Family Ties Chpt 2
Kathleen was so excited by the proposal with the puppy still in arms she lunged at Jason who was still on his knee. The force of her lunge left both of them flat on the floor laughing. Jason pulled her closed to him and asked if that was a yes. Kathleen passionately kissed him all the while holding onto a wiggling puppy. Jason said "You are going to have to let go of the dog for me to put this ring on your finger. It is my mother's and has been in the family for generations. You still have not said yes." With both her hands caressing his face she said " Of course, I will marry you, you beautiful man." They were still laying on the floor kissing passionately when Lottie broke in "While I am extremely happy for the two of you, you are not permitted to have sex on the floor of my bar/dining area. Your dog had best not do her business in here as well. So get a room or at least stand up." As they stood up, Lottie said to Jason "Remember there is another step to this process." Kathleen grabbed a hold of her fiancé and begged " What more could there possibly be?" Once again Jason kissed his bride-to-be, once the kiss was finished he whispered into her ear "Go to Lottie's room, there is something in there for you. I love you and have always loved you." Kathleen started to the stairs, she turned and looked quizzically at Jason. With his hands, he waved for her to continue up the stairs. Lottie and Jason stood there smiling as she went upstairs into Lottie's room and found her mother's wedding dress which had been abandoned there the night of her abduction. She squealed with happiness and ran down the stairs into Jason's arms. The tears were running down her face, she cried "You saved the dress even after you were left at the altar, you really are my knight in shining armor. I am truly the luckiest woman in the world. I never asked because I thought you have burned considering the circumstaces" Jason planted another long kiss on Kathleen. Lottie joked "I am still here getting ready for tonight." Jason told Kathleen that Lottie had saved the dress for him. A bell rang in the background, Lottie excitedly yelled " Clancy's ship has been spotted. Jeremy and Candy should be here real soon. Let's go outside and wait for them and please take your dog."
Jeremy and Candy were in the cabin getting ready to depart the ship at Seattle. Candy was folding her last piece, a torn nightgown to pack. She raised her head and looked to have a serious thought, she asked "What do you think?" Jeremy laughed " I think that I am the luckiest man in the world and can't wait to get you back to the cabin." Candy shook her head and attempted an annoyed expression "Jeremy Bolt, you need to settle down. You know my brother and sister are going to be there when we leave the ship. I was referring to Maggie, what do you think about Maggie's story." Jeremy sat on the edge of the bed trying to digest the tale Maggie had told of her life. Finally, her said " You know a month ago, I probably would have thought she was crazy but after the return of Kathleen and her bizarre story, I am giving her the benefit of doubt." At first, Candy sat down next to Jeremy then she put some distance between them and stated "I am not giving you any ideas. I want to be presentable when we land. I like Maggie. I believe her but I do get the feeling there is something more there. I told her that she could stay at the dormitory as I know of one recent vacated bed." Jeremy approached his wife,put his arm around her shoulder and smiled "Let's go see our families. Maybe we can get Chris and Molly to show Maggie around Seattle." Candy smiled and answered "Down boy."
Maggie Barnes stood on the deck, admiring the landscape of Seattle. In San Francisco, she had been a well known artist since her early years. Unfortunately in San Fran, portraits were her major request. She loved doing portraits but wanted to go out into nature and see what else there was to offer. First, though she wanted to find out who she really was. She had memories of a blond woman whom she called mother. She had been told by the people who raised her to call them, mother and father. If she did not do so, her mother would not be permitted to visit her. She had been told to call her mother, aunt. Maggie was a child then who did not really understand but out of fear did as they said. Her mother only came a few more time, each time she came she appeared sadder and sadder. Maggie came to believe the real reason the family who raised her wanted her was her artistic ability which was noticed at seven. Thanks to a few years of training, she was doing portraits at twelve. As her reputation grew, she became quite the money maker. Her income gave the Barnes and their children quite a comfortable life. She did not begrudge then the money but she always felt she was not totally part of the family. The celebrations for their natural children were bigger, their gifts were better, they received more praise. When they insisted that she marry the 50 year old man that was it. He was going to supplement their income. She was close to her brother, Mike. He told her once that he had heard that there was a relative in Seattle. She was on her quest now to find out whom she was and why she was abandoned.
Jason, Kathleen, and Lottie were standing together waiting for everyone to disembark from the Shamus O"Flynn. The square was filled with the excited residents of Seattle. Jason was waving at Jeremy and Candy when Josh approached him with a big smile. "What has you so happy, brother?" inquired Jason. Josh put his arms out and answered "It just feels like a special day to me." At that moment , Kathleen thrust her engagement ring into Josh's face. Josh hugged her and the asked" You are actually going to marry him? Congratulation and welcome to the family." On deck at this moment, Maggie joined Jeremy and Candy with whom she had become fast friends. Josh caught one glimpse of her and inquired "Do you know who is with Jeremy and Candy ?" Jason replied "Can't say that I do but she looks familiar or like someone." Jason turned towards Lottie who was white as a ghost. He put his hand on her arm and asked if she was alright. She indicated for him to lower his head and she started to whisper in his ear " That girl looks like exactly like my daughter. I am going back to my place. Please find out about her and come and tell me. I don't know why she would be here but Jason, I swear it is her. Please help me." Jason replied "Will do. I will find out from Candy and come right over there." They hugged and Lottie left for her bar. Josh and Kathleen asked if Lottie was okay, Jason shook his head yes. Right then Aaron, Jemma, April, Molly and Christopher joined them to welcome Jeremy and Candy back. Molly and Christopher begged to play with the dog and off they went chasing her. Everyone was taking but Jason, he was wondering if it could be a strange coincident, maybe she isn't Lottie's daughter or could she be and is looking for Lottie?
