Here Come The Brides, Story 7, Prequel, A Better Understanding,

by April D. Wade

Unable to sleep because of a nightmare, Amie Stempel begs her father for a story...but not just any story; Amie wants to know about her daddy as a little boy and as he grew up. Finally, Aaron agrees and tells his daughter the story of his life that no one knew before; filling in the details that everyone wondered, and few speculated about. Now, the story is finally told.

3. Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

Despite hoping his daughter would be amiable to the idea of being tucked in and settling in for the night, Aaron was far from surprised as she looked up at him, her chin resting on her fist to ask;

"Daddy, does that mean that you and Auntie Julie had different mommies?"

Shifting her slightly, Aaron nodded;

"Yes, Princess, we had different mommies. Now, how about I tuck you into..."

Just as he'd suspected would be the case, she shook her head vehemently;

"Un uh, Daddy, I wanna hear more."

Aaron, lifting his eyes towards the ceiling, sighed heavily as he tried reasoning with his daughter;

"Baby, you realize that you should be in bed already, don't you?"

Lowering her head a little, Amie looked at her father through her lashes as she begged;

"But, Daddy, there's no school tomorrow and you promised me a story. Sides, you haven't told me a story in a long time."

Knowing that he couldn't deny her, Aaron nodded;

"So I did, and you're right, I haven't told you a story in a while. Alright, where were we?"

Pursing her mouth for a moment as she considered the question, Amie's eyes widened just before she smiled brightly;

"I know, Daddy! You had just met the lady that your Papa married...the lady that was Auntie Julie's mommy."

Nodding, Aaron agreed;

"That's right."

With that, Aaron decided on the best place to pick up the thread of his story. Finally, settling on the next logical place, he returned to his tale.

OCTOBER, 1840

Hearing a slight knock on his door, Aaron lifted his head from his school work to invite;

"Come in."

Just as he'd suspected would be the case, Elsa entered the room with a tray bearing cookies and milk;

"I taught dat maybe you might like a little some ting to snack on. You study so hard I know you must be hungry."

Rising to take the tray, Aaron shook his head as he lightly fussed;

"Elsa, you shouldn't have carried this tray. Besides, I heard Papa tell you that you should be resting."

Pulling a chair over for her, he ordered;

"Now you sit down and share some of these cookies with me."

Waiting until she eased herself into the chair, Aaron offered her a sugar cookie before scrunching his face a bit as he wondered aloud;

"Can I ask you a question, Elsa?"

Taking a bite of cookie before taking a sip of milk from the glass she brought for herself, Elsa nodded;

"I don't see vhy not, Aaron, ask vhatever you'd like."

Motioning towards her swollen stomach, he asked;

"How much longer before the baby comes?"

Elsa, brushing the cookie crumbs from her fingers, lightly shrugged;

"Oh, I tink probably da baby vill be here before ve know it. Probably, ve vill meet him or her in anudder few veeks. Who knows, you may have a little brudder or sister before Christmas is here. Vouldn't dat be nice?"

Although he nodded as he took a bite of his cookie, Elsa could see that something was weighing heavily on her stepson's mind. Scooting forward in her chair, she reached out to cup the boy's chin in her hand, her concern obvious as she queried;

"Aaron, vhat's troubling you?"

Noticing the way he tried diverting his eyes, she shook her head;

"No, Aaron, I can see dat some tings on your mind. So vhy not just tell me and let me see if ve can fix it?"

Aaron could see her sincerity as he looked up to meet his stepmother's eyes. Despite the hard time he gave her when he'd first been introduced to her, he had grown to like, and even become fond of, her. One of the aspects of her personality that he had come to appreciate was how she never disrespected the memory of his mother, but she also left no doubts as to the fact that she cared about him all the same. Finally, after taking a deep breath, Aaron confided his concerns;

"Elsa, aren't you scared? I mean, are you scared about having this baby?"

Given that, before they were married, George had told her all about his son and late wife, Elsa understood the boy's concern, especially knowing just how close he had been to his mother and how hard her death had been for him. Despite the vast improvement in their relationship, Elsa was very respectful when it came to showing her step-son displays of affection; having noticed how uncomfortable he tended to become. So, it was with a bit of trepidation that she reached out to place her hand on his arm as she looked into his dark eyes, wanting him to see the truth of her words as she tried to put his fears to rest and reassure him;

"Aaron, I vant you to listen to me. Vhat happened to your mama...dat vas sad, and unfortunate; but, dat does not happen to every voman who has a baby. Yust because dat happened to your mama, does not mean dat vill happen to me. Do you understand?"

Slowly, Aaron nodded, although the mask of worry he wore was still in place as he asked, his voice rife with worry for her;

"Yes, ma'am, I understand. But, Elsa...aren't you even a little scared?"

Pushing her qualms where offering her stepson affection was concerned aside, Elsa took his hand in hers and pulled him from his chair to stand in front of her as she took both hands in hers before promising him;

"Aaron, I vill be honest vith you; dare are a lot of tings dat I'm vorried and afraid of, but having dis baby is not vun of dem. I know dat da Good Lord vill see me and dis little vun safe. But I vill tell you a secret, dare are some tings that vorry me; disappointing your papa, not being a good friend and step-mudder to you, and not being a good mama to dis little vun."

Placing her hand on the swell of her stomach for emphasis, Elsa continued;

"But, I do not vorry about having dis baby. And I do not vant you to vorry about it either; if you are going to vorry about any ting, yust vorry about being a good big brudder to your new little brudder or sister, alright?"

Although he nodded his agreement as he took a deep breath, Aaron admitted;

"Well, since you feel okay about everything, then I guess I'm not so afraid. But, I can't say that I'm still not gonna worry about you."

Unable to help the embarrassment he felt, Aaron lowered his eyes before confessing;

"I know this will probably sound silly, but I kinda got used to you and I'd hate to see anything happen to you."

Knowing just what it took for him to admit what he did to her, Elsa couldn't contain the evidence of just how touched she was as smiled happily before nodding;

"It doesn't sound silly at all, I've gotten used to you too."

Sensing a shift in their relationship, Elsa reached out to hug him, something that found him growing a bit stiff. However, it only took a moment before he returned the demonstration of affection; although he pulled away after a few moments, the fact that he returned the gesture, as well as admitting his concern and caring for her and the child she carried were enormous strides. Despite the breakthrough in their relationship, Elsa wasn't surprised when he fell back a bit on formality as he cleared his throat nervously;

"Uh, thank you for the snack, Elsa, but I gotta finish studying; I've got an exam coming up and I wanna make sure I'm prepared."

Nodding as she pushed herself up from the chair Elsa gathered the plate and glasses to place them on the tray. However, before she could turn towards the door, Aaron shook his head;

"I'll take this to the kitchen for you...you shouldn't be carrying things like this up and down the stairs."

Watching as he left the room and hurried down the staircase, Elsa shook her head as she followed at a much slower pace. She had been afraid when she had discovered that she was expecting a child just how the news would go over with the Stempel men...especially given what they had suffered in the past. Even though his concern was evident, her husband had surprised her by showing his excitement at the prospect of a new addition to their family. But, the reaction she was most concerned with was that of her stepson; however, as it turned out, her concern was valid...but not for the reason she originally thought. Although he didn't balk at the announcement of the impending birth of his new sibling, it was still obvious that Aaron wasn't overly thrilled at the prospect, despite his congratulations; something that worried Elsa greatly. Deciding that, for the sake of peace in their household, the well-being of the child she was carrying, and her husband and stepson's peace of mind, she broached the subject with her husband;

"Dear, dare's some ting I vant to talk to you about. Did you notice Aaron's reaction vhen ve told him about da baby?"

Setting the paper he was reading aside, George nodded as he remarked;

"Yes, I did. Admittedly, he said the right things, but..."

Sighing heavily as she set the blanket he was crocheting aside, Elsa nodded;

"I know he says da right tings, but you can tell by da look in his eyes; vhat he's saying and vhat he feels are two different tings."

Rising from his chair to pour himself a small brandy, George took a moment to take a sip as he contemplated the best course of action they should pursue where his son was concerned. Finally, meeting his wife's look of worry with his own expression of perplexity, George shook his head as he admitted;

"Elsa dear, I'm open to suggestions. Although, I don't think that Aaron's problem is one of jealousy over the idea of a new sibling."

Lowering himself to sit on his heels in front of her chair, George took his wife's hand in his before suggesting;

"I think that...well, it's obvious that Aaron's grown fond of you, and I think that, because of what happened to Amelia, he's frightened of what might happen to you and the baby."

Placing her hand over her mouth as she closed her eyes, Elsa, her heart heavy with guilt and regret for considering that the boy's motives might have been simply that of jealousy over the idea of no longer being an only child, shook her head slowly before admitting sorrowfully;

"Oh, how could I have been so mean?"

Looking into her husband's eyes, her own reflecting her regret;

"Yorge, I tink I greatly vronged him."

George, his brow furrowing as his mouth turned down in a frown, worriedly asked;

"How so, love?"

Sighing heavily in self-frustration, Elsa explained her original theory before holding her head down as she admitted in self-recrimination;

"I taught dat vhat vas boddering him vas the idea that he vouldn't be the only child any longer. I never taught dat it could be dat he vas vorried because of vhat happened to his mudder."

Wiping at her cheeks as she shook her head, her voice full of sadness, she lamented;

"I vas very vrong for suspecting him of yealousy. Considering da vay he keeps trying to do little tings for me and insists I rest, how could I have been so suspicious?"

Once they realized the probable source of his angst, the couple decided it was time to address the issue with Aaron. Asking him to join them in the study, George invited as he entered;

"Have a seat, Aaron, there's something that Elsa and I would like to discuss with you."

Waiting until his son was settled on the sofa in front of them, George began;

"Son, I'm going to ask you a question and I want an honest answer; fair enough?"

Nodding, Aaron agreed;

"Yes, sir, that's fair enough."

Leaning forward to brace his arms across his knees, George locked eyes with the boy to bluntly ask;

"Aaron, and I want the truth, are you upset that Elsa is expecting a baby?"

Noticing how his chest rose and fell sharply just before he lowered his head, George was afraid he had his answer. However, both, he and his wife, found themselves shocked by the boy's answer as Aaron confessed;

"Yes, sir, but not because I don't want a little brother or sister."

Seeing the confusion in his father and stepmother's eyes, he rushed to assure them;

"I'm not mad because she's having a baby...but I'm scared for her."

Glancing at her husband and seeing the same thoughts in his eyes that she was pondering, Elsa tilted her head to the side to ask;

"Aaron, I appreciate dat you're vorried for me, but I'm very sure dat every ting vill turn out just fine."

Rising from her chair to settle herself next to him on the sofa, Elsa took his hands in hers and faced him, making certain there would be no mistaking the sincerity in her eyes as she tried to allay his fears;

"I tank you for your vorry, but I don't vant us to be any ting but happy vhile ve vait for dis little one. I'll tell you vhat, I promise to be very careful and take very good care of myself, as long as you promise not to let it vorry you and dat you'll be happy about having a little brudder or sister, and promise to be a good big brudder to him or her. Okay?"

Although he couldn't deny the sincerity he saw in her eyes, Aaron still couldn't help the fear he felt; something that found him turning to his father to demand;

"Papa, are you afraid for Elsa?"

Despite hoping he wouldn't, George was hardly surprised that his son had asked such a question. Having made a promise the day the boy was born that he would always tell him the truth, George sighed heavily as he admitted;

"If I told you 'no', son, I would be lying. Yes, I'm worried for Elsa, but that's only normal. I worried for your mama when she was expecting you too."

Joining his wife and son, George hunched down to put him on eye level with the boy;

"Aaron, there's always a chance that things can happen. But things, like what happened with your mother, that isn't always the case. What we have to do is hope, pray, and have faith that everything will be alright and that, by this time next year, we're going to have a happy and healthy little baby in our family. Do you think you can do that...hope, pray, and have faith?"

Taking a moment to look from one to the other, Aaron finally nodded;

"Yes, sir. I guess if you and Elsa are sure everything will be okay, then I should be too."

Shaking his head, he admitted;

"I'll still worry a little, but as long as you and the new baby will be okay, then I'll be happy."

Scowling slightly, he added;

"But I'm tellin' you now; if I ever get married, I'm not gonna let my wife ever have any babies."

Looking from one to the other, he respectfully asked;

"Papa, Elsa, may I be excused?"

Nodding, George waved his hand dismissively;

"Go on, son. We'll call you when supper's ready."

Watching as he left the room before hearing his hurried footsteps on the staircase, George slid closer to his wife to place his arm around her shoulders. Noticing the look she wore, he gave a slight shake of his head before laughing;

"Don't worry, dear, I said almost the same thing when I was his age. Believe me, when he finds the right girl I'm willing to bet they'll have a house full of children."

Her thoughts returned to the present at the sound of the front door opening and closing just before her husband announced;

"Elsa, I'm home."

After greeting him at the door, Elsa linked her arm through his before telling him about her earlier conversation with his son. Turning to stare at her in amazement, George praised;

"Elsa...love, that's a major breakthrough! Even with Amelia, he was always reserved with it came to showing affection, so the fact he returned your hug is an excellent sign."

Nodding, her joy at the breakthrough obvious, Elsa expressed her elation;

"I know! I vas so happy dat he didn't yerk avay from me. I yust hope he'll be happy vhen da baby gets here."

Allowing himself to simply enjoy the peace and harmony of his home, George embraced his wife as he predicted;

"I'm sure he will, dearest. We just have to let him come to terms with these things in his own time and not try and force anything on him. But think about it, honey, he's accepted our marriage better than what we could have possibly hoped he would...once we explained things to him. I have no doubts that he'll be happy with his new brother or sister, and that he'll be a wonderful big brother. Now, I'm starving, what's for supper?"

Laughing, Elsa shook her head;

"Ve're having a nice roast, vith some potatoes, carrots, and peas. And for da dessert, ve're having a nice apple cake. You yust sit down and I'll go see how long it vill be before ve eat."

Stalling her departure for just a moment as she studied the look of contentment on her husband's face, Elsa stopped just outside the kitchen door before looking upwards as she offered;

"Dear Lord, please let every ting go alright with dis little vun, and please let Aaron be happy vith his new brudder or sister. Please, Lord, let our family be a happy one; Amen."

Making her way into the kitchen, Elsa hoped with everything in her that her prayer would be granted.

NOVEMBER 1840

Aaron sat in the dining room, his nose buried in his school books as he attempted to study. Although he was on break from school, he needed something to focus his attention on...aside from what was taking place upstairs, especially considering just how nervous his father was as they waited for some news from the doctor or the midwife that Elsa had insisted on having in attendance. Finally, hearing the bedroom door upstairs open, George hurried from his study as Aaron hurried from the dining room, both waiting at the bottom of the staircase as the doctor descended the steps...drying his hands before informing them;

"Well, George, I'm happy to say that your wife did just fine, she's tired...obviously, and resting now, and you should be proud considering just how beautiful your daughter is."

Turning to each other, both wearing twin looks of relief and happiness, George hugged his son to him as he laughed with glee;

"Looks like you've got a baby sister, son; and I've got a baby girl!"

Facing the physician he begged;

"Can we go see Elsa and the baby?"

Standing to the side, Doctor Fillmore waved his hand towards the upper floor as he invited;

"Be my guest!"

Hurrying up the steps, George and Aaron stopped just outside the bedroom door, taking a moment to take a deep breath as the elder Stempel opened the door a bit before asking;

"Elsa dear, is it alright if Aaron and I come in?"

Despite just how exhausted she felt, Elsa's face brightened considerably as she smiled;

"Yah, come in and meet your little girl."

Crossing the space, George settled himself on the side of the bed, careful not to jostle his wife...or the bundle she held in her arms. Aaron, never having dealt with babies before, stood back, a bit more reserved as his father anxiously took the infant in his arms to pull back the blanket a bit as he inspected his new daughter. His mouth curving in a smile filled with love, adoration, and pride for the bundle he was holding in his arms, George looked up to meet his wife's expression of glowing pride with his own look of astonished joy as he remarked;

"Elsa love, she looks a lot like you; just look at those blue eyes, and I can already see she's going to be as fair and blond as you."

Leaning forward, George grazed his lips against his wife's as he praised;

"You did wonderful, dear, I'm very proud of you and our little girl."

Her smile reflecting her happiness, Elsa looked around her husband to where her stepson stood, his shyness obvious as he stood by the door. Motioning for him to come forward she suggested;

"Aaron, vouldn't you like to get a closer look at your little sister?

Glancing over his shoulder and seeing his son's hesitation, George nodded;

"Come on, Aaron, come meet your baby sister."

Slowly, Aaron approached his father, stepmother, and new sister, peering over his father's shoulder as he pulled the blanket away from the baby's face, something that found the boy conceding;

"I guess that if you think it would be a good idea, I could hold her for a minute."

Holding them as his father did, Aaron couldn't help the small smile that crept across his mouth as his father laid the bundle in his arms. His eyes scrutinizing every detail of her small face, from her vivid blue eyes and fair complexion to the tiny little sprigs of blond hair that seemed to show the promise of growing into curls as it grew. Shaking his head before looking into the anxious faces of his father and Elsa, Aaron observed;

"She sure is small."

Shaking her head as she leaned against the pillows at her back, Elsa sighed tiredly;

"She sure didn't seem like she vas small a vhile ago."

Curious, Aaron looked from one to the other as he asked;

"What are we going to call her?"

George, looking to his wife, asked;

"Darling, any ideas?"

Elsa nodded as she admitted;

"Actually, yes! I've been tinking about it, and vhat I'd like to name her is Yulie Victoria. Vhat do you tink?"

Turning to each other in curiosity, George asked his eldest child;

"Well, son, what do you think; you think Julie Victoria is a good name for your baby sister?"

Looking down into his sister's small, cherubic face as she cooed, Aaron nodded as he tried the name;

"Julie Victoria...I like it!"

Noticing how his sister kept yawning before closing her eyes, Aaron suggested;

"Papa, I think she's tired."

Reaching out to take the baby from her brother, George chuckled;

"I'm sure she is, being born is hard work, son. Here, let's just tuck her into her bed and let her get a little rest."

Glancing towards his stepmother, Aaron pointed out;

"I guess it must be hard work having a baby, Elsa's asleep too."

Having returned after removing the soiled linens, Mrs. Killian, waiting until he had pulled the covers up around his wife, issued, what would become, her orders during her time with the family;

"Now that she and the babe are asleep, Mr. Stempel, I'll sit with them, sir. I overheard your cook mention how dinner was almost ready, why don't you and your boy go downstairs and enjoy your meal? I'll make sure that your wife and daughter are cared for proper."

As they sat eating their evening meal, George couldn't help but notice how his son's chest puffed with pride when he asked the boy;

"So, Aaron, how do you like your baby sister?"

Finishing his glass of milk, he nodded eagerly;

"I like her a lot, Papa. I think I'm gonna like being a big brother."

Seeing the sincerity in his son's eyes and the happy expression he wore, George felt infinitely relieved as he realized that the fear he and Elsa had held that Aaron might well shun his new sibling was a senseless one. Noticing how eagerly he was eyeing the chocolate cake on the table, George laughed as he guessed;

"I'm willing to bet that you'd like to celebrate becoming a big brother by enjoying a piece of that cake, wouldn't you son?"

Nodding, Aaron amended;

"A BIG piece, Papa. After all, I gotta have a lot of energy to help keep up with my little sister now."

Pulling the plate closer, George shook his head as he chuckled;

"Well, I think that's fair enough. A nice BIG piece it is then; as a matter of fact, I think I need one too."

Father and son sat, enjoying their desserts as both gave silent thanks for the miracle of the newest addition to their family.

May 1841

Elsa listened patiently to her husband's proposal as she sat nursing their daughter; finishing just as George finished his explanation, she lifted the baby to her shoulder and began gently patting the child's back. Once she heard the tiny gurgle, she praised;

"Dat's mama's sveet baby girl."

Noticing Millie outside the doorway, Elsa called;

"Millie, vould you please take Yulie upstairs and put her down for her nap?"

After the maid had taken her daughter, Elsa faced her husband, her features revealing her concerns before she even spoke;

"Yorge, I understand vhy da move vould be a good vun, but vhat about Aaron? You know how important his schooling is to him, vouldn't dis interfere vith dat?"

George poured himself a brandy before shaking his head as he addressed her concern;

"I've already taken steps to ensure that Aaron won't suffer any neglect in that area."

Pulling an envelope from the inside pocket of his jacket, George explained;

"I had a discussion with Mr. Chambers the other day and he feels that Aaron has progressed beyond what he can teach him...not surprising considering just how fast he finished each grade's curriculum. Given that he'll be eleven in a few weeks, we both agreed that considering a university at his age would be unwise. However, there's a private school in New Orleans, where Amelia's brother and sister still live; Mr. Chambers gave Aaron a test a while back and, as it turns out, that test was an admittance exam for this school. He received the results just before our conference and Aaron passed with flying colors...they're willing to admit him. I wired Amelia's brother and sister and they said they'd be happy to let him live with them while he attends school."

Worrying the nail of her index finger, Elsa sighed before lamenting;

"But, Yorge, ve vill be in California, it's yust so far avay, vhat if he gets sick or vhat if he..."

Reaching over to place his hand over hers, George reasoned;

"Elsa, I appreciate that you love him and you're worried for him. But, dear, he's growing up and his education is very important to him...and it was his mother's dream for him to get the best education possible. I know that he'll be away from us, but it won't be forever; and, sometimes, you have to make sacrifices in the present to ensure a better future...this is one of those times."

Even though she knew he was right, Elsa couldn't help but feel a pang of regret, and loss, at the idea of not having her stepson with them for so long. Finally, resigning herself to what she knew was the right thing, Elsa nodded;

"Alright, Yorge; you're vright, it is important to Aaron and he has vorked very hard to get as far as he has in his education. I cannot say dat I vill not vorry about him, but I know dat dis is someting he has to do because it means so much to him and it meant a great deal to his mama."

August 1841

Aaron sat patiently in a chair to the side in the lawyer's office as his father outlined how he wanted the financial arrangements for his care handled. Remaining silent during the exchange he took in every word his father said as he gave detailed instructions when it came to how he wanted the funds he had placed in the local bank distributed. Finally, after he had signed several documents and shook the solicitor's hand, George turned to his son before motioning him forward;

"Aaron, this is Mr. Beauvoir, I've retained him as my lawyer here in New Orleans to make sure that your interests are looked after properly. Now, you're more than smart enough to understand what we're about to discuss, and I'm discussing this with you in front of Mr. Beauvoir so you both know what the other does. Now, you're going to be living with your mother's sister and brother; neither married so they're very excited at the idea of having you stay with them, especially your aunt, she was very close to your mama. Each month Mr. Beauvoir will give them money to take care of your expenses and to compensate them for letting you live with them. But, there's something I want you to know, and this is to stay between me, you, and Mr. Beauvoir; if you need any money, you come to see him and let him know what's going on and he'll take care of whatever the problem might be. I've also discussed it with the headmaster of your new school; if you decide you don't care for living with your aunt and uncle, then you let him know and he will make immediate arrangements for you to board at school. He'll let Mr. Beauvoir know and he'll take care of paying the fees."

George, placing his hand on his son's shoulder, looked into the boy's eyes, his own filled with sincerity and pride as he admitted;

"I'm very proud of you, Aaron, and I know that, if she were here, your mama would be too. You've worked very hard to get where you're are, son, and never let anyone make you think otherwise; you've earned this opportunity."

Noticing the hint of sadness that replaced the gleam of happy pride in his son's eyes, George wasn't surprised when he hung his head slightly before reminding him;

"I know it's important that I learn as much as I can, Papa, but I'm going to miss you, Elsa, and Julie."

Nodding, George agreed;

"I know, son; believe me, we're going to miss you too, but this isn't forever. And Mr. Vaughan assured me that, just like at your old school, you'll be able to progress at your own rate; so I have no doubts that, in no time at all, you'll be joining us in California."

Aaron, determined to make the most of the opportunity that he'd worked so hard for and that his father, mother, and even Elsa, had so willingly sacrificed to give him, nodded;

"You're right, Papa. Besides, it would be nice to get to know my aunt and uncle...I suppose, and seeing where Mama grew up will be nice."

Satisfied that their business with Mr. Beauvoir was at a conclusion, George offered the solicitor his hand;

"Mr. Beauvoir, sir, thank you for everything and I trust that we're all in agreement as to how things are to be handled and my son will have no problems."

Taking his client's hand, Jack Beauvoir eagerly nodded;

"Indeed, Mr. Stempel, I can assure you, sir, that I'll make certain your son's interests are well represented."

Addressing Aaron, he sought to reassure the boy;

"And, Master Stempel, I promise, young man, that should you have any problems just let me know and I'll see to, whatever, the matter might be myself."

Taking a card from the silver holder on his desk, the attorney scribbled something on it before blowing on the ink to ensure it was dry and holding it out to Aaron as he explained;

"This is my home address, if you should have any problems outside of my office hours...don't hesitate to seek me out."

Placing his hand on the boy's shoulder, he offered;

"I didn't accept the appointment as your father's attorney lightly, Aaron. I've had several glowing reports from your former headmaster, Mr. Chambers, and I know that you'll work very hard and make the most of the opportunity being offered to you."

Later that night, as she was settling their daughter in her cot, George went over the plans he had put into place for Aaron before sighing heavily as he admitted;

"I know that Clarissa and Beau will take care of him, but I can't help but still worry for Aaron."

George, seeing his wife yawning, motioned towards their bed;

"Let's get some rest, dear. Tomorrow, I'm taking Aaron to meet them and get him settled, and then I'll see to our supplies."

Climbing into bed next to his wife, George sighed in relief to feel the softness of the mattress beneath him, although he knew that his wife wasn't nearly as confident as he was about this new chapter in their life; especially when she asked worriedly;

"Jorge, are you sure dat vere doing da vright ting...going vest? Vhat about the hostile indians ve here so much about?"

Finding amusement in her question, George rushed to assure her;

"Elsa love, we're not going by wagon, dear. No, we're going by ship; we'll sail to Panama and, after a short overland trip, we'll catch another ship and sail straight for San Francisco. It's the shortest route and, this way, you and the baby won't have to be uncomfortable and have to spend months on a sailing ship."

Seeing that he had relieved her fears, George brushed a kiss over her mouth before laughing;

"Now, my little Doubting Thomas let's get some rest."

Turning the wick on the bedside lamp down, George laid awake for some time afterward; praying that he was making the right decisions for his family.

Standing before the ornate door of the large house, George turned to his son;

"Are you ready, Aaron?"

Squaring his shoulders and lifting his head, the boy nodded;

"Yes, Papa, I'm ready when you are."

Lifting the huge door knocker, George was about to bring it down when, the thought suddenly occurring to him, he lowered the brass handle to grab his son by his shoulders as he locked eyes with him before reminding him;

"There's something I want you to promise me, Aaron, promise me that you'll never forget that you are just as good as anyone else. No one is any better...or any worse than the next person, so never let anyone make you feel that you're less than."

Aaron, understanding what his father was saying, nodded;

"I'll remember, Papa...I promise."

Satisfied that his son understood what he was trying to convey to him, George nodded before patting his cheek affectionately as he praised;

"I know you will, Aaron. And one other thing I want you to remember...I'm very proud of you and I know that you're going to make the most of this opportunity."

Straightening, George took a deep breath before lifting the knocker and tapping the brass plate a few times. It only took a few moments before the portal swung open as an older black man stood in the doorway, a slight air of haughtiness in his manner as he demanded;

"Yes? How may I help you?"

George, clearing his throat a bit, explained;

"Yes, I'm George Stempel and this is my son, Aaron. Mr. and Miss Alexander are expecting us."

Taking a moment to study the two visitors in front of him, Charles Dumoise gave a quick nod of his graying head as he acknowledged;

"Oh yes, Mister Beauregard and Miss Clarissa told me that you would be arriving today."

Focusing his attention on Aaron, Charles grudgingly admitted;

"I remember you well Mr. Stempel. Your and Miss Amelia's...courtship caused quite a stir in the Alexander family, especially when the elder Mr. Alexander was alive. There's no denying the boy belongs to Miss Amelia...he has her looks."

Lifting his head, his irritation evident, Aaron spoke up;

"I think I look like my Mama AND my Papa."

Lifting one eyebrow, Charles' derision gave way to reluctant amusement as he conceded;

"And so you do, young sir."

Pointing to where they stood, Charles advised;

"Please wait here while I announce you."

Aaron knew it couldn't have been more than a minute, at best, before the sound of excited voices could be heard approaching the foyer where he and his father were waiting. He soon found himself set upon as a woman, who bore a slight resemblance to his mother, fairly glided into the room to eagerly greet;

"Oh, is that George with Aaron? Let me see my nephew."

The first thing to strike Aaron about his Aunt Clarissa was that, despite her small stature, she was a force all to herself. Although not as dark, his aunt's chocolate brown eyes held the same warmth as he remembered seeing in his mother's dark eyes; something that gave him comfort as she embraced him tightly before addressing his father;

"George, thank you for giving us this chance to get to know Amelia's boy."

Giving a brief nod of his head, George admitted;

"Amelia and I, both, dreamed of our son getting a good education, and the school I've enrolled him in came highly recommended. If it weren't for the fact that California doesn't have any accredited schools that could further his education, he'd be going with us. But, I'm very grateful to you and your brother for letting Aaron come live with you so that he can attend the academy."

Clarissa was about to speak when the sound of a male voice drew their attention as a man, who Aaron guessed to be older than his father, approached them to assure George;

"We're happy to have Aaron live with us while he attends school here in New Orleans. Besides, it gives me and Rissa a chance to get to know Amelia's boy, and it gives him a chance to get to know us."

Aaron, busy studying the man's appearance as he spoke, realized that the man's tall, lean appearance gave him the air of authority, something the tinge of gray in his, otherwise, dark hair only enhanced. The boy started a bit as Beauregard Alexander faced his nephew before offering his hand;

"I'm sure that your Aunt Clarissa showered you with enough hugs for the both of us...and probably five generations of Alexanders past. But, you look more than mature enough to me to receive a man's greeting; I'm very happy you're here and I'm very happy to meet you, Aaron."

Accepting his uncle's hand in welcome, Aaron returned;

"I'm happy to meet you too, sir, and thank you and Aunt Clarissa for letting me live with you so I can attend school. I promise I won't do anything that might cause you any problems."

Seeing his nephew's sincerity, Beau clapped the boy's shoulder as he nodded in appreciation of his character to make such a promise;

"I'm sure that you won't, Aaron, but I want it understood from the beginning; this is your home just as much as it is mine and Clarissa's. Now, since your things arrived earlier this morning, why don't I have Charles show you upstairs to your room? I hope you won't mind, but Rissa and I thought that you'd like my old room, especially since your mother's old room is a bit...feminine."

Nodding, Aaron assured him;

"I'm sure it will be just fine, sir."

Beau couldn't help the warm smile that lifted his lips as he shook his head;

"I appreciate the respect and courtesy, but I'm quite happy to have you call me Uncle Beau, Aaron. After all, you're the only nephew that your Aunt Rissa and I have."

Feeling more at ease the more time he spent in his aunt and uncle's presence, Aaron returned the smile as he agreed;

"I think I'd like that...Uncle Beau."

Remaining silent, George felt a wave of relief wash over him as he watched the exchange between his son and his late wife's siblings...something that bolstered his certainty that he was doing the right thing for his family. Deciding that it was time to say his farewells, George cleared his throat to gain his son's attention;

"Aaron, I know that you'll be in good hands here with your aunt and uncle."

Sighing heavily as he studied his son's face, as if trying to burn the image into his mind, George admitted;

"I'm going to miss you very much, son, and so will Elsa and your baby sister. But we won't be separated forever and I know that you're going to do well at your new school."

Despite his reluctance to leave his child, George reached out to embrace him tightly as he reminded;

"Don't forget what you promised me, and never forget how proud I am of you, or how much I love you, son."

Releasing his hold on the boy, he turned to his host to suggest;

"Beau, why don't you have Charles go ahead and show Aaron up to his room."

Understanding his intent, Beau nodded before facing the aging butler;

"Charles, would you please show my nephew to his room?"

Lifting his head, Charles approached the boy before agreeing;

"Of course, Mister Beau. Please follow me, young man."

Waiting until his son disappeared up the staircase, George faced the siblings to express his gratitude;

"I know I've said it before, but I can't thank you two enough for doing this. I've instructed Mr. Beauvoir about the financial arrangements..."

Holding his hand up, Beau shook his head as he assured him;

"George, we didn't agree to take have Aaron come live with us for the money. I promise, we can amply provide for the boy, we're just happy that you're giving us the chance to get to know our nephew."

Placing her hand on his arm, Clarissa offered her point of view;

"George, please believe, Aaron will be well cared for here with us. And, I know that we're no substitute for you and your wife, but we do love him and want to be a part of his life."

George, patting the hand on his arm, nodded;

"Thank you for that, Clarissa, and with your leave, I suppose I should get going since we're leaving on the tide this evening."

Walking him to the door, Beau advised;

"Once you're settled in California please let us know and we'll be sure to have Aaron write you regularly...although I don't see that being a problem."

Seeing him to the waiting coach, Beau reiterated his sister's sentiments;

"He really is in good hands you know, George? I promise you he'll be very well cared for and we'll try our best to make certain that he enjoys his time with us."

Having no doubts when it came to the sincerity of his statement, George sighed heavily as he admitted;

"I know you will, Beau, I just hate being so far away from him. But, if this investment works out the way I believe it will, it will help give him a secure future; and, between that and his education there's no telling how far he might be able to go in life."

Beau, offering him his hand, expressed his hopes for their journey;

"Safe travels to you, your wife, and daughter, George. And rest assured, you've made the right decision for Aaron."

Watching as, after he climbed in the coach, it departed, Beau stood for a few moments...hoping that everything would work out as his nephew's father hoped. Returning to the cool of the house, he found himself set upon by his sister, her anxiousness evident as she began wringing her hands nervously;

"Beau, do you think that George, his wife, and their baby are doing the right thing?"

Placing his arm around his sister's shoulders, Beau reasoned;

"Rissa, he has to do what he thinks is right for his family, and he seems sure that this move, given the investment he's making, it's a good idea. Now, you stop worrying and just be positive that everything will be alright; remember what Mama used to tell us when we'd worry?"

Her chagrin showing at being reminded to rein in her anxiety, Clarissa sighed heavily as she admitted;

"Of course I do. She'd always say; 'don't go around borrowing trouble.' But surely that's not what I'm doing."

Patting her shoulder, he encouraged;

"Not if you remain positive and have faith and belief that everything will turn out alright you aren't."

Turning her towards the kitchen, Beau suggested;

"And especially if you go tell Tessa to prepare a special meal for supper tonight to welcome our nephew."

Watching as his sister went to see about the evening meal, Beau found himself sharing her concerns...and the hopes that he suggested she hold for their extended family. Deciding to help his nephew settle in, Beau hurried up the stairs to Aaron's room.