No Regrets

by hctbdreamgirl

Candy and Jeremy's wedding day is postponed, yet again, as he must leave Seattle on an extended trip. Can their relationship survive the distance and time apart?

NO REGRETS

"Jason!" Jeremy shouts excitedly one evening as he enters the Bolt cabin. Jason and his wife, Allyn along with Molly and Christopher, are visiting Joshua who is laid up with a broken leg. "Jason, you got a wire from the Governor's office."

As Jason takes it from Jeremy, he says, "Well, let's hope the Governor has agreed to fund our next trip to New Bedford. If not, we're going to be in a lot of hot water with our men." Jason opens the telegram and reads the message to himself. He sighs as he rereads it.

Josh asks, "Well, what does it say? Did he come through for us?"

Jason sits down and looks first at Josh, then at Jeremy. Their eager faces makes it hard for Jason to tell them. "Yes, he's giving us the money."

Jeremy and Josh whoop it up before Jason holds up his hand to silence them. "You didn't let me finish. He's giving us the money, but under one condition."

"What's the condition?" Jeremy asks.

Josh answers, "Does it matter Jeremy? We got the money."

"You may not want to agree to this condition after you hear it," Jason says.

"We have to agree to it. If we don't, there will be no trip," Josh states.

"Yeah Jason, we have to agree to it. No trip, means our men walk. And if our men walk, no more Bolt Brothers Logging," Jeremy chimes in.

"Jason," Allyn says as she places her hand on his shoulder. "You don't seem too happy about the condition. Just tell us what it is."

"Well, it seems the Governor wants us to leave by the end of the week."

"End of the week?" Josh says surprised.

"Josh can't go by the end of the week. Not now, since he broke his leg," Jeremy replies.

"I know that, Jeremy," Jason states. "And I can't go, not with Allyn so close to her delivery date."

All eyes turn to Jeremy.

"Now, wait a minute Jason. I can't go. Candy and I are getting married in a few weeks."

"I'm sorry, Jeremy. We have no other choice. You'll just have to postpone your wedding," Jason says.

"I can't! I won't! I won't do that to Candy! Not again! She's waited too long, as it is! I can't ask her to wait almost another year before we get married! Ma-maybe, we could talk the Governor into waiting until after the wedding. That way, Candy could go with me. It could be our honeymoon."

"I doubt if that will work. Jeremy, the Governor explicitly says, if we don't take this offer, the deal is off. I'm sorry," says Jason.

No one notices Molly and Christopher quietly leaving the cabin.

"Jeremy, maybe you and Candy could move your wedding up," Josh says.

"Josh that only gives her the rest of tonight to get ready. We'd have to get married tomorrow. Besides Reverend Adams is out of town. There's no one to marry us." Jeremy sits down and puts his hands on each side of his face. "Candy is going to kill me and I don't blame her. I'll probably lose her after this."

"I'm sure she'll understand this is not your fault, Jeremy," Allyn says as she comes around to sit beside him and puts her arm around his shoulders.

Jeremy looks at her. "Allyn, you know Candy. Do you honestly think she won't find a way to blame me for this?"

Josh states, "Jeremy, I'm sorry. If I hadn't broken my leg, I would be going like we had planned."

"It's not your fault, Josh. Besides you would miss our wedding. Wedding? I don't think Candy and me will ever get married. We've had nothing but one obstacle after another. How am I going to tell her? This will break her heart." He gets up and heads to his room. "I need to be alone and think of how to break the news to her." He closes the door behind him.

"I feel awful for them. They've waited so long for this. And now. . ."

The door opens and Candy runs in. "Where's Jeremy?" she asks.

"In his room. Candy, I. . ." Jason says before she runs into Jeremy's room.

Seeing Jeremy laying across his bed, Candy says loudly as she slams the bedroom door, "So, it's true! You're going to leave and our wedding is off!"

Jeremy rolls over with tears running down his face. He mumbles, "Yes, it's true. I'm sorry."

"You're sorry! That's all you have to say!"

"Candy, I'm just as upset as you are. I tried to get out of it, but there's no other choice. Josh can't go with his broken leg and Jason can't leave with Allyn so close to her delivery."

"What about you, us? Doesn't it mean anything that we're only a few weeks from our wedding? Of course it doesn't! We always have to postpone our plans!"

"I know, but the Governor made it clear. By the end of this week, or he backs out. I hate doing this to you again."

"Do you really, Jeremy? I'm beginning to think you just don't want to get married."

Getting up from the bed, he walks over to her and puts his arms around her waist. "Candy, you know that's not true. I do want to marry you. I love you."

"I don't know what to think anymore. Jeremy, I love you. All I want is for us to get married and have the babies we've talked about. I want to have your babies," she says as the tears fall from her eyes.

"I want that too, Candy. I really do." He kisses her lips. "Candy, come with me. I'll be taking the stage to Portland. We can get married there. Then this trip can be our honeymoon."

"I'd love to, but I can't. If it were just me, I would, but I have Molly and Christopher to take care of."

"Well, they could come too."

Shaking her head she replies, "When they got here, they made me promise to not ever make them have to make another trip like that. I can't break my promise. That's too rough a trip for children."

"Well, why can't Jason and Allyn take care of them until we get back?" Jeremy asks hopefully.

"Because they're going to have their own baby to take care of. They won't have the time or energy to take care of two rambunctious children."

"There's Biddie or Lottie. I'm sure they would like to help."

Candy walks over to the bed and sits on the edge. "No, Jeremy. Molly and Christopher are my responsibility. I can't leave them for almost a year." She sighs heavily. "No, I guess we're just going to have to face it. We're not meant to be."

Jeremy sits beside her and puts his arm around her shoulders, drawing her close. "Don't say that, Candy. Please don't say that. It makes it sound like you're giving up on us." He kisses the top of her head as she lays her head on his shoulder.

"Maybe we should. Maybe we should just give up. Heaven knows we're not getting anywhere together." She stands up. "Jeremy, I have to go. About tonight, I can't see you tonight. I need some time alone to think through everything. I hope you understand."

Jeremy gets up and wraps his arms around her. "I don't understand. Candy, I want to spend every minute, every second with you until I have to leave. I was hoping you would feel the same way."

"I don't know what I'm feeling right now. I have no hope left. I'm sorry," she cries.

"I'm sorry too. I love you, Candy." He places his mouth over hers and kisses her deeply.

"I love you too, but. . ." she says as she turns and runs from the room.

Jeremy spends the next several hours packing his trunk. When finished, he goes and sits down in the front room to talk with Josh. "Josh, any ideas on what I can do to make Candy forgive me for this?"

"I'm sure Candy doesn't blame you, Jeremy. You had no choice. She'll come to realize it sooner or later." He squirms around to get more comfortable. "When you see her tonight, I bet she's calmed down and will be supportive."

"I won't be seeing her tonight. She, uh, doesn't want to see me. Josh, what if she leaves me because of this? I don't think I can take it, if I lose her."

"Jeremy, I know Candy said she doesn't want to see you, but my guess is she really does. You two should talk this out."

"I know. But that's hard to do when she's over there and I'm over here."

"Why don't you go over there and surprise her? I know neither of you will get any sleep tonight."

"You're right about me not sleeping. I don't know about her." Jeremy shakes his head. "Josh, do you think you'll be all right here alone tonight? I think I'll go up to the house and maybe do a little work. Hope to clear my mind. I'll just stay up there tonight. May be my only chance to sleep there."

"Why do you think that?"

"If Candy doesn't want me anymore, I don't want the house. I guess I could sell it or let it just sit and rot away. Sorta like my life."

"Jeremy, I'm sorry about all this. Maybe I could go to New Bedford. I'll. . ."

"Thanks Josh, but there's no way you could make that trip. If you did, your leg probably would never heal correctly. No, this is something I'm stuck with." Jeremy goes to his room to pack a change of clothes, tells Josh goodnight and leaves.

Jeremy gets to the house, throws his small carpetbag onto the kitchen counter, then looks around at the house he has built for him and Candy. "I can't believe I built all this for nothing," he mumbles. He walks into the parlor and sees the furniture and pictures that Candy has already brought to the house. Hearing a noise upstairs, he slowly makes his way there. When he gets to their bedroom, he rushes in hoping to catch whoever the intruder is off guard. He is stunned to see Candy packing her things away in a box.

"Jeremy, what are you doing here?" she asks startled.

"I could ask you the same thing? What are you doing here?"

"I asked first," she says.

"All right. I knew you didn't want to spend my last days before I leave with me, so I thought I'd come and do some work. Try to forget about my problems. I thought I'd stay the night since this may be my last chance to spend the night here in our house. Now what are you doing here?"

Candy gives a long sigh. "Well, I thought I needed to pack my things up and move them back to the dormitory."

Shaking his head, Jeremy asks, "Candy, what are we doing? I don't want us to break up. But I can't ask you to wait for me either. It's not fair to you."

"Jeremy, I'm so tired of waiting for you to marry me. It seems like every time we get close to marriage, something happens and we have to postpone our wedding."

"I know. I'm sorry. I should have married you the first time I asked you. I have regretted letting Lew get in my head. After I came to my senses, I should have insisted that we marry."

"Why didn't you? I would have said yes."

"You would? You led me to believe that you weren't ready after all. Candy, why didn't you tell me you still wanted to marry me?"

"Well Jeremy, getting rejected while the whole town was waiting to hear our wedding date announcement, kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. I wanted you to ask me again, but I tried to give you a way out, just in case you weren't ready. And you took it."

Jeremy hangs his head and mumbles, "I'm sorry." Looking back up at Candy, he asks, "What are we going to do, Candy?"

"I honestly don't know Jeremy. If your men wouldn't insist on having New Bedford ladies, if they would take ladies from Idaho or Oregon, then we could still be married."

"I know. But they saw what fine upstanding ladies we brought back from New Bedford the first time, so they want the same kind. We tried to tell them that the best is already here. The next group might not be like the first group. But they won't budge. So New Bedford, here I reluctantly come."

"You know Jeremy, maybe I should regret coming here to Seattle. I was promised a husband that I never got. But no matter how you and I turn out, I don't regret coming. I did get to spend two wonderful years with the man I thought was going to be my husband. I will never be sorry for getting to know you and love you. You will make some lucky girl a fine husband some day, if she can ever get you to the altar, that is." She quickly wipes the tears from her eyes.

"So that's it, huh? You're going to, uh, end things. We're finished? Candy, I love you. You know that, don't you?"

"Yes, I know you love me. I love you too, but Jeremy I want more than just love. I need more than just love. I want and need a husband, a family of my own. A home. A real home. I don't know if I'll ever get that from you."

Jeremy walks over to the window and looks out so Candy can't see how much her words are tearing him apart.

"Jeremy, I'm sorry. I don't mean to hurt you. I do want you to know that if I do ever marry anyone besides you, that I'll never love him as much as I love you." She sits down on the bed and cries. "What am I saying? I can't love anyone else."

Sitting down beside her, he takes her hands and kisses her fingertips. She looks up at him and gives a weak smile. "Who knows, you may find a new girl in New Bedford. You can help her hang her corsets on the line. But you won't win her heart by stuttering like you won mine," she cries.

"Even if she would happen to bite her nails, she won't win my heart either. My heart belongs to you. I'll never give it to anyone else."

They wrap their arms around each other and cry together. Their lips meet for a sweet tender kiss.

"Jeremy?" Candy asks.

"Umm," Jeremy responds.

"Jeremy, I can't end things between us. I'll wait for you."

Jeremy pulls away from her and looks into her teary eyes. "You will? You don't have to."

"Oh, yes I do. Because. . .I love you. I love you too much to just let you walk out of my life. No matter how long it takes you to return to Seattle, I'll be here waiting."

"Oh, Candy. Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure," she sighs. "This reminds me of another time that I promised to wait for you. And here I am still waiting."

"Oh, you mean when Captain Harmon offered me a job at sea?" Jeremy asks. He kisses her cheek. "You won't regret this. This will be the last time you have to wait for me. Just as soon as I get back, we're going to run over to the church and have Reverend Adams marry us. I promise."

"I believe you, Jeremy. Just please hurry back."

"You know I will. Especially now that I know I still have my future bride waiting on me. Thank you, Candy. I love you."

"I love you, too."

They talk for a couple more hours, before Jeremy walks Candy back to the dormitory. Saying "goodnight," Jeremy then goes back up to his house to stay the night.

The next morning, Jeremy comes into the Bolt cabin whistling a gay tune. Seeing Josh in the leather chair with his leg propped up, he gets a big grin on his face and says, "Goood morning, Josh! How are you feeling on this glorious day?"

Josh's eyes start looking around the room. "Who are you and what have you done with my little brother?"

"Oh, I'm me Josh," Jeremy laughs.

"Don't tell me that working up at your house changed you from gloom and doom to giddy and hopeful," Josh says.

"No, I won't tell you that," Jeremy chuckles. "But I did take your advice about talking to Candy. We had a heart to heart talk and everything is great between us now. Thanks."

"Well, you're welcome, but I didn't really do anything. So, she's all right with you going to New Bedford and postponing your wedding yet again?"

"She is," Jeremy says with a sparkle in his eyes and a big grin on his face. "That woman just amazes me. I thought I'd lost her for good this time, but she still wants to marry me. She's going to have our wedding planned out for the very day I arrive home."

"That's wonderful Jeremy. What made her change her mind?"

"Well, like I said. We had a heart to heart talk. Got everything out in the open. And we just decided that we love each other too much to give up on us now." Going over to the stove and pouring himself a cup of coffee, Jeremy says, "I tell ya Josh, those New Bedford ladies better not give me a hard time. I don't have time for any shenanigans. I want to get back home as soon as possible."

"I hear ya, Jeremy. Hopefully everything will go as smooth as silk. Oh, there's some breakfast left there if you want any. Biddie and Peggy brought it over earlier."

Grabbing a plate Jeremy says, "Yeah, I'm starved." After he fills his plate, sits down at the table, and begins eating, he says, "Josh, can I ask a favor of you?"

"Sure, Jeremy. Anything. I feel like I owe you a lot for coming to our rescue."

"You don't owe me anything. Neither does Jason. I mean, Bolt Brothers Logging is part mine too. It's about time I make a sacrifice to help it. Lord knows, you and Jason have done it plenty of times."

"Well, we are family and that's what families do," Josh says. "What's the favor?"

"Would you look in on Candy? Be sure she's all right. See if she needs help with anything. And keep reminding her how much I love her."

"Sure, but you're not worried are you? About her finding someone else."

"No, I'm not worried about that. I know she loves me and will be faithful. It's just, well, I don't know how to explain it. I'm just afraid for her to be here alone, with me not here to protect her if anything should happen. I know she tries to show how strong of a woman she is and that she can take care of herself. But between you and me, I really think it's all an act. I worry about her. I just want her to be safe."

"I'll take good care of her, Jeremy. Or I will when I can finally get up and move around. Until then, I'll be sure to have some others check on her. Don't worry. We'll all take care of Candy."

"Thanks Josh," he says as he takes his plate over to the sink. "Is Jason coming by today or do I need to go up to the camp to see him? I'd like to spend some time with both of you today, because I'm going to spend my evening with Candy."

Just then the door opens and Jason walks in. Hearing what Jeremy just said Jason responds, "I'm here. I'm glad you want to spend time with us, Jeremy. I was afraid you'd still be upset with us, me especially."

"Well, I was upset. I don't know if I was upset with the two of you, or just the situation we were put in. But after a good nights sleep, I'm over it. I just want to get this trip over with as quickly as possible and come back home to Candy."

"We want that for you, too," Jason says as he pats Jeremy on the back. "Now, lets hear what you plan on telling those New Bedford ladies to get them to move here."

They sit down to discuss the trip. Meanwhile. . .

Candy awakes and is feeling ecstatic. "Good morning, ladies!" she says as she strolls into the kitchen to fix herself a cup of tea.

"My don't you seem different than the way you were acting last night," Peggy says.

"I know and I'm sorry about the way I was acting. I was rude to some of you when all you wanted to do was comfort me. I hope you all can forgive me."

"We understand, Candy," Biddie says as she takes Candy by the arm and leads her over to a table. "Why, we would probably have been the same way."

Sally brings a plate of food over and sets it on the table in front of Candy. "You have to be hungry."

"I guess I am a little," Candy answers as she picks up her fork and begins to eat. "I'm sorry to tell you all this, but it looks like I'll still be living here with Molly and Christopher for almost another year. Until Jeremy gets back."

"So you forgave him for breaking your heart again," Betsy states. "How many times are you going to forgive him, Candy?"

Putting her fork down and looking straight at Betsy she answers, "Just as many times as I have to, Betsy. Jeremy didn't cause this problem, so I can't blame him for doing what he has to do. We had a long talk last night. We decided that as soon as he gets back from his trip, we will be married and . . ."

"Married?" Betsy exclaims. "Candy, I don't mean to be a downer, but how exactly can you believe him when he says that? I mean how many times has he said he'd marry you and then he backs out."

Looking at Betsy with a determined look, Candy says, "I believe him because he is the nicest, most decent, honest man I know of. He has never lied to me. Oh, things don't always happen or go as we planned, but that's not Jeremy's fault."

"Well, I for one wouldn't put up with him always putting his brothers and his mountain before me. It doesn't matter how good looking he is," Betsy says.

"Betsy!" Biddie shouts. "Candy is not you and for your information, Jeremy wouldn't have you any ways. Oops, did I just say that out loud?" Biddie puts her hand over her mouth.

"Jeremy doesn't always do that Betsy. It may seem like it to you, but I know better. Anyways, it's nobody else's business what Jeremy and I do. We love each other and that's all that matters," Candy says.

"I'm sorry, Candy. I guess I see things differently than you because I've never been in love. I should have kept my opinions to myself," Betsy apologizes.

"It's all right. Just don't ever say anything against Jeremy again. You are entitled to your opinions, but I don't want to hear them," Candy tells her. "Now, I have some things I need to take care of. Jeremy and I are going to spend the evening together. Biddie, may I see you in my room?"

When Candy and Biddie get to her room Candy asks, "Biddie, I have a big favor to ask of you."

"Sure Candy, what is it?"

"Well Jeremy and I plan on meeting up at the house later. I'm going to cook supper for us. I was hoping you would look after Molly and Christopher for me. Be sure they eat their supper, do their homework, and are in bed by 8:00. You can sleep in my bed if you want to."

"Sure Candy, I'll be happy to. But if I sleep in your bed, where are you going to sleep?"

"I'm afraid I won't sleep much tonight what with Jeremy leaving in the morning. I think I'll just stay up at the house until time for him. . ." Candy fights back her tears. "Oh Biddie, what will I do for a whole year without Jeremy?"

Biddie gives Candy a hug. "Well Candy, you'll just have to remember all the good times the two of you have had. I'll help you through this any way I can."

"Thank you, Biddie," Candy says as she dries her tears. "I know you will. If you don't mind, I think I want to be alone right now. I have a lot of thinking to do."

"All right. I'll be here if you need me."

"Thanks." Biddie leaves and Candy sits down in her rocker. She tilts her head up to look at the ceiling and closes her eyes. Dear Lord, please help me get through this night and tomorrow morning. I want to be strong for Jeremy. It's going to be hard enough for him to leave. He doesn't need to see me fall apart in front of him. Please keep him safe and let this time go by quickly. Thank you for bringing Jeremy into my life. I love him so much. Amen

As Jeremy comes into the kitchen, he sees Candy placing their plates on the table. "Hey beautiful," he says as he encircles her waist with his arms. He gives her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Candy turns towards him and slides her arms around his neck. "Hey yourself." Their lips meet in a tender kiss.

"Here, these are for you," Jeremy says as he hands her a bouquet of daisies, her favorite flower.

"Thank you, they're lovely. Let me put these in some water." She arranges the flowers in a vase of water and sets them on the table. "Hope you're hungry. I made all your favorites."

Looking at the table, Jeremy licks his lips. "I see you did. Looks and smells delicious, but Candy you didn't have to spend all day cooking."

"Oh yes, I did have to. I couldn't very well let you leave on your trip without a good meal in your stomach. What kind of fiancee would do that? Besides I love cooking for you and it kept my mind off . . . other things."

"Well, I appreciate it. Thanks."

Giving a small curtsy she replies, "You're welcome." She giggles and says, "Have a seat and we'll eat."

Jeremy holds her chair for her and then seats himself. They hold hands while he asks the blessing. "For this food we're about to receive, let us be truly thankful. "A. . .", he pauses and clears his throat. "Lord, tomorrow is going to be a hard day for Candy and me. Be here for her, help her through this and keep her safe. I know we're going to have some dark and lonely days ahead of us, but when she feels down and depressed, let her think of how much I love her and want to be with her. I do love her more than anyone or anything." He has to stop and take a deep breath as his emotions are getting to be too much for him. He clears his throat again and continues as he squeezes Candy's hands. "I guess that's all I want to say for now, except I hope you will continue to bless us. Thank you for everything you have given us. A. . ."

Candy interrupts him before he can say Amen. "Lord, I have something to add to Jeremy's prayer. I love this man with all my heart. I'm going to miss him so much. How am I going to know that he's eating well and that he is all right? What happens if he gets sick? How am I going to take care of him?" She pauses and swallows hard. "You'll just have to take good care of him for me. Please bring him home safely to me. We have so much to look forward to when he returns. Thank you for giving Jeremy to me. Bless us Dear Lord and. . . and. . .and Amen." She lets her tears fall.

Jeremy says, "Amen," then leans over and kisses her lips. "I love you."

"I love you more," she answers.

When Jeremy finishes eating, he pushes away from the table and pats his stomach. "Thanks Candy. Supper was delicious. I honestly don't think I'll ever starve as long as you're around."

Candy bites her lip as tears spring to her eyes. "You're welcome," she mumbles.

"Hey, why the tears? Did I say something wrong?" Jeremy puts his fingers under her chin and lifts her head up.

"No, you didn't say anything wrong. It's just that, well, hmm, I'm not going to be around for almost a year. I won't be cooking for you. Are you going to eat properly? I can't stand the thought of you going hungry."

"Of course, I'm going to eat. The food won't be half as good as yours, but Candy I promise to eat."

"I'm sorry, Jeremy. You must think I'm being silly. I know you'll eat, but I should be cooking for you. Not strangers."

"Listen. I wish you were going to cook for me, but you'll have plenty of chances to cook when I get back. Why, you'll have to cook so much that I bet you'll get tired of it. You'll tell me to go eat at Lottie's or get out of here and go to Jason's," he chuckles.

Candy bows her head as more tears fall. "I would never tell you that."

He gives her a hug. "I know you wouldn't. I was just teasing." He pulls away from her just far enough so he can kiss her. " I was trying to put a smile on your beautiful face. Let's go outside and sit in the swing. I need to talk to you about something." He takes her hand and ushers her out onto the porch. Sitting down in the swing, he puts his arm around her shoulder and draws her close to him. "It's nice out here tonight."

"You wanted to come out here to talk about the weather?" Candy asks.

"Not hardly. It's just that I know how you're going to respond to what I'm going to say. But I feel like I need to say it anyways."

"All right, I'm listening."

"Well Candy, I know tomorrow when I have to get on that stage, uh, I know it's going to be hard for you. It will be hard for me, too."

"Yes, it will. I dread that moment so much," she replies.

"I know you do, so do I." He gives her cheek a little kiss. "So, I was wondering if you really want to be there. We could say our goodbyes in the cabin so. . ."

"Not on your life, Jeremy Bolt! I will be at that stage to see you off. No matter how hard it will be to see you leave, it would be even harder on me if I wasn't there."

"I was hoping you would say that."

"You were? Are you sure? Jeremy, do you not want me to be there?"

"Candy, I so much want you there. I remember another time I left and you weren't there to see me off. That was the loneliest trip I ever took. I don't want to feel like that ever again."

"Well, there's a big difference this time. We're not mad at each other and we did learn a big lesson about leaving with angry words spoken between us. That will never happen again." She kisses his shoulder.

"Good. Now, I want you to tell me what's bothering you. You've been unusually quiet tonight, like at supper. You hardly spoke."

"Nothings bothering me except for you le. . ."

"No, Candy. I know there's something more than just me leaving. Tell me."

"Oh Jeremy, you'll tell me I'm being silly. Maybe I am, I don't know."

"I promise I won't tell you that you're being silly. Tell me, please."

Candy takes a deep breath and begins without looking at Jeremy. "Well, I laid down upstairs in our room this afternoon to rest before I started cooking. I had been straightening up in there, putting some of my things away. Oh, I found your vest that goes to your gray suit. I laid it on the bed so you could take it with you."

"Thank you for finding it, but I want to hear what happened after you laid down."

"I'm getting to that. Anyways, I laid down and I fell asleep. I didn't mean to, it just happened."

"You're upset because you fell asleep?" Jeremy asks with a small chuckle.

"No. It's about a dream I had while I was sleeping. It scared me."

"Oh, I see. It was a bad dream then. Was it about monsters?" he laughs as he makes a scary face.

"No, I wish it were."

Jeremy is surprised with that answer. "You wish it were about monsters? Candy, what could possibly be worse than monsters?"

Candy looks into Jeremy's eyes when she says, "You."

"Me?" Jeremy yells. Candy jumps at Jeremy's loud voice. Taking her hand he says, "Oh, I'm sorry Candy. I didn't mean to yell. It's just that I can't believe I would be worse than a monster. And to scare you. What did I do to scare you?"

"I don't want to tell you."

"Well, you have to tell me now. You can't just leave me hanging. Tell me. I'm dying to know."

"All right. You were successful on getting the New Bedford ladies to come to Seattle. I don't know how many you got to come, but it looked like a lot."

"That's good at least. Right?"

"Yes. . .and no." Jeremy looks at her in complete puzzlement. "Let me explain. Yes, it was good that your men will be happy with all the women. And no, because of what. . . I saw." She pauses and bites at her bottom lip.

"What did you see?"

"Well, I was standing on the dock waiting for the ship to pull in and stop. I was waving to you."

"And I was waving to you too. Right?"

Her eyes get teary. "I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know? Was I waving or not?"

"Yes, you were waving, but I couldn't tell if you were waving at me or just waving in general. You know how we can see each other from afar and how we always catch each other's eye. We smile and continue looking into each other's eyes. We make a connection."

"Yeah, we only have eyes for one another. I know."

"Well, we didn't do that, Jeremy. I tried. I was standing there waving and trying to catch your eye. But you wouldn't look at me. I started calling your name, but you just ignored me." Some tears start to fall.

"Maybe I couldn't hear you."

"I don't think so. I think you heard me just fine." She takes a handkerchief from her pocket and dabs at her eyes.

"Candy," Jeremy says as he takes her hand and kisses her fingertips. "It's all right. It was just a dream. You know I won't do that to you when I come home. Don't you?"

"There's more, Jeremy. I found out why you wouldn't look at me," she says as she bites at her lip.

"Okay, why?"

"There was a young, cute little blue eyed blond that came to stand by your side. She took your arm and you looked at her the way you. . . you. . . look at me. Then. . . then. . . you kissed her." Candy jumps up and runs into the house. Not stopping when she hears Jeremy calling for her, she runs up the stairs, into their room, and throws herself on the bed sobbing.

"Candy! Candy! It wasn't real!" Jeremy shouts as he runs after her. Coming into the bedroom, he sees Candy on the bed sobbing. He walks over to her and sits on the edge of the bed. Placing his hand on her back, he says, "Candy, it was just a dream. It didn't happen. And it won't happen. I love you and only you." He coaxes her to turn over. "Candy, come on."

Candy turns over and looks into Jeremy's eyes. "Jeremy, it was an omen. A bad omen," she cries.

"No, it wasn't. It was just a bad dream. I can't believe you're taking this dream so seriously. That's all it was. Just a dream."

"But Jeremy," she sniffs. "What if it was trying to tell us something? I don't want you to fall in love with a young, cute little blond!" she begins to cry again.

Jeremy pulls her up into his arms and holds her tight. "Candy, I won't do that, I promise. What would I want with a cute little blond when I already have a beautiful hot redhead?" He pulls away so he can look into her eyes and kiss her. "I love you."

"I love you."

They are into a deep kiss when Jeremy suddenly pulls away from her. He places his hands on each side of her face and looks deeply into her eyes. "Candy, marry me. Marry me right here, right now."

"What?" she says as she pulls away from him. "How can I marry you, right here, right now? Jeremy, we don't have a preacher."

"I know. We don't need one. All we need is each other and God. We can perform our own ceremony and God can be our witness. He knows how much we love each other."

"But it wouldn't be legal," Candy protests.

"Maybe not in the eyes of the law, but it would be legal in the eyes of God. I love you, Candy and I don't want to leave like this. We can say our vows and belong to each other. And when I get back, we can make it official by getting remarried in church with a wedding license."

"Are you serious about this?" She looks into his eyes. "You are serious, aren't you?"

"Yes, I'm serious."

She places her hand on the side of his face. "I don't know about this, Jeremy. I want to, but I'm scared."

"Scared? Of what? Me? Candy, I'm not that bad Jeremy in your dream."

"I know you aren't. But Jeremy are you asking me this because I fell apart over a dream? I don't want to get married just because you feel like it's the only way to make me feel better."

"I'm not asking you to marry me for that reason. But I do hope it will make you feel better about my leaving. This thought, us marrying, came to me earlier today. It's all I could think about for hours. I finally convinced myself that you would never go for it, so I forgot about it. But Candy, I want to do this. I love you and this would make it so much easier for us to be apart. Think about it. Just me, you, and God."

"I am thinking. I do love the idea, but I'm still not sure. Could I have a little time alone to think about this?"

"Sure. I need to go home for something, but I'll be back in say an hour. Will that be long enough?"

"Maybe. I promise I'll try to decide before you get back."

Jeremy stands and helps her up from the bed. "Candy, I'm not trying to get you to do something that you may regret later. I do want to marry you, but I would never pressure you into marrying me. This has to be your decision. I'll understand if you say no. Really, I will."

"Thank you, Jeremy. I know you will. I love you."

"I love you, too." He kisses her lips. "See you in an hour." He leaves her to make the biggest decision of her life.

When Jeremy gets ready to return to his house, he has changed into his gray suit pants and white shirt with a black string tie. He is as nervous as a bridegroom can be as he gets ready to take the big plunge. Not knowing what Candy has decided, he thought he would change clothes anyways, just in case she says yes.

He stops by the church to say a prayer for him and Candy and to ask for God's blessing on their marriage if they wed. "God, I don't want to do anything to cause you displeasure with me or Candy. We love each other so much that we don't want to wait another year to get married. We've waited long enough. I know our marriage will not be legal in the eyes of the law, but I do believe it will be legal in your eyes according to your laws. I promise to love her for the rest of my life. And to be faithful to her. Help her with her decision and don't let her have any regrets with either way she decides. If she says no, then I'll be content with that answer. I won't pressure her. I'll just continue to love her. Thank you for your many blessings. Amen." He sits on the pew and contemplates. Finally, he rises and heads out to find what his future will be.

He gets back to the house, half expecting Candy to be gone. He is afraid he has frightened her with his proposal. He locks the doors, grabs the bouquet of daisies, and heads upstairs to see if she is still there. Knocking on the bedroom door, he gently opens it to see a candlelit room and Candy in a pretty dress of white with small rows of tiny pastel flowers. The low cut square neckline is enough to entice Jeremy to whistle, "Whit woo! Wow! You look beautiful!"

"Why, thank you. You look mighty handsome yourself. I hope this dress will do."

"Honestly Candy, you could wear a feed sack and you'd look beautiful in it. But yes, this dress is perfect for the occasion. That is, if you have decided to marry me."

Candy walks over to Jeremy and holds out her hand. "If you're sure you want to marry me, then yes, I'll marry you right here, right now."

Taking her hand in his, he says, "I'm sure. I love you, Miss Candy Pruitt and I want you to be my wife, but only if you're sure. I don't want you to have any regrets."

"I'll never regret marrying you, Jeremy Bolt. This is what I've wanted ever since I first saw you in New Bedford. I love you."

He hands her the bouquet and says, "We don't have much to work with, but you do have your flowers. I promise when we redo this in the church, we'll go all out and have anything you want."

"Jeremy, thank you, but I don't need anything else. I have the flowers and my Bible, but most of all, I have you." She kisses his cheek.

Jeremy takes her hand and leads her over to the fireplace so they can begin their ceremony. Putting his hands on her waist he asks, "Candy, are you sure you want to do this? I mean, I don't want you to do something on the spur of the moment and then later have regrets."

"Jeremy, I thought we just went through this. I told you I will never regret marrying you, I'm ready to be your wife in every way. Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

"I most definitely want to marry you. Let's do this." He kisses her lips, then takes her hands in his. Clearing his throat he says, "God, you know our circumstances. We wouldn't be getting married like this if there was any other way. But there isn't and we love each other too much to wait another year. We ask that you bless our union and help us get through this long separation that we're going to endure."

He smiles that big smile that she loves while he looks deeply into her eyes. And he begins.

"I, Jeremy James Bolt, take you Candace Ann Pruitt, to be my beloved wedded wife. I will take care of you, in good times and in bad times, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better or worse. I promise to love you, honor you, cherish you, and be faithful to you for the rest of my life, as God is my witness." He raises her hands to his lips and kisses her fingertips.

Wiping her tears away before she begins, Candy then puts her arms around Jeremy's neck. And she begins.

"I, Candace Ann Pruitt, take you Jeremy James Bolt, to be my beloved wedded husband. I will take care of you, in good times and in bad times, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better or worse. I promise to love you, honor you, cherish you, and be faithful to you, for as long as we both shall live, as God is my witness." She kisses his cheek.

Jeremy takes the wedding band he retrieved from his room at the cabin only minutes ago, from his pocket and slipping it on Candy's finger says, "As a sign of my love for you, with this ring I thee wed. I love you," he adds in almost a whisper as a tear falls from his eye.

Candy whispers, "I love you."

Taking her in his arms he says, "Now, I pronounce us husband and wife. And I'm going to kiss my bride," he laughs. Their lips meet and they enjoy a very tender kiss.

Candy says, "God, please bless our marriage and please, please keep Jeremy safe on his journey to New Bedford. Let him be successful and return home to me as quickly as possible. I love him with all my heart."

"God, I just want to ask you to please watch after Candy and keep her safe. I promise to return as fast as I can. I don't want to be apart from her any longer than I have to. She is my life. Amen."

They wipe each others tears away. "Well, Mrs. Bolt, how do you feel?"

"I feel very happy and excited. And nervous," she adds shyly.

"Nervous? Why?"

"Well, I'm nervous about what comes next. You know our first night together." She buries her face into Jeremy's chest to hide her embarrassment.

"Hey, now," he tells her as he places his finger under her chin and tilts her head upwards so they're looking into each others eyes. "If you're not ready to spend the night together, it's all right. I understand."

"Do you really understand, Jeremy? I want to be with you. To do what all married people do, but I'm just nervous."

"I really understand. I mean I did spring this on you all of a sudden. It's not like you had months to get ready for this. You only had an hour. Just being married to you is fine, Candy. I'll be honest with you. I'm a little nervous too.

"You are?"

"Yeah, I am. I didn't have but an hour to get ready for this, too. So, if you want to wait until I return to consummate our marriage, then we'll wait."

"Jeremy, we are married. And married couples make love. I want that for us. I mean, we've gone this far, so why should we wait?"

"Candy, I just don't want you to regret this."

"I won't regret doing this. But if we don't do it, I think I may regret it and it'll be too late for me to do anything about it. I love you and I do want to be your wife in that way."

"I know we'll be all right. Just let things happen naturally. Remember how much I love you." He kisses her lips.

"I will," she replies. She takes a deep breath and exhales. She slowly unbuttons his shirt and helps him out of it, letting it fall to the floor. Candy lays her head on his chest and gives him small kisses along his neck. Her fingers playfully roam over his chest.

"Oh Candy," he whispers as he closes his eyes. His fingers start unbuttoning her dress. He slips it off her shoulders letting it fall on the floor next to his shirt. At this point, it doesn't take them long to shed the rest of their clothes. Wrapped in each others arms while kissing, they make their way slowly to the bed, easing each other down on it. They do exactly what Jeremy says they should do, they let things happen naturally.

After making love, they lay in each other's arms. "Hi, Mrs. Bolt," Jeremy says as he kisses her lips.

"Well, hello to you too, Mr. Bolt," she giggles.

"Are you all right? Did I hurt you?"

"I'm fine." She kisses his shoulder. "Jeremy, I've thought about us making love so many times. I thought I knew how wonderful it would be. How it would make me feel. But I was wrong."

"What? Did you not enjoy it? Did I not please you?" he asks with much concern.

"Oh no, I didn't mean that. I did enjoy it. I meant that being with you like this, was way more special than what I imagined. It was amazing. How about you? Be honest, Jeremy. Was I okay? Did I disappoint you?"

"Disappoint me? Never. You were like a little ball of fire, my spitfire." He kisses her lips. "So, you're all right with what we did?"

"What we did? You mean getting married or the making love part?"

"Both, I guess. Candy, do you have any regrets?"

Shaking her head she replies, "Jeremy Bolt, would you please stop talking about having regrets. I honestly don't have any and I will never have any. So we didn't get married in the conventional way. This way worked for us. I love you."

"I love you, too. I know we aren't married according to the law, but. . ."

"Jeremy, we are married. In my mind and in my heart, we are married. I just wish we could shout it from the rooftops."

He kisses her cheek. "I feel that way too. I want to tell Jason and Josh so badly, but we can't tell anyone about this until I get back. I won't have anyone being rude and ugly to you. And you know there are some in this town that would be cruel."

Candy laughs, "You mean Helen and Maude?"

"Yes, and Lucy Dale. We'll just have to keep it between the two of us. Can you do that?"

"Jeremy Bolt, I know how to keep a secret."

They look into each others eyes and say at the same time, "Don't tell Biddie!" They laugh and Jeremy kisses the tip of Candy's nose.

Jeremy squeezes Candy. "Candy, I want you, Molly, and Chris to move here, into our house. Make it your home."

"Oh Jeremy, I don't know about that. This is our house, yours and mine. You should be here when we move in."

"I agree, it is our house and I should be here. But I won't be here for a long time. You can move in and make it our home. Get everything ready for my homecoming. Besides, that little room the three of you are living in, just doesn't work anymore."

"Well, I'll think about it."

"Fair enough. I talked to Jason and Josh about you moving in. They thought it was a great idea. They even offered to help you move in and get settled."

"Oh they did, did they? I think it'll be some time before Joshua can help do anything," she laughs.

"Give him a month and he'll be ready. A broken leg won't keep him down long."

"All right. Like I said, I'll think about it," Candy says.

"Another thing. In the morning before I leave, I'm going to give you a small carpetbag with some of my things in it. I want you to keep it for me. Look at the things as often as you need to, to remember me and my love for you. Also, there will be some money for you. . ."

"Money? Jeremy, I don't want your money. I didn't marry you for your money."

"I know you didn't. But you will need money to help you get by, especially if you move in here. You won't have the council's allowance to depend on any more. Use it for whatever you need to. And if you find that you need more, just tell Jason or Josh and they'll see to it that you get what you need."

"Jeremy, I don't want them to think I stayed with you for your money."

"They won't think that. I told them to give you whatever you need. Please, let me do this for you."

"All right. Thank you. But I want you to know that I will use it wisely. Only for necessities."

"Good." He kisses her lips softly. "Candy, how am I going to leave you? I wish you were going with me."

"I know, Jeremy. I wish I were, too. I'm going to miss you so much." She places her hands on each side of his face and pulls him closer. "I'll never want to let you go."

Jeremy moans, "Oh, Candy, me either. I love you, Mrs. Bolt." He kisses her forehead. "Now, I hate to say this, but I guess I better take you home, back to the dormitory. We don't want to get rumors started."

"I don't have a place to sleep. I told Biddie to sleep in my bed since I would probably stay up here. I guess I could sleep upstairs in her bed. Jeremy, I wish we could stay here together all night."

"I wish that too. We will someday. I promise. It's something we can look forward too."

The next morning Candy awakens early. She hurriedly slips into the washroom to be alone. Looking at the wedding band on her finger, she realizes that her and Jeremy did marry. It was for real, not a dream as she thought it might be. She takes the ring off and slides it on the chain she has around her neck. I may not be able to wear his ring on my finger yet, but I swear it will never come off from around my neck. Not until Jeremy takes it off and puts it back on my finger where it belongs. Oh Jeremy, I can't believe we did that last night. It was the most wonderful night of my life. I can't wait to see you this morning. But then, I have to say goodbye to my handsome husband. Husband! I have a husband! Jeremy Bolt is my husband. I can hardly believe it! She quickly dresses and fixes her makeup and hair. After all, she does want to look nice for her husband.

Candy quietly leaves the dormitory and rushes to the Bolt cabin where she is to meet Allyn and Jason. Her and Allyn are going to fix breakfast for the family. They thought it only appropriate that Jeremy should have a good hearty breakfast with his family before he leaves.

Upon entering the cabin, they see that Josh is awake, but Jeremy is still in his room asleep. Jason says, "I tell you that boy would sleep all day if he could. He better get a move on if he's going to catch that stage on time. I'll go get him up."

As he starts towards Jeremy's door, Candy grabs his arm. "Jason, may I go wake Jeremy up. Please. We don't have much time left, so I'd like to be with him as much as possible."

Jason pats her hand and says, "Of course, Candy. What was I thinking? Yes, you go get that sleepyhead up."

"Thank you," she replies.

Shutting the door quietly, she enters Jeremy's room. He's laying in bed with only his longjohn bottoms on. Candy watches him sleep for a moment, then moves to his bed. Sitting on the edge, she gently moves his hair back from his face and smiles. Jeremy, I'm going to miss you so much. I love you. How am I going to say goodbye to you? She leans over and gives him a small kiss on the lips. Her fingers roam over his chest.

Jeremy jerks awake and seeing Candy, gives her his big beautiful smile that she loves. "Good morning, beautiful." Taking her hand in his, he kisses her fingertips. He looks at her hand and not seeing the wedding band, he says very disappointedly, "Oh."

"Oh what?" Candy asks.

"Oh, I guess it was just a dream."

"What was just a dream?"

"Candy, I had a dream that we got married and then we made love. It felt so real."

"Why do you think it was just a dream?" she asks smiling.

"Well, you're not wearing the wedding band I put on your finger."

"Jeremy, I couldn't very well wear your wedding band on my finger for all your family to see." She takes the chain out from under her neckline to show him the ring. "I put it on here for safe keeping. I'll never take it off until you return."

"So, you're saying we did marry. You are my wife. Oh Candy, I knew it felt too real to be a dream. Especially the making love part."

"Yes Jeremy, we did marry. I want to run in there and tell everyone the news, but I know we can't. I love you, Mr. Bolt."

"I love you, Mrs. Bolt. Gawd, I want you so much right now." He pulls her down and places his lips on hers.

"I know. I want you too. But I have to go help Allyn fix breakfast."

"I don't need breakfast. All I need is you." He gives her small kisses going down on her neck.

"Jeremy, we can't. Everyone is in the other room. I'm supposed to get you up so you can as Jason said, Get a move on." She laughs.

"All right. Let's get breakfast over with and go for a walk. Maybe we'll wind up at the house."

"Maybe, if there's time. But right now you have to get up and get dressed."

He sits up and swings his legs off the bed to stand up. He pulls Candy up and wraps his arms around her. They kiss.

As Jeremy watches Candy leave the room he thinks, Gawd, I can't believe she belongs to me. My wife. How can I tell her goodbye in just a few short hours? He shakes his head and grabs his clothes to put on. Sometimes life is so unfair.

Christopher is excited that Jeremy is going across country on a train and stagecoach. "Jeremy, do you think you'll see any Indians?"

"Well maybe, but I hope not." He looks at Candy and sees the uneasiness on her face. Hoping to change the subject, Jeremy says, "Chris, Molly, I hope the two of you won't cause your sister any problems while I'm away. I want you to help her any way she asks you too. All right?"

"All right Jeremy, we will," Molly answers.

"Okay," Christopher says. "Jeremy, maybe some robbers will hold up the stagecoach. That would be neat!"

"Christopher!" Candy shouts. "Stop that kind of talk right now!"

Jeremy takes her hand and squeezes it. "It's all right, Candy."

"No, it's not. He doesn't realize that you could be hurt or . .." Her eyes fill with tears.

Jason takes charge. "Christopher, you should pray every night that Jeremy will not encounter any robbers or Indians. We want him to come home safely."

Molly kicks Christopher under the table. When he looks at her to fuss at her, he sees her slightly tilt her head towards Candy. He nods his head. Getting up from his seat, he walks over to stand between Candy and Jeremy. "I'm sorry, Candy. You too, Jeremy. I hope you have a safe trip."

Jeremy places his hand on Christopher's shoulder. "Thanks Buddy. I hope so too. Candy?"

Candy looks at Jeremy as he nods towards Chris. "Thank you, Christopher. I didn't mean to yell. I'm sorry."

"It's okay." He gives Candy a hug then returns to his seat.

Jeremy stands and helps Candy from her chair. "Candy and I are going for a walk so we can say our goodbyes to each other in private."

Before anyone can reply, there is a knock at the door. Jason answers the door to a beaming Lottie.

"Oh good," she says. "I was afraid you'd still be eating." She comes in and strolls up to Jeremy. "You know I couldn't let you leave without giving you a big hug." They give each other a hug and Lottie continues to talk to Jeremy. He looks at Candy and she gives him a slight smile.

When the next knock comes, Chris opens the door. It's Ben and Emily Perkins. Holding a small box, she offers it to Jeremy. "I baked you some oatmeal cookies. I know they're your favorite."

Taking the box he says, "Thank you, Emily. I know I'll enjoy them. Will remind me of home."

He glances at Candy while she frowns and starts clearing the table.

While everyone stands around and talks, Candy begins washing the dishes with tears in her eyes. Biddie walks over and asks, "Uh Candy? Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Biddie. I'm just fine," she snaps as she wipes her tears from a cheek and gets soap suds on her face. "I'm sorry, Biddie."

"Oh my," Biddie picks up a dish towel and wipes the suds from Candy's cheek. "Here, let me help you with the dishes." She begins to dry them.

A few more people stop by to tell Jeremy bye. Aaron Stempel, Corky, Miss Essie and Swede all have something to say to Jeremy before he leaves.

Candy finishes the dishes and quietly slips into Jeremy's room. She is so disappointed and can't keep her tears away. She begins to make the bed and then stops. Why make the bed if Jeremy won't be here. I need to strip the sheets off so I can wash them. She sits down on the side of the bed, picks up the corner of the sheet and cries into it. It smells like Jeremy which makes her cry even more..

Jeremy sees that it's getting close to time for him to leave. He noticed Candy going into his room, so he makes an announcement. "I want to thank all of you for coming to see me off. I hope to see all of you real soon with a ship full of young ladies. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find Candy so we can say our goodbyes in private." He walks over to Jason. "Jason, will you see that Candy and I aren't disturbed. We'll be in my room."

"Sure, Jeremy. She looked upset when she went in there."

"Oh, you noticed that too, uh?"

"Go check on your girl. I'll let you know when it's time to leave if you're not out here."

"Thanks."

Jeremy enters his room and sees Candy sitting on the bed with her back to him. Walking over to the bed and sitting next to her, he says as he takes her hand, "I'm sorry we didn't get to take our walk. I was looking forward to it."

"I'm sorry, too. I don't blame you. What else could you have done? Jeremy, these people, this town loves you. I was happy to see that they came to tell you bye. It's just that I wanted to spend this last hour with you alone. That's selfish of me, I know."

"Well, if you're selfish, then I'm selfish too. I wanted to spend my last hour with you up at our house making love to you. I guess I'll just remember how beautiful you were last night. And Candy you were so beautiful. I'll never forget how you looked." He takes her in his arms as tears fall from his eyes. "I love you so much. I don't want to leave you." He strokes her hair.

"I don't want you to leave me either. Jeremy, I thought last night was so perfect. You are undoubtedly the most handsome man in the world. I'll never forget how you looked and how it felt to be with you." They kiss and continue to kiss falling back on the bed.

"I want you so much, Candy, but we don't have much time."

"I want you too, Jeremy. Oh God, I don't think I can let you go," she cries as she sits up. "What am I going to do? I have to know that you're all right? How will I know you're all right?"

"Candy, I'll try to send telegrams to you at every stop we make. I want you to know everything that is going on. The word YES will be our code. If I end my message with YES, then that will mean I have a layover and you can send me a telegram back."

"I like that. Do you promise to let me know how and where you are?"

"I promise," he answers as he kisses her fingertips softly.

She smiles and says, "Now, where were we?" She lays back down and they cuddle and kiss.

A knock sounds on the door. "Jeremy, ten minutes!"

"All right, Jason. Be out shortly."

"I guess it's time, uh?" Candy says.

"I believe so. Candy, remember I love you. Thank you for marrying me."

"Jeremy, that's all I've ever wanted, was to marry you. Thank you for marrying me too. I love you with all my heart. Please hurry back. We have so much to look forward to."

"I'll try my best to be back in less than a year. I'm looking at maybe 8-10 months. Just don't give up on me."

"I won't ever give up on you, on us. I love you, Jeremy Bolt."

They stand and hold each other. "And I love you, Candy Bolt."

They kiss, straighten their clothes, and pat down their hair. Holding hands they go back out and join the others.

"Well Josh, it looks like you get to sit this one out. Stay off that leg and let it heal properly."

"I will Dr. Bolt. You'll excuse me if I don't stand," Josh laughs. "Jeremy, good luck and take care."

"Thanks Josh." He leans over and they hug. Standing back up Jeremy adds, "I love you, Josh."

Josh chokes up. "I love you too little brother." He holds his fist out. Jeremy places his hand over Josh's fist. They look at Jason. He places his hand over Jeremy's. They all nod and smile.

Jason says, "Your trunk is already over at Ben's. We better get moving."

Jeremy puts his arm around Candy's waist and escorts her out of the cabin. The rest follow them, walking slowly to Ben's General Store.

As they're standing there waiting for the stage, Jeremy begins telling Jason, Allyn, Biddie, Molly, and Chris bye. He saves the last goodbye for his wife, Candy. The stage rolls in while he and Candy are holding each other tight. She clings to him, not wanting to let go.

After Jason gets Jeremy's trunk loaded, the stagecoach driver says. "Come on, son. Hop aboard. We've got to get going."

Jeremy and Candy kiss one more time. "I love you," he says.

"I love you," she replies.

Getting ready to climb on board, he hears Candy say as she cries, "Jeremy!"

He stops and turns around, taking her in his arms. He kisses her, then quickly climbs on the stage.

Waving as the stage pulls away Candy shouts, "I love you, Jeremy Bolt!"

He sticks his head out the window and shouts, "I love you too, Candy!"

Candy stands there waving until the coach is out of sight, with Jason and Allyn standing by her side. They each take a hand and they all walk back to the Bolt cabin. The long journey has begun for them all.

Jeremy keeps his word and sends Candy telegrams about his whereabouts. Sometimes, she gets to wire him back. She lives for those days when they can communicate with each other. He tells her they are making good time going out there. He should be there in another week if nothing happens.

Well, ever since he sent that last wire about getting there in a week, it seems like everything happens. A wheel on the stage breaks, out in the middle of nowhere. It takes days to fix it. The driver gets sick and is laid up for almost a week. There are bad storms that prohibit them from traveling. The train is almost always late. Sometimes several days late. Jeremy is getting fed up with the delays. I could have walked there faster than this,he thinks. What was suppose to take almost two months, turns out to be closer to three months.

When he finally arrives in New Bedford, the first thing he does is acquire a room at the New Bedford Inn. Next, he hurries to the telegraph office to wire Candy that he finally arrived. He ends his message with YES. Hoping to hear from her soon, he tells the telegrapher to send any messages to the Inn. He walks around town reminiscing about his first visit there. He goes into the firehouse where he saw Candy for the first time. She was atop a fire engine cleaning out the smoke stack. She had soot all over her face, but he thought she was beautiful. Walking over to the town hall, he remembers Candy all dressed up in a pretty green dress that fit her like a glove from the waist up. She took his breath away, she was so beautiful. Coming back out into the street, he stops and watches the citizens hurry about. There aren't as many young ladies out and about like it was before. Also, he notices there are quite a few men in town. His heart sinks.

Returning to the Inn, he goes up to his room to take a bath and to dress for an early supper. He wants to get a good hot meal in his stomach before he goes back out to put up fliers about the meeting the next day. Upon entering the dining room, a bellhop hands him an envelope.

After ordering, he opens the envelope and reads HAPPY YOU'RE THERE AND WELL WE ARE FINE ALLYN AND JASON HAVE A BIG BOY JONATHAN JASON BOLT HURRY AND GET LADIES WANT YOU HOME MISS YOU LOVE YOU SO MUCH CANDY A smile breaks out on his lips. He reads it several more times before placing it in the inner pocket of his suit.

After supper, he goes out to the square and hands out the fliers and tacks some up about town. A cute little blue eyed blond, along with a pretty brunette run up to him. "Who are you? Weren't you here before?" they ask.

"I'm Jeremy Bolt from Seattle and yes, I was here a little over two years ago." As Jeremy hands them a flier he adds, "Hope to see you at the meeting tomorrow night."

"Oh,, I'll be there. You can count on it," the blond says as she bats her eyes at him.

"Uh, good. Tell all single ladies you know to come. See you there," he turns to walk away. Turning back around he says, "Hey, may I ask a question? Are there many single girls here now? When I was here before there were ladies everywhere. It doesn't seem to be too many around now."

"Well, you took a lot when you left before and some moved away," the brunette said.

"It took awhile, but men started coming here looking for wives. You may have a harder time getting ladies to go with you this time. Of course," the blond says as she places her hand on Jeremy's arm, "I'll be happy to sign up right now."

"Thanks, but tomorrow night will be fine. Uh, goodnight." He hurries back to his room and lays down on the bed. He takes Candy's message out of his pocket and reads it again. If Candy knew I just talked to a young, cute little blue eyed blond, she'd swear her dream was really an omen like she thought. I'd never hear the end of it. He laughs. Oh Candy, you have nothing to worry about. I'm not interested in any blonds, brunettes, or redheads. I have you, my beautiful redheaded Mrs. Candy Bolt, and that's all I'll ever want. He gets up and takes his clothes off leaving only his longjohn bottoms. He crawls in bed and soon drifts off to sleep while thinking of his beautiful wife.

Jeremy finds out that trying to convince young women to relocate to Seattle is harder than he thought it would be. Out of the fifty-two ladies that shows up for the meeting, he has thirty-eight that signs up. He doesn't want to go back to Seattle with less than sixty women, so he spends the next four days going to nearby towns to recruit enough women to meet his quota. Finally, he has sixty-seven women willing to move to Seattle.

Two days later, Jeremy is watching the Brides board a much nicer ship than the Shamus O'Flynn, when an older woman approaches him with the cute little blond girl. "Mr. Bolt?"

"Yes, may I help you?" he asks.

"I hope so. This is my daughter, Karen. She tells me that she signed your contract to relocate to Seattle."

"Yes Ma'am, she did. Is there a problem?" Jeremy asks almost dreading to hear the answer.

"Well, I hesitate to let her go, but she is bound and determined to follow in her sister's footsteps."

"Her sister? Her sister was one of the original Brides?"

"Yes, she was. She's always writing about how much she loves it there. Now, she has this one wanting to go."

"May I ask who your other daughter is?"

"Oh, did I not say? I'm sorry. Her name is Frannie. Frannie West."

"Frannie! Yes, I know Frannie quite well. She's a lovely woman. Married Canada, a fine man. Now, they have a baby on the way."

"Yes, she wrote me all about it. I'm really happy for her, but I do miss her. I'll miss this one too," she says as tears fill her eyes.

Jeremy says, "I'm sure you will, but be assured that we'll take good care of her. Plus, she will have her sister to look after her when she gets to Seattle."

"Thank you, Mr. Bolt." She walks with her daughter to the gangplank and tearfully says her goodbyes. After Karen has boarded, Mrs. West walks back over to Jeremy. "Mr. Bolt, please take good care of Karen. She is not as level headed as Frannie. She likes to take too many chances which usually gets her in trouble. Maybe this move will help her mature. I hope she can find a nice young man to marry and that he will love her. How about you, Mr. Bolt? Do you have a girl waiting for you in Seattle? A wife?"

"Uh, yes I do. I'm already taken," he chuckles.

"Oh, too bad. I would be very happy if Karen could have found a nice good looking man as yourself."

"Thank you, Mrs. West, but we do have some very nice men in Seattle. I'm sure Karen won't have any problems finding a husband. Now, I better get on board before the ship leaves without me. Nice meeting you."

"Yes, yes, nice meeting you too. Have a safe voyage, Mr. Bolt."

"Thank you." He happily hurries up the gangplank to begin his journey home to Candy.

A few weeks have gone by since Candy got the telegram from Jeremy stating that he is on his way home. Since he is at sea, she knows she'll not be getting many wires from him, unless they happen to stop for supplies at some port along the way. She is sitting on the big boulder overlooking the ocean daydreaming about Jeremy. Four months. Four months since Jeremy left. Only five more to go. I'm so glad he didn't go to sea with Mr. Harmon. He may have been gone years at a time. How does women stand it? Their men being gone so long at a time, without any word from them. How did Mother stand it? Now, I understand why she was so sad most of the time when Father was away. I wonder what the girls Jeremy is bringing here, look like. Sixty-seven. Sixty-seven young girls. Umm, wonder what Jeremy is doing with sixty-seven young, cute girls. She giggles. I bet they're falling all over him trying to get his attention. Well, I trust Jeremy. I know he won't betray me or our marriage.

Standing up to go back home, she has a dizzy spell. Holding on to the boulder until it passes, she thinks, this is the third time today and the fourth day this week that this has happened. What is going on with me? I never get sick. I've had this stomach bug, that is taking forever to go away. And now this. I may have to go see Allyn if this keeps up. Feeling a little better, she goes home.

After a few more days of dizzy spells and just feeling drained, Candy decides to give Allyn a visit."Allyn, I feel so foolish coming here, but I've tried everything I can think of and nothing seems to work."

"It's all right, Candy, that's what I'm here for.You said you think you have a stomach bug. Does Molly or Christopher have it too?"

"No, they're completely fine. I've tried to stay away from them as much as possible."

"What kind of symptoms are you having?"

"I've been throwing up a lot. I've been drinking lots of chamomile tea."

"Does that help?" Allyn asks.

"A little."

"How's your appetite? Are you eating anything?"

"I can't eat anything until around lunchtime. That's when my stomach settles down," Candy laughs.

"What's so funny?" Allyn inquires.

"Oh, I kept telling Jeremy that I was afraid he wouldn't eat properly, and here I am not eating. He would get a good laugh out of this."

"Um, I see," Allyn smiles. "What else is going on?"

"Well, I've started having dizzy spells. I figure it's because I'm not eating enough. And I just don't have any energy. I don't know why though, because I'm getting plenty of rest."

"Lay back and let me press around on your stomach area." After a few presses, Allyn asks, "Candy, how long has it been since you've had a complete checkup?"

"Oh my, let me think. I had one, um., several years before I left New Bedford. Well, it wasn't really a complete checkup. I only went to the Doctor because I had to have a few stitches in my arm. To tell you the truth, I don't know if I've ever had a complete checkup. I've always been healthy."

Allyn laughs. "Well, this is your lucky day." Grabbing a light blanket, she hands it to Candy. "Change out of your clothes, lie back down, and cover up with this blanket. I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Allyn, do you really think all this is necessary? I mean, can't you just give me something to help me get rid of this bug?"

"I could if I was certain that it's just a bug. Humor me, all right Candy? This won't take long, I promise."

"If it's not the stomach bug, what else could it be?" Candy asks in a worried tone.

"That's what I want to find out. Now, get undressed. I'll be back."

Candy does what she was instructed to do, except she keeps her chain around her neck. Allyn comes back in and does a thorough exam.

"All right, Candy. You can get dressed now. That wasn't so bad now, was it?"

"No, I must confess, it wasn't. Did you find out what's wrong with me?"

"Yes, I think I did. When you're dressed, open the door and I'll come back in so we can talk." She hurries out of the room.

Opening the door when she gets dressed, she calls for Allyn. "Allyn, I'm ready!"

Allyn returns and shuts the door telling Candy to have a seat back on the table. She takes a deep breath.

"Well?" Candy asks. "Allyn, you're starting to worry me."

"Candy, besides being your Doctor, I'm also a friend, right?"

"Of course, you are. A very close friend. More like a sister."

"All right, being a sister and your Doctor, I have to ask you a very personal question."

Candy is sitting there wringing her hands. "All right, what?"

"Candy, did you and Jeremy get intimate before he left?"

"Intimate? Uh, what do you mean by intimate?" Candy asks trying to avoid Allyn's eyes.

"Relations. Did you have relations?"

"Uh, relations?" Candy asks.

"Oh for goodness sake! Candy, did you and Jeremy have sex?"

Candy starts crying. "We. . . we made love, yes. But only one time."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so blunt. Well, sometimes that one time is all it takes. Candy, I don't know how you're going to take this, but you're pregnant."

"Pregnant? Oh, I can't be pregnant."

"Why do you say that? You just said the two of you made love."

Candy breaks down and begins to sob. Allyn sits next to her and puts her arm around her. "Candy, it's not the end of the world. Haven't you noticed that you weren't having periods?"

"My periods have always been irregular. I don't pay any attention to them."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Allyn asks.

Taking a handkerchief out of her pocket, she dabs at her eyes. "Allyn, Jeremy and I love each other so deeply. We were so disappointed that we had to postpone our wedding again." She continues to cry softly and dab at her eyes. "Well, the night before he left, we were at our house. I had fixed supper for us. I was telling him about a dream I had about him coming home and . . . and he had a young, cute little blue eyed blond on his arm. I was calling to him, but he ignored me. Then they kissed." She cries into her handkerchief.

"Candy, that was just a dream. Don't let dreams upset you like this."

"That's what Jeremy said, too. Well, he was comforting me and we started kissing. He stopped all of a sudden and asked me to marry him. He said marry me right here, right now. I thought he was crazy. I reminded him that we didn't have a preacher. Jeremy said we don't need one. We can marry each other and God can be our witness. He gave me time to think about it, he didn't pressure me or anything. Oh Allyn, I love him so much and I was tired of waiting. So, I agreed and we had a small candlelit ceremony where we committed ourselves to each other. It was so beautiful." Taking her chain from under her neckline, she showed her the ring. "Allyn, Jeremy slipped this ring on my finger. We are married. Maybe not in the eyes of the law, but in the eyes of God, we are married. I believe that with all my heart."

"I noticed the ring during my exam. I'm sure you do feel married and I'm sure Jeremy feels that way too. Candy, have either of you told anyone about this?"

"No, we knew we couldn't tell anyone. Jeremy was afraid that if some people found out about this, that they would be cruel to me. So, we decided to keep it a secret and when he returns, we're going straight to the church to get married lawfully."

"I see. He was probably right about people being cruel. Let me guess. He was talking about Helen and Maude?"

"Yes, and Lucy Dale."

"You don't think he told Jason or Joshua?" Allyn asks.

"No, I'm certain he didn't tell anyone. What am I going to do?" She places her hand over her stomach area and gently rubs it. "A baby. Jeremy's baby. This is what Jeremy and I have been waiting for. Under any other circumstances, I'd be delighted to be pregnant. But when I start showing, people are going to notice and . . .oh heavens, they will be relentless in their awful comments. They'll probably want to run me out of town." Tears start falling again,

"How long has it been since Jeremy left? Three or four months?"

"Yes, closer to four. It will be four months come Friday."

"All right. So, you have maybe one more month before you start showing. Maybe you could wear loser clothing after that. Cover up that belly with a sweater or carry something bulky when anyone is around. That should help for a while. But Candy, when you get to be seven months, I don't know what to tell you. I guess you could go into hibernation," she laughs.

Candy laughs too. "I don't know how I'm going to hide this from Molly and Christopher. Or all those ladies still living at the dormitory. Biddie! Oh goodness. I don't think this will work."

"You could just tell everyone, get it out in the open."

"I don't think I'm ready to do that quite yet. I'll hide it as best as I can, for now at least. Allyn, I know you and Jason don't keep secrets from each other, much like Jeremy and me. But would you please, not tell him about the baby yet?"

"Candy, I don't tell Jason about my patients. That's doctor-patient confidentiality."

"Thank you. I will tell them soon, I promise. But for now I'd like to keep this between you and me."

"I understand," Allyn laughs amused. "If Jeremy Bolt knew about this baby, why I don't have any doubts that he would swim here faster than that ship can bring him."

"I wish I could tell him. I know he'll be excited, after the shock wears off that is," Candy laughs. "Well, I guess I better get back before Molly and Christopher come looking for me. Oh, is there anything I can take to help rid me of my symptoms?"

Taking a bottle from her medicine chest, she tells Candy, "Take a spoonful first thing in the morning. It should help."

"Thank you, Allyn, for. . .for everything."

"You're welcome. If you need anything, or if you just need to talk, come see me."

"I will. Thanks."

They hug and Candy leaves while Allyn stands and shakes her head. "And here we all thought Jeremy was the one that was going to have all the excitement. Little did we know," she laughs.

For the next couple of months, Candy is able to keep her secret hidden. She is also now delighted that she is pregnant with Jeremy's baby. But she knows that now is the time she should tell his brothers what is going on. Allyn always has Joshua and the Pruitts over for Sunday dinner. She thinks that after dinner, she will send Molly and Christopher off to play. Then she can make her big announcement.

"Candy, is there anything wrong?" Jason asks.

"Why do you ask?" Candy replies nervously.

"Oh, you were way too quiet during dinner. The children barely finished eating before you shooed them out of here. And you seem nervous."

"Well, there is something I need to talk to you and Joshua about," she says as she wrings her hands.

"All right. What is it?" Jason says.

Allyn speaks up. "Let's all go into the parlor. I think we'll be more comfortable."

"Allyn, do you know what this is about?" Jason asks his wife.

"Yes, I do. But this is Candy's announcement. Please hear her out before making judgments."

"Candy, does this have anything to do with Jeremy? Is he okay?" Josh asks.

"As far as I know, Jeremy is fine. I haven't heard from him but once since they left New Bedford. Hopefully, we'll hear something soon," Candy answers.

After everyone is seated, all eyes are fixed on Candy. Tears spring to her eyes. "Oh Allyn, I don't know if I can do this."

"Yes you can, Candy. They need to know," Allyn says encouragingly.

"Candy, just tell us. You don't know what kind of things are going through my mind," Jason says.

"All right, but before I begin, please don't blame Jeremy for any of this. We did what we felt was right." She gets up and walks over to the mantle where a picture of the three Bolt brothers is on display. She picks it up and looks lovingly at the picture. "Oh, my Jeremy is so handsome. I miss him so much." She replaces the picture and turns around to look at them. "The night before Jeremy left, we were having supper up at our house. I told him about a dream I had earlier. About him meeting a cute blond and . . . well, when the ship docked she was on his arm. He wouldn't look at me even with me calling his name. Then. . . then they kissed." Some tears roll down her cheeks while she wipes them away.

"Aww, Candy, you know Jeremy wouldn't do that, don't you?" Josh asks.

"Joshua, that dream felt so real. I told him it was an omen. I was upset and Jeremy tried to reassure me that it was only a dream. Well, we got to kissing and he said something, something that changed our lives." She looks at them and bites her bottom lip.

"Well, what did he say to you?" Jason asks.

"He said 'Marry me, right here, right now'. I told him that we didn't have a preacher. He said we didn't need one. We would perform our own ceremony and God would be our witness."

"Of all the idiotic stunts Jeremy . . ." Jason says before Allyn tells him to hush and just listen.

"Jason, please don't blame Jeremy. He knew what I needed to hear," Candy says.

"So, you married yourselves, I take it," Josh says shaking his head.

"Well, after some discussion, yes we did. Jeremy didn't force me into doing that. He gave me some time and space to think it over. And I decided that I didn't want to wait almost another year to be with the man I love. So we had an intimate ceremony, just the two of us and God. It was beautiful. I don't regret it, not one bit. And if I had it to do over, I would do the same thing. I love your brother, Jason, Joshua. I will be a good wife to him when he gets back."

"I have no doubt about you being a good wife, Candy," Jason states. "But you do know your marriage isn't legal, don't you?"

"We know it's not legal according to the law. But we also feel it is legal according to God's law. Jason, I don't think I could have gotten through this, being without Jeremy, if we didn't marry. Please be happy for us. I'm happy and I know Jeremy was happy when he left. I believe in my heart, we did the right thing. As soon as Jeremy gets back, we're going to the church to be married lawfully." Taking the ring out, she shows it to them. "Jeremy slipped this ring on my finger when we married. And he will slip it on again, when he returns."

"I don't know what to say," Jason states.

"Say you understand and support us," Candy says.

"Well, of course I understand. I just hope no one finds out about this. You know Helen and Maude would be licking their chops if they even had an inkling of what you two did," Jason tells her.

"I know that. That's why Jeremy and I decided it best not to tell anyone."

"But Candy," Josh says, "you are telling it. Why?"

Biting at her bottom lip, she closes her eyes for a moment. Upon opening them she says, "This is hard to confess to my brothers-in-law, but here goes. Jeremy and I made love that night. It was magical." She wipes a few tears away.

"Candy, we don't need to know everything that you and Jeremy did," Jason says somewhat embarrassed.

"Yes you do, so you'll understand what I'm going to tell you," says Candy. "Jason, Joshua, because Jeremy and I made love, the two of you are now going to be uncles. I'm pregnant."

"Oh God, tell me this isn't happening. Candy, do you realize what you have done?" Jason roars.

"Yes, I do Jason. I married the man that I've been waiting for, for over two years. I think you keep forgetting that Jeremy and I have feelings. We have needs. We kept postponing our wedding to keep everyone else able to do as they please. Well, finally it was our turn again and we weren't going to let this opportunity pass us by. Now, you can either be for us or against us. Which will it be?"

Josh gets up and gives Candy a hug. "Well, I for one, am on your and Jeremy's side. Congratulations!" he laughs. "Now, I know why Jeremy came home that night and changed into his suit pants, white shirt, and tie. I thought it odd, but my little brother does some odd things sometimes. So, I take it you haven't told Jeremy about the baby."

"No, I haven't. I couldn't tell him in a telegram. That's so cold and impersonal. Besides Ben would know. I know Ben says he can't tell what's in a telegram, but something this juicy, I just don't think he would keep it quiet."

"Jeremy's been gone about seven months so I guess you're seven months along," Josh says.

"Yes, I am. Only two more months to go." Turning to Jason, Candy ask, "What about you Jason? Are you on Jeremy and my side?"

Jason breaks out in a big smile. "Of course I am. I may not like how you two got to this point, but I do understand. I guess I always just took it for granted that you two would postpone your wedding as many times as you were asked to. I'm sorry about that." He gives her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "What about now? Candy, you're going to be showing soon. Now that I know, I can definitely see a bump there. How are you going to keep people from finding out?"

"I'm not really sure. I'm thinking of moving up to the house. That way I can avoid a lot of people. Jeremy wanted me to move there earlier."

"Jason," Allyn says as she places her hand on his arm. "You and Joshua will help Candy move, won't you?"

"Of course we will. When do you want to move?"

"The sooner the better," Candy says. "I still don't know how I'm going to keep this from Molly and Christopher or Biddie. But I have to. I don't trust any of those three to keep my secret."

"I have an idea," Josh says. "I don't know how you feel about Lottie knowing about your situation, but she is going on vacation to Canada and Alaska next month. Why can't she take Biddie, Molly and Chris with her? I'm sure she would do it if she knew the reason why. That way they could be gone the last month of your pregnancy.

"That might work. But Candy, you still have now to worry about," Allyn says.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to wear loser clothing and keep wearing sweaters. Keeping it from Molly and Christopher will be easier than keeping it from Biddie," Candy replies.

"Yeah, Biddie has the eyes of a hawk," Josh laughs.

"Can I start moving in tomorrow? The sooner I stop sharing the washroom with those other girls, the better I will feel," Candy states.

"All right, tomorrow it is. We'll be at the dormitory around nine to get started," Jason says as he puts his arm around Candy's shoulders.

"Thanks Jason, Joshua. I'll talk to Lottie after I get moved in. Oh, I wish Jeremy were here. I wouldn't have to do all this if he were only here. I do hope he makes it back in time for the delivery."

"We all do Candy. We all do," Josh says.

"Tell us again Jeremy, about Seattle? Does it really rain as much as you said earlier?" Debbie says to Jeremy one evening as a group of Brides are having supper at Jeremy's table.

Ever since they left New Bedford, Jeremy has been eating supper at a large table surrounded by the Brides. Then at lunch, he asks one Bride each day to eat lunch with him. He feels having a one on one lunch will give them time to talk and he can find out all about the Brides. He also feels that if he knows more about them, then he can be better equipped to help them get settled when they arrive in Seattle.

"Well Debbie, yes we have a rain shower just about every day. It doesn't last long, but long enough for the streets to be muddy."

"How do the other Brides keep their dresses and shoes clean with all that mud?" asks Abby.

"I honestly don't know. I never heard them complain about it. I'm sure if they had any complaints, we would have heard them," Jeremy chuckles.

"Oh, I don't know about this, Jeremy," Priscilla whines. "Maybe I shouldn't have come."

Jeremy has to think fast before they all start having regrets. "Let me say this, Ladies. Before I left Seattle, there was a petition before the city council on building sidewalks and a town park. If it hasn't already met with their approval when we get there, I personally will go before them and beg for sidewalks. Come on, you shouldn't let a little bit of mud change your mind about Seattle."

"Mr. Bolt, is Lottie's the only place you can go out and eat? My Mother would turn over in her grave if she knew I was in a saloon," Mary Sue speaks up.

"There was a small restaurant that was suppose to open a few days after I left. I'm sure it is open and a big success. Seattle is always looking for new businesses. Maybe some of you ladies could open another restaurant or a clothing store. Seattle is growing and we would welcome any new business," Jeremy states. "Oh, and Lottie's is a nice place. It's not like the saloons you read about in those dime novels. She runs a tight ship. No gunfights, bar brawls, or even saloon girls. She wants the men to be able to bring their sweethearts in there. As a matter of fact, Candy and I go there often."

"And the men? How many men are there to choose from? Are there enough for all of us?" asks Martha.

"Well, there's enough that you shouldn't have any problems getting a man. They're all quite eager to meet you. Now, I think I'll go find the captain of this ship and see if he can tell me how much longer it'll take us to get to San Francisco. Night Ladies."

Jeremy hears a chorus of "Goodnight, Jeremy" as he walks away.

"Well Lottie, I have some news for you," Candy says as she meets with Lottie and Allyn in the parlor of her house. She moves the blanket from her lap and stands up, pulling her skirt tightly around her body. "Surprise!"

Lottie's eyes get big and her mouth drops open. "I don't know quite what to say, Candy. I'm assuming this is Jeremy's baby?"

"You assume correctly. Of course, it's Jeremy's baby," Candy says as she places her hand over her bump and rubs it gently.

"You and Jeremy got married without telling anyone?" Lottie asks.

Candy looks at Allyn, then back at Lottie. "Well, yes and no."

"Yes and no. I don't understand," Lottie looks puzzled.

Candy sits down beside Lottie and tells her everything. "Lottie, please don't think badly of Jeremy. He didn't talk me into doing this. I married him like we did of my own free will, out of my deep love for him."

Lottie hugs her and says, "Oh Candy, I could never think badly of Jeremy or you. You are both like my own children. But how are you going to continue to keep this a secret until Jeremy gets home?"

Allyn speaks up. "Lottie, we were hoping you would take Biddie, Molly, and Christopher with you on your vacation. They're the ones we worry about blabbing the news all over town."

"Vacation? My vacation has been canceled. I'm sorry, Candy."

"Me too," Candy says as tears sting at her eyes. "I guess I'll just have to tell them about the baby and hope they can keep quiet about it."

"Candy, I've been doing a lot of thinking about this and I have come up with an idea. It's not perfect, but right now it's about the only way we have to deal with this," Allyn says.

"All right. Tell me," Candy replies.

"You don't want the whole town finding out about the baby before Jeremy gets home. Right?" Allyn asks of Candy.

"Right."

"Well, why not tell Biddie the truth?" Allyn asks.

"What!" Candy says a little too loudly.

"Now, just hear me out. If Biddie knows what is actually going on, I think she will be like a mother hen taking care of you and the children. She can even move in here for a while."

Candy asks, "But what would we tell people why Biddie is here? You know Helen and Maude will demand to know."

"Tell them that you are so lonely, depressed even, with Jeremy gone. Biddie is just going to help out with the children until you get to feeling better," Allyn replies.

"That might work," Lottie states. "Candy, you know how Biddie is. I honestly believe she will see it as her duty to keep your secret. I pity the person that even hints at what is wrong with you. Besides, she will be devastated if she thinks you can't trust her to keep quiet."

"Oh, I know. I don't want to hurt her feelings. Do you both honestly think this will work?" Candy asks.

"Yes, I honestly think this will work," Allyn says.

Lottie nods her head. "What other choice do you have?"

"None, I guess. All right. We'll tell Biddie. Hope she goes for it," Candy exclaims. "Wait! What about Molly and Christopher?"

"Leave them to me," Lottie answers. "I'll keep them so busy they won't have time to hardly look at you. Now, I'm going to go get Biddie and we'll discuss our plan with her."

"Thanks, Lottie. I don't know what I'd do without you and Allyn," Candy cries. "This may actually help me. I miss Jeremy so much, maybe Biddie can keep my mind busy."

"Well, don't you fret none. We'll get you through this and Mr. Bolt will be back soon." Lottie starts laughing. "Won't he be surprised? Biddie may have to take care of him."

"Nothing doing. I'll take care of Jeremy from here on out. I'm not letting him out of my sight once he gets back home," Candy laughs.

Everything is going as planned. Biddie moves in with Candy and takes over the household. She doesn't let anyone visit with Candy unless they are in the inner circle that knows what is going on. Molly and Christopher are kept busy doing odd jobs for Lottie and babysitting Allyn and Jason's baby boy, Jonathan. They spend more time at Lottie's and Allyn's than they do at home.

One day there is a knock at the door. When Biddie opens it, Ben Perkins is standing there with an envelope in his hand. "Biddie, I have a telegram for Candy. It's from Jeremy."

"Oh, thank the Lord," Biddie says reaching out to take the envelope.

"Now Biddie, you know I can't give this to anyone but Candy. It's part of the telegrapher's code."

"Ben, I'm sure you know that Candy is not seeing anyone right now. I'll take it and run it upstairs to her. She is so depressed, she has taken to her bed. Maybe this is just what she needs to get her out of the dumps."

"I don't know, Biddie. I could lose my license for breaking the code."

"Oh for heaven's sake, Ben. Give me that!" she says as she grabs the envelope and locks the door.

"Miss Cloom!" Ben shouts. Seeing that the door is locked and that Biddie has no intention of opening it, he turns and walks back to his store.

Biddie peeps out and sees Ben walking away, then she runs upstairs with the envelope. "Candy, Ben just brought this wire from Jeremy," she says almost out of breath.

Candy snatches it and tears it open. Hey Beautiful In San Francisco Be home in two weeks Can't wait to see you Love you with all my heart Jeremy Tears fill her eyes as she rereads it over and over. "Oh Biddie, Jeremy will be home in two weeks. He'll make it home in time to see his baby be born."

"That's wonderful, Candy. We have a lot to do in these two weeks."

"I know. Can we get it all done? There's the nursery. I need to get it finished," Candy says as she gets out of bed.

"Now Candy, you do remember what Allyn said, don't you? You need to pace yourself or you'll be having this baby early."

"I will, I promise. I want Jeremy to be here for the delivery." She lays back down and reads the wire from Jeremy again.

Almost a week later, Candy is sitting at the kitchen table with Biddie drinking a cup of tea. She glances out the window and sees Molly and Christopher coming up the drive. Jumping up she heads for the stairs. "Biddie, you've got to stall them until I get safely in my room."

"All righty, Candy. I'll go out and meet them on the porch. You go ahead up to your room, but do be careful going up those stairs," Biddie says as she goes out on the porch.

Candy makes it to her room and decides to use the washroom before she sits in her rocker. To her dismay, she sees that she is spotting heavily. She hurries to her door and shouts for Biddie. "Biddie! Biddie! Biddie, come up here quickly!"

When Biddie arrives, she finds Candy in tears. "What's wrong?"

"Oh Biddie, I'm spotting. Please send Christopher for Allyn. Don't tell him why. Just tell him to tell her to hurry." She goes over to the bed and lays down.

Biddie hurries down the stairs. "Christopher, run and tell Dr. Wright that Candy needs to see her immediately."

"What's wrong with Candy?" Molly asks.

"Oh, nothing is wrong. She just had a thought about Jeremy's homecoming, she needs to run by Dr. Wright. You know how Candy is. If she wants something done, she wants it done right then. Hurry and go get her."

"But I just got here. I want to rest," Christopher whines.

"You can rest when you return. Please do this for your sister. I'll have some milk and cookies waiting on you when you get back."

"All right, but I want at least two cookies."

"If you go right now, I'll give you three," Biddie tells him.

"Deal!" Christopher runs out the door.

"Biddie, is Candy all right? Can I go see her?" Molly asks.

"Um, let me go see if she feels like talking. She was pretty tired a little while ago," Biddie replies.

Biddie rushes back up the stairs into Candy's room.

"Candy, Molly wants to come up and see you. What should I tell her?" Biddie asks.

"I guess I should see her if only for a few minutes. Help me get under the covers and then tell her to come up," Candy responds.

When Biddie gets to the door, she turns around and looks at Candy. "Uh Candy, are you feeling all right? Are you having any contractions?"

"That's the thing, Biddie. I feel fine. Just the spotting. I hope this baby will wait until his Daddy gets home."

"I guess Allyn can tell you what's going on when she gets here. I'll go get Molly." She hurries back down the stairs.

Molly and Christopher are sitting on a bench in the new Seattle Town Park. They don't notice the two women hiding in the bushes listening to their conversation.

"What do you think of James?" Molly asks Christopher.

"I don't know. He is funny looking," Christopher replies.

"Oh, I think he's kind of cute," Molly says.

"Well, all I know is that when James came, he just took over the house. I mean everything's about James," Christopher whines.

"I know, but I haven't seen Candy this happy in a long time. She is so in love with James," Molly informs Christopher.

"Yeah, Candy moved him right into her bedroom. He even sleeps in her bed."

"I think it's sweet how she dotes on him," Molly says.

They hear a sneeze on the other side of the bushes that are behind them.

Molly stands up and asks, "Who's there? I know you're in there. I heard you sneeze."

Helen and Maude come out of hiding. "What were you doing in there?" Christopher asks.

"Oh, we were looking for something. Weren't we Maude?" Helen lies.

"You were eavesdropping!" Molly shouts. "Didn't your Mothers ever teach you not to listen to other people's conversations?"

"Don't get saucy with us young lady!" Maude objects. "Who is James?"

"None of your business! Come on Christopher," Molly says. "Let's go home. I don't want to get sauce on Helen or Maude." They take off running for home.

"Well, I never! Have you Helen?"

"What do you expect Maude? Candy surely doesn't have time to teach those little hooligans manners. It sounds like she's moved on from Jeremy Bolt and found her a new man. Poor Jeremy. How is he going to take the news when he arrives home?"

They stick their noses in the air and feel very confident that they, and no one else, has the latest scoop on what is going on up at the Bolt house.

A few days later Christopher runs into the house shouting for Candy. "Candy! Candy! A ship is coming in!"

Candy comes hurriedly from the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron. "Is it Jeremy's ship? Did you see Jeremy?"

"No, I didn't see him, but there's lots of women standing on the deck. It has to be his ship!" Christopher answers.

"Oh Biddie, this is it. How do I look?" Candy asks.

"You look like a woman in love. Oh Candy, I'm so happy for you," Biddie says as she hugs Candy.

"Now, you get going. You don't want to miss seeing him pull up to the dock. And don't worry, I'll take good care of James."

"Thank you, Biddie. I'll see you soon." Candy hurries out of the house and climbs into her buggy. Arriving at the Bolt cabin, she climbs down and walks the short distance to the dock. Standing next to Joshua and Jason, she catches sight of Jeremy standing on deck in front of the many Brides. Candy slowly moves forward waving her hand at Jeremy. There's much excitement going on and she tries to call Jeremy's name. He sees her and does a short wave before Karen, the cute little blond, comes up beside him. She says something to him, but since it's so loud, he bends over to hear what she is saying. He laughs and Karen hugs him and gives him a kiss. Pushing her away, he quickly searches the dock for Candy, but she is nowhere to be found.

As Candy starts to get in the buggy, she feels a hand on her arm. "Candy, are you all right?" Josh asks.

"I can't talk right now, Joshua. I have to get home."

"Aren't you going to wait til Jeremy gets off the ship?"

"Why should I? It seems he's already moved on."

"Candy, you know Jeremy wouldn't do that. Come on, give him a chance to explain."

"Joshua, it's my dream. It came true. I told Jeremy it was an omen," she says as she wipes her tears. "I'm going to make it easy for him. I don't want him to be embarrassed in front of all these people. I won't do that to him."

"Candy," Josh says. "please, don't do this."

"Joshua, just let it go. I have James and he at least needs me." She climbs in and drives home with Josh standing there watching her leave.

Jeremy runs down the gangplank still searching for Candy. Spotting Jason and Allyn he hurries over to them. "Jason! Where's Candy?"

Giving Jeremy a big hug, Jason says, "Well, aren't you even going to say hello to us?"

"Yeah, sorry. Hello. Where's Candy?"

Josh walks up and answers. "She went home, Jeremy. She saw that blond girl kiss you and she thinks her dream came true. Candy thinks you found someone new."

"I'll see you later. I have to go explain." He takes off running to the dormitory annex where he is stopped by Helen and Maude.

"You won't find Miss Pruitt in there. She moved up to your house several months ago," Helen says.

"She did! Her, Molly, and Chris! That's great! Thanks for letting me know."

Jeremy starts to leave when Helen says, "You may not want to thank me just yet. I guess since Miss Pruitt is not here to tell you, then it is my duty to inform you of the goings on of that woman."

"What woman? Are you talking about Candy?" Jeremy asks.

Jason and Josh walk up to hear what Helen said. "Jeremy pay her no mind. You go on up to the house and get this straightened out with Candy."

"Jason, what is she talking about?" Jeremy asks.

"Nothing Jeremy. You know how these two like to spread rumors."

"Rumors!" Maude says. "Jeremy, it seems Candy has let some man named James move into her bed."

"Enough!" Jason yells. "Come on, Jeremy." He grabs Jeremy's arm and drags him to the Bolt cabin.

"Jason, what was Maude talking about? Has Candy found a new man?" Jeremy says both angry and brokenhearted.

"No, she hasn't," Josh answers.

"Well, who is James then?" Jeremy demands.

"Go home, Jeremy. You and Candy both need to talk and talk soon before this gets out of hand," Jason says.

"Listen, if Candy has moved on with James, then I don't want to go up there." Jeremy turns to go into the Bolt cabin.

Josh spins him around. "Jeremy Bolt! You get up there and talk to your wife. Now!"

"Wife! Candy told you? We weren't going to tell anyone about us getting married. I guess I can't trust her to keep a secret either."

"Jeremy listen," Jason says calmly as he places his hands on Jeremy's shoulders. "A lot has happened since you've been away. You need to go home and Candy will explain everything to you."

"Fine! I'll go, but expect a roommate tonight, Josh." Jeremy trudges his way to the house.

When Jeremy arrives at the house, he stands at the door wondering what he should do. Should he knock, go on in, or just leave. After all this is his house, but he doesn't want to walk in on Candy and her lover, James. To Hell with it. This is my house and my wife. If anyone is leaving, it's James.

Jeremy goes in as Candy is coming down the stairs. She takes his breath away dressed in the white dress with pastel flowers that she wore when they married. She is so beautiful.

They both stop and stare at each other. Candy says, "Hello."

Jeremy answers, "Hello." After an awkward silence, he asks, "How are you Candy? You look beautiful."

Trying to be strong and not let Jeremy see that she is about ready to crumble she replies, "Oh, you know. I'm, uh, all right." She bites at her lip. "How are you? How was your trip?"

"I'm all right too. The trip was long and lone. . .Uh, it was long." After another long awkward silence, Jeremy adds, "So, what have you been doing with yourself, Candy?"

"Doing? Uh, nothing. Just trying to stay busy," she replies.

Jeremy bites at his bottom lip. "I saw you at the dock. Why did you leave?"

"I saw you too. It looked like you didn't need me there. Jeremy, I. . .I told you my dream was an omen. I saw my dream play out right before my eyes."

"Candy, that's not true. That blond is Karen West, Frannie's sister. She was thanking me for bringing her here to be with Frannie. Nothing more."

"Karen West? You mean you and her. . .uh, you, uh, you didn't move on. . . with her?"

"I haven't moved on with her or anyone else. Can you say the same?"

"Me? What do you mean by me moving on?"

"Well, I went to the dormitory to see you, where I was informed that you and the children have moved up here."

"Yes, we moved here about two months ago. Jeremy, if you recall, you did say we could move in here."

"It's all right, Candy. I wanted you to move here. I also recall that I told you to make it our home, to have it ready for me when I return."

"I've tried to do that, Jeremy."

Jeremy walks closer to the stairs and slams his hand down on the banister. "Oh really! I don't recall telling you to move another man in while I'm gone," he shouts.

"Another man? What are you talking about?"

"I heard he only moved in about a week ago. Candy, couldn't you wait another week until I got home?"

"Jeremy, I don't know what you're talkin. . .?"

"James! James, Candy! Does it ring a bell now?" he shouts.

Candy begins to laugh which makes Jeremy angrier. "I don't think this is funny, Candy. You promised to be faithful. I trusted you."

Candy walks down the few steps between them and takes his hand. "Come with me, Jeremy. I want you to meet James."

"Where is he? In our room? In our bed?"

"James is in our room, but not in our bed. At least not right now."

"I don't want to meet him. I'm libel to throw his ass out the window."

"You'll do no such thing, Jeremy Bolt. I bet after you meet him, that you'll actually like him."

"Don't count on it. How can I like a man that moves in on my wife? Candy, I just don't understand how you let this happen? I really thought you loved me. I thought. . ." he gets choked up and can't finish.

"Jeremy, just come with me and meet James, then you'll understand everything. Please." She looks at him with so much love in her eyes. She leads him into the bedroom.

Jeremy looks around. "Well, where is he? Is he in the washroom?" Jeremy walks over to the door and knocks on it. "James! James, get out here! This is Jeremy Bolt, Candy's husband. We have some business to take care of."

"Jeremy, keep your voice down. Come over here. I have something to show you," she smiles ever so sweetly.

Jeremy walks over to her. There is a cradle sitting on a dresser. "Jeremy, meet James, your son. James, meet your Daddy," Candy says as big tears roll down her cheeks.

"What? James? My son?" Jeremy looks shocked.

"Yes, your son. Now do you understand everything?"

"Most of it. Candy, why did you let me make a fool of myself? Why didn't you tell me? You could have sent me a telegram."

"Oh really. I was suppose to send you a telegram while you were out in the middle of the ocean."

"Oh, I guess that was impossible." He looks Candy in the eyes. "Are you all right? I'm sorry, I wasn't here."

"I'm fine. I was hoping you would make it home before he was born, but he had this idea to come a week too early. Jeremy, would you like to hold your son?"

"Yes I would, but first I want to hold his Mama." He takes Candy in his arms and just holds her for a long time before he breaks down and begins to cry.

"Jeremy, what's wrong?"

Shaking his head he cries, "Candy, I'm so sorry."

"For what?"

"For not being here for you when you needed me the most. I should have been here. To help you through this. I'm sorry." He kisses her hair, then moves to her lips.

Candy responds to his kiss. "I've missed you so much, Jeremy. Please don't go away like this ever again."

"I won't, I promise. I love you, Candy."

"I love you, too."

James begins to whimper. Candy picks James up and places him in Jeremy's arms. Jeremy doesn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he does both. He gives James a tender kiss on his forehead. "Hey there, James. James. James is such a grown up name for such a little guy like yourself. How about if we call you Jamie?" James squirms in Jeremy's arms and opens his eyes to look at his Daddy. "Do you like that? Let's see if your Mama likes that?"

"I love that. James Jeremy Bolt. Better known as Jamie. I think that name fits him fine."

"Candy, what about us renewing our vows so we'll be married legally? We have to make our son, legal and all."

"Jeremy, everything is all set at the church. Reverend Adams said he would be there whenever we're ready."

"Can Jamie come with us? I think it's time he meets Seattle."

"All right. Let me check his diaper, then we'll go."

Jeremy lays Jamie back in his cradle. He shakes his head, and says, " A son. I have a son. I can't believe it. After we married like we did, God blessed us with a beautiful son. Thank you, Candy."

"You're welcome. Ready to go?" She picks Jamie up and places him in Jeremy's arms again.

"You bet. Let's go meet Seattle."