Ghosts from the Past Chpt 1

Jason smiling stared down on his sleeping bride as the sun started to rise. He was accustomed to being awake by sunrise but today he was considering spending the day in bed leisurely with his beautiful wife. He was content to admire her as she slumbered if she chose to sleep her day away that would be fine with him as they actually had not been asleep for more than 2 hours. He may have waited a long time, but he had the wife who wanted him as much as he wanted her. Their first evening together since their nuptials was everything and more than he had dreamed, and he had plenty of time to dream. Jason felt as a man on top of the world; he finally married the one woman whom he had truly loved since he was a younger man, his company was thriving, he had a fantastic son, and his siblings were married or engaged to wonderful people. He felt free of the overbearing responsibility he carried with him since his father's death. He was determined to concentrate on making certain his family was happy. Life was good.

After attending church, Johnathan had agreed to take the Hales and the Pruitts fishing. Cassie planned on meeting them at their favorite spot near Jason's trees. Much to Jason's chagrin, the entire family now made a habit of speaking to his trees. Candy had prepared lunches and snacks as it was a gorgeous day and with a little luck, they would spend the entire day outside. As Johnathan prepared to leave, Candy confirmed that they would be gone a minimum of a few hours. Johnathan smirked and replied "I can imagine what, oh never mind, I don't have to imagine what you' re going to be doing. I have a vivid visual." Candy and Jeremy burst out laughing while the children looked confused. After they left, the newlyweds enjoyed a quiet cup of coffee on the porch. They rose from their rockers, holding each other's hands, and they headed for the bedroom when they heard a knock on the door. Jeremy called "Come in." and Biddie appeared. Candy was happy to see her friend as they had no time yesterday to discuss the happenings at the wedding. Jeremy was not exactly enthused as he hoped to spend his day off doing other pursuits. While Biddie was discussing the wedding, she moved around the cabin inspecting every corner. Both Jeremy and Candy glanced at each other quizzically. Finally, Jeremy questioned "What are you doing Biddie? Are you looking for something in particular that I can help?" Biddie shook her head "No, Rodger has been talking to Jason about purchasing one of the cabins when you move into your new homes. He wants my opinion. Can you give me a reason why we should choose this cabin over Jason's cabin?" Jeremy annoyed "Well, I am glad my big brother let me know this. Both cabins are in great shape. They have a separate bedroom, and both could be enlarged if desired. The other cabin, however, is a bit farther out of town. If you want to be in the center of everything, this is the cabin for you. The other cabin has more property and the children have a longer walk to school but more area to play. Is that enough for you?" Biddie looked at Candy "Can I see the bedroom?" Candy was even getting a bit vexed by her friend responded, "I prefer not, the bed isn't made yet." Biddie surprised looked at her friend "Are you getting lazy, you were always the first to make your bed in the dorm." A bit frustrated Candy offered "Jeremy and I will take you to see the other cabin but once you are done, we have some things to do, okay?" Biddie clapped her hands and gleefully answered "Thank you, but can I help you with whatever you have to do?" Jeremy abruptly growled "NO!" Biddie looked at him oddly and couldn't help herself and asked, "Are you talking about sex?" Candy sighed "Please can we just go see the cabin, Biddie?" Biddie shocked," Do you have sex in the morning?" Jeremy couldn't hold back a boisterous laugh and told her "If you asked my nephew, sex is all we do morning, afternoon and night." Biddie blushed but then turned to the couple and in all seriousness asked, "Do you suppose Rodger could be like that as well?" Candy shrieked "BIDDIE!"

Jemma was enjoying playing with April on the deck of the ship when Aaron joined them after speaking with Clancy. Aaron smiled and lovingly stated "It never gets old seeing the two of you together. In case I didn't tell you yesterday, you looked beautiful." Jemma stood and kissed her husband "You must have told me 100 times, but you can say it again anytime." Aaron gently took the baby into his arms and found a bench upon which to sit. Jemma joined him and snuggled into his side. Jemma questioned her husband "Have you seen either of them yet?" Aaron's eyes went to the right in order that he may see his wife and reminded her "We promised to leave them alone. He told me that he had no intention of coming out of that cabin to socialize with us and I gave him my word that you would not bother the newlyweds. Jemma arose and leaned over to kiss April and Aaron. She put her hands on her hips and looked off into the distance. Aaron knew that she was up to no good "Jemma, you promised not to bother them." Jemma smiled and started to the galley "There is more than one way to skin a cat, my love. Please take care of April for a while." Aaron yelled "Jemma!" As she disappeared into the galley

Back at Seattle, Swede aware that this was a busy week, plus Jason and Aaron were gone, and Josh was to begin training him, suggested that they begin training on Sunday. Josh and Swede had spent a long day reviewing the books which Josh had fastidiously handled for years. If there had been any doubt, Swede was the correct choice, it was gone after Sunday. He was totally focused, and willing to put the work into learning the job. Josh finally said "Let's break for the day. How do you feel about this part of your new job? How did Essie react to your promotion?" Big Swede's smile reflected how proud he was to be promoted "She was very happy for me. She said that she was always proud of me. She was surprised and pleased at the raise; it will come in handy with the new baby which is due any day. As to the bookkeeping, I like it. Totally different from what I have been doing but I like it." As the town appeared in front of them, Josh turned to Swede and asked" I am meeting Maggie for dinner at Lottie's. Do you and Essie wish to join us? It is my treat." Swede shook his head "I would like to join you, but she may have started dinner already and she is a bit emotional. If she hasn't, we will be there in ten minutes otherwise start without us." The two men parted ways and Josh whistled happily as he marched to Lottie's. He was anxious to see his fiance' and advise her how much better he felt about leaving Bolt Bros. now that he felt certain that Swede was going to be a great success. Life was good.

Kathleen stretched as she awaken around 4 PM. With her eyes closed, she said aloud "Please, let my handsome husband be real and it all not be a wonderful, wonderful dream. She opened her eyes slowly and leaning over the bed was her smiling husband. Jason bent over and whispered in her ear "Good afternoon my love. I didn't think you were ever going to wake. I thought to wake you, but you were so beautiful laying there, I just enjoyed watching you while I read my book." Kathleen giggling inquired "Is it your habit to read naked?" Jason nonchalantly said "No, I am considering staying this way till we get to San Fran and I hoped that you would join me." She stretched her arms out and he jumped into the bed. He pushed back her long dark hair and began nibbling on her neck. She suddenly said "Stop. What is that? What is that delicious smell?" Jason rolled back on the bed knowing he had been out maneuvered by his sister "That is Jemma 's roast beef with probably potatoes au gratin, assorted vegetables and your favorite, apple pie." Kathleen stuck her lower lip out as she said to Jason "I am starving and that not only sounds heavenly, it smells it. Do you think there is enough for us?" Jason in boisterous voice exclaimed "I am certain there is plus enough for the crew. I told her that she was never going to see me on the ship, and it was like a challenge to her. She must have brought all the food onboard. She knew that I loved her roast and you her apple pie. She planned this to lure us out and show me never to say never to her. It is a game we have played all our lives and her cooking is truly a temptation hard to resist." Kathleen jumped from the bed "Let me wash up a bit and go join them. I believe my mouth is watering." Jason under his breath with a glint in those blue eyes promised "Pixie, this isn't over."

Jemma had a table set beautifully for the four of them with a highchair for April on the deck. When Jason and Kathleen ascended from their cabin, she was there to greet them. She was giving Jason her most impish expression and he was responding with a glare but a smile at the same time. Aaron shrugged when Jason shot him a glance and answered "You didn't have to come eat. I am sure Clancy's crew would have devoured it on top of the rest." They all sat and enjoyed the sumptuous meal that Jemma prepared but Jason did lean over and whisper in his sister's ear "Watch your back, Pixie." She laughed "You have never worried me and never will."

Essie and Swede were able to join Josh and Maggie for dinner. The men devoured their plates of steak, baked potato and peas. Josh and Swede were enjoying their beers while the ladies sipped their sassafras. Maggie inquired about Swede's new job and Essie bubbled over about how grateful they were for this opportunity and Swede would give it his all. They were enjoying dinner gossiping about what could possibly be happening on the ship when Essie's face contorted and she said "Oh, my." Maggie the first to notice sprung up and went to her friend. She noticed that a puddle of water had accumulated under Essie. Maggie screamed "Mother, I think Essie is having her baby." Swede and Josh stopped eating their desserts and jumped to the side of Essie. Lottie came from behind the bar and pushed everyone aside and grabbed her hand "Are you okay and can we move you upstairs or do you want Swede to carry you home." Josh was asking "What can I do?" Essie requested to go home so Swede swept her up into his arms and proceeded home. Lottie asked Josh to go fetch the doctor and tell her that I will be right there with Candy and Maggie. Josh sprinted to Allyn's home and advised her that Big Swede's baby was on the way and they were at their home. Again, he inquired what he could do. Allyn put her hand on his arm "You and Jeremy are going to keep Swede calm. I am sending him to the bar as I remember their cabin is rather small. So, go back to the bar as he is going to be there shortly."

Candy was cooking the trout the gang had caught. The cabin was filled with chatter as Johnathan and his minions had a fantastic and successful day. Johnathan was getting ready to take Cassie back home when Maggie appeared at the door. Jeremy surprised to see her asked where Josh was. Maggie excitedly explained "Essie's water broke while the four of us were having dinner. I came to get Candy and you are suppose to report to the bar to help keep Gustav calm." Jeremy reminded everyone that there are children that they just couldn't leave. Candy immediately chimed in that Cassie was more than capable of taking care of the crew." Cassie was agreeable but had to notify her family. Jeremy told Johnathan to take his horse and go tell Telly. Once done, he should join the men at the bar. Jeremy added "Rodger never joins in these events; the girls can stay here and I will invite him which means Biddie will be able to join you." Candy before she left informed all the children that they must wash up before they get in pajamas, she turned to Cassie and told her to double check Christopher. The blanket and pillows were laid out for the girls on the floor. As Jeremy, Candy and Maggie were leaving, Jeremy said "Let's go welcome Seattle's newest citizen."