stronger because you share yourself with the bigger picture."

"And that is?"

"Family mother. I like being part of this big family. And for me, that's the way things are."

Maude decided to change the subject. "I will be leaving tomorrow morning. I have asked Josiah if he could bring me in when he heads to the church early. I would like you to come too, so I can say good-bye before I leave."

"Does the stage leave before church?"

"I do believe it leaves about the same time service starts, but Josiah said you could go a little late to say good-bye. That is if you would like."

"Yes mother. I would."

Maude stood and started back to the house. She turned and said, "I am proud of you Ezra. You are my son and I love you, even if I don't always tell you." She walked away and entered the house.

Ezra sat stunned for several minutes and was brought out of his shock by Josiah's voice calling him in for bed. Ezra slept well with the knowledge that his mother did indeed love him.

Early Sunday morning found Josiah up preparing for his sermon and trying to get Ezra out of bed early enough so he could eat before they left.

"Ezra. Time to get up if you're going into town with me to see your ma off." Josiah stuck his head into Ezra's room and found the bed empty. When he came in further, he found Ezra straightening his shirt and vest. Josiah smiled at him and Ezra smiled back.

"Good morning Ezra."

"Josiah. You should really say 'early morning' because there is nothing 'good' about mornings."

Josiah laughed. "This is the day the Lord has made Ezra. And all things made by God are 'good'. Miss Nettie has our breakfast ready so let's go."

"Very well." Ezra headed out of the room.

"Don't you want your suit jacket?"

"I suppose, since mother always says 'appearances are everything'."

"Not everything little brother." Josiah hugged Ezra close, which made Ezra scowl.

"You are wrinkling my shirt Josiah."

"Many pardons Ez." Josiah laughed as Ezra brushed himself off as if he was suddenly very dirty.

Josiah and Ezra joined Maude for breakfast and were about to leave when Chris came down the stairs.

"Boys. Maude it was nice to see you again. Don't be a stranger." Chris was screaming 'don't ever come back', as he was being polite.

"Mr. Larabee. Please take good care of my boy and I will write to you my new location when I get there."

"Sounds good." Chris turned to Ezra and Josiah. "I will see you two in church. Josiah, do you know when the stage is suppose to leave?"

"If it's on time, it will pull out about 10 minutes after service is suppose to start. Ezra will join the rest of the family at that time."

"And if it's late?"

"Ezra?" Josiah prompted.

"If the stage is late I will say good bye to mother and be at the church before you are all finished the first hymn. Acceptable?" Ezra said with irritation.

"Good. Then we will all see you there." Chris said.

The ride into town was pleasant. The weather was clear and bright. Summer was still a few weeks away, but the days seemed longer and milder. Ezra never enjoyed the wintertime. Being from the south, he didn't adjust to the cold very well.

Josiah dropped Ezra and Maude off at the stage depot. After reminding Ezra to watch the time, he headed to the church.

"Ezra dear. Why don't we head over to the saloon and wait there?"

"I'm not allowed in the saloon mother. The stage will be here soon."

"Nonsense. The stage still has 45 minutes before it's scheduled to arrive, and I'm thirsty."

"We can go over to the hotel and get some lemonade."

"I want to go to the saloon and I want you to accompany me."

"Mother. I told you I am not allowed in the saloon."

"Well, what Chris doesn't know won't hurt him." Maude took Ezra's hand and started to lead him toward the saloon.

"Mother." Ezra pulled his hand away from Maude. "Even if you could guarantee that no one would find out, which you can't, I still wouldn't go. I respect Chris and Josiah more than that. They have good reasons for the restriction."

"Good reasons! Huh. I let you stay with me in the saloons when you were younger."

"Only when it was to your benefit Mother."

They were in front of the saloon and Maude pushed Ezra through the doors. He hollered, "Mother. I cannot be in here."

Jake the bartender saw the commotion and saw Ezra struggle to get away from the women that he was with. Jake knew that Ezra wasn't allowed in here, but he also didn't allow anyone under 16 into the bar. As he approached the two, he could here Ezra telling his 'mother' that he needed to leave. //Chris will be happy to hear Ezra listens//

"Ma'am. Ezra isn't allowed in here. I must ask you to leave."

"Nonsense. I'm his mother and I still have some say in the matter. I am waiting for the stage, this is where I choose to wait, and I want my son with me."

"Ma'am. Josiah and Chris would have my head if I let him stay in here."

"I will take the responsibility."

"Mother. I don't want to stay in here. You stay. I'll just go to the church. I can say my good byes now." Ezra tried to leave but Maude stopped him by grabbing his sore arm. She got real close and said something to him that Jake couldn't hear. Ezra paled slightly and sat down.

"Ma'am?" Jake said.

"I will take responsibility." Maude then dismissed the bartender by turning away from him.

"I'm sorry Jake." Ezra said quickly.

"Ezra. I expect you to sit there and be the perfect gentleman. No more of this nonsense about saloons being off limits."

"Yes Mother." Ezra tried to look comfortable, but he knew if Josiah saw him he wouldn't be able to sit until his next birthday and he wouldn't ever see the town again.

Maude pulled out a deck of cards and started to shuffle. "Let's see if you still have any of the skills I taught you before you came to this dusty town."

Maude dealt the cards and Ezra reluctantly played, and lost every hand. Maude was appalled. They played for close to an hour before they heard the stage come into town. They exited the saloon and walked across to the stage depot. Ezra kissed his mother good-bye and watched the stage leave.

He turned around and ran directly into Chris. He had his fists on his hips and looked angry. It was at that point that Ezra realized he was late getting to the church.

"Hey Chris. I was just on my way. I didn't realize it was so late." Ezra tried to smile.

"Maybe you didn't realize it was so late because you were sitting in the saloon the whole time."

"I can explain that too. I didn't want to go in but mother dragged me in."

"And how hard did you fight?"

"Honest Chris. I told her I wasn't allowed and if you don't believe me, ask Jake."

Chris looked at Ezra. "Okay. Let's go talk to Jake." Chris took Ezra by the arm and led him to the saloon. They both entered and went up to Jake.

"Hey Chris." Jake said nervously.

"Jake. I would like to know why Ezra was allowed to remain in the saloon when both of you know Josiah and my wishes on the subject?"

"Nothing I could do Chris. That woman forced Ezra in here and when he kept protesting, she whispered something into his ear and then he settled down. She kept saying that she was his ma and she had the right."

"I see. And Ezra told her he wasn't allowed?"

"Yep. He probably would have ran out but she had a good grip on the boys arm. I don't know what she said to make him stop fighting, but he did try. Weren't Ezra's fault. He even said that he respected your wishes about him no bein' allowed in a saloon."

"Really?" Chris looked at Ezra who was blushing and looking at his feet. He turned back to Jake and smiled. "Thanks Jake. I'll see ya later." He turned and led Ezra outside.

Chris could tell by the way Ezra was walking that he was mad. Mad that Chris hadn't believed him. He stopped in front of Ezra and said, "Ez. I'm sorry I didn't believe you, but I am very proud of you. You tried to stand by what I wanted and that took courage."

Ezra kept his head down. His anger slowly became shame and he didn't want Chris to see the tears glistening in his eyes. Chris lifted Ezra's chin and say the tears. He embraced Ezra and held him close.

"I am so sorry Ezra. I'll try to do better next time, okay?"

Ezra wiped his eyes and smiled at Chris. "Okay, but I hope mother doesn't listen to you."

"What? I don't know what you mean?"

"You told her to come back soon and to not be a stranger. Well I could do without another visit from her for a long time."

Chris laughed. "I agree. What you don't know is I was screaming on the inside for her to never come back." Chris sobered. "I don't like what her visits do to you. We love you very much Ezra, just remember that."

"I love you all also."

"Well, we had better get back to the church before Josiah blows his top. He's probably preaching the worse sermon ever because he's wondering where you are."

"Just make sure he knows I wasn't in the saloon because I wanted to be. I'm tired of tannings."

Chris laughed. "Can't blame you there." They walked back to the church in time to see the congregation leaving. Chris thought Josiah preached a real short message this morning. As the thought occurred to him, a very angry Josiah exited the church and zeroed in on Ezra and Chris. Ezra noticed the look first and quickly hid behind Chris. Chris saw him a second before he reached for Ezra.

Chris put his hands up to stop Josiah. "Easy Josiah. He had a good reason for being late."

"Late!" Josiah roared. "Try never showed up."

"We were on our way. How come the message was so short?"

Josiah took a couple of deep breaths to calm him self down. "How could I concentrate not knowing what Maude was doing? I half expected her to kidnap him. I was worried."

Ezra came out from behind Chris. "I tried to get her on time, but I got held up."

"And where were you held up?"

Ezra looked at Chris and Chris said, "The saloon."

"WHAT! EZRA PATRICK STANDISH I'll have yer hide."

Ezra hid behind Chris again. All they both heard was, "I didn't want to be."

Chris smiled. "Take it easy Josiah. Would I be this calm if Ezra was in the wrong here? No. I checked with Jake and Ezra had no choice." Chris looked around and saw people watching them. "Why don't we move this explanation inside?"

"Fine. That's where everyone else is. I ordered them not to move. I probably scared them to death."

"Well, let's go see."

When Chris, Josiah and Ezra entered the church, Buck, Nathan, Vin and JD were all sitting quietly talking. They hadn't moved.

"Boys. I'm sorry I hollered earlier. I was just concerned about Ezra."

"It's okay Josiah. We have been having a very good talk." Buck smiled.

"Hey Ez. What happened?" Vin asked.

"Mother happened." Ezra sat and closed his eyes with a sigh. He just wanted to go home and to forget the last week existed. Chris told Josiah what Jake had said and everyone was quiet for the whole story. When the story was out, Chris suggested they head home for lunch. Chris drove the buggy with everyone but Josiah and Ezra. They followed in the buckboard. Halfway home, Josiah broke through the silence.

"Hey Ezra?"

Ezra opened his eyes. "What?"

"Jake said you fought Maude until she whispered something into your ear. What was it?"

Ezra looked ashamed. "If I tell you, you'll just get mad. I want to forget about mother's visit."

"How about if I promise not to get mad?"

Ezra thought about it. Josiah always kept his promises. "Very well. Mother told me if I didn't stop struggling, that I would find it necessary to pack my bags, because she would hire the best lawyer to have me removed from your custody."

Josiah was mad. Furious actually, but he hid it. "Oh Ezra. You should know that we would have fought her. Judge Travis is on our side and her life style is hardly the type any child should have to grow up in."

"I know all that Josiah, but I have seen good intentions and love beaten by greed and money. Mother may or may not have won such a battle, but she would have hurt this family in the process. I figured it was worth the trouble I would be in to keep that from happening."

"I'm very proud of you Ezra and I love you very much. I would fight to the death to keep you. I vow to you right now that I will never let you go."

Ezra could see the love shining in Josiah's eyes. The feeling of love and acceptance were overwhelming.

"I love you too Josiah. I never want to be any other place but with you and the others. I have finally found what it means to be family, and I would fight to the death to keep it also. Thank you Josiah."

Josiah put his arm around Ezra's shoulders as then rode the rest of the way home secure in the bond of family.

The End