The Storks are Coming Chpt 8
It was two days later; Jason rose with a smile on his face as his family was packed and ready to return to his beloved Seattle. In the past, he had genuinely enjoyed his trips to San Francisco, but now that he was happily married, the sorted activities in which he had once participated no longer held any interest for him.
He decided that he would serve his beautiful bride breakfast in bed and proceeded downstairs to brew some coffee and Chef Jason would cook bacon and eggs. He knew that she was thoroughly exhausted from nursing their triplets through the evening. As much as he loved his sleep, he was enthralled watching his wife provide needed nourishment to their babies. They had decided to return on the refurbished Shamus for sentimental reasons. Captain Crane could not understand why they chose the smaller ship, but he had not lived the history of it. With an elegant breakfast tray prepared, he ascended stairs whistling softly, Kathleen woke just long enough to eat her breakfast in a ravenous fashion and then returned to sleep. Jason leaned over and softly kiss her head and then rose to inspect his three babies sleeping without a care in this complicated world which they had just joined.
Josh quietly left his room and knocked gently on Jason's door careful not to wake Kathleen but even more so the triplets. Jason carefully opened the door and slipped out to see his younger brother. Jason indicted that they should go downstairs so not to disturb the rest of the family. The two men found it difficult to sleep much past dawn due to years of rising before dawn to be ready for work at first light. They silently descended the stairs and enter the empty parlor. Josh tugged on his brother's sleeve and whispered coffee. Jason shook his head to indicate affirmative. Jason sat down on what he considered the fanciest sofa that he had ever seen; it was rosewood with flowers carved along the edges and the arms, the cushions were covered in red velvet. He smiled when he remembered Aaron's previous home with all the heavy velvet drapes and chairs covered in beautiful expensive materials. Jemma decorated their new home in a more practical and comfortable fashion. Upon Josh's return, Jason informed his brother how much he had enjoyed this trip because of the babies but also because they had an opportunity to spend time together. Jason assured Josh that he was missed terribly by everyone. Josh flashed bis brilliant smile before advising Jason that in mid-July he and Maggie would be returning for a six-week hiatus before the next semester started. Jason reciprocated Josh's smile plus a powerful pat to Josh's back.
Josh and Jason rose and discussed the task at hand as they approached the door. Jason inquired "Are you ready to talk to Quinton McHale and break the news to him?" Josh laughed nervously and asked why he was responsible. Jason stopped and turned to his brother "You are still a partner; you share in the profits and the losses. For the time being you represent the company in San Francisco, the second most important port in our shipping business. We want the sailors to recognize you as their boss as well." Josh nodded in agreement "Let's get this done."
About an hour later, there was knock at the Victorian 's door which was answered by Maggie. It was a young delivery man with the carriages which Kathleen had purchased. Maggie answered the knock and once the young man left, she stood on the stoop and giggled. Julie heard her laughter and went to investigate. She joined Maggie in the warm late spring day on the front stoop. Julie asked, "What is so funny?" Maggie grinning pointing to the three carriages "I think these could be called Kathleen's folly. I have a great deal of respect in her business acumen, but these things just aren't going to work." Julie's brow wrinkled and she began "They are all over San Fran. They are quite stylish." Maggie turned her head to stare at her friend with a look of amazement. She remained silent for a moment when Maggie began again "San Fran and Seattle for all intents and purposes could be two different planets. Honestly Jule, close your eyes now imagine this big man in green buckskin with fur hanging out of his boots pushing one of these contraptions through the lovely mud and who knows what else is on the streets of Seattle. I think she should have discussed this with Jason first." Julie smiled "That is quite an image but how do they move their infants around." Maggie threw her hands up in the air and exclaimed "I have no idea, maybe papoose style. I want to be here when Josh and Jason return." Julie giggling said "I am going to tell Kathleen her carriages' have arrived. I must admit that they are a remarkably interesting couple."
Jason and Josh had enjoyed their leisurely stroll through the streets to the docks. They reminisced about their old lives and made plans for the visit. The two Bolt-Stempel ships were docked right next to each other. Quinton jumped from the rails of the old Shamus to the dock to greet his bosses. Both Josh and Jason maintained a reserved manner with the young man who was surprised as the Bolts were about the warmest people he had ever met. Quinton inquired "Don't you want to see the new ship. She is truly yar." Jason curtly answered "No, let's go see your captain first." Quinton was becoming concerned, but he knew of nothing that he had done wrong. Unless Jason was holding a grudge about what he said when he was sleep walking. They entered Captain Cranes quarters as the Captain was reviewing some maps. Crane looked up and shook the Bolts' hands. Jason gave Josh a look to start. Josh turned to Quinton with a smile this time "Mr. McHale, we have been very pleased with your performance and as a result you are being promoted to captain of that yar vessel.". Josh, Jason, and Captain extended their hands to the young man. Josh added "You have some new clothes, but they are in Seattle but let's go tell your crew that you are the captain." Jason added "Plus I would appreciate that tour now."
Back in Seattle, the day before Jason and family were due to arrive home, Jeremy and Aaron had given everyone a half day. They declared it an official fishing day. Aaron bought Evan and Murphy to Jeremy's favorite fishing spot. Jeremy arrived with Charley and Chris in tow. Chris was totally comfortable with Evan and Murphy and frequently visited them, Charley tended to shy away from them. It did not help that Duncan was not fond of having the young men nearby. If Jeremy had any concerns about Chris's nature, the concerns were alleviated by watching Chris's interactions with these men. Aaron finally asked Jeremy "Are you a little nervous about telling the big guy about what you did while he was gone?" Jeremy squinted his eyes and responded to Aaron "What I did? Do not you mean what we did. I would almost think you were intimidated by Jason?" Aaron growled back "Never, but this was a big move for you." Jeremy smiled "Jason is always encouraging both Josh and me to extend ourselves and not to be afraid to take a risk. He says we need to have faith in ourselves. I believe that I do. I think that he will be pleased."
Jason had his hands on his hips and looked perplexed as he inspected the three carriages. Josh had joined Maggie and Julie as they had run from the house when they realized the men had returned. All three were attempting but failing to control their laughter. Jason turned around "Please tell me that she bought these for here not Seattle." Maggie just shook her head no. Jason took a deep breath, placed his hand across his mouth and shook his head. Resigned he peered at Maggie and said, "Let me guess, she loves them." Maggie replied simply by nodding yes. "Well," he said "I guess they will be okay on the paths in Kilmarron West and when the streets are dry in Seattle. I will get Sully to rigg something up for muddy days." The three compatriots watched in amazement as Jason quietly and calmly went to gather his family and staff for the trip home. Josh smiled "I guess love as tamed the beast."
Everyone was on the deck with only Josh and Maggie on the dock. Both Jason and Josh appeared a bit dejected as they waved at each other. Both Jason and Josh had thought that this would get easier with time, but it had not. As the ships disappeared farther away and Josh's mood deepened, Maggie tugged at his sleeve. "I have been saving this as I knew you would need a little cheering up when they left. You are going to be a father. I hope you don't mind but I am hoping for one at a time." Josh turned sharply towards his wife, lifted her, and spun her around. "Stop" she screamed "unless you wish to be thrown up upon." Josh placed her down gently and kissed her passionately.